Document:

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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4

                      VOTING AND EXCHANGE TRUST AGREEMENT

     MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT made as of the 27th day of July, 2000.

AMONG:

                    SMTC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OF
                    CANADA,
                    a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of
                    Ontario
                    (hereinafter referred to as "SMTC Canada"),

                                                  OF THE FIRST PART,

                                   - and -

                    SMTC CORPORATION,
                    a corporation existing under the laws of the State of
                    Delaware
                    (hereinafter referred to as "SMTC"),

                                                   OF THE SECOND PART,

                                   - and -

                    SMTC NOVA SCOTIA COMPANY,
                    an unlimited company existing under the laws of
                    the Province of Nova Scotia
                    (hereinafter referred to as "SMTC Nova Scotia"),

                                                   OF THE THIRD PART,

                                   - and -

                    CIBC MELLON TRUST COMPANY,
                    a trust company incorporated under the laws of Canada
                    (hereinafter referred to as the "Trustee"),

                                                   OF THE FOURTH PART.

     WHEREAS, pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated as of July 20, 2000
and a prospectus dated as of July 20, 2000 filed with the securities regulatory
authorities in each of the provinces of Canada (the "Prospectus"), SMTC Canada
has agreed to issue 4,375,000 non-voting exchangeable shares of SMTC Canada
("Exchangeable Shares") to the public in an initial public offering (the
"Initial Public Offering") and may, from time to time, issue additional
Exchangeable Shares or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or
carrying rights to acquire Exchangeable Shares;
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     AND WHEREAS SMTC Canada will, on the date of this agreement, issue
1,469,445 Exchangeable Shares to certain SMTC Canada shareholders on the
conversion of previously issued SMTC Canada Class L exchangeable shares;

     AND WHEREAS each Exchangeable Share is exchangeable at the holder's option
at any time, without further payment, for one share of common stock of SMTC (the
"SMTC Common Stock");

     AND WHEREAS coincident with and as part of the issue of Exchangeable Shares
pursuant to the Initial Public Offering, SMTC, SMTC Nova Scotia and SMTC Canada
are to execute a voting and exchange trust agreement substantially in the form
of this agreement;

     NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements
provided in this agreement and for other good and valuable consideration (the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto
covenant and agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1
                        DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

1.1  Definitions

     In this agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

     "Affiliate" of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly
     controlling, controlled by, or under common control of, that Person. For
     the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative
     meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control of"), as
     applied to any Person, means the possession by another Person, directly or
     indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
     and policies of that first-mentioned Person, whether through the ownership
     of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

     "Automatic Exchange Right" means the benefit of the obligation of SMTC, in
     the event of an SMTC Liquidation Event, to purchase all of the outstanding
     Exchangeable Shares (other than Exchangeable Shares held by SMTC or its
     Affiliates) from the holders thereof on the fifth Business Day prior to the
     effective date of any such SMTC Liquidation Event in exchange for shares of
     SMTC Common Stock, plus the aggregate Dividend Amount, pursuant to Section
     5.11.

     "Beneficiaries" means the registered holders from time to time of
     Exchangeable Shares, other than SMTC and its Affiliates.

     "Beneficiary Votes" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.2.

     "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of SMTC Canada.

     "Business Day" means any day on which commercial banks are open for
     business in Toronto, Ontario and New York, New York, other than a Saturday,
     a Sunday or a day

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     observed as a holiday in Toronto, Ontario under the laws of the Province of
     Ontario or the federal laws of Canada or in New York, New York under the
     laws of the State of New York or the federal laws of the United States of
     America.

     "Call Rights" means the Liquidation Call Right, the Redemption Call Right
     and the Retraction Call Right, collectively.

     "Canadian Dollar Equivalent" means, in respect of an amount expressed in a
     currency other than Canadian dollars (the "Foreign Currency Amount") at any
     date, the product obtained by multiplying (i) the Foreign Currency Amount
     and (ii) the noon spot exchange rate on such date for such foreign currency
     expressed in Canadian dollars as reported by the Bank of Canada or, if such
     noon spot exchange rate is not available, such spot exchange rate on such
     date for such foreign currency expressed in Canadian dollars as may be
     deemed by the Board of Directors to be appropriate for such purpose.

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

     "Company Insolvency Event" means the consent of SMTC Canada to the
     institution of bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up proceedings against it,
     or the filing of a petition, answer or consent seeking dissolution or
     winding-up under any bankruptcy, insolvency or analogous laws, including
     without limitation, the Companies Creditors' Arrangement Act (Canada) and
     the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), where SMTC Canada fails to
     contest in good faith any such proceedings commenced in respect of it
     within 30 days of becoming aware thereof, or the consent by SMTC Canada to
     the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, or the
     institution by SMTC Canada of any such proceeding, or the making by SMTC
     Canada of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the
     admission in writing by SMTC Canada of its inability to pay its debts
     generally as they become due, or SMTC Canada not being permitted, pursuant
     to solvency requirements of applicable law, to redeem any Retracted Shares
     in accordance with the Exchangeable Share Provisions.

     "Current Market Price" means, in respect of a share of SMTC Common Stock on
     any date, the Canadian Dollar Equivalent of the average of the closing bid
     and ask prices of the SMTC Common Stock during a period of 20 consecutive
     trading days ending not more than three trading days before such date on
     Nasdaq, or, if the shares of SMTC Common Stock are not then quoted on
     Nasdaq, on such other stock exchange or automated quotation system on which
     shares of SMTC Common Stock are listed or quoted, as the case may be, as
     may be selected by the Board of Directors for such purpose; provided,
     however, that if in the opinion of the Board of Directors the public
     distribution or trading activity of SMTC Common Stock during such period
     does not create a market that reflects the fair market value of SMTC Common
     Stock, then the Current Market Price of a share of SMTC Common Stock shall
     be determined by the Board of Directors, in good faith and in its sole
     discretion; and provided further that any such selection, opinion or
     determination by the Board of Directors shall be conclusive and binding.

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     "Dividend Amount" means, at any date with respect to any Exchangeable
     Share, the full amount of all dividends, if any, declared and unpaid on
     each such Exchangeable Share held by a holder on any dividend record date
     which occurred prior to such date.

     "Exchange Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1.

     "Exchangeable Shares" means the non-voting exchangeable shares in the
     capital of SMTC Canada having the rights, privileges, restrictions and
     conditions set forth in the Exchangeable Share Provisions.

     "Exchangeable Share Provisions" means the rights, privileges, restrictions
     and conditions attached to the Exchangeable Shares as set out in the
     articles of SMTC Canada.

     "Exchangeable Share Support Agreement" means that certain exchangeable
     share support agreement made as of July 27, 2000 between SMTC Canada, SMTC
     Nova Scotia and SMTC.

     "Indemnified Parties" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 9.1.

     "Liquidation Call Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the
     Exchangeable Share Provisions.

     "List" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.6.

     "Nasdaq" means the Nasdaq National Market.

     "Officer's Certificate" means, with respect to SMTC or SMTC Canada, as the
     case may be, a certificate signed by any one director or officer of such
     corporation.

     "Person" includes any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, venture
     capital fund, limited liability company, unlimited liability company,
     association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator, legal personal
     representative, estate, group, body corporate, corporation, unincorporated
     association or organization, syndicate or other entity, whether or not
     having legal status.

     "Redemption Call Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the
     Exchangeable Share Provisions.

     "Retracted Shares" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.7.

     "Retraction Call Right" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the
     Exchangeable Share Provisions.

     "Retraction Request" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Exchangeable
     Share Provisions.

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     "SMTC Common Stock" means the shares of common stock, par value US$0.01, in
     the capital of SMTC, and any other securities into which such shares may be
     changed, including shares into which SMTC Common Stock may be changed
     consequent upon an amalgamation, merger, reorganization or other
     transaction affecting the SMTC Common Stock.

     "SMTC Consent" means a written consent sought by SMTC from its
     stockholders, including SMTC Stockholders.

     "SMTC Liquidation Date" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
     5.11(c).

     "SMTC Liquidation Event" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section
     5.11(b).

     "SMTC Meeting" means a meeting of stockholders of SMTC at which SMTC
     Stockholders are entitled to vote.

     "SMTC Stockholders" means holders of SMTC Common Stock.

     "SMTC Successor" has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 11.1(a).

     "Special Voting Share" means the one share of special voting stock of SMTC,
     par value US$0.01, which entitles the holder of record of such share to a
     number of votes at meetings of SMTC Stockholders equal to the number of
     Exchangeable Shares outstanding from time to time (other than Exchangeable
     Shares held by SMTC and its Affiliates), which share is to be issued to,
     deposited with, and voted by, the Trustee as described herein.

     "Trust" means the trust created by this agreement.

     "Trustee" means CIBC Mellon Trust Company, a trust company organized and
     existing under the laws of Canada and authorized to carry on the business
     of a trust company in all the provinces of Canada, and any successor
     trustee thereto appointed under this agreement.

     "Trust Estate" means the Special Voting Share, any other securities, the
     Exchange Right, the Automatic Exchange Right and any money or other
     property which may be held by the Trustee from time to time pursuant to
     this agreement.

     "Voting Rights" means the rights of the holders of Exchangeable Shares to
     direct the voting of the Special Voting Share in accordance with this
     agreement.

1.2  Interpretation Not Affected by Headings

     The division of this agreement into Articles, Sections and other portions
and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and should
not affect the construction or interpretation of this agreement. Unless
otherwise indicated, all references to an "Article" or "Section" followed by a
number and/or a letter refer to the specified Article or Section of this
agreement. The terms "this agreement", "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and

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similar expressions refer to this agreement and not to any particular Article,
Section or other portion hereof, and include any agreement or instrument
supplementary or ancillary hereto.

1.3  Number, Gender

     In this agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing
the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa, and words
importing any gender shall include all genders.

1.4  Date for any Action

     If any date on which any action is required to be taken under this
agreement is not a Business Day, such action shall be required to be taken on
the next succeeding Business Day.

                                   ARTICLE 2
                             PURPOSE OF AGREEMENT

2.1  Establishment of Trust

     The purpose of this agreement is to create the Trust for the benefit of the
Beneficiaries, as herein provided. The Trustee will hold the Special Voting
Share in order to enable the Trustee to exercise the Voting Rights and will hold
the Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange Right in order to enable the
Trustee to exercise such rights, in each case as trustee for and on behalf of
the Beneficiaries as provided in this agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 3
                             SPECIAL VOTING SHARE

3.1  Issue and Ownership of the Special Voting Share

     SMTC hereby issues to and deposits with the Trustee, the Special Voting
Share to be hereafter held of record by the Trustee as trustee for and on behalf
of, and for the use and benefit of, the Beneficiaries and in accordance with the
provisions of this agreement. SMTC hereby acknowledges receipt from the Trustee
as trustee for and on behalf of the Beneficiaries of good and valuable
consideration (and the adequacy thereof) for the issuance of the Special Voting
Share by SMTC to the Trustee. During the term of the Trust and subject to the
terms and conditions of this agreement, the Trustee shall possess and be vested
with full legal ownership of the Special Voting Share and shall be entitled to
exercise all of the rights and powers of an owner with respect to the Special
Voting Share, provided that the Trustee shall:

     (a)  hold the Special Voting Share and the legal title thereto as trustee
          solely for the use and benefit of the Beneficiaries in accordance with
          the provisions of this agreement; and

     (b)  except as specifically authorized by this agreement, have no power or
          authority to sell, transfer, vote or otherwise deal in or with the
          Special Voting Share, and the Special Voting Share shall not be used
          or disposed of by the Trustee for any

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          purpose other than the purposes for which this Trust is created
          pursuant to this agreement.

3.2  Legended Share Certificates

     SMTC Canada will cause each certificate representing Exchangeable Shares to
bear an appropriate legend notifying the Beneficiaries of their right to
instruct the Trustee with respect to the exercise of the Voting Rights in
respect of the Exchangeable Shares of the Beneficiaries.

3.3  Safe Keeping of Certificate

     The certificate representing the Special Voting Share shall at all times be
held in safe keeping by the Trustee or its duly authorized agent.

                                   ARTICLE 4
                           EXERCISE OF VOTING RIGHTS

4.1  Voting Rights

     The Trustee, as the holder of record of the Special Voting Share, shall be
entitled to all of the Voting Rights, including the right to vote in person or
by proxy the Special Voting Share on any matters, questions, proposals or
propositions whatsoever that may properly come before the SMTC Stockholders at
an SMTC Meeting or in connection with an SMTC Consent. The Voting Rights shall
be and remain vested in and exercised by the Trustee. Subject to Section 7.15:

     (a)  the Trustee shall exercise the Voting Rights only on the basis of
          instructions received pursuant to this Article 4 from Beneficiaries
          entitled to instruct the Trustee as to the voting thereof at the time
          at which the SMTC Meeting is held or an SMTC Consent is sought; and

     (b)  to the extent that no instructions are received from a Beneficiary
          with respect to the Voting Rights to which such Beneficiary is
          entitled, the Trustee shall not exercise or permit the exercise of
          such Voting Rights.

4.2  Number of Votes

     With respect to all SMTC Meetings and all SMTC Consents, each Beneficiary
shall be entitled to instruct the Trustee to cast and exercise one of the votes
comprised in the Voting Rights for each Exchangeable Share owned of record by
such Beneficiary on the record date established by SMTC or by applicable law for
such SMTC Meeting or SMTC Consent, as the case may be (the "Beneficiary Votes"),
in respect of each matter, question, proposal or proposition to be voted on at
such SMTC Meeting or in connection with such SMTC Consent.

4.3  Mailings to Shareholders

     With respect to each SMTC Meeting and SMTC Consent, the Trustee shall use
its reasonable efforts promptly to mail or cause to be mailed (or otherwise
communicate in the

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same manner as SMTC utilizes in communications to SMTC Stockholders, subject to
applicable regulatory requirements, the Trustee being advised in writing of that
method and it being able to provide that method of communication) to each of the
Beneficiaries named in the List referred to in Section 4.6, such mailing or
communication to commence on the same day as the mailing or notice (or other
communication) with respect thereto is commenced by SMTC to SMTC Stockholders:

     (a)  a copy of such notice, together with any related meeting materials to
          be provided to SMTC Stockholders;

     (b)  a statement that such Beneficiary is entitled to instruct the Trustee
          as to the exercise of the Beneficiary Votes with respect to such SMTC
          Meeting or SMTC Consent or, pursuant to Section 4.7, to attend such
          SMTC Meeting and to exercise personally the Beneficiary Votes thereat;

     (c)  a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given
          to the Trustee to exercise the votes attaching to the Special Voting
          Share, including an express indication that instructions may be given
          to the Trustee to give:

          (i)    a proxy to such Beneficiary or his designee to exercise
                 personally the Beneficiary Votes; or

          (ii)   a proxy to a designated agent or other representative of the
                 management of SMTC to exercise such Beneficiary Votes;

     (d)  a statement that if no such instructions are received from the
          Beneficiary, the Beneficiary Votes to which such Beneficiary is
          entitled will not be exercised;

     (e)  a form of direction whereby the Beneficiary may so direct and instruct
          the Trustee as contemplated herein; and

     (f)  a statement of the time and date by which such instructions must be
          received by the Trustee in order to be binding upon it, which, in the
          case of an SMTC Meeting, shall not be earlier than the close of
          business on the second Business Day prior to such meeting, and of the
          method for revoking or amending such instructions.

Unless otherwise agreed to by SMTC and the Trustee, the materials referred to
above are to be provided to the Trustee by SMTC.

     For the purposes of determining Beneficiary Votes to which a Beneficiary is
entitled in respect of any SMTC Meeting or SMTC Consent, the number of
Exchangeable Shares owned of record by the Beneficiary shall be determined at
the close of business on the record date established by SMTC or by applicable
law for purposes of determining SMTC Stockholders entitled to vote at such SMTC
Meeting. SMTC will notify the Trustee of any decision of the board of directors
of SMTC with respect to the calling of any SMTC Meeting and shall provide all
necessary information and materials to the Trustee in each case promptly and in
any event in sufficient time to enable the Trustee to perform its obligations
contemplated by this Section 4.3.

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4.4  Copies of Shareholder Information

     SMTC will deliver to the Trustee copies of all proxy materials (including
notices of SMTC Meetings but excluding proxies to vote shares of SMTC Common
Stock), information statements, reports (including without limitation, all
interim and annual financial statements) and other written materials that, in
each case, are to be distributed from time to time to SMTC Stockholders in
sufficient quantities and in sufficient time so as to enable the Trustee to send
those materials to each Beneficiary at the same time as such materials are sent
to SMTC Stockholders. The Trustee will mail or otherwise send to each
Beneficiary, at the expense of SMTC, copies of all such materials (and all
materials specifically directed to the Beneficiaries or to the Trustee for the
benefit of the Beneficiaries by SMTC) received by the Trustee from SMTC
contemporaneously with the sending of such materials to SMTC Stockholders. The
Trustee will also make available for inspection by any Beneficiary at the
Trustee's principal office in the City of Toronto all proxy materials,
information statements, reports and other written communications that are:

     (a)  received by the Trustee as the registered holder of the Special Voting
          Share and made available by SMTC generally to SMTC Stockholders; or

     (b)  specifically directed to the Beneficiaries or to the Trustee for the
          benefit of the Beneficiaries by SMTC.

4.5  Other Materials

     As soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by SMTC or SMTC
Stockholders (if such receipt is known by SMTC) of any material sent or given by
or on behalf of a third party to SMTC Stockholders generally, including without
limitation, dissident proxy circulars (and related information and material) and
tender and exchange offer circulars (and related information and material), SMTC
shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to the Trustee copies
thereof in sufficient quantities so as to enable the Trustee to forward such
material (unless the same has been provided directly to Beneficiaries by such
third party) to each Beneficiary as soon as possible thereafter. As soon as
reasonably practicable after receipt thereof, the Trustee will mail or otherwise
send to each Beneficiary, at the expense of SMTC, copies of all such materials
received by the Trustee from SMTC. The Trustee will also make available for
inspection by any Beneficiary at the Trustee's principal office in the City of
Toronto copies of all such materials.

4.6  List of Persons Entitled to Vote

     SMTC Canada shall, (a) prior to each annual, general and special SMTC
Meeting or the seeking of any SMTC Consent and (b) forthwith upon each request
made at any time by the Trustee in writing, prepare or cause to be prepared a
list (a "List") of the names and addresses of the Beneficiaries arranged in
alphabetical order and showing the number of Exchangeable Shares held of record
by each such Beneficiary, in each case at the close of business on the date
specified by the Trustee in such request or, in the case of a List prepared in
connection with an SMTC Meeting or an SMTC Consent, at the close of business on
the record date established by SMTC or pursuant to applicable law for
determining the SMTC Stockholders entitled to

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receive notice of and/or to vote at such SMTC Meeting or to give consent in
connection with such SMTC Consent. Each such List shall be delivered to the
Trustee promptly after receipt by SMTC Canada of such request or the record date
for such meeting or seeking of consent, as the case may be, and in any event
within sufficient time to enable the Trustee to perform its obligations under
this agreement. SMTC agrees to give SMTC Canada written notice (with a copy to
the Trustee) of the calling of any SMTC Meeting or the seeking of any SMTC
Consent, together with the record dates therefor, sufficiently prior to the date
of the calling of such SMTC Meeting or the seeking of such consent so as to
enable SMTC Canada to perform its obligations under this Section 4.6.

4.7  Entitlement to Direct Votes

     Any Beneficiary named in a List prepared in connection with any SMTC
Meeting or SMTC Consent will be entitled (a) to instruct the Trustee in the
manner described in Section 4.3 with respect to the exercise of the Beneficiary
Votes to which such Beneficiary is entitled, or (b) to attend such meeting and
personally exercise thereat (or to exercise with respect to any written
consent), as the proxy of the Trustee, the Beneficiary Votes to which such
Beneficiary is entitled.

4.8  Voting by Trustee and Attendance of Trustee Representative at Meeting

     (a)  In connection with each SMTC Meeting and SMTC Consent, the Trustee
          shall exercise, either in person or by proxy, in accordance with the
          instructions received from a Beneficiary pursuant to Section 4.3, the
          Beneficiary Votes as to which such Beneficiary is entitled to direct
          the vote (or any lesser number thereof as may be set forth in the
          instructions); provided, however, that such written instructions are
          received by the Trustee from the Beneficiary prior to the time and
          date fixed by the Trustee for receipt of such instructions in the
          notice given by the Trustee to the Beneficiary pursuant to Section
          4.3.

     (b)  The Trustee shall cause a representative who is empowered by it to
          sign and deliver, on behalf of the Trustee, proxies for Voting Rights
          to attend each SMTC Meeting. Upon submission by a Beneficiary (or its
          designee) of identification satisfactory to the Trustee's
          representative, and at the Beneficiary's request, such representative
          shall sign and deliver to such Beneficiary (or its designee) a proxy
          to exercise personally the Beneficiary Votes as to which such
          Beneficiary is otherwise entitled hereunder to direct the vote, if
          such Beneficiary either (i) has not previously given the Trustee
          instructions pursuant to Section 4.3 in respect of such meeting, or
          (ii) submits to such representative written revocation of any such
          previous instructions. At such meeting, the Beneficiary exercising
          such Beneficiary Votes shall have the same rights as the Trustee to
          speak at the meeting in favour of any matter, question, proposal or
          proposition, to vote by way of ballot at the meeting in respect of any
          matter, question, proposal or proposition, and to vote at such meeting
          by way of a show of hands in respect of any matter, question or
          proposition.

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4.9  Distribution of Written Materials

     Any written materials distributed by the Trustee pursuant to this agreement
shall be sent by mail (or otherwise communicated in the same manner as SMTC
utilizes in communications to SMTC Stockholders, subject to applicable
regulatory requirements, the Trustee being advised in writing of that method of
communication and it being able to provide that method of communication) to each
Beneficiary at its address as shown on the books of SMTC Canada. SMTC Canada
shall provide or cause to be provided to the Trustee for this purpose, on a
timely basis and without charge or other expense:

     (a)  a current List; and

     (b)  upon the request of the Trustee, mailing labels to enable the Trustee
          to carry out its duties under this agreement.

4.10 Termination of Voting Rights

     All of the rights of a Beneficiary with respect to the Beneficiary Votes
exercisable in respect of the Exchangeable Shares held by such Beneficiary,
including the right to instruct the Trustee as to the voting of or to vote
personally such Beneficiary Votes, shall be deemed to be surrendered by the
Beneficiary to SMTC or SMTC Nova Scotia, as the case may be, and such
Beneficiary Votes and the Voting Rights represented thereby shall cease
immediately upon the delivery by such holder to the Trustee of the certificates
representing such Exchangeable Shares in connection with the exercise by the
Beneficiary of the Exchange Right or the occurrence of the automatic exchange of
Exchangeable Shares for shares of SMTC Common Stock, as specified in Article 5
(unless, in either case, SMTC shall not have delivered the requisite shares of
SMTC Common Stock issuable in exchange therefor to the Trustee for delivery to
the Beneficiaries), or upon the redemption of Exchangeable Shares pursuant to
Article 6 or 7 of the Exchangeable Share Provisions, or upon the effective date
of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of SMTC Canada pursuant to Article
5 of the Exchangeable Share Provisions, or upon the purchase of Exchangeable
Shares from the holder thereof by SMTC Nova Scotia pursuant to the exercise by
SMTC Nova Scotia of any Call Right.

                                   ARTICLE 5
           EXCHANGE RIGHT, AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE RIGHT AND CALL RIGHTS

5.1  Grant and Ownership of the Exchange Right

     SMTC hereby grants to the Trustee as trustee for and on behalf of, and for
the use and benefit of, the Beneficiaries the right (the "Exchange Right"), upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of a Company Insolvency Event, to
require SMTC to purchase from each or any Beneficiary all or any part of the
Exchangeable Shares held by the Beneficiary and the Automatic Exchange Right,
all in accordance with the provisions of this agreement. SMTC hereby
acknowledges receipt from the Trustee as trustee for and on behalf of the
Beneficiaries of good and valuable consideration (and the adequacy thereof) for
the grant of the Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange Right by SMTC to the
Trustee. During the term of the Trust and subject to the terms and conditions of
this agreement, the Trustee shall possess and

                                      -11-
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be vested with full legal ownership of the Exchange Right and the Automatic
Exchange Right and shall be entitled to exercise all of the rights and powers of
an owner with respect to the Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange Right,
provided that the Trustee shall:

     (a)  hold the Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange Right and the legal
          title thereto as trustee solely for the use and benefit of the
          Beneficiaries in accordance with the provisions of this agreement; and

     (b)  except as specifically authorized by this agreement, have no power or
          authority to exercise or otherwise deal in or with the Exchange Right
          or the Automatic Exchange Right, and the Trustee shall not exercise
          any such rights for any purpose other than the purposes for which the
          Trust is created pursuant to this agreement.

5.2  Legended Share Certificates

     SMTC Canada will cause each certificate representing Exchangeable Shares to
bear an appropriate legend notifying the Beneficiaries of:

     (a)  their right to instruct the Trustee with respect to the exercise of
          the Exchange Right in respect of the Exchangeable Shares held by a
          Beneficiary; and

     (b)  the Automatic Exchange Right.

5.3  General Exercise of Exchange Right

     The Exchange Right shall be and remain vested in and exercisable by the
Trustee. Subject to Section 7.15, the Trustee shall exercise the Exchange Right
only on the basis of instructions received pursuant to this Article 5 from
Beneficiaries entitled to instruct the Trustee as to the exercise thereof. To
the extent that no instructions are received from a Beneficiary with respect to
the Exchange Right, the Trustee shall not exercise or permit the exercise of the
Exchange Right.

5.4  Purchase Price

     The total purchase price payable by SMTC for each Exchangeable Share to be
purchased by SMTC under the Exchange Right shall be an amount per share equal to
(a) the Current Market Price of a share of SMTC Common Stock on the last
Business Day prior to the day of closing of the purchase and sale of such
Exchangeable Share under the Exchange Right, which shall be satisfied in full by
SMTC causing to be sent to such holder one share of SMTC Common Stock, plus (b)
to the extent not paid by SMTC Canada, an additional amount equivalent to the
Dividend Amount. In connection with each exercise of the Exchange Right, SMTC
shall provide to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate setting forth the
calculation of the purchase price for each Exchangeable Share. The total
purchase price for each such Exchangeable Share so purchased may be satisfied
only by SMTC issuing and delivering or causing to be delivered to the Trustee,
on behalf of the relevant Beneficiary, one share of SMTC Common Stock and, on
the applicable payment date, a cheque for the balance, if any, of the purchase
price without interest (but less any amounts withheld pursuant to Section 5.13).

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

5.5  Exercise Instructions

     Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, a Beneficiary shall
be entitled, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Company
Insolvency Event, to instruct the Trustee to exercise the Exchange Right with
respect to all or any part of the Exchangeable Shares registered in the name of
such Beneficiary on the books of SMTC Canada. To cause the exercise of the
Exchange Right by the Trustee, the Beneficiary shall deliver to the Trustee, in
person or by certified or registered mail, at its principal office in Toronto,
Ontario, or at such other places in Canada as the Trustee may from time to time
designate by written notice to the Beneficiaries, the certificates representing
the Exchangeable Shares which such Beneficiary desires SMTC to purchase, duly
endorsed in blank for transfer, and accompanied by such other documents and
instruments as may be required to effect a transfer of Exchangeable Shares under
the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and the articles and bylaws of SMTC
Canada and such additional documents and instruments as the Trustee, SMTC or
SMTC Canada may reasonably require together with (a) a duly completed form of
notice of exercise of the Exchange Right, contained on the reverse of or
attached to the Exchangeable Share certificates, stating (i) that the
Beneficiary thereby instructs the Trustee to exercise the Exchange Right so as
to require SMTC to purchase from the Beneficiary the number of Exchangeable
Shares specified therein, (ii) that such Beneficiary has good title to and owns
all such Exchangeable Shares to be acquired by SMTC free and clear of all liens,
claims and encumbrances, (iii) the name or names in which the certificates
representing shares of SMTC Common Stock issuable in connection with the
exercise of the Exchange Right are to be issued and (iv) the names and addresses
of the persons to whom such new certificates should be delivered; and (b)
payment (or evidence satisfactory to the Trustee, SMTC Canada and SMTC of
payment) of the taxes (if any) payable as contemplated by Section 5.8. If only a
part of the Exchangeable Shares represented by any certificate or certificates
delivered to the Trustee are to be purchased by SMTC under the Exchange Right, a
new certificate for the balance of such Exchangeable Shares shall be issued to
the holder at the expense of SMTC Canada.

5.6  Delivery of SMTC Common Stock; Effect of Exercise

     Promptly after receipt by the Trustee of the certificates representing the
Exchangeable Shares which the Beneficiary desires SMTC to purchase under the
Exchange Right, together with such documents and instruments of transfer and a
duly completed form of notice of exercise of the Exchange Right (and payment of
taxes, if any, payable as contemplated by Section 5.8 or evidence thereof), duly
endorsed for transfer to SMTC, the Trustee shall notify SMTC and SMTC Canada of
its receipt of the same, which notice to SMTC and to SMTC Canada shall
constitute exercise of the Exchange Right by the Trustee on behalf of the holder
of such Exchangeable Shares, and SMTC shall promptly thereafter deliver or cause
to be delivered to the Trustee, for delivery to the Beneficiary of such
Exchangeable Shares (or to such other persons, if any, properly designated by
such Beneficiary) the number of shares of SMTC Common Stock issuable in
connection with the exercise of the Exchange Right, and on the applicable
payment date, cheques for the balance, if any, of the total purchase price
therefor without interest (but less any amounts withheld pursuant to Section
5.13); provided, however, that no such delivery shall be made unless and until
the Beneficiary requesting the same shall have paid (or provided evidence
satisfactory to the Trustee, SMTC Canada and SMTC of the payment of) the taxes
(if any) payable as contemplated by Section 5.8. Immediately upon the

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

giving of notice by the Trustee to SMTC and to SMTC Canada of the exercise of
the Exchange Right as provided in this Section 5.6, the closing of the
transaction of purchase and sale contemplated by the Exchange Right shall be
deemed to have occurred and the holder of such Exchangeable Shares shall be
deemed to have transferred to SMTC all of such holder's right, title and
interest in and to such Exchangeable Shares and the related interest in the
Trust Estate and shall cease to be a holder of such Exchangeable Shares and
shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a holder in respect
thereof, other than the right to receive its proportionate part of the total
purchase price therefor (together with a cheque for the balance, if any, of the
total purchase price therefor without interest), unless the requisite number of
shares of SMTC Common Stock is not allotted, issued and delivered by SMTC to the
Trustee within five Business Days of the date of the giving of such notice by
the Trustee, in which case the rights of the Beneficiary shall remain unaffected
until such shares of SMTC Common Stock are so allotted, issued and delivered by
SMTC and any such cheque is delivered and paid. Upon delivery by SMTC to the
Trustee of such shares of SMTC Common Stock and any such cheque, the Trustee
shall deliver such shares of SMTC Common Stock and such cheque to such
Beneficiary (or to such other persons, if any, properly designated by such
Beneficiary). Concurrently with such Beneficiary ceasing to be a holder of
Exchangeable Shares, the Beneficiary shall be considered and deemed for all
purposes to be the holder of the shares of SMTC Common Stock delivered to it
pursuant to the exercise of the Exchange Right.

5.7  Exercise of Exchange Right Subsequent to Retraction

     In the event that a Beneficiary has exercised its right under Article 6 of
the Exchangeable Share Provisions to require SMTC Canada to redeem any or all of
the Exchangeable Shares held by the Beneficiary (the "Retracted Shares") and is
notified by SMTC Canada pursuant to Section 6.6 of the Exchangeable Share
Provisions that SMTC Canada will not be permitted as a result of solvency
requirements of applicable law to redeem all such Retracted Shares, subject to
receipt by the Trustee of written notice to that effect from SMTC Canada, and
provided that SMTC Nova Scotia shall not have exercised the Retraction Call
Right with respect to the Retracted Shares and that the Beneficiary has not
revoked the Retraction Request delivered by the Beneficiary to SMTC Canada
pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Exchangeable Share Provisions, the Retraction
Request will constitute and will be deemed to constitute notice from the
Beneficiary to the Trustee instructing the Trustee to exercise the Exchange
Right with respect to those Retracted Shares that SMTC Canada is unable to
redeem. In any such event, SMTC Canada hereby agrees with the Trustee and in
favour of the Beneficiary to immediately notify the Trustee of such prohibition
against SMTC Canada redeeming all of the Retracted Shares and to promptly
forward or cause to be forwarded to the Trustee all relevant materials delivered
by the Beneficiary to SMTC Canada or to the transfer agent of the Exchangeable
Shares (including without limitation, a copy of the Retraction Request delivered
pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Exchangeable Share Provisions) in connection with
such proposed redemption of the Retracted Shares and the Trustee will thereupon
exercise the Exchange Right with respect to the Retracted Shares that SMTC
Canada is not permitted to redeem and will require SMTC to purchase such shares
in accordance with the provisions of this Article 5.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

5.8  Stamp or Other Transfer Taxes

     Upon any sale of Exchangeable Shares to SMTC pursuant to the Exchange Right
or the Automatic Exchange Right, the share certificate or certificates
representing shares of SMTC Common Stock to be delivered in connection with the
payment of the total purchase price therefor shall be issued in the name of the
Beneficiary of the Exchangeable Shares so sold or in such name or names as such
Beneficiary may otherwise direct in writing without charge to the holder of the
Exchangeable Shares so sold; provided, however, that such Beneficiary (a) shall
pay (and none of SMTC, SMTC Canada or the Trustee shall be required to pay) any
documentary, stamp, transfer or other taxes that may be payable in respect of
any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of such shares to a person
other than such Beneficiary or (b) shall have evidenced to the satisfaction of
the Trustee, SMTC and SMTC Canada that such taxes, if any, have been paid.

5.9  Notice of Company Insolvency Event

     As soon as practicable following the occurrence of a Company Insolvency
Event or any event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time or
both, would be a Company Insolvency Event, SMTC Canada and SMTC shall give
written notice thereof to the Trustee. As soon as practicable following the
receipt of notice from SMTC Canada or SMTC of the occurrence of a Company
Insolvency Event, or upon the Trustee becoming aware of a Company Insolvency
Event, the Trustee will mail to each Beneficiary, at the expense of SMTC, a
notice of such Company Insolvency Event in the form provided by SMTC, which
notice shall contain a brief statement of the rights of the Beneficiaries with
respect to the Exchange Right.

5.10 Qualification of SMTC Common Stock

     SMTC covenants that if any shares of SMTC Common Stock to be issued and
delivered pursuant to the Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right require
registration or qualification with or approval of or the filing of any document,
including any prospectus or similar document, or the taking of any proceeding
with or the obtaining of any order, ruling or consent from any governmental or
regulatory authority under any Canadian or United States federal, provincial or
state law or regulation or pursuant to the rules and regulations of any
regulatory authority or the fulfilment of any other Canadian or United States
federal, provincial or state legal requirement before such shares may be issued
and delivered by SMTC to the initial holder thereof or in order that such shares
may be freely traded thereafter (other than any restrictions of general
application on transfer of securities of an issuer that is not a "reporting
issuer" or equivalent within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws,
or by reason of a holder being a "control person" of SMTC for purposes of
Canadian provincial securities law or an "affiliate" of SMTC for purposes of
United States federal or state securities law), SMTC will, in good faith,
expeditiously take all such actions and do all such things as are necessary or
desirable to cause such shares of SMTC Common Stock to be and remain duly
registered, qualified or approved. SMTC will, in good faith, expeditiously take
all such actions and do all such things as are reasonably necessary or desirable
to cause all shares of SMTC Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to the
Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right, to be listed, quoted or posted
for trading on all stock exchanges and quotation systems on which

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

outstanding shares of SMTC Common Stock have been listed by SMTC and remain
listed and are quoted or posted for trading at such time.

5.11 Automatic Exchange on Liquidation of SMTC

     (a)  SMTC will give the Trustee written notice of each of the following
          events at the time set forth below:

          (i)   in the event of any determination by the board of directors of
                SMTC to institute voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-
                up proceedings with respect to SMTC or to effect any other
                distribution of assets of SMTC among its shareholders for the
                purpose of winding-up its affairs, at least 60 days prior to the
                proposed effective date of such liquidation, dissolution,
                winding-up or other distribution; and

          (ii)  as soon as practicable following the earlier of (A) receipt by
                SMTC of notice of, and (B) SMTC otherwise becoming aware of, any
                threatened or instituted claim, suit, petition or other
                proceedings with respect to the involuntary liquidation,
                dissolution or winding-up of SMTC or to effect any other
                distribution of assets of SMTC among its shareholders for the
                purpose of winding-up its affairs, in each case where SMTC has
                failed to contest in good faith any such proceeding commenced in
                respect of SMTC within 30 days of becoming aware thereof.

     (b)  As soon as practicable following receipt by the Trustee from SMTC of
          notice of any event (an "SMTC Liquidation Event") contemplated by
          Section 5.11(a)(i) or 5.11(a)(ii) above, the Trustee will give notice
          thereof to the Beneficiaries. Such notice shall be provided by SMTC to
          the Trustee and shall include a brief description of the automatic
          exchange of Exchangeable Shares for shares of SMTC Common Stock
          provided for in Section 5.11(c).

     (c)  In order that the Beneficiaries will be able to participate on a pro
          rata basis with SMTC Stockholders in the distribution of assets of
          SMTC in connection with an SMTC Liquidation Event, on the fifth
          Business Day prior to the effective date (the "SMTC Liquidation Date")
          of an SMTC Liquidation Event, all of the then outstanding Exchangeable
          Shares (other than those held by SMTC and its Affiliates) shall be
          automatically exchanged for shares of SMTC Common Stock. To effect
          such automatic exchange, SMTC shall purchase on the fifth Business Day
          prior to the SMTC Liquidation Date each Exchangeable Share then
          outstanding and held by Beneficiaries, and each Beneficiary shall sell
          the Exchangeable Shares held by it at such time, for a total purchase
          price per share equal to (a) the Current Market Price of a share of
          SMTC Common Stock on the fifth Business Day prior to the SMTC
          Liquidation Date, which shall be satisfied in full by SMTC issuing to
          the Beneficiary one share of SMTC Common Stock, and (b) to the extent
          not paid by SMTC Canada, an additional amount equivalent to the
          Dividend Amount. In connection with such automatic exchange, SMTC

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

          shall provide to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate setting forth
          the calculation of the purchase price for each Exchangeable Share.

     (d)  On the fifth Business Day prior to the SMTC Liquidation Date, the
          closing of the transaction of purchase and sale contemplated by the
          automatic exchange of Exchangeable Shares for shares of SMTC Common
          Stock shall be deemed to have occurred, and each Beneficiary shall be
          deemed to have transferred to SMTC all of the Beneficiary's right,
          title and interest in such Beneficiary's Exchangeable Shares and the
          related interest in the Trust Estate and shall cease to be a holder of
          such Exchangeable Shares. On such date, SMTC shall issue to the
          Beneficiary the shares of SMTC Common Stock issuable upon the
          automatic exchange of Exchangeable Shares for shares of SMTC Common
          Stock and on the applicable payment date shall deliver to the Trustee
          for delivery to the Beneficiary a cheque for the balance, if any, of
          the total purchase price for such Exchangeable Shares without interest
          but less any amounts withheld pursuant to Section 5.13. Concurrently
          with such Beneficiary ceasing to be a holder of Exchangeable Shares,
          the Beneficiary shall be considered and deemed for all purposes to be
          the holder of the shares of SMTC Common Stock issued pursuant to the
          automatic exchange of Exchangeable Shares for shares of SMTC Common
          Stock and the certificates held by the Beneficiary previously
          representing the Exchangeable Shares exchanged by the Beneficiary with
          SMTC pursuant to such automatic exchange shall thereafter be deemed to
          represent shares of SMTC Common Stock issued to the Beneficiary by
          SMTC pursuant to such automatic exchange. Upon the request of a
          Beneficiary and the surrender by the Beneficiary of Exchangeable Share
          certificates deemed to represent shares of SMTC Common Stock, duly
          endorsed in blank and accompanied by such instruments of transfer as
          SMTC may reasonably require, SMTC shall deliver or cause to be
          delivered to the Beneficiary certificates representing shares of SMTC
          Common Stock of which the Beneficiary is the holder.

5.12 Call Rights

     The Trustee, on behalf of each holder of an Exchangeable Share from time to
time, whether of record or beneficial, agrees to, acknowledges and confirms each
of the Liquidation Call Right, the Redemption Call Right and the Retraction Call
Right, in each case, in favour of SMTC Nova Scotia, and the overriding nature
thereof in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of SMTC
Canada or the retraction or redemption of Exchangeable Shares, as the case may
be, and to be bound thereby in favour of SMTC Nova Scotia as therein provided,
and it is agreed and acknowledged that such Call Rights are granted as part of
the consideration for the obligations of SMTC under this agreement.

5.13 Withholding Rights

     SMTC, SMTC Canada and the Trustee shall be entitled to deduct and withhold
from any consideration otherwise payable under this agreement to any holder of
Exchangeable Shares or SMTC Common Stock such amounts as SMTC, SMTC Canada or
the Trustee is required or permitted to deduct and withhold with respect to such
payment under the Income

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

Tax Act (Canada), the Code or any provision of provincial, state, local or
foreign tax law, in each case as amended or succeeded. To the extent that
amounts are so withheld, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes
as having been paid to the holder of the shares in respect of which such
deduction and withholding was made, provided that such withheld amounts are
actually remitted to the appropriate taxing authority. To the extent that the
amounts so required or permitted to be deducted or withheld from any payment to
a holder exceeds the cash portion of the consideration otherwise payable to the
holder, SMTC, SMTC Canada and the Trustee are hereby authorized to sell or
otherwise dispose of such portion of the consideration as is necessary to
provide sufficient funds to SMTC, SMTC Canada or the Trustee, as the case may
be, to enable it to comply with such deduction or withholding requirements and
SMTC, SMTC Canada or the Trustee shall notify the holder thereof and remit to
such holder any unapplied balance of the net proceeds of such sale. SMTC
represents and warrants that, based upon facts currently known to it, it has no
current intention, as at the date of this agreement, to deduct or withhold from
any dividend paid to holders of Exchangeable Shares any amounts under the Code.

5.14 SMTC Common Stock

     SMTC hereby represents, warrants and covenants that the shares of SMTC
Common Stock issuable as described herein will be duly authorized and validly
issued as fully paid and non-assessable and shall be free and clear of any lien,
claim or encumbrance.

                                   ARTICLE 6
                RESTRICTIONS ON ISSUE OF SPECIAL VOTING SHARES

6.1  Issue of Additional Shares

     During the term of this agreement, SMTC will not, without the consent of
the holders at the relevant time of Exchangeable Shares, given in accordance
with Section 10.2 of the Exchangeable Share Provisions, issue any shares of its
special voting stock in addition to the Special Voting Share.

                                   ARTICLE 7
                            CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

7.1  Powers and Duties of the Trustee

     The rights, powers, duties and authorities of the Trustee under this
agreement, in its capacity as Trustee of the Trust, shall include:

     (a)  receipt and deposit of the Special Voting Share from SMTC as Trustee
          for and on behalf of the Beneficiaries in accordance with the
          provisions of this agreement;

     (b)  granting proxies and distributing materials to Beneficiaries as
          provided in this agreement;

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

     (c)  voting the Beneficiary Votes in accordance with the provisions of this
          agreement;

     (d)  receiving the grant of the Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange
          Right from SMTC as Trustee for and on behalf of the Beneficiaries in
          accordance with the provisions of this agreement;

     (e)  exercising the Exchange Right and enforcing the benefit of the
          Automatic Exchange Right, in each case in accordance with the
          provisions of this agreement, and in connection therewith receiving
          from Beneficiaries Exchangeable Shares and other requisite documents
          and distributing to such Beneficiaries shares of SMTC Common Stock and
          cheques, if any, to which such Beneficiaries are entitled upon the
          exercise of the Exchange Right or pursuant to the Automatic Exchange
          Right, as the case may be;

     (f)  holding title to the Trust Estate;

     (g)  investing any moneys forming, from time to time, a part of the Trust
          Estate as provided in this agreement;

     (h)  taking action at the direction of a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries to
          enforce the obligations of SMTC and SMTC Canada under this agreement;
          and

     (i)  taking such other actions and doing such other things as are
          specifically provided in this agreement.

     In the exercise of such rights, powers, duties and authorities the Trustee
shall have (and is granted) such incidental and additional rights, powers,
duties and authority not in conflict with any of the provisions of this
agreement as the Trustee, acting in good faith and in the reasonable exercise of
its discretion, may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable to effect the
purpose of the Trust. Any exercise of such discretionary rights, powers, duties
and authorities by the Trustee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all
persons.

     The Trustee, in exercising its rights, powers, duties and authorities
hereunder, shall act honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best
interests of the Beneficiaries and shall exercise the care, diligence and skill
that a reasonably prudent trustee would exercise in comparable circumstances.

     The Trustee shall not be bound to give notice or do or take any act, action
or proceeding by virtue of the powers conferred on it hereby unless and until it
shall be specifically required to do so under the terms hereof; nor shall the
Trustee be required to take any notice of, or to do, or to take any act, action
or proceeding as a result of any default or breach of any provision hereunder,
unless and until notified in writing of such default or breach, which notices
shall distinctly specify the default or breach desired to be brought to the
attention of the Trustee and in the absence of such notice, the Trustee may, for
all purposes of this agreement, conclusively assume that no default or breach
has been made in the observance or performance of any of the representations,
warranties, covenants, agreements or conditions contained herein.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

7.2  No Conflict of Interest

     The Trustee represents to SMTC and to SMTC Canada that at the date of
execution and delivery of this agreement, there exists no material conflict of
interest in the role of the Trustee as a fiduciary hereunder and the role of the
Trustee in any other capacity. The Trustee shall, within 90 days after it
becomes aware that such material conflict of interest exists, either eliminate
such material conflict of interest or resign in the manner and with the effect
specified in Article 10. If, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
Section 7.2, the Trustee has such a material conflict of interest, the validity
and enforceability of this agreement shall not be affected in any manner
whatsoever by reason only of the existence of such material conflict of
interest. If the Trustee contravenes the foregoing provisions of this Section
7.2, any interested party may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for
an order that the Trustee be replaced as Trustee hereunder.

7.3  Dealings with Transfer Agents, Registrars, etc.

     SMTC and SMTC Canada irrevocably authorize the Trustee, from time to time,
     to:

     (a)  consult, communicate and otherwise deal with the respective registrars
          and transfer agents, and with any such subsequent registrar or
          transfer agent, of the Exchangeable Shares and the shares of SMTC
          Common Stock; and

     (b)  requisition, from time to time, (i) from any such registrar or
          transfer agent any information readily available from the records
          maintained by it which the Trustee may reasonably require for the
          discharge of its duties and responsibilities under this agreement and
          (ii) from the transfer agent of the shares of SMTC Common Stock, and
          any subsequent transfer agent of such shares, the share certificates
          issuable upon the exercise from time to time of the Exchange Right and
          pursuant to the Automatic Exchange Right in the manner specified in
          Article 5.

     SMTC and SMTC Canada irrevocably authorize their respective registrars and
transfer agents to comply with all such requests. SMTC covenants that it will
supply its transfer agent with duly executed share certificates for the purpose
of completing the exercise from time to time of the Exchange Right and the
Automatic Exchange Right in each case pursuant to Article 5.

7.4  Books and Records

     The Trustee shall keep available for inspection by SMTC and SMTC Canada at
the Trustee's principal office in Toronto, Ontario, correct and complete books
and records of accounts relating to the Trust created by this agreement,
including without limitation, all relevant data relating to mailings and
instructions to and from Beneficiaries and all transactions pursuant to the
Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange Right. On or before March 31, 2001 and
on or before March 31 in every year thereafter, so long as the Special Voting
Share is on deposit with the Trustee, the Trustee shall transmit to SMTC and to
SMTC Canada a brief report, dated as of the preceding December 31, with respect
to:

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

          (a)  the property and funds comprising the Trust Estate as of that
               date;

          (b)  the number of exercises of the Exchange Right, if any, and the
               aggregate number of Exchangeable Shares received by the Trustee
               on behalf of Beneficiaries in consideration of the issuance by
               SMTC of shares of SMTC Common Stock in connection with the
               Exchange Right, during the fiscal year ended on such December 31;
               and

          (c)  any action taken by the Trustee in the performance of its duties
               under this agreement which it had not previously reported.

7.5  Income Tax Returns and Reports

     The Trustee shall, to the extent necessary, prepare and file or cause to be
prepared and filed on behalf of the Trust appropriate Canadian income tax
returns and any other returns or reports as may be required by applicable law or
pursuant to the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or other
trading system through which the Exchangeable Shares are traded, and in
connection therewith may obtain the advice of and assistance from such experts
as the Trustee may reasonably consider necessary or advisable. If requested by
the Trustee, SMTC shall retain such experts to provide such advice or assistance
to the Trustee.

7.6  Indemnification Prior to Certain Actions by Trustee

     The Trustee shall exercise any or all of the rights, duties, powers or
authorities vested in it by this agreement at the request, order or direction of
any Beneficiary upon such Beneficiary furnishing to the Trustee reasonable
funding, security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which
may be incurred by the Trustee therein or thereby, provided that no Beneficiary
shall be obligated to furnish to the Trustee any such funding, security or
indemnity in connection with the exercise by the Trustee of any of its rights,
duties, powers and authorities with respect to the Special Voting Share pursuant
to Article 4, subject to Section 7.15, and with respect to the Exchange Right
pursuant to Article 5, subject to Section 7.15, and with respect to the
Automatic Exchange Right pursuant to Article 5, subject to Section 7.15.

     None of the provisions contained in this agreement shall require the
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability
in the exercise of any of its rights, powers, duties, or authorities unless
funded, given security or indemnified as aforesaid.

7.7  Action of Beneficiaries

     No Beneficiary shall have the right to institute any action, suit or
proceeding or to exercise any other remedy authorized by this agreement for the
purpose of enforcing any of its rights or for the execution of any trust or
power hereunder unless the Beneficiary has requested the Trustee to take or
institute such action, suit or proceeding and has furnished the Trustee with the
funds, security or indemnity referred to in Section 7.6 and the Trustee shall
have failed to act within a reasonable time thereafter. In such case, but not
otherwise, the Beneficiary shall be entitled to take proceedings in any court of
competent jurisdiction such as the Trustee might have taken; it being understood
and intended that no one or more Beneficiaries shall have any

                                     -21-
<PAGE>

right in any manner whatsoever to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights hereby
created by any such action, or to enforce any right hereunder or the Voting
Rights, the Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right, except subject to
the conditions and in the manner herein provided, and that all powers and trusts
hereunder shall be exercised and all proceedings at law shall be instituted, had
and maintained by the Trustee, except only as herein provided, and in any event
for the equal benefit of all Beneficiaries.

7.8  Reliance Upon Declarations

     The Trustee shall not be considered to be in contravention of any its
rights, powers, duties and authorities hereunder if, when required, it acts and
relies in good faith upon statutory declarations, certificates, opinions, Lists,
mailing labels, reports or other papers or documents furnished pursuant to the
provisions hereof or required by the Trustee to be furnished to it in the
exercise of its rights, powers, duties and authorities hereunder if such
statutory declarations, certificates, opinions, Lists, mailing labels, reports
or other papers or documents comply with the provisions of Section 7.9, if
applicable, and with any other applicable provisions of this agreement.

7.9  Evidence and Authority to Trustee

     SMTC and/or SMTC Canada shall furnish to the Trustee evidence of compliance
with the conditions provided for in this agreement relating to any action or
step required or permitted to be taken by SMTC and/or SMTC Canada or the Trustee
under this agreement or as a result of any obligation imposed under this
agreement, including, without limitation, in respect of the Voting Rights, the
Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right and the taking of any other
action to be taken by the Trustee at the request of or on the application of
SMTC and/or SMTC Canada promptly if and when:

     (a)  such evidence is required by any other section of this agreement to be
          furnished to the Trustee in accordance with the terms of this Section
          7.9; or

     (b)  the Trustee, in the exercise of its rights, powers, duties and
          authorities under this agreement, gives SMTC and/or SMTC Canada
          written notice requiring it to furnish such evidence in relation to
          any particular action or obligation specified in such notice.

     Such evidence shall consist of an Officer's Certificate of SMTC and/or SMTC
Canada or a statutory declaration or a certificate made by persons entitled to
sign an Officer's Certificate stating that any such condition has been complied
with in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

     Whenever such evidence relates to a matter other than the Voting Rights,
the Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right or the taking of any other
action to be taken by the Trustee at the request or on the application of SMTC
and/or SMTC Canada, and except as otherwise specifically provided herein, such
evidence may consist of a report or opinion of any solicitor, attorney, auditor,
accountant, appraiser, valuer, engineer or other expert or any other person
whose qualifications give authority to a statement made by it, provided that if
such

                                     -22-
<PAGE>

report or opinion is furnished by a director, officer or employee of SMTC and/or
SMTC Canada, it shall be in the form of an Officer's Certificate or a statutory
declaration.

     Each statutory declaration, Officer's Certificate, opinion or report
furnished to the Trustee as evidence of compliance with a condition provided for
in this agreement shall include a statement by the person giving the evidence:

     (a)  declaring that the person has read and understands the provisions of
          this agreement relating to the condition in question;

     (b)  describing the nature and scope of the examination or investigation
          upon which the person based the statutory declaration, certificate,
          statement or opinion; and

     (c)  declaring that the person has made such examination or investigation
          as the person believes is necessary to enable the person to make the
          statements or give the opinions contained or expressed therein.

7.10 Experts, Advisors and Agents

     The Trustee may:

     (a)  in relation to these presents act and rely on the opinion or advice of
          or information obtained from or prepared by any solicitor, attorney,
          auditor, accountant, appraiser, valuer, engineer or other expert,
          whether retained by the Trustee or by SMTC and/or SMTC Canada or
          otherwise, and may retain or employ such assistants as may be
          necessary to the proper discharge of its powers and duties and
          determination of its rights hereunder and may pay proper and
          reasonable compensation for all such legal and other advice or
          assistance as aforesaid; and

     (b)  retain or employ such agents and other assistants as it may reasonably
          require for the proper determination and discharge of its powers and
          duties hereunder, and may pay reasonable remuneration for all services
          performed for it (and shall be entitled to receive reasonable
          remuneration for all services performed by it) in the discharge of the
          trusts hereof and compensation for all disbursements, costs and
          expenses made or incurred by it in the discharge of its duties
          hereunder and in the management of the Trust.

7.11 Investment of Moneys Held by Trustee

     Unless otherwise provided in this agreement, any moneys held by or on
behalf of the Trustee, which, under the terms of this agreement may or ought to
be invested or which may be on deposit with the Trustee or which may be in the
hands of the Trustee, may be invested and reinvested in the name or under the
control of the Trustee in securities in which, under the laws of the Province of
Ontario, trustees are authorized to invest trust moneys, provided that such
securities are stated to mature within two years after their purchase by the
Trustee, and the Trustee shall so invest such moneys on the written direction of
SMTC Canada. Any direction by SMTC Canada to the Trustee as to the investment of
the funds shall be in writing and shall

                                     -23-
<PAGE>

be provided to the Trustee no later than 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the day on
which the investment is to be made. Any such direction received by the Trustee
after 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time) or received on a day other than a Business Day,
shall be deemed to have been given prior to 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the next
Business Day. Pending the investment of any moneys as hereinbefore provided,
such moneys may be deposited in the name of the Trustee in any chartered bank in
Canada or, with the consent of SMTC Canada, in the deposit department of the
Trustee or any other chartered bank, loan or trust company authorized to accept
deposits under the laws of Canada or any province thereof at the rate of
interest then current on similar deposits.

     The Trustee shall maintain accurate books, records and accounts of the
transactions effected or controlled by the Trustee hereunder and the receipt,
investment, re-investment and disbursement of any funds held by the Trustee and
shall provide to SMTC and SMTC Canada records and statements thereof
periodically upon request.

7.12 Trustee Not Required to Give Security

     The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or security in respect
of the execution of the trusts, rights, duties, powers and authorities of this
agreement or otherwise in respect of the premises.

