Document:

exv10w1

 

Exhibit 10.1

WESTERN NATIONAL BANK

508 WEST WALL STREET, SUITE 1100

MIDLAND, TEXAS

79701

December 22, 2004

Dawson Geophysical Company

508 W. Wall Street, Ste. 800

Midland, Texas 79701

	 	 	 
	             RE:

	 	Revolving Line of Credit Loan from Western National Bank to
Dawson Geophysical Company

Gentlemen:

     Western National Bank (“Western” or the “Bank”) hereby commits to provide
to Dawson Geophysical Company (alternatively “Dawson Geophysical” or the
"Borrower”) a revolving line of credit loan in the amount of TEN MILLION AND
NO/DOLLARS ($10,000,000.00) (the Loan”). The Loan will be evidenced by a
Revolving Line of Credit Note, of even date herewith, in the original face
amount of TEN MILLION AND NO/Dollars ($10,000,000.00) (the “Note”) and secured
by that certain Security Agreement, dated December 22, 2004 covering those
accounts receivables described therein (the “Security Agreement”). From time to
time, the Security Agreement, and any financing statements filed to perfect the
security interest created thereunder, may be collectively referred to herein as
the “Security Instruments”.

Western hereby agrees to advance grants the Loan to Borrower, subject to
the following terms and conditions:

I. TERMS

Agreement

This letter agreement, dated as of December 22, 2004, (the “Agreement”) and any
extensions, renewals, or modifications hereof.

Borrower

Dawson Geophysical Company

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Bank

Western National Bank

Commitment

The lesser of the following amounts: (a) the face amount of the Note; or (b)
the Borrowing Base then in effect.

Rate

Interest under the Note shall accrue at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate
but in no event to be
less than five percent (5.0%). For purposes of this Agreement, the “Prime
Rate” shall be defined as that rate established as the prime rate in the money
rate table of The Wall Street Journal, a Dow Jones publication, as of each
Business Day, as hereinafter defined, (and for holidays or weekends, the Prime
Rate shall be the prime rate published in that money rate table of The Wall
Street Journal, as of the close of business on the most recent Business Day
immediately preceding such weekend or holiday). Without notice to the Borrower
or any other person, the Prime Rate may change from time to time pursuant to
the preceding sentence, with the effective date of each change to be the
effective date reflected in the money rate table of The Wall Street Journal.
The Prime Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the
lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer. The Bank may make
commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above, or below the
Prime Rate. “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
legal holiday for commercial banks under the laws of the State of Texas.

Security

The Loan shall be secured by the Security Instrument.

Structure

Under the Revolver Note, funds will be available on a revolving basis through
December 22, 2005, the maturity date of the Revolver Loan (the “Revolving
Period”). During the Revolving Period, the Borrower may borrow, repay, and
reborrow funds as long as the aggregate amount (including outstanding letters
of credit) does not exceed the Commitment.

Borrowing Base

At any time, and from time to time, the amounts outstanding under the Revolver
Note shall not exceed the lesser of: (a) the face amount of the Revolver Note;
or (b) the Borrowing Base, as determined from time to time by the Bank, acting
in its sole and unlimited discretion (said lesser amount being referred to
herein as the “Revolver Commitment”). As used in this Agreement,

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the term “Borrowing Base” shall mean an amount equal to seventy-five percent
(75%) of the Borrower’s Eligible Accounts.

     For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Eligible Account” shall mean
an account receivable of any of the Borrower (net of any credit balance, trade
discount, or unbilled amount or retention) that is contractually due, for which
each of the following statements is accurate and complete (and the Borrower, by
including such account receivable in any computation of the Borrowing Base
shall be deemed to represent and warrant to the Bank the accuracy and
completeness of such statements):

	a.	 	Said account receivable is a binding and valid
obligation of the obligor thereon, in full force and effect,
and enforceable in accordance with its terms;
	 
	b.	 	Said account receivable is genuine, in all
respects, as appearing on its face as represented in the books
and records of Borrower, and all information set forth therein
is true and correct;
	 