7.13 Trustee Not Bound to Act on Request

     Except as otherwise specifically provided in this agreement, the Trustee
shall not be bound to act in accordance with any direction or request of SMTC
and/or SMTC Canada or of the directors thereof until a duly authenticated copy
of the instrument or resolution containing such direction or request shall have
been delivered to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall be empowered to act and
rely upon any such copy purporting to be authenticated and believed by the
Trustee to be genuine.

7.14 Authority to Carry on Business

     The Trustee represents to SMTC and to SMTC Canada that at the date of
execution and delivery by it of this agreement it is authorized to carry on the
business of a trust company in each of the provinces of Canada but if,
notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7.14, it ceases to be so
authorized to carry on business, the validity and enforceability of this
agreement and the Voting Rights, the Exchange Right and the Automatic Exchange
Right shall not be affected in any manner whatsoever by reason only of such
event, but the Trustee shall, within 90 days after ceasing to be authorized to
carry on the business of a trust company in any province of Canada, either
become so authorized or resign in the manner and with the effect specified in
Article 10.

7.15 Conflicting Claims

     If conflicting claims or demands are made or asserted with respect to any
interest of any Beneficiary in any Exchangeable Shares, including any
disagreement between the heirs, representatives, successors or assigns
succeeding to all or any part of the interest of any Beneficiary in any
Exchangeable Shares, resulting in conflicting claims or demands being

                                     -24-
<PAGE>

made in connection with such interest, then the Trustee shall be entitled, at
its sole discretion, to refuse to recognize or to comply with any such claims or
demands. In so refusing, the Trustee may elect not to exercise any Voting
Rights, the Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right subject to such
conflicting claims or demands and, in so doing, the Trustee shall not be or
become liable to any person on account of such election or its failure or
refusal to comply with any such conflicting claims or demands. The Trustee shall
be entitled to continue to refrain from acting and to refuse to act until:

     (a)  the rights of all adverse claimants with respect to the Voting Rights,
          the Exchange Right or the Automatic Exchange Right subject to such
          conflicting claims or demands have been adjudicated by a final
          judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction and all rights of appeal
          have expired; or

     (b)  all differences with respect to the Voting Rights, the Exchange Right
          or the Automatic Exchange Right subject to such conflicting claims or
          demands have been conclusively settled by a valid written agreement
          binding on all such adverse claimants, and the Trustee shall have been
          furnished with an executed copy of such agreement certified to be in
          full force and effect.

     If the Trustee elects to recognize any claim or comply with any demand made
by any such adverse claimant, it may in its discretion require such claimant to
furnish such surety bond or other security satisfactory to the Trustee as it
shall deem appropriate to fully indemnify it as between all conflicting claims
or demands.

7.16 Acceptance of Trust

     The Trustee hereby accepts the Trust created and provided for by and in
this agreement and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions
herein set forth and to hold all rights, privileges and benefits conferred
hereby and bylaw in trust for the various persons who shall from time to time be
Beneficiaries, subject to all the terms and conditions herein set forth.

                                  ARTICLE 8
                                 COMPENSATION

8.1  Fees and Expenses of the Trustee

     SMTC and SMTC Canada jointly and severally agree to pay the Trustee
reasonable compensation for all of the services tendered by it under this
agreement and will reimburse the Trustee for all reasonable expenses (including
but not limited to taxes other than taxes based on the net income of the
Trustee, compensation paid to experts and advisers, and travel expenses) and
disbursements, including the cost and expense of any suit or litigation of any
character and any proceedings before any governmental agency reasonably incurred
by the Trustee in connection with its duties under this agreement; provided that
SMTC and SMTC Canada shall have no obligation to reimburse the Trustee for any
expenses or disbursements paid, incurred or suffered by the Trustee in any suit
or litigation in which the Trustee is determined to have acted in bad faith or
with negligence, recklessness or wilful misconduct.

                                     -25-
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 9
                  INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

9.1  Indemnification of the Trustee

     SMTC and SMTC Canada jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold
harmless the Trustee and each of its directors, officers, employees and agents
appointed and acting in accordance with this agreement (collectively, the
"Indemnified Parties") against all claims, losses, damages, reasonable costs,
penalties, fines and reasonable expenses (including reasonable expenses of the
Trustee's legal counsel) which, without fraud, negligence, recklessness, wilful
misconduct or bad faith on the part of such Indemnified Party, may be paid,
incurred or suffered by the Indemnified Party by reason or as a result of the
Trustee's acceptance or administration of the Trust, its compliance with its
duties set forth in this agreement, or any written or oral instruction (to be
confirmed in writing) delivered to the Trustee by SMTC or SMTC Canada pursuant
hereto.

     In no case shall SMTC or SMTC Canada be liable under this indemnity for any
claim against any of the Indemnified Parties unless SMTC and SMTC Canada shall
be notified by the Trustee of the written assertion of a claim or of any action
commenced against the Indemnified Parties, promptly after any of the Indemnified
Parties shall have received any such written assertion of a claim or shall have
been served with a summons or other first legal process giving information as to
the nature and basis of the claim. Subject to (ii) below, SMTC and SMTC Canada
shall be entitled to participate at their own expense in the defence and, if
SMTC and SMTC Canada so elect at any time after receipt of such notice, either
of them may assume the defence of any suit brought to enforce any such claim.
The Trustee shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such suit and
participate in the defence thereof but the fees and expenses of such counsel
shall be at the expense of the Trustee unless: (i) the employment of such
counsel has been authorized by SMTC or SMTC Canada, such authorization not to be
unreasonably withheld; or (ii) the named parties to any such suit include both
the Trustee and SMTC or SMTC Canada and the Trustee shall have been advised by
counsel acceptable to SMTC or SMTC Canada that there may be one or more legal
defences available to the Trustee that are different from or in addition to
those available to SMTC or SMTC Canada and that, in the judgment of such
counsel, would present a conflict of interest were a joint representation to be
undertaken (in which case SMTC and SMTC Canada shall not have the right to
assume the defence of such suit on behalf of the Trustee but shall be liable to
pay the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Trustee).

9.2  Limitation of Liability

     The Trustee shall not be held liable for any loss which may occur by reason
of depreciation of the value of any part of the Trust Estate or any loss
incurred on any investment of funds pursuant to this agreement, except to the
extent that such loss is attributable to the fraud, negligence, recklessness,
wilful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the Trustee.

                                     -26-
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE 10
                               CHANGE OF TRUSTEE

10.1 Resignation

     The Trustee, or any trustee hereafter appointed, may at any time resign by
giving written notice of such resignation to SMTC and to SMTC Canada specifying
the date on which it desires to resign, provided that such notice shall not be
given less than one month before such desired resignation date unless SMTC and
SMTC Canada otherwise agree and provided further that such resignation shall not
take effect until the date of the appointment of a successor trustee and the
acceptance of such appointment by the successor trustee. Upon receiving such
notice of resignation, SMTC and SMTC Canada shall promptly appoint a successor
trustee, which shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
Canada and authorized to carry on the business of a trust company in all
provinces of Canada, by written instrument in duplicate, one copy of which shall
be delivered to the resigning trustee and one copy to the successor trustee.
Failing appointment of a successor trustee by SMTC and SMTC Canada, a successor
trustee may be appointed by an order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
upon application by one or more parties hereto. Should the retiring trustee
apply for the appointment of a successor trustee by an order of the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice, it shall be at the joint and several expense of SMTC
and SMTC Canada.

10.2 Removal

     The Trustee, or any trustee hereafter appointed, may (provided a successor
trustee is appointed) be removed at any time on not less than 30 days' prior
written notice by SMTC and SMTC Canada, in duplicate, one copy of which shall be
delivered to the trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee.

10.3 Successor Trustee

     Any successor trustee appointed as provided under this agreement shall
execute, acknowledge and deliver to SMTC and to SMTC Canada and to its
predecessor trustee an instrument accepting such appointment. Thereupon, the
resignation or removal of the predecessor trustee shall become effective and
such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall
become vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its
predecessor under this agreement, with the like effect as if originally named as
trustee in this agreement. However, on the written request of SMTC and SMTC
Canada or of the successor trustee, the trustee ceasing to act shall, upon
payment of any amounts then due to it pursuant to the provisions of this
agreement, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor
trustee all the rights and powers of the trustee so ceasing to act. Upon the
request of any such successor trustee, SMTC, SMTC Canada and such predecessor
trustee shall execute any and all instruments in writing for more fully and
certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all such rights
and powers.

10.4 Notice of Successor Trustee

     Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided herein,
SMTC and SMTC Canada shall cause to be mailed notice of the succession of such
trustee hereunder to

                                     -27-
<PAGE>

each Beneficiary specified in a List. If SMTC or SMTC Canada shall fail to cause
such notice to be mailed within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the
successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be mailed at
the expense of SMTC and SMTC Canada.

                                  ARTICLE 11
                                SMTC SUCCESSORS

11.1 Certain Requirements in Respect of Combination

     Subject to Section 11.3, SMTC shall not consummate any transaction (whether
by way of reconstruction, reorganization, consolidation, merger, transfer, sale,
lease or otherwise) whereby all or substantially all of its undertakings,
property and assets would become the property of any other person or, in the
case of a merger, of the continuing corporation resulting therefrom unless, but
may do so if:

     (a)  such other person or continuing corporation (the "SMTC Successor"), by
          operation of law, becomes, without more, bound by the terms and
          provisions of this agreement or, if not so bound, executes, prior to
          or contemporaneously with the consummation of such transaction, an
          agreement supplemental hereto and such other instruments (if any) as
          are satisfactory to the Trustee, acting reasonably, and in the opinion
          of legal counsel to the Trustee are reasonably necessary or advisable
          to evidence the assumption by the SMTC Successor of liability for all
          moneys payable and property deliverable hereunder and the covenant of
          such SMTC Successor to pay and deliver or cause to be delivered the
          same and its agreement to observe and perform all the covenants and
          obligations of SMTC under this agreement; and

     (b)  such transaction shall, to the satisfaction of the Trustee, acting
          reasonably, and in the opinion of legal counsel to the Trustee, be
          upon such terms and conditions as substantially to preserve and not to
          impair in any material respect any of the rights, duties, powers and
          authorities of the Trustee or of the Beneficiaries hereunder.

11.2 Vesting of Powers in Successor

     Whenever the conditions of Section 11.1 have been duly observed and
performed, the Trustee and, if required by Section 11.1, SMTC Successor and SMTC
Canada shall execute and deliver the supplemental agreement provided for in
Article 12 and thereupon the SMTC Successor shall possess and from time to time
may exercise each and every right and power of SMTC under this agreement in the
name of SMTC or otherwise and any act or proceeding under any provision of this
agreement required to be done or performed by the board of directors of SMTC or
any officers of SMTC may be done and performed with like force and effect by the
directors or officers of such SMTC Successor.

                                     -28-
<PAGE>

11.3 Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries

     Nothing herein shall be construed as preventing the amalgamation or merger
of any wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of SMTC with or into SMTC or
the winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of any wholly-owned subsidiary of
SMTC provided that all of the assets of such subsidiary are transferred to SMTC
or another wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of SMTC and any such
transactions are expressly permitted by this Article 11.

                                  ARTICLE 12
                    AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS

12.1 Amendments, Modifications

     This agreement may not be amended or modified except by an agreement in
writing executed by SMTC, SMTC Nova Scotia, SMTC Canada and the Trustee and
approved by the Beneficiaries in accordance with Section 10.2 of the
Exchangeable Share Provisions.

12.2 Ministerial Amendments

     Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12.1, the parties to this
agreement may in writing, at any time and from time to time, without the
approval of the Beneficiaries, amend or modify this agreement for the purposes
of:

     (a)  adding to the covenants of any or all parties hereto for the
          protection of the Beneficiaries hereunder provided that the board of
          directors of each of SMTC Canada, SMTC Nova Scotia and SMTC shall be
          of the good faith opinion that such additions will not be prejudicial
          to the rights or interests of the Beneficiaries;

     (b)  making such amendments or modifications not inconsistent with this
          agreement as may be necessary or desirable with respect to matters or
          questions which, in the good faith opinion of the board of directors
          of each of SMTC, SMTC Nova Scotia and SMTC Canada and on the advice of
          counsel to the Trustee, having in mind the best interests of the
          Beneficiaries, it may be expedient to make, provided that such boards
          of directors shall be of the opinion that such amendments and
          modifications will not be prejudicial to the interests of the
          Beneficiaries; or

     (c)  making such changes or corrections which, on the advice of counsel to
          SMTC, SMTC Nova Scotia, SMTC Canada and the Trustee, are required for
          the purpose of curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect or
          inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest
          error, provided that the board of directors of each of SMTC, SMTC Nova
          Scotia and SMTC Canada shall be of the opinion that such changes or
          corrections will not be prejudicial to the rights and interests of the
          Beneficiaries.

                                     -29-
<PAGE>

12.3 Meeting to Consider Amendments

     SMTC Canada, at the request of SMTC or SMTC Nova Scotia, shall call a
meeting or meetings of the Beneficiaries for the purpose of considering any
proposed amendment or modification requiring approval pursuant hereto. Any such
meeting or meetings shall be called and held in accordance with the bylaws of
SMTC Canada, the Exchangeable Share Provisions and all applicable laws.

12.4 Changes in Capital of SMTC and SMTC Canada

     At all times after the occurrence of any event contemplated pursuant to
Section 2.7 or 2.8 of the Exchangeable Share Support Agreement or otherwise, as
a result of which either the shares of SMTC Common Stock or the Exchangeable
Shares or both are in any way changed, this agreement shall forthwith be amended
and modified as necessary in order that it shall apply with full force and
effect, mutatis mutandis, to all new securities into which the shares of SMTC
Common Stock or the Exchangeable Shares or both are so changed and the parties
hereto shall execute and deliver a supplemental agreement giving effect to and
evidencing such necessary amendments and modifications.

12.5 Execution of Supplemental Agreements

     No amendment to or modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this
agreement otherwise permitted hereunder shall be effective unless made in
writing and signed by all of the parties hereto. From time to time, SMTC Canada
(when authorized by a resolution of its board of directors), SMTC (when
authorized by a resolution of its board of directors) and the Trustee may,
subject to the provisions of these presents, and they shall, when so directed by
these presents, execute and deliver by their proper officers, agreements or
other instruments supplemental hereto, which thereafter shall form part hereof,
for any one or more of the following purposes:

     (a)  evidencing the succession of SMTC Successors and the covenants of and
          obligations assumed by each such SMTC Successor in accordance with the
          provisions of Article 11 and the successors of any successor trustee
          in accordance with the provisions of Article 10;

     (b)  making any additions to, deletions from or alterations of the
          provisions of this agreement or the Voting Rights, the Exchange Right
          or the Automatic Exchange Right which, in the opinion of the Trustee
          relying on the advice of counsel, will not be prejudicial to the
          interests of the Beneficiaries or are, in the opinion of counsel to
          the Trustee, necessary or advisable in order to incorporate, reflect
          or comply with any legislation the provisions of which apply to SMTC,
          SMTC Canada, the Trustee or this agreement; and

     (c)  for any other purposes not inconsistent with the provisions of this
          agreement, including without limitation, to make or evidence any
          amendment or modification to this agreement as contemplated hereby,
          provided that, in the opinion of the Trustee relying on the advice of
          counsel, the rights of the Trustee and Beneficiaries will not be
          prejudiced thereby.

                                     -30-
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE 13
                                  TERMINATION

13.1 Term

     The Trust created by this agreement shall continue until the earliest to
occur of the following events:

     (a)  no outstanding Exchangeable Shares (other than Exchangeable Shares in
          respect of which a holder is deemed, under this agreement or the
          Exchangeable Share Provisions, to be a holder of shares of SMTC Common
          Stock) are held by a Beneficiary;

     (b)  each of SMTC and SMTC Canada elects in writing to terminate the Trust
          and such termination is approved by the Beneficiaries in accordance
          with Section 10.2 of the Exchangeable Share Provisions; and

     (c)  21 years from the date of the death of the last surviving issue of Her
          Majesty Queen Elizabeth II alive on the date of this agreement.

13.2 Survival of Agreement

     This agreement shall survive any termination of the Trust and shall
continue until there are no Exchangeable Shares (other than Exchangeable Shares
in respect of which a holder is deemed, under this agreement or the Exchangeable
Share Provisions, to be a holder of shares of SMTC Common Stock) outstanding
held by a Beneficiary; provided, however, that the provisions of Articles 8 and
9 shall survive any such termination of this agreement.

                                  ARTICLE 14
                                    GENERAL

14.1 Assignment

     This agreement shall not be assignable by any party hereto.

14.2 Time

     Time shall be of the essence of this agreement.

14.3 Governing Law

     This agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall
be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the
Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

14.4 Severability

     If any term or other provision of this agreement is invalid, illegal or
incapable of being enforced by any rule or law, or public policy, all other
conditions and provisions of this

                                      -31-
<PAGE>

agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the
economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not
affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination
that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this
agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated
hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible.

14.5 Enurement

     This agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and to the
benefit of the Beneficiaries.

14.6 Notices to Parties

     All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be given and shall be deemed to have been duly given at the time of
receipt, if delivered in person or sent by facsimile transmission on a Business
Day at the place of receipt (or, if given on a non-Business Day at the place of
receipt, shall be deemed to have been duly given on the next succeeding Business
Day at such place) to the parties as follows:

     (a)   if to SMTC:

          SMTC Corporation
          635 Hood Road
          Markham, Ontario
          Canada L3R 4N6

          Attention:  Richard J. Smith, C.A.
                      Vice-President, Finance and Administration
          Fax:        (905) 479-5326

          with a copy to:

          Ropes & Gray
          One International Place
          Boston, Massachusetts
          02110-2624 U.S.A.

          Attention:  Alfred Rose
          Fax:        (617) 951-7050

          (b)  if to SMTC Canada or SMTC Nova Scotia:

               SMTC Manufacturing Corporation of Canada
               635 Hood Road

                                      -32-
<PAGE>

               Markham, Ontario
               Canada L3R 4N6

               Attention:  Richard J. Smith, C.A.
                           Vice-President, Finance and Administration
               Fax:        (905) 479-5326

               with a copy to:

               McMillan Binch
               Suite 3800, South Tower
               Royal Bank Plaza
               Toronto, Ontario
               Canada M5J 2J7

               Attention:  Stephen C.E. Rigby
               Fax:        (416) 865-7048

         (c)   if to the Trustee:

               CIBC Mellon Trust Company
               320 Bay Street, P.O. Box 1
               Toronto, Ontario
               Canada M5H 4A6

               Attention:  Assistant Vice-President, Client Services
               Fax:        (416) 643-5570

or to such other address as a party may have furnished to the others in writing
in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be
effective only upon receipt.

14.7 Notice to Beneficiaries

     Any and all notices to be given and any documents to be sent to any
Beneficiaries may be given or sent to the address of such Beneficiary shown on
the register of holders of Exchangeable Shares in any manner permitted by the
bylaws of SMTC Canada from time to time in force in respect of notices to
shareholders and shall be deemed to be received (if given or sent in such
manner) at the time specified in such bylaws, the provisions of which bylaws
shall apply mutatis mutandis to notices or documents as aforesaid sent to such
Beneficiaries.

14.8 Counterparts

     This agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same document.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>

14.9 Attornment

     Each of SMTC and SMTC Nova Scotia agrees that any action or proceeding
arising out of or relating to this agreement may be instituted in the courts of
Ontario, waives any objection which it may have now or hereafter to the venue of
any such action or proceeding, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the
said courts in any such action or proceeding, agrees to be bound by any judgment
of the said courts and agrees not to seek, and hereby waives, any review of the
merits of any such judgment by the court of any other jurisdiction and hereby
appoints SMTC Canada at its registered office in the Province of Ontario as its
attorney for service of process.

                                      -34-
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.

                                 SMTC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OF CANADA

                                 By: /s/ Paul Walker
                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Name:  Paul Walker
                                     Title: President

                                 SMTC CORPORATION

                                 By: /s/ Paul Walker
                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Name:  Paul Walker
                                     Title: President

                                 SMTC NOVA SCOTIA COMPANY

                                 By: /s/ Paul Walker
                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Name:  Paul Walker
                                     Title: President

                                 CIBC MELLON TRUST COMPANY

                                 By: /s/ Warren Jansen
                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Name:  Warren Jansen
                                     Title: Authorized Officer

                                 By: /s/ Susan Clough
                                     -----------------------------------
                                     Name:  Susan Clough
                                     Title: Authorized Officer<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.1
                                                                  EXECUTION COPY
================================================================================

                             AMENDED AND RESTATED
                        CREDIT AND GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

                                     among

                              SMTC CORPORATION,
                                 as Guarantor

                             HTM HOLDINGS, INC.,
                                     and
                  SMTC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OF CANADA,
                                 as Borrowers,

                             The Several Lenders
                       from Time to Time Parties Hereto,

                            LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.,
                                  as Arranger

                           THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA,
                           as Syndication Agent and
                         Canadian Administrative Agent

                        LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,
                        as General Administrative Agent

                                      and

                    GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                            as Documentation Agent

                                      and

                        LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.,
                        as Collateral Monitoring Agent

                           Dated as of July 27, 2000

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Page
<S>                                                                                     <C>
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS..................................................................       2

     1.1 Defined Terms..................................................................       2
         -------------

     1.2 Other Definitional Provisions..................................................      44
         -----------------------------

SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF U.S. FACILITIES COMMITMENTS..............................      44

     2.1 U.S. Term Loan Commitments.....................................................      44
         --------------------------

     2.2 Procedure for Borrowing of Additional Tranche A Term Loans.....................      45
         ----------------------------------------------------------

     2.3 Repayment of U.S. Term Loans...................................................      45
         ----------------------------

     2.4 U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments..............................................      47
         ---------------------------------

     2.5 Procedure for U.S. Revolving Credit Borrowing..................................      47
         ---------------------------------------------

     2.6 Swing Line Commitment..........................................................      48
         ---------------------

     2.7 Procedure for Swing Line Borrowing; Refunding of Swing Line Loans..............      48
         -----------------------------------------------------------------

     2.8 Promise to Pay U.S. Facility Loans; Evidence of Debt...........................      50
         ----------------------------------------------------

     2.9 Commitment Fees, etc...........................................................      51
         --------------------

     2.10 Termination or Reduction of U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments;................      51
          --------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION 3. THE CANADIAN TERM LOANS......................................................      52

     3.1 The Canadian Term Loans........................................................      52
         -----------------------

SECTION 4. [RESERVED]...................................................................      53

SECTION 5. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE CANADIAN REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENTS; ACCEPTANCES...      52

     5.1 Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments..........................................      52
         -------------------------------------

     5.2 Procedure for Canadian Revolving Credit Borrowing..............................      52
         -------------------------------------------------

     5.3 Repayment of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans; Evidence of Debt.................      53
         --------------------------------------------------------------

     5.4 Termination or Reduction of Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments..............      54
         -----------------------------------------------------------------

     5.5 Commitment Fees................................................................      54
         ---------------

     5.6 Acceptance Commitments.........................................................      55
         ----------------------
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
     5.7 Creation of Acceptances........................................................      55
         -----------------------

     5.8 Discount of Acceptances........................................................      56
         -----------------------

     5.9 Stamping Fees..................................................................      57
         -------------

     5.10 Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations..........................................      57
          ------------------------------------

     5.11 Converting Canadian Revolving Credit Loans to Acceptances and Acceptances to
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Canadian Revolving Credit Loans..........................................      59
               -------------------------------

     5.12 Allocation of Acceptances.....................................................      60
          -------------------------

     5.13 Special Provisions Relating to Acceptance Notes...............................      60
          -----------------------------------------------

     5.14 Canadian Swing Line Commitment................................................      61
          ------------------------------

     5.15 Procedure for Canadian Swing Line Borrowing; Refunding of Canadian Swing Line
          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Loans....................................................................      62
               -----

     5.16 Increase of Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments.............................      63
          -------------------------------------------------

SECTION 6.  LETTERS OF CREDIT...........................................................      64

     6.1 L/C Commitments...............................................................       64
         ---------------

     6.2 Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit....................................      64
         -------------------------------------------

     6.3 Fees and Other Charges.........................................................      65
         ----------------------

     6.4 L/C Participations.............................................................      65
          -----------------

     6.5 Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrowers......................................      66
         -----------------------------------------

     6.6 Obligations Absolute...........................................................      67
         --------------------

     6.7 Letter of Credit Payments......................................................      67
         -------------------------

     6.8 Applications...................................................................      68
         ------------

SECTION 7.   GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE FACILITIES............................      68

     7.1 Interest Rates and Payment Dates...............................................      68
         --------------------------------

     7.2 Conversion and Continuation Options With Respect to Loans......................      68
         ---------------------------------------------------------

     7.3 Minimum Amounts of Tranches....................................................      70
         ---------------------------

     7.4 Optional Prepayments...........................................................      70
         --------------------

     7.5 Mandatory Prepayments; Application of Prepayments..............................      71
         --------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      ii
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
     7.6 Certain Fees...................................................................      74
         ------------

     7.7 Computation of Interest and Fees...............................................      74
         --------------------------------

     7.8 Inability to Determine Interest Rate...........................................      75
         ------------------------------------

     7.9 Pro Rata Treatment and Payments................................................      76
         -------------------------------

     7.10 Illegality....................................................................      78
          ----------

     7.11 Requirements of Law...........................................................      79
          -------------------

     7.12 Indemnity.....................................................................      80
          ---------

     7.13 Taxes.........................................................................      80
          -----

     7.14 Use of Proceeds...............................................................      82
          ---------------

     7.15 Change of Lending Office......................................................      82
          ------------------------

     7.16 Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances............................      83
          --------------------------------------------------

SECTION 8.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................................      83

     8.1 Financial Condition............................................................      84
         -------------------

     8.2 No Change......................................................................      84
         ---------

     8.3 Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law.......................................      84
         ----------------------------------------

     8.4 Corporate Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations.........................     85
         -------------------------------------------------------

     8.5 No Legal Bar...................................................................      85
         ------------

     8.6 No Material Litigation.........................................................      85
         ----------------------

     8.7 No Default.....................................................................      86
         ----------

     8.8 Ownership of Property; Liens...................................................      86
         ----------------------------

     8.9 Intellectual Property..........................................................      86
         ---------------------

     8.10 Taxes.........................................................................      86
          -----

     8.11 Federal Regulations...........................................................      86
          -------------------

     8.12 Labor Matters.................................................................      86
          -------------

     8.13 ERISA.........................................................................      87
          -----

     8.14 Investment Company Act; Other Regulations......................................     87
          -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
     8.15 Subsidiaries..................................................................       87
          ------------

     8.16 Use of Proceeds...............................................................       87
          ---------------

     8.17 Environmental Matters.........................................................       87
          ---------------------

     8.18 Accuracy of Information, etc..................................................       88
          -----------------------------

     8.19 Security Documents............................................................       89
          ------------------

     8.20 Solvency......................................................................       90
          --------

     8.21 Insurance.....................................................................       90
          ---------

SECTION 9.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.......................................................       90

     9.1 Conditions to Original Closing Date and Initial Extension of Credit............       90
         -------------------------------------------------------------------

     9.2 Conditions to Restatement Effective Date.......................................       94
         ----------------------------------------

     9.3 Conditions to Each Extension of Credit.........................................       97
         --------------------------------------

SECTION 10.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS......................................................       97

    10.1 Financial Statements...........................................................       98
         --------------------

    10.2 Certificates; Other Information................................................       98
         -------------------------------

    10.3 Collateral Reports.............................................................      100
         ------------------

    10.4 Payment of Obligations.........................................................      100
         ----------------------

    10.5 Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence, etc..........................      100
         -----------------------------------------------------

    10.6 Maintenance of Property; Insurance.............................................      101
         ----------------------------------

    10.7 Inspection of Property; Books and Records; Discussions.........................      101
         ------------------------------------------------------

    10.8 Notices........................................................................      101
         -------

    10.9 Environmental Laws.............................................................      102
         ------------------

    10.10 Interest Rate Protection......................................................      102
          ------------------------

    10.11 Additional Collateral, etc....................................................      102
          ---------------------------

    10.12 Further Assurances............................................................      105
          ------------------

SECTION 11.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.........................................................      105

     11.1 Financial Condition Covenants.................................................      105
          -----------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      iv
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
     11.2 Limitation on Indebtedness....................................................      107
          --------------------------

     11.3 Limitation on Liens...........................................................      110
          -------------------

     11.4 Limitation on Fundamental Changes.............................................      112
          ---------------------------------

     11.5 Limitation on Disposition of Property.........................................      113
          -------------------------------------

     11.6 Limitation on Restricted Payments.............................................      114
          ---------------------------------

     11.7 Limitation on Capital Expenditures............................................      115
          ----------------------------------

     11.8 Limitation on Investments.....................................................      115
          -------------------------

     11.9 Limitation on Optional Payments and Modifications of Debt Instruments, etc....      117
          --------------------------------------------------------------------------

     11.10 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates...................................      117
           ------------------------------------------

     11.11 Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks...........................................      118
           ----------------------------------

     11.12 Limitation on Changes in Fiscal Periods......................................      119
           ---------------------------------------

     11.13 Limitation on Negative Pledge Clauses........................................      119
           -------------------------------------

     11.14 Limitation on Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions.......................      119
           ------------------------------------------------------

     11.15 Limitation on Lines of Business..............................................      119
          --------------------------------

     11.16 Limitation on Activities of Holdings.........................................      120
           ------------------------------------

     11.17 Limitation on Hedge Agreements...............................................      120
           ------------------------------

SECTION 12.    GUARANTEE................................................................      120

     12.1 Guarantee.....................................................................      120
          ---------

     12.2 No Subrogation................................................................      121
          --------------

     12.3 Amendments, etc. with respect to the Canadian Borrower Obligations; Waiver of
          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Rights...................................................................      121
              ------

     12.4 Guarantee Absolute and Unconditional..........................................      122
          ------------------------------------

     12.5 Reinstatement.................................................................      123
          -------------

     12.6 Payments......................................................................      123
          --------

SECTION 13.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT..........................................................      123

SECTION 14.  THE AGENTS; THE ARRANGER...................................................      127
</TABLE>

                                       v

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
     14.1 Appointment...................................................................      127
          -----------

     14.2 Delegation of Duties..........................................................      127
          --------------------

     14.3 Exculpatory Provisions........................................................      128
          ----------------------

     14.4 Reliance by Agents............................................................      128
          ------------------

     14.5 Notice of Default.............................................................      128
          -----------------

     14.6 Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lender.......................................      129
          ---------------------------------------

     14.7 Indemnification...............................................................      129
          ---------------

     14.8 Agents in their Individual Capacity...........................................      130
          -----------------------------------

     14.9 Successor Agents..............................................................      130
          ----------------

     14.10 The Documentation Agent, the Arranger and the Syndication Agents.............      130
           ----------------------------------------------------------------

     14.11 Authorization to Release Liens and Guarantees................................      130
           ---------------------------------------------

     SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS..........................................................      130

     15.1 Amendments and Waivers........................................................      130
          ----------------------

     15.2 Notices.......................................................................      132
          -------

     15.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies................................................      134
          ------------------------------

     15.4 Survival of Representations and Warranties....................................      134
          ------------------------------------------

     15.5 Payment of Expenses...........................................................      134
          -------------------

     15.6 Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments........................      135
          ------------------------------------------------------

     15.7 Adjustments; Set-off..........................................................      138
          --------------------

     15.8 Counterparts..................................................................      139
          ------------

     15.9 Severability..................................................................      139
          ------------

     15.10 Integration..................................................................      139
           -----------

     15.11 GOVERNING LAW................................................................      139
           -------------

     15.12 Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers..........................................      139
           -----------------------------------

     15.13 Acknowledgments..............................................................      140
           ---------------

     15.14 Confidentiality..............................................................      140
           ---------------
</TABLE>

                                      vi
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
     15.15 Release of Collateral and Guarantee Obligations..............................      141
           -----------------------------------------------

     15.16 Accounting Changes...........................................................      141
           ------------------

     15.17 Delivery of Lender Addenda...................................................      142
           --------------------------

     15.18 Intercreditor Provisions.....................................................      142
           ------------------------

     15.19 Effect of Amendment and Restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement.........      144
           --------------------------------------------------------------------

     15.20 WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL........................................................      144
           ---------------------
</TABLE>

                                      vii

<PAGE>

ANNEXES:

A    Pricing Grid

SCHEDULES:

1.1         Certain Inventory Locations
1.2         Canadian Security Documents; Canadian Facility Guarantees
8.4         Consents, Authorizations, Filings and Notices
8.6         Litigation
8.15        Subsidiaries
8.19(a)-1   U.S. UCC Filing Jurisdictions
8.19(a)-2   U.S. UCC Financing Statements to Remain on File
8.19(a)-3   U.S. UCC Financing Statements to be Terminated
8.19(b)-1   Canadian Filing Jurisdictions
8.19(b)-2   Canadian Filings to Remain on File
8.19(b)-3   Canadian Filings to be Terminated
11.2(d)     Existing Indebtedness
11.3(f)     Existing Liens
11.8        Existing Investments

EXHIBITS:

A          Form of Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
B-1        Form of Compliance Certificate
B-2        Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
C          Form of Closing Certificate
D          [Reserved]
E          Form of Assignment and Acceptance
F-1        Form of Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray
F-2        Form of Legal Opinion of Canadian Counsel
G-1        Form of U.S. Term Note
G-2        Form of U.S. Revolving Credit Note
G-3        Form of Swing Line Note
G-4        Form of Canadian Term Note
G-5        Form of Canadian Revolving Credit Note
H          Form of Draft
I          Form of Power of Attorney
J          Form of Acceptance Note
K          Form of Prepayment Option Notice
L          Form of Exemption Certificate
M          Form of Lender Addendum

                                     viii
<PAGE>

          AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, dated as of July
27, 2000, among SMTC CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), HTM
                                                           --------
HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "U.S. Borrower"), SMTC MANUFACTURING
                                             -------------
CORPORATION OF CANADA (formerly known as The Surface Mount Technology Centre,
Inc.), a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada
(the "Canadian Borrower"; together with the U.S. Borrower, the "Borrowers"), the
      -----------------                                         ---------
several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time
parties to this Agreement (the "Lenders"), LEHMAN BROTHERS INC., as advisor,
                                -------
lead arranger and book manager (in such capacity, the "Arranger"), THE BANK OF
                                                       --------
NOVA SCOTIA, as syndication agent (in such capacity, the "Syndication Agent"),
                                                          -----------------
LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as general administrative agent (in such capacity,
as hereinafter defined, the "General Administrative Agent "), THE BANK OF NOVA
                             ----------------------------
SCOTIA, as Canadian administrative agent (in such capacity, as hereinafter
defined, the "Canadian Administrative Agent"), LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as
              -----------------------------
collateral monitoring agent (in such capacity, as hereinafter defined, the
"Collateral Monitoring Agent") and GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL
 ---------------------------
CORPORATION, as documentation agent (in such capacity, the "Documentation
                                                            -------------
Agent").
-----

                         W I T N E S S E T H:
                         - - - - - - - - - -

          WHEREAS, Holdings, the Canadian Borrower and the U.S. Borrower are
parties to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1999, (the "Original
                                                                  --------
Credit Agreement" and, as amended by the Amendments in effect as of the date
----------------
immediately prior to the Restatement Effective Date, the "Existing Credit
                                                          ---------------
Agreement"), with the lenders parties thereto, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as
---------
General Administrative Agent, and others;

          WHEREAS, Holdings expects to consummate an initial public offering of
its common stock, and the Canadian Borrower expects to consummate an initial
public offering of Exchangeable Shares (such offerings, collectively, as
hereinafter defined, the "IPO");
                          ---

          WHEREAS, concurrently with the consummation of the IPO, Holdings
expects to acquire, and immediately thereafter contribute to the U.S. Borrower,
all of the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of Pensar Corporation, a
Wisconsin corporation ("Pensar"), for total cash consideration (including the
                        ------
repayment of certain existing indebtedness of Pensar) of approximately
$22,000,000 (the "Pensar Acquisition");
                  ------------------

          WHEREAS, in connection with the IPO, and with a portion of the
proceeds thereof, certain of the Loans outstanding under the Existing Credit
Agreement will be repaid;

          WHEREAS, the Borrowers have requested certain of the Lenders to make
available additional credit facilities concurrently with the consummation of the
IPO and the Pensar Acquisition, and such Lenders are willing to make such
additional credit facilities available upon and subject to the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth; and
<PAGE>

                                                                               2

          WHEREAS, Holdings and the Borrowers have requested certain amendments
to the Existing Credit Agreement, and, to reflect such amendments, the parties
hereto have agreed to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its
entirety as hereinafter set forth;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements
hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree that, on the Restatement
Effective Date, the Existing Credit Agreement will be amended and restated in
its entirety as follows:

                       SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

          1.1 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the terms listed in this
              -------------
Section 1.1 shall have the respective meanings set forth in this Section 1.1.

          "Acceptance": a Draft drawn by the Canadian Borrower and accepted by a
           ----------
     Canadian Revolving Credit Lender which is (a) denominated in Canadian
     Dollars, (b) for a term of approximately 30, 60, 90 or 180 days and which
     matures prior to the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date and (c)
     issuable and payable only in Canada; provided that to the extent the
                                          --------
     context shall require, each Acceptance Note shall be deemed to be an
     Acceptance; provided, further, that "Acceptance" includes a depository note
                 --------  -------        ----------
     within the meaning of the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada) and a
     bill of exchange within the meaning of the Bills of Exchange Act (Canada).

          "Acceptance Note": as defined in Section 5.13(b).
           ---------------

          "Acceptance Purchase Price": in respect of an Acceptance of a
           -------------------------
     specified maturity, the result (rounded to the nearest whole cent, and with
     one-half cent being rounded up) obtained by dividing (a) the face amount of
     such Acceptance by (b) the sum of (i) one and (ii) the product of (A) the
     Reference Discount Rate for Acceptances of the same maturity expressed as a
     decimal and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the term to maturity
     of such Acceptance and the denominator of which is equal to 365, where (b)
     above is rounded to the fifth decimal place and 0.000005 is rounded up to
     0.00001.

          "Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations": the obligation of the Canadian
           ------------------------------------
     Borrower to the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders (a) to reimburse such
     Lenders for maturing Acceptances pursuant to Section 5.10 and (b) to make
     payments in respect of Acceptance Notes in accordance with the terms
     thereof.

          "Acceptance Tranche": the collective reference to Acceptances, all of
           ------------------
     which were created on the same date and have the same maturity date.

          "Accounts": as to any Person, all rights to receive payment for goods
           --------
     sold or leased by such Person or for services rendered in the ordinary
     course of business of such Person to the extent not evidenced by an
     instrument or chattel paper, including any rights in, to and under all
     purchase orders or receipts now owned or hereafter acquired for goods and
     services, and all collateral security and guarantees with respect to any of
     the foregoing.
<PAGE>

                                                                               3

          "Acquisition Subordinated Debt": unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings
           -----------------------------
     that (a) is not guaranteed by any Subsidiary of Holdings, (b) provides for
     no payment of principal prior to the date which is 90 days after the final
     maturity date of the Loans, (c) so long as the Consolidated Interest
     Coverage Ratio (determined on a pro forma basis for the related Permitted
                                     --- -----
     Acquisition in the manner described in Section 11.1) is less than or equal
     to 3.50 to 1.00, does not provide for payment of interest in cash prior to
     the date which is 90 days after the final maturity date of the Loans, (d)
     is used to finance, in whole or in part, a Permitted Acquisition and (e)
     has subordination terms, covenants, events of default, defaults and other
     terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the General Administrative
     Agent.

          "Additional Tranche A Term Loan Commitment": as to any Lender, the
           -----------------------------------------
     obligation of such Lender, if any, to make an additional Tranche A Term
     Loan to the U.S. Borrower hereunder in a principal amount not to exceed the
     amount set forth under the heading "Additional Tranche A Term Loan
     Commitment" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1 to the Lender
     Addendum delivered by such Lender, as the same may be changed from time to
     time pursuant to the terms hereof. The original aggregate amount of the
     Additional Tranche A Term Loan Commitments on the Restatement Effective
     Date is U.S. $30,000,000, which amount shall be reduced on the Restatement
     Effective Date by the aggregate amount of Tranche B Term Loans which are
     not prepaid on such date because one or more Tranche B Term Loan Lenders
     declines prepayment pursuant to Section 7.5(i).

          "Adjustment Date": as defined in the Pricing Grid.
           ---------------

          "Administrative Agents": the collective reference to the General
           ---------------------
     Administrative Agent and the Canadian Administrative Agent.

          "Advance Rate": (i) with respect to Eligible Accounts, 85%, (ii) with
           ------------
     respect to Eligible Inventory (other than Mexican Inventory), valued on a
     first- in, first-out basis (at the lower of cost or market), 65% and (iii)
     with respect to Mexican Inventory, valued on a first- in, first-out basis
     (at the lower of cost or market), 40%.

          "Affiliate": as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or
           ---------
     indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control
     with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" of a Person
     means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction
     of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or
     otherwise.

          "Agents": the collective reference to the Syndication Agent, the
           ------
     Documentation Agent, the Collateral Monitoring Agent and the Administrative
     Agents, which term shall include, for purposes of Section 14 only, each
     Issuing Lender.

          "Aggregate Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments": as at any
           ---------------------------------------------------------
     date of determination with respect to all Canadian Revolving Credit
     Lenders, the U.S. Dollar
<PAGE>

                                                                               4

     Equivalent of the Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments of all
     Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders on such date.

          "Aggregate Available U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments": as at any
           -----------------------------------------------------
     date of determination thereof with respect to all U.S. Revolving Credit
     Lenders, an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to the Available U.S. Revolving
     Credit Commitments of all U.S. Revolving Credit Lenders on such date.

          "Aggregate Canadian Outstandings": as at any date of determination
           -------------------------------
     thereof with respect to any Canadian Lender, the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of
     an amount equal to the sum of (a) the Aggregate Canadian Term Loan
     Outstandings of such Lender plus (b) the aggregate amount of the Canadian
     Revolving Extensions of Credit of such Lender.

          "Aggregate Canadian Revolving Extensions of Credit": as at any date of
           -------------------------------------------------
     determination with respect to all Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders, an
     amount equal to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the Canadian Revolving
     Extensions of Credit of all Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders.

          "Aggregate Canadian Term Loan Outstandings": as at any date with
           -----------------------------------------
     respect to any Canadian Term Loan Lender, the aggregate outstanding
     principal amount of Canadian Term Loans of such Lender.

          "Aggregate Exposure Percentage": with respect to any Lender at any
           -----------------------------
     time, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of such Lender's Aggregate
     Total Outstandings at such time to the sum of the Aggregate Total
     Outstandings of all Lenders at such time.

          "Aggregate Total Outstandings": as at any date of determination with
           ----------------------------
     respect to any Lender, an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to the sum of (a)
     the Aggregate U.S. Outstandings of such Lender, plus (b) the Aggregate
     Canadian Outstandings of such Lender.

          "Aggregate U.S. Outstandings": as at any date of determination with
           ---------------------------
     respect to any Lender, an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to the sum of (a)
     the Aggregate U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit of such Lender on such
     date and (b) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such U.S. Lender's
     Term Loans on such date.

          "Aggregate U.S. Revolving Extensions Credit": as at any date of
           ------------------------------------------
     determination with respect to all U.S. Revolving Credit Lenders, an amount
     in U.S. Dollars equal to the U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit of all
     U.S. Revolving Credit Lenders.

          "Agreement": this Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement,
           ---------
     as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

          "Amendments": (a) the First Amendment, dated as of November 4, 1999,
           ----------
     the Second Amendment, dated as December 14, 1999, and the Third Amendment,
     dated as of
<PAGE>

                                                                               5

     May 15, 2000, each to the Original Credit Agreement; and (b) amendments,
     supplements or modifications hereto.

          "Applicable Margin": for each Type of Loan under each Facility, the
           -----------------
     rate per annum determined pursuant to the Pricing Grid.

          "Application": an application, in such form as the relevant Issuing
           -----------
     Lender may specify from time to time, requesting such Issuing Lender to
     issue a Letter of Credit.

          "Approved Jurisdiction": any Specified Jurisdiction in respect of
           ---------------------
     which the General Administrative Agent has received a legal opinion
     reasonably acceptable to the General Administrative Agent to the effect
     that the security interest created by the Security Documents in Accounts
     owing by account debtors located in such Specified Jurisdiction would be
     enforceable in such Specified Jurisdiction in respect of such account
     debtors.

          "Arranger": as defined in the preamble hereto.
           --------

          "Asset Sale": any Disposition of Property or series of related
           ----------
     Dispositions of Property (excluding any such Disposition permitted by
     Section 11.5 (other than (x) clause (e) thereof and (y) clause (i) thereof,
     to the extent Section 11.11 requires the proceeds of Dispositions permitted
     by Section 11.5(i) to be applied toward prepayment of the Loans and
     reduction of the Commitments)) which yields net proceeds to Holdings or any
     of its Subsidiaries (valued at the initial principal amount thereof in the
     case of non-cash proceeds consisting of notes or other debt securities and
     valued at fair market value in the case of other non-cash proceeds) in
     excess of U.S.$500,000.

          "Assignee": as defined in Section 15.6(c).
           --------

          "Assignor": as defined in Section 15.6(c).
           --------

          "Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment": with respect to any
           ----------------------------------------------
     Canadian Revolving Credit Lender at any time, an amount in U.S. Dollars
     equal to the excess, if any, of (a) such Lender's Canadian Revolving Credit
     Commitment then in effect over (b) such Lender's Canadian Revolving
                               ---
     Extensions of Credit then outstanding; provided, that (i) in calculating
                                            --------
     any Lender's (other than the Canadian Swing Line Lender's) Canadian
     Revolving Extensions of Credit for the purpose of determining such Lender's
     Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment pursuant to Section 5.5, the
     aggregate principal amount of Canadian Swing Line Loans then outstanding
     shall be deemed to be zero and (ii) in calculating the Canadian Swing Line
     Lender's Canadian Revolving Extensions of Credit for the purpose of
     determining the Canadian Swing Line Lender's Available Canadian Revolving
     Credit Commitment pursuant to Section 5.5, the Canadian Swing Line Lender's
     Canadian Revolving Extensions of Credit shall be deemed to include the
     aggregate principal amount of the Canadian Swing Line Loans then
     outstanding.
<PAGE>

                                                                               6

     "Available U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment": with respect to any U.S.
      ------------------------------------------
Revolving Credit Lender at any time, an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to the
excess, if any, of (a) such Lender's U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment then in
effect over (b) such Lender's U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit then
       ----
outstanding; provided, that (i) in calculating any Lender's (other than any
             --------
Swing Line Lender's) U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit for the purpose of
determining such Lender's Available U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment pursuant to
Section 2.9(a), the aggregate principal amount of Swing Line Loans made by such
Swing Line Lender and then outstanding shall be deemed to be zero and (ii) in
calculating any Swing Line Lender's U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit for the
purpose of determining such Swing Line Lender's Available U.S. Revolving Credit
Commitment pursuant to Section 2.9(a), such Swing Line Lender's Revolving
Extensions of Credit shall be deemed to include the aggregate principal amount
of the Swing Line Loans made by it and then outstanding.

     "Bank Act (Canada)": the Bank Act (Canada), as amended from time to time.
      -----------------

     "Benefitted Lender": as defined in Section 15.7.
      -----------------

     "Board": the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United
      -----
States (or any successor).

     "Borrowers": as defined in the preamble hereto.
      ---------

     "Borrowing Base": with respect to either Borrower, on any date of
      --------------
determination, the sum (without duplication) of (i) the product of (A) the
aggregate outstanding Eligible Accounts of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries on
such date and (B) the applicable Advance Rate, plus (ii) the product of (x) the
                                               ----
aggregate Eligible Inventory of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date,
and (y) the applicable Advance Rate; provided, that (A) not more than
                                     --------
US$2,000,000 of the Borrowing Base of the U.S. Borrower may be attributable to
Mexican Inventory and (B) not more than 50% of the Borrowing Base of either
Borrower may be attributable to Eligible Inventory. The Borrowing Base in
respect of the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower shall be as set forth in
the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by such Borrower absent
manifest error; such Borrowing Base so determined shall remain in effect until
the next determination thereof pursuant to this sentence.

     "Borrowing Base Certificate": a borrowing base certificate substantially in
      --------------------------
the form of Exhibit B-2.

     "Borrowing Date": any Business Day specified in a notice pursuant to
      --------------
Section 2.2, 2.5, 3.2, 5.2 or 5.7 as a date on which a Borrower requests the
Lenders to make Loans hereunder or, with respect to a Request for Acceptances,
the date with respect to which the Canadian Borrower has requested Canadian
Lenders to accept Drafts.

     "Business Day": (a) when such term is used in respect of a day on which a
      ------------
Loan is to be made to the Canadian Borrower or an Acceptance is to be created, a
payment is to
<PAGE>

                                                                               7

be made in respect of such Loan or Acceptance, an Exchange Rate is to be set in
respect of Canadian Dollars or any other dealing in Canadian Dollars is to be
carried out pursuant to this Agreement, or any payment or funding is to be made
in respect of any Canadian Facility, such term shall mean a day other than a
Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario are
authorized or required by law to close, (b) when such term is used to describe a
day on which a borrowing, payment or interest rate determination is to be made
in respect of a Eurodollar Loan, such day shall be a day which is also a day for
trading by and between banks in Dollar deposits in the interbank eurodollar
market and (c) when such term is used in any context in this Agreement
(including as described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b)), such term shall
mean a day which, in addition to complying with any applicable requirements set
forth in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), is a day other than a Saturday,
Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or
required by law to close.

     "Canadian Administrative Agent": The Bank of Nova Scotia, as Canadian
      -----------------------------
administrative agent for the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, and any successor thereto appointed pursuant to Section 14.9.

     "Canadian Base Rate": at any day, the higher of (a) the rate of interest
      ------------------
per annum publicly announced from time to time by the Canadian Administrative
Agent (and in effect on such day) as its reference rate for U.S. Dollar
commercial loans made in Canada, as adjusted automatically from time to time and
without notice to any of the Borrowers upon change by the Canadian
Administrative Agent and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such
day plus 1/2 of 1%.

     "Canadian Base Rate Loans": all Canadian Facility Loans denominated in
      ------------------------
U.S. Dollars that are bearing interest at a rate based upon the Canadian Base
Rate.

     "Canadian Borrower": as defined in the preamble hereto.
      -----------------

     "Canadian Borrower Obligations": all indebtedness, obligations and
      -----------------------------
liabilities of the Canadian Borrower hereunder or under the other Loan Documents
in respect of the unpaid principal of and interest on (including, without
limitation, interest accruing after the maturity of the Loans, Reimbursement
Obligations and Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations and interest accruing after
the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency,
reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Canadian Borrower, whether or
not a claim for post- filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such
proceeding) the Canadian Facility Loans, the Reimbursement Obligations in
respect of Canadian Letters of Credit and Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations,
and all other obligations and liabilities of the Canadian Borrower to any
Administrative Agent or to any Lender (or, in the case of Specified Hedge
Agreements, any affiliate of any Lender), whether direct or indirect, absolute
or contingent, due or to become due, or now existing or hereafter incurred,
which may arise under, out of, or in connection with, this Agreement, any other
Loan Document, the Canadian Letters of Credit, the Acceptances, any Specified
Hedge Agreement or any other document made, delivered or given in connection
herewith or therewith, whether on account of principal,
<PAGE>

                                                                               8

interest, reimbursement obligations, fees, indemnities, costs, expenses
(including, without limitation, all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel
to either Administrative Agent or to any Lender that are required to be paid by
the Canadian Borrower pursuant hereto) or otherwise; provided, that (i)
                                                     --------
obligations of the Canadian Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof under any
Specified Hedge Agreement shall be guaranteed hereby and secured pursuant to the
Canadian Security Documents only to the extent that, and for so long as, the
other Canadian Borrower Obligations are so secured and guaranteed and (ii) any
release of Collateral or Guarantors effected in the manner permitted by this
Agreement shall not require the consent of holders of obligations under
Specified Hedge Agreements.

     "Canadian Dollar Equivalent": with respect to an amount denominated in U.S.
      --------------------------
Dollars the equivalent in Canadian Dollars determined at the Exchange Rate.

     "Canadian Dollar Prime Rate": at any day, the greater on such day of (a)
      --------------------------
the rate per annum announced by the Canadian Administrative Agent from time to
time (and in effect on such day) as its prime rate for Canadian Dollar
commercial loans made in Canada, as adjusted automatically from time to time and
without notice to any of the Borrowers upon change by the Canadian
Administrative Agent, and (b) 1% above the CDOR Rate from time to time (and in
effect on such day), as advised by the Canadian Administrative Agent to the
Canadian Borrower from time to time pursuant hereto. The Canadian Dollar Prime
Rate is not intended to be the lowest rate of interest charged by the Canadian
Administrative Agent in connection with extensions of credit in Canadian Dollars
to debtors.

     "Canadian Dollar Prime Rate Loans ": all Canadian Facility Loans
      --------------------------------
denominated in Canadian Dollars that are bearing interest at a rate based upon
the Canadian Dollar Prime Rate.

     "Canadian Dollars" and "C$": dollars in the lawful currency of Canada.
      ----------------       --

     "Canadian Entities": the collective reference to the Canadian Borrower, any
      -----------------
Subsidiary of Holdings that holds, directly or indirectly, any Capital Stock of
the Canadian Borrower, and any Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower or any such
Subsidiary.

     "Canadian Facilities": the collective reference to the Canadian Revolving
      -------------------
Credit Facility and the Canadian Term Loan Facility.

     "Canadian Facility Guarantees": the guaranties described on Schedule 1.2.
      ----------------------------

     "Canadian Facility Loans": the collective reference to the Canadian Term
      -----------------------
Loans, the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans and the Canadian Swing Line Loans.

     "Canadian Funding Office": the office from time designated by the Canadian
      -----------------------
Administrative Agent, by notice to the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian
Lenders, as its funding office.
<PAGE>

                                                                               9

     "Canadian GAAP": generally accepted accounting principle in Canada as in
      -------------
effect from time to time except that for purposes of Section 11.1, Canadian GAAP
shall be determined on the basis of such principles in effect on the date hereof
and consistent with those used in the preparation of the most recent audited
financial statements referred to in Section 8.1.

     "Canadian Issuing Lender": any Canadian Revolving Credit Lender selected by
      -----------------------
the Canadian Borrower, with the consent of such Lender and the Administrative
Agents, to issue Canadian Letters of Credit.

     "Canadian L/C Commitment": C$1,000,000.
      -----------------------

     "Canadian L/C Obligations": at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a)
      ------------------------
the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of the then outstanding Canadian
Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate amount of drawings under Canadian
Letters of Credit that have not then been reimbursed pursuant to Section 5.6.

     "Canadian L/C Participant": with respect to each Canadian Letter of Credit,
      ------------------------
each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender other than the Issuing Lender in respect
of such Letter of Credit.

     "Canadian Lenders": the collective reference to the Canadian Revolving
      ----------------
Credit Lenders and the Canadian Term Loan Lenders.

     "Canadian Letter of Credit": as defined in Section 6.1.
      -------------------------

     "Canadian Payment Office": the office from time designated by the Canadian
      -----------------------
Administrative Agent, by notice to the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian
Lenders, as its payment office.

     "Canadian Reference Lenders": the collective reference to the Schedule I
      --------------------------
Canadian Reference Lenders and the Schedule II Canadian Reference Lenders.

     "Canadian Refunding Date": as defined in Section 5.15.
      -----------------------

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment": as to any Canadian Lender at any
      -------------------------------------
time, its obligation to make Canadian Revolving Credit Loans to, and/or create
Acceptances and discount Acceptances on behalf of (or, in lieu thereof, to make
loans pursuant to the Acceptance Notes to), the Canadian Borrower, and
participate in Canadian Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate amount not to exceed
at any one time outstanding the U.S. Dollar amount (or the Canadian Dollar
Equivalent thereof, as the case may be) equal to the sum of (a) the amount set
forth opposite such Canadian Lender's name under the heading "Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitment" on Schedule I to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender
on the Original Closing Date, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and
Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a party hereto, as such amount
may be reduced from time to time as
<PAGE>

                                                                              10

provided herein and (b) the amount set forth opposite such Canadian Lender's
name under the heading "Additional Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment" on
Schedule I to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender on the Restatement
Effective Date, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and Acceptance
pursuant to which such Lender became a party hereto, as such amount may be
reduced from time to time as provided herein. The aggregate amount of the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments on the Restatement Effective Date is
U.S.$8,437,500; provided, however, that if one or more of the Canadian Lenders
                --------  -------
provides additional Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments after the Restatement
Effective Date pursuant to Section 5.16, the Canadian Revolving Credit
Commitments shall automatically increase by the amount of such additional
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments, simultaneously with such increase;
provided, further, that in no event shall the aggregate amount of the Canadian
--------  -------
Revolving Credit Commitments be greater than $10,000,000 as a result of the
operation of Section 5.16.

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage": as to any Canadian
      -----------------------------------------------
Lender at any time, the percentage which such Canadian Lender's Canadian
Revolving Credit Commitment then constitutes of the aggregate Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitments (or, if the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments have
terminated or expired, the percentage which (a) the Canadian Revolving
Extensions of Credit of such Canadian Lender at such time constitutes of (b) the
Canadian Revolving Extensions of Credit of all Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders
at such time).

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Period": the period from and
      -------------------------------------------
including the Original Closing Date to the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination
Date.

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Facility": as defined in the definition of
      ----------------------------------
"Facility" in this Section 1.1.

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders": each Lender that has a Canadian
      ---------------------------------
Revolving Credit Commitment.

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Loan": as defined in subsection 5.1.
      ------------------------------

     "Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date": the fifth anniversary of the
      ------------------------------------------
Original Closing Date.

     "Canadian Revolving Extensions of Credit": as to any Canadian Revolving
      ---------------------------------------
Credit Lender at any time, an amount in U.S. Dollars equal to the U.S. Dollar
Equivalent of the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all Canadian
Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender then outstanding, (b) such Lender's
Canadian Revolving Credit Percentage of the Canadian L/C Obligations then
outstanding, (c) such Lender's Canadian Revolving Credit Percentage of the
aggregate undiscounted face amount of all Acceptances then outstanding created
by such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender and (d) such Lender's Canadian
Revolving Credit Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Canadian Swing
Line Loans then outstanding.
<PAGE>

                                                                              11

     "Canadian Security Documents": the security documents described in Schedule
      ---------------------------
1.2.

     "Canadian Subsidiary Guarantor": any Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower
      -----------------------------
which is a guarantor of the Canadian Borrower Obligations.

     "Canadian Swing Line Commitment": the obligation of the Canadian Swing
      ------------------------------
Line Lender to make Canadian Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 5.14 in an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed U.S.
$3,000,000.

     "Canadian Swing Line Lender": The Bank of Nova Scotia, in its capacity as
      --------------------------
the lender of Canadian Swing Line Loans.

     "Canadian Swing Line Loans": as defined in Section 5.14.
      -------------------------

     "Canadian Swing Line Participation Amount": as defined in Section 5.15.
      ----------------------------------------

     "Canadian Term Loan": as defined in Section 3.1.
      ------------------

     "Canadian Term Loan Commitment": as to any Canadian Lender at any time, its
      -----------------------------
obligation to make Canadian Term Loans to the Canadian Borrower in an aggregate
amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Canadian Lender's name
under the heading "Canadian Term Loan Commitment" on Schedule I to the Lender
Addendum delivered by such Lender, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and
Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender become a party hereto, as such amount
may be reduced from time to time as provided herein. The original aggregate
principal amount of the Canadian Term Loan Commitments on the Original Closing
Date was U.S. $15,000,000.

     "Canadian Term Loan Commitment Percentage": as to any Canadian Lender at
      ----------------------------------------
any time, (a) prior to the Original Closing Date, the percentage which such
Canadian Lender's Canadian Term Loan Commitment then constitutes of the
aggregate Canadian Term Loan Commitments and (b) after the Original Closing
Date, the percentage which (i) the Aggregate Canadian Term Loan Outstandings of
such Canadian Lender at such time constitutes of (ii) the Aggregate Canadian
Term Loan Outstandings of all Canadian Lenders at such time.

     "Canadian Term Loan Lender": each Lender that has a Canadian Term Loan
      -------------------------
Commitment or holds Canadian Term Loans.

     "CapEx Carryforward Amount": as defined in Section 11.7.
      -------------------------

     "Capital Expenditures": for any period, with respect to any Person, the
      --------------------
aggregate of all expenditures by such Person for the acquisition or leasing
(pursuant to a capital lease) of fixed or capital assets or additions to
equipment (including replacements, capitalized repairs and improvements during
such period) which are required to be capitalized under GAAP on a balance sheet
of such Person.
<PAGE>

                                                                              12

     "Capital Lease Obligations": with respect to any Person, the obligations
      -------------------------
of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other
arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a
combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and
accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP;
and, for the purposes of this Agreement, the amount of such obligations at any
time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such time determined in
accordance with GAAP.

     "Capital Stock": any and all shares, interests, participations or other
      -------------
equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all
equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation) and any
and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

     "Capital Stock Sale": any issuance and sale by Holdings after the Original
      ------------------
Closing Date of shares of its Capital Stock other than in connection with (i)
the exercise of options or warrants outstanding on the date hereof, (ii)
employee benefit arrangements, including the exercise of employee stock options
and the grant of restricted stock awards, (iii) Permitted Acquisitions, (iv) the
exchange of Exchangeable Shares, (v) the conversion of convertible shares of
Capital Stock, or (vi) the Transactions.

     "Cash Equivalents": (a) (i) with respect to the Holdings or any Domestic
      ----------------
Subsidiary, marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally
guaranteed by, the United States Government or issued by any agency thereof and
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or (ii) with respect to
any Foreign Subsidiary, marketable direct obligations issued by, or
unconditionally guaranteed by, the government of the jurisdiction of
organization of such Foreign Subsidiary or issued by any agency thereof and
backed by the full faith and credit of such government, in each case maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition; (b) certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits or overnight bank
deposits having maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition
issued by any Lender or by any commercial bank organized under the laws of the
United States of America or any state thereof having combined capital and
surplus of not less than $500,000,000 (or, in the case of any certificate of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits or
overnight time deposits of any Foreign Subsidiary, issued by any commercial bank
having capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000 (or the equivalent
thereof)); (c) commercial paper of an issuer rated at least A-2 (or the
equivalent thereof) by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") or P-2 (or
                                                            ---
the equivalent thereof) by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), or
                                                             -------
carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both
of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper
issuers generally, and maturing within one year from the date of acquisition;
(d) repurchase obligations of any Lender or of any commercial bank satisfying
the applicable requirements of clause (b) of this definition, having a term of
not more than 30 days with respect to securities of the types described in
clauses (a) and (b) of this definition; (e) securities with maturities of one
year or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any
state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any province or
territory of Canada, by any political subdivision or
<PAGE>

                                                                              13

taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth, province or territory or by
any foreign government, the securities of which state, commonwealth, province,
territory, political subdivision, taxing authority or foreign government (as the
case may be) are rated at least A (or the equivalent thereof) by S&P or A (or
the equivalent thereof) by Moody's or carry an equivalent rating by a nationally
recognized rating agency if both of the two named rating agencies cease
publishing ratings of such type generally; (f) securities with maturities of one
year or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit
issued by any Lender or any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of
clause (b) of this definition; and (g) shares of money market mutual or similar
funds which invest substantially in assets satisfying the requirements of
clauses (a) through (f) of this definition.

     "CDOR Rate": the rate per annum determined by the Canadian Administrative
      ---------
Agent by reference to the average rate quoted on the Reuters Monitor Screen,
Page "CDOR" (or such other Page as may replace such Page on such screen for the
purpose of displaying Canadian interbank bid rates for Canadian Dollar bankers'
acceptances with a 30 day term as of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) one Business Day
prior to the first day of such 30 day term. If for any reason the Reuters
Monitor Screen rates are unavailable, CDOR Rate means the rate of interest
determined by the Canadian Administrative Agent which is equal to the arithmetic
mean of the rates quoted by such reference banks as may be specified from time
to time by the Canadian Administrative Agent, after consultation with the
Canadian Borrower, in respect of Canadian Dollar bankers' acceptances with a 30
day term as of 10:00 a.m. one Business Day prior to the first day of such 30 day
term.

     "Code": the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
      ----

     "Collateral": all Property of the Loan Parties, now owned or hereafter
      ----------
acquired, upon which a Lien is purported to be created by any Security
Document.

     "Collateral Monitoring Agent": Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. together with
      ---------------------------
its affiliates, as collateral monitoring agent for the Lenders under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any successor thereto appointed
pursuant to Section 14.9.

     "Commitment": with respect to any Lender, each of the Tranche A Term Loan
      ----------
Commitment, the Additional Tranche A Term Loan Commitment, the Tranche B Term
Loan Commitment, the Tranche C Term Loan Commitment, the U.S. Revolving Credit
Commitment, the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment and the Canadian Term Loan
Commitment of such Lender.

     "Commitment Fee Rate": the rate per annum determined from time to time
      -------------------
pursuant to the Pricing Grid.

     "Commitment Percentage": any of the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment
      ---------------------
Percentage, the Tranche A Term Loan Percentage, the Tranche B Term Loan
Percentage, the Tranche C Term Loan Percentage, the Canadian Term Loan
Percentage or the Canadian Revolving Credit Percentage, as the case may be.
<PAGE>

                                                                              14

     "Commonly Controlled Entity": an entity, whether or not incorporated, that
      --------------------------
is under common control with Holdings within the meaning of Section 4001 of
ERISA or is part of a group that includes Holdings and that is treated as a
single employer under Section 414 (b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

     "Compliance Certificate": a certificate duly executed by a Responsible
      ----------------------
Officer substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1.

     "Confidential Information Package": the Confidential Information Package
      --------------------------------
dated July 14, 2000 (comprised of the Summary of Terms and Conditions dated July
13, 2000 and Management's Presentation/Amendment Proposal dated July 14, 2000)
and furnished to the Lenders in connection with the amendment and restatement of
the Existing Credit Agreement effected hereby.

     "Consolidated Cash Interest Expense": of any Person for any period, the
      ----------------------------------
Consolidated Interest Expense accrued during such period to the extent currently
payable in cash (whether during such period or thereafter).

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if during any period for which Consolidated
Cash Interest Expense is being determined with respect to a Person, such Person
shall have consummated any Permitted Acquisition (subsequent to the Pensar
Acquisition) or Disposition (other than the Transactions) then, for all purposes
of this Agreement, Consolidated Cash Interest Expense shall be determined on a
pro forma basis as if such Permitted Acquisition or Disposition (and any
Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection
with such Permitted Acquisition or repaid as a result of such Disposition) had
been made or consummated (and such Indebtedness incurred or repaid) on the first
day of such period.

     "Consolidated Current Assets": at any date, all amounts (other than cash,
      ---------------------------
Cash Equivalents and deferred income taxes) that would, in conformity with GAAP,
be set forth opposite the caption "total current assets" (or any like caption)
on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date.

     "Consolidated Current Liabilities": at any date, all amounts that would, in
      --------------------------------
conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption "total current
liabilities" (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings
and its Subsidiaries at such date, but excluding (a) the current portion of any
Funded Debt of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (including accrued and unpaid
interest), (b), without duplication, all Indebtedness hereunder (including
accrued and unpaid interest), to the extent otherwise included therein and (c)
deferred income taxes.

     "Consolidated EBITDA": of any Person for any period, Consolidated Net
      -------------------
Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period plus, without
                                                           ----
duplication and to the extent reflected as a charge in the statement of such
Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of (a) income tax expense
(including franchise taxes imposed in lieu of
<PAGE>

                                                                              15

income taxes and withholding taxes resulting from the repatriation or deemed
repatriation of income), (b) interest expense of such Person and its
Subsidiaries associated with Indebtedness (including the Loans and the Letters
of Credit) and Hedge Agreements, (c) amortization or writeoff of debt discount
and debt issuance costs and commissions, discounts and other fees and charges
associated with Indebtedness (including the Loans and the Letters of Credit) and
Hedge Agreements, (d) depreciation and amortization expense, (e) amortization of
intangibles (including, but not limited to, goodwill) and organization costs,
(f) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring expenses or losses (including,
whether or not otherwise includable as a separate item in the statement of such
Consolidated Net Income for such period, losses on sales of assets outside of
the ordinary course of business, and charges for the write-up of any step- up in
basis of inventory required in a transaction which is accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting), (g) any non-cash charges (and any related
withholding taxes) incurred during such period as a result of the exercise or
conversion of any stock options or the grant to any employee of any restricted
stock award, (h) any one-time charges associated with the Transactions or
acquisitions, (i) all amounts incurred during such period under the Management
Agreement, (j) any amounts incurred pursuant to the last sentence of Section
1.12 of the Exchange Agreement or the analogous provision in any analogous
agreement relating to the Exchangeable Shares, (k) any charges incurred during
such period in respect of employee compensation to the extent an amount equal to
such charges is applied to the purchase of Capital Stock of Holdings or
Exchangeable Shares, (l) with respect to periods prior to the Original Closing
Date, any charges for amounts other than salary paid to stockholders of the
Canadian Borrower and (m) any other non-cash charges, and minus, to the extent
                                                          -----
included in the statement of such Consolidated Net Income for such period, the
sum of (a) interest income (except to the extent deducted in determining the
amount of interest expense described in clause (b) above), (b) any
extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring income or gains (including, whether or
not otherwise includable as a separate item in the statement of such
Consolidated Net Income for such period, gains on the sales of assets outside of
the ordinary course of business) and (c) any other non-cash income, all as
determined on a consolidated basis; provided that for purposes of calculating
                                    --------
Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (x) for any period, (i) the
Consolidated EBITDA of any Person or assets acquired by Holdings or its
Subsidiaries during such period shall be included on a pro forma basis for such
period (assuming the consummation of such acquisition and the incurrence,
assumption or repayment of any Indebtedness in connection therewith occurred on
the first day of such period and adjusted for factually supportable and
identifiable pro forma cost savings for such period that are determined in
accordance with GAAP and concurred with by Holdings' independent accountants and
that are directly attributable to such acquisition) if Holdings shall deliver to
the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer setting forth
calculations required to support such pro forma adjustments and (ii) the
                                      ---------
Consolidated EBITDA of any Person Disposed of by Holdings or its Subsidiaries
during such period shall be excluded for such period (assuming the consummation
of such Disposition and the repayment of any Indebtedness in connection
therewith occurred on the first day of such period), and (y) for any period that
includes the Original Closing Date, the Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming the consummation
of the Transactions
<PAGE>

                                                                              16

and the incurrence, assumption or repayment of any Indebtedness in connection
therewith occurred on the first day of such period and making appropriate
adjustments for factually supportable and identifiable pro forma cost savings
for such period that are determined in accordance with GAAP and concurred with
by Holdings' independent accountants and that are directly attributable to the
Transactions.

     "Consolidated First Priority Debt": all Indebtedness of Holdings and the
      --------------------------------
Borrowers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents other than
Indebtedness in respect of the Tranche C Term Loans.

     "Consolidated First Priority Debt Ratio": as of the last day of any period
      --------------------------------------
of four consecutive fiscal quarters, the ratio of (a) Consolidated First
Priority Debt on such day to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries for such period.

     "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio": for any period, the ratio of (a)
      ------------------------------------
Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period to (b)
Consolidated Cash Interest Expense of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such
period.

     "Consolidated Interest Expense": of any Person for any period, total
      -----------------------------
interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Lease Obligations) of
such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding
Indebtedness of such Person and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,
all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed by such Person with
respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing and net costs of
such Person under Hedge Agreements in respect of interest rates to the extent
such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP, but
excluding any prepayment premiums or other prepayment charges to the extent
allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP); provided, that Consolidated
                                                   --------
Interest Expense shall not include pay- in-kind interest on the 2000
Subordinated Notes or any cash interest paid on the 2000 Subordinated Notes as
permitted by Section 7.5(a).

     "Consolidated Leverage Ratio": as at the last day of any period of four
      ---------------------------
consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total
Debt on such day to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for
such period.

     "Consolidated Net Income": of any Person for any period, the consolidated
      -----------------------
net income (or loss) of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, that in
                                                            --------
calculating Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and its consolidated
Subsidiaries for any period, there shall be excluded (a) the income (or deficit)
of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings or
is merged into or consolidated with Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) the
income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary of Holdings) in which
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except to the
extent that any such income is actually received by Holdings or such Subsidiary
in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (c) the undistributed
earnings of any Subsidiary of Holdings to the extent that the declaration or
payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the
time permitted by the terms of any
<PAGE>

                                                                              17

Contractual Obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of
Law applicable to such Subsidiary.

     "Consolidated Total Debt": at any date, the aggregate principal amount of
      -----------------------
all Funded Debt of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, that Consolidated Total
                                            --------
Debt shall not include the Indebtedness under the 2000 Subordinated Notes.

     "Consolidated Working Capital": at any date, the difference of (a)
      ----------------------------
Consolidated Current Assets on such date less (b) Consolidated Current
Liabilities on such date.

     "Continuing Directors": the directors of Holdings on the Restatement
      --------------------
Effective Date, after giving effect to the IPO, the Pensar Acquisition and the
other transactions contemplated hereby, and each other director of Holdings, if,
in each case, such other director's nomination for election to the board of
directors of Holdings is recommended by at least 66-2/3% of the then Continuing
Directors or such other director receives 66 b% of the votes of the Permitted
Investors in his or her election by the shareholders of Holdings.

     "Contractual Obligation": as to any Person, any provision of any security
      ----------------------
issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to
which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its Property is bound.

     "Control Investment Affiliate": as to any Person, any other Person that (a)
      ----------------------------
directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such Person and (b) is organized by such Person primarily for the
purpose of making equity or debt investments in one or more companies. For
purposes of this definition, "control" of a Person means the power, directly or
indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of
such Person, whether by contract or otherwise.

     "Default": any of the events specified in Section 13, whether or not any
      -------
requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been
satisfied.

     "Derivatives Counterparty": as defined in Section 11.6.
      ------------------------

     "Disposition": with respect to any Property, any sale, lease, sale and
      -----------
leaseback, assignment, conveyance, transfer or other disposition thereof
(excluding the sale by Holdings of its own Capital Stock); and the terms
"Dispose" and "Disposed of" shall have correlative meanings.
 -------       -----------

     "Domestic Subsidiary": any Subsidiary of Holdings organized under the laws
      -------------------
of any jurisdiction within the United States of America.

     "Draft": a draft substantially in the form of Exhibit H or in such other
      -----
form as the Canadian Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably
request (or to the
<PAGE>

                                                                              18

extent the context shall require, an Acceptance Note, delivered in lieu of a
draft), as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time
to time.

     "ECF Percentage": with respect to any fiscal year of Holdings, 50%;
      --------------
provided, that, with respect to any fiscal year of Holdings ending on a date on
--------
which the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is 3.50 to 1.0 or higher, the ECF
Percentage shall be 75%.

     "Eligible Accounts": as to any Borrower, at a particular date, all Accounts
      -----------------
of such Borrower arising in the ordinary course of business, net of reserves
required by GAAP, other than:

          (a) Accounts which are outstanding more than 90 days past the due
     date;

          (b) Accounts as to which the account debtor thereunder has not been
     sent an invoice within 60 days after shipping;

          (c) Accounts which are owed by an obligor which is an Affiliate (other
     than a Control Investment Affiliate of a Sponsor or a subsidiary of such a
     Control Investment Affiliate) or employee of such Borrower;

          (d) Accounts which are pre-petition liabilities owed by an obligor
     which has taken any of the actions or suffered any of the events of the
     kind described in Section 13(f) (other than accounts owed by Zenith
     Electronics Corporation or any of its subsidiaries);

          (e) Accounts which are owed by account debtors located outside the
     United States of America other than Canada (but excluding Newfoundland,
     Northwest Territories and Nunavut) and any other Approved Jurisdiction,
     other than such Accounts in respect of sales which are secured by standby
     letters of credit or other instruments (in form and substance satisfactory
     to the Collateral Monitoring Agent) issued or confirmed by, and payable at,
     banks satisfactory to the Collateral Monitoring Agent having a place of
     business in the United States of America or Canada and payable in U.S.
     Dollars or Canadian Dollars, which letters of credit are assigned or issued
     for the benefit of and delivered to the Collateral Monitoring Agent;
     provided that the Accounts in respect of such sales otherwise comply with
     --------
     all of the other criteria set forth in this definition of Eligible Accounts
     and represent sales not in excess of U.S. $5,000,000 in the aggregate at
     any one time outstanding;

          (f) Accounts (i) upon which such Borrower's right to receive payment
     is not absolute or is contingent upon the fulfillment of any condition
     whatsoever or (ii) as to which such Borrower is not able at the time
     Borrower intends to seek judicial recourse with respect to such Account to
     bring suit or otherwise enforce its remedies against the account debtor
     through judicial process or (iii) if the Account represents a progress
     billing consisting of an invoice for goods sold or used or services
     rendered pursuant to a contract under which the account debtor's obligation
     to pay that invoice is subject to such Borrower's completion of further
<PAGE>

                                                                              19

performance under such contract or is subject to the equitable lien of a surety
bond issuer;

          (g) any Account to the extent that any defense, counterclaim, setoff
     or dispute is asserted as to such Account;

          (h) any Account that is not a true and correct statement of bona fide
     indebtedness incurred in the amount of the Account for merchandise sold to
     or services rendered and accepted by the applicable account debtor;

          (i) any Account to the extent such Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof
     is liable for goods sold or services rendered by the applicable account
     debtor to such Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof but only to the extent of
     the potential offset;

          (j) any Account that arises with respect to goods which are delivered
     on a bill-and-hold, cash-on-delivery basis or placed on consignment,
     guaranteed sale or other terms by reason of which the payment by the
     account debtor is or may be conditional;

          (k) any Account as to which any of the representations or warranties
     pertaining to Accounts set forth in this Agreement or the Security
     Documents is untrue in any material respect;

          (l) any Account which is payable in a currency other than U.S. Dollars
     or Canadian Dollars;

          (m) Accounts which are owed by a Governmental Authority or an
     Affiliate thereof (unless, with respect to Accounts arising from sales to
     (i) the United States of America or to any agency, department or division
     thereof, such Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary thereof has complied with
     the Federal Assignment of Claims Act with respect thereto) or (ii) Canada
     or any agency, department or division thereof, such Borrower or the
     relevant Subsidiary thereof has complied with the Financial Administration
     Act (Canada); provided, that Accounts in an aggregate amount of up to
                   --------
     US$1,000,000 owed by Governmental Authorities (and in respect of which the
     relevant Borrower has not complied with the Assignment of Claims Act or the
     Financial Administration Act) shall be eligible for inclusion as Eligible
     Accounts; or

          (n) Accounts (i) which are not bona fide, valid and legally
     enforceable obligations of the parties thereto or the account debtor in
     respect thereof and which do not arise from the sale and delivery of
     Inventory or the rendition of services in the ordinary course of business
     to such parties or account debtors, (ii) as to which either such Borrower
     or (to the best of such Borrower's knowledge) any other party to such
     Account is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms
     thereof in any material respect, (iii) which are not solely owned by such
     Borrower (subject to the Lien of an Administrative Agent therein), (iv) in
<PAGE>

                                                                              20

     which such Borrower (1) has not granted a valid and continuing first lien
     and first security interest in favor of an Administrative Agent pursuant to
     the Security Documents and (2) does not have good and marketable title,
     free and clear of any and all Liens (except inchoate or similar Liens, and
     Liens created under the Security Documents) or rights of others enforceable
     as such against all other Persons, (v) as to which all action necessary
     under applicable law to protect and perfect such lien and security interest
     has not been duly taken, (vi) as to which any amounts payable under or in
     connection therewith are evidenced by promissory notes or other instruments
     except (1) instruments which constitute a part of chattel paper and which
     have been individually marked to show the Lien granted pursuant to the
     Security Documents and (2) instruments which have been delivered to an
     Administrative Agent or the Collateral Monitoring Agent on behalf of an
     Administrative Agent and (vii) as to which any security agreement,
     financing statement, equivalent security or lien instrument or continuation
     statement covering all or any part thereof is on file or of record in any
     public office, except such as may have been filed in favor of an
     Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Documents.

     "Eligible Inventory": as to any Borrower, at a particular date, all
      ------------------
Inventory of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries, net of reserves required by
GAAP; provided, that the following shall not constitute Eligible Inventory:
      --------

          (a) Inventory (A) which is not solely owned by such Borrower or a
     Subsidiary thereof; or (B) which is not located on property owned or leased
     by such Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof or in a contract warehouse or
     located at an outside contractor, except for such Inventory that is listed
     on Schedule 1.1;

          (b) (x) Inventory (other than Mexican Inventory) as to which such
     Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof has not granted a valid and continuing
     first Lien in favor of an Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security
     Documents or (y) Inventory as to which such Borrower or a Subsidiary
     thereof does not have good and marketable title, free and clear of any and
     all Liens (other than inchoate warehouseman's or similar Liens and Liens
     created pursuant to the Security Documents but including the rights of a
     purchaser that has made progress payments and the rights of a surety that
     has issued a bond to assure such Borrower's performance with respect to
     that Inventory);

          (c) Inventory as to which any security agreement, financing statement,
     equivalent security or lien instrument or continuation statement covering
     all or any part thereof is on file or of record in any public office,
     except such as may have been filed in favor of an Administrative Agent
     pursuant to the Security Documents;

          (d) Inventory (other than Mexican Inventory) which constitutes any
     supplies consisting of display items, goods present outside of the United
     States of America, Canada or Ireland, goods returned or rejected by the
     customers of such
<PAGE>

                                                                              21

     Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary (other than goods that are undamaged
     and resalable in the ordinary course of business), goods to be returned to
     the suppliers of such Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary or goods in
     transit to third parties (other than the agents or warehouses of such
     Borrower and its Subsidiaries); provided, that up to U.S.$500,000 of
                                     --------
     Inventory in transit (other than Mexican Inventory) which satisfies the
     other requirements of this definition may be included in Eligible
     Inventory;

          (e) Inventory which is placed on consignment;

          (f) Inventory which is covered by a negotiable document of title,
     unless such document has been delivered to an Administrative Agent or the
     Collateral Monitoring Agent on behalf of an Administrative Agent with all
     necessary endorsements, free and clear of all Liens except those in favor
     of an Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Documents;

          (g) Inventory which is not of a type held for sale in the ordinary
     course of such Borrower's business;

          (h) Inventory (other than Mexican Inventory) as to which the Lien
     created by the Security Documents therein is not a first priority perfected
     Lien; provided, that up to U.S.$2,500,000 of other Inventory (other than
           --------
     Mexican Inventory) which satisfies all requirements of this definition
     other than requirements relating to the existence of a first priority
     security interest therein in favor of an Administrative Agent pursuant to
     the Security Documents may be included in Eligible Inventory;

          (i) Inventory as to which any of the representations or warranties
     pertaining to Inventory (other than representations and warranties relating
     to the security interest of an Administrative Agent therein, to the extent
     such exception is permitted by the foregoing clause (h)) set forth in this
     Agreement or the Security Documents is untrue in any material respect; or

          (j) Inventory which is not covered by the casualty insurance required
     by Section 10.6.

     "Environmental Laws": any and all applicable laws, rules, orders,
      ------------------
regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, decrees, or other legally enforceable
requirements (including, without limitation, common law) of any international
authority, foreign government, the United States, or any state, local, municipal
or other governmental authority, regulating, relating to or imposing liability
or standards of conduct concerning protection of the environment or of human
health, or employee health and safety, as is now, or may at any time hereafter
be, in effect.

     "Environmental Permits": any and all permits, licenses, approvals,
      ---------------------
registrations, notifications, exemptions and other authorizations required under
any Environmental Law.
<PAGE>

                                                                              22

          "ERISA": the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
           -----
     amended from time to time.

          "Eurocurrency Reserve Requirements": for any day as applied to a
           ---------------------------------
     Eurodollar Loan, the aggregate (without duplication) of the maximum rates
     (expressed as a decimal fraction) of reserve requirements in effect on such
     day (including, without limitation, basic, supplemental, marginal and
     emergency reserves) under any regulations of the Board or other
     Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto dealing
     with reserve requirements prescribed for eurocurrency funding (currently
     referred to as "Eurocurrency Liabilities" in Regulation D of the Board)
     maintained by a member bank of the Federal Reserve System.

          "Eurodollar Base Rate": with respect to each day during each Interest
           --------------------
     Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Loan, the rate per annum determined on
     the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for a period equal to such
     Interest Period commencing on the first day of such Interest Period
     appearing on Page 3750 of the Telerate screen as of 11:00 A.M., London
     time, two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period. In
     the event that such rate does not appear on Page 3750 of the Telerate
     screen (or otherwise on such screen), the "Eurodollar Base Rate" for
                                                --------------------
     purposes of this definition shall be determined by reference to such other
     comparable publicly available service for displaying eurodollar rates as
     may be selected by the General Administrative Agent (with respect to Loans
     to the U.S. Borrower) or the Canadian Administrative Agent (with respect to
     Loans to the Canadian Borrower).

          "Eurodollar Loans": Loans for which the applicable rate of interest is
           ----------------
     based upon the Eurodollar Rate.

          "Eurodollar Rate": with respect to each day during each Interest
           ---------------
     Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Loan, a rate per annum determined for
     such day in accordance with the following formula (rounded upward to the
     nearest 1/100th of 1%):

                          Eurodollar Base Rate             1.00 - Eurocurrency
                   ----------------------------------
Reserve Requirements

          "Eurodollar Tranche ": the collective reference to Eurodollar Loans
           ------------------
     under the same Facility the then current Interest Periods with respect to
     all of which begin on the same date and end on the same later date (whether
     or not such Loans shall originally have been made on the same day).

          "Event of Default": any of the events specified in Section 13;
           ----------------
     provided that any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time,
     or both, has been satisfied.

          "Excess Cash Flow": with respect to any Person, for any fiscal year of
           ----------------
     Holdings, the difference, if any, of (a) the sum, without duplication, of
     (i) such Person's Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year, (ii) the
     amount of all non-cash charges
<PAGE>

                                                                              23

     (including depreciation and amortization) deducted in arriving at such
     Consolidated Net Income, (iii) the amount of the decrease, if any, in such
     Person's Consolidated Working Capital for such fiscal year, (iv) the
     aggregate net amount of non-cash loss on the Disposition of Property by
     such Person and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales
     of inventory in the ordinary course of business), to the extent deducted in
     arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (v) the net increase during such
     fiscal year (if any) in deferred tax accounts of such Person and its
     Subsidiaries, (vi) the amount by which such Person's Consolidated Working
     Capital was increased as a result of the payment in such fiscal year of
     items referred to in clause (b)(xv) below and (vii) any unused CapEx
     Carryforward Amount from the prior fiscal year, minus (b) the sum, without
     duplication, of (i) the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving
     at such Consolidated Net Income, (ii) the aggregate amount actually paid by
     such Person and its Subsidiaries in cash during such fiscal year on account
     of Capital Expenditures (excluding the principal amount of Indebtedness
     incurred in connection with such expenditures and any such expenditures
     financed with the proceeds of any portion of any Reinvestment Deferred
     Amount that exceeded any gain included in the determination of such
     Person's Consolidated Net Income recognized as a result of the event that
     gave rise to such Reinvestment Deferred Amount), (iii) the CapEx
     Carryforward Amount for such fiscal year, (iv) the aggregate amount of all
     prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans and Canadian
     Swing Line Loans by or on behalf of such Person during such fiscal year to
     the extent accompanying permanent optional reductions of the Revolving
     Credit Commitments, (v) the aggregate amount of all optional prepayments of
     the Term Loans and other Funded Debt during such fiscal year, (vi) the
     aggregate amount of all regularly scheduled principal payments of the Term
     Loans and other Funded Debt of such Person and its Subsidiaries made during
     such fiscal year (other than in respect of any revolving credit facility to
     the extent there is not an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments
     thereunder), (vii) the amount of the increase, if any, in such Person's
     Consolidated Working Capital for such fiscal year, (viii) the aggregate net
     amount of non-cash gain on the Disposition of Property by such Person and
     its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in
     the ordinary course of business), to the extent included in arriving at
     such Consolidated Net Income, and (ix) the net decrease during such fiscal
     year (if any) in deferred tax accounts of such Person and its Subsidiaries,
     (x) any cash payments made during such period in permanent satisfaction of
     non-current liabilities of such Person and its Subsidiaries (except any
     such liabilities that constitute Funded Debt other than Capital Lease
     Obligations), (xi) any cash payments made by such Person or its
     Subsidiaries during such fiscal year in respect of restructuring charges to
     the extent not deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, (xii)
     any Restricted Payments permitted under Section 11.6 and made by such
     Person in cash during such fiscal year, (xiii) any cash payments made
     during such fiscal year pursuant to Investments made by such Person and its
     Subsidiaries permitted under Section 11.8(d), (f) and (m) and which results
     in a net increase during such fiscal year in the outstanding or unreturned
     cash balance of such Investments, (xiv) any gain recognized as a result of
     any Asset Sale or Recovery Event to the extent such gain was included in
     determining such Consolidated Net Income and (xv) the amount of non cash
     charges that decreased such Person's Consolidated Working Capital during
     such fiscal year which resulted from
<PAGE>

                                                                              24

items that Holdings reasonably determines in good faith are expected to be paid
in cash in the immediately following fiscal year.

     "Excess Cash Flow Application Date": as defined in Section 7.5(d).
      ---------------------------------

     "Exchange Agreement": the Exchange Agreement, dated as of July 30, 1999,
      ------------------
among Holdings, the Canadian Borrower, SMTC Nova Scotia and the stockholders
listed therein.

     "Exchangeable Shares": any Capital Stock issued by the Canadian Borrower
      -------------------
that in any event is required to be exchanged for Capital Stock issued by
Holdings or which is automatically callable if all of the Indebtedness hereunder
becomes due and payable (whether by acceleration or otherwise) and is not paid
in full at such time.

     "Exchange Rate": on any date, the Bank of Canada noon spot rate on such
      -------------
date. In the event that such rate is not made available, the "Exchange Rate"
shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for
displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Canadian Administrative
Agent and the U.S. Borrower or, in the absence of such agreement, the "Exchange
Rate" shall instead be the Canadian Administrative Agent's spot rate of exchange
in the interbank market where its foreign currency exchange operations in
respect of Canadian Dollars are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 A.M.,
local time, on such date for the purchase of U.S. Dollars with Canadian Dollars,
for delivery two Business Days later; provided, that if at the time of any such
determination, no such spot rate can reasonably be quoted, the Canadian
Administrative Agent may use any reasonable method as it deems applicable to
determine such rate, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest
error.

     "Excluded Foreign Subsidiaries": any Foreign Subsidiary in respect of which
      -----------------------------
either (i) the pledge of all of the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary as
Collateral or (ii) the guaranteeing by such Subsidiary of the obligations of the
U.S. Borrower hereunder, would, in the good faith judgment of Holdings, result
in adverse tax consequences to Holdings or any Affiliate thereof.

     "Existing Credit Agreement": as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
      -------------------------

     "Extension of Credit": as to any Lender, the making of a Loan by such
      -------------------
Lender, the acceptance of a Draft or an Acceptance Note by such Lender or the
issuance of any Letter of Credit. For purposes of Section 9.2, it is expressly
understood and agreed that the following do not constitute Extensions of Credit
for purposes of this Agreement: (a) the conversions and continuations of U.S.
Facility Loans as or to Eurodollar Loans or Base Rate Loans pursuant to Section
7.2, (b) the substitution of maturing Acceptances with new Acceptances, (c) the
making of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans on any date to the extent the proceeds
thereof are applied to repay Acceptances and Acceptance Notes maturing on such
date, (d) the creation of Acceptances or Acceptance Notes on any date in an
aggregate undiscounted face amount not exceeding the aggregate principal amount
of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans repaid on such date, (e) the conversions and
<PAGE>

                                                                              25

continuation of Canadian Facility Loans as or to Eurodollar Loans pursuant to
Section 7.2.

     "Facility": each of (a) the Tranche A Term Loan Commitments (including the
      --------
Additional Tranche A Term Loan Commitments) and the Tranche A Term Loans made
thereunder (the "Tranche A Term Loan Facility"), (b) the Tranche B Term Loan
                 ----------------------------
Commitments and the Tranche B Term Loans made thereunder (the "Tranche B Term
                                                               --------------
Loan Facility"), (c) the Tranche C Term Loan Commitments and the Tranche C Term
-------------
Loans made thereunder (the "Tranche C Term Loan Facility"), (d) the U.S.
                            ----------------------------
Revolving Credit Commitments and the extensions of credit made thereunder (the
"Revolving Credit Facility"), (e) the Canadian Term Loan Commitments and the
 -------------------------
Canadian Term Loans made thereunder (the "Canadian Term Loan Facility") and (f)
                                          ---------------------------
the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments and the Canadian Revolving Credit
Loans made thereunder and the Acceptance and Acceptance Notes created thereunder
(the "Canadian Revolving Credit Facility").
      ----------------------------------

     "Federal Funds Effective Rate": for any day, the weighted average of the
      ----------------------------
rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published on the next
succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such
rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the
quotations for the day of such transactions received by the Reference Lender
from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

     "Foreign Subsidiary": any Subsidiary of Holdings that is not a Domestic
      ------------------
Subsidiary.

     "FQ1", "FQ2 ", "FQ3", and "FQ4": when used with a numerical year
      ---    ---     ---        ---
designation, means the first, second, third or fourth fiscal quarters,
respectively, of such fiscal year of Holdings. (e.g., FQ1 2000 means the first
fiscal quarter of Holdings 2000 fiscal year, which fiscal quarter ended April 2,
2000).

     "Funded Debt": with respect to any Person, all Indebtedness of such Person
      -----------
of the types described in clauses (a) through (e) of the definition of
"Indebtedness" in this Section.

     "GAAP": generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
      ----
America as in effect from time to time, except that for purposes of Section
11.1, GAAP shall be determined on the basis of such principles in effect on the
date hereof and consistent with those used in the preparation of the most recent
audited financial statements referred to in Section 8.1, except that
calculations made for purposes of determining compliance with Section 11.1 and
for purposes of determining the Applicable Margin shall be made without giving
effect to depreciation, amortization or other expenses to the extent recorded as
a result of the application of purchase accounting in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion Nos. 16 and 17.
<PAGE>

                                                                              26

     "General Administrative Agent": Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., together with
      ----------------------------
its affiliates, as general administrative agent for the Lenders under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any successor thereto appointed
pursuant to Section 14.9.

     "Governmental Authority": any nation or government, any state or other
      ----------------------
political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative,
judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

     "Guarantee and Collateral Agreement": the Amended and Restated Guarantee
      ----------------------------------
and Collateral Agreement to be executed and delivered on the Restatement
Effective Date by Holdings, the U.S. Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor,
substantially in the form of Exhibit A, as the same may be amended, supplemented
or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Guarantee Obligation": as to any Person (the "guaranteeing person"), any
      --------------------                          -------------------
obligation of (a) the guaranteeing person or (b) another Person (including,
without limitation, any bank under any letter of credit) to induce the creation
of which the guaranteeing person has issued a reimbursement, counterindemnity or
similar obligation, in either case guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any
Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (the "primary obligations")
                                                           -------------------
of any other third Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether
                                ---------------
directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of the
guaranteeing person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary
obligation or any Property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,
(ii) to advance or supply funds (1) for the purchase or payment of any such
primary obligation or (2) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the
primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the
primary obligor, (iii) to purchase Property, securities or services primarily
for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the
ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation or
(iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of any such primary
obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that the term
                                            --------  -------
Guarantee Obligation shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit
or collection or standard contractual indemnities entered into, in each case, in
the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guarantee Obligation of any
guaranteeing person shall be deemed to be the lower of (a) an amount equal to
the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which
such Guarantee Obligation is made and (b) the maximum amount for which such
guaranteeing person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument
embodying such Guarantee Obligation, unless such primary obligation and the
maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person may be liable are not stated
or determinable, in which case the amount of such Guarantee Obligation shall be
such guaranteeing person's maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect
thereof as determined by Holdings in good faith.

     "Guarantors": the collective reference to Holdings and the Subsidiary
      ----------
Guarantors.
<PAGE>

                                                                              27

     "Hedge Agreements": all interest rate or currency swaps, caps or collar
      ----------------
agreements or similar arrangements or foreign exchange contracts entered into by
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries providing for protection against
fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates or the exchange of
nominal interest obligations, either generally or under specific contingencies.

     "Indebtedness": of any Person at any date, without duplication, (a) all
      ------------
indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such
Person for the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than trade
payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of such Person's
business), (c) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, bonds,
debentures or other similar instruments, (d) all indebtedness created or arising
under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to
Property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the
seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to
repossession or sale of such Property), (e) all Capital Lease Obligations of
such Person, (f) all obligations of such Person, contingent or otherwise, as an
account party under acceptance, letter of credit or similar facilities, (g) all
Guarantee Obligations of such Person in respect of obligations of the kind
referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above; (h) all obligations of the kind
referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above secured by (or for which the holder
of such obligation has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured
by) any Lien on Property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract
rights) owned by such Person, whether or not such Person has assumed or become
liable for the payment of such obligation, (i) for the purposes of Section 13(e)
only, all obligations of such Person in respect of Hedge Agreements. The amount
of any Indebtedness under (x) clause (h) shall be equal to the lesser of (A) the
stated amount of the relevant obligations and (B) the fair market value of the
Property subject to the relevant Lien and (y) clause (i) shall be the net
amount, including any net termination payments, required to be paid to a
counterparty rather than the notional amount of the applicable Hedge Agreement.

     "Indemnified Liabilities": as defined in Section 15.5.
      -----------------------

     "Indemnitee": as defined in Section 15.5.
      ----------

     "Insolvency": with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition that
      ----------
such Plan is insolvent within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA.

     "Insolvent": pertaining to a condition of Insolvency.
      ---------

     "Intellectual Property": the collective reference to all rights, priorities
      ---------------------
and privileges relating to intellectual property, whether arising under United
States, multinational or foreign laws or otherwise, including, without
limitation, copyrights, copyright licenses, patents, patent licenses,
trademarks, trademark licenses, technology, know-how and processes, and all
rights to sue at law or in equity for any infringement or other impairment
thereof, including the right to receive all proceeds and damages therefrom.
<PAGE>

                                                                              28

     "Interest Payment Date": (a) as to any U.S. Base Rate Loan, Canadian Base
      ---------------------
Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, the last day of each March, June,
September and December to occur while such Loan is outstanding and the final
maturity date of such Loan, (b) as to any Eurodollar Loan having an Interest
Period of three months or shorter, the last day of such Interest Period, (c) as
to any Eurodollar Loan having an Interest Period longer than three months, each
day that is three months, or a whole multiple thereof, after the first day of
such Interest Period and the last day of such Interest Period and (d) as to any
Term Loan, the date of any repayment or prepayment made in respect thereof.

     "Interest Period": as to any Eurodollar Loan, (a) initially, the period
      ---------------
commencing on the borrowing or conversion date, as the case may be, with respect
to such Eurodollar Loan and ending one, two, three or six or (if available to
all Lenders under the relevant Facility) nine or twelve months thereafter, as
selected by the relevant Borrower in its notice of borrowing or notice of
conversion, as the case may be, given with respect thereto; and (b) thereafter,
each period commencing on the last day of the next preceding Interest Period
applicable to such Eurodollar Loan and ending one, two, three or six or (if
available to all Lenders under the relevant Facility) nine or twelve months
thereafter, as selected by the relevant Borrower by irrevocable notice to the
General Administrative Agent (or the Canadian Administrative Agent, in the case
of Canadian Facility Loans) not less than three Business Days prior to the last
day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto; provided that, all
                                                              --------
of the foregoing provisions relating to Interest Periods are subject to the
following:

               (i)   if any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day that is
     not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next
     succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to
     carry such Interest Period into another calendar month in which event such
     Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day;

               (ii)  any Interest Period in respect of Loans under any Facility
     that would otherwise extend beyond the date final payment is due on such
     Loans shall end on such due date;

               (iii) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of
     a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically
     corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period)
     shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such
     Interest Period; and

               (iv)  Interest Periods of one week's duration may be selected
     prior to the Syndication Date.

     "Inventory": as to any Person, any "inventory" (as such term is defined in
      ---------
Section 9-109(4) of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date hereof
in the State of New York) now or hereafter owned by such Person.
<PAGE>

                                                                              29

     "Investments": as defined in Section 11.8.
      -----------

     "IPO": the collective reference to (i) the initial public offering of
      ---
common stock of Holdings to be consummated on or before August 10, 2000 and (ii)
the initial public offering of Exchangeable Shares to be consummated on or
before August 10, 2000, which offerings together are to yield gross cash
proceeds of at least U.S. $125,000,000. Any shares of common stock of Holdings
and any Exchangeable Shares issued pursuant to the over allotment option, if
exercised by the underwriters in connection with the IPO, shall be deemed to
have been sold as a part of the IPO.

     "Issuing Lender": any U.S. Issuing Lender or Canadian Issuing Lender.
      --------------

     "L/C Fee Payment Date": the last day of each March, June, September and
      --------------------
December and the last day of the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period or the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Period, as the case may be.

     "L/C Participants": the collective reference to the U.S. L/C Participants
      ----------------
and the Canadian L/C Participants.

     "Lehman Entity": any of Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. or any of its
      -------------
affiliates (including Syndicated Loan Funding Trust).

     "Lender Addendum": with respect to (a) any initial Lender that became a
      ---------------
party to the Existing Credit Agreement on the Original Closing Date, (b) each
Lender that becomes a party hereto on the Restatement Effective Date and (c)
each Lender that consents to the amendment and restatement of the Existing
Credit Agreement on the Restatement Effective Date pursuant to this Agreement, a
Lender Addendum, substantially in the form of Exhibit M, executed and delivered
by such Lender on the Original Closing Date or the Restatement Effective Date,
as the case may be, as provided in Section 15.17.

     "Lenders": as defined in the preamble hereto.
      -------

     "Letters of Credit": as defined in Section 6.1.
      -----------------

     "Lien": any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
      ----
arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge or other security
interest or any preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential
arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever, in each case, for the purpose of
securing any obligation of any Person (including, without limitation, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement and any capital lease having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

     "Loan": any loan made by any Lender pursuant to this Agreement.
      ----

     "Loan Documents": this Agreement, the Security Documents, the Applications,
      --------------
the Notes, the Acceptances and the Acceptance Notes.
<PAGE>

                                                                              30

     "Loan Parties": Holdings, each Borrower and each Subsidiary of Holdings
      ------------
that is a party to a Loan Document.

     "Majority Facility Lenders": with respect to any Facility, the holders of
      -------------------------
more than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal and/or face amount of the
Extensions of Credit under such Facility (or, in the case of the U.S. Revolving
Credit Facility or the Canadian Revolving Credit Facility, prior to the
termination of the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments or the Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitments, respectively, the holders of more than 50% of the total U.S.
Revolving Credit Commitments or the total Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments,
respectively).

     "Management Agreement": the Management Agreement between Holdings, Bain
      --------------------
Capital Partners VI, L.P., Celerity Management Co., Inc. and Kilmer Electronics
Group Limited, dated as of July 30, 1999.

     "Material Adverse Effect": a material adverse effect on (a) the
      -----------------------
Transactions, (b) the business, assets, property or financial condition of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (c) the validity or
enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or the
material rights or remedies, taken as a whole, of the Agents or the Lenders
hereunder or thereunder.

     "Materials of Environmental Concern": any gasoline or petroleum (including
      ----------------------------------
crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum products, polychlorinated
biphenyls, urea-formaldehyde insulation, asbestos, pollutants, contaminants,
radioactivity, and any other substances or forces of any kind, whether or not
any such substance or force is defined as hazardous or toxic under any
Environmental Law, that is regulated pursuant to or could give rise to liability
under any Environmental Law.

     "Material Subsidiary": any Subsidiary with assets as of or revenues for the
      -------------------
most recently concluded period of four fiscal quarters of, greater than
$1,000,000.

     "Mexican Inventory": Inventory of the U.S. Borrower which satisfies all
      -----------------
requirements of the definition of Eligible Inventory in this Section 1.1 except
the requirements set forth in subsections (b), (d) and (h) of such definition.

     "Multiemployer Plan": a Plan that is a multiemployer plan as defined in
      ------------------
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

     "Net Cash Proceeds": (a) in connection with any Asset Sale or any Recovery
      -----------------
Event, the proceeds thereof in the form of cash and Cash Equivalents (including
any such proceeds received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a
note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or
otherwise, but only as and when received and excluding the portion of such
deferred payment constituting interest) of such Asset Sale or Recovery Event,
net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, investment banking fees, amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of
<PAGE>

                                                                              31

Indebtedness secured by a Lien expressly permitted hereunder on any asset which
is the subject of such Asset Sale or Recovery Event (other than any Lien
pursuant to a Security Document) and other customary costs, fees and expenses
actually incurred in connection therewith and net of taxes paid or reasonably
estimated to be payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any
available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements) and net of
amounts deposited in escrow in connection therewith or reasonably expected to be
paid as a result of any purchase price adjustment, indemnities or reserves
related thereto (such amounts shall be Net Cash Proceeds to the extent and at
the time released or not required to be so used) and, (b) in connection with any
issuance or sale of equity securities or debt securities or instruments or the
incurrence of loans, the cash proceeds received from such issuance or
incurrence, net of attorneys' fees, investment banking fees, accountants' fees,
underwriting discounts and commissions and other customary fees and expenses
actually incurred in connection therewith.

     "Non-Excluded Taxes": as defined in Section 7.13(a).
      ------------------

     "Non-U.S. Lender": as defined in Section 7.13(d). "Note": any promissory
      ---------------
note evidencing any Loan.

     "OECD": Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. "Original
      ----
Closing Date": July 30, 1999. "Original Credit Agreement": as defined in the
Recitals to this Agreement.

     "Original Guarantee and Collateral Agreement": the Guarantee and Collateral
      -------------------------------------------
Agreement referred to in the Original Credit Agreement.

     "Other Taxes": any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or
      -----------
any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any
payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or
otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     "Participant": as defined in Section 6.6(b).
      -----------

     "Payment Amount": as defined in Section 6.5.
      --------------

     "PBGC": the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to
      ----
Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA (or any successor).

     "Pensar": as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
      ------

     "Pensar Acquisition": as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.
      ------------------
<PAGE>

                                                                              32

     "Pensar Acquisition Agreement": the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of
      ----------------------------
May 23, 2000, between Holdings and the shareholders of Pensar.

     "Pensar Acquisition Documentation": collectively, the Pensar Acquisition
      --------------------------------
Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, annexes and amendments thereto and all
side letters and agreements affecting the terms thereof or entered into in
connection therewith, in each case, as amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time.

     "Permitted Acquisition": (i) the Pensar Acquisition and (ii) any
      ---------------------
acquisition by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries of all or substantially all
of the Capital Stock, or substantially all of the assets, of any Person, or of
all or substantially all of the assets constituting a division or business line
of any Person, if such acquisition complies with the following criteria:

          (a) No Default or Event of Default shall be in effect after giving
     effect to such acquisition, and Holdings shall have delivered to the
     General Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer to such
     effect.

          (b) After giving effect to the consummation of such acquisition and to
     the incurrence of any Indebtedness associated therewith, (i) the
     Consolidated Leverage Ratio (determined in the manner described in Section
     11.1) shall be not greater than .25 less than the highest Consolidated
     Leverage Ratio permitted at such time by Section 11.1(a) (e.g., if Section
     11.1(a) permits a Consolidated Leverage Ratio of 4.00 to 1.00 at the time
     of such acquisition, this paragraph (b) requires that the Consolidated
     Leverage Ratio shall be not greater than 3.75 to 1.0), and (ii) the
     Consolidated First Priority Debt Ratio (determined in the manner described
     in Section 11.1) shall be not greater than .25 less than the highest
     Consolidated First Priority Debt permitted at such time by Section 11.1(b)
     (e.g., if Section 11.1(b) permits a Consolidated First Priority Debt Ratio
     of 3.50 to 1.00 at the time of such acquisition, this paragraph (b)
     requires that the Consolidated First Priority Debt Ratio shall be not
     greater than 3.25 to 1.0).

          (c) The Person, division or line of business acquired in such
     acquisition (the "Target") shall be in the same or a similar line of
                       ------
     business as Holdings and its Subsidiaries, or in a line of business related
     thereto.

          (d) Prior to the consummation of such acquisition (i) the Lenders
     shall have received (x) financial projections in respect of the Target for
     the one-year period following the consummation of such acquisition and (y)
     such financial information as they shall reasonably request to demonstrate
     pro forma compliance with the financial criteria set forth in paragraph (b)
     --- -----
     above, (ii) the Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied with the
     environmental affairs of the Person, division or line of business to be
     acquired in such acquisition, (iii) the General Administrative Agent shall
     have received final copies of the documentation to be executed in
     connection with such acquisition, including all schedules and exhibits
     thereto and (iv) the General Administrative Agent (for distribution to the
     Lenders) shall have
<PAGE>

                                                                              33

     received notice of the closing date for such acquisition; provided, that,
                                                               --------
     such notice shall be given at least five Business Days prior to such
     closing date unless doing so would materially interfere with, or would
     cause materially adverse economic consequences with respect to, the
     consummation of such acquisition.

          (e)(i) After giving effect to any such acquisition made by the
     Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the Available Canadian
     Revolving Credit Commitment shall be at least U.S.$2,000,000 or (ii) after
     giving effect to any such acquisition made by the U.S. Borrower or any of
     its Subsidiaries, the sum of the Available U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment
     and the Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment shall be at least
     U.S.$15,000,000.

          (f)(i) The aggregate fair market value of the consideration payable by
     Holdings and its Subsidiaries in connection with any such acquisition shall
     not exceed U.S.$35,000,000 and (ii) the aggregate fair market value of
     consideration payable by Holdings and its Subsidiaries in connection with
     all such acquisitions shall not exceed U.S.$100,000,000 in any fiscal year.

          (g) All of the consideration payable by Holdings and its Subsidiaries
     in connection with any such acquisition shall be either (i) common stock of
     Holdings and/or Exchangeable Shares, (ii) Specified Equity Proceeds
     received by Holdings and/or the Canadian Borrower not more than 90 days
     prior to the date of such acquisition, (iii) cash consideration (other than
     Specified Equity Proceeds), provided that not more than U.S.$35,000,000 of
                                 --------
     such cash consideration may be paid in any fiscal year pursuant to this
     clause (iii) or (iv) a combination of the forms of consideration described
     in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (g).

     "Permitted Investors": the collective reference to each Sponsor and its
      -------------------
Control Investment Affiliates and the SMT Investors.

     "Permitted Seller Debt": unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings issued in
      ---------------------
connection with a Permitted Acquisition to the seller party to such Permitted
Acquisition, provided, that (a) such Indebtedness shall not be guaranteed by any
Subsidiary of Holdings and (b) such Indebtedness shall have subordination and
other terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the General Administrative
Agent.

     "Person": an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability
      ------
company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association,
joint venture, Governmental Authority or other entity of whatever nature.

     "Plan": at a particular time, any employee benefit plan that is covered by
      ----
ERISA and in respect of which the Borrower or a Commonly Controlled Entity is
(or, if such plan were terminated at such time, would under Section 4069 of
ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
<PAGE>

                                                                              34

     "Powers of Attorney": as defined in Section 5.7(b).
      ------------------

     "Prepayment Option Notice": as defined in Section 7.5(i).
      ------------------------

     "Pricing Grid": the pricing grid attached hereto as Annex A.
      ------------

     "Pro Forma Balance Sheet": as defined in Section 8.1(a).
      -----------------------

     "Projections": as defined in Section 10.2(c).
      -----------

     "Property": any right or interest in or to property of any kind whatsoever,
      --------
whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, including,
without limitation, Capital Stock.

     "Recovery Event": any settlement of or payment in respect of any property
      --------------
or casualty insurance claim or any condemnation proceeding relating to any asset
of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries with a value in excess of $500,000.