	c.	 	Said account receivable is free of all default of
any party thereto, counterclaims, offsets, and defenses, and
from any rescission, cancellation, or avoidance, and all right
thereof, whether by operation of law or otherwise;
	 
	d.	 	The payment of said account receivable is not
more than ninety (90) days past due the invoice date thereof;
	 
	e.	 	Said account receivable is free of concessions or
understandings with the obligor thereon of any kind not
disclosed to and approved by the Bank in writing;
	 
	f.	 	Said account receivable is, and at all times will
be, free and clear of all liens except those in favor of the
Bank;
	 
	g.	 	Said account receivable is not a receivable
arising from intercompany indebtedness existing between or
among any of the Borrower;
	 
	h.	 	Said account receivable is derived from sales
made or services rendered to the obligor in the ordinary
course of the business of the Borrower;
	 
	i.	 	The obligor on said account receivable (i) is
located within the United States or the District of Columbia;
(ii) is not the subject of any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding, nor has a trustee or receiver been appointed for
all or a substantial part of its property, nor has said
obligor made an assignment for the benefit of creditors,
admitted its inability to pay its debts as they mature or
suspended its business, (iii) is not affiliated, 

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	 	 	directly or indirectly, with Borrower, as a subsidiary or affiliate,
employee or otherwise; and (iv) is not a state or federal
government department, commission, board, bureau, or agency;

	j.	 	Said account receivable did not arise from a
single customer whose accounts receivable to Borrower
constitute more than twenty-five percent (25%) of Borrower’s
accounts receivable;
	 
	k.	 	Said account receivable is not owed by a customer
whose principal place of business is located in a foreign
country; and
	 
	l.	 	Said account receivable did not arise from sales
to an obligor as to whom fifteen percent (15%) or more of the
total accounts receivable owing by such obligor to the
Borrower are delinquent accounts receivable (that is, an
account that is more than ninety (90) days delinquent).

The Borrower may request in writing an increase in the Borrowing Base, such
request to be accompanied by a description and evaluation of any additional
collateral to be provided by the Bank. The Bank may evaluate such for an
increase in its sole and absolute discretion, and in conjunction with such
evaluation, may conduct a full credit analysis of the Borrower and the existing
or additional collateral.

If the aggregate amounts outstanding under the Note exceeds the Revolver
Commitment at any time, the Bank will provide written notice of that event to
Borrower. On or before the tenth (10th) day following receipt of such
notification by Borrower, Borrower will either, at the direction of the Bank,
acting in its sole and absolute discretion: (a) make a mandatory payment to the
Bank of the principal of the Note in an amount at least equal to the amount
necessary to cause the outstanding principal balance of the Note to be less
than or equal to the Revolver Commitment; or (b) create liens on other assets
of Borrower, satisfactory in nature, quantity, and value to the Bank, acting in
its sole discretion, said assets to have a fair market value sufficient to at
least equal to the amount necessary to cause the outstanding principal balance
of the Note to be less than or equal to the Revolver Commitment.

Purpose

Funds from the Loan shall be to provide working capital to offset the increase
in receivables due to the significant growth in Borrower’s business. No
proceeds from the Loan shall be used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
margin stock in violation of Regulations G, U, or X of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System.

Maturity Date

As stated, the maturity date of the Note is December 22, 2005.

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II. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     A. Good Standing and Identity. The Borrower is a corporation, duly
organized and in good standing under the laws of Texas. The Borrower’s legal
name is that reflected in the address of this Agreement. Borrower has the
power to own its property and to carry on its business in each jurisdiction in
which the Borrower operates.

     B. Authority and Compliance. The Borrower has full power and authority to
enter into this Agreement, to make the borrowing hereunder, to execute and
deliver the Note, to mortgage those interests covered by the Security
Instruments, and to incur the obligations provided for herein, all of which
will be duly authorized by all proper and necessary corporate action. No
consent or approval of any public authority is required as a condition to the
validity of this Agreement, the Note, and the Security Instrument, and Borrower
is in compliance with all laws and regulatory requirements to which he is
subject.