     "Reference Discount Rate": on any date with respect to each Draft requested
      -----------------------
to be accepted by a Canadian Lender, (a) if such Canadian Lender is a Schedule I
Canadian Lender, the arithmetic average of the discount rates (expressed as a
percentage calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days and rounded upward to
the nearest one- hundredth of 1%) quoted by the Toronto offices of each of the
Schedule I Canadian Reference Lenders, at 10:00 A.M. (Toronto time) on the
Borrowing Date as the discount rate at which each such Schedule I Canadian
Reference Lender would, in the normal course of its business, purchase on such
date its own Acceptances having an aggregate face amount and term to maturity as
designated by the Canadian Borrower pursuant to Section 4.6 or Section 5.7, as
the case may be, and (b) if such Canadian Lender is a Schedule II Canadian
Lender, the arithmetic average of the discount rates (expressed as a percentage
calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days and rounded upward to the nearest
one-hundredth of 1%) quoted by the Toronto offices of each of the Schedule II
Canadian Reference Lenders, at 10:00 A.M. (Toronto time) on the Borrowing Date
as the discount rate at which each such Schedule II Canadian Reference Lender
would, in the normal course of its business, purchase on such date its own
Acceptances having an aggregate face amount and term to maturity as designated
by the Canadian Borrower pursuant to Section 4.6 or Section 5.7, as the case may
be. The Canadian Administrative Agent shall advise the Canadian Borrower and the
relevant Canadian Lenders, either in writing or verbally, by 11:00 A.M. (Toronto
time) on the Borrowing Date as to the applicable Reference Discount Rate and
corresponding Acceptance Purchase Price in respect of Acceptances having the
maturities selected by the Canadian Borrower for such Borrowing Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian
Administrative Agent and the Canadian Lenders, may agree upon alternative
methods of determining the Reference Discount Rate from time to time.

     "Refunded Canadian Swing Line Loans": as defined in Section 5.15.
      ----------------------------------
<PAGE>

                                                                              35

     "Refunded Swing Line Loans": as defined in Section 2.7.
      -------------------------

     "Refunding Date": as defined in Section 2.7.
      --------------

     "Register": as defined in Section 15.6(d).
      --------

     "Regulation H": Regulation H of the Board as in effect from time to time.
      ------------

     "Regulation U": Regulation U of the Board as in effect from time to time.
      ------------

     "Reimbursement Obligation": the obligations of the relevant Borrower
      ------------------------
pursuant to Section 6.5 to reimburse the relevant Issuing Lender in respect of
any Letter of Credit issuer for such Borrower's account.

     "Reinvestment Deferred Amount": with respect to any Reinvestment Event, the
      ----------------------------
aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in
connection therewith that are not applied to prepay the Loans or reduce the
Commitments pursuant to Section 7.5 as a result of the delivery of a
Reinvestment Notice.

     "Reinvestment Event": any Asset Sale or Recovery Eve nt in respect of
      ------------------
which Holdings has delivered a Reinvestment Notice.

     "Reinvestment Notice": a written notice executed by a Responsible Officer
      -------------------
stating that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and
that Holdings (directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary) intends and expects
to use all or a specified portion of the Net Cash Proceeds of an Asset Sale or
Recovery Event to acquire assets (directly or through the purchase of the
Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) useful in the business of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.

     "Reinvestment Prepayment Amount": with respect to any Reinvestment Event,
      ------------------------------
the Reinvestment Deferred Amount relating thereto less any amount expended prior
to the relevant Reinvestment Prepayment Date to acquire assets (directly or
through the purchase of the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets)
useful in the business of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.

     "Reinvestment Prepayment Date": with respect to any Reinvestment Event, the
      ----------------------------
earlier of (a) the date occurring one year after such Reinvestment Event and (b)
the date on which Holdings shall have determined not to, or shall have otherwise
ceased to, acquire assets (directly or through the purchase of the Capital Stock
of any Person owning such assets) useful in the business of Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries with all or any portion of the relevant Reinvestment Deferred
Amount.

     "Reorganization": with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition
      --------------
that such plan is in reorganization within the meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA.
<PAGE>

                                                                              36

     "Replacement Subordinated Debt": unsecured Indebtedness of Holdings that
      -----------------------------
(a) is not guaranteed by any Subsidiary of Holdings, (b) has a final maturity no
earlier than the final maturity of the Tranche C Term Loans, (c) amortizes at a
rate no faster than the Tranche C Term Loans, (d) has an annual interest expense
no greater than the interest expense in respect of the Tranche C Term Loans
during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of issuance of
such subordinated debt and (e) has subordination terms, covenants, events of
default, defaults and other terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the
General Administrative Agent.

     "Reportable Event": any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of
      ----------------
ERISA, other than those events as to which the thirty day notice period is
waived under subsections .27, .28, .29, .30, .31, .32, .34 or .35 of PBGC Reg.
(S) 4043.

     "Request for Acceptances": as defined in Section 5.7(a).
      -----------------------

     "Required Lenders": at any time, the holders of more than 50% of (a) until
      ----------------
the Restatement Effective Date, the Commitments and (b) thereafter, the sum of
(i) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loans then outstanding and
(ii) the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments and Canadian Revolving Credit
Commitments then in effect or, if the Commitments have been terminated, the
Aggregate U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit and Aggregate Canadian Revolving
Extensions of Credit of all Lenders then outstanding.

     "Required Prepayment Lenders": the Majority Facility Lenders in respect of
      ---------------------------
each Facility (other than the Tranche C Term Loan Facility).

     "Requirement of Law": as to any Person, the certificate of incorporation
      ------------------
and by- laws or other organizational or governing documents of suc h Person, and
any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court
or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such
Person or any of its Property or to which such Person or any of its Property is
subject.

     "Responsible Officer": with respect to any Person, the chief executive
      -------------------
officer, president, executive vice president, senior vice president--finance,
vice president--finance or chief financial officer of such Person, but in any
event, with respect to financial matters, the executive vice president, senior
vice president--finance, vice president--finance or chief financial officer of
such Person. When any provision of this Agreement requires an action by a
Responsible Officer, such action may be taken by a Responsible Officer of
Holdings or Responsible Officers of both Borrowers.

     "Restatement Effective Date": the date, on or before August 1, 2000, on
      --------------------------
which the conditions precedent set forth in Section 9.2 shall be satisfied or
waived.

     "Restricted Payments": as defined in Section 11.6.
      -------------------
<PAGE>

                                                                              37

     "Revolving Credit Commitments": the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments, the
      ----------------------------
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments, the Swing Line Commitment and the
Canadian Swing Line Commitment.

     "Schedule I Canadian Lender": each Canadian Lender listed on Schedule I to
      --------------------------
the Bank Act (Canada).

     "Schedule I Canadian Reference Lenders": one or more Schedule I Canadian
      -------------------------------------
Lenders selected by the Canadian Borrower with the consent of all Schedule I
Canadian Lenders.

     "Schedule II Canadian Lender": each Canadian Lender which is not a Schedule
      ---------------------------
I Canadian Lender.

     "Schedule II Canadian Reference Lenders": one or more Schedule II Canadian
      --------------------------------------
Lenders selected by the Canadian Borrower with the consent of all the Schedule
II Canadian Lenders.

     "SEC ": the Securities and Exchange Commission (or successors thereto or an
      ---
analogous Governmental Authority).

     "Security Documents": the collective reference to the Guarantee and
      ------------------
Collateral Agreement, the Canadian Security Documents, the Canadian Facility
Guarantees and all other security documents hereafter delivered to the General
Administrative Agent or the Canadian Administrative Agent granting a Lien on any
Property of any Person to secure the obligations and liabilities of any Loan
Party under any Loan Document.

     "Single Employer Plan": any Plan that is covered by Title IV of ERISA, but
      --------------------
which is not a Multiemployer Plan.

     "SMT Investors": the shareholders of the Canadian Borrower that became
      -------------
shareholders of Holdings pursuant to the Transactions.

     "SMTC Nova Scotia": SMTC Nova Scotia Company, a Nova Scotia unlimited
      ----------------
liability company which is the immediate parent company of the Canadian
Borrower.

     "Solvent": with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination,
      -------
(a) the amount of the "present fair saleable value" of the assets of such Person
will, as of such date, exceed the amount of all "liabilities of such Person,
contingent or otherwise", as of such date, as such quoted terms are determined
in accordance with applicable federal and state laws governing determinations of
the insolvency of debtors, (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets of
such Person will, as of such date, be greater than the amount that will be
required to pay the liability of such Person on its debts as such debts become
absolute and matured, (c) such Person will not have, as of such date, an
unreasonably small amount of capital with which to conduct its business, and (d)
such Person will be able to pay its debts as they mature. For purposes of this
definition, (i)
<PAGE>

                                                                              38

"debt" means liability on a "claim", (ii) "claim" means any (x) right to
payment, whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated,
unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed,
legal, equitable, secured or unsecured or (y) right to an equitable remedy for
breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether
or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed,
contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured and
(iii) the Borrower may assume, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing at the time such assumption is made, that all or
a portion of the outstanding Term Loans will be refinanced at the maturity
thereof.

     "Specified Equity Proceeds": with respect to any public offering by
      -------------------------
Holdings of common stock and/or by the Canadian Borrower of Exchangeable Shares
consummated after the consummation of the IPO, up to $35,000,000 of the Net Cash
Proceeds of such offering.

     "Specified Hedge Agreement": any Hedge Agreement (a) entered into by (i)
      -------------------------
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) any Lender or any affiliate
thereof, as counterparty and (b) that has been designated by such Lender and
Holdings, by notice to the General Administrative Agent, as a Specified Hedge
Agreement. The designation of any Hedge Agreement as a Specified Hedge Agreement
shall not create in favor of the Lender or affiliate thereof that is a party
thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any
Collateral or of the obligations of any Guarantor under the Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement.

     "Specified Jurisdiction": any of (a) any country that is a member of the
      ----------------------
OECD and (b) Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea.

     "Sponsor": each of Bain Capital and Celerity Partners.
      -------

     "Subsidiary": as to any Person, a corporation, partnership, limited
      ----------
liability company or other entity of which shares of stock or other ownership
interests having ordinary voting power (other than stock or such other ownership
interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to
elect a majority of the board of directors or other managers of such
corporation, partnership or other entity are at the time owned, or the
management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly through one
or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise qualified, all
references to a "Subsidiary" or to "Subsidiaries" in this Agreement shall refer
to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

     "Subsidiary Guarantor": each Subsidiary of Holdings other than any Excluded
      --------------------
Foreign Subsidiary.

     "Swing Line Commitment": the obligation of the Swing Line Lender to make
      ---------------------
Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.6 in an aggregate principal amount at any
one time outstanding not to exceed U.S. $10,000,000.
<PAGE>

                                                                              39

     "Swing Line Lender": the collective reference to Lehman Commercial Paper
      -----------------
Inc. and Comerica Bank, in their respective capacities as the lender of Swing
Line Loans.

     "Swing Line Loans": as defined in Section 2.6.
      ----------------

     "Swing Line Participation Amount": as defined in Section 2.7.
      -------------------------------

     "Tax Act": the Income Tax Act (Canada), as amended from time to time.
      -------

     "Term Loans": the collective reference the U.S. Term Loans and the
      ----------
Canadian Term Loans.

     "Tranche A Term Loan": as defined in Section 2.1.
      -------------------

     "Tranche A Term Loan Commitment": as to any Lender, the obligation of such
      ------------------------------
Lender, if any, to make a Tranche A Term Loan to the U.S. Borrower hereunder in
a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the heading "Tranche
A Term Loan Commitment" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1 to the Lender
Addendum delivered by such Lender, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and
Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a party hereto, as the same may
be changed from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. The original
aggregate amount of the Tranche A Term Loan Commitments on the Original Closing
Date was, and the outstanding aggregate principal amount immediately prior to
the Restatement Effective Date is, U.S. $20,000,000.

     "Tranche A Term Loan Facility": as defined in the definition of "Facility"
      ----------------------------
in this Section 1.1.

     "Tranche A Term Loan Lender": each Lender that has a Tranche A Term Loan
      --------------------------
Commitment or is the holder a Tranche A Term Loan.

     "Tranche A Term Loan Percentage": as to Tranche A Term Loan Lender at any
      ------------------------------
time, the percentage which such Lender's Tranche A Term Loan Commitment then
constitutes of the aggregate Tranche A Term Loan Commitments (or, at any time
after the Original Closing Date, the percentage which the aggregate principal
amount of such Lender's Tranche A Term Loans then outstanding constitutes of the
aggregate principal amount of the Tranche A Term Loans then outstanding).

     "Tranche B Term Loan": as defined in Section 2.1.
      -------------------

     "Tranche B Term Loan Commitment": as to each Tranche B Term Loan Lender,
      ------------------------------
the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Tranche B Term Loan to the U.S.
Borrower hereunder in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth
under the heading "Tranche B Term Loan Commitment" opposite such Lender's name
on Schedule 1 to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender, or, as the case
may be, in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a
party hereto, as the
<PAGE>

                                                                              40

same may be changed from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. The original
aggregate amount of the Tranche B Term Loan Commitments on the Original Closing
Date was, and the outstanding aggregate principal amount immediately prio r to
the Restatement Effective Date is, U.S.$50,000,000.

     "Tranche B Term Loan Facility": as defined in the definition of "Facility"
      ----------------------------
in this Section 1.1.

     "Tranche B Term Loan Lender": each Lender that has a Tranche B Term Loan
      --------------------------
Commitment or is the holder of a Tranche B Term Loan.

     "Tranche B Term Loan Percentage": as to any Lender at any time, the
      ------------------------------
percentage which such Lender's Tranche B Term Loan Commitment then constitutes
of the aggregate Tranche B Term Loan Commitments (or, at any time after the
Original Closing Date, the percentage which the aggregate principal amount of
such Lender's Tranche B Term Loans then outstanding constitutes of the aggregate
principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans then outstanding).

     "Tranche C Term Loan": as defined in Section 2.1.
      -------------------

     "Tranche C Term Loan Commitment": as to Tranche C Term Loan Lender, the
      ------------------------------
obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Tranche C Term Loan to the Borrower
hereunder in a principal amount not to exceed the amount set forth under the
heading "Tranche C Term Loan Commitment" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule
1 to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender, or, as the case may be, in
the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a party
hereto, as the same may be changed from time to time pursuant to the terms
hereof. The original aggregate amount of the Tranche C Term Loan Commitments on
the Original Closing Date was U.S. $10,000,000.

     "Tranche C Term Loan Facility": as defined in the definition of "Facility"
      ----------------------------
in this Section 1.1.

     "Tranche C Term Loan Lender": each Lender that has a Tranche C Term Loan
      --------------------------
Commitment or is the holder of a Tranche C Term Loan.

     "Tranche C Term Loan Percentage": as to any Lender at any time, the
      ------------------------------
percentage which such Lender's Tranche C Term Loan Commitment then constitutes
of the aggregate Tranche C Term Loan Commitments (or, at any time after the
Original Closing Date, the percentage which the principal amount of such
Lender's Tranche C Term Loan then outstanding constitutes of the aggregate
principal amount of the Tranche C Term Loans then outstanding).

     "Transactions": the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
      ------------
Documentation that were consummated on or before the Original Closing Date.
<PAGE>

                                                                              41

     "Transaction Agreement": the Reorganization and Merger Agreement, dated as
      ---------------------
of July 26, 1999, by and among Holdings, the U.S. Borrower, the Canadian
Borrower, EMSIcon Investments, LLC and the stockholders listed therein.

     "Transaction Documentation": collectively, each Transaction Agreement and
      -------------------------
each "Document" (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and all schedules,
exhibits, annexes and amendments thereto and all side letters and agreements
affecting the terms thereof or entered into in connection therewith, in each
case, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

     "Transferee": as defined in Section 5.15.
      ----------

     "2000 Subordinated Notes": U.S.$5,000,000 (plus the aggregate principal
      -----------------------
amount of unsecured subordinated notes issued as pay- in-kind interest)
aggregate principal amount of unsecured subordinated notes issued by Holdings
for cash at par on May 18, 2000 pursuant to the Senior Subordinated Loan
Agreement dated as of May 18, 2000 among Holdings and the lenders listed
therein.

     "2000 Warrants": warrants issued by Holdings on May 18, 2000 to purchase
      -------------
common stock of Holdings pursuant to the Warrant Subscription Agreement, dated
as of May 18, 2000 between Holdings and each of certain investors.

     "Type": (a) as to any U.S. Facility Loan, its nature as a U.S. Base Rate
      ----
Loan or a Eurodollar Loan and (b) as to any Canadian Facility Loan, its nature
as a Eurodollar Loan, a Canadian Base Rate Loan or a Canadian Prime Rate Loan.

     "U.S. Base Rate": for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if
      ---------------
necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) the U.S. Prime
Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on
such day plus  1/2 of 1%. For purposes hereof: "U.S. Prime Rate" shall mean the
                                                ---------------
rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by the U.S.
Reference Lender as its prime or base rate in effect at its principal office in
New York City (the U.S. Prime Rate not being intended to be the lowest rate of
interest charged by the U.S. Reference Lender in connection with extensions of
credit to debtors). Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the U.S.
Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective as of the
opening of business on the effective day of such change in the U.S. Prime Rate
or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.

     "U.S. Base Rate Loans": U.S. Facility Loans for which the applicable rate
      --------------------
of interest is based upon the Base Rate.

     "U.S. Borrower": as defined in the Preamble.
      -------------

     "U.S. Dollar Equivalent": with respect to an amount denominated in Canadian
      ----------------------
Dollars, the equivalent in U.S. Dollars determined at the Exchange Rate.
<PAGE>

                                                                              42

     "U.S. Dollars" and "U.S.$": lawful currency of the United States of
      ------------       -----
America.

     "U.S. Facilities": the collective reference to the U.S. Term Loan
      ---------------
Facilities and the U.S. Revolving Credit Facility.

     "U.S. Facility Loans": the collective reference to the U.S. Term Loans, the
      -------------------
U.S. Revolving Credit Loans and the Swing Line Loans.

     "U.S. Funding Office": the office specified from time to time by the
      -------------------
General Administrative Agent as its funding office by notice to the U.S.
Borrower and the U.S. Lenders.

     "U.S. L/C Commitment": U.S.$2,000,000.
      -------------------

     "U.S. L/C Obligations": at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the
      --------------------
aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of the then outstanding U.S. Letters
of Credit and (b) the aggregate amount of drawings under U.S. Letters of Credit
that have not then been reimbursed pursuant to Section 5.6.

     "U.S. L/C Participant": with respect to each U.S. Letter of Credit, each
      --------------------
U.S. Revolving Credit Lender other than the Issuing Lender in respect of such
Letter of Credit.

     "U.S. Letter of Credit": as defined in Section 6.1.
      ---------------------

     "U.S. Issuing Lender": any U.S. Revolving Credit Lender selected by the
      -------------------
U.S. Borrower, with the consent of such Lender and the General Administrative
Agent, to issue U.S. Letters of Credit.

     "U.S. Payment Office": the office specified from time to time by the
      -------------------
General Administrative Agent as its payment office by notice to the U.S.
Borrower and the U.S. Lenders.

     "U.S. Reference Lender": Deutsche Bank, New York Office.
      ---------------------

     "U.S. Reimbursement Obligation": the obligation of the U.S. Borrower to
      -----------------------------
reimburse each Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 6.5 for amounts drawn under
U.S. Letters of Credit issued by such U.S. Issuing Lender.

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment": as to any Lender, the obligation of
      --------------------------------
such Lender, if any, to make U.S. Revolving Credit Loans and participate in
Swing Line Loans and U.S. Letters of Credit, in an aggregate principal and/or
face amount not to exceed the sum of (a) the amount set forth under the heading
"U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1 to
the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender on the Original Closing Date, or,
as the case may be, in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such
Lender became a party hereto, as the same may be changed from time to time
pursuant to the terms hereof and (b) the amount set forth under the heading
"Additional U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment" opposite such Lender's
<PAGE>

                                                                              43

name on Schedule 1 to the Lender Addendum delivered by such Lender on the
Restatement Effective Date, or, as the case may be, in the Assignment and
Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a party hereto, as the same may
be changed from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof . The aggregate amount
of the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments on the Restatement Effective Date
(before giving effect to the increase becoming effective on such date) is
U.S.$59,062,500; and after giving effect to the U.S.$32,500,000 of increased
commitments becoming effective on the Restatement Effective Date, the aggregate
amount of the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments is U.S.$91,562,500; provided,
                                                                    --------
however, that if one or more of the Canadian Lenders provides additional
-------
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments after the Restatement Effective Date
pursuant to Section 5.16, the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment of Lehman
Commercial Paper Inc. shall automatically be reduced by the amount of such
additional Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments, simultaneously with such
increase; provided, further, that in no event shall the aggregate amount to the
          --------  -------
U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments be less than U.S.$90,000,000 as a result of
the operation of Section 5.16.

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period": the period from and including
      ---------------------------------------
the Original Closing Date to the U.S. Revolving Credit Termination Date.

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Facility": as defined in the definition of
      ------------------------------
"Facility" in this Section 1.1.

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Lender": each Lender that has a U.S. Revolving
      ----------------------------
Credit Commitment or that is the holder of U.S. Revolving Credit Loans.

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Loans": as defined in Section 2.4.
      ---------------------------

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Percentage": as to any U.S. Revolving Credit Lender
      --------------------------------
at any time, the percentage which such Lender's U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment
then constitutes of the Total U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments (or, at any time
after the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments shall have expired or terminated,
the percentage which the aggregate amount of such Lender's U.S. Revolving
Extensions of Credit then outstanding constitutes of the Aggregate U.S.
Revolving Extensions of Credit of all U.S. Revolving Credit Lenders then
outstanding).

     "U.S. Revolving Credit Termination Date": the fifth anniversary of the
      --------------------------------------
Original Closing Date.

     "U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit": as to any U.S. Revolving Credit
      -----------------------------------
Lender at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate principal
amount of all U.S. Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender then outstanding,
(b) such Lender's U.S. Revolving Credit Percentage of the U.S. L/C Obligations
then outstanding and (c) such Lender's U.S. Revolving Credit Percentage of the
aggregate principal amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding.
<PAGE>

                                                                              44

     "U.S. Term Loan Facilities": the collective reference to the Tranche A Loan
      -------------------------
Facility, the Tranche B Term Loan Facility and the Tranche C Term Loan Facility.

     "U.S. Term Loan Lenders": the collective reference to the Tranche A Term
      ----------------------
Loan Lenders, the Tranc he B Term Loan Lenders and the Tranche C Term Loan
Lenders.

     "U.S. Term Loans": the collective reference to the Tranche A Term Loans,
      ---------------
Tranche B Term Loans and Tranche C Term Loans.

     "Wholly Owned Subsidiary": as to any Person, any other Person all of the
      -----------------------
Capital Stock of which (other than (i) directors' qualifying shares required by
law, (ii) other nominal amounts of shares or other equity interests required by
law to be held other than by such Person, or (iii) Exchangeable Shares) is owned
by such Person directly and/or through other Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.

     "Wholly Owned Subsidiary Guarantor": any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a
      ---------------------------------
Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Holdings.

      1.2 Other Definitional Provisions. (a) Unless otherwise specified therein,
          -----------------------------
all terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in
the other Loan Documents or any certificate or other document made or delivered
pursuant hereto or thereto.

          (b) As used herein and in the other Loan Documents, and any
certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto,
accounting terms relating to Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not
defined in Section 1.1 and accounting terms partly defined in Section 1.1, to
the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under
GAAP.

          (c) The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar
import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and
not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section, Schedule and
Exhibit references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

          (d) The meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms.

     SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF U.S. FACILITIES COMMITMENTS

          2.1 U.S. Term Loan Commitments. (a) Pursuant to the Existing Credit
              --------------------------
Agreement, on the Original Closing Date, the Tranche A Term Loan Lenders then
parties to the Existing Credit Agreement made Tranche A Term Loans to the U.S.
Borrower in the aggregate principal amount of $20,000,000 (the "Existing Tranche
                                                                ----------------
A Term Loans"), and the Existing Tranche A Term Loans are outstanding on the
------------
Restatement Effective Date. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the
Tranche A Term Loan Lenders which have delivered a Lender Addendum on or before
the Restatement Effective Date setting forth a commitment to make Additional
Tranche A Term Loans on the Restatement Effective Date severally agree to make
<PAGE>

                                                                              45

additional term loans (each, an "Additional Tranche A Term Loan"; together with
                                 ------------------------------
the Existing Tranche A Term Loans, the "Tranche A Term Loans") to the U.S.
                                        --------------------
Borrower on the Restatement Effective Date in an amount for each such Tranche A
Term Loan Lender not to exceed the amount of the Additional Tranche A Term Loan
Commitment of such Lender.

          (b) Pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, the Tranche B Term Loan
Lenders made term loans (each, a "Tranche B Term Loan") to the U.S. Borrower on
                                  -------------------
the Original Closing Date in an amount for each Tranche B Term Loan Lender equal
to the amount of the Tranche B Term Loan Commitment of such Lender. As provided
in Section 9.2(d)(ii), the U.S. Borrower will repay the Tranche B Term Loans in
full on the Restatement Effective Date (other than Tranche B Term Loans owing to
any Tranche B Term Loan Lender that declines such prepayment pursuant to Section
7.5(i)).

          (c) Pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, the Tranche C Term Loan
Lenders severally made term loans (each, a "Tranche C Term Loan") to the U.S.
                                            -------------------
Borrower on the Original Closing Date in an amount for each Tranche C Term Loan
Lender equal to the amount of the Tranche C Term Loan Commitment of such Lender;
and the Tranche C Term Loans remain outstanding on the Restatement Effective
Date to the extent not repaid on the Restatement Effective Date as permitted by
Section 7.5(a).

          (d) The U.S. Term Loans are and shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars
and may from time to time be Eurodollar Loans or U.S. Base Rate Loans, as
determined by the U.S. Borrower and notified to the General Administrative Agent
in accordance with Sections 2.2 and 7.2.

          2.2 Procedure for Borrowing of Additional Tranche A Term Loans. The
              ----------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Borrower shall give the General Administrative Agent irrevocable notice
(which notice must be received by the General Administrative Agent prior to
12:00 Noon, New York City time, one Business Day prior to the anticipated
Restatement Effective Date) requesting that the relevant U.S. Term Loan Lenders
make the Additional Tranche A Term Loans on the Restatement Effective Date and
specifying the amount to be borrowed. The Additional Tranche A Term Loans made
on the Restatement Effective Date shall initially be U.S. Base Rate Loans, and
prior to October 31, 2000 no Additional Tranche A Term Loan may be converted
into or continued as a Eurodollar Loan having an Interest Period in excess of
one month. Upon receipt of such notice, the General Administrative Agent shall
promptly notify each relevant U.S. Term Loan Lender thereof. Not later than
12:00 Noon, New York City time, on the Restatement Effective Date each U.S. Term
Loan Lender having an Additional Tranche A Term Loan Commitment shall make
available to the General Administrative Agent at the U.S. Funding Office an
amount in immediately available funds equal to the Additional Tranche A Term
Loan to be made by such Lender. The General Administrative Agent shall make
available to the U.S. Borrower the aggregate of the amounts made available to
the General Administrative Agent by such U.S. Term Loan Lenders, in like funds
as received by the General Administrative Agent.

          2.3 Repayment of U.S. Term Loans. (a) The Tranche A Term Loan of each
              ----------------------------
Tranche A Lender shall mature in 16 consecutive quarterly installments, payable
on the last day of each March, June, September and December, commencing on
September 30, 2000, each of which shall be in an amount equal to such Lender's
Tranche A Term Loan Percentage multiplied
<PAGE>

                                                                              46

by the percentage set forth below opposite such installment of the initial
aggregate principal amount of Tranche A Term Loans:

          Installment                   Percentage
          -----------                   ----------
          September 30, 2000                  2.5%
          December 31, 2000                   2.5%
          March 31, 2001                      2.5%
          June 30, 2001                       2.5%
          September 30, 2001                  5.0%
          December 31, 2001                   5.0%
          March 31, 2002                      5.0%
          June 30, 2002                       5.0%
          September 30, 2002                  7.5%
          December 31, 2002                   7.5%
          March 31, 2003                      7.5%
          June 30, 2003                       7.5%
          September 30, 2003                   10%
          December 31, 2003                    10%
          March 31, 2004                       10%
          June 30, 2004                        10%

          (b) The Tranche B Term Loan of each Tranche B Lender (unless prepaid
in full on the Restatement Effective Date pursuant to Section 9.2(d)(ii)) shall
mature in 22 consecutive quarterly installments, payable on the last day of each
March, June, September and December, commencing on September 30, 2000, each of
which shall be in an amount equal to such Lender's Tranche B Term Loan
Percentage multiplied by the percentage set forth below opposite such
installment of the initial aggregate principal amount of Tranche B Term Loans:

          Installment                   Percentage
          -----------                   ----------
          September 30, 2000                  .25%
          December 31, 2000                   .25%
          March 31, 2001                      .25%
          June 30, 2001                       .25%
          September 30, 2001                  .25%
          December 31, 2001                   .25%
          March 31, 2002                      .25%
          June 30, 2002                       .25%
          September 30, 2002                  .25%
          December 31, 2002                   .25%
          March 31, 2003                      .25%
          June 30, 2003                       .25%
          September 30, 2003                  .25%
          December 31, 2003                   .25%
          March 31, 2004                      .25%
          June 30, 2004                       .25%
<PAGE>

                                                                              47

          September 30, 2004                 16.0%
          December 31, 2004                  16.0%
          March 31, 2005                     16.0%
          June 30, 2005                      16.0%
          September 30, 2005                 16.0%
          December 31, 2005                  16.0%

          (c) The Tranche C Term Loan of each Tranche C Lender shall mature in
one installment payable on September 30, 2006 (unless prepaid in full on the
Restatement Effective Date as permitted by Section 7.5(a)).

          2.4 U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments. (a) Subject to the terms and
              ---------------------------------
conditions hereof, the U.S. Revolving Credit Lenders severally agree to make
revolving credit loans ("U.S. Revolving Credit Loans") to the U.S. Borrower from
                         ---------------------------
time to time during the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period so long as,
after giving effect thereto, (A) the Available U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment
of each U.S. Revolving Credit Lender would be equal to or greater than zero and
(B) the Aggregate U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit would not exceed the
Borrowing Base of the U.S. Borrower. During the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment
Period the U.S. Borrower may use the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments by
borrowing, prepaying the U.S. Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans in
whole or in part, and reborrowing, and by causing the insurance of U.S. Letters
of Credit pursuant to Section 6, all in accordance with the terms and conditions
hereof. The U.S. Revolving Credit Loans shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars and
may from time to time be Eurodollar Loans or Base Rate Loans, as determined by
the U.S. Borrower and notified to the General Administrative Agent in accordance
with Sections 2.5 and 7.2, provided that no U.S. Revolving Credit Loan shall be
                           --------
made as a Eurodollar Loan after the day that is one month prior to the U.S.
Revolving Credit Termination Date.

          (b) The U.S. Revolving Credit Loans shall be denominated in U.S.
Dollars and may from time to time be Eurodollar Loans or U.S. Base Rate Loans,
as determined by the U.S. Borrower and notified to the General Administrative
Agent pursuant to Sections 2.5 and 7.2.

          (c) The U.S. Borrower shall repay all outstanding U.S. Revolving
Credit Loans on the U.S. Revolving Credit Termination Date.

          2.5 Procedure for U.S. Revolving Credit Borrowing. The U.S. Borrower
              ---------------------------------------------
may borrow U.S. Revolving Credit Loans under the U.S. Revolving Credit
Commitments on any Business Day during the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment
Period, provided that the U.S. Borrower shall give the General Administrative
        --------
Agent irrevocable notice (which notice must be received by the General
Administrative Agent prior to 1:00 P.M., New York City time, (a) three Business
Days prior to the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, or
(b) one Business Day prior to the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of U.S.
Base Rate Loans), specifying (i) the amount and Type of U.S. Revolving Credit
Loans to be borrowed, (ii) the requested Borrowing Date and (iii) in the case of
Eurodollar Loans, the length of the initial Interest Period therefor. Any U.S.
Revolving Credit Loans made on the Restatement Effective Date shall initially be
U.S. Base Rate Loans, and prior to October 31, 2000 no U.S. Revolving Credit
Loan may be made as, converted into or continued as a Eurodollar Loan having an
<PAGE>

                                                                              48

Interest Period in excess of one month. Each borrowing of U.S. Revolving Credit
Loans under the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments shall be in an amount equal to
(x) in the case of U.S. Base Rate Loans, U.S.$250,000 or integral multiples of
$100,000 in excess thereof (or, if the then aggregate Available U.S. Revolving
Credit Commitments are less than U.S.$250,000, such lesser amount) and (y) in
the case of Eurodollar Loans, U.S.$1,000,000 or integral multiples of $500,000
in excess thereof; provided, that the Swing Line Lender may request, on behalf
                   --------
of the U.S. Borrower, borrowings of U.S. Base Rate Loans under the U.S.
Revolving Credit Commitments in other amounts pursuant to Section 2.7. Upon
receipt of any such notice from the U.S. Borrower, the General Administrative
Agent shall promptly notify each U.S. Revolving Credit Lender thereof. Each U.S.
Revolving Credit Lender will make its U.S. Revolving Credit Percentage of the
amount of each borrowing of U.S. Revolving Credit Loans available to the General
Administrative Agent for the account of the U.S. Borrower at the U.S. Funding
Office prior to 12:00 Noon, New York City time, on the Borrowing Date requested
by the U.S. Borrower in funds immediately available to the General
Administrative Agent. Such borrowing will then be made available to the U.S.
Borrower by the General Administrative Agent in like funds as received by the
General Administrative Agent.

          2.6 Swing Line Commitment. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions
              ---------------------
hereof, each of the Swing Line Lenders agrees that, during the U.S. Revolving
Credit Commitment Period, it will make available to the U.S. Borrower in the
form of swing line loans ("Swing Line Loans") a portion of the credit otherwise
                           ----------------
available to the U.S. Borrower under the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments;
provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount of Swing Line Loans outstanding
--------
at any time shall not exceed the Swing Line Commitment then in effect
(notwithstanding that the Swing Line Loans outstanding at any time, when
aggregated with the Swing Line Lender's other outstanding U.S. Revolving Credit
Loans hereunder, may exceed the Swing Line Commitment then in effect or such
Swing Line Lender's U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect), (ii) all
requests for Swing Line Loans by the U.S. Borrower shall be made to Comerica
Bank as Swing Line Lender until the aggregate principal amount of Swing Line
Loans made by Comerica Bank and outstanding at any time shall equal $7,000,000
(or such higher amount (not to exceed $10,000,000) as Comerica Bank and the
Borrower may agree with prior written notice to the General Administrative
Agent) and (iii) the U.S. Borrower shall not request, and the Swing Line Lender
shall not make, any Swing Line Loan unless, after giving effect to the making of
such Swing Line Loan, (A) the Available U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment of each
U.S. Revolving Credit Lender would be equal to or greater than zero, and (B) the
Aggregate U.S. Revolving Extensions of Credit would not exceed the Borrowing
Base of the U.S. Borrower. During the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period,
the U.S. Borrower may use the Swing Line Commitment by borrowing, repaying and
reborrowing, all in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof. Swing Line
Loans shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars and shall be U.S. Base Rate Loans
only.

          (b) The U.S. Borrower shall repay all outstanding Swing Line Loans on
the U.S. Revolving Credit Termination Date. The U.S. Borrower shall also prepay
all Swing Line Loans then outstanding simultaneously with each borrowing of U.S.
Revolving Credit Loans.

          2.7 Procedure for Swing Line Borrowing; Refunding of Swing Line Loans.
              -----------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The U.S. Borrower may borrow under the Swing Line Commitment on any Business
Day during
<PAGE>

                                                                              49

the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period, provided, the U.S. Borrower shall
                                             --------
give the relevant Swing Line Lender and the General Administrative Agent
irrevocable telephonic notice confirmed promptly in writing (which telephonic
notice must be received by such Swing Line Lender and the General Administrative
Agent not later than 1:30 P.M., New York City time, on the proposed Borrowing
Date), specifying (i) the amount to be borrowed and (ii) the requested Borrowing
Date. Each borrowing under the Swing Line Commitment shall be in an amount equal
to U.S.$100,000 or a whole multiple of U.S.$50,000 in excess thereof. Not later
than 3:00 P.M., New York City time, on the Borrowing Date specified in the
borrowing notice in respect of any Swing Line Loan, the relevant Swing Line
Lender shall make available to the General Administrative Agent at the U.S.
Funding Office an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount of
such Swing Line Loan. The General Administrative Agent shall make the proceeds
of such Swing Line Loan available to the U.S. Borrower on such Borrowing Date in
like funds as received by the General Administrative Agent.

          (b) The General Administrative Agent, at the request of a Swing Line
Lender, at any time and from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion
(and not less frequently than biweekly ), shall on behalf of the U.S. Borrower
(which hereby irrevocably directs each Swing Line Lender to act on its behalf),
on one Business Day's notice given by such Swing Line Lender through the General
Administrative Agent no later than 12:00 Noon, New York City time, request each
U.S. Revolving Credit Lender to make, and each U.S. Revolving Credit Lender
hereby agrees to make, a U.S. Revolving Credit Loan (which shall be initially a
U.S. Base Rate Loan), in an amount equal to such U.S. Revolving Credit Lender's
U.S. Revolving Credit Percentage of the aggregate amount of the Swing Line Loans
made by such Swing Line Lender (the "Refunded Swing Line Loans") outstanding on
                                     -------------------------
the date of such notice, to repay such Swing Line Lender. Each U.S. Revolving
Credit Lender shall make the amount of such U.S. Revolving Credit Loan available
to the General Administrative Agent at the U.S. Funding Office in immediately
available funds, not later than 10:00 A.M., New York City time, one Business Day
after the date of such notice. The proceeds of such U.S. Revolving Credit Loans
shall be made immediately available by the General Administrative Agent to the
relevant Swing Line Lender for application by such Swing Line Lender to the
repayment of the Refunded Swing Line Loans.

          (c) If prior to the time a U.S. Revolving Credit Loan would have
otherwise been made pursuant to Section 2.7(b), one of the events described in
Section 13(f) shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to the U.S.
Borrower, or if for any other reason, as determined by the General
Administrative Agent at the request of the releva nt Swing Line Lender in its
sole discretion, U.S. Revolving Credit Loans may not be made as contemplated by
Section 2.7(b), each U.S. Revolving Credit Lender shall, on the date such U.S.
Revolving Credit Loan was to have been made pursuant to the notice referred to
in Section 2.7(b) (the "Refunding Date"), purchase for cash an undivided
                        --------------
participating interest in the then outstanding Swing Line Loans by paying to the
relevant Swing Line Lender an amount (the "Swing Line Participation Amount")
                                           -------------------------------
equal to (i) such U.S. Revolving Credit Lender's U.S. Revolving Credit
Percentage times (ii) the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Swing Line
Loans made by such Swing Line Lender then outstanding which were to have been
repaid with such U.S. Revolving Credit Loans.
<PAGE>

                                                                              50

          (d) Whenever, at any time after a Swing Line Lender has received from
any U.S. Revolving Credit Lender such Lender's Swing Line Participation Amount,
such Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of the Swing Line Loans,
such Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Swing Line
Participation Amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments,
to reflect the period of time during which such Lender's participating interest
was outstanding and funded and, in the case of principal and interest payments,
to reflect such Lender's pro rata portion of such payment if such payment is not
                         --- ----
sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on all Swing Line Loans then
due); provided, however, that in the event that such payment received by such
      --------  -------
Swing Line Lender is required to be returned, such U.S. Revolving Credit Lender
will return to such Swing Line Lender any portion thereof previously distributed
to it by such Swing Line Lender.

          (e) Each U.S. Revolving Credit Lender's obligation to make the U.S.
Revolving Credit Loans referred to in Section 2.7(b) and to purchase
participating interests pursuant to Section 2.7(c) shall be absolute and
unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including, without
limitation, (i) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right
which such U.S. Revolving Credit Lender or the U.S. Borrower may have against
either Swing Line Lender, the U.S. Borrower or any other Person for any reason
whatsoever; (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or an Event of
Default or the failure to satisfy any of the other conditions specified in
Section 9; (iii) any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise) of
Holdings or the U.S. Borrower; (iv) any breach of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document by the U.S. Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Lender; or
(v) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not
similar to any of the foregoing.

          (f) Each Swingline Lender shall provide the General Administrative
Agent with telephonic notice of any repayment of a Swingline Loan at the time it
receives such repayment.

          2.8 Promise to Pay U.S. Facility Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The U.S.
              ----------------------------------------------------
Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the General Administrative
Agent for the account of the appropriate U.S. Revolving Credit Lender or U.S.
Term Loan Lender, as the case may be, (i) the then unpaid principal amount of
each U.S. Revolving Credit Loan of such U.S. Revolving Credit Lender on the U.S.
Revo lving Credit Termination Date (or on such earlier date on which the Loans
become due and payable pursuant to Section 13), (ii) the then unpaid principal
amount of each Swing Line Loan of such Swing Line Lender on the U.S. Revolving
Credit Termination Date (or on such earlier date on which the Loans become due
and payable pursuant to Section 13) and (iii) the principal amount of each U.S.
Term Loan of such U.S. Term Loan Lender in installments according to the
amortization schedule set forth in Section 2.3 (or on such earlier date on which
the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Section 13). The U.S. Borrower
hereby further agrees to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of the
Loans from time to time outstanding from the date hereof until payme nt in full
thereof at the rates per annum, and on the dates, set forth in Section 7.1.

          (b) Each U.S. Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual
practice an account or accounts evidencing indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower to
such U.S. Lender resulting from each U.S. Facility Loan of such U.S. Lender from
time to time, including the amounts of
<PAGE>

                                                                              51

principal and interest payable and paid to such U.S. Lender from time to time
under this Agreement.

          (c) The General Administrative Agent, on behalf of the U.S. Borrower,
shall maintain the Register pursuant to Section 15.6(e), and a subaccount
therein for each U.S. Lender, in which shall be recorded (i) the amount of each
U.S. Facility Loan made hereunder and any Note evidencing such Loan, the Type of
such Loan and each Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any
principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the U.S.
Borrower to each U.S. Lender hereunder and (iii) both the amount of any sum
received by the General Administrative Agent hereunder from the U.S. Borrower
and each U.S. Lender's share thereof.

          (d) The entries made in the Register and the accounts of each U.S.
Lender maintained pursuant to Section 2.8(b) shall, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the
                   -----------
obligations of the U.S. Borrower therein recorded absent manifest error;
provided, however, that the failure of any U.S. Lender or the General
--------  -------
Administrative Agent to maintain the Register or any such account, or any error
therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the U.S. Borrower to
repay (with applicable interest) the Loans made to the U.S. Borrower by such
U.S. Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

          (e) The U.S. Borrower agrees that, upon the request to the General
Administrative Agent by any U.S. Lender, the U.S. Borrower will execute and
deliver to such U.S. Lender a promissory note of the U.S. Borrower evidencing
any U.S. Term Loans, U.S. Revolving Credit Loans or Swing Line Loans, as the
case may be, of such U.S. Lender, substantially in the forms of Exhibit G-1, G-2
or G-3, respectively, with appropriate insertions as to date and principal
amount.

          2.9 Commitment Fees, etc. The U.S. Borrower agrees to pay to the
              --------------------
General Administrative Agent for the account of each U.S. Revolving Credit
Lender a commitment fee for the period from and including the Original Closing
Date to the last day of the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period, computed at
the Commitment Fee Rate on the average daily amount of the Available U.S.
Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender during the period for which payment
is made, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June,
September and December and on the U.S. Revolving Credit Termination Date,
commencing on the first of such dates to occur after the date hereof.

          2.10 Termination or Reduction of U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments;.
               --------------------------------------------------------------
The U.S. Borrower shall have the right, upon not less than three Business Days'
notice to the General Administrative Agent, to terminate the U.S. Revolving
Credit Commitments or, from time to time, to reduce the aggregate amount of the
U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that no such termination or
                                   --------
reduction of U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments shall be permitted if, after
giving effect thereto and to any prepayments of the U.S. Revolving Credit Loans
and Swing Line Loans made on the effective date thereof, the U.S. Revolving
Extensions of Credit would exceed the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments. Any
such reduction shall be in an amount
<PAGE>

                                                                              52

equal to U.S.$1,000,000, or a whole multiple thereof, and shall reduce
permanently the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect.

                      SECTION 3. THE CANADIAN TERM LOANS

          3.1 The Canadian Term Loans. (a) Pursuant to the Existing Credit
              -----------------------
Agreement, the Canadian Term Loan Lenders severally made term loans denominated
in U.S. Dollars (each, a "Canadian Term Loan") to the Canadian Borrower on the
                          ------------------
Original Closing Date in an amount for each Canadian Term Loan Lender equal to
the amount of the Canadian Term Loan Commitment of such Canadian Term Loan
Lender.

          (b) Pursuant to Section 7.5(a) and Section 9.2(d)(i), the Canadian
Term Loans are being prepaid in full on the Restatement Effective Date.

                             SECTION 4. [RESERVED]

         SECTION 5. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE CANADIAN REVOLVING CREDIT
                           COMMITMENTS; ACCEPTANCES

          5.1 Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments. (a) Subject to the terms
              -------------------------------------
and conditions hereof, each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to
make revolving credit loans (each, a "Canadian Revolving Credit Loan") to the
                                      ------------------------------
Canadian Borrower from time to time during the Canadian Revolving Credit
Commitment Period so long as after giving effect thereto (A) the Available
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment of each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender
would be greater than or equal to zero and (B) the Aggregate Canadian Revolving
Extensions of Credit of all Lenders would not exceed the Borrowing Base of the
Canadian Borrower. During the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Period, the
Canadian Borrower may use the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments by
borrowing, repaying the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans and Canadian Swing Line
Loans in whole or in part, and reborrowing, all in accordance with the terms and
conditions hereof.

          (b) The Canadian Revolving Credit Loans may be denominated in U.S.
Dollars or Canadian Dollars, at the option of the Canadian Borrower. The
Canadian Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars shall be
Canadian Dollar Prime Rate Loans, and the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans
denominated in U.S. Dollars shall be Canadian Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar
Loans, at the option of the Canadian Borrower.

          5.2 Procedure for Canadian Revolving Credit Borrowing. The Canadian
              -------------------------------------------------
Borrower may borrow under the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments during the
Revolving Credit Commitment Period on any Business Day, provided that the
                                                        --------
Canadian Borrower shall give the Canadian Administrative Agent irrevocable
notice (which notice must be received by the Canadian Administrative Agent prior
to 2:00 P.M., Toronto time, at least one Business Day prior to the requested
Borrowing Date, in the case of a borrowing of Canadian Base Rate Loans or
Canadian Dollar Prime Rate Loans, or three Business Days prior to the requested
Borrowing Date, in the case of a borrowing of Eurodollar Loans), specifying (i)
the amount and Type of Loans to be borrowed and (ii) the requested Borrowing
Date. Any Canadian Revolving Credit
<PAGE>

                                                                              53

Loans denominated in U.S. Dollars made on the Restatement Effective Date shall
be Canadian Base Rate Loans, and no such Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar
Loan having an Interest Period longer than 60 days prior to October 31, 2000.
Each borrowing in Canadian Dollars under the Canadian Revolving Credit
Commitments shall be in an amount equal to C$300,000 or a whole multiple of
C$100,000 in excess thereof, and each borrowing in U.S. Dollars under the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments shall be in an amount equal to
U.S.$250,000 or a whole multiple of U.S.$100,000 in excess thereof (or, in each
case, if the then Aggregate Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments are
less than C$300,000 or U.S.$250,000, as the case may be, such lesser amount);
provided, that the Canadian Swing Line Lender may request, on behalf of the
--------
Canadian Borrower, borrowings of Canadian Dollar Prime Rate Loans, in the case
of Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars, and Canadian Base Rate Loans, in the
case of Loans denominated in U.S. Dollars, under the Canadian Revolving Credit
Commitments in other amounts pursuant to Section 5.15. Upon receipt of any such
notice from the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian Administrative Agent shall
promptly notify the General Administrative Agent and each Canadian Revolving
Credit Lender thereof. Not later than 12:00 Noon, Toronto time, on each
requested Borrowing Date each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender shall make an
amount equal to its Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the
principal amount of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans requested to be made on such
Borrowing Date available to the Canadian Administrative Agent at the Canadian
Funding in Canadian Dollars or U.S. Dollars, as the case may be, and in
immediately available funds. The Canadian Administrative Agent shall on such
date make such amount available to the Canadian Borrower in like funds as
received by the Canadian Administrative Agent.

          5.3 Repayment of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans; Evidence of Debt.
              --------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The Canadian Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Canadian
Administrative Agent for the account of each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender
the then unpaid principal amount of each Canadian Revolving Credit Loan of such
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender on the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination
Date and on such other date(s) and in such other amounts as may be required from
time to time pursuant to this Agreement. The Canadian Borrower hereby
unconditionally promises to pay to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the
account of the Canadian Swing Line Lender the then unpaid principal amount of
each Canadian Swing Line Loan on the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date
(or on such earlier date on which the Loans become due and payable pursuant to
Section 13). The Canadian Borrower hereby further agrees to pay interest on the
unpaid principal amount of the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans from time to time
outstanding until payment thereof in full at the rates per annum, and on the
dates, set forth in Section 7.1.

          (b) Each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender shall maintain in accordance
with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing indebtedness of the
Canadian Borrower to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender resulting from each
Canadian Revolving Credit Loan of such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender from
time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable thereon
and paid to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender from time to time under this
Agreement.

          (c) The Canadian Administrative Agent (together with the General
Administrative Agent), on behalf of the Canadian Borrower, shall maintain the
Register pursuant
<PAGE>

                                                                              54

to Section 15.6(d), and a subaccount therein for each Canadian Revolving Credit
Lender, in which shall be recorded (i) the date and amount of each Canadian
Revolving Credit Loan made hereunder, (ii) the date and amount of any principal
or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Canadian
Borrower to each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender hereunder in respect of the
Canadian Revolving Credit Loans and (iii) both the date and amount of any sum
received by the Canadian Administrative Agent hereunder from the Canadian
Borrower in respect of the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans and each Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender's share thereof.

          (d) The entries made in the Register and the accounts of each Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender maintained pursuant to Section 5.3(b) shall, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and
                                       ----- -----
amounts of the obligations of the Canadian Borrower therein recorded absent
manifest error; provided, however, that the failure of any Canadian Revolving
                --------  -------
Credit Lender or the Administrative Agents to maintain the Register or any such
account, or any error therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of
the Canadian Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Canadian Revolving
Credit Loans made to the Canadian Borrower by such Canadian Revolving Credit
Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

          (e) The Canadian Borrower agrees that, upon the request to the
Canadian Administrative Agent by any Canadian Revolving Credit Lender, it will
execute and deliver to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender a promissory note
of the Canadian Borrower evidencing the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans of such
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit G-5 with
appropriate insertions as to date and principal amount. The Canadian Borrower
agrees that, upon the request to the Canadian Administrative Agent by the
Canadian Swing Line Lender, it will execute and deliver to the Canadian Swing
Line Lender a promissory note of the Canadian Borrower evidencing the Canadian
Swing Line Loans of the Canadian Swing Line Lender, substantially in the form of
Exhibit G-3 with appropriate insertions as to date and principal amount.

          5.4 Termination or Reduction of Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments.
              -----------------------------------------------------------------
The Canadian Borrower shall have the right, upon not less than one Business
Days' notice to the Canadian Administrative Agent, to terminate the Canadian
Revolving Credit Commitments or, from time to time, to reduce the amount of the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that no such termination or
                                       --------
reduction shall be permitted if, after giving effect thereto and to any
prepayments of the Loans made on the effective date thereof, the Available
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments would be less than zero. Any such
reduction shall be in an amount equal to U.S.$250,000 or a whole multiple of
U.S.$100,000 in excess thereof and shall reduce permanently the Canadian
Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect.

          5.5 Commitment Fees. The Canadian Borrower agrees to pay to the
              ---------------
Canadian Administrative Agent for the account of each Canadian Revolving Credit
Lender a commitment fee, payable in U.S. Dollars, for the period from and
including the Original Closing Date to the last day of the Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitment Period, computed at the Commitment Fee Rate on the average
daily amount of the Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment of such
Lender during the period for which payment is made, payable quarterly in arrears
on the
<PAGE>

                                                                              55

last day of each March, June, September and December and on the Canadian
Revolving Credit Termination Date, commencing on the first of such dates to
occur after the date hereof. For purposes of this Section, calculations of the
Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment of each Lender for each day
during the relevant period shall be made using the Exchange Rate in effect on
the first day of such period.

          5.6 Acceptance Commitments. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions
              ----------------------
hereof, each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to create
Acceptances for the Canadian Borrower on any Business Day during the Canadian
Revolving Credit Commitment Period by accepting Drafts drawn by the Canadian
Borrower so long as after giving effect to such acceptance, (i) the Available
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment of such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender
would be greater than or equal to zero and (ii) the Aggregate Canadian Revolving
Extensions Credit of all Lenders would not exceed the Borrowing Base of the
Canadian Borrower.

          (b) The Canadian Borrower ma y utilize the Canadian Revolving Credit

Commitments for the creation of Acceptances by authorizing each Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender in the manner provided for in Section 5.7(b) to draw
Drafts on such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender and having such Drafts accepted
pursuant to Section 5.7, paying its obligations with respect thereto pursuant to
Section 5.11, and again, from time to time, authorizing Drafts to be drawn on
the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders and having them presented for acceptance,
all in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.

          (c) For the purposes of this Agreement, all Acceptances shall be
considered a utilization of the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments in an
amount equal to the undiscounted face amount of such Acceptance.

          5.7 Creation of Acceptances. (a) The Canadian Borrower may request the
              -----------------------
creation of Acceptances hereunder by submitting to the Canadian Administrative
Agent at the Canadian Funding Office prior to 11:00 A.M., Toronto time, two
Business Days prior to the requested Borrowing Date, (i) a request for
acceptances (each, a "Request for Acceptances") completed in a manner and in
                      -----------------------
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Canadian Administrative Agent
and specifying, among other things, the Borrowing Date, maturity and face amount
of the Drafts to be accepted and discounted, (ii) upon the request of the
Canadian Administrative Agent on behalf of the Canadian Revolving Credit
Lenders, a sufficient number of Drafts to be drawn on the Canadian Revolving
Credit Lenders, to be appropriately completed in accordance with Section 5.7(d)
and (iii) such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as
the Canadian Administrative Agent may reasonably request. Upon receipt of any
such Request for Acceptances, the Canadian Administrative Agent shall promptly
notify each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender and the General Administrative
Agent of its receipt thereof.

          (b) The Canadian Borrower delivered to the Canadian Administrative
Agent on or prior to the Original Closing Date, Powers of Attorney substantially
in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit I ("Powers of Attorney") authorizing each
                                          ------------------
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender to draw Drafts on such Canadian Revolving
Credit Lender on behalf of the Canadian Borrower
<PAGE>

                                                                              56

and to complete such Drafts in accordance with the Requests for Acceptances
submitted from time to time pursuant to Section 5.7(a).

          (c) Each Request for Acceptances made by or on behalf of the Canadian
Borrower hereunder shall contain a request for Acceptances denominated in
Canadian Dollars and having an aggregate undiscounted face amount equal to
C$1,000,000 or a whole multiple of C$100,000 in excess thereof. Each Acceptance
shall be dated the Borrowing Date specified in the Request for Acceptances with
respect thereto and shall be stated to mature on a Business Day which is
approximately 30, 60, 90 or 180 days after the date thereof (and, in any event,
prior to the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date).

          (d) Not later than 12:00 Noon, Toronto time, on the Borrowing Date
specified in the relevant Request for Acceptances, and upon fulfillment of the
applicable conditions set forth in Section 9.2, each Canadian Revolving Credit
Lender will, in accordance with such Request for Acceptances, (i) sign each
Draft on behalf of the Canadian Borrower pursuant to the Power of Attorney, (ii)
complete the date, amount and maturity of each Draft to be accepted, (iii)
accept such Drafts and give notice to the Canadian Administrative Agent of such
acceptance and (iv) upon such acceptance, purchase such Acceptances to the
extent contemplated by Section 5.8. Alternatively, at the request of the
Canadian Administrative Agent, the Canadian Borrower shall deliver to the
Canadian Administrative Agent a "depository note" which complies with the
requirements of the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada), and consents to the
deposit of any Acceptance in the form of a depository note in the book-based
debt clearance system maintained by the Canadian Depository of Securities or
other recognized clearing house. In such circumstances, the delivery of
Acceptances shall be governed by the clearance procedures established
thereunder.

          (e) Each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender will exercise such care in
the custody and safekeeping of Drafts as it would exercise in the custody and
safekeeping of similar property owned by it and will, upon request by the
Canadian Borrower, promptly advise the Canadian Borrower of the number and
designations, if any, of uncompleted Drafts held by it for the Canadian
Borrower. The signature of any officer of the Canadian Borrower on a Draft may
be mechanically reproduced and Acceptance Notes bearing facsimile signatures
shall be binding upon the Canadian Borrower as if they had been manually signed.
Even if the individuals whose manual or facsimile signature appears on any
Acceptance or Acceptance Note no longer hold office at the date of signature, at
the date of its acceptance by the Lender or at any time after such date, any
Acceptance or Acceptance Note so signed shall be valid and binding upon the
Canadian Borrower.

          5.8 Discount of Acceptances. (a) Each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender
              -----------------------
hereby severally agrees, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement, to purchase or cause to be purchased Acceptances created by it
on the Borrowing Date with respect thereto at the applicable Reference Discount
Rate by making available to the Canadian Borrower an amount in immediately
available funds equal to the Acceptance Purchase Price in respect thereof, and
to notify the Canadian Administrative Agent that such Draft has been accepted,
discounted and purchased by such accepting Canadian Revolving Credit Lender.
<PAGE>

                                                                              57

          (b) In the event that the Canadian Borrower has made a Request for
Acceptances, then (i) prior to 11:00 A.M., Toronto time, on the Borrowing Date
with respect thereto, the Canadian Administrative Agent will notify the General
Administrative Agent, the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Revolving Credit
Lenders of the applicable Reference Discount Rate for such Acceptances and the
corresponding Acceptance Purchase Price and (ii) each Canadian Revolving Credit
Lender shall make the Acceptance Purchase Price for such Acceptances discounted
by it available to the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the account of the
Canadian Borrower, at the Canadian Funding Office prior to 12:00 Noon, Toronto
time, on the Borrowing Date, in Canadian Dollars and in funds immediately
available to the Canadian Administrative Agent. The proceeds of such purchase
will then be made available to the Canadian Borrower by the Canadian
Administrative Agent in like funds as received by the Canadian Administrative
Agent.

          (c) Acceptances purchased or caused to be purchased by any Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender may be held by it for its own account until maturity or
sold by it at any time prior thereto in the relevant market therefor in Canada
in such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender's sole discretion. The doctrine of
merger shall not apply with respect to any Acceptance held by a Lender at
maturity.

          5.9 Stamping Fees. On the Borrowing Date with respect to each
              -------------
Acceptance, the Canadian Borrower shall pay to the Canadian Administrative
Agent, for the account of the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders, a stamping fee
payable in Canadian Dollars at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin
in effect on such Borrowing Date for Eurodollar Loans under the Canadian
Revolving Credit Facility, computed for the period from and including the
Borrowing Date with respect to such Acceptance to but not including the maturity
of such Acceptance, on the basis of a 365 or 366 -day year, as the case may be,
of the undiscounted face amount of such Acceptance. On any Borrowing Date with
respect to an Acceptance, the Canadian Borrower hereby authorizes each Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender to net all amounts payable on such date by such Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the account of
the Canadian Borrower, against all amounts payable on such date by the Canadian
Borrower to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender in accordance with the
Canadian Administrative Agent's calculations.

          5.10 Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations. (a) The Canadian Borrower
               ------------------------------------
hereby unconditionally agrees to pay to the Canadian Administrative Agent for
the account of each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender, on the maturity date
(whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) for each Acceptance
created by such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender for the account of the Canadian
Borrower, the aggregate undiscounted face amount of each such then- maturing
Acceptance.

          (b) The obligation of the Canadian Borrower to reimburse the Canadian
Revolving Credit Lenders for then- maturing Acceptances may be satisfied by the
Canadian Borrower by:

                    (i) paying to the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the
          account of the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders, an amount in
          Canadian
<PAGE>

                                                                              58

          Dollars and in immediately available funds equal to the aggregate
          undiscounted face amount of all Acceptances created for the account of
          the Canadian Borrower hereunder which are then maturing by 12:00 Noon,
          Toronto time, on such maturity date; provided that the Canadian
                                               --------
          Borrower shall have given not less than one Business Day's prior
          notice to the Canadian Administrative Agent (which shall promptly
          notify each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender thereof) of its intent to
          reimburse the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders in the manner
          contemplated by this clause (i);

                    (ii) having new Drafts accepted and discounted by the
          Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders in the manner contemplated by
          Sections 5.7 and 5.8 in substitution for the then- maturing
          Acceptances; provided that (A) the Canadian Borrower shall have
                       --------
          delivered to the Canadian Administrative Agent (which shall promptly
          provide a copy thereof to each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender) a
          duly completed Request for Acceptances not later than 2:00 P.M.,
          Toronto time, one Business Day prior to such maturity date, together
          with the documents, instruments, certificates and other papers and
          information contemplated by Section 5.7(a)(ii) and 5.7(a)(iii), (B) if
          any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing,
          the Request for Acceptances shall be deemed to be a request for a
          Canadian Revolving Credit Loan in an amount equal to the undiscounted
          face amount of the Acceptances requested, (C) each Canadian Revolving
          Credit Lender shall retain the Acceptance Purchase Price for the
          Acceptance created by it and apply such Acceptance Purchase Price to
          the Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations of the Canadian Borrower in
          respect of the maturing Acceptance created by such Canadian Revolving
          Credit Lender, (D) if the Acceptance Purchase Price so retained by
          such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender is less than the undiscounted
          face amount of the then-maturing Acceptance, the Canadian Borrower
          shall have made arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such Canadian
          Revolving Credit Lender for payment of such deficiency and (E) if the
          Acceptance Purchase Price so retained by the Canadian Revolving Credit
          Lender is greater than the undiscounted face amount of the then-
          maturing Acceptance, the Canadian Revolving Credit Lender shall make
          such excess available to the Canadian Administrative Agent, which in
          turn shall make such excess available to the Canadian Borrower, all in
          accordance with Section 5.8(b); or

                    (iii)  to the extent that the Canadian Borrower has not
          given to the Canadian Administrative Agent a notice contemplated by
          clause (i) or (ii) above, then the Canadian Borrower shall be deemed
          to have requested a borrowing pursuant to Section 5.1 of Canadian
          Revolving Credit Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
          undiscounted face amount of such then-maturing Acceptance. The
          Borrowing Date with respect to such borrowing shall be the maturity
          date for such Acceptance. Except to the extent that any of the events
          contemplated by paragraph (f) of Section 13 with respect to the
          Canadian Borrower has occurred and is then continuing, each Canadian
          Revolving Credit Lender shall be obligated to make the Canadian
          Revolving Credit Loan
<PAGE>

                                                                              59

          contemplated by this Section 5.10(b)(iii) regardless of whether the
          conditions precedent to borrowing set forth in this Agreement are then
          satisfied. The proceeds of any Canadian Revolving Credit Loans made
          pursuant to this Section 5.10(b)(iii) shall be retained by the
          Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders and applied by them to the
          Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations of the Canadian Borrower in
          respect of the then- maturing Acceptance.

          (c) The unpaid amount of any such Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations
shall be treated as a Canadian Revolving Credit Loan for the purposes hereof and
interest shall accrue on the amount of any such unpaid Acceptance Reimbursement
Obligation from the date such amount becomes due until paid in full at a
fluctuating rate per annum equal to the rate which would then be payable on
Canadian Revolving Credit Loans. Such interest shall be payable by the Canadian
Borrower on demand by the Canadian Administrative Agent.

          (d) In no event shall the Canadian Borrower claim from any Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender any grace period with respect to the payment at maturity
of any Acceptances created by such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender pursuant to
this Agreement.

          5.11 Converting Canadian Revolving Credit Loans to Acceptances and
               -------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptances to Canadian Revolving Credit Loans. (a) Subject to Section 5.11(b),
----------------------------------------------
the Canadian Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that any
then outstanding Canadian Revolving Credit Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars
be converted into an Acceptance by delivering to the Canadian Administrative
Agent (which shall promptly notify the General Administrative Agent and each
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender of its receipt thereof) a Request for
Acceptances, together with a statement that the Acceptances so requested are to
be created pursuant to this Section 5.11(a), such notice to be given not later
than two Business Days prior to the requested conversion date.

          (b) In the event that the Canadian Administrative Agent receives such
a Request for Acceptances and the accompanying statement described in Section
5.11(a), then the Canadian Borrower shall pay on the requested Borrowing Date to
the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the account of the Canadian Revolving
Credit Lenders, the principal amount of the then outstanding Canadian Revolving
Credit Loans being so converted, and each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender shall
accept and discount the Canadian Borrower's Draft having an aggregate face
amount equal to the principal amount of the Canadian Revolving Credit Loans of
such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender which are then being repaid; it being
understood and agreed that for the purposes of this Section 5.11(b), such
payment by the Canadian Borrower of such outstanding Canadian Revolving Credit
Loans may be from the proceeds of such discounted Drafts, provided that, (i)
                                                          --------
following the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of
Default, no Acceptances may be created, (ii) the Canadian Borrower shall make
arrangements reasonably satisfactory to each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender
for payment of any deficiency, including, without limitation, the difference
between the undiscounted face amount of the Acceptance to be created pursuant to
Section 5.11(a) and the Acceptance Purchase Price and any other amount owing by
the Canadian Borrower and (iii) no Acceptance which is permitted to be created
hereunder shall have a maturity that extends beyond the Canadian Revolving
Credit Termination Date.
<PAGE>

                                                                              60

          (c) The creation of Acceptances pursuant to this Section 5.11 shall
not be subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to borrowing set
forth in this Agreement.

          (d) The Canadian Borrower may elect from time to time to convert
outstanding Acceptances to Canadian Revolving Credit Loans denominated in
Canadian Dollars by giving the Canadian Administrative Agent at least one
Business Day's irrevocable notice of such election prior to the maturity of such
Acceptances; provided that any such conversion of Acceptances may only be made
             --------
on the maturity thereof.

          (e) On any date on which a conversion or substitution of a maturing
Acceptance shall occur, the Canadian Administrative Agent shall be entitled to
net all amounts payable on such date by the Canadian Administrative Agent to a
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender against all amounts payable on such date by
such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender to the Canadian Administrative Agent.
Similarly, on any such date, the Canadian Borrower hereby authorizes each
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender to net all amounts payable on such date by such
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the
account of the Canadian Borrower, against all amounts payable on such date by
the Canadian Borrower to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender in accordance
with the Canadian Administrative Agent's calculations.

          5.12 Allocation of Acceptances. The Canadian Borrower hereby agrees
               -------------------------
that each Request for Acceptances, reimbursement of Acceptances and conversion
of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans to Acceptances shall be made in a manner so
that any such Request for Acceptances, reimbursement or conversion shall apply
ratably to all Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their
respective Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages. In the event that
the aggregate undiscounted face amount of Acceptances requested by the Canadian
Borrower to be created by all Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders hereunder
pursuant to any Request for Acceptances is an amount which, if divided ratably
among the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their respective
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages, would not result in each
Canadian Revolving Credit Lender accepting a Draft which has an undiscounted
face amount equal to C$100,000 or a whole multiple of C$100,000 in excess
thereof, then, notwithstanding any provision in this Section 5.12 to the
contrary, the Canadian Administrative Agent is authorized by the Canadian
Borrower and the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders to allocate among the
Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders the Acceptances to be issued in such manner
and amounts as the Canadian Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion,
acting reasonably, consider necessary, rounding up or down, so as to ensure that
no Canadian Revolving Credit Lender is required to accept a Draft for a fraction
of C$100,000 and, in such event, the Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders' ratable
share with respect to such Acceptances shall be adjusted accordingly.

          5.13 Special Provisions Relating to Acceptance Notes. (a) The Canadian
               -----------------------------------------------
Borrower and each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender hereby acknowledge and agree
that from time to time certain Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders which are not
Canadian chartered banks or which are Schedule II Canadian Revolving Credit
Lenders may not be authorized to or may, as a matter of general corporate
policy, elect not to accept Drafts, and the Canadian Borrower
<PAGE>

                                                                              61

and each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender agree that any such Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender may purchase Acceptance Notes of the Canadian Borrower
in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.13(b) in lieu of creating
Acceptances for its account.

          (b) In the event that any Canadian Revolving Credit Lender described
in Section 5.13(a) above is unable to, or elects as a matter of general
corporate policy not to, create Acceptances hereunder, such Canadian Revolving
Credit Lender shall not create Acceptances hereunder, but rather, if the
Canadian Borrower requests the creation of such Acceptances, the Canadian
Borrower shall deliver to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender non- interest
bearing promissory notes (each, an "Acceptance Note") of the Canadian Borrower,
                                    ---------------
substantially in the form of Exhibit J, having the same maturity as the
Acceptances to be created and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
undiscounted face amount of such Acceptances. Each such Canadian Revolving
Credit Lender hereby agrees to purchase Acceptance Notes from the Canadian
Borrower at a purchase price equal to the Acceptance Purchase Price which would
have been applicable if a Draft in the same aggregate face amount as the
principal amount of its Acceptance Notes and of the same maturity had been
accepted by it (less any stamping fee which would have been paid pursuant to
Section 5.9 if such Lender had created an Acceptance) and such Acceptance Notes
shall be governed by the provisions of this Section 5 as if they were
Acceptances.

          5.14 Canadian Swing Line Commitment. (a) Subject to the terms and
               ------------------------------
conditions hereof, the Canadian Swing Line Lender agrees that, during the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Period, it will make available to the
Canadian Borrower in the form of swing line loans ("Canadian Swing Line Loans ")
                                                    -------------------------
a portion of the credit otherwise available to the Canadian Borrower under the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that (i) the aggregate principal
                                       --------
amount of Canadian Swing Line Loans outstanding at any time shall not exceed the
Canadian Swing Line Commitment then in effect (notwithstanding that the Canadian
Swing Line Loans outstanding at any time, when aggregated with the Canadian
Swing Line Lender's other outstanding Canadian Revolving Credit Loans hereunder,
may exceed the Canadian Swing Line Commitment then in effect or such Canadian
Swing Line Lender's Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect) and
(ii) the Canadian Borrower shall not request, and the Canadian Swing Line Lender
shall not make, any Canadian Swing Line Loan unless, after giving effect to the
making of such Canadian Swing Line Loan, (A) the Available Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitment of each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender would be equal to or
greater than zero, and (B) the Aggregate Canadian Revolving Extensions of Credit
would not exceed the Borrowing Base of the Canadian Borrower. During the
Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Period, the Canadian Borrower may use the
Canadian Swing Line Commitment by borrowing, repaying and reborrowing, all in
accordance with the terms and conditions hereof. The Canadian Swing Line Loans
may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars, at the option of the
Canadian Borrower. The Canadian Swing Line Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars
shall be Canadian Dollar Prime Rate Loans, and the Canadian Swing Line Loans
denominated in U.S. Dollars shall be Canadian Base Rate Loans.

          (b) The Canadian Borrower shall repay all outstanding Canadian Swing
Line Loans on the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date. The Canadian
Borrower shall also
<PAGE>

                                                                              62

prepay all Canadian Swing Line Loans then outstanding simultaneously with each
borrowing of Canadian Revolving Credit Loans.

          5.15 Procedure for Canadian Swing Line Borrowing; Refunding of
               ---------------------------------------------------------
Canadian Swing Line Loans. (a) The Canadian Borrower may borrow under the
-------------------------
Canadian Swing Line Commitment on any Business Day during the Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitment Period, provided, the Canadian Borrower shall give the
                          --------
Canadian Swing Line Lender and the Canadian Administrative Agent irrevocable
telephonic notice confirmed promptly in writing (which telephonic notice must be
received by the Canadian Swing Line Lender and the Canadian Administrative Agent
not later than 1:30 P.M., Toronto time, on the proposed Borrowing Date),
specifying (i) the amount to be borrowed and (ii) the requested Borrowing Date.
Each borrowing under the Canadian Swing Line Commitment shall be in an amount
equal to U.S.$100,000 or a whole multiple of U.S.$50,000 in excess thereof, in
the case of borrowings in U.S. Dollars, or C$100,000 or a whole multiple of
C$50,000 in excess thereof, in the case of borrowings in Canadian Dollars. Upon
receipt of any such notice from the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian Swing Line
Lender shall promptly notify the Canadian Administrative Agent. Not later than
3:00 P.M., Toronto time, on the Borrowing Date specified in the borrowing notice
in respect of any Canadian Swing Line Loan, the Canadian Swing Line Lender shall
make available to the Canadian Administrative Agent at the Canadian Funding
Office an amount in immediately available funds equal to the amount of such
Canadian Swing Line Loan. The Canadian Administrative Agent shall make the
proceeds of such Canadian Swing Line Loan available to the Canadian Borrower on
such Borrowing Date in like funds as received by the Canadian Administrative
Agent.

          (b) The Canadian Swing Line Lender, at any time and from time to time
in its sole and absolute discretion may (and not less frequently than bi-weekly,
shall), on behalf of the Canadian Borrower (which hereby irrevocably directs the
Canadian Swing Line Lender to act on its behalf), on one Business Day's notice
given by the Canadian Swing Line Lender no later than 12:00 Noon, Toronto time,
request each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender to make, and each Canadian
Revolving Credit Lender hereby agrees to make, a Canadian Revolving Credit Loan,
in an amount equal to such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender's Canadian Revolving
Credit Percentage of the aggregate amount of the Canadian Swing Line Loans (the
"Refunded Canadian Swing Line Loans ") outstanding on the date of such notice,
 ----------------------------------
to repay the Canadian Swing Line Lender. Each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender
shall make the amount of such Canadian Revolving Credit Loan available to the
Canadian Administrative Agent at the Canadian Funding Office in immediately
available funds, not later than 10:00 A.M., Toronto time, one Business Day after
the date of such notice. The proceeds of such Canadian Revolving Credit Loans
shall be made immediately available by the Canadian Administrative Agent to the
Canadian Swing Line Lender for application by the Canadian Swing Line Lender to
the repayment of the Refunded Canadian Swing Line Loans.

          (c) If prior to the time a Canadian Revolving Credit Loan would have
otherwise been made pursuant to Section 5.15(b), one of the events described in
Section 13(f) shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to the Canadian
Borrower, or if for any other reason, as determined by the Canadian Swingline
Lender in its sole discretion, Canadian Revolving Credit Loans may not be made
as contemplated by Section 5.15(b), each Canadian Revolving Credit
<PAGE>

                                                                              63

Lender shall, on the date such Canadian Revolving Credit Loan was to have been
made pursuant to the notice referred to in Section 5.15(b) (the "Canadian
                                                                 --------
Refunding Date"), purchase for cash an undivided participating interest in the
--------------
then outstanding Canadian Swing Line Loans by paying to the Canadian Swing Line
Lender an amount (the "Canadian Swing Line Participation Amount") equal to (i)
                       ----------------------------------------
such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender's Canadian Revolving Credit Percentage
times (ii) the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Canadian Swing Line
-----
Loans then outstanding which were to have been repaid with such Canadian
Revolving Credit Loans.

          (d) Whenever, at any time after the Canadian Swing Line Lender has
received from any Canadian Revolving Credit Lender such Lender's Canadian Swing
Line Participation Amount, the Canadian Swing Line Lender receives any payment
on account of the Canadian Swing Line Loans, the Canadian Swing Line Lender will
distribute to such Lender its Canadian Swing Line Participation Amount
(appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period
of time during which such Lender's participating interest was outstanding and
funded and, in the case of principal and interest payments, to reflect such
Lender's pro rata portion of such payment if such payment is not sufficient to
         --- ----
pay the principal of and interest on all Canadian Swing Line Loans then due);
provided, however, that in the event that such payment received by the Canadian
--------  -------
Swing Line Lender is required to be returned, such Canadian Revolving Credit
Lender will return to the Canadian Swing Line Lender any portion thereof
previously distributed to it by the Canadian Swing Line Lender.

          (e) Each Canadian Revolving Credit Lender's obligation to make the
Canadian Revolving Credit Loans referred to in Section 5.15(b) and to purchase
participating interests pursuant to Section 5.15(c) shall be absolute and
unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including, without
limitation, (i) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right
which such Canadian Revolving Credit Lender or the Canadian Borrower may have
against the Canadian Swing Line Lender, the Canadian Borrower or any other
Person for any reason whatsoever; (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a
Default or an Event of Default or the failure to satisfy any of the other
conditions specified in Section 9; (iii) any adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise) of Holdings or the Canadian Borrower; (iv) any breach
of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by the Canadian Borrower, any other
Loan Party or any other Lender; or (v) any other circumstance, happening or
event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing

          5.16 Increase of Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments. At any time
               -------------------------------------------------
after the Restatement Effective Date, Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. may provide
for entities that are Canadian Lenders and/or additional Canadian entities that
are then becoming parties to this Agreement as Canadian Lenders to make
available additional Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments in an aggregate
amount of up to additional U.S.$1,562,500, and the U.S. Revolving Credit
Commitments of Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. shall automatically reduce by the
amount of any such increase in the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments,
simultaneously with such increase. Any such increase in the Canadian Revolving
Credit Commitments and simultaneous reduction in U.S. Revolving Credit
Commitments shall be effected pursuant to Lender Addenda and/or Assignments and
Acceptances, as determined by the General Administrative Agent, and the
Borrowers shall execute such documents and take such action in connection
therewith as the General Administrative Agent shall reasonably request.
<PAGE>

                                                                              64

                    SECTION 6. LETTERS OF CREDIT

          6.1 L/C Commitments. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
              ---------------
each U.S. Issuing Lender, in reliance on the agreements of the other U.S.
Revolving Credit Lenders set forth in Section 6.4(a), agrees to issue letters of
credit ( "U.S. Letters of Credit") for the account of the U.S. Borrower on any
          ----------------------
Business Day during the U.S. Revolving Credit Commitment Period in such form as
may be approved from time to time by such Issuing Lender; provided, that no
                                                          --------
Issuing Lender shall have any obligation to issue any U.S. Letter of Credit if,
after giving effect to such issuance, (i) the U.S. L/C Obligations would exceed
the U.S. L/C Commitment or (ii) the aggregate amount of the Available U.S.
Revolving Credit Commitments would be less than zero or (iii) the Aggregate U.S.
Revolving Extensions of Credit would exceed the Borrowing Base of the U.S.
Borrower. Each U.S. Letter of Credit shall (i) be denominated in U.S. Dollars
and (ii) expire no later than the earlier of (x) the first anniversary of its
date of issuance and (y) the date which is five Business Days prior to the U.S.
Revolving Credit Termination Date, provided that any U.S. Letter of Credit with
                                   --------
a one-year term may provide for the renewal thereof for additional one-year
periods (which shall in no event extend beyond the date referred to in clause
(y) above).

          (b) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Canadian Issuing
Lender, in reliance on the agreements of the other Canadian Revolving Credit
Lenders set forth in Section 6.4(a), agrees to issue letters of credit (
"Canadian Letters of Credit"; together with the U.S. Letters of Credit, the
 --------------------------
"Letters of Credit") for the account of the Canadian Borrower on any Business
 -----------------
Day during the Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment Period in such form as may
be approved from time to time by such Issuing Lender; provided, that no Issuing
                                                      --------
Lender shall have any obligation to issue any Canadian Letter of Credit if,
after giving effect to such issuance, (i) the Canadian L/C Obligations would
exceed the Canadian L/C Commitment, (ii) the aggregate amount of the Aggregate
Available Canadian Revolving Credit Commitments would be less than zero, or
(iii) the Aggregate Canadian Revolving Credit Outstanding would exceed the
Borrowing Base of the Canadian Borrower. Each Canadian Letter of Credit shall
(i) be denominated in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars and (ii) expire no later
than the earlier of (x) the first anniversary of its date of issuance and (y)
the date which is five Business Days prior to the Canadian Revolving Credit
Termination Date, provided that any Canadian Letter of Credit with a one-year
                  --------
term may provide for the renewal thereof for additional one-year periods (which
shall in no event extend beyond the date referred to in clause (y) above).

          (c) No Issuing Lender shall at any time be obligated to issue any
Letter of Credit hereunder if such issuance would conflict with, or cause such
Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant to exceed any limits imposed by, any
applicable Requirement of Law.

          6.2 Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit. The U.S. Borrower or
              -------------------------------------------
the Canadian Borrower may from time to time request that a U.S. Issuing Lender
or a Canadian Issuing Lender, as the case may be, issue a Letter of Credit by
delivering to such Issuing Lender at its address for notices specified herein an
Application therefor, completed to the satisfaction of such Issuing Lender, and
such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as such
Issuing Lender may request. Upon receipt of any Application, an Issuing Lender
will process such Application and the certificates, documents and other papers
and information
<PAGE>

                                                                              65

delivered to it in connection therewith in accordance with its customary
procedures and shall promptly issue the Letter of Credit requested thereby by
issuing the original of such Letter of Credit to the beneficiary thereof or as
otherwise may be agreed to by such Issuing Lender and the relevant Borrower (but
in no event shall any Issuing Lender be required to issue any Letter of Credit
earlier than three Business Days after its receipt of the Application therefor
and all such other certificates, documents and other papers and information
relating thereto). Promptly after issuance by an Issuing Lender of a Letter of
Credit, such Issuing Lender shall furnish a copy of such Letter of Credit to the
relevant Borrower. Each Issuing Lender shall promptly furnish to the General
Administrative Agent (and, in the case of a Canadian Letter of Credit, to the
Canadian Administrative Agent), notice of the issuance of each Letter of Credit
issued by it (including the amount thereof) and such Agent shall promptly upon
receipt of such notice notify each Lender.

          6.3 Fees and Other Charges. (a) Each Borrower will pay a fee on the
              ----------------------
aggregate drawable amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued for such
Borrower's account at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin then in
effect with respect to Eurodollar Loans under the U.S. Revolving Credit
Facility, shared ratably among the U.S. Revolving Credit Lenders or the Canadian
Revolving Credit Lenders, as the case may be, in accordance with their
respective U.S. Revolving Credit Percentages or Canadian Revolving Credit
Percentages, as the case may be, and payable quarterly in arrears on each L/C
Fee Payment Date after the issuance date. In addition, each Borrower shall pay
to the relevant Issuing Lender for its own account a fronting fee on the
aggregate drawable amount of each outstanding Letter of Credit issued by such
Issuing Lender for the account of such Borrower of 1/4 of 1% per annum, payable
quarterly in arrears on each L/C Fee Payment Date after the issuance date of
such Letter of Credit.

          (b) In addition to the foregoing fees, each Borrower shall pay or
reimburse each Issuing Lender for such normal and customary costs and expenses
as are incurred or charged by the Issuing Lender in issuing, negotiating,
effecting payment under, amending or otherwise administering any Letter of
Credit issued for such Borrower's account.

          (c) Fees payable in respect of any Letter of Credit shall be payable
in the currency in which such Letter of Credit is denominated.

          6.4 L/C Participations. (a) Each Issuing Lender irrevocably agrees to
              ------------------
grant and hereby grants to each L/C Participant, and, to induce each Issuing
Lender to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, each L/C Participant irrevocably
agrees to accept and purchase and hereby accepts and purchases from each Issuing
Lender, on the terms and conditions hereinafter stated, for such L/C
Participant's own account and risk an undivided interest equal to (i) in the
case of each U.S. L/C Participant, such U.S. L/C Participant's U.S. Revolving
Credit Percentage in each Issuing Lender's obligations and rights under each
U.S. Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender hereunder and the amount of
each draft paid by such Issuing Lender thereunder and (ii) in the case of each
Canadian L/C Participant, such Canadian L/C Participant's Canadian Revolving
Credit Percentage in each Issuing Lender's obligations and rights under each
Canadian Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender hereunder and the amount
of each draft paid by such Issuing Lender thereunder. Each L/C Participant
unconditionally and irrevocably agrees with each Issuing Lender that, if a draft
is paid under any Letter of Credit in which such L/C Participant has a
participating interest for which the relevant Issuing Lender is not
<PAGE>

                                                                              66

reimbursed in full by the relevant Borrower in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, such L/C Participant shall pay to such Issuing Lender upon demand at
such Issuing Lender's address for notices specified herein an amount equal to
such L/C Participant's U.S. Revolving Credit Percentage (in the case of U.S.
Letters of Credit) or Canadian Revolving Credit Percentage (in the case of
Canadian Letters of Credit) of the amount of such draft, or any part thereof,
that is not so reimbursed.

          (b) If any amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant to an
Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 6.4(a) in respect of any unreimbursed portion
of any payment made by such Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit is paid to
such Issuing Lender within three Business Days after the date such payment is
due, such L/C Participant shall pay to such Issuing Lender on demand an amount
equal to the product of (i) such amount, times (ii) the daily average Federal
Funds Effective Rate (in the case of amounts owing in U.S. Dollars) or the rate
determined by the Canadian Issuing Bank to be its cost of funding the overdue
amount (in the case of amounts owing in Canadian Dollars) during the period from
and including the date such payment is required to the date on which such
payment is immediately available to such Issuing Lender, times (iii) a fraction
the numerator of which is the number of days that elapse during such period and
the denominator of which is 360. If any such amount required to be paid by any
L/C Participant pursuant to Section 6.4(a) is not made available to such Issuing
Lender by such L/C Participant within three Business Days after the date such
payment is due, such Issuing Lender shall be entitled to recover from such L/C
Participant, on demand, such amount with interest thereon calculated from such
due date at the rate per annum applicable to U.S. Base Rate Loans under the U.S.
Revolving Credit Facility (in the case of amounts owing in U.S. Dollars) or
Canadian Base Rate Loans under the Canadian Revolving Credit Facility (in the
case of amounts owing in Canadian Dollars). A certificate of such Issuing Lender
submitted to any L/C Participant with respect to any such amounts owing under
this Section shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

          (c) Whenever, at any time after an Issuing Lender has made payment
under any Letter of Credit and has received from any L/C Participant its pro
                                                                         ---
rata share of such payment in accordance with Section 6.4(a), such Issuing
----
Lender receives any payment related to such Letter of Credit (whether directly
from the relevant Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of collateral
applied thereto by such Issuing Lender), or any payment of interest on account
thereof, such Issuing Lender will distribute to such L/C Participant its pro
                                                                         ---
rata share thereof; provided, however, that in the event that any such payment
----                --------  -------
received by such Issuing Lender shall be required to be returned by such Issuing
Lender, such L/C Participant shall return to such Issuing Lender the portion
thereof previously distributed by such Issuing Lender to it.

          6.5 Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrowers. Each Borrower agrees to
              -----------------------------------------
reimburse each relevant Issuing Lender on each date on which such Issuing Lender
notifies such Borrower of the date and amount of a draft presented under any
Letter of Credit issue for the account of such Borrower and paid by such Issuing
Lender for the amount of (a) such draft so paid and (b) any taxes, fees, charges
or other costs or expenses incurred by such Issuing Lender in connection with
such payment (the amounts described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) in
respect of any drawing, collectively, the "Payment Amount "). Each such payment
                                           --------------
shall be made to such Issuing Lender at its address for notices specified herein
in the currency in which such
<PAGE>

                                                                              67

amount is owing and in immediately available funds . Interest shall be payable
on each Payment Amount from the date of the applicable drawing until payment in
full at the rate set forth in (i) until the second Business Day following the
date of the applicable drawing, Section 7.1(b) (in the case of amounts
outstanding in U.S. Dollars) in Section 7.1(c) (in the case of amounts
outstanding in Canadian Dollars) and (ii) thereafter, Section 7.1(e). Each
drawing under any Letter of Credit shall (unless an event of the type described
in clause (i) or (ii) of Section 13(f) shall have occurred and be continuing
with respect to the Borrower, in which case the procedures specified in Section
6.4 for funding by L/C Participants shall apply) constitute a request by the
relevant Borrower to the relevant Administrative Agent for (x) in the case of a
drawing in U.S. Dollars, a borrowing pursuant to Section 2.5 of U.S. Base Rate
Loans (or, at the option of the General Administrative Agent and the Swing Line
Lender in their sole discretion, a borrowing pursuant to Section 2.7 of Swing
Line Loans) in the amount of such drawing or (y), in the case of a drawing in
Canadian Dollars, a borrowing pursuant to Section 5.1 of Canadian Prime Rate
Loans in the amount of such drawing. The Borrowing Date with respect to such
borrowing shall be the first date on which a borrowing of U.S. Revolving Credit
Loans, Canadian Revolving Credit Loans or applicable, Swing Line Loans, as the
case may be, could be made, pursuant to Section 2.5, 5.2 or 2.7, as the case may
be, if the relevant Administrative Agent had received a notice of such borrowing
at the time such Administrative Agent receives notice from the relevant Issuing
Lender of such drawing under such Letter of Credit.

          6.6 Obligations Absolute. Each Borrower's obligations under this
              --------------------
Section 6 shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances
and irrespective of any setoff, counterclaim or defense to payment that such
Borrower may have or have had against any Issuing Lender, any beneficiary of a
Letter of Credit or any other Person. Each Borrower also agrees with each
Issuing Lender that such Issuing Lender shall not be responsible for, and such
Borrower's Reimbursement Obligations under Section 6.5 shall not be affected by,
among other things, the validity or genuineness of documents or of any
endorsements thereon, even though such documents shall in fact prove to be
invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among such Borrower and
any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any other party to which such Letter
of Credit may be transferred or any claims whatsoever of such Borrower against
any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit or any such transferee. No Issuing
Lender shall be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in
transmission, dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however
transmitted, in connection with any Letter of Credit, except for errors or
omissions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such
Issuing Lender. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken or omitted by an
Issuing Lender under or in connection with any Letter of Credit issued by it or
the related drafts or documents, if done in the absence of gross negligence or
willful misconduct and in accordance with the standards or care specified in the
Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York, shall be binding on such
Borrower and shall not result in any liability of such Issuing Lender to such
Borrower.

          6.7 Letter of Credit Payments. If any draft shall be presented for
              -------------------------
payment under any Letter of Credit, the relevant Issuing Lender shall promptly
notify the relevant Borrower of the date and amount thereof. The responsibility
of the relevant Issuing Lender to the relevant Borrower in connection with any
draft presented for payment under any Letter of Credit shall, in addition to any
payment obligation expressly provided for in such Letter of Credit issued by
such Issuing Lender, be limited to determining that the documents (including
each draft) delivered
<PAGE>

                                                                              68

under such Letter of Credit in connection with such presentment appear on their
face to be in conformity with such Letter of Credit.

          6.8 Applications. To the extent that any provision of any Application
              ------------
related to any Letter of Credit is inconsistent with the provisions of this
Section 6, the provisions of this Section 6 shall apply.

     SECTION 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE FACILITIES

          7.1 Interest Rates and Payment Dates. (a) Each Eurodollar Loan shall
              --------------------------------
bear interest for each day during each Interest Period with respect thereto at a
rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate determined for such Interest Period
plus the Applicable Margin in effect for such day.

          (b) Each U.S. Base Rate Loan shall bear interest for each day on which
it is outstanding at a rate per annum equal to the U.S. Base Rate for such day
plus the Applicable Margin in effect for such day.

          (c) Each Canadian Prime Rate Loan shall bear interest for each day on
which it is outstanding at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate for
such day plus the Applicable Margin in effect for such day.

          (d) Each Canadian Base Rate Loan shall bear interest for each day on
which it is outstanding at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Base Rate for
such day plus the Applicable Margin in effect for such day.

          (e) If all or a portion of (i) the principal amount of any Loan, (ii)
any interest payable thereon or (iii) any fee or other amount payable hereunder
shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise), such overdue amount shall to the extent legally permitted bear
interest at a rate per annum equal to the rate that would otherwise be
applicable thereto pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this subsection plus
2%.

          (f) Interest shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment
Date, provided that interest accruing pursuant to paragraph (e) of this
      --------
subsection shall be payable from time to time on demand.

          7.2 Conversion and Continuation Options With Respect to Loans. (a) The
              ---------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Borrower may elect from time to time to convert outstanding Eurodollar
Loans made to it under any Facility to U.S. Base Rate Loans under such Facility
by giving the General Administrative Agent at least one Business Day's prior
irrevocable notice of such election, provided that any such conversion of
                                     --------
Eurodollar Loans made on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period
with respect thereto unless the U.S. Borrower as shall be accompanied by
payments of amounts specified in Section 7.12. The U.S. Borrower may elect from
time to time to convert outstanding U.S. Base Rate Loans made to it under any
Facility (other than Swing Line Loans) (in whole or in part) to Eurodollar Loans
under such Facility by giving the General Administrative Agent at least three
Business Days' prior irrevocable notice of such election. Any such notice of
<PAGE>

                                                                              69

conversion to Eurodollar Loans shall specify the length of the initial Interest
Period or Interest Periods therefor. Upon receipt of any such notice the General
Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each U.S. Lender thereof. All or any
part of outstanding Eurodollar Loans and U.S. Base Rate Loans owing by the U.S.
Borrower under such Facility may be converted as provided herein, provided that
                                                                  --------
(i) no U.S. Base Rate Loan under any Facility may be converted into a Eurodollar
Loan when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the
General Administrative Agent or the Majority Facility Lenders with respect to
such Facility have determined that such conversion is not appropriate, (ii) any
such conversion may only be made if, after giving effect thereto, Section 7.3
shall not have been violated, (iii) no U.S. Base Rate Loan may be converted into
a Eurodollar Loan after the date that is one month prior to the U.S. Revolving
Credit Termination Date (in the case of U.S. Revolving Credit Loans) or the
scheduled maturity date therefor (in the case of U.S. Term Loans) and (iv) Swing
Line Loans may not be converted to Eurodollar Loans.

          (b) The Canadian Borrower may elect from time to time to convert
outstanding Eurodollar Loans made to it under any Facility to Canadian Base Rate
Loans under such Facility by giving the Canadian Administrative Agent at least
one Business Day's prior irrevocable notice of such election, provided that any
                                                              --------
such conversion of Eurodollar Loans made on a day other than the last day of an
Interest Period with respect thereto shall be accompanied by payment of amounts
specified in Section 7.12. The Canadian Borrower may elect from time to time to
convert outstanding Canadian Base Rate Loans made to it under any Facility
(other than Canadian Swing Line Loans) to Eurodollar Loans under such Facility
by giving the Canadian Administrative Agent at least three Business Days' prior
irrevocable notice of such election. Any such notice of conversion to Eurodollar
Loans shall specify the length of the initial Interest Period or Interest
Periods therefor. Upon receipt of any such notice the Canadian Administrative
Agent shall promptly notify each affected Canadian Lender thereof. All or any
part of outstanding Eurodollar Loans and Canadian Base Rate Loans owing by the
Canadian Borrower under such Facility may be converted as provided herein,
provided that (i) no Canadian Base Rate Loan under any Facility may be converted
--------
into a Eurodollar Loan when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and the Canadian Administrative Agent or the Majority Facility
Lenders with respect to any Facility have determined that such conversion is not
appropriate, (ii) any such conversion may only be made if, after giving effect
thereto, Section 7.3 shall not have been violated, (iii) no Canadian Base Ra te
Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar Loan after the date that is one month
prior to the Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date (in the case of Canadian
Revolving Credit Loans) or the scheduled maturity date therefor (in the case of
Canadian Term Loans) and (iv) Canadian Swing Line Loans may not be converted to
Eurodollar Loans.

          (c) Any Eurodollar Loans under any Facility may be continued as such
upon the expiration of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto by
the relevant Borrower giving notice to the General Administrative Agent or the
Canadian Administrative Agent, as the case may be, of the length of the next
Interest Period to be applicable to such Loans determined in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the term "Interest Period" set forth in Section 1.1,
provided that no Eurodollar Loan under any Facility may be continued as such (i)
--------
when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the
General Administrative Agent (or, in the case of Canadian Facility Loans, the
Canadian Administrative Agent) or the Majority
<PAGE>

                                                                              70

Facility Lenders under such Facility have determined that such continuation is
not appropriate, (ii) if, after giving effect thereto, Section 7.3 would be
contravened or (iii) after the date that is one month prior to the U.S.
Revolving Credit Termination Date, Canadian Revolving Credit Termination Date or
applicable final maturity date, as the case may be, and provided, further, that
                                                        --------  -------
if the relevant Borrower shall fail to give such notice or if such continuation
is not permitted pursuant to the preceding proviso such Eurodollar Loans shall
be automatically converted to U.S. Base Rate Loans or Canadian Base Rate Loans,
as applicable, on the last day of such then expiring Interest Period.

          7.3 Minimum Amounts of Tranches. (a) All borrowings, conversions and
              ---------------------------
continuations of Loans hereunder and all selections of Interest Periods
hereunder shall be in such amounts and be made pursuant to such elections so
that, after giving effect thereto, (i) the aggregate principal amount of the
Eurodollar Loans comprising each Tranche shall be equal to U.S.$1,000,000 or a
whole multiple of U.S. $100,000 in excess thereof, and (ii) there shall not be
more than nine Tranches at any one time outstanding.

          (b) All Acceptances created hereunder, all conversions and
continuations thereof and all selections of maturity dates with respect thereto
shall be made pursuant to such elections so that, after giving effect thereto,
there shall be no more than six Acceptance Tranches at any one time outstanding.

          7.4 Optional Prepayments. (a) The U.S. Borrower may at any time and
              --------------------
from time to time prepay U.S. Facility Loans, in whole or in part without
premium or penalty (except with respect to prepayments of Tranche C Term Loans,
as provided in Section 7.4(d)) upon at least three Business Days' irrevocable
notice to the General Administrative Agent (in the case of Eurodollar Loans) and
at least one Business Day's irrevocable notice to the General Administrative
Agent (in the case of U.S. Base Rate Loans) specifying the date and amount of
prepayment, the Facility to which such prepayment applies and the type of Loans
being prepaid under each such Facility. Upon the receipt of any such notice the
General Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each affected U.S. Lender
thereof. If any such notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall
be due and payable on the date specified therein. Partial prepayments of the
U.S. Facility Loans (other than Swing Line Loans) shall be in an aggregate
principal amount of U.S.$250,000 or a whole multiple of U.S.$100,000 in excess
thereof (or in such lower amount as may be then outstanding). Partial
prepayments of the Swing Line Loans shall be in aggregate principal amount of
U.S.$100,000 or a whole multiple of U.S.$100,000 in excess thereof (or in such
lower amount as may be then outstanding). Optional prepayments of the U.S. Term
Loans shall be applied to the Tranche A Term Loans and Tranche B Term Loans
ratably in accordance with the outstanding principal amounts thereof.
Prepayments made pursuant to this Section 7.4(a) shall be applied as specified
in Section 7.5(f) and are subject to the provisions of Section 7.5(i). The
Tranche C Term Loans may not be optionally prepaid (except with the proceeds of
Replacement Subordinated Debt) so long as any other amounts are owing by any
Loan Party under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided, that the
                                                             --------
Tranche C Term Loans may be prepaid with Net Cash Proceeds of the IPO as
permitted by Section 7.5(a).
<PAGE>

                                                                              71

          (b) The Canadian Borrower may at any time and from time to time
prepay, without premium or penalty, the Canadian Facility Loans, in whole or in
part, upon at least three Business Days' irrevocable notice to the Canadian
Administrative Agent (in the case of Eurodollar Loans) and at least one Business
Day's irrevocable notice to the Canadian Administrative Agent (in the case of
Canadian Base Rate Loans or Canadian Prime Rate Loans) specifying the date and
amount of prepayment, the Facility to which such prepayment applies and the type
of Loans being prepaid under each such Facility. Upon the receipt of any such
notice, the Canadian Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each affected
Canadian Lender thereof. If any such notice is given, the amount specified in
such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Partial
prepayments of Canadian Facility Loans (other than Canadian Swing Line Loans)
shall be in an aggregate principal amount of C$300,000 or a whole multiple of
C$100,000 in excess thereof (in the case of Canadian Facility Loans denominated
in Canadian Dollars), U.S.$250,000 or a whole multiple of US$100,000 in excess
thereof (in the case of Canadian Facility Loans denominated in U.S. Dollars (or
in such lower amount as may be then outstanding for either denomination).
Partial prepayments of the Canadian Swing Line Loans shall be in aggregate
principal amount of U.S.$100,000 or a whole multiple of U.S.$100,000 in excess
thereof, in the case of borrowings in U.S. Dollars (or in such lower amounts as
may be then outstanding), or C$100,000 or a whole multiple of C$100,000 in
excess thereof, in the case of borrowings in Canadian Dollars (or in such lower
amounts as may be then outstanding). Prepayments made pursuant to this Section
7.4(b) shall be applied as specified in Section 7.5(g). Except as otherwise
provided in Section 13, no prepayment of any Acceptance shall be made by the
Canadian Borrower prior to the maturity date of such Acceptance.

          (c) Each prepayment of Loans pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall be
accompanied by accrued and unpaid interest on the amount prepaid to the date of
prepayment and any amounts payable under Section 7.12 in connection with such
prepayment.

          (d) Each prepayment in respect of the Tranche C Term Loans shall be
accompanied by a prepayment premium equal to (i) if such prepayment is made
prior to the first anniversary of the Original Closing Date, 3.5% of the
principal amount of such prepayment, (ii) if such prepayment is made on or after
the first anniversary of the Original Closing Date and prior to the second
anniversary of the Original Closing Date, 3% of the principal amount of such
prepayment, (iii) if such prepayment is made on or after the second anniversary
of the Original Closing Date and on or prior to the third anniversary of the
Original Closing Date, 2% of the principal amount of such prepayment and (iv) if
such prepayment is made on or after the third anniversary of the Original
Closing Date and prior to the fourth anniversary of the Original Closing Date,
1% of the principal amount of such prepayment and (v) if such prepayment is made
after the fourth anniversary of the Original Closing Date, 0% of the principal
amount of such prepayment.

          7.5 Mandatory Prepayments; Application of Prepayments. (a) Unless the
              -------------------------------------------------
Required Prepayment Lenders shall otherwise agree, if Holdings receives Net Cash
Proceeds from Capital Stock Sales, an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash
Proceeds shall be applied within three Business Days after the date of receipt
thereof toward the prepayment of the Loans and Acceptances as set forth in
Section 7.5(e); provided, that (i) Net Cash Proceeds from the sale or exercise
                --------
of the 2000 Warrants shall not be required to be applied toward such prepayment
and
<PAGE>

                                                                              72

reduction, (ii) the Net Cash Proceeds of the IPO shall be applied (A) to repay
the Tranche B Term Loans in full (subject to the provisions of Section 7.5(i)),
(B) to repay the Canadian Term Loans in full, (C) to repay in full the principal
of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the 2000 Subordinated Notes and other
unsecured loans and loans secured by fixed assets recently incurred by Holdings
and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount for all such loans and the
2000 Subordinated Notes not exceeding U.S. $15,000,000, (D) to finance the
Pensar Acquisition and pay related fees and expenses, (E) to repay Loans
outstanding under the Revolving Credit Commitments (without any reduction of the
Revolving Credit Commitments), (F) to pay U.S.$1,800,000 in the aggregate to the
Sponsors as consideration for the termination of the Management Agreement and
(G) at the option of the U.S. Borrower, to repay the Tranche C Term Loans in
full and (iii) Specified Equity Proceeds may be applied, within 90 days after
the receipt thereof by Holdings and its Subsidiaries, to fund Permitted
Acquisitions, and any Specified Equity Proceeds not so applied within 90 days
after the receipt thereof by Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall be applied on
or before the Business Day immediately following such 90th day toward the
prepayment of the Loans and Acceptances as set forth in Section 7.5(e); and (iv)
no repayment of Loans by the U.S. Borrower shall be required pursuant to this
Section 7.5(a) once the Tranche A Term Loans and Tranche B Term Loans have been
paid in full.

          (b) Unless the Required Prepayment Lenders shall otherwise agree, if
after the Original Closing Date any Indebtedness shall be issued or incurred by
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (excluding any Indebtedness incurred in
accordance with Section 11.2, other than Replacement Subordinated Debt permitted
by Section 11.2(n), the proceeds of which shall be used to prepay Tranche C Term
Loans), an amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds thereof shall be
applied within five Business Days after the date of such issuance or incurrence
toward the prepayment of the Loans and Acceptances as set forth in Section
7.5(e); provided, however, that no prepayment of Loans by the U.S. Borrower
        --------  -------
shall be required pursuant to this Section 7.5(b) once the Tranche A Term Loans
and Tranche B Term Loans have been paid in full.

          (c) [Reserved]

          (d) Unless the Required Prepayment Lenders shall otherwise agree, if,
for any fiscal year of Holdings commencing with the fiscal year ending on
December 31, 2000, Holdings shall have Excess Cash Flow (calculated with respect
to Holdings and its Subsidiaries) and the U.S. Borrower shall have Excess Cash
Flow (calculated with respect to the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries), the
U.S. Borrower shall, on the relevant Excess Cash Flow Application Date, apply
the ECF Percentage of the smaller of Holdings' Excess Cash Flow and the U.S.
Borrower's Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year toward the prepayment of the
Loans as set forth in Section 7.5(f).; provided, however, that no repayment of
                                       --------  -------
Loans by the U.S. Borrower shall be required pursuant to this Section 7.5(d)
once the Tranche A Term Loans and Tranche B Term Loans have been paid in full.
Each such prepayment shall be made on a date (an "Excess Cash Flow Application
                                                  ----------------------------
Date") no later than five days after the earlier of (i) the date on which the
----
financial statements of Holdings referred to in Section 10.1(a), for the fiscal
year with respect to which such prepayment is made, are required to be delivered
to the Lenders and (ii) the date such financial statements are actually
delivered.
<PAGE>

                                                                              73

          (e) Subject to Section 7.9 and except as provided in the proviso to
Section 7.5(a), amounts to be applied in connection with prepayments and
Commitment reductions made pursuant to Section 7.5(a) or 7.5(b) shall be applied
to the prepayment of the Tranche A Term Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans,
ratably in accordance with the outstanding amount of each such Facility. The
application of any such prepayment of U.S. Term Loans shall be made first to
U.S. Base Rate Loans and second to Eurodollar Loans (in a manner, to the extent
practicable and permitted hereunder, which minimizes amounts payable under
Section 7.12 as a result of such prepayment). Each such prepayment of Loans
shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the
amount prepaid.

          (f) Subject to Section 7.9, amounts to be applied in connection with
prepayments and reductions made pursuant to Section 7.4(a) or the first sentence
of Section 7.5(d) shall be applied to the prepayment of the Tranche A Term Loans
and Tranche B Term Loans, ratably in accordance with the respective outstanding
amounts of the Facilities. The application of any such prepayment of U.S. Term
Loans shall be made first to U.S. Base Rate Loans and second to Eurodollar Loans
(in a manner, to the extent practicable and permitted hereunder, which minimizes
amounts payable under Section 7.12 as a result of such prepayment). Each such
prepayment of the Loans shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the date of
such prepayment on the amount prepaid.

          (g) [Reserved]

          (h) The amount of each prepayment of the Loans made pursuant to
Section 7.4 or Section 7.5 shall be applied to reduce the then remaining
installments of the Loans under the relevant Facility pro rata based upon the
                                                      --- ----
then remaining outstanding principal amount of such installments; provided, that
                                                                  --------
the relevant Borrower may elect for such prepayments to be first applied to
installments payable under such Loans during the twelve months following the
date of such prepayment.

          (i) Notwithstanding anything in Section 7.4(a), Section 7.5(e) or
Section 7.5(f) to the contrary and provided that there are Tranche A Term Loans
then outstanding, with respect to the amount of any optional prepayment
described in Section 7.4(a) or mandatory prepayment described in Section 7.5
that is allocated to the Tranche B Term Loans (such amounts, the "Tranche B
                                                                  ---------
Prepayment Amount "), the U.S. Borrower will, in lieu of applying such amount to
-----------------
the prepayment of Tranche B Term Loans, as provided in Section 7.4(a) or Section
7.5(e) or (f), as the case may be, on the date specified in Section 7.4(a) or
Section 7.5, as the case may be, for such prepayment, give the General
Administrative Agent telephonic notice (promptly confirmed in writing)
requesting that the General Administrative Agent prepare and provide to each
Tranche B Lender a notice (each, a "Prepayment Option Notice") as described
                                    ------------------------
below. As promptly as practicable after receiving such notice from the U.S.
Borrower, the General Administrative Agent will send to each Tranche B Lender a
notice (a "Prepayment Option Notice"), which shall be in the form of Exhibit K,
           ------------------------
and shall include an offer by the U.S. Borrower to prepay on the date (each a
"Proposed Prepayment Date") that is 15 days after the date of the Prepayment
 ------------------------
Option Notice, the Tranche B Term Loans of such Lender by an amount equal to the
portion of the Tranche B Prepayment Amount indicated in such Lender's Prepayment
Option Notice as being applicable to such Lender's Tranche B Term Loans (which
shall be such Lender's pro rata share of the Tranche B Prepayment Amount). On
                       --- ----
the Proposed
<PAGE>

                                                                              74

Prepayment Date, (A) the U.S. Borrower shall pay to the General Administrative
Agent the aggregate amount necessary to prepay that portion of the outstanding
Tranche B Term Loans in respect of which Tranche B Lenders have accepted
prepayment as described above (such Lenders, the "Accepting Lenders"), and such
                                                  -----------------
amount shall be applied to reduce the Tranche B Prepayment Amount with respect
to each Accepting Lender and (B) the U.S. Borrower may retain 50% of the Tranche
B Prepayment Amount not accepted for prepayment and shall pay to the General
Administrative Agent an amount equal to 50% of the portion of the Tranche B
Prepayment Amount not accepted for prepayment, and such amount shall be applied
(i) in the case of optional prepayments pursuant to Section 7.4, to prepay the
Tranche A Term Loans and (ii) in the case of mandatory prepayments, to the other
Facilities required to be prepaid pursuant to Section 7.5(e) or Section 7.5(f),
as the case may be, ratably in accordance with the outstanding amounts thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Tranche B Term Loan Lender declines to
accept the prepayment of its Tranche B Term Loan on the Restatement Effective
Date, such declined amount shall not be required to be applied to prepay any
other Loans and will instead be applied in accordance with the proviso to
Section 7.5(a).

          7.6 Certain Fees. (a) The U.S. Borrower shall pay (without duplication
              ------------
of any other fee payable under this Section 7.6) to the Arranger and the
Syndication Agent, for their respective accounts, all fees separately agreed to
by the U.S. Borrower and the Arranger and the Syndication Agent, as the case may
be.

          (b) The Canadian Borrower shall (without duplication of any other fee
payable under this Section 7.6) pay to the Canadian Administrative Agent all
fees separately agreed to by the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian
Administrative Agent.

          (c) The U.S. Borrower shall (without duplication of any other fee
payable under this Section 7.6) pay to the General Administrative Agent all fees
separately agreed to by the U.S. Borrower and the General Administrative Agent.

          (d) Holdings agrees to pay to the General Administrative Agent on the
Restatement Effective Date, for the account of each Lender that has executed and
delivered a Lender Addendum consenting to the amendment and restatement of the
Existing Credit Agreement effected hereby, the amendment fee specified in
Section 9.2(f).