     C. Litigation. There are no proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of
Borrower, threatened before any court or administrative agency that will or may
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of
Borrower, except as disclosed to the Bank in writing prior to the date of this
Agreement.

     D. Ownership of Assets. As of the date of this Agreement, Borrower has
good title to the interests covered by the Security Instruments and any other
collateral pledged and the other collateral is owned free and clear of liens.
Borrower will at all times maintain its tangible property, real and personal,
in good order and repair, taking into consideration reasonable wear and tear.

     E. Taxes. All income taxes and other taxes due and payable through the
date of this Agreement have been paid prior to becoming delinquent.

     F. Financial Statements. The books and records of the Borrower properly
reflect the financial condition of the Borrower in all material respects, and
there has been no material change in Borrower’s financial condition as
represented in its most recent financial statements.

     G. Hazardous Wastes and Substances. To the best knowledge of the
Borrower, the Borrower and its properties are in compliance with applicable
state and federal environmental laws and regulations and the Borrower is not
aware of and has not received any notice of any violation of any applicable
state or federal environmental law or regulation and there has not heretofore
been filed any complaint, nor commenced any administrative procedure, against
the Borrower or any of its predecessors, alleging a violation of any
environmental law or regulation. Currently and from time to time, the
Borrower, in the course of its regular business, may use or generate on a
portion of its properties materials which are Hazardous Materials, as
hereinafter defined. The Borrower has and will make a good faith attempt to
comply with all applicable statutes and regulations in the use, generation and
disposal of such materials. To the best of its knowledge, the Borrower has
not otherwise installed, used, generated, stored or disposed of any hazardous
waste, toxic substance, asbestos or related material (“Hazardous Materials”) on
its properties. For the purposes of this Agreement, Hazardous Materials shall
include, but shall not be limited to, substances defined as “hazardous
substances” or “toxic substances” in the

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Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. §9061, et seq., Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49
U.S.C. §1802, et seq., and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42
U.S.C. §6901, et seq., or as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous waste” or
“pollutant or contaminant” in any other applicable federal, state or local
environmental law or regulation. There do not exist upon any property owned by
Borrower any underground storage tanks or facilities, and to the knowledge of
Borrower, none of such property has ever been used for the treatment, storage,
recycling, or disposal of any Hazardous Materials.

III. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     The provisions of this Agreement will serve as the proposed terms of the
borrowing arrangements. Prior to any funds being made available, Borrower will
execute and deliver to the Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Bank, this Agreement, the Note, and the Security Instruments.

IV. COVENANTS

     Unless the Bank will otherwise consent in writing, and so long as any debt
remains outstanding or the commitment still available, the Borrower agrees to
comply with the following covenants:

     A. Affirmative Covenants.

1. As soon as available, but in any event not later than ninety (90) days
after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower will provide financial
statements, covering Borrower as of the end of such year and the related
statements of income and changes in cash flows for such year, with the
first year ending on September 30, 2004, such statements to be audited by
an independent certified accountant and to be prepared according to
generally accepted accounting principals, consistently applied (“GAAP”).

2. Within ninety (90) days of the end of each calendar quarter, with the
first quarter ending on December 31, 2004, the Borrower will submit to
the Bank a financial statement reflecting Borrower’s financial
performance during the previous calendar quarter, such statements to be
reviewed by an independent certified accountant and to be prepared
according to GAAP.

    3. Within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar month,
Borrower shall provide internally prepared financial statements
reflecting Borrower’s financial performance during the previous month,
such statements to be prepared according GAAP.

    4. Within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar month,
Borrower shall provide monthly accounts receivable aging reports.

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5. Within thirty (30) days of transmitting any tax return to any
governmental authority, the Borrower will submit to the Bank a copy of
that tax return.

    6. Within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar month,
Borrower shall provide a monthly borrowing base report and compliance
certificate.