          7.7 Computation of Interest and Fees. (a) Interest based on the
              --------------------------------
Eurodollar Rate the Canadian Prime Rate, the Canadian Base Rate, or the U.S.
Base Rate when it is based upon the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be
calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual days elapsed; and
commitment fees, letters of credit fees and interest (other than interest based
the Canadian Prime Rate, the Canadian Base Rate, upon the Eurodollar Rate or the
U.S. Base Rate when it is based upon the Federal Funds Effective Rate) shall be
calculated on the basis of a 365- (or 366-, as the case may be) day year for the
actual days elapsed. The General Administrative Agent shall as soon as
practicable notify the relevant Borrower and the relevant Lenders of each
determination of a Eurodollar Rate. Any change in the interest rate on a Loan
resulting from a change in the U.S. Base Rate, the Canadian Base Rate or the
Canadian Prime Rate shall become effective as of the opening of business on the
day on which such change becomes effective. The General Administrative Agent
shall as soon as practicable notify the
<PAGE>

                                                                              75

U.S. Borrower and the Lenders of the effective date and the amount of each such
change in the U.S. Base Rate, and the Canadian Administrative Agent shall as
soon as practicable notify the U.S. Borrower and Canadian Borrower and the
Canadian Revolving Credit Lenders of each such change in the Canadian Prime Rate
and the Canadian Base Rate; provided that a failure by the General
                            --------
Administrative Agent or the Canadian Administrative Agent to notify the U.S.
Borrower or the Canadian Borrower of such respective rate changes does not
affect the obligation of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower to pay
interest at the applicable rate as changed. For purposes of the Interest Act
(Canada), whenever any interest or fee under this Agreement is calculated based
on a period which is less than a year (the "Lesser Period"), the interest rate
                                            -------------
or fee determined pursuant to such calculation, when expressed as an annual
rate, is equivalent to (i) the applicable rate based on such Lesser Period, (ii)
multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which the period
for which such interest or fee is payable ends, and (iii) divided by the number
of days in such Lesser Period. The rates of interest specified in this Agreement
are nominal rates and all interest payments and computations are to be made
without allowance or deduction for deemed reinvestment of interest.

          (b) Each determination of an interest rate by the General
Administrative Agent or the Canadian Administrative Agent, as the case may be,
pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on
the Borrowers and the Lenders in the absence of manifest error. Each
Administrative Agent shall, at the request of a Borrower, deliver to such
Borrower a statement showing in reasonable detail the calculations used by such
Administrative Agent in determining any interest rate pursuant to Section
7.1(a).

          (c) If any Canadian Reference Lender shall for any reason no longer
have a Canadian Revolving Credit Commitment or any Canadian Revolving Credit
Loans, such Canadian Reference Lender shall thereupon cease to be a Canadian
Reference Lender, and if, as a result, there shall only be one Schedule I
Canadian Reference Lender or Schedule II Canadian Reference Lender (as the case
may be) remaining, the Canadian Administrative Agent, with the consent of the
Canadian Borrower (after consultation with the Schedule I Canadian Lenders or
the Schedule II Canadian Lenders, as applicable) shall, by notice to the
Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Lenders, designate another Schedule I
Canadian Lender or Schedule II Canadian Lender, as applicable, as a Schedule I
Canadian Reference Lender or a Schedule II Canadian Reference Lender, as
applicable, so that there shall at all times be at least two Schedule I Canadian
Reference Lenders and two Schedule II Canadian Reference Lenders.

          (d) Each Canadian Reference Lender shall use its best efforts to
furnish quotations of rates to the Canadian Administrative Agent as contemplated
hereby. If any of the Canadian Reference Lenders shall be unable or shall
otherwise fail to supply such rates to the applicable Administrative Agent upon
its request, the rate of interest shall, subject to the provisions of Section
7.8, be determined on the basis of the quotations of the remaining Canadian
Reference Lenders or Reference Lender.

          7.8 Inability to Determine Interest Rate. If prior to the first day of
              ------------------------------------
any Interest Period:
<PAGE>

                                                                              76

          (a)  the General Administrative Agent shall have determined (which
determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrowers absent manifest
error) that, by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market, adequate
and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate for such
Interest Period, or

          (b)  the General Administrative Agent has received notice from the
Majority Facility Lenders that the Eurodollar Rate determined or to be
determined for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the
cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Eurodollar Loans during such
Interest Period,

the General Administrative Agent shall give telecopy or telephonic notice
thereof to the Borrower and the relevant Lenders as soon as practicable
thereafter. If such notice is given (x) any Eurodollar Loans under the relevant
Facility requested to be made on the first day of such Interest Period shall be
made as Base Rate Loans, (y) any Loans under the relevant Facility that were to
have been converted on the first day of such Interest Period to Eurodollar Loans
shall be continued as Base Rate Loans and (z) any outstanding Eurodollar Loans
under the relevant Facility shall be converted, on the first day of such
Interest Period, to Base Rate Loans. Until such time as the Eurodollar Rate can
be determined by the General Administrative Agent in the manner specified in the
definitions of such terms in Section 1.1, no further Eurodollar Loans under the
affected Facility shall be continued as such at the end of the then current
Interest Periods or shall be made, nor shall the relevant Borrower have the
right to convert outstanding Loans under such Facility into Eurodollar Loans.
The Administrative Agent shall withdraw (i) any such notice pursuant to clause
(a) above if the Administrative Agent determines that the relevant circumstances
have ceased to exist and (ii) any such notice pursuant to clause (b) above upon
receipt of notice from the Majority Facility Lenders in respect of the relevant
Facility that the relevant circumstances described in such clause (b) have
ceased to exist.

          7.9  Pro Rata Treatment and Payments. (a) (i) Each borrowing from the
               -------------------------------
Lenders under any Facility shall be made pro rata according to the respective
                                         --- ----
Commitment Percentages of the Lenders in respect of such Facility in effect on
the date of such borrowing. Each payment on account of any commitment fee or
letter of credit fee relating to any Facility shall be allocated by the relevant
Administrative Agent among the Lenders in accordance with the respective
Commitment Percentages of the Lenders in respect of such Facility. Any reduction
of the Commitments under any Facility shall be allocated among the Lenders pro
                                                                           ---
rata according to the Commitment Percentages of the Lenders in respect of such
----
Facility. Each payment (other than any optional prepayment) by a Borrower on
account of principal of the Loans shall be allocated by the relevant
Administrative Agent pro rata according to the respective principal amounts
                     --- ----
thereof then due and owing to each Lender. Each payment by a Borrower on account
of interest on the Loans shall be allocated by the relevant Administrative Agent
pro rata according to the respective amounts of interest then due and owing to
--- ----
each Lender. Each optional prepayment on account of principal of or interest on
the Loans under any Facility shall be allocated by the relevant Administrative
Agent pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of
      --- ----
Loans outstanding under such Facility.

                    (ii)  All payments (including prepayments) to be made by the
          U.S. Borrower hereunder, whether on account of principal, interest,
          fees or otherwise,
<PAGE>

                                                                              77

          shall be made without set-off or counterclaim and shall be made prior
          to 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the due date thereof to the
          General Administrative Agent, for the account of the U.S. Lenders, at
          the U.S. Payment Office, in U.S. Dollars and in immediately available
          funds. The General Administrative Agent shall distribute such payments
          to the U.S. Lenders entitled to receive the same promptly upon receipt
          in like funds as received.

                    (iii) All payments (including prepayments) to be made by the
          Canadian Borrower hereunder, whether on account of principal,
          interest, fees or otherwise, shall be made without set-off or
          counterclaim and shall be made prior to 1:00 P.M., Toronto time, on
          the due date thereof to the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the
          account of the Canadian Lenders, at the Canadian Payment Office, in
          the currency in which the relevant amount is outstanding and in
          immediately available funds. The Canadian Administrative Agent shall
          distribute such payments to the Canadian Lenders entitled to receive
          the same promptly upon receipt in like funds as received.

                    (iv) If any payment hereunder (other than payments on the
          Eurodollar Loans and the Acceptances) becomes due and payable on a day
          other than a Business Day, the maturity of such payment shall be
          extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, with respect to
          payments of principal, interest thereon shall be payable at the then
          applicable rate during such extension. If any payment on a Eurodollar
          Loan becomes due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the
          maturity of such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding
          Business Day (and, with respect to payments of principal, interest
          thereon shall be payable at the then applicable rate during such
          extension) unless the result of such extension would be to extend such
          payment into another calendar month, in which event such payment shall
          be made on the immediately preceding Business Day. Acceptances may
          only mature on a Business Day.

          (b)  Unless the applicable Administrative Agent shall have been
notified in writing by any Lender prior to a Borrowing Date that such Lender
will not make the amount that would constitute its share of such borrowing
available to such Administrative Agent, such Administrative Agent may assume
that such Lender is making such amount available to such Administrative Agent,
and such Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make
available to the applicable Borrower a corresponding amount. If such amount is
not made available to such Administrative Agent by the required time on the
Borrowing Date therefor, such Lender shall pay to such Administrative Agent, on
demand, such amount with interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to (i) the
daily average Federal Funds Effective Rate (in the case of a borrowing of Loans
in U.S. Dollars), and (ii) the Canadian Administrative Agent's reasonable
estimate of its average daily cost of funds (in the case of a borrowing of Loans
or Acceptances in Canadian Dollars), in each case for the period until such
Lender makes such amount immediately available to such Administrative Agent. A
certificate of such Administrative Agent submitted to any Lender with respect to
any amounts owing under this subsection shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. If such Lender's share of such borrowing is not made available
to such Administrative Agent by such Lender within three
<PAGE>

                                                                              78

Business Days of such Borrowing Date, the applicable Borrower shall repay such
Lender's share of such borrowing (together with interest thereon from the date
such amount was made available to such Borrower (i) at the rate per annum
applicable to U.S. Base Rate Loans under the relevant Facility (in the case of
amounts made available to the U.S. Borrower and amounts made available in U.S.
Dollars to the Canadian Borrower) and (ii) at the rate per annum applicable to
Canadian Prime Rate Loans under the relevant Facility (in the case of amounts
made available in Canadian Dollars to the Canadian Borrower) to such
Administrative Agent not later than three Business Days after receipt of written
notice from such Administrative Agent specifying such Lender's share of such
borrowing that was not made available to such Administrative Agent. Nothing
contained in this Section 7.9(b) shall prejudice any claims otherwise available
to any Borrower against any Lender as a result of such Lender's failure to make
its share of any borrowing available to an Administrative Agent for the account
of a Borrower.

          7.10 Illegality. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if
               ----------
the adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation
or application thereof shall make it unlawful for any Lender to make or maintain
Eurodollar Loans as contemplated by this Agreement, (i) the commitment of such
Lender hereunder to make Eurodollar Loans, continue Eurodollar Loans as such and
convert U.S. Base Rate Loans or Canadian Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Loans
shall forthwith be cancelled until such time as it shall no longer be unlawful
for such Lender to make or maintain the affected Loans and, (ii) such Lender's
Loans then outstanding as Eurodollar Loans, if any, shall be converted
automatically to U.S. Base Rate Loans or Canadian Base Rate Loans, as the case
may be, on the respective last days of the then current Interest Periods with
respect to such Eurodollar Loans or within such earlier period as may be
required by law. If any such conversion of a Eurodollar Loan occurs on a day
which is not the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect
thereto, the relevant Borrower shall not be obligated to pay to such Lender such
amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 7.12.

          (b)  Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if the adoption of or
any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or application
thereof shall make it unlawful for any Canadian Lender to create or maintain
Acceptances as contemplated by this Agreement, (a) the commitment of such
Canadian Lender hereunder to accept Drafts, purchase Acceptances, continue
Acceptances as such and convert Canadian Revolving Credit Loans or Canadian
Dollar Term Loans to Acceptances shall forthwith be cancelled until such time as
it shall no longer be unlawful for such Canadian Lender to create or maintain
Acceptances and (b) such Canadian Lender's then outstanding Acceptances, if any,
shall be converted automatically to Canadian Prime Rate Loans on the respective
maturities thereof or within such earlier period as may be permitted and
required by law.

          (c)  Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if the adoption of or
any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or application
thereof shall make it unlawful for any Canadian Lender to make or maintain
Canadian Base Rate Loans, (i) the commitment of such Canadian Lender hereunder
to make Canadian Base Rate Loans shall forthwith be cancelled until such time as
it shall no longer be unlawful for such Canadian Lender to make or maintain
Canadian Base Rate Loans and (ii) such Canadian Lender's then outstanding
Canadian Base Rate Loans, if any, shall be converted automatically to Canadian
Dollars at the Exchange Rate
<PAGE>

                                                                              79

and Canadian Prime Rate Loans on the respective maturities thereof or within
such earlier period as may be permitted and required by law.

          (d)  If, by reason of circumstances affecting the money markets
generally, there is no market for Acceptances (i) the right of the Canadian
Borrower to request an Acceptance shall be suspended until the circumstances
causing a suspension no longer exist, and (ii) any Request for an Acceptance
which is outstanding shall be canceled and the requested Acceptance shall not be
available. The Canadian Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Canadian
Borrower of the suspension of the Canadian Borrower's right to request an
Acceptance and of the termination of any suspension.

          7.11 Requirements of Law. (a) If the adoption of, or any change in,
               -------------------
any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation thereof, or compliance by any
Lender with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
from any central bank or other Governmental Authority:

                    (i)   shall subject any Lender to any tax of any kind
          whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Note, any Acceptance
          created by it, any Letter of Credit issued or participated in by it or
          any Loans made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to
          such Lender of principal, fees, interest or any other amount payable
          hereunder (except for taxes covered by Section 7.13 and changes in the
          rate of tax on the overall net income or capital of such Lender);

                    (ii)  shall impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve,
          special deposit, compulsory loan or similar requirement against assets
          held by, or deposits or other liabilities in or for the account of,
          advances or loans by, or other credit extended by, or any other
          acquisition of funds by, any office of such Lender which are not
          otherwise included in the determination of the Eurodollar Rate,
          including, without limitation, the imposition of any reserves with
          respect to Eurocurrency Liabilities under Regulation D of the Board;
          or

                    (iii) shall impose on such Lender any other condition;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender,
by any amount which such Lender deems to be material, of making, renewing or
maintaining advances or extensions of credit or to reduce any amount receivable
hereunder, in each case in respect of its Loans, its Acceptances or its
Participating Interests, then, in any such case, the applicable Borrower shall,
to the extent permitted by law, promptly pay such Lender, upon receipt of its
demand setting forth in reasonable detail, any additional amounts necessary to
compensate such Lender for such additional cost or reduced amount receivable. If
any Lender becomes entitled to claim any additional amounts pursuant to this
Section, it shall promptly notify the Borrower in reasonable detail (with a copy
to the Administrative Agent) of the event by reason of which it has become so
entitled. This covenant shall survive the termination of this Agreement and
payment of all amounts outstanding hereunder.
<PAGE>

                                                                              80

          (b)  In the event that any Lender shall have determined that the
adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law regarding capital adequacy
(or in the interpretation or application thereof) or compliance by such Lender
or any corporation controlling such Lender with any request or directive
regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) from any
central bank or Governmental Authority, does or shall have the effect of
reducing the rate of return on such Lender's or such corporation's capital as a
consequence of its obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Lender
or such corporation could have achieved but for such adoption, change or
compliance (taking into consideration such Lender's or such corporation's
policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Lender to
be material, then from time to time, after submission by such Lender to the U.S.
Borrower (with a copy to the General Administrative Agent) of a written request
therefor, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis therefor the U.S.
Borrower shall promptly pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as
will compensate such Lender for such reduction.

          (c)  If any Lender becomes entitled to claim any additional amounts
pursuant to this Section 7.11 or Section 7.13, it shall promptly notify the
relevant Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of the event by
reason of which it has become so entitled, provided that no Lender shall be
                                           --------
entitled to claim any such additional amount with respect to the period which is
more than 180 days prior to the delivery of such notice.

          7.12 Indemnity. Each Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender and each
               ---------
Agent and to hold each Lender and each Agent harmless from any loss or expense
(other than any loss of Applicable Margin) which such Lender or such Agent, as
the case may be, may sustain or incur as a consequence of (a) default by such
Borrower in payment when due of the principal amount of or interest on any Loans
of such Lender, (b) default by such Borrower in making a borrowing or conversion
after the Borrower has given a notice of borrowing or a notice of conversion in
accordance with this Agreement, (c) default by such Borrower in making any
prepayment after such Borrower has given a notice in accordance with this
Agreement, (d) the making of a prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan on a day which is
not the last day of an Interest Period with respect thereto, including, without
limitation, any such loss or expense arising from the reemployment of funds
obtained by it or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such
funds were obtained, (e) the prepayment of an Acceptance or an Acceptance Note
on a day which is not the maturity date thereof, (f) the failure of the Canadian
Borrower to make any payment, repayment or prepayment on the date required
hereunder or specified by it in any notice hereunder which results in any cost
or expense accrued by reason of the liquidation or re-employment in whole or in
part of deposits or other funds required by any Lender to fund any Acceptance or
(g) the Canadian Borrower's failure to provide for the payment to the Canadian
Administrative Agent or any Lender of the full face amount of each Acceptance on
its maturity date, including, without limitation, in each case, any such loss or
expense arising from the reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain its
Eurodollar Loans hereunder or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from
which such funds were obtained. A certificate as to any such loss or expense
submitted by such Lender shall be presumptively correct, absent manifest error.
This covenant shall survive termination of this Agreement and payment of all
amounts outstanding hereunder.

          7.13 Taxes. (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments made
               -----
by either Borrower under this Agreement shall be made free and clear of, and
without deduction or
<PAGE>

                                                                              81

withholding for or on account of, any present or future income, stamp or other
taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings, now
or hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by any
Governmental Authority, excluding net income taxes and franchise taxes (imposed
in lieu of net income taxes) imposed on any Agent or any Lender as a result of a
present or former connection between such Agent or such Lender and the
jurisdiction of the Governmental Authority imposing such tax or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than any such
connection arising solely from such Agent's or such Lender's having executed,
delivered or performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced,
this Agreement or any other Loan Document). If any such non-excluded taxes,
levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings ("Non-
                                                                     ----
Excluded Taxes") or any Other Taxes are required to be withheld from any amounts
--------------
payable to any Agent or any Lender hereunder, the amounts so payable to such
Agent or such Lender shall be increased to the extent necessary to yield to such
Agent or such Lender (after payment of all taxes) interest or any such other
amounts payable hereunder at the rates or in the amounts specified in this
Agreement; provided, however, that the Borrowers shall not be required to
           --------  -------
increase any such amounts payable to any Lender with respect to any Non-Excluded
Taxes (i) that are attributable to such Lender's failure to comply with the
requirements of paragraph (d) or (e) of this Section or (ii) that are United
States withholding taxes imposed on amounts payable to such Lender at the time
such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement, except to the extent that such
Lender's assignor (if any) was entitled, at the time of assignment, to receive
additional amounts from the Borrowers with respect to such Non-Excluded Taxes
pursuant to Section 7.13(a).

          (b)  In addition, the Borrowers shall pay any Other Taxes to the
relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

          (c)  Whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes are payable by
any Borrower, as promptly as possible thereafter such Borrower shall send to the
relevant Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Agent or Lender,
as the case may be, a certified copy of an original official receipt received by
such Borrower showing payment thereof. If any Borrower fails to pay any Non-
Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or
fails to remit to the relevant Administrative Agent the required receipts or
other required documentary evidence, such Borrower shall indemnify the Agents
and the Lenders for any incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may become
payable by any Agent or any Lender as a result of any such failure. The
agreements in this Section 7.13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement
and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

          (d)  Each Lender or Transferee (other than a Canadian Lender) that is
not a U.S. person as defined in section 7701(a)(30) of the Code (a "Non-U.S.
                                                                    --------
Lender") shall deliver to the U.S. Borrower and the General Administrative Agent
------
(or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender from which the related
participation shall have been purchased) two copies of either U.S. Internal
Revenue Service Form 1001 or Form 4224, or, in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender
claiming exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax under Section 871(h) or
881(c) of the Code with respect to payments of "portfolio interest" a statement
substantially in the form of Exhibit L and a Form W-8, or any subsequent
versions thereof or successors thereto properly completed and duly executed by
such Non-U.S. Lender claiming complete exemption from, or a
<PAGE>

                                                                              82

reduced rate of, U.S. federal withholding tax on all payments by the U.S.
Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents together with any
other certificate or statement of exemption required under the Code or
Regulations issued thereunder. Such forms shall be delivered by each Non-U.S.
Lender on or before the date it becomes a party to this Agreement (or, in the
case of any Participant, on or before the date such Participant purchases the
related participation). In addition, each Non-U.S. Lender shall deliver such
forms promptly upon the obsolescence or invalidity of any form previously
delivered by such Non-U.S. Lender. Each such Non-U.S. Lender shall promptly
notify the U.S. Borrower at any time it determines that it is no longer in a
position to provide any previously delivered certificate to the U.S. Borrower
(or any other form of certification adopted by the U.S. taxing authorities for
such purpose). Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, a Non-U.S.
Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this paragraph that
such Non-U.S. Lender is not legally able to deliver.

          (e)  Each Canadian Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or
reduction of Canadian withholding tax with respect to payments under this
Agreement shall deliver to the Canadian Borrower (with a copy to the General
Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or
reasonably requested by the Canadian Borrower, such properly completed and
executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments
to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate, provided that such Canadian
                                                     --------
Lender is legally entitled to complete, execute and deliver such documentation
and in such Canadian Lender's reasonable judgment such completion, execution or
submission would not materially prejudice the legal position of such Canadian
Lender.

          (f)  If an Administrative Agent or any Lender receives a refund or
otherwise would have received a refund but for the offset of the amount of such
refund against the Lender's Non-Excluded Taxes ("Tax Refund"), which in the
                                                 ----------
good faith judgment of such Lender is allocable to Non-Excluded Taxes paid by
the Borrower, it shall promptly pay such Tax Refund to the Borrower, net of all
out-of-pocket expenses of such Lender incurred in obtaining such Tax Refund,
provided, however, that the Borrower agrees to promptly return such Tax Refund
--------  -------
to such Administrative Agent or the applicable Lender, as the case may be, if it
receives notice from such Administrative Agent or applicable Lender that such
Administrative Agent or Lender is required to repay such Tax Refund but only if
such repayment is required because the initial Tax Refund was permitted in
error.

          7.14 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been and shall be
               ---------------
used for general corporate purposes of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including
the Transactions and acquisitions permitted hereunder and to finance certain
repayments of Loans under the Existing Credit Agreement.

          7.15 Change of Lending Office. Each Lender agrees that, upon the
               ------------------------
occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 7.10, 7.12 or
7.13(a) with respect to such Lender, it will, if requested by Holdings, use
reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy considerations of such Lender) to
designate another lending office for any Loans affected by such event with the
object of avoiding the consequences of such event; provided, that such
                                                   --------
designation is made on terms that, in the sole judgment of such Lender, cause
such Lender and
<PAGE>

                                                                              83

its lending office(s) to suffer no economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage,
and provided, further, that nothing in this Section shall affect or postpone any
    --------  -------
of the obligations of any Borrower or the rights of any Lender pursuant to
Section 7.10, 7.12 or 7.13(a).

          7.16 Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances. Holdings
               --------------------------------------------------
shall be permitted to (a) replace any Lender that (i) defaults in its obligation
to make Loans hereunder, (ii) is not required to make Eurodollar Loans pursuant
to Section 7.10 or 7.11, (iii) is not required to issue Acceptances under
Section 7.10 (unless such Lender complies with Section 5.13) or (iv) in
connection with any proposed amendment, modification, supplement or waiver with
respect to any of the provisions of the Loan Documents as contemplated in
Section 15.1 where such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver has been
approved by the Required Lenders (and, if applicable, the Required Prepayment
Lenders and/or Majority Facility Lenders) in accordance with such Section, fails
to consent to any such proposed action and (b) replace or remove any Lender that
requests reimbursement for amounts owing pursuant to Section 7.11 or 7.13, in
each case with a replacement financial institution and, if the Borrower elects
to remove such Lender, terminate such Lender's applicable Revolving Credit
Commitment hereunder; provided that (i) such replacement or removal does not
                      --------
conflict with any Requirement of Law, (ii) no Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing at the time of such replacement or removal, (iii)
prior to any such replacement or removal pursuant to clause (b) above, such
Lender shall have taken no action under Section 7.15 so as to eliminate the
continued need for payment of amounts owing pursuant to Section 7.11 or 7.13,
(iv) the relevant Borrower shall be liable to such replaced Lender under Section
7.12 (as though Section 7.12 were applicable) if any Eurodollar Loan owing to
such replaced Lender or Acceptance created by such Lender shall be purchased
other than on the last day of the Interest Period or maturity date relating
thereto, (v) any such replacement or removal, as the case may be, shall not be
deemed to be a waiver of any rights which the Borrower, the Administrative
Agents or any other Lender shall have against the replaced or removed Lender,
(vi) in the case of replacement of a Lender under this Sectio n 7.16, the
replacement financial institution shall purchase, at par, all Loans and other
amounts owing to such replaced Lender on or prior to the date of replacement,
(vii) the replacement financial institution, if not already a Lender, shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent, (viii) the replaced
Lender shall be obligated to make such replacement in accordance with the
provisions of Section 15.6 (provided that no registration and processing fee
referred to therein shall be required to be paid in connection therewith), and
(ix) the relevant Borrower shall pay all additional amounts (if any) required
pursuant to Section 7.11 or 7.13, as the case may be, in respect of any period
prior to the date on which such replacement shall be consummated. If the
Borrower elects to remove a Lender under clause (b) of this Section 7.16 and if
such Lender has any Loans outstanding at such time, the consent of the General
Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders shall be required to terminate
such Lender's Revolving Credit Commitment and in the case of replacement of a
non-consenting Lender under clause (a)(iii) of this Section 7.16, the Borrower
shall replace such Lender within 120 days of such Lender's failure to consent to
the proposed action.

                   SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

          To induce the Agents and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and
to make the Loans, issue or participate in the Letters of Credit, Holdings and
the Borrowers hereby
<PAGE>

                                                                              84

represent and warrant to each Agent and each Lender that (it being understood
that the representations and warranties of the Canadian Borrower are made only
with respect to matters relating to it):

          8.1  Financial Condition. (a) The unaudited pro forma consolidated
               -------------------                    --- -----
balance sheet of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at April 2, 2000
(the "Pro Forma Balance Sheet"), copies of which have heretofore been furnished
      -----------------------
to each Lender, has been prepared giving effect (as if such events had occurred
on such date) to (i) the consummation of the IPO (and the use of proceeds
thereof) and the Pensar Acquisition, (ii) the Loans to be made and the
Acceptances to be created on the Restatement Effective Date and the use of
proceeds thereof, (iii) the Loan repayments to be made on the Restatement
Effective Date and (iv) the payment of fees and expenses in connection with the
foregoing. The Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been prepared based on the best
information reasonably available to the Borrower as of the date of delivery
thereof and on good faith estimates and assumptions believed to be reasonable
at the time made, and presents fairly in all material respects on a pro forma
                                                                    --- -----
basis the estimated financial position of Holdings and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as at April 2, 2000, assuming that the events specified in the
preceding sentence had actually occurred at such date.

          (b)  The audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as at December
31, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of earnings (loss), changes in
shareholders' equity (deficiency) and of cash flows for the fiscal year ended on
such date, reported on by and accompanied by an unqualified report from KPMG
LLP, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial
condition of Holdings as at such date, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its consolidated cash flows for the fiscal year then ended. The
unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as at April 2, 2000, and the
related unaudited consolidated statements of earnings (loss), changes in
shareholders' equity (deficiency) and of cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended
on such date, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial
condition of Holdings as at such date, and the consolidated results of its
operations for the fiscal quarter then ended (subject to normal year-end audit
adjustments and the absence of certain notes thereto). All such financial
statements, including the related schedules and notes thereto, have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently throughout the periods
involved (except as approved by the aforementioned firm of accountants and
disclosed therein). Immediately prior to the consummation of the Pensar
Acquisition, Holdings does not have any material Guarantee Obligations,
contingent liabilities and liabilities for taxes, or any long-term leases or
unusual forward or long-term commitments, including, without limitation, any
interest rate or foreign currency swap or exchange transaction or other
obligation in respect of derivatives, that are not reflected in the most recent
financial statements referred to in this paragraph. During the period from
December 31, 1999 to and including the date hereof there has been no Disposition
by Holdings of any material part of its business or Property.

          8.2  No Change. Since December 31, 1999, there has been no development
               ---------
or event that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

          8.3  Corporate Existence; Compliance with Law. Each of Holdings and
               ----------------------------------------
its Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has the corporate
power and authority, and the legal right, to
<PAGE>

                                                                              85

own and operate its Property, to lease the Property it operates as lessee and to
conduct the business in which it is currently engaged, (c) is duly qualified as
a foreign corporation and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction
where its ownership, lease or operation of Property or the conduct of its
business requires such qualification, except to the extent the failure to be so
qualified and/or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect and (d) is in compliance with all Requirements of Law
except to the extent that the failure to comply therewith could not, in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          8.4  Corporate Power; Authorization; Enforceable Obligations. Each
               -------------------------------------------------------
Loan Party has the corporate power and authority, and the le gal right, to make,
deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case
of each Borrower, to borrow hereunder. Each Loan Party has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the
Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of each Borrower, to
authorize the borrowings on the terms and conditions of this Agreement. No
consent or authorization of, filing with, notice to or other act by or in
respect of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required in
connection with the Pensar Acquisition, the borrowings hereunder or the
execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any of the other Loan Documents, except (i) consents, authorizations, filings
and notices described in Schedule 8.4, which consents, authorizations, filings
and notices have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (ii)
other consents required in connection with the Pensar Acquisition, the failure
to obtain which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect, and (iii) the filings referred to in Section 8.19. Each Loan Document
has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of each Loan Party that is a
party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document upon
execution will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan
Party that is a party thereto, enforceable against each such Loan Party in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles
(whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).

          8.5  No Legal Bar. The execution, delivery and performance of this
               ------------
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the issuance of Letters of Credit, the
borrowings hereunder and the use of the proceeds thereof will not violate any
material Requirement of Law or any material Contractual Obligation of Holdings
or any of its Subsidiaries and will not result in, or require, the creation or
imposition of any Lien on any of their respective properties or revenues
pursuant to any material Requirement of Law or any such material Contractual
Obligation (other than the Liens created by the Security Documents). No
Contractual Obligation applicable to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          8.6  No Material Litigation. Except as disclosed on Schedule 8.6, as
               ----------------------
of the date hereof, no litigation, investigation or proceeding of or before any
arbitrator or Governmental Authority is pending or, to the knowledge of
Holdings, threatened by or against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or
against any of their respective properties or revenues (a) with respect to any
of the Loan Documents or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby,
or (b) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
<PAGE>

                                                                              86

          8.7  No Default. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
               ----------
default under or with respect to any of its Contractual Obligations in any
respect that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

          8.8  Ownership of Property; Liens. Each of Holdings and its
               ----------------------------
Subsidiaries has title in fee simple to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all
its material real property, and good title to, or a valid leasehold interest in,
all its other Property material to the conduct of its Business, and none of such
Property is subject to any Lien except as permitted by Section 11.3.

          8.9  Intellectual Property. Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries
               ---------------------
owns, or is licensed to use, or otherwise has the right to use, all Intellectual
Property necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted,
except for any failure to so own, license or have the right to use Intellectual
Property which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No material claim has been asserted
and is pending by any Person against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries
challenging or questioning the use of any Intellectual Property or the validity
or effectiveness of any Intellectual Property by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries or the validity or effectiveness of any Intellectual Property used
by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, except for any claims which,
individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. The use of Intellectual Property by Holdings and its
Subsidiaries does not infringe on the rights of any Person in any respect which
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          8.10 Taxes. Each of Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries has filed or
               -----
caused to be filed all Federal, state and other material tax returns that are
required to be filed and has paid all material taxes shown to be due and payable
on said returns prior to the date penalties or interest attach thereto or on any
assessments made against it or any of its Property and all other material taxes,
fees or other charges imposed on it or any of its Property by any Governmental
Authority (other than any the amount or validity of which are currently being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which
reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided on the books of Holdings or
its Subsidiaries, as the case may be); and no tax Lien has been filed that is
not permitted by Section 11.3, and, to the knowledge of Holdings, no claim is
being asserted, with respect to any such tax, fee or other charge.

          8.11 Federal Regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loans will be
               -------------------
used for "purchasing" or "carrying" any "margin stock" within the respective
meanings of each of the quoted terms under Regulation U as now and from time to
time hereafter in effect or for any purpose that violates the provisions of the
Regulations of the Board. If requested by any Lender or the General
Administrative Agent, the relevant Borrower will furnish to the Administrative
Agent and each Lender a statement to the foregoing effect in conformity with the
requirements of FR Form G-3 or FR Form U-1 referred to in Regulation U.

          8.12 Labor Matters. There are no strikes or other labor disputes
               -------------
against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of
Holdings, threatened that (individually or in the aggregate) could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Hours worked by and payment made to
employees of Holdings and its Subsidiaries have not been in
<PAGE>

                                                                              87

violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Requirement of
Law dealing with such matters that (individually or in the aggregate) could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All payments due from
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries on account of employee health and welfare
insurance that (individually or in the aggregate) could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect if not paid have been paid or accrued as a
liability on the books of Holdings or the relevant Subsidiary.

          8.13 ERISA. Neither a Reportable Event nor an "accumulated funding
               -----
deficiency" (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
ERISA) has occurred during the five- year period prior to the date on which this
representation is made or deemed made with respect to any Plan, and each Plan
has complied in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA
and the Code. No termination of a Single Employer Plan has occurred, and no Lien
in favor of the PBGC or a Plan has arisen, during such five-year period. The
present value of all accrued benefits under each Single Employer Plan (based on
those assumptions used to fund such Plans) did not, as of the last annual
valuation date prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed
made, exceed the value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued
benefits by a material amount. Neither Holdings nor any Commonly Controlled
Entity has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan that
has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability
under ERISA, and neither Holdings nor any Commonly Controlled Entity would
become subject to any material liability under ERISA if the Borrower or any such
Commonly Controlled Entity were to withdraw completely from all Multiemployer
Plans as of the valuation date most closely preceding the date on which this
representation is made or deemed made. No such Multiemployer Plan is in
Reorganization or Insolvent.

          8.14 Investment Company Act; Other Regulations. No Loan Party is an
               -----------------------------------------
"investment company", or a company "controlled" by an "investment company",
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. No Loan
Party is subject to regulation under any Requirement of Law (other than
Regulation X of the Board) which limits its ability to incur Indebtedness.

          8.15 Subsidiaries. The Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 8.15 constitute
               ------------
all the Subsidiaries of Holdings at the date hereof. Schedule 8.15 sets forth as
of the Restatement Effective Date the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of
each Subsidiary and, as to each Subsidiary, the percentage of each class of
Capital Stock owned by each Loan Party.

          8.16 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used for the
               ---------------
purposes set forth in Section 7.14.

          8.17 Environmental Matters. Other than exceptions to any of the
               ---------------------
following that could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

          (a)  Holdings and its Subsidiaries: (i) are, and within the period of
all applicable statutes of limitation have been, in compliance with all
applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) hold all Environmental Permits (each of
which is in full force and effect) required for any of their
<PAGE>

                                                                              88

current or intended operations or for any property owned, leased, or otherwise
operated by any of them; (iii) are, and within the period of all applicable
statutes of limitation have been, in compliance with all of their Environmental
Permits; and (iv) reasonably believe that: each of their Environmental Permits
will be timely renewed and complied with, without material expense; any
additional Environmental Permits that may be required of any of them will be
timely obtained and complied with, without material expense; and compliance with
any Environmental Law that is or is expected to become applicable to any of them
will be timely attained and maintained, without material expense.

          (b)  Materials of Environmental Concern are not present at, on, under,
in, or about any real property now or formerly owned, leased or operated by
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or at any other location (including,
without limitation, any location to which Materials of Environmental Concern
have been sent for re- use or recycling or for treatment, storage, or disposal)
which could reasonably be expected to (i) give rise to liability of Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries under any applicable Environmental Law or otherwise
result in costs to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) interfere with
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries' continued operations, or (iii) impair the
fair saleable value of any real property owned or leased by Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries.

          (c)  There is no judicial, administrative, or arbitral proceeding
(including any notice of violation or alleged violation) under or relating to
any Environmental Law to which Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is, or to the
knowledge of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries will be, named as a party that
is pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries,
threatened.

          (d)  Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
written request for information, or been notified that it is a potentially
responsible party under or relating to the federal Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or any similar Environmental Law, or
with respect to any Materials of Environmental Concern.

          (e)  Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into or
agreed to any consent decree, order, or settlement or other agreement, or is
subject to any judgment, decree, or order or other agreement, in any judicial,
administrative, arbitral, or other forum for dispute resolution, relating to
compliance with or liability under any Environmental Law.

          (f)  Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries has assumed or
retained, by contract or operation of law, any liabilities of any kind, fixed or
contingent, known or unknown, under any Environmental Law or with respect to any
Material of Environmental Concern.

          8.18 Accuracy of Information, etc. Subject to the next succeeding
               ----------------------------
sentence and to the qualification provided therein, no statement or information
contained in this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Confidential
Information Package or any other document, certificate or statement furnished to
any Agent or the Lenders or any of them, by or on behalf of any Loan Party for
use in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents, contained as of the date such statement, information,
document or certificate was so furnished (or, in the case of the Confidential
Information Package, as of the
<PAGE>

                                                                              89

date of this Agreement), any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein
or therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were
made. The projections and pro forma financial information contained in the
                          --- -----
materials referenced above are based upon good faith estimates and assumptions
believed by management of Holdings to be reasonable at the time made, it being
recognized by the Lenders that such financial information as it relates to
future events is not to be viewed as fact and that actual results during the
period or periods covered by such financial information may differ from the
projected results set forth therein by a material amount. As of the date hereof,
the representations and warranties of each of the Loan Parties and, to the best
knowledge of Holdings, each of the other parties thereto contained in the Pensar
Acquisition Documentation are true and correct in all material respects. There
is no fact known to any Loan Party that could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect that has not been expressly disclosed herein, in the
other Loan Documents, in the Confidential Information Package or in any other
documents, certificates and statements furnished to the Agents and the Lenders
for use in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other
Loan Documents.

          8.19 Security Documents. (a) The Guarantee and Collateral Agreement is
               ------------------
effective to create in favor of the General Administrative Agent, for the
benefit of the Lenders, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the
Collateral described therein and proceeds thereof. In the case of the Pledged
Stock described in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, when any stock
certificates representing such Pledged Stock are delivered to the General
Administrative Agent, and in the case of the other Collateral described in the
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, when financing statements in appropriate
form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 8.19(a)-1 (which financing
statements have been duly completed and executed and delivered to the General
Administrative Agent) and such other filings as are specified on Schedule 3 to
the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (all of which filings have been duly
completed), the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement shall constitute a fully
perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of
the Loan Parties in such Collateral and the proceeds thereof, as security for
the Obligations (as defined in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement), in each
case prior and superior in right to any other Person (except, in the case of
Collateral other than Pledged Stock, Liens permitted by Section 11.3). Schedule
8.19(a)-2 lists each UCC Financing Statement that (i) names any Loan Party as
debtor and (ii) will remain on file after the Restatement Effective Date.
Schedule 8.19(a)-3 lists each UCC Financing Statement that (i) names any Loan
Party as debtor and (ii) will be terminated on or prior to the Restatement
Effective Date; and on or prior to the Original Closing Date, the U.S. Borrower
will have delivered to the General Administrative Agent, or caused to be filed,
duly completed UCC termination statements, signed by the relevant secured party,
in respect of each UCC Financing Statement listed in Schedule 8.19(a)-3.

          (b)  Each Canadian Security Document is effective to create in favor
of the General Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Lenders, a
legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral described
therein and proceeds thereof. In the case of the Pledged Stock described in the
Canadian Security Documents, when any stock certificates representing such
Pledged Stock are delivered to the General Administrative Agent, and in the case
of the other Collateral described in the Canadian Security Documents, when
financing
<PAGE>

                                                                              90

statements or other registrations specified in Schedule 8.19(b)-1 are registered
in the offices specified therein, the Canadian Security Documents shall
constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title
and interest of the Loan Parties in such Collateral and the proceeds thereof, as
security for the Canadian Borrower Obligations in each case prior and superior
in right to any other Person (except, in the case of Collateral other than
Pledged Stock, Liens permitted by Section 11.3). Schedule 8.19(b)-2 lists each
registered financing statement or other registration made under the Personal
Property Security Act (Ontario) ("PPSA") and similar legislation in effect in
                                  ----
each of the other provinces of Canada and under The Bank Act (Canada) that (i)
names any Loan Party as debtor and (ii) will remain on file after the
Restatement Effective Date. Schedule 8.19(b)-3 lists each registered financing
statement or other registration made under the PPSA and similar legislation in
effect in each of the other provinces of Canada and under The Bank Act (Canada)
that (i) names any Loan Party as debtor and (ii) will be discharged on or prior
to the Original Closing Date; and on or prior to the Restatement Effective Date,
the Canadian Borrower will have delivered to the Canadian Administrative Agent,
or caused to be filed, duly completed financing change statements, designated as
discharges or other releases and discharges in form satisfactory to the Canadian
Administrative Agent signed by the relevant secured party, in respect of each
registered financing statement listed in Schedule 8.19(b)-3.

          8.20 Solvency. Each of (i) Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a
               --------
consolidated basis, (ii) the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, and (iii) the Canadian Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis is, and after giving effect to the Pensar Acquisition and the
incurrence of all Indebtedness and obligations being incurred in connection
herewith and therewith will be and will continue to be, Solvent.

          8.21 Insurance. The insurance certificates delivered to the General
               ---------
Administrative Agent pursuant to the Original Credit Agreement continue to
satisfy the requirements of Section 5.3 of the Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement and the comparable provisions of the other Security Documents.

                        SECTION 9. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

          9.1  Conditions to Original Closing Date and Initial Extension of
               ------------------------------------------------------------
Credit. The agreement of each Lender to make the initial Extension of Credit
------
requested to be made by it hereunder was subject to the satisfaction, prior to
or concurrently with the making of such Extension of Credit on the Original
Closing Date, of the following conditions precedent, each of which was satisfied
or waived prior to the Initial Extension of Credit:

          (a)  Loan Documents. The Administrative Agents shall have received (i)
               --------------
the Original Credit Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly authorized
officer of Holdings and each Borrower, (ii) the Original Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of
Holdings, the U.S. Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor and (iii) each
Canadian Security Document, executed by a duly authorized officer of each party
thereto.

          (b)  Transactions, etc. The following transactions shall have been
               -----------------
consummated, in each case on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the
Lenders:
<PAGE>

                                                                              91

                    (i)  the Transactions shall have been consummated in
          accordance with the Transaction Documentation for aggregate
          consideratio n not exceeding $160,000,000; and

                    (ii) Investors shall have invested at least $16,730,000 in
          cash to buy shares of the Loan Parties.

     The capital structure of each Loan Party after the Transactions shall be
     satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent.

          (c)  Pro Forma Balance Sheet; Financial Statements. The Lenders shall
               ---------------------------------------------
have received (i) the Pro Forma Balance Sheet referred to in the Original Credit
Agreement, and (ii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of each
of the Canadian Borrower and the U.S. Borrower (in each case, prior to the
consummation of the Transactions) for each fiscal month and quarterly period
ended subsequent to the date of the latest applicable financial statements
delivered pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Original Credit Agreement as to which
such financial statements are available; and such financial statements shall
not, in the reasonable judgment of the Lenders, reflect any material adverse
change in the consolidated financial condition of either the Canadian Borrower
or the U.S. Borrower, as reflected in the financial statements or projections
contained in the Confidential Information Memorandum referred to in the Original
Credit Agreement.

          (d)  Approvals. All material governmental and third party approvals
               ---------
(including landlords' and other consents) necessary in connection with the
Transactions, the continuing operations of Holdings, the Borrowers and their
Subsidiaries and the transactions contemplated by the Original Credit Agreement
shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect, and all applicable
waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened
by any competent authority which would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose
adverse conditions on the Transactions or the financing contemplated hereby.

          (e)  Related Agreements. The Administrative Agents shall have
               ------------------
received, with a copy for each Lender, true and correct copies, certified as to
authenticity by the relevant Borrower, of any debt instrument, security
agreement or other material contract that they have requested to which the Loan
Parties may be a party.

          (f)  Termination of Existing Credit Facilities. The General
               -----------------------------------------
Administrative Agent acting reasonably and in good faith shall have received
evidence satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent that all of the
outstanding Indebtedness of Holdings or any Subsidiary shall have been repaid in
full and the commitments thereunder terminated (other than any such Indebtedness
permitted by Section 11.2 of the Original Credit Agreement to remain
outstanding) shall be simultaneously terminated, all amounts thereunder shall be
simultaneously paid in full and arrangements satisfactory to the General
Administrative Agent acting reasonably and in good faith shall have been made
for the termination of Liens and security interests granted in connection
therewith.
<PAGE>

                                                                              92

          (g)  Fees. The Lenders and the Agents shall have received all fees
               ----
required to be paid, and all expenses for which invoices have been presented
(including reasonable fees, disbursement s and other charges of counsel to the
Agents), on or before the Original Closing Date. All such amounts will be paid
with proceeds of Loans made on the Original Closing Date and will be reflected
in the funding instructions given by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agents
on or before the Original Closing Date.

          (h)  Business Plan. The Lenders shall have received a satisfactory
               -------------
business plan for fiscal years 1999-2007 and a satisfactory written analysis of
the business and prospects of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the
period from the Original Closing Date through 2007.

          (i)  Solvency Analysis. The Lenders shall have received a reasonably
               -----------------
satisfactory solvency analysis certified by the vice president -- finance of
Holdings which shall document the solvency of Holdings and its Subsidiaries
considered as a whole after giving effect to the transactions contemplated
hereby.

          (j)  Lien Searches. The Administrative Agents shall have received the
               -------------
results of a recent lien search in each of the jurisdictions in which Uniform
Commercial Code financing statement or other filings or recordations should be
made to evidence or perfect security interests in all assets of the Loan
Parties, and such search shall reveal no liens on any of the assets of the Loan
Party, except for Liens permitted by Section 11.3 of the Original Credit
Agreement.

          (k)  Environmental Matters. The General Administrative Agent shall
               ---------------------
have received, with a copy for each Lender, a written environmental assessment
regarding the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, prepared by an environmental
consultant acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in form, scope, and substance
satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent, together with a letter from
the environmental consultant permitting the Agents and the Lenders to rely on
the environmental assessment as if addressed to and prepared for each of them.

          (l)  Closing Certificate. The Administrative Agents shall have
               -------------------
received a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Original Closing Date,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C to the Original Credit Agreement, with
appropriate insertions and attachments.

          (m)  Legal Opinions. The Administrative Agents shall have received the
               --------------
following executed legal opinions:

                    (i)  the legal opinion of Ropes & Gray, counsel to Holdings
          and its Subsidiaries, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 to the
          Original Credit Agreement;

                    (ii) the legal opinions of (x) McMillan Binch and (y)
          Stewart, McKelvey, Stirling, Scales, Canadian counsel to Holdings and
          its Subsidiaries, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 to the
          Original Credit Agreement; and
<PAGE>

                                                                              93

                    (iii) to the extent consented to by the relevant counsel,
          each legal opinion, if any, delivered in connection with the
          Transaction Documents, accompanied by a reliance letter in favor of
          the Lenders.

     Each such legal opinion shall cover such other matters incident to the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement as the General Administrative
     Agent may reasonably require.

          (n)  Pledged Stock; Stock Powers; Acknowledgment and Consent. The
               -------------------------------------------------------
General Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates
representing the shares of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Original
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, together with an undated stock power for
each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the
pledgor thereof, (ii) an Acknowledgment and Consent, substantially in the form
of Annex II to the Original Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, duly executed by
any issuer of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Original Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement that is not itself a party to the Original Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement and (iii) each promissory note pledged pursuant to the
Original Guarantee and Collateral Agreement endorsed (without recourse) in blank
(or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank satisfactory to the
General Administrative Agent) by the pledgor thereof. The Canadian
Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates representing the
shares of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Canadian Security Documents,
together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank
by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof or registered in the name of
the Canadian Administrative Agent or its nominees, all as the Canadian
Administrative Agent shall direct, (ii) an Acknowledgment and Consent,
substantially in the form attached to any of the Canadian Security Documents,
duly executed by any issuer of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to any of the
Canadian Security Documents that is not itself a party to any of the Canadian
Security Documents and (iv) each promissory note pledged pursuant to any of the
Canadian Security Documents endorsed (without recourse) in blank (or accompanied
by an executed transfer form in blank satisfactory to the Canadian
Administrative Agent) by the pledgor thereof.

          (o)  Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including,
               -------------------------------------
without limitation, any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement and any PPSA
financing statement) required by the Security Documents or under law or
reasonably requested by the General Administrative Agent to be filed, registered
or recorded in order to create in favor of the General Administrative Agent or
the Canadian Administrative Agent, as the case may be, for the benefit of the
relevant Lenders, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior
and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens
expressly permitted by Section 11.3), shall have been filed, registered or
recorded or shall have been delivered to the General Administrative Agent or the
Canadian Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in proper form for filing,
registration or recordation.

          (p)  Insurance. The General Administrative Agent shall have received
               ---------
insurance certificates satisfying the requirements of Section 5.3 of the
Original Guarantee and Collateral Agreement and the comparable provisions of the
other Security Documents.
<PAGE>

                                                                              94

          9.2  Conditions to Restatement Effective Date. The occurrence of the
               ----------------------------------------
Restatement Effective Date, and the agreement of each Lender to make any
Extension of Credit requested to be made by it hereunder on or after the
Restatement Effective Date, are subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the
Restatement Effective Date of the following conditions precedent:

          (a)  Loan Documents. The Administrative Agents shall have received (i)
               --------------
this Agreement, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of Holdings,
each Borrower, (ii) Lender Addenda signed by (A) each Tranche A Term Loan
Lender, U.S. Revolving Credit Lender, Tranche C Term Loan Lender and Canadian
Lender that will be a party hereto on the Restatement Effective Date after
giving effect to the repayment of Loans occurring on such date and (B) if any
Tranche B Term Loans are to remain outstanding after the Restatement Effective
Date, the Majority Facility Lenders in respect of the Tranche B Term Loan
Facility (determined prior to any prepayments made on the Restatement Effective
Date), (iii) the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, executed and delivered by a
duly authorized officer of Holdings, the U.S. Borrower and each Subsidiary
Guarantor and (iv) an Acknowledgment and Confirmation with respect to each
Canadian Security Document, executed by a duly authorized officer of each party
to such Canadian Security Document.

          (b)  Pensar Acquisition. The Pensar Acquisition shall have been
               ------------------
accomplished in accordance with the Pensar Acquisition Documents, and the
General Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory
evidence thereof.

          (c)  IPO. The IPO shall have been consummated, and the General
               ---
     Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence
     thereof.

          (d)  Repayment of Loans and Other Indebtedness. The net cash proceeds
               -----------------------------------------
of the IPO shall have been applied to make the following repayments:

                    (i)   Canadian Term Loans. The Canadian Term Loans shall
                          -------------------
          have been repaid in full, and all accrued and unpaid interest and
          other amounts owing by the Canadian Borrower in respect thereof shall
          have been paid in full.

                    (ii)  Tranche B Term Loans. The Tranche B Term Loans shall
                          --------------------
          have been repaid in full (other than the Tranche B Term Loans owing to
          any Lender that declines such repayment pursuant to Section 7.5(i)),
          and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing by the
          U.S. Borrower in respect of the Tranche B Term Loans so repaid shall
          have been paid in full.

                    (iii) Other Loans. The $15,000,000 aggregate principal
                          -----------
          amount of 2000 Subordinated Notes, unsecured loans and loans secured
          by fixed assets made to the Borrowers since May 18, 2000 shall have
          been repaid in full, and all accrued and unpaid interest and other
          amounts owing by the relevant Borrower in respect thereof shall have
          been paid in full.
<PAGE>

                                                                              95

                    (iv) Tranche C Term Loans. If the U.S. Borrower shall
                         --------------------
          determine to do so, the Tranche C Term Loans shall have been repaid in
          full, and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing by
          the U.S. Borrower in respect thereof (including prepayment fees owing
          pursuant to Section 7.4(d)) shall have been repaid in full.

                    (v)  U.S. Revolving Credit Loans and Canadian Revolving
                         --------------------------------------------------
          Credit Loans. The net cash proceeds of the IPO remaining after giving
          ------------
          effect to the payments described in the foregoing clauses (i) through
          (iv) and after giving effect to the payment of the cost of the Pensar
          Acquisition and related fees and expenses shall have been applied
          toward repayment of the U.S. Revolving Credit Loans and the Canadian
          Revolving Credit Loans (without any corresponding reduction in the
          Commitments).

          (e)  Borrowings and Repayments. The U.S. Borrower and the Canadian
               -------------------------
Borrower, as applicable, shall have made such repayments and reborrowings of
U.S. Revolving Credit Loans and Canadian Revolving Credit Loans such that, after
giving effect thereto, the outstanding principal amount of U.S. Revolving Credit
Loans and Canadian Revolving Credit Loans owing to the Lenders shall be
proportionate to the relevant Commitments of the Lenders.

          (f)  Amendment Fee. The General Administrative Agent shall have
               -------------
received from Holdings, for the account of each Lender which has executed a
Lender Addendum granting its consent to this Agreement, an amendment fee equal
to .50% of the aggregate amount of such Lender's Extensions of Credit and
undrawn Commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement immediately prior to the
Restatement Effective Date (other than any such Extensions of Credit in the form
of Tranche B Term Loans that are prepaid on the Restatement Effective Date and
other than Tranche C Term Loans).

          (g)  Pro Forma Balance Sheet; Financial Statements. The Lenders shall
               ---------------------------------------------
have received (i) the Pro Forma Balance Sheet, and (ii) the financial statements
referred to in Section 8.1(b).

          (h)  Approvals. All material governmental and third party approvals
               ---------
(including landlords' and other consents) necessary in connection with the
Pensar Acquisition, the continuing operations of Holdings, the Borrowers and
their Subsidiaries and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been
obtained and be in full force and effect.

          (i)  Related Agreements. The Administrative Agents shall have
               ------------------
received, with a copy for each Lender, true and correct copies, certified as to
authenticity by the relevant Borrower, of any debt instrument, security
agreement or other material contract that they have requested to which the Loan
Parties may be a party.

          (j)  Fees. The Lenders and the Agents shall have received all fees
               ----
required to be paid, and all expenses for which invoices have been presented
(including reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel to the
Agents), on or before the Restatement Effective Date. All such amounts will be
paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Restatement
<PAGE>

                                                                              96

Effective Date and will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the
Borrowers to the Administrative Agents on or before the Restatement Effective
Date.

          (k) Business Plan. The Lenders shall have received a satisfactory
              -------------
business plan for fiscal years 2000-2005 and a satisfactory written analysis of
the business and prospects of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the
period from the Restatement Effective Date through 2005.

          (l) Lien Searches. The Administrative Agents shall have received the
              -------------
results of a recent lien search in each of the jurisdictions in which Uniform
Commercial Code financing statement or other filings or recordations should be
made to evidence or perfect security interests in all assets of the Loan
Parties, and such search shall reveal no liens on any of the assets of the Loan
Party, except for Liens permitted by Section 11.3.

          (m) Closing Certificate. The Administrative Agents shall have received
              -------------------
a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Restatement Effective Date,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C, with appropriate insertions and
attachments.

          (n) Legal Opinions. The Administrative Agents shall have received the
              --------------
following executed legal opinions:

                    (i)   the legal opinion of Ropes & Gray, counsel to Holdings
          and its Subsidiaries, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1;

                    (ii)  the legal opinions of (x) McMillan Binch and (y)
          Stewart, McKelvey, Stirling, Scales, Canadian counsel to Holdings and
          its Subsidiaries, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2; and

                    (iii) to the extent consented to by the relevant counsel,
          each legal opinion, if any, delivered in connection with the Pensar
          Acquisition Documents, accompanied by a reliance letter in favor of
          the Lenders.

     Each such legal opinion shall cover such other matters incident to the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement as the General Administrative
     Agent may reasonably require.

          (o) Pledged Stock; Stock Powers; Acknowledgment and Consent. The
              -------------------------------------------------------
General Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates
representing the shares of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement, together with an undated stock power for each such
certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor
thereof, (ii) an Acknowledgment and Consent, substantially in the form of Annex
II to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, duly executed by any issuer of
Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement that is
not itself a party to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement and (iii) each
promissory note pledged pursuant to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
endorsed (without recourse) in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer
form in blank satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent) by the pledgor
thereof.
<PAGE>

                                                                              97

The Canadian Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the certificates
representing the shares of Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Canadian
Security Documents, together with an undated stock power for each such
certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor
thereof or registered in the name of the Canadian Administrative Agent or its
nominees, all as the Canadian Administrative Agent shall direct, (ii) an
Acknowledgment and Consent, substantially in the form attached to any of the
Canadian Security Documents, duly executed by any issuer of Capital Stock
pledged pursuant to any of the Canadian Security Documents that is not itself a
party to any of the Canadian Security Documents and (iv) each promissory note
pledged pursuant to any of the Canadian Security Documents endorsed (without
recourse) in blank (or accompanied by an executed transfer form in blank
satisfactory to the Canadian Administrative Agent) by the pledgor thereof.

          (p) Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including,
              -------------------------------------
without limitation, any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement and any PPSA
financing statement) required by the Security Documents or under law or
reasonably requested by the General Administrative Agent to be filed, registered
or recorded in order to create in favor of the General Administrative Agent or
the Canadian Administrative Agent, as the case may be, for the benefit of the
relevant Lenders, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior
and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens
expressly permitted by Section 11.3), shall have been filed, registered or
recorded or shall have been delivered to the General Administrative Agent or the
Canadian Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in proper form for filing,
registration or recordation.

          9.3 Conditions to Each Extension of Credit. The agreement of each
              --------------------------------------
Lender to make any Extension of Credit requested to be made by it hereunder on
any date (including, without limitation, its initial Extension of Credit) is
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

          (a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
              ------------------------------
warranties made by any Loan Party in or pursuant to the Loan Documents shall be
true and correct on and as of such date as if made on and as of such date.

          (b) No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
              ----------
be continuing on such date or after giving effect to the Extensions of Credit
requested to be made on such date.

Each borrowing by, issuance of a Letter of Credit for the account of, or
creation of an Acceptance for the account of, any Borrower hereunder shall
constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower as of the date of such
Extension of Credit that the conditions contained in this Section 9.3 have been
satisfied.

                       SECTION 10. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

          Holdings and each Borrower hereby jointly and severally agree that, so
long as the Commitments remain in effect, any Letter of Credit or Acceptance
(which has not been cash collateralized in the manner described in the third to
final and penultimate paragraphs of Section
<PAGE>

                                                                              98

13) remains outstanding or any Loan or other amount is owing to any Lender or
any Agent hereunder, each of Holdings and each Borrower shall and shall cause
each of its Subsidiaries to:

          10.1 Financial Statements. Furnish to each Agent and each Lender:
              --------------------

          (a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year of Holdings, a copy of the audited consolidated balance
sheet of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries and the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of each Borrower and its respective consolidated
Subsidiaries as at the end of such year and the related audited consolidated, in
the case of Holdings, and unaudited consolidated, in the case of each Borrower,
statements of income and of cash flows for such year, setting forth in each case
in comparative form the figures as of the end of and for the previous year,
reported on without a "going concern" or like qualification or exception, or
qualification arising out of the scope of the audit, by independent certified
public accountants of nationally recognized standing;

          (b) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days
after the end of each of the first three quarterly periods of each fiscal year
of Holdings, the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its
consolidated Subsidiaries and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of each
Borrower and its respective consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such
quarter and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and of cash
flows for such quarter and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of
such quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures as of
the end of and for the corresponding period in the previous year, certified by a
Responsible Officer as being fairly stated in all material respects (subject to
normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of certain notes); and

          (c) as soon as available, but in any event not later than 45 days
after the end of each month occurring during each fiscal year of Holdings (other
than the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth such month), the unaudited consolidated
balance sheets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such month and
the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and of cash flows for
such month and the portion of the fiscal year through the end of such month,
setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures as of the end of and
for the corresponding period in the previous year, certified by a Responsible
Officer as being fairly stated in all material respects (subject to normal year-
end audit adjustments and the absence of certain notes);

all such financial statements to be complete and correct in all material
respects and to be prepared in reasonable detail and in accordance with GAAP
applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein and with prior
periods (except as approved by such accountants or officer, as the case may be,
and disclosed therein).

          10.2 Certificates; Other Information. Furnish to each Agent and each
              -------------------------------
Lender, or, in the case of clause (f), to the relevant Lender:

          (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements
referred to in Section 10.1(a), a certificate of the independent certified
public accountants reporting on such
<PAGE>

                                                                              99

financial statements stating that in making the examination necessary therefor
no knowledge was obtained of any Default or Event of Default, except as
specified in such certificate (it being understood that such certifications of
accountants are not required to the extent inconsistent with customary practices
in the profession);

          (b) concurrently with the delivery of any financial statements
pursuant to Section 10.1, (i) a certificate of a Responsible Officer stating
that such Responsible Officer has obtained no knowledge of any Default or Event
of Default except as specified in such certificate and (ii) in the case of
quarterly or annual financial statements, (x) a Compliance Certificate
containing all information necessary for determining compliance by Holdings,
Holdings and its Subsidiaries with the provisions of this Agreement referred to
therein as of the last day of the fiscal quarter or fiscal year of Holdings, as
the case may be, and (y) to the extent not previously disclosed to the relevant
Administrative Agent, a listing of any county or state within the United States
or any Province of Canada where any Loan Party keeps inventory or equipment and
of any Intellectual Property acquired by any Loan Party since the date of the
most recent list delivered pursuant to this clause (y) (or, in the case of the
first such list so delivered, since the Restatement Effective Date);

          (c) as soon as available, and in any event no later than 90 days after
the end of each fiscal year of Holdings, a detailed consolidated budget for the
following fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the following fiscal year, and
the related consolidated statements of projected cash flow and projected
income), and, as soon as available, significant revisions, if any, of such
budget and projections with respect to such fiscal year which are delivered to
the Board of Directors of Holdings for its review (collectively, the
"Projections "), which Projections shall in each case be accompanied by a
 -----------
certificate of a Responsible Officer stating that such Projections are based on
reasonable estimates, information and assumptions at the time made in light of
the circumstances then existing and that such Responsible Officer has no reason
to believe that such Projections are incorrect or misleading in any material
respect (it being recognized by the Lenders that such financial information as
it relates to future events is not to be viewed as fact and that actual results
during the period or periods covered by such financial information may differ
from the projected results set forth therein by a material amount);

          (d) within five days after the same are sent, copies of all financial
statements and reports that Holdings sends to the holders of any class of its
debt securities or public equity securities and, promptly after the same are
filed, copies of all financial statements and reports that Holdings may make to,
or file with, the SEC;

          (e) as soon as possible and in any event within five days of obtaining
knowledge thereof: (i) any development, event, or condition that, individually
or in the aggregate with other developments, events or conditions, could
reasonably be expected to result in the payment by Holdings and its
Subsidiaries, in the aggregate, of a Material Environmental Amount; and (ii) any
notice that any governmental authority may deny any application for an
Environmental Permit sought by, or revoke or refuse to renew any Environmental
Permit held by, Holdings or any Subsidiary; and
<PAGE>

                                                                             100

          (f) promptly, such additional financial and other information as any
Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

          10.3 Collateral Reports. Each Borrower, at its own expense, shall
              ------------------
deliver or cause to be delivered the following:

          (a) to the Collateral Monitoring Agent, within fifteen (15) Business
Days after the end of each fiscal month (together with a copy of all or any part
of such delivery requested by any Lender in writing after the Original Closing
Date), a Borrowing Base Certificate of such Borrower accompanied by such
supporting detail and documentation as shall be requested by the Collateral
Monitoring Agent in its reasonable discretion;

          (b) to the Collateral Monitoring Agent, the results of each physical
verification, if any, which such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may in
their discretion have made, or caused any other Person to have made on their
behalf, of all or any portion of their Inventory (and, if a Default or an Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrowers shall, upon the
request of the Collateral Monitoring Agent, conduct, and deliver the results of,
such physical verifications as the Collateral Monitoring Agent may require, not
to exceed four per fiscal year); and

          (c) to the Collateral Monitoring Agent such appraisals of its assets
as the relevant Administrative Agent may request (i) at any time after the
occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default and
(ii) at any other time, not more frequently than twice in each fiscal year, such
appraisals to be conducted by an appraiser, and in form and substance,
satisfactory to the Collateral Monitoring Agent; provided, that such appraisals
                                                 --------
(other than the second appraisal in any fiscal year requested pursuant to clause
(ii) of this sentence) shall be at the expense of the relevant Borrower.

          10.4 Payment of Obligations. Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy at or
              ----------------------
before maturity or before they become delinquent, as the case may be, all its
material obligations of whatever nature, except where (a) the amount or validity
thereof is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and reserves in conformity with GAAP with respect thereto have been provided on
the books of Holdings or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be or (b) the failure
to so pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any such obligations could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

          10.5 Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence, etc. (a) (i)
              -----------------------------------------------------
Preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its existence and (ii) take
all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges and franchises
necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except, in each
case, as otherwise permitted by Section 11.4 and except, in the case of clause
(ii) above, to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (b) comply with all Contractual
Obligations and Requirements of Law, except to the extent that failure to comply
therewith could not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
<PAGE>

                                                                             101

          10.6 Maintenance of Property; Insurance. (a) Keep all material
               ----------------------------------
tangible Property useful and necessary in its business in good working order and
condition, ordinary wear and tear and damage occurring as a result of a casualty
event excepted and (b) maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance
companies insurance on all its Property in at least such amounts and against at
least such risks (but including in any event public liability, product liability
and business interruption) as are usually insured against in the same general
area by companies engaged in the same or a similar business.

          10.7 Inspection of Property; Books and Records; Discussions. (a) Keep
              ------------------------------------------------------
proper books of records and account in which full, true and correct entries in
conformity with GAAP and all Requirements of Law shall be made of all dealings
and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (b) permit
representatives of the Administrative Agents to visit and inspect any of its
properties and examine and make abstracts from any of its books and records at
any reasonable time and as often as may reasonably be desired and to discuss the
business, operations, properties and financial and other condition of Holdings
and its Subsidiaries with officers and employees of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries and with its independent certified public accountants, provided
                                                                    --------
that all such visits and inspections shall be coordinated through the
Administrative Agents.

          10.8 Notices. Promptly give notice to the Administrative Agent and
              -------
each Lender of:

          (a) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;

          (b) any (i) default or event of default under any Contractual
Obligation of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) litigation,
investigation or proceeding which may exist at any time between Holdings or any
of its Subsidiaries and any Governmental Authority, that in either case, if not
cured or if adversely determined, as the case may be, could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

          (c) any litigation or proceeding affecting Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries in which the amount involved is $1,000,000 or more and not covered
by insurance or in which injunctive or similar relief is sought;

          (d) the following events, as soon as possible and in any event within
30 days after Holdings or any Borrower knows or has reason to know thereof
unless any such event could not, individually or together with all such other
events, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) the
occurrence of any Reportable Event with respect to any Plan, a failure to make
any required contribution to a Plan, the creation of any Lien in favor of the
PBGC or a Plan or any withdrawal from, or the termination, Reorganization or
Insolvency of, any Multiemployer Plan or (ii) the institution of proceedings or
the taking of any other action by the PBGC or Holdings or any Commonly
Controlled Entity or any Multiemployer Plan with respect to the withdrawal from,
or the termination, Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Plan; and

          (e) any development or event that has had or could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
<PAGE>

                                                                             102

Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a
Responsible Officer setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein
and stating what action Holdings or the relevant Subsidiary proposes to take
with respect thereto.

          10.9  Environmental Laws. (a) Comply in all material respects with,
               ------------------
and ensure compliance in all material respects by all tenants and subtenants, if
any, with, all applicable Environmental Laws, and obtain and comply in all
material respects with and maintain, and ensure that all tenants and subtenants
obtain and comply in all material respects with and maintain, any and all
licenses, approvals, notifications, registrations or permits required by
applicable Environmental Laws, except for such failures to comply which,
individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

          (b)  Conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and
testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under
Environmental Laws and promptly comply in all material respects with all lawful
orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities regarding Environmental
Laws, except for such failures to comply which, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          10.10 Interest Rate Protection. Within 60 days after the Restatement
               ------------------------
Effective Date, enter into Hedge Agreements to the extent necessary to provide
that at least 33 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount of Funded Debt of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries is subject to either a fixed interest rate or
interest rate protection for a period of not less than two years, which Hedge
Agreements shall have terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the
General Administrative Agent.

          10.11 Additional Collateral, etc. (a) With respect to any Property
               --------------------------
acquired after the Original Closing Date by Holdings, the U.S. Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries (other than (w) Property of any Canadian Entity, (x) any
Property described in paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of this Section, (y) any
Property subject to a Lien expressly permitted by Section 11.3(g) and (z)
Property acquired by an Excluded Foreign Subsidiary) as to which the General

Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, does not have a perfected
Lien, promptly (i) execute and deliver to the General Administrative Agent such
amendments to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or such other documents as
the General Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable to grant to the
General Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security
interest in such Property and (ii) take all actions necessary or advisable to
grant to the General Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a
perfected first priority security interest in such Property (subject to Liens
permitted under Section 11.3), including without limitation, the filing of
Uniform Commercial Code financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be
required by the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or by law or as may be
requested by the General Administrative Agent.

          (b) With respect to any fee interest in any real property having a
value (together with improvements thereof) of at least U.S.$500,000 acquired
after the Original Closing Date by Holdings, the U.S. Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any such real property (x) owned by an Excluded Foreign
Subsidiary (y) owned by a Canadian Entity or (z) subject to a
<PAGE>

                                                                             103

Lien expressly permitted by Section 11.3(g)), promptly (i) execute and deliver a
first priority mortgage or deed of trust in favor of the General Administrative
Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, covering such real property, (ii) if
requested by the General Administrative Agent, provide the Lenders with (x)
title and extended coverage insurance covering such real property in an amount
at least equal to the purchase price of such real property (or such other amount
as shall be reasonably specified by the General Administrative Agent) as well as
a current ALTA survey thereof, together with a surveyor's certificate and (y)
any consents or estoppels reasonably deemed necessary or advisable by the
general Administrative Agent in connection with such mortgage or deed of trust,
each of the foregoing in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
General Administrative Agent and (iii) if requested by the General
Administrative Agent, deliver to the General Administrative Agent legal opinions
relating to the matters described above, which opinions shall be in form and
substance, and from counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the General
Administrative Agent.

          (c) With respect to any new Subsidiary (other than (x) an Excluded
Foreign Subsidiary or (y) a Canadian Entity) created or acquired after the
Original Closing Date (which, for the purposes of this paragraph, shall include
any existing Subsidiary that ceases to be an Excluded Foreign Subsidiary), by
Holdings, the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, promptly (i) execute and
deliver to the Administrative Agent such amendments to the Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement as the Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable to
grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a perfected
first priority security interest in the Capital Stock of such new Subsidiary
that is owned by Holdings, the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (subject
to Liens permitted under Section 11.3), (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent
the certificates representing such Capital Stock, together with undated stock
powers, in blank, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of
Holdings, the U.S. Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, (iii) cause
such new Subsidiary (A) to become a party to the Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement and (B) to take such actions necessary or advisable to grant to the
General Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders a perfected first
priority security interest in the Collateral described in the Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement with respect to such new Subsidiary, including, without
limitation, the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements in such
jurisdictions as may be required by the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or by
law or as may be requested by the General Administrative Agent, and (iv) if
requested by the General Administrative Agent, deliver to the General
Administrative Agent legal opinions relating to the matters described above,
which opinions shall be in form and substance, and from counsel, reasonably
satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent.

          (d) With respect to any new Excluded Foreign Subsidiary or any
Canadian Entity created or acquired after the Original Closing Date by Holdings,
the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Excluded Foreign
Subsidiaries), promptly (i) execute and deliver to the General Administrative
Agent such amendments to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or such other
documents as the General Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable in
order to grant to the General Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, a perfected first priority security interest in the Capital Stock of
such new Subsidiary that is owned by Holdings, the U.S. Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any Excluded Foreign Subsidiaries), (provided that in
no event shall more than 65% of the total outstanding Capital
<PAGE>

                                                                             104

Stock of any such new Excluded Foreign Subsidiary be required to be so pledged),
(ii) deliver to the General Administrative Agent the certificates representing
such Capital Stock, together with undated stock powers, in blank, executed and
delivered by a duly authorized officer of Holdings, the Borrower or such
Subsidiary, as the case may be, and take such other action as may be necessary
or, in the opinion of the General Administrative Agent, desirable to perfect the
Lien of the General Administrative Agent thereon, and (iii) if requested by the
General Administrative Agent, deliver to the General Administrative Agent legal
opinions relating to the matters described above, which opinions shall be in
form and substance, and from counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the General
Administrative Agent.

          (e) With respect to any Property acquired after the Original Closing
Date by the Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than (x) any
Property described in paragraph (f) of this Section or (y) any Property subject
to a Lien expressly permitted by Section 11.3(g) as to which the Canadian
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Lenders, does not have a
perfected Lien, promptly (i) execute and deliver to the Canadian Administrative
Agent such amendments to the relevant Canadian Security Document or such other
documents as the Canadian Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable to
grant to the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian
Lenders, a security interest in such Property and (ii) take all actions
necessary or advisable to grant to the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the
benefit of the Canadian Lenders, a perfected first priority security interest in
such Property, including without limitation, the filing of financing statements
in such jurisdictions as may be required by the relevant Canadian Security
Document or by law or as may be requested by the Canadian Administrative Agent.

          (f) With respect to any fee interest in any real property having a
value (together with improvements thereof) of at least U.S.$500,000 acquired
after the Original Closing Date by the Canadian Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any such real property subject to a Lien expressly
permitted by Section 11.3(g)), promptly (i) execute and deliver a first priority
mortgage in favor of the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the
Canadian Lenders, covering such real property, (ii) if requested by the Canadian
Administrative Agent, provide the Canadian Lenders with (x) title and extended
coverage insurance covering such real property in an amount at least equal to
the purchase price of such real property (or such other amount as shall be
reasonably specified by the Canadian Administrative Agent) as well as a current
ALTA survey thereof, together with a surveyor's certificate and (y) any consents
or estoppels reasonably deemed necessary or advisable by the Canadian
Administrative Agent in connection with such mortgage, each of the foregoing in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Canadian Administrative Agent
and (iii) if requested by the Canadian Administrative Agent, deliver to the
Canadian Administrative Agent legal opinions relating to the matters described
above, which opinions shall be in form and substance, and from counsel,
reasonably satisfactory to the General Administrative Agent.

          (g) With respect to any new Subsidiary created or acquired after the
Original Closing Date, by the Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,
promptly (i) execute and deliver to the Canadian Administrative Agent such
amendments to the relevant Canadian Security Document as the Canadian
Administrative Agent deems necessary or advisable to grant to the Canadian
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Lenders, a perfected first
<PAGE>

                                                                             105

priority security interest in the Capital Stock of such new Subsidiary that is
owned by the Canadian Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) deliver to the
Canadian Administrative Agent the certificates representing such Capital Stock,
together with undated stock powers, in blank, executed and delivered by a duly
authorized officer of the Canadian Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may
be, (iii) cause such new Subsidiary (A) to become a party to the relevant
Canadian Security Document and (B) to take such actions necessary or advisable
to grant to the Canadian Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders a
perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral described in the
relevant Canadian Security Document with respect to such new Subsidiary,
including, without limitation, the filing of financing statements in such
jurisdictions as may be required by the relevant Canadian Security Document or
by law or as may be requested by the Canadian Administrative Agent, and (iv) if
requested by the Canadian Administrative Agent, deliver to the Canadian
Administrative Agent legal opinions relating to the matters described above,
which opinions shall be in form and substance, and from counsel, reasonably
satisfactory to the Canadian Administrative Agent.

          10.12 Further Assurances. From time to time execute and deliver, or
               ------------------
cause to be executed and delivered, such additional instruments, certificates
or documents, and take all such actions, as the General Administrative Agent may
reasonably request for the purposes of implementing or effectuating the
provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or of more fully
perfecting or renewing the rights of the Administrative Agents and the Lenders
with respect to the Collateral (or with respect to any additions thereto or
replacements or proceeds thereof or with respect to any other property or assets
hereafter acquired by Holdings or any Subsidiary which may be deemed to be part
of the Collateral) pursuant hereto or thereto. Upon the exercise by any
Administrative Agent or any Lender of any power, right, privilege or remedy
pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents which requires any
consent, approval, recording, qualification or authorization of any Governmental
Authority, Holdings will execute and deliver, or will cause the execution and
delivery of, all applications, certifications, instruments and other documents
and papers that the relevant Administrative Agent or such Lender may be required
to obtain from Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries for such governmental
consent, approval, recording, qualification or authorization.

                        SECTION 11. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

          Holdings and each Borrower hereby jointly and severally agree that, so
long as the Commitments remain in effect, any Letter of Credit or Acceptance
(which has not been cash collateralized in the manner described in the third to
final and penultimate paragraphs of Section 13) remains outstanding or any Loan
or other amount is owing to any Lender or any Agent hereunder, each of Holdings
and each Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly:

          11.1 Financial Condition Covenants.
               -----------------------------

          (a) Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Leverage
              ---------------------------
Ratio as at the last day of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of
Holdings ending with any fiscal quarter set forth below to exceed the ratio set
forth below opposite such fiscal quarter:
<PAGE>

                                                                             106
                                                    Consolidated
          Fiscal Quarter                            Leverage Ratio
          --------------                            --------------

          FQ3 2000                                  4.00 to 1.00
          FQ4 2000                                  3.75 to 1.00
          FQ1 2001                                  3.75 to 1.00
          FQ2 2001                                  3.50 to 1.00
          FQ3 2001                                  3.50 to 1.00
          FQ4 2001                                  3.25 to 1.00
          FQ1 2002                                  3.25 to 1.00
          FQ2 2002                                  3.00 to 1.00
          FQ3 2002                                  3.00 to 1.00
          FQ4 2002                                  2.75 to 1.00
          FQ1 2003                                  2.75 to 1.00
          FQ2 2003                                  2.75 to 1.00
          FQ3 2003 and thereafter                   2.50 to 1.00

          (b) Consolidated First Priority Debt Ratio. Permit the Consolidated
              --------------------------------------
First Priority Debt Ratio as at the last day of any period of four consecutive
fiscal quarters of Holdings ending with any fiscal quarter set forth below to
exceed the ratio set forth below opposite such fiscal quarter:

                                                   Consolidated First Priority
          Fiscal Quarter                           Debt Ratio
          --------------                           ----------

          FQ3 2000                                 3.50 to 1.00
          FQ4 2000                                 3.50 to 1.00
          FQ1 2001                                 3.50 to 1.00
          FQ2 2001                                 3.25 to 1.00
          FQ3 2001                                 3.25 to 1.00
          FQ4 2001                                 3.00 to 1.00
          FQ1 2002                                 3.00 to 1.00
          FQ2 2002                                 2.75 to 1.00
          FQ3 2002                                 2.75 to 1.00
          FQ4 2002                                 2.50 to 1.00
          FQ1 2003                                 2.50 to 1.00
          FQ2 2003                                 2.50 to 1.00
          FQ3 2003 and thereafter                  2.25 to 1.00

; provided, that the covenant contained in this Section 11.1(b) shall cease to
  --------
apply when the Tranche C Term Loans have been repaid in full.

          (c) Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated
              ------------------------------------
Interest Coverage Ratio for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of
Holdings ending with any fiscal quarter set forth below to be less than the
ratio set forth below opposite such fiscal quarter:
<PAGE>

                                                                             107

                                                       Consolidated Interest
          Fiscal Quarter                               Coverage Ratio
          --------------                               --------------

          FQ4 2000                                     2.75 to 1.00
          FQ1 2001                                     2.75 to 1.00
          FQ2 2001                                     2.75 to 1.00
          FQ3 2001                                     3.00 to 1.00
          FQ4 2001                                     3.25 to 1.00
          FQ1 2002                                     3.25 to 1.00
          FQ2 2002                                     3.50 to 1.00
          FQ3 2002                                     3.50 to 1.00
          FQ4 2002 and thereafter                      3.75 to 1.00

provided, that for purposes of calculating the foregoing ratio for the periods
--------
ending December 31, 2000, March 31, 2001 and June 30, 2001, Consolidated Cash
Interest Expense for the relevant period shall be deemed to equal (i) in the
case of the period ending December 31, 2000, Consolidated Cash Interest Expense
for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2000 multiplied by 4, (ii) in the
                                                ---------------
case of the period ending March 31, 2001, Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for
the two consecutive fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2001 multiplied by 2, and
                                                          -------------
(iii) in the case of the period ending June 30, 2001, Consolidated Cash Interest
Expense for the three consecutive fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2001
multiplied by 4/3.
-------------

          (d) Minimum Consolidated EBITDA. Permit Consolidated EBITDA of
              ---------------------------
Holdings and its Subsidiaries for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters
ending during any period set forth below to be less than the amount set forth
below opposite such period:

          Period                                  Consolidated EBITDA
          ------                                  -------------------

          FQ3 2000                                U.S.$27,000,000
          FQ4 2000                                     31,000,000
          FQ1 2001                                     31,000,000
          FQ2 2001                                     31,000,000
          FQ3 2001                                     31,000,000
          FQ4 2001                                     35,750,000
          FQ1 2002                                     35,750,000
          FQ2 2002                                     35,750,000
          FQ3 2002                                     35,750,000
          FQ4 2002                                     39,300,000
          FQ1 2003                                     39,300,000
          FQ2 2003                                     39,300,000
          FQ3 2003                                     39,300,000
          FQ4 2003 and thereafter                      43,250,000

          11.2 Limitation on Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or suffer to
               --------------------------
exist any Indebtedness, except:
<PAGE>

                                                                             108

          (a) Indebtedness of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document;

          (b) (i) Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower to any Subsidiary of the
U.S. Borrower; (ii) Indebtedness of the Canadian Borrower to any Subsidiary of
the Canadian Borrower; (iii) Indebtedness of any Wholly Owned Subsidiary
Guarantor to the U.S. Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower; and
(iv) Indebtedness of the Canadian Borrower to any Canadian Entity which is a
guarantor of the Canadian Borrower Obligations;

          (c) Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Capital Lease
Obligations other than Sale/Leaseback transactions constituting Capital Lease
Obligations permitted by Section 11.2(f)) secured by Liens permitted by Section
11.3(g) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed U.S.$10,000,000 at any
one time outstanding;

          (d) Indebtedness outstanding on the Restatement Effective Date and
listed on Schedule 11.2(d), and any renewals, extensions, refundings or
refinancings of any such Indebtedness, provided that (i) the principal amount of
                                       --------
such Indebtedness is not increased pursuant to any such renewal, extension,
refunding or refinancing and (ii) the weighted average life to maturity of such
Indebtedness after giving effect to such renewal, extension, refunding or
refinancing is not earlier than the weighted average life to maturity of such
Indebtedness immediately prior to such renewal, extension, refunding or
refinancing;

          (e) (i) Guarantee Obligations made in the ordinary course of business
by the U.S. Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of obligations of the U.S.
Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) Guarantee Obligations made in the
ordinary course of business by the Canadian Borrower or any Canadian Subsidiary
Guarantor; and

          (f) Indebtedness of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries arising out of
any Sale/Leaseback Transaction permitted under Section 11.11 (to the extent such
Sale/Leaseback Transactions would constitute Indebtedness) in an aggregate
outstanding amount not to exceed $2,000,000;

          (g) (i) Indebtedness of Holdings with respect to Permitted Seller Debt
in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding
U.S.$15,000,000, (ii) Indebtedness of Holdings or either Borrower incurred in
connection with any Permitted Acquisition, or of any Person which becomes a
Subsidiary after the Original Closing Date pursuant to any Permitted
Acquisition, provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness
             --------
incurred pursuant to this clause (ii) shall not exceed at any time outstanding
an amount equal to the sum of (a) U.S.$15,000,000 plus (b) the lesser of (A)
$25,000,000 and (B) the amount of Net Cash Proceeds of all Capital Stock Sales
consummated after the Original Closing Date, (iii) Indebtedness of Holdings with
respect to Acquisition Subordinated Debt in an aggregate principal amount at any
time outstanding not exceeding U.S.$15,000,000 (provided, that the aggregate
                                                --------
principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by the foregoing clauses (i), (ii)
and (iii) shall not at any
<PAGE>

                                                                             109

time exceed the sum of (x) $25,000,000 and (y) the amount described in clause
(b) of the proviso to the foregoing clause (ii)), (iv) Indebtedness of any
Person acquired in a Permitted Acquisition (other than the Pensar Acquisition),
provided that (A) such Indebtedness existed at the time such Person became a
--------
Subsidiary and was not incurred in anticipation of such Permitted Acquisition
and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased and (v) any renewals,
extensions, refundings or refinancings of any Indebtedness permitted under this
paragraph (g), (other than the Pensar Acquisition) provided that (A) the
                                                   --------
principal amount of such Indebtedness is not increased pursuant to any such
renewal, extension, refunding or refinancing, (B) the weighted average life to
maturity of such Indebtedness after giving effect to such renewal, extension,
refunding or refinancing is not earlier than the weighted average life to
maturity of such Indebtedness immediately prior to such renewal, extension,
refunding or refinancing and (C) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness
outstanding under this paragraph (g) shall not at any time exceed the amounts
permitted in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv);

          (h) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other
financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against
insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, provided that such
                                                       --------
Indebtedness is extinguished within two Business Days of notice to the relevant
Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary of its incurrence;

          (i) Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal
bonds, surety bonds, completion guarantees or other similar obligations arising
in the ordinary course of business, provided that no such bond or similar
                                    --------
obligation is provided to secure the repayment of other Indebtedness;

          (j) Indebtedness arising out of purchase price adjustments and
customary indemnifications by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in connection
with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition, so long as the aggregate
obligations in respect of such purchase price adjustments would not result in a
breach of the limitations set forth in Section 11.8;

          (k) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the financing of
insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business;

          (l) Guarantee Obligations made by Holdings of obligations of the U.S.
Borrower in respect of the U.S. Borrower's lease of space located at 109
Constitution Boulevard, Franklin, Massachusetts from Lincoln Franklin LLC;

          (m) Indebtedness of any Person in respect of any Restricted Payment
made to it and permitted pursuant to Section 11.6 to the extent such Restricted
Payment is either made or recharacterized as a loan instead of a distribution;

          (n) Replacement Subordinated Debt, the proceeds of which are used to
prepay the Tranche C Term Loans;
<PAGE>

                                                                             110

          (o) additional Indebtedness of the U.S. Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount (for the U.S. Borrower and all
Subsidiaries) not to exceed U.S.$2,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

          (p) additional Indebtedness of the Canadian Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount (for the Canadian Borrower and all
Subsidiaries) not to exceed U.S. $2,000,000 at any one time outstanding; and

          (q) until repayment thereof on the Restatement Effective Date,
Indebtedness represented by the 2000 Subordinated Notes.

          11.3 Limitation on Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
               -------------------
Lien upon any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except
for:

          (a) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies not
yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, provided that adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained
             --------
on the books of Holdings or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, in conformity
with GAAP;

          (b) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen's
or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business, and Liens
imposed by law not securing Indebtedness, in each case which are not overdue for
a period of more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings;

          (c) pledges or deposits in connection with workers' compensation,
unemployment insurance and other social security legislation;

          (d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other
than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal
bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
ordinary course of business;

          (e) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, minor defects or
irregularities of title and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary
course of business that, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount and
which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the Property
subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the
business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

          (f) Liens in existence on the Restatement Effective Date listed on
Schedule 11.3(f), securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 11.2(d), provided
                                                                      --------
that no such Lien is spread to cover any additional Property after the
Restatement Effective Date and that the amount of Indebtedness secured thereby
is not increased;

          (g) Liens securing Indebtedness of either Borrower or any other
Subsidiary thereof incurred pursuant to Section 11.2(c) to finance the
acquisition, repair or improvement of fixed or capital assets (including any
interest or title of a lessor under any Capital Lease Obligation) and real
property, provided that (i) such Liens shall be created within 180 days after
          --------
<PAGE>

                                                                             111

the acquisition, repair or improvement of such fixed or capital assets or real
property, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber any Property other than
the Property financed by such Indebtedness and (iii) the amount of Indebtedness
secured thereby is not increased;

          (h) Liens created pursuant to this Agreement and the Security
Documents;

          (i) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease entered into by
Holdings or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of its business and covering
only the assets so leased;

          (j) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 11.2(g)(ii)
(or under Section 11.2(g)(v), to the extent such refinancing Indebtedness
refinances Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 11.2(g)(ii)), provided,
                                                                   --------
that such Liens may encumber only the assets, or portions thereof, acquired in
the Permitted Acquisition that was financed with the proceeds of such
Indebtedness;

          (k) Liens arising from judgments or decrees which do not result in an
Event of Default under Section 13(h);

          (l) Liens on any assets of a Person which becomes a Subsidiary after
the date hereof pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition and Liens on fixed assets
otherwise acquired pursuant to any such Permitted Acquisition, provided that (i)
                                                               --------
such Liens existed at the time such Person became a Subsidiary or such assets
were acquired, as the case may be, and were not created in anticipation of the
Permitted Acquisition, (ii) any such Lien does not by its terms cover any
property or assets after the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or such
assets were acquired, as the case may be, which were not covered immediately
prior thereto, (iii) any such Lien does not by its terms secure any Indebtedness
other than Indebtedness existing immediately prior to the time such Person
becomes a Subsidiary or such assets are acquired, as the case may be and (iv)
such Liens secure only Indebtedness permitted under Section 11.2(g)(iv) (or
under Section 11.2(g)(v), to the extent such refinancing Indebtedness refinances
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 11.2(g)(iv));

          (m) all building codes and zoning ordinances and other laws,
ordinances, regulations, rules, orders or determinations of any federal, state,
county, municipal or other governmental authority now or hereafter enacted;

          (n) Liens securing reimbursement of obligations in respect of (i)
documentary letters of credit, provided that such Liens cover only the
                               --------
documents, the goods covered thereby and the proceeds thereof and (ii) bankers'
acceptances created in respect of drawings under such letters of credit,
provided that such Liens cover only the specific goods financed under such
--------
letter of credit and the proceeds thereof;

          (o) Liens consisting of rights of set-off of a customary nature or
bankers' liens on amounts on deposit, whether arising by contract or operation
of law, incurred in the ordinary course of business;
<PAGE>

                                                                             112

          (p) Liens encumbering customary initial deposits in respect of
commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary
course of business;

          (q) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by Holdings
or any Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement
entered into by it in connection with a Permitted Acquisition;

          (r) Liens on goods in favor of customs and revenue authorities which
secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of such
goods;

          (s) Liens securing obligations (other than Indebtedness) under
operating, reciprocal easements or similar agreements entered into in the
ordinary course of business by Holdings and its Subsidiaries which do not
materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries;

          (t) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the
financing of premiums with respect thereto; and

          (u) Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section 11.3 so long as
neither (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the obligations
secured thereby nor (ii) the aggregate fair market value (determined, in the
case of each such Lien, as of the date such Lien is incurred) of the assets
subject thereto exceeds (as to Holdings and all Subsidiaries) $5,000,000 at any
one time.

          11.4 Limitation on Fundamental Changes. Enter into any merger,
               ---------------------------------
consolidation or amalgamation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or
suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or Dispose of all or substantially all
of its Property or business, except that:

          (a) any Subsidiary of either Borrower may be merged or consolidated
with or into such Borrower (provided that such Borrower shall be the continuing
                            --------
or surviving corporation) or with or into any Subsidiary (provided that if any
                                                          --------
Subsidiary party to such merger or consolidation is a Subsidiary Guarantor or
Canadian Subsidiary Guarantor, the surviving entity shall also be a Subsidiary
Guarantor or Canadian Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be);

          (b) (i) either Borrower may Dispose of any or all of its assets

(including the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary) to any Subsidiary Guarantor and
(ii) any Subsidiary of either Borrower may Dispose of any or all of its assets
(including Capital Stock of any other Subsidiary) (upon voluntary liquidation,
dissolution or otherwise) to the U.S. Borrower and or any Subsidiary Guarantor
and any Subsidiary of the Canadian Borrower may Dispose of any or all of its
assets (including Capital Stock of any other Subsidiary) (upon voluntary
liquidation, dissolution or otherwise) to the Canadian Borrower or any Canadian
Subsidiary Guarantor;

          (c) either Borrower or any Subsidiary of either Borrower may merge
with or consolidate with any Person in connection with any Permitted
Acquisition, provided that (i) if a
             --------
<PAGE>

                                                                             113

Borrower is a party thereto, such Borrower is the surviving entity of such
merger or consolidation and (ii) if a Subsidiary Guarantor or Canadian
Subsidiary Guarantor is a party thereto, the surviving entity of such merger or
consolidation is a Subsidiary Guarantor or Canadian Subsidiary Guarantor, as the
case may be; and

          (d) Dispositions permitted under Section 11.5.

          11.5 Limitation on Disposition of Property. Dispose of any of its
               -------------------------------------
Property (including, without limitation, receivables and leasehold interests),
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or, in the case of any Subsidiary,
issue or sell any shares of such Subsidiary's Capital Stock to any Person,
except:

          (a) the Disposition of obsolete, worn out or surplus property in the
ordinary course of business;

          (b) the sale or lease of inventory or equipment in the ordinary course
of business;

          (c) Dispositions permitted by Section 11.4(a) or (b);

          (d) (i) the sale or issuance to the U.S. Borrower or any Subsidiary
Guarantor of the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of Holdings; or (ii) the sale
or issuance to the Canadian Borrower or any Canadian Subsidiary Guarantor of any
Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of any Canadian Entity; or (iii) the sale or
issuance to Holdings of the Capital Stock of either Borrower;

          (e) the Disposition of other assets having a fair market value not to
exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate for any fiscal year of Holdings; provided,
                                                                    --------
that such amount shall be increased to $5,000,000 when the Consolidated Leverage
Ratio is less than 3.50 to 1.0;

          (f) any Recovery Event, provided, that the requirements of Section 7.5
                                  --------
are complied with in connection therewith;

          (g) the sale or discount, in each case without recourse, of Accounts
Receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, but only in connection
with the compromise or collection thereof;

          (h) the sale or exchange of specific items of equipment for
replacement items of equipment in the ordinary course of business which are the
functional equivalent of the item of equipment so exchanged;

          (i) Dispositions of assets sold pursuant to a Sale/Leaseback
Transaction permitted under Section 11.11;

          (j) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 11.6;
<PAGE>

                                                                             114

          (k) leases and licenses of real or personal property (including
Intellectual Property) in the ordinary course of business;

          (l) Dispositions of (i) Cash Equivalents and (ii) Investments (other
  than the Capital Stock of Subsidiaries); and

          (m) the exchange of Exchangeable Shares.

          11.6 Limitation on Restricted Payments. Declare or pay any dividend
               ---------------------------------
(other than dividends payable solely in Capital Stock of the Person making such
dividend or by increasing the liquidation preference of any such Capital Stock)
on, or make any payment on account of, or set apart assets for a sinking or
other analogous fund for, the purchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or
other acquisition of, any Capital Stock of Holdings, either Borrower or any
Subsidiary, whether now or hereafter outstanding, or make any other distribution
in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property
or in obligations of Holdings, either Borrower or any Subsidiary, or enter into
any derivatives or other transaction with any financial institution, commodities
or stock exchange or clearinghouse (a "Derivatives Counterparty") obligating
                                       ------------------------
Holdings, either Borrower or any Subsidiary to make payments to such Derivatives
Counterparty as a result of any change in market value of any such Capital Stock
(collectively, "Restricted Payments"), except that:
                -------------------

          (a) any Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the holders of its
Capital Stock ratably in accordance with their respective ownership interests;

          (b) Holdings may make Restricted Payments in the form of common stock
of Holdings;

          (c) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, either Borrower may pay dividends to Holdings to permit Holdings
to (i) (A) purchase Holdings' Capital Stock or options to purchase Capital Stock
from present or former officers or employees of Holdings, either Borrower or any
Subsidiary of either Borrower upon the death, disability or termination of
employment of such officer or employee, or (B) make payments on promissory notes
("Management Notes") issued by Holdings to any such officers or employees of
  ----------------
Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries to finance the
purchase of Capital Stock or options to purchase Capital Stock upon the death,
disability or termination of employment of any such officer or employee,
provided, that the aggregate amount of payments by any Borrower under this
--------
clause (i) (not including the forgiveness of any Indebtedness described in
Section 11.8(n)) subsequent to the date hereof (net of any proceeds received by
Holdings subsequent to the date hereof in connection with resales of any Capital
Stock or options to purchase Capital Stock so purchased) shall not exceed
U.S.$2,500,000 (in the case of the U.S. Borrower) or U.S.$2,500,000 (in the case
of the Canadian Borrower); provided, that Holdings shall also be permitted to
                           --------
make such purchases with the Net Cash Proceeds to either Borrower from any "key-
man" life insurance policies received after the Original Closing Date; (ii) pay
fees, expenses and other amounts to the Sponsor and its Control Investment
Affiliates expressly permitted by Section 11.10 and (iii) pay directors' fees
and expenses and directors' and officers' indemnity obligations;
<PAGE>

                                                                             115

          (d) the Borrowers may make Restricted Payments to Holdings to permit
Holdings to (i) pay corporate overhead expenses incurred in the ordinary course
of business not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year and (ii) pay any taxes
which are due and payable for which Holdings is liable;

          (e) any Person may make Restricted Payments pursuant to the
Transactions;

          (f) Holdings may repurchase Capital Stock as a result of the surrender
of such Capital Stock for cancellation in connection with the exercise of stock
options; and

          (g) the Canadian Borrower, Holdings or SMTC Nova Scotia may exchange
or call Exchangeable Shares.

          11.7 Limitation on Capital Expenditures. Make or commit to make any
               ----------------------------------
Capital Expenditure, except (a) Capital Expenditures of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business not exceeding an aggregate
amount during any fiscal year of Holdings the amount set forth below opposite
such fiscal year:

          Fiscal Year             Amount
          -----------             ------

          2000                    $14,000,000
          2001                    $18,000,000
          2002                    $20,000,000
          2003                    $21,500,000
          2004                    $23,000,000

provided, that (i) such amount referred to above, to the extent not so expended
--------
in the fiscal year for which it is permitted, may be carried over for
expenditure in the next succeeding fiscal year (as to such fiscal year, the
"CapEx Carryforward Amount") and (ii) Capital Expenditures made pursuant to this
 -------------------------
clause (a) during any fiscal year shall be deemed made, first, in respect of
                                                        -----
amounts permitted for such fiscal year as provided above and second, in respect
                                                             ------
of amounts carried over from the prior fiscal year pursuant to subclause (i)
above, (b) Capital Expenditures made with the proceeds of any Reinvestment
Deferred Amount, (c) Capital Expenditures in any fiscal year made with the then
unused Permitted Expenditure Amounts and (d) Capital Expenditures attributable
to all or a portion of the cost of Permitted Acquisitions.

          11.8 Limitation on Investments. Make any advance, loan, extension of
               -------------------------
credit (by way of guaranty or otherwise) or capital contribution to, or purchase
any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other debt securities of, or any
assets constituting an ongoing business from, or make any other investment in,
any other Person (all of the foregoing, "Investments"), except:
                                         -----------

          (a) extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business,
including Accounts Receivable;

          (b) investments in Cash and Cash Equivalents;
<PAGE>

                                                                             116

          (c) Investments arising in connection with the incurrence of
Indebtedness permitted by Section 11.2(b) and (e);

          (d) loans and advances to employees of Holdings, either Borrower or
any Subsidiaries of either Borrower in the ordinary course of business
(including, without limitation, for travel, entertainment and relocation
expenses) in an aggregate amount for Holdings, the Borrowers and their
Subsidiaries not to exceed U.S.$1,000,000 at any one time outstanding; provided,
                                                                       --------
that, in addition to such loans and advances, Holdings or either Borrower may
make a loan to Gary Walker of up to $2,500,000 in connection with taxes incurred
by such Person due to the exchange of his Class Y shares for common stock of
Holdings immediately prior to the IPO;

          (e) the Transactions;

          (f) Permitted Acquisitions;

          (g) Investments in assets useful in a Borrower's business made by such
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with the proceeds of any Reinvestment
Deferred Amount; provided, that any Reinvestment Deferred Amount attributable to
the U.S. Borrower and its Subsidiaries may not be invested in any Canadian
Entity;

          (h) Investments (other than those relating to the incurrence of
Indebtedness permitted by Section 11.8(c)) by Holdings, either Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries in such Borrower or any Person that, prior to such
Investment, is a Subsidiary Guarantor;

          (i) Investments by Holdings or any Subsidiary in the U.S. Borrower or
any Subsidiary Guarantor and Investments by the Canadian Borrower in any
Canadian Subsidiary Guarantor;

          (j) Investments in Capital Stock of Holdings to facilitate the
exchange of Exchangeable Shares that are promptly Disposed of in connection with
such exchange;

          (k) Investments received in connection with the collection of Accounts
Receivable in the ordinary course of business and Investments (including debt
obligations) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of
suppliers and customers and in good faith settlement of delinquent obligations
of, and other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary
course of business;

          (l) Investments received in connection with any Asset Sale or other
Disposition permitted hereunder;

          (m) loans and advances to suppliers, customers or users of the
products of either Borrower or any Subsidiary or customers of distributors of
such products in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

          (n) loans to employees of Holdings, either Borrower or any
Subsidiaries of either Borrower to finance the acquisition by such employees
from Holdings, either Borrower or any such Subsidiary of Capital Stock of
Holdings or Exchangeable Shares, including without
<PAGE>

                                                                             117

limitation a loan to Gary Walker of up to $2,500,000 in connection with taxes
incurred by such Person due to the exchange of his Class Y shares into common
stock of Holdings immediately prior to the IPO;

          (o) Investments arising out of any repurchase of Indebtedness in
connection with the refinancing thereof to the extent permitted under Section
11.2;

          (p) Investments by Subsidiaries which are not Subsidiary Guarantors in
either Borrower or any other Subsidiary;

          (q) loans to Holdings by either Borrower or any of their respective
Subsidiaries to the extent permitted by Section 11.2(m);

          (r) Investments existing on the Original Closing Date and listed on
Schedule 11.8; and

          (s) in addition to Investments otherwise expressly permitted by this
Section, Investments by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate
amount (valued at cost) not to exceed $2,500,000 prior to the second anniversary
of the Original Closing Date or $5,000,000 thereafter during the term of this
Agreement.

          11.9 Limitation on Optional Payments and Modifications of Debt
               ---------------------------------------------------------
Instruments, etc. (a) Make or offer to make any optional or voluntary payment,
----------------
prepayment, repurchase or redemption of, or otherwise voluntarily or optionally
defease, any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder), or segregate
funds for any such payment, prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance, or
enter into any derivative or other transaction with any Derivatives Counterparty
obligating Holdings, either Borrower or any Subsidiary to make payments to such
Derivatives Counterparty as a result of any change in market value of any
subordinated debt, (b) amend, modify or otherwise change, or consent or agree to
any amendment, modification, waiver or other change to, any of the terms of any
subordinated debt (other than any such amendment, modification, waiver or other
change which (i) (A) would extend the maturity or reduce the amount of any
payment of principal thereof, reduce the rate or extend the date for payment of
interest thereon or relax any covenant or other restriction applicable to
Holdings, either Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (B) does not involve
the payment of a consent fee or (ii) is not adverse in any respect to the
interests of the Lenders in the reasonable opinion of the General Administrative
Agent), or (c) amend its certificate of incorporation in any manner determined
by the General Administrative Agent to be adverse to the Lenders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Holdings may redeem the $15,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of 2000 Subordinated Notes, unsecured loans and loans secured
by fixed assets made to the Borrowers since May 18, 2000 as contemplated by
Section 7.5(a) and Section 9.2(d).

          11.10 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into any
                ------------------------------------------
transaction, including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or
exchange of Property, the rendering of any service or the payment of any
management, advisory or similar fees, with any Affiliate (other than Holdings,
either Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor) unless such transaction is (a)
otherwise permitted under this Agreement, (b) in the ordinary course of business
of Holdings,
<PAGE>

                                                                             118

such Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, and (c) upon fair and
reasonable terms no less favorable to Holdings, such Borrower or such
Subsidiary, as the case may be, than it would obtain in a comparable arm's
length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, so long as no Default or Event of Default is continuing, (i) Holdings
and its Subsidiaries may pay to the Sponsor and its Control Investment
Affiliates on the Restatement Effective Date a fee of $1,800,000 as
consideration for termination of the Management Agreement (plus expenses and
indemnity payments with respect to claims that have accrued through the
Restatement Effective Date), (ii) the Transactions shall be permitted, (iii)
Holdings, the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries may pay customary fees
to, and the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of, their respective Boards of
Directors and may provide customary indemnities for the benefit of members of
their respective Board of Directors, (iv) [Reserved], (v) transactions with
Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors, joint venture partners or
purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course
of business (including, without limitation, pursuant to joint venture
agreements) and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents
which are fair to the relevant Borrower or its Subsidiaries, in the good faith
determination of the Board of Directors of such Borrower or the senior
management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably
have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party, (vi) any employment
agreement entered into by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or employee
compensation payments in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practices of Holdings or such Subsidiary, (vii) Restricted Payments that
are permitted by the provisions of Section 11.6, (viii) payments or loans to
employees or consultants which are approved by the Board of Directors of
Holdings in good faith, (ix) transfers of Inventory from a Borrower or a
Subsidiary thereof to a Subsidiary operating in a different jurisdiction in
exchange for value not less than the cost of producing such Inventory and not
more than the value at which such Subsidiary expects to Dispose of such
Inventory and (x) the exchange of Exchangeable Shares.

          11.11 Limitation on Sales and Leasebacks. Enter into any arrangement
                ----------------------------------
with any Person providing for the leasing by Holdings, either Borrower or any
Subsidiary of real or personal property which has been or is to be sold or
transferred by Holdings, such Borrower or such Subsidiary to such Person or to
any other Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on
the security of such property or rental obligations of Holdings, such Borrower
or such Subsidiary (a "Sale/Leaseback Transaction"), except for Sale/Leaseback
                      ---------------------------
Transactions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (i) relating to assets owned
by Holdings and its Subsidiaries on the Original Closing Date, in an aggregate
amount not exceeding U.S.$2,000,000 at any time outstanding, (ii) relating to
assets of the business acquired in any Permitted Acquisition, provided, that (A)
                                                              --------
each such Sale/Leaseback Transaction is consummated not more than 120 days after
the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition and (B) if such Permitted
Acquisition was financed with the proceeds of any Indebtedness (other than the
proceeds of U.S. Revolving Credit Loans or Canadian Revolving Credit Loans), the
proceeds of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction are applied toward repayment of such
Indebtedness or (iii) relating to assets owned by Holdings and its Subsidiaries
on the Original Closing Date or acquired thereafter (other than in connection
with a Permitted Acquisition) with an aggregate sales price not to exceed
$3,000,000 during the term of this Agreement.
<PAGE>

                                                                             119

          11.12 Limitation on Changes in Fiscal Periods. Permit the fiscal year
                ---------------------------------------
of either Borrower to end on a day other than December 31 or change Holdings' or
such Borrower's method of determining fiscal quarters.

          11.13 Limitation on Negative Pledge Clauses. Enter into or suffer to
                -------------------------------------
exist or become effective any agreement that prohibits or limits the ability of
Holdings, either Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its Property or revenues, whether now owned
or hereafter acquired, to secure the Obligations or, in the case of any
guarantor, its obligations under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement any
Canadian Security Documents, other than (a) this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, (b) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens or Capital
Lease Obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any prohibition or
limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed thereby), (c) any
agreement relating to a Disposition of Property by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries (in which case, any prohibition or restriction shall only be
effective against the Property to be Disposed in such Disposition), (d)
customary non-assignment provisions in leases entered into in the ordinary
course of business and (e) any agreements relating to Liens permitted under
Section 11.3(g), 11.3(l), 11.3(n), 11.3(p), 11.3(q), 11.3(t) or 11.3(u) (in
which case, any prohibition or restriction shall only be effective against the
Property subject to the relevant Lien).

          11.14 Limitation on Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions. Enter
                ------------------------------------------------------
into or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary to (a) make Restricted Payments in
respect of any Capital Stock of such Subsidiary held by, or pay any Indebtedness
owed to, either Borrower or any other Subsidiary, (b) make Investments in either
Borrower or any other Subsidiary or (c) transfer any of its assets to either
Borrower or any other Subsidiary, except for such encumbrances or restrictions
existing under or by reason of (i) any restrictions existing under the Loan
Documents, (ii) any restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary imposed pursuant
to an agreement that has been entered into in connection with the Disposition of
all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary,
(iii) applicable law, (iv) customary provisions restricting the assignment of
rights under contracts, (v) customary non-assignment provisions in leases
entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices, (vi) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary
course of business that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause
(c) above on the property so acquired, (vii) any agreement for the sale of a
Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Subsidiary pending its sale,
(viii) provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or
property in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into
in the ordinary course of business, (ix) restrictions on cash or other deposits
or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into the ordinary
course of business and (x) restrictions on rights to dispose of assets subject
to Liens permitted under Section 11.3(g), 11.3(l), 11.3(n), 11.3(p), 11.3(q),
11.3(t) or 11.3(u).

          11.15 Limitation on Lines of Business. Enter into any business, either
                -------------------------------
directly or through any Subsidiary, except for those businesses in which
Holdings and its Subsid iaries are engaged on the date of this Agreement (after
giving effect to the Transactions) or that are reasonably related thereto.
<PAGE>

                                                                             120

          11.16 Limitation on Activities of Holdings. In the case of Holdings,
                ------------------------------------
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, (a) conduct, transact or otherwise engage in, or commit to conduct,
transact or otherwise engage in, any business or operations other than (i) those
incidental to its ownership of the Capital Stock of Subsidiaries and those
incidental to Investments by or in Holdings permitted hereunder, (ii) activities
incidental to the maintenance of its existence and compliance with applicable
laws and legal, tax and accounting matters related thereto and activities
relating to its employees, (iii) activities relating to the performance of
obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party and (iv) the receipt
and payment of Restricted Payments permitted under Section 11.6, (b) incur,
create, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness or other liabilities or
financial obligations, except (i) nonconsensual obligations imposed by operation
of law, (ii) pursuant to the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (iii)
obligations with respect to its Capital Stock, or the Exchangeable Shares, (iv)
obligations to its employees, officers and directors not prohibited hereunder,
(v) Guarantee Obligations permitted under Section 11.2(l) or (vi) obligations
under the Transaction Documents as in effect on the date hereof or (c) own,
lease, manage or otherwise operate any properties or assets (including cash
(other than cash received in connection with Restricted Payments made by a
Borrower in accordance with Section 11.6 pending application in the manner
contemplated by said Section) and cash equivalents) other than the ownership of
shares of Capital Stock of the direct Subsidiary owned by it on the Original
Closing Date or in respect of notes issued to Holdings by management in respect
of the purchase of its Capital Stock or Exchangeable Shares. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Holdings may engage in the transactions contemplated by the terms of
the 2000 Subordinated Notes and the 2000 Warrants and may consummate the IPO and
the Pensar Acquisition; provided, however, that Holdings shall contribute the
                        --------  -------
capital stock of Pensar to the U.S. Borrower immediately upon the consummation
of the Pensar Acquisition.

          11.17 Limitation on Hedge Agreements. Enter into any Hedge Agreement
                ------------------------------
other than Hedge Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, and
not for speculative purposes, to protect against changes in interest rates or
foreign exchange rates.

                             SECTION 12. GUARANTEE

          12.1 Guarantee. (a) The U.S. Borrower hereby unconditionally and
               ---------
irrevocably guarantees to the Canadian Administrative Agent, for the ratable
benefit of the Canadian Administrative Agent and the Canadian Lenders and their
respective successors, indorsees, transferees and assigns, the prompt and
complete payment and performance by the Canadian Borrower when due (whether at
the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Canadian Borrower
Obligations.

          (b) The U.S. Borrower further agrees to pay any and all expenses
(including, without limitation, all reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel
which may be paid or incurred by the Canadian Administrative Agent, or any
Canadian Lender in enforcing, or obtaining advice of counsel in respect of, any
rights with respect to, or collecting, any or all of the Canadian Borrower
Obligations and/or enforcing any rights with respect to, or collecting against,
the U.S. Borrower under this Section. This Section shall remain in full force
and effect until the Obligations are paid in full and the Commitments are
terminated, notwithstanding that
<PAGE>

                                                                             121

from time to time prior thereto any Borrower may be free from any Canadian
Borrower Obligations.