7. Borrower shall maintain an average Cash Flow Coverage Ratio of not
less than 1.50 to 1.0, calculated monthly, beginning on January 31, 2005,
from the date of the Loan to maturity. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Cash Flow Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any period of
calculation thereof, the ratio of the sum of (i) the net income (or loss)
from continuing operations of Borrower during such period calculated
after any and all distributions to shareholders, plus (ii) interest,
depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses of Borrower during
such period, less (iii) gains from the sale of any assets; plus (iv)
losses from the sale of any assets; less (v) extraordinary adjustments to
net income divided by (vi) scheduled capital lease obligations and
Principal and Interest payments, all determined in accordance with GAAP.

8. Borrow shall maintain a Current Ratio of not less than 1.50 to 1.0,
measured monthly, beginning on January 31, 2005, from the date of the
Loan to maturity. For purposes of this Agreement, “Current Ratio” means,
with respect ot any period of calculation thereof, the ratio of the sum
of (i) current assets, plus (ii) availability under the Revolver Loan,
divided by (iii) current liabilities. Current assets shall include a
minimum balance of cash plus marketable securities of not less than
$3,500,000.00.

9. Borrower shall submit copies of all financial statements, reports
notices and proxy statements sent or made available generally by the
Borrower to its shareholders, of all regular and periodic reports and all
private placement memorandums and all registration statements and
prospectuses, if any, filed by the Borrower with any securities exchange
or with the Security Exchange Commission; and all press releases and
other statements made available generally by the Borrower to the public
concerning material changes in the business of the Borrower upon their
becoming available, but in no event later than 10 days after the same
sent.

10. Borrower shall maintain a minimum Tangible Net Worth of
$40,000,000.00, to be measured monthly. “Tangible Net Worth” means the
excess, if any, of the total assets of any person over all items of
indebtedness, obligations, or liability which would be classified as
liabilities of that person, for the time period to be measured, each to
be determined in accordance with Tax Basis; provided, however, that for
the purposes of any such computation of Tangible Net Worth, “assets” will
not include (a) goodwill (whether representing the excess of cost over
book value of assets acquired or otherwise), and (b) patents, trademarks,
trade names, copyrights, franchises, and deferred charges.

    11. For any time period for which reporting is required, Borrower
will maintain a Debt to Tangible Net Worth ratio of at least 1.50 to
1.00. For purposes of this paragraph, “Debt” means as to any person, all
liabilities, obligations, and indebtedness to

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any person, of any kind or nature, now or hereafter owing, arising, due
or payable, howsoever evidenced, created, incurred, acquired or owing,
whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed, or otherwise, and
“Tangible Net Worth” is defined in paragraph 10 above.

12. The Borrower will maintain its existence in good standing and
comply with all laws, regulations and governmental requirements
applicable to it or to any of its property, business operations and
transactions.

13. The Borrower will promptly pay any reasonable costs incurred by
the Bank in connection with the preparation or enforcement of this
Agreement, the Notes, the Security Instruments, and any other
documentation executed concurrently herewith.

14. The Borrower will remain in substantial compliance with same and
will not place or permit to be placed any Hazardous Materials on any of
its properties in violation of applicable state and federal environmental
laws. In the event that the Borrower should discover any Hazardous
Materials on any of its properties that could result in a breach of the
foregoing covenant, the Borrower shall notify the Bank within three (3)
days after such discovery. The Borrower shall dispose of all material
amounts of Hazardous Materials that it generates only at facilities or
with carriers that maintain valid governmental permits under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. §6901. In the event of any
notice or filing of any procedure against the Borrower alleging a
violation of any environmental law or regulation, the Borrower shall give
notice to the Bank within five (5) days after receiving notice of such
notice or filing.

15. The Borrower will provide such other information as the Bank may
reasonably request from time to time in its sole discretion.

B. Negative Covenants.

1. The Borrower will not m ake any change in its present accounting
method or change its present fiscal year.

2. The Borrower will not m ake any substantial change in the nature
of its business as now conducted.

3. The Borrower will not reorganize or merge with any other entity,
without the prior written consent of the Bank.

4. With respect to the Borrower’s interest in any of the properties
covered by the Security Instrument, the Borrower will not sell, contract
to sell, convey, assign, transfer, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate,
encumber, or in any way alienate that interest in such properties,
without the consent of the Bank.