          (c) No payment or payments made by any Borrower or any other Person or
received or collected by the Administrative Agents or any Lender from any
Borrower or any other Person by virtue of any action or proceeding or any set-
off or appropriation or application, at any time or from time to time, in
reduction of or in payment of the Canadian Borrower Obligations shall be deemed
to modify, reduce, release or otherwise affect the liability of the U.S.
Borrower hereunder which shall, notwithstanding any such payment or payments,
remain liable hereunder for the Canadian Borrower Obligations until the Canadian
Borrower Obligations are paid in full and the Commitments are terminated.

          (d) The U.S. Borrower agrees that whenever, at any time, or from time
to time, it shall make any payment to any Administrative Agent or any Lender on
account of its liability hereunder, it will notify such Administrative Agent and
such Lender in writing that such payment is made under this Section for such
purpose.

          (e) Anything herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary
notwithstanding, the maximum liability of the U.S. Borrower hereunder and under
the other Loan Documents in respect of the Canadian Borrower Obligations shall
in no event exceed the amount which can be guaranteed by the U.S. Borrower under
applicable federal and state laws relating to the insolvency of debtors.

          12.2 No Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by
               --------------
the U.S. Borrower hereunder, or any set-off or application of funds of the U.S.
Borrower by any Administrative Agent or any Lender, the U.S. Borrower shall not
be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of any Administrative Agent or
any Lender against the other Borrowers or against any collateral security or
guarantee or right of offset held by any Administrative Agent or any Lender for
the payment of the Canadian Borrower Obligations, nor shall the U.S. Borrower
seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the other
Borrowers in respect of payments made by the U.S. Borrower hereunder, until all
amounts owing to the Administrative Agents and the Lenders by the other
Borrowers on account of the Canadian Borrower Obligations are paid in full and
the Commitments are terminated. If any amount shall be paid to the U.S. Borrower
on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Canadian
Borrower Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held
by the U.S. Borrower in trust for the Administrative Agents and the Lenders,
segregated from other funds of the U.S. Borrower, and shall, forthwith upon
receipt by the U.S. Borrower, be turned over to the Canadian Administrative
Agent in the exact form received by the U.S. Borrower (duly indorsed by the U.S.
Borrower to the Canadian Administrative Agent, if required), to be applied
against the Canadian Borrower Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such
order as the Canadian Administrative Agent may determine.

          12.3 Amendments, etc. with respect to the Canadian Borrower
               ------------------------------------------------------
Obligations; Waiver of Rights. The U.S. Borrower shall remain obligated
-----------------------------
hereunder notwithstanding that, without any reservation of rights against the
U.S. Borrower, and without notice to or further assent by the U.S. Borrower, any
demand for payment of any of the Canadian Borrower
<PAGE>

                                                                             122

Obligations made by any Administrative Agent or any Lender may be rescinded by
such Administrative Agent or such Lender, and any of the Canadian Borrower
Obligations continued, and the Canadian Borrower Obligations, or the liability
of any other party upon or for any part thereof, or any collateral security or
guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto, may, from time to
time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended, amended, modified, accelerated,
compromised, waived, surrendered or released by any Administrative Agent or any
Lender, and any Loan Documents and any other documents executed and delivered in
connection therewith may be amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, in
whole or in part, in accordance with the provisions thereof as the
Administrative Agents or the Lenders (or the Required Lenders, as the case may
be) may deem advisable from time to time, and any collateral security, guarantee
or right of offset at any time held by any Administrative Agent or any Lender
for the payment of the Canadian Borrower Obligations may be sold, exchanged,
waived, surrendered or released. None of any Administrative Agent or any Lender
shall have any obligation to protect, secure, perfect or insure any Lien at any
time held by it as security for the Canadian Borrower Obligations or for this
Agreement or any property subject thereto. When making any demand hereunder
against the U.S. Borrower, any Administrative Agent or any Lender may, but shall
be under no obligation to, make a similar demand on any other Borrower or any
other guarantor, and any failure by any Administrative Agent or any Lender to
make any such demand or to collect any payments from any such Borrower or any
such other guarantor or any release of such Borrower or such other guarantor
shall not relieve the U.S. Borrower of its obligations or liabilities hereunder,
and shall not impair or affect the rights and remedies, express or implied, or
as a matter of law, of any Administrative Agent or any Lender against the U.S.
Borrower. For the purposes hereof "demand" shall include the commencement and
continuance of any legal proceedings.

          12.4 Guarantee Absolute and Unconditional. The U.S. Borrower waives
               ------------------------------------
any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the
Canadian Borrower Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any
Administrative Agent or any Lender upon this Agreement or acceptance of this
Agreement; the Canadian Borrower Obligations, and any of them, shall
conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred, or renewed,
extended, amended or waived, in reliance upon this Agreement; and all dealings
between the Borrowers and the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower, on the
one hand, and the Administrative Agents and the Lenders, on the other, shall
likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance
upon this Agreement. The U.S. Borrower waives diligence, presentment, protest,
demand for payment and notice of default or nonpayment to or upon the other
Borrowers and the U.S. Borrower with respect to the Canadian Borrower
Obligations. This Section 12 shall be construed as a continuing, absolute and
unconditional guarantee of payment without regard to (a) the validity or
enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document, any of the Canadian
Borrower Obligations or any other collateral security therefor or guarantee or
right of offset with respect thereto at any time or from time to time held by
any Administrative Agent or any Lender, (b) any defense, set-off or counterclaim
(other than a defense of payment or performance) which may at any time be
available to or be asserted by the Canadian Borrower against any Administrative
Agent or any Lender, or (c) any other circumstance whatsoever (with or without
notice to or knowledge of the Canadian Borrower or the U.S. Borrower) which
constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an equitable or legal
discharge of the Canadian Borrower for the Canadian Borrower Obligations, or of
the U.S.
<PAGE>

                                                                             123

Borrower under this Section 12, in bankruptcy or in any other instance. When
pursuing its rights and remedies hereunder against the U.S. Borrower, any
Administrative Agent and any Lender may, but shall be under no obligation to,
pursue such rights and remedies as it may have against the Canadian Borrower or
any other Person or against any collateral security or guarantee for the
Canadian Borrower Obligations or any right of offset with respect thereto, and
any failure by any Administrative Agent or any Lender to pursue such other
rights or remedies or to collect any payments from such other Borrowers or any
such other Person or to realize upon any such collateral security or guarantee
or to exercise any such right of offset, or any release of the other Borrower or
any such other Person or of any such collateral security, guarantee or right of
offset, shall not relieve the U.S. Borrower of any liability hereunder, and
shall not impair or affect the rights and remedies, whether express, implied or
available as a matter of law, of any Administrative Agent or any Lender against
the U.S. Borrower. This Section 12 shall remain in full force and effect and be
binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the U.S. Borrower
and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the
Administrative Agents and the Lenders, and their respective successors,
indorsees, transferees and assigns, until all the Canadian Borrower Obligations
and the obligations of the U.S. Borrower under this Agreement shall have been
satisfied by payment in full and the Commitments shall be terminated,
notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of this Agreement the
Borrowers may be free from any Canadian Borrower Obligations.

          12.5 Reinstatement. This Section 12 shall continue to be effective, or
               -------------
be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof,
of any of the Canadian Borrower Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be
restored or returned by any Administrative Agent or any Lender upon the
insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of any
Borrower or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or
conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, any Borrower or any
substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though such payments had
not been made.

          12.6 Payments. The U.S. Borrower hereby agrees that all payments
               --------
required to be made by it hereunder will be made to the Canadian Administrative
Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agents and the Lenders, as the case
may be, without set-off or counterclaim in accordance with the terms of the
Canadian Borrower Obligations, including, without limitation, in the currency
in which payment is due.

                         SECTION 13. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

          If any of the following events shall occur and be continuing:

          (a) Either Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or
Reimbursement Obligation or Acceptance Reimbursement Obligation when due in
accordance with the terms hereof; or either Borrower shall fail to pay any
interest on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation or Acceptance Reimbursement
Obligation, or any stamping fee or any other amount payable hereunder or under
any other Loan Document, within five days after any such interest or other
amount becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof; or
<PAGE>

                                                                             124

          (b) Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Loan
Party herein or in any other Loan Document or that is contained in any
certificate, document or financial or other statement furnished by it at any
time under or in connection with this Agreement or any such other Loan Document
shall prove to have been inaccurate in any material respect on or as of the date
made or deemed made or furnished; or

          (c) (i) Any Loan Party shall default in the observance or performance
of any agreement contained in clause (i) or (ii) of Section 10.5(a) (with
respect to Holdings and each Borrower only), Section 11, or in Section 5 of the
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement; or

          (d) Any Loan Party shall default in the observance or performance of
any other agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document
(other than as provided in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Section), and such
default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after the earlier of
(x) the date upon which such Loan party knows or should reasonably be expected
to know the existence of such default or (y) the date upon which such Loan
party receives notice of such default from an Administrative Agent or Lender; or

          (e) Holdings, any Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries
shall (i) default in making any payment of any principal of any Indebtedness
(including, without limitation, any Guarantee Obligation, but excluding the
Loans and Reimbursement Obligations and Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations) on
the scheduled or original due date with respect thereto beyond the period of
grace, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which such
Indebtedness was created; or (ii) default in making any payment of any interest
on any such Indebtedness beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the
instrument or agreement under which such Indebtedness was created; or (iii)
default in the observance or performance of any other agreement or condition
relating to any such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement
evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event shall occur or
condition exist, the effect of which default or other event or condition is to
cause, or to permit the holder or beneficiary of such Indebtedness (or a trustee
or agent on behalf of such holder or beneficiary) to cause, with the giving of
notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity
or to become subject to or mandatory offer to purchase by the obligor thereunder
or (in the case of any such Indebtedness constituting a Guarantee Obligation) to
become payable; provided, that a default, event or condition described in clause
                --------
(i), (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (e) shall not at any time constitute an
Event of Default unless, at such time, one or more defaults, events or
conditions of the type described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this
paragraph (e) shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to Indebtedness
the outstanding principal amount of which exceeds in the aggregate
U.S.$5,000,000; or

          (f) (i) Holdings, any Borrower or any of their respective Material
Subsidiaries shall commence any case, proceeding or other action (A) under any
existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to have an
order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it a
bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment,
winding-up, liquidation, dissolution, composition or other relief with respect
to it or its debts,
<PAGE>

                                                                             125

or (B) seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator or
other similar official for it or for all or any substantial part of its assets,
or Holdings, any Borrower or any of their respective Material Subsidiaries shall
make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (ii) there shall
be commenced against Holdings, any Borrower or any of their respective Material
Subsidiaries any case, proceeding or other action of a nature referred to in
clause (i) above that (A) results in the entry of an order for relief or any
such adjudication or appointment or (B) remains undismissed, undischarged or
unbonded for a period of 60 days; or (iii) there shall be commenced against
Holdings, any Borrower or any of their respective Material Subsidiaries any
case, proceeding or other action seeking issuance of a warrant of attachment,
execution, distraint or similar process against all or any substantial part of
its assets that results in the entry of an order for any such relief that shall
not have been vacated, discharged, or stayed or bonded pending appeal within 60
days from the entry thereof; or (iv) Holdings, any Borrower or any of their
respective Material Subsidiaries shall take any action in furtherance of, or
indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the acts set
forth in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) above; or (v) Holdings, any Borrower or any
of their respective Material Subsidiaries shall generally not, or shall be
unable to, or shall admit in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they
become due; or

          (g) (i) Any Person shall engage in any "prohibited transaction" (as
defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) involving any Plan,
(ii) any "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA),
whether or not waived, shall exist with respect to any Plan or any Lien in favor
of the PBGC or a Plan shall arise on the assets of Holdings or any Commonly
Controlled Entity, (iii) a Reportable Event shall occur with respect to, or
proceedings shall commence to have a trustee appointed, or a trustee shall be
appointed, to administer or to terminate, any Single Employer Plan, which
Reportable Event or commencement of proceedings or appointment of a trustee is,
in the reasonable opinion of the Required Lenders, likely to result in the
termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (iv) any Single
Employer Plan shall terminate for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (v)the Borrower
or any Commonly Controlled Entity shall, or in the reasonable opinion of the
Required Lenders is likely to, incur any liability in connection with a
withdrawal from, or the Insolvency or Reorganization of, a Multiemployer Plan or
(vi) any other event or condition shall occur or exist with respect to a Plan;
and in each case in clauses (i) through (vi) above, such event or condition,
together with all other such events or conditions, if any, could, reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

          (h) One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against
Holdings, any Borrower or any of their respective Material Subsidiaries
involving for Holdings, the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries taken as a whole a
liability (to the extent not paid or covered by insurance of U.S.$5,000,000 or
more, and all such judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, discharged,
stayed or bonded pending appeal within 60 days from the entry thereof; or
<PAGE>

                                                                             126

          (i) Any of the Security Documents shall cease, for any reason (other
than by reason of the express release thereof pursuant to Section 15.15), to be
in full force and effect in all material respects (other than in accordance with
its terms), or any Loan Party or any Affiliate of any Loan Party shall so
assert, or any Lien created by any of the Security Documents shall cease to be
enforceable and of the same effect and priority purported to be created thereby
as to Collateral having an aggregate value in excess of $2,500,000; or

          (j) The guarantee contained in Section 2 of the Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement, or any Canadian Facility Guarantee shall cease, for any
reason (other than by reason of the express release thereof pursuant to Section
15.15 and other than in accordance with its terms), to be in full force and
effect or any Loan Party or any Affiliate of any Loan Party shall so assert; or

          (k) (i) Any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act")), excluding the Permitted Investors, shall become, or obtain
rights (whether by means or warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the
"beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange
Act), directly or indirectly, of a greater percentage of the securities having
the power to elect directors of Holdings than the percentage of such securities
then owned by the Permitted Investors; (ii) the board of directors of Holdings
shall cease to consist of a majority of Continuing Directors; or (iii) Holdings
shall cease to own and control, of record and beneficially, directly or
indirectly through one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries, 100% of each class of
outstanding Capital Stock of each Borrower (other than Exchangeable Shares) free
and clear of all Liens (except Liens created by the Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement);

then, and in any such event, (A) if such event is an Event of Default specified
in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (f) above with respect to the U.S. Borrower
or the Canadian Borrower, automatically the Commitments shall immediately
terminate and the Loans hereunder (with accrued interest thereon) and all other
amounts owing under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all
Reimbursement Obligations and Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations, regardless
of whether or not such Reimbursement Obligations and Acceptance Reimbursement
Obligations are then due and payable) shall immediately become due and payable,
and (B) if such event is any other Event of Default, any of the following
actions may be taken: (i) with the consent of the Required Lenders, the General
Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the Required Lenders, the
General Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Borrowers declare the
Commitments to be terminated forthwith, whereupon the Commitments shall
immediately terminate; (ii) with the consent of the Required Lenders, the
General Administrative Agent may, or upon the direction of the Required Lenders,
the General Administrative Agent shall, by notice of default to the Borrowers,
declare the Loans hereunder (with accrued interest thereon) and all other
amounts owing under this Agreement (including all amounts payable in respect of
Letters of Credit whether or not the beneficiaries thereof shall have presented
the drafts and other documents required thereunder) and the Notes to be due and
payable forthwith, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable
and (iii) the General Administrative Agent may, and upon the direction of the
Required Lenders shall, exercise any
<PAGE>

                                                                             127

and all remedies and other rights provided pursuant to this Agreement and/or the
other Loan Documents.

          With respect to all outstanding Reimbursement Obligations which have
not matured at the time of an acceleration pursuant to the second preceding
paragraph, the relevant Borrower shall at such time deposit in a cash collateral
account opened by and maintained by the relevant Administrative Agent an amount
equal to the aggregate amount of all such Reimbursement Obligations. Amounts
held in such cash collateral account shall be applied by an Administrative Agent
to the payment of Reimbursement Obligations when drawings under the related
Letters of Credit are made, and any balance in such account shall be applied to
repay other obligations of the relevant Borrower hereunder. After all
Reimbursement Obligations shall have been satisfied and all other obligations of
the Borrowers hereunder shall have been paid in full, the balance, if any, in
such cash collateral account shall be returned to the relevant Borrower.

          With respect to all outstanding Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations
in respect of Acceptances which have not matured at the time of an acceleration
pursuant to the second preceding paragraph, the Canadian Borrower shall at such
time deposit in a cash collateral account opened by and maintained by the
Canadian Administrative Agent an amount equal to the aggregate undiscounted face
amount of all such unmatured Acceptances. Amounts held in such cash collateral
account shall be applied by the Canadian Administrative Agent to the payment of
maturing Acceptances, and any balance in such account shall be applied to repay
other obligations of the Canadian Borrower hereunder and under any Notes. After
all Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations shall have been satisfied and all other
obligations of the Canadian Borrower hereunder and under any Notes shall have
been paid in full, the balance, if any, in such cash collateral account shall be
returned to the Canadian Borrower.

          Except as expressly provided above in this Section, presentment,
demand, protest and all other notices of any kind are hereby expressly waived.

          SECTION 14.  THE AGENTS; THE ARRANGER

          14.1 Appointment. Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and
               -----------
appoints the Agents as agents of such Lender under this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents, and each Lender irrevocably authorizes each Agent, in such
capacity, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and perform
such duties as are expressly delegated to such Agent by the terms of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with such other powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
elsewhere in this Agreement, the Agents shall not have any duties or
responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary
relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions,
responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against any Agent.

          14.2 Delegation of Duties. Each Agent may execute any of its duties
               --------------------
under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by or through agents or
attorneys-in- fact and shall be
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                                                                             128

entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.
No Agent shall be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or
attorneys- in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

          14.3 Exculpatory Provisions. Neither any Agent nor any of its
               ----------------------
respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys- in-fact or
affiliates shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be
taken by it or such Person under or in connection with this Agreement or any
other Loan Document (except for its or such Person's gross negligence or willful
misconduct) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any
recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Borrower or
other Person or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other
Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document
referred to or provided for in, or received by such Agent under or in connection
with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity,
effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or
any other Loan Document or for any failure of a Borrower or any other Person to
perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent shall be under any
obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or
performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or to inspect the properties, books or
records of the Borrowers.

          14.4 Reliance by Agents. Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and
               ------------------
shall be fully protected in relying, upon any Note, writing, resolution, notice,
consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telecopy, telex or teletype message,
statement, order or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine
and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or
Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without
limitation, counsel to the Borrowers or either of them), independent accountants
and other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent may deem and treat the
payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a written notice
of assignment or transfer thereof shall have been filed with such Agent. Each
Agent shall be fully justified as between itself and the Lenders in failing or
refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document
unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders
as it deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by
the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by
it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall
in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the
Required Lenders, and such request and any action taken or failure to act
pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders and all future holders of
the Loans, the Reimbursement Obligations and the Acceptance Reimbursement
Obligations.

          14.5 Notice of Default. No Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge or
               -----------------
notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless
such Agent has received notice from a Lender or a Borrower referring to this
Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such
notice is a "notice of default". In the event that the General Administrative
Agent receives such a notice, the General Administrative Agent shall give notice
thereof to the Lenders. The General Administrative Agent shall take such action
reasonably promptly with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be
reasonably
<PAGE>

                                                                             129

directed by the Required Lenders; provided that unless and until the General
                                  --------
Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the General
Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or
refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of
Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

          14.6 Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lender. Each Lender expressly
               ---------------------------------------
acknowledges that neither any Agent nor any of its respective officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in- fact or affiliates has made any
representations or warranties to it and that no act by such Agent hereafter
taken, including any review of the affairs of either Borrower, shall be deemed
to constitute any representation or warranty by such Agent to any Lender. Each
Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance
upon such Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information
as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into
the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and
creditworthiness of the Borrowers and made its own decision to make its
Extensions of Credit hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also
represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon either any
Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it
shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis,
appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary
to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other
condition and creditworthiness of the Borrowers. Except for notices, reports and
other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by an Agent
hereunder, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any
Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations,
property, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of
the Borrowers which may come into the possession of such Agent or any of its
respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys- in-fact or
affiliates.

          14.7 Indemnification. Each Lender agrees to indemnify each Agent in
               ----------------
its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrowers and without
limiting the obligation of the Borrowers to do so), ratably according to its
Aggregate Exposure Percentage in effect on the date on which indemnification is
sought from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any
kind whatsoever which may at any time (including, without limitation, at any
time following the payment of the Loans, the Reimbursement Obligations and the
Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against such Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, any
of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to
herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any
action taken or omitted by such Agent under or in connection with any of the
foregoing; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any
           --------
portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent. The agreements in this
subsection shall survive the payment of the Loans, the Acceptance Reimbursement
Obligations, the Reimbursement Obligations and all other amounts payable
hereunder.
<PAGE>

                                                                             130

          14.8  Agents in their Individual Capacity. Each Agent and its
                -----------------------------------
respective affiliates may make loans to, accept Drafts, accept deposits from and
generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrowers as though such Agent
was not an Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. With respect to
the Loans made or renewed by such Agent, any Acceptances created by such Agent
and any Note or Acceptance Note issued to it, such Agent shall have the same
rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any
Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent, and the terms
"Lender" and "Lenders" shall include each Agent in its individual capacity.

          14.9  Successor Agents. The General Administrative Agent may resign as
                ----------------
General Administrative Agent, the Canadian Administrative Agent may resign as
Canadian Administrative Agent and the Collateral Monitoring Agent may resign as
the Collateral Monitoring Agent, in each case upon 30 days' notice to the
Lenders and the other Agents. If any Agent shall resign as Agent under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, then the Required Lenders shall appoint
from among the U.S. Lenders (in the case of a resignation of the General
Administrative Agent or the Collateral Monitoring Agent) or the Canadian Lenders
(in the case of a resignation of the Canadian Administrative Agent) a successor
agent for the Lenders, whereupon such successor agent shall succeed to the
rights, powers and duties of the resigning Agent, and the terms "General
Administrative Agent", "Canadian Administrative Agent" or "Collateral Monitoring
Agent", as the case may be, shall mean such successor agent effective upon such
appointment and approval, and the former Agent's rights, powers and duties as
such Agent shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the
part of such former Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement or any holders
of the Loans. After any resigning Agent's resignation, the provisions of this
Section 14 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was an Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.

          14.10 The Documentation Agent, the Arranger and the Syndication
                ---------------------------------------------------------
Agents. Each Lender, the Documentation Agent, the Arranger and the Syndication
------
Agent acknowledge that the Documentation Agent, the Arranger and the Syndication
Agent, in such capacities, shall have no duties or responsibilities, and shall
incur no liabilities, under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in their
respective capacities as such.

          14.11 Authorization to Release Liens and Guarantees. Each
                ---------------------------------------------
Administrative Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized by each of the Lenders to
effect any release of Liens or guarantee obligations contemplated by Section
15.15.

                           SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS

          15.1  Amendments and Waivers. Neither this Agreement or any other Loan
                ----------------------
Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof may be amended, supplemented or
modified except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 15.1. The
Required Lenders and each Loan Party party to the relevant Loan Document may, or
the General Administrative Agent (with the written consent of the Required
Lenders) and each Loan Party party to the relevant Loan Document may, from time
to time, (a) enter into written amendments, supplements or modifications hereto
and to the other Loan Documents (including amendments and restatements
<PAGE>

                                                                             131

hereof or thereof) for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or
the other Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or
of the Loan Parties hereunder or thereunder or (b) waive, on such terms and
conditions as may be specified in the instrument of waiver, any of the
requirements of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any Default or
Event of Default and its consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver
                                       --------  -------
and no such amendment, supplement or modification shall:

                    (i)   forgive the principal amount or extend the final
          scheduled date of maturity of any Loan, Reimbursement Obligation or
          Acceptance Reimbursement Obligation, extend the scheduled date of any
          amortization payment in respect of any Term Loan, reduce the stated
          rate of any interest or fee payable hereunder or extend the scheduled
          date of any payment thereof, or increase the amount or extend the
          expiration date of any Commitment of any Lender, in each case without
          the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

                    (ii)  amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section
          or reduce any percentage specified in the definition of Required
          Lenders or Required Prepayment Lenders consent to the assignment or
          transfer by any Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under
          this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, release all or
          substantially all of the Collateral or release all or substantially
          all of the Subsidiary Guarantors from their guarantee obligations
          under the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or all or substantially
          all of the guarantors from their obligations under the Canadian
          Facility Guarantees, in each case without the consent of all Lenders,
          except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or any other Loan
          Document;

                    (iii) amend, modify or waive any condition precedent to any
          extension of credit under the U.S. Revolving Credit Facility or the
          Canadian Revolving Credit Facility set forth in Section 9.2
          (including, without limitation, the waiver of an existing Default or
          Event of Default required to be waived in order for such extension of
          credit to be made), or change the Advance Rate, without the consent of
          the Majority Facility Lenders under the relevant Facility;

                    (iv)  reduce the percentage specified in the definition of
          Majority Facility Lenders with respect to any Facility without the
          written consent of all Lenders under such Facility; (v) amend, modify
          or waive any provision of Section 14 without the consent of any Agent
          directly affected thereby;

                    (vi)   (x) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section
          2.6 or 2.7 without the written consent of the Swing Line Lender or (y)
          amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 5.14 or 5.15 without
          the written consent of the Canadian Swing Line Lender;

                    (vii)  amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 7.9
          without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; or
<PAGE>

                                                                             132

                    (viii) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 6
          without the consent of each Issuing Lender directly affected thereby.

Any such waiver and any such amendment, supplement or modification shall apply
equally to each of the Lenders and shall be binding upon the Loan Parties, the
Lenders, the Agents and all future holders of the Loans. In the case of any
waiver, the Loan Parties, the Lenders and the Agents shall be restored to their
former position and rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and any
Default or Event of Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not
continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default
or Event of Default, or impair any right consequent thereon. Any such waiver,
amendment, supplement or modification shall be effected by a written instrument
signed by the parties required to sign pursuant to the foregoing provisions of
this Section; provided, that delivery of an executed signature page of any such
              --------
instrument by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a
manually executed counterpart thereof.

          For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended (or amended
and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Agents and
each Loan Party to each relevant Loan Document (x) to add one or more additional
credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from
time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect
thereof (collectively, the "Additional Extensions of Credit") to share ratably
                            -------------------------------
in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Loans
and other Extensions of Credit and the accrued interest and fees in respect
thereof and (y) to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit
facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders, Required Prepayment
Lenders and Majority Facility Lenders; provided, however, that no such amendment
                                       --------  -------
shall permit the Additional Extensions of Credit to share ratably with or with
preference to the Loans in the application of mandatory prepayments without the
consent of the Required Prepayment Lenders.

          15.2 Notices. All notices, requests and demands to or upon the
               -------
respective parties hereto to be effective shall be in writing (including by
telecopy), and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to
have been duly given or made when delivered, or three Business Days after being
deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, or, in the case of telecopy notice, when
received, addressed (a) in the case of Holdings, the Borrowers and the Agents,
as follows and (b) in the case of the Lenders, as set forth in an administrative
questionnaire delivered to the General Administrative Agent or on Schedule I to
the Lender Addendum to which such Lender is a party or, in the case of a Lender
which becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to an Assignment and
Acceptance, in such Assignment and Acceptance or (c) in the case of any party,
to such other address as such party may hereafter notify to the other parties
hereto:

     Holdings:                    SMTC Corporation
                                  635 Hood Road
                                  Markham, Ontario
                                  Canada L3R 4N6
                                  Attention: President
                                  Telecopy: (905)479-9686
<PAGE>

                                                                             133

                                   Telephone: (905)479-1000

The U.S. Borrower:                 HTM Holdings, Inc.
                                   12520 Grant Street
                                   Thornton, Colorado 80241
                                   Attention: President
                                   Telecopy: (303)280-2096
                                   Telephone: (303)255-4426

The Canadian Borrower:             SMTC Manufacturing Corporation of Canada
                                   635 Hood Road
                                   Markham, Ontario
                                   Canada L3R 4N6
                                   Attention: President
                                   Telecopy: (905)479-9686
                                   Telephone: (905)479-1000

The General Administrative Agent:  Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
                                   3 World Financial Center
                                   New York, New York 10285
                                   Attention: Andrew Keith
                                   Telecopy: (212)526-0242
                                   Telephone: (212)526-4059

The Canadian Administrative Agent: The Bank of Nova Scotia
                                   International Banking Division
                                   Loan Administration and Agency Services
                                   44 King Street West
                                   14/th/ Floor
                                   Toronto, Ontario
                                   Canada M5H 1H1
                                   Attention: Nancy Buccat
                                   Telecopy: (416)866-5991
                                   Telephone: (416)866-6471

The Collateral Monitoring Agent:   The Bank of Nova Scotia
                                   International Banking Division
                                   Loan Administration and Agency Services
                                   44 King Street West
                                   14/th/ Floor
                                   Toronto, Ontario
                                   Canada M5H 1H1
                                   Attention: Nancy Buccat
                                   Telecopy: (416)866-5991
                                   Telephone: (416)866-6471
<PAGE>

                                                                             134

     Issuing Lender:           As notified by such Issuing Lender to the
                               Administrative Agent and the Borrower

provided that any notice, request or demand to or upon the any Agent, the
--------
Issuing Lender or any Lender shall not be effective until received.

          15.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure to exercise and no
               ------------------------------
delay in exercising, on the part of the any Agent or any Lender, any right,
remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall
operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

          15.4 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations
               ------------------------------------------
and warranties made hereunder, in the other Loan Documents and in any document,
certificate or statement delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the
Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder.

          15.5 Payment of Expenses. The Borrowers jointly and severally agree
               -------------------
(a) to pay or reimburse the Agents for all their reasonable out-of-pocket costs
and expenses incurred in connection with the syndication of the Facilities
(other than fees payable to syndicate members but including fees payable in
connection with the use of IntraLinks) and the development, preparation and
execution of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents and any other documents prepared in connection
herewith or therewith, and the consummation and administration of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including, without limitation, the
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agents, (b) to pay or
reimburse each Lender and the Agents for all their costs and expenses incurred
in connection with the enforcement or preservation of any rights under this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any such other documents, including,
without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel (including the
allocated fees and disbursements of in- house counsel) to each Lender and of
counsel to the Agents, (c) to pay, indemnify, or reimburse each Lender and the
Agents for, and hold each Lender and the Agents harmless from, any and all
recording and filing fees and any and all liabilities with respect to, or
resulting from any delay in paying, stamp, excise (other than excise taxes
imposed in lieu of income taxes) and other similar taxes, if any, which may be
payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of, or consummation or administration of any of the transactions
contemplated by, or any amendment, supplement or modification of, or any waiver
or consent under or in respect of, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and
any such other documents, and (d) to pay, indemnify or reimburse each Lender,
each Agent, their respective affiliates, and their respective officers,
directors, trustees, employees, advisors, agents and controlling persons (each,
an "Indemnitee") for, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from and against any and
    ----------
all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature
whatsoever with respect to the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance and
administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any such other
documents, including, without limitation, any of the
<PAGE>

                                                                             135

foregoing relating to the use of proceeds of the Loans or the violation of,
noncompliance with or liability under, any Environmental Law applicable to the
operations of either Borrower any of its Subsidiaries or any of the Properties
and the fees and disbursements of legal counsel in connection with successful
claims, actions or proceedings by any Indemnitee against either Borrower
hereunder (all the foregoing in this clause (d), collectively, the "Indemnified
                                                                    -----------
Liabilities"), provided, that the Borrowers shall have no obligation hereunder
-----------    --------
to any Indemnitee with respect to Indemnified Liabilities to the extent such
Indemnified Liabilities (i) are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a
court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (ii) arise from disputes among the
Agents, among the Lenders or between the Agents and the Lenders. Without
limiting the foregoing, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, each
Borrower agrees not to assert and to cause its Subsidiaries not to assert, and
hereby waives and agrees to cause its Subsidiaries so to waive, all rights for
contribution or any other rights of recovery with respect to all claims,
demands, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and expenses
of whatever kind or nature, under or related to Environmental Laws, that any of
them might have by statute or otherwise against any Indemnitee. No indemnified
person shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unauthorized
persons of information or other materials sent through electronic,
telecommunications or other information transmission systems that are
intercepted by such persons or for any special, indirect, consequential or
punitive damages in connection with the Facilities. All amounts due under this
Section shall be payable not later than 30 days after written demand therefor.
Statements payable by the Borrowers pursuant to this Section shall be submitted
to the Borrowers at the address of the U.S. Borrower set forth in Section 15.2,
or to such other Person or address as may be hereafter designated by the U.S.
Borrower in a written notice to the General Administrative Agent. The agreements
in this Section shall survive repayment of the Loans and all other amounts
payable hereunder.

          14.6 Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments. (a) This
               ------------------------------------------------------
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Holdings, the
Borrowers, the Lenders, the Agents, all future holders of the Loans and their
respective successors and assigns, except that neither Holdings nor any Borrower
may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement
without the prior written consent of the Agents and each Lender.

          (b) Any Lender may, without the consent of Holdings or either
Borrower, in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more
banks, financial institutions or other entities (each, a "Participant")
                                                          -----------
participating interests in any Loan owing to such Lender, any Commitment of such
Lender or any other interest of such Lender hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents. In the event of any such sale by a Lender of a participating interest
to a Participant, such Lender's obligations under this Agreement to the other
parties to this Agreement shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall remain
solely responsible for the performance thereof, such Lender shall remain the
holder of any such Loan for all purposes under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, and the Borrowers and the Agents shall continue to deal solely and
directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In no event shall
any Participant under any such participation have any right to approve any
amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, or any consent to any
departure by any Loan Party
<PAGE>

                                                                             136

therefrom, except to the extent that such amendment, waiver or consent would
require the consent of all Lenders pursuant to Section 15.1. Each of Holdings
and each Borrower agrees that if amounts outstanding under this Agreement and
the Loans are due or unpaid after applicable grace periods, or shall have been
declared or shall have become due and payable upon the occurrence and during the
continuation of an Event of Default, each Participant shall, to the maximum
extent permitted by applicable law, be deemed to have the right of setoff in
respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under this Agreement to
the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing
directly to it as a Lender under this Agreement, provided that, in purchasing
                                                 --------
such participating interest, such Participant shall be deemed to have agreed to
share with the Lenders the proceeds thereof as provided in Section 5.7(a) as
fully as if such Participant were a Lender hereunder. The Borrower also agrees
that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 7.11, 7.12
and 7.13 with respect to its participation in the Commitments and the Loans
outstanding from time to time as if such Participant were a Lender if and to the
extent the transferor Lender waives its rights to such amounts; provided that,
                                                                --------
in the case of Section 7.13, such Participant shall have complied with the
requirements of said Section, and provided, further, that no Participant shall
                                  --------  -------
be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to any such Section than the
transferor Lender would have been entitled to receive in respect of the amount
of the participation transferred by such transferor Lender to such Participant
had no such transfer occurred.

          (c) Any Lender (an "Assignor") may, in accordance with applicable law
                              --------
and upon written notice to the General Administrative Agent (and the Canadian
Administrative Agent, in the case of assignments with respect to the Canadian
Facilities), at any time and from time to time assign to any Lender or any
affiliate or Control Investment Affiliate thereof or, with the consent of the
relevant Borrower and the Administrative Agents and, in the case of any
assignment of U.S. Revolving Credit Commitments or Canadian Revolving Credit
Commitments, the written consent of each relevant Issuing Lender and Swing Line
Lender or the Canadian Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, (which, in each
case, shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) (provided (x) that no such
                                                      --------
consent need be obtained by any Lehman Entity for a period of 180 days following
the Restatement Effective Date and (y) no consent of Borrowers need be obtained
with respect to any assignment of Term Loans), to an additional bank, financial
institution or other entity (an "Assignee") all or any part of its rights and
                                 --------
obligations under this Agreement pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance,
substantially in the form of Exhibit E, executed by such Assignee and such
Assignor (and, where the consent of a Borrower, the Administrative Agents or any
Issuing Lender or the Swing Line Lender or the Canadian Swing Line Lender, as
the case may be, is required pursuant to the foregoing provisions, by such
Borrower and such other Persons) and delivered to the General Administrative
Agent for its acceptance and recording in the Register; provided that no such
                                                        --------
assignment to an Assignee (other than any Lender or any affiliate thereof) shall
be in an aggregate principal amount of less than U.S.$5,000,000 (other than in
the case of an assignment of all of a Lender's interests under this Agreement),
unless otherwise agreed by the relevant Borrower and the General Administrative
Agent. Any such assignment need not be ratable as among the Facilities. Upon
such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective
date determined pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the Assignee
thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent provided in such
Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder
with Commitments and/or
<PAGE>

                                                                             137

Loans as set forth therein, and (y) the Assignor thereunder shall, to the extent
provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations
under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering
all of an Assignor's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Assignor
shall cease to be a party hereto, except as to Section 7.11, 7.13 and 15.5 in
respect of the period prior to such effective date). Notwithstanding any
provision of this Section, the consent of the Borrowers shall not be required
for any assignment that occurs at any time when any Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing. Any assignment of Canadian Facilities after the
Syndication Date must be to an Assignee that is entitled to receive payments in
respect of the Canadian Facilities free and clear of any withholding or similar
tax imposed by Canada or any province thereof.

          (d) The General Administrative Agent (together with the Canadian
Administrative Agent, in the case of Canadian Facility Loans) shall, on behalf
of the relevant Borrower, maintain at its address referred to in Section 15.2 a
copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register (the
"Register") for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and
 --------
the Commitments of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender from
time to time. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of
manifest error, and the Borrowers, each Agent and the Lenders shall treat each
Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of the Loans and any
Notes evidencing such Loans recorded therein for all purposes of this Agreement.
Any assignment of any Loan, whether or not evidenced by a Note, shall be
effective only upon appropriate entries with respect thereto being made in the
Register (and each Note shall expressly so provide). Any assignment or transfer
of all or part of a Loan evidenced by a Note shall be registered on the Register
only upon surrender for registration of assignment or transfer of the Note
evidencing such Loan, accompanied by a duly executed Assignment and Acceptance;
thereupon one or more new Notes in the same aggregate principal amount shall be
issued to the designated Assignee, and the old Notes shall be returned by the
General Administrative Agent to the relevant Borrower marked "canceled". The
Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers or any Lender (with
respect to any entry relating to such Lender's Loans) at any reasonable time and
from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

          (e) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an
Assignor and an Assignee (and, in any case where the consent of any other
Person is required by Section 15.6(c), by each such other Person) together with
payment to the General Administrative Agent of a registration and processing fee
of $3,500 (except that no such registration and processing fee shall be payable
(y) in connection with an assignment by or to any Lehman Entity or (z) in the
case of an Assignee which is already a Lender or is an affiliate or Control
Investment Affiliate of a Lender or a Person under common management with a
Lender), the General Administrative Agent shall (i) promptly accept such
Assignment and Acceptance and (ii) on the effective date determined pursuant
thereto record the information contained therein in the Register and give notice
of such acceptance and recordation to the Lenders, the Agents and the Borrowers.
On or prior to such effective date, the relevant Borrower, at its own expense,
upon request, shall execute and deliver to the General Administrative Agent (in
exchange for the Note or Notes of the assigning Lender) a new applicable Note
and/or applicable Notes to the order of such Assignee in an amount equal to the
Commitment and/or applicable Loans, as the case may be, assumed or acquired by
it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance and, if the Assignor has
<PAGE>

                                                                             138

retained a Commitment and/or Loans, as the case may be, upon request, a new Note
or Notes, as the case may be, to the order of the Assignor in an amount equal to
the Commitment and/or applicable Loans, as the case may be, retained by it
hereunder. Such new Note or Notes shall be dated the Original Closing Date and
shall otherwise be in the form of the Note or Notes replaced thereby.

          (f) For avoidance of doubt, the parties to this Agreement acknowledge
that the provisions of this Section concerning assignments of Loans and Notes
relate only to absolute assignments and that such provisions do not prohibit
assignments creating security interests, including, without limitation, any
pledge or assignment by a Lender of any Loan or Note to any Federal Reserve Bank
in accordance with applicable law.

          15.7 Adjustments; Set-off. (a) If any Lender (for purposes of this
               --------------------
sentence, a "Benefitted Lender") shall at any time prior to any date on which
             -----------------
the Commitments are terminated and the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations or
Acceptance Reimbursement Obligations become due and payable pursuant to Section
13 (an "Acceleration") receive any payment of all or part of the Extensions of
        ------------
Credit made by such Benefitted Lender to any Borrower, or interest thereon, or
receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or involuntarily,
by set-off or otherwise), in a greater proportion than any such payment to or
collateral received by any other Lender, if any, in respect of such other
Lender's Extensions of Credit made by it to such Borrower, or interest thereon
(in each case except to the extent that this Agreement provides for payments to
be allocated to the Lenders under a particular Facility) then such Benefitted
Lender shall purchase for cash from the other Lenders a participating interest
in such portion of each such other Lender's Extensions of Credit, or shall
provide such other Lenders with the benefits of any such collateral, or the
proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause such Benefitted Lender to share
the excess payment or benefits of such collateral or proceeds with each of the
Lenders ratably (based upon the respective Aggregate Exposure Percentages of the
Lenders immediately prior to receipt by such Benefitted Lender of such payment
or collateral); provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess
                --------  -------
payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such Benefitted Lender, such
purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned, to
the extent of such recovery, but without interest. Except as provided with
respect to the Tranche C Term Loans in Section 15.18, if any Lender (for
purposes of this sentence, a "Benefitted Lender") shall at any time after an
                              -----------------
Acceleration receive any payment of all or part of the aggregate amount of the
Extensions of Credit made by such Benefitted Lender to all Borrowers, or
interest thereon, or receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether
voluntarily, by set-off, pursuant to events or proceedings of the nature
referred to in Section 13(f), or otherwise), in a greater proportion than any
such payment or collateral received by any other Lender, if any, in respect by
the aggregate amount of the Extensions of Credit made by such Lender to all
Borrowers, or interest thereon, then such Benefitted Lender shall purchase for
cash from the other Lenders a participating interest in such portion of each
such other Lender's Extensions of Credit, or shall provide such other Lenders
with the benefits of any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall be
necessary to cause such Benefitted Lender to share the excess payment or
benefits of such collateral or proceeds with each of the Lenders ratably (based
upon the respective Aggregate Exposure Percentages of the Lenders immediately
prior to receipt by such Benefitted Lender of such payment or collateral);
provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits
--------  -------
is thereafter recovered
<PAGE>

                                                                             139

from such Benefitted Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase
price and benefits returned, to the extent of such recovery, but without
interest.

          (b) In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by
law, each Lender shall have the right, without prior notice to the Borrowers,
any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted
by applicable law, upon any amount becoming due and payable by a Borrower
hereunder (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) after
any applicable grace period, to set-off and appropriate and apply against such
amount any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or
final), in any currency, and any other credits, indebtedness or claims, in any
currency, in each case whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent,
matured or unmatured, at any time held or owing by such Lender or any branch,
agency or Affiliate thereof to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower.
Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrowers and the Administrative
Agents after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that
                                                                   --------
the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off
and application.

          15.8  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by one or more of
                ------------
the parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts, and all of
said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same
instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement or of a
Lender Addendum by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a
manually executed counterpart hereof. A set of the copies of this Agreement and
Lender Addenda signed by all the parties shall be lodged with the Borrower and
the General Administrative Agent.

          15.9  Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited
                ------------
or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

          15.10 Integration. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents
                -----------
represent the entire agreement of Holdings, the Borrowers, the Agents, the
Arranger and the Lenders with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof,
and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the
Arranger, any Agent or any Lender relative to subject matter hereof not
expressly set forth or referred to herein or in the other Loan Documents.

          15.11 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF
                -------------
THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND
INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

          15.12 Submission To Jurisdiction; Waivers. Each of Holdings and each
                -----------------------------------
Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

          (a) submits for itself and its Property in any legal action or
proceeding relating to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it
is a party, or for recognition and
<PAGE>

                                                                             140

enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the non-exclusive general
jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of the United
States of America for the Southern District of New York, and appellate courts
from any thereof;

          (b) consents that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such
courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue
of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or
proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim
the same;

          (c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding
may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or
any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to Holdings or such
Borrower, as the case may be at its address set forth in Section 15.2 or at such
other address of which the Administrative Agent shall have been notified
pursuant thereto;

          (d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect
service of process in any other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right
to sue in any other jurisdiction; and

          (e) waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it
may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in
this Section any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.

          15.13 Acknowledgments. Each of Holdings and each Borrower hereby
                ---------------
acknowledges that:

          (a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

          (b) neither the Arranger, any Agent nor any Lender has any fiduciary
relationship with or duty to Holdings or any Borrower arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and the
relationship between the Arranger, the Agents and the Lenders, on one hand, and
Holdings and the Borrowers, on the other hand, in connection herewith or
therewith is solely that of debtor and creditor; and

          (c) no joint venture is created hereby or by the other Loan Documents
or otherwise exists by virtue of the transactions contemplated hereby among the
Arranger, the Agents and the Lenders or among Holdings, the Borrowers and the
Lenders.

          15.14 Confidentiality. Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to
                ---------------
keep confidential all non-public information provided to it by any Loan Party
pursuant to this Agreement; provided that nothing herein shall prevent any Agent
                            --------
or any Lender from disclosing any such information (a) to the Arranger, any
Agent, any other Lender or any affiliate of any thereof, (b) to any Participant
or Assignee (each, a "Transferee") or prospective Transferee that agrees to
                      ----------
comply with the provisions of this Section, (c) to any of its employees,
directors, agents, attorneys, accountants and other professional advisors, (d)
to any financial institution that is a direct or indirect contractual
counterparty in swap agreements or such contractual counterparty's professional
advisor (so long as such contractual counterparty or professional
<PAGE>

                                                                             141

advisor to such contractual counterparty agrees to be bound by the provisions of
this Section), (e) upon the request or demand of any Governmental Authority
having jurisdiction over it, (f) in response to any order of any court or other
Governmental Authority or as may otherwise be required pursuant to any
Requirement of Law, (g) in connection with any litigation or similar proceeding,
(h) that has been publicly disclosed other than in breach of this Section, (i)
to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any similar
organization or any nationally recognized rating agency that requires access to
information about a Lender's investment portfolio in connection with ratings
issued with respect to such Lender or (j) in connection with the exercise of any
remedy hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

          15.15 Release of Collateral and Guarantee Obligations.
                -----------------------------------------------

          (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in
any other Loan Document, upon request of the relevant Borrower in connection
with any Disposition of Property permitted by the Loan Documents, the relevant
Administrative Agent shall (without notice to, or vote or consent of, any
Lender, or any affiliate of any Lender that is a party to any Specified Hedge
Agreement) take such actions as shall be required to release its security
interest in any Collateral being Disposed of in such Disposition, and to release
any guarantee obligations under any Loan Document of any Person being Disposed
of in such Disposition, to the extent necessary to permit consummation of such
Disposition in accordance with the Loan Documents.

          (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or any
other Loan Document, when all obligation of the Borrowers secured by the
Security Documents (other than obligations in respect of any Specified Hedge
Agreement) have been paid in full, all Commitments have terminated or expired
and no Extensions of Credit shall be outstanding, upon request of the relevant
Borrower, the relevant Administrative Agent shall (without notice to, or vote or
consent of, any Lender, or any affiliate of any Lender that is a party to any
Specified Hedge Agreement) take such actions as shall be required to release its
security interest in all Collateral, and to release all guarantee obligations
under any Loan Document, whether or not on the date of such release there may be
outstanding obligations in respect of Specified Hedge Agreements. Any such
release of guarantee obligations shall be deemed subject to the provision that
such guarantee obligations shall be reinstated if after such release any portion
of any payment in respect of the obligations guaranteed thereby shall be
rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of any Borrower or any
Guarantor, or upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor
or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, any Borrower or any
Guarantor or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though
such payment had not been made.

          15.16 Accounting Changes. In the event that any "Accounting Change"
                ------------------
(as defined below) shall occur and such change results in a change in the method
of calculation of financial covenants, standards or terms in this Agreement,
then Holdings and the Administrative Agent agree to enter into negotiations in
order to amend such provisions of this Agreement so as to equitably reflect such
Accounting Changes with the desired result that the criteria for evaluating
Holdings' financial condition shall be the same after such Accounting Changes as
if such Accounting Changes had not been made. Until such time as such an
amendment shall have been executed and delivered by the Borrowers, the
Administrative Agents and the Required
<PAGE>

                                                                             142

Lenders, all financial covenants, standards and terms in this Agreement shall
continue to be calculated or construed as if such Accounting Changes had not
occurred. "Accounting Changes" refers to changes in accounting principles
required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion
by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants or, if applicable, the SEC.

          15.17 Delivery of Lender Addenda. Each Lender that wishes to become a
                --------------------------
party hereto on the Restatement Effective Date, to provide any increased
Commitment on the Restatement Effective Date or to evidence its consent to the
amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement effected hereby,
shall become a party to this Agreement, agree to provide such increased
Commitment or evidence such consent, as the case may be, by delivering to the
General Administrative Agent a Lender Addendum duly executed by such Lender, the
Borrowers and the General Administrative Agent.

          15.18 Intercreditor Provisions. (a) Notwithstanding (i) any provision
                ------------------------
hereof or of any other Loan Document and (ii) the priority of any Lien on the
Collateral, all proceeds received by the Canadian Administrative Agent from the
Canadian Facility Guarantees or from the exercise by the Canadian Administrative
Agent of any of its remedies under any of the Canadian Security Documents or the
Canadian Facility Guarantees shall be applied by the Canadian Administrative
Agent as follows:

          First, to reimburse the Canadian Administrative Agent for all costs
          -----
     and expenses incurred by them in administering the Collateral, the Canadian
     Facility Guarantees and the Canadian Security Documents and in enforcing
     rights thereunder;

          Second, to the Lenders or, in the case of any Specified Hedge
          ------
     Agreement, any affiliate of any Lender, to pay principal of, accrued and
     unpaid interest on, and other amounts payable hereunder with respect to all
     indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the U.S. Borrower under the
     Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the guarantee obligations of
     the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 12 and the obligations of the U.S.
     Borrower to cash collateralize U.S. L/C Obligations, but excluding any
     indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any Loan Party with respect to
     the Tranche C Term Loans) and all amounts payable in respect of the
     Borrower Hedge Agreement Obligations, but only to the extent that, and only
     so long as, the Borrower Credit Agreement Obligations (as defined in the
     Guarantee and Collateral Agreement) are secured and guaranteed pursuant to
     the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (all such non-excluded indebtedness,
     obligations and liabilities, collectively, the "First Priority
                                                     --------------
     Obligations"), ratably among the Lenders according to the amounts of First
     -----------
     Priority Obligations owing to the Lenders or, in the case of any Specified
     Hedge Agreement, any affiliate of any Lender;

          Third, after payment in full of all of the amounts described in the
          -----
     foregoing clauses First and Second of this paragraph (a), to the Canadian
     Borrower or the other Loan Parties entitled thereto or as otherwise may be
     required under applicable law.
<PAGE>

                                                                             143

          (b) Notwithstanding (i) any provision hereof or of any other Loan
Document and (ii) the priority of any Lien on the Collateral, all proceeds
received by the General Administrative Agent from the guarantees contained in
the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or from the exercise by the General
Administrative Agent of any of its remedies under any of the Security Documents
or the guarantees contained in the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement shall be
applied by the General Administrative Agent as follows:

          First, to reimburse the General Administrative Agent for all costs and
          -----
     expenses incurred by them in administering the Collateral and the Security
     Documents and in enforcing rights thereunder;

          Second, to the Lenders or, in the case of any Specified Hedge
          ------
     Agreement, any affiliate of any Lender, to pay principal of, accrued and
     unpaid interest on, and other amounts payable hereunder with respect to all
     indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the U.S. Borrower under the
     Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the guarantee obligations of
     the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 12 and the obligations of the U.S.
     Borrower to cash collateralize U.S. L/C Obligations, but excluding any
     indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any Loan Party with respect to
     the Tranche C Term Loans) and all amounts payable in respect of the
     Borrower Hedge Agreement Obligations, but only to the extent that, and only
     so long as, the Borrower Credit Agreement Obligations (as defined in the
     Guarantee and Collateral Agreement) are secured and guaranteed pursuant to
     the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (all such non-excluded indebtedness,
     obligations and liabilities, collectively, the "First Priority
                                                     --------------
     Obligations"), ratably among the Lenders according to the amounts of First
     -----------
     Priority Obligations owing to the Lenders or, in the case of any Specified
     Hedge Agreement, any affiliate of any Lender;

          Third, after payment in full of the First Priority Obligations, to the
          -----
     Tranche C Term Loan Lenders to pay the principal of, accrued and unpaid
     interest on, and other amounts payable hereunder with respect to, the
     Tranche C Term Loans; and

          Fourth, after payment in full of all of the amounts described in the
          ------
     foregoing clauses First, Second and Third of this paragraph (b), to the
     U.S. Borrower or the other Loan Parties entitled thereto or as otherwise
     may be required under applicable law.

          (c) The General Administrative Agent, and the Canadian Administrative
Agent under the direction of the General Administrative Agent, shall coordinate
their exercise of remedies and the application of the proceeds thereof with the
intent of causing the repayment of the largest possible amount of the
indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the Canadian Borrower under the
Loan Documents before application toward such repayment of proceeds from (i) the
guarantee of the U.S. Borrower under Section 12, (ii) the guarantee contained in
the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement or (iii) any Security Document (other
than the Canadian Security Documents).

          (d) Notwithstanding any provision hereof or of any other Loan
Document, without the consent of a majority in outstanding principal amount of
the Tranche C Term Loan
<PAGE>

                                                                             144

Lenders, neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries will create, incur, assume
or suffer to exist any Indebtedness that ranks senior or pari passu in right of
payment or with respect to Collateral to the Tranche C Term Loans (either
directly or indirectly, including without limitation through intercreditor
arrangements or otherwise) other than Indebtedness which ranks pari passu in
right of payment or with respect to collateral with the First Priority
Obligations.

          15.19 Effect of Amendment and Restatement of the Existing Credit
                ----------------------------------------------------------
Agreement. On the Restatement Effective Date, the Existing Credit Agreement
---------
shall be amended, restated and superseded in its entirety by this Agreement. The
parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (a) this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, whether executed and delivered in connection herewith or otherwise,
do not constitute a novation, payment and reborrowing, or termination of the
Loans and other Extensions of Credit (as defined in the Existing Credit
Agreement) under the Existing Credit Agreement as in effect prior to the
Restatement Effective Date; (b) such Loans and other Extensions of Credit are in
all respects continuing (as amended and restated hereby) with only the terms
thereof being modified as provided in this Agreement; and (c) upon the
effectiveness of this Agreement all Extensions of Credit of Lenders outstanding
under the Existing Credit Agreement immediately before the effectiveness of this
Agreement (except to the extent repaid as a condition to the occurrence of the
Restatement Effective Date as provided in Section 9.2(d))will be converted into
Extensions of Credit of such Lenders hereunder on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement.

          15.20 WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL. HOLDINGS, THE BORROWERS, THE AGENTS AND
                ---------------------
THE LENDERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT
AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
<PAGE>

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

                              SMTC CORPORATION

                              By: /s/ Paul Walker
                                 ---------------------------------
                                  Name:  Paul Walker
                                  Title: President

                              HTM HOLDINGS, INC.

                              By:  /s/ Paul Walker
                                  --------------------------------
                              Name:  Paul Walker
                              Title: President

                              SMTC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OF
                              CANADA

                              By: /s/ Paul Walker
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Paul Walker
                              Title: President

                              LEHMAN BROTHERS INC.,
                              as Arranger

                              By: /s/ Jon Gordan
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Jon Gordan
                              Title: Managing Director

                              LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as
                               General Administrative Agent

                              By: /s/ G. Andrew Keith
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  G. Andrew Keith
                              Title: Authorized Signatory
<PAGE>

                              THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as Canadian
                               Administrative Agent

                              By: /s/ Mike House
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Mike House
                              Title: Director

                              THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as Syndication Agent

                              By: /s/ Jon A. Burckin
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Jon A. Burckin
                              Title: Director, Corporate

                              GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL
                              CORPORATION, as Documentation Agent

                              By: /s/ John Goodwin
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  John Goodwin
                              Title: Duly Authorized Signatory

                              LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC., as
                              Collateral Monitoring Agent

                              By: /s/ G. Andrew Keith
                                 ---------------------------------
                              Name:  G. Andrew Keith
                              Title: Authorized Signatory

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