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     5. Borrower shall not pay any dividends or distributions to
shareholders with the exception of those used to pay income tax
liabilities incurred in connection with the Borrower’s business.

V. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

  The occurrence and continuing existence of any one of the following will
constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement and the Note:

     A. Borrower fails to pay when due any principal, interest, or other amount
payable under this Agreement, the Note, or any other promissory notes executed
or guaranteed by the Borrower in favor of the Bank;

     B. Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower hereunder or in any
related collateral security or other documents entered into with the Bank
proves to be at any time incorrect in any significant respect;

     C. The Borrower fails to observe or perform any covenant, obligation,
agreement, or other provision contained herein or in any other contract or
instrument executed in connection herewith;

     D. Any default or defined Event of Default under any security agreement,
deed of trust, promissory note, loan agreement or other contract or instrument
executed by the Borrower pursuant to, or as required by, this Agreement;

     E. Any final judgment or judgments for the payment of money is rendered
against Borrower and is not be satisfied or discharged at least thirty (30)
days prior to the date on which any of their assets could be lawfully sold to
satisfy such judgment or judgments, unless Borrower brings litigation to stay
same; or

     F. Borrower: (a) becomes insolvent, or suffers or consents to, or applies
for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator for himself
or any of his property, or generally fails to pay his debts as they become due,
or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (b) files a
voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking reorganization, in order to effect
a plan or other arrangement with creditors or any other relief under the
Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States Code, as recodified from
time to time (“Bankruptcy Code”), or as now or hereafter in effect, or any
involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to said Bankruptcy Code or any
other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy or reorganization
or other relief for debtors is filed or commenced against Borrower; or (c)
files any answer admitting the jurisdiction of the court and the material
allegations of any such involuntary petition; or (d) is adjudicated a bankrupt,
under said Bankruptcy Code or any other state or federal law relating to
bankruptcy, reorganization, or other relief for debtors.

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VI. REMEDIES

     If any Event of Default occurs, any term hereof or of the Note to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Note shall at the Bank’s option become
immediately due and payable. In addition, the obligation, if any, of the Bank
to permit further borrowings hereunder will immediately cease and terminate and
the Bank will have all rights, powers, and remedies available under this
Agreement, the Note, or other contracts or instruments executed in connection
herewith, or accorded by law, including, without limitation, the right to
resort to any or all of the collateral and to exercise any or all of its
rights, powers, or remedies at any time and from time to time after the
occurrence of an Event of Default.

     ONCE AN EVENT OF DEFAULT HAS OCCURRED, WESTERN MAY PURSUE THE REMEDIES
PROVIDED FOR IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTE, AND THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS WITHOUT
PRESENTMENT, DEMAND, PROTEST, NOTICE OF ACCELERATION, NOTICE OF INTENT TO
ACCELERATE, NOTICE OF PROTEST OR NOTICE OF DISHONOR, OR ANY OTHER NOTICE OF ANY
KIND, ALL OF WHICH ARE EXPRESSLY WAIVED BY BORROWER.

     All rights, powers, and remedies of the Bank in connection with this
Agreement, the promissory notes or any other contract or instrument on which
the Borrower may at any time be obligated to the Bank (or any holder thereof)
are cumulative and not exclusive and will be in addition to any other rights,
powers, or remedies provided by law or equity, including without limitation the
right to set off any liability owing by the Bank to the Borrower (including
sums deposited in any deposit account of Borrower with the Bank) against any
liability of the Borrower to the Bank.

VII. WAIVER

     No delay, failure, or discontinuation by the Bank, or any holder of the
Note, in exercising any right, power, or remedy under this Agreement, the Note
or any other contract or instrument on which the Borrower may at any time be
obligated to the Bank (or any holder thereof) will affect or operate as waiver
of such right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent, or approval of
any kind by the Bank (or any holder of the Note), or of any provisions or
conditions of, or any breach or default under this Agreement, the Note or any
other contract or instrument on which the Borrower may at any time be
obligated, must be in writing and will be effective only to the extent set
forth in such writing.

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VIII. NOTICES

     All notices, requests, and demands given to or made upon the respective
parties must be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given or made: (1)
at the time of personal delivery thereof, (2) or two days after any of the same
are deposited in the U.S. Mail, first class and postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:

	 	 	 	 
	 	Borrower:
	 	Dawson Geophysical Company
	 	 	 	508 West Wall Street, Suite 800
	 	 	 	Midland, Texas 79701
	 	 	 	 
	 	Western:
	 	Western National Bank
	 	 	 	Attention: James R. Kreuz
	 	 	 	508 West Wall Street, Suite 1100
	 	 	 	Midland, Texas 79701

or other such address as any party may designate by written notice to all other
parties.

IX. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENTS

     This Agreement will be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of
the parties, provided, however, that this Agreement may not be assigned by the
Borrower without the prior written consent of the Bank. The Bank reserves the
right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate, or grant participations in all or
any part of, or any interest in, the Bank’s rights and benefits under this
Agreement, the Note or any contracts or instruments relating thereto. In
connection therewith, the Bank may disclose all documents and information which
the Bank now has or may hereafter acquire relating to the loan or the Note, the
Borrower or his business, or any collateral required hereunder.

X. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS

     If any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or
invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the
extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of
such provision or any remaining provisions of this Agreement.

XI. VENUE AND JURISDICTION

     Any suit, action or proceeding against the Borrower arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or any judgment entered by any court in respect
thereof, may be brought or enforced in the courts of the State of Texas, County
of Midland, or in the United States District Court for the Western District of
Texas, as Western in its sole discretion may elect, and Borrower hereby submits
to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts for the purpose of any such
suit, action or proceeding. The Borrower hereby irrevocably consents to
service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in any of said courts by
the mailing thereof by the Bank by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, to the Borrower, at the address set forth herein.

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     THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTIONS THAT HE MAY NOW OR
HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY OF SAID COURTS AND HEREBY
FURTHER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING
BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM AND ANY
RIGHT GRANTED BY STATUTE, RULE OR COURT OR OTHERWISE TO HAVE SUCH SUIT, ACTION
OR PROCEEDING TRIED BY A JURY.

XII. MISCELLANEOUS

     A. Texas Law Applicable. This Agreement, the Note, the Security
Instruments, and any contracts or instruments relating thereto, shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas,
except to the extent that the Bank has greater rights or remedies under federal
law or the law of any jurisdiction in which the collateral properties are
located, in which case such choice of Texas law shall not be deemed to deprive
the Bank of such rights and remedies under federal law or the law of any
jurisdiction in which the collateral properties are located, in which case such
choice of Texas law shall not be deemed to deprive the Bank of such rights and
remedies as may be available under such law.

     B. Notice of Final Agreement. THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTE, ANY CONTRACTS OR
INSTRUMENTS RELATING THERETO, REPRESENT THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
PARTIES, AND IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD THAT ALL PRIOR CONVERSATIONS OR
MEMORANDA BETWEEN THE PARTIES REGARDING THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE
SUPERSEDED BY THIS AGREEMENT. ANY AMENDMENT, APPROVAL, OR WAIVER BY WESTERN OF THE TERMS OF THIS
AGREEMENT, THE NOTE AND ANY CONTRACTS OR INSTRUMENTS RELATING THERETO, MUST BE
IN WRITING OR CONFIRMED WRITING, AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE ONLY TO THE EXTENT
SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN SUCH WRITING. THIS AGREEMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE NOTE AND ANY CONTRACTS OR INSTRUMENTS RELATING THERETO, SHALL SERVE TO
EVIDENCE THE TERMS OF THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

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     Please acknowledge your acceptance of and agreement to the terms of this
Agreement by dating and executing where indicated.

	 	 	 	 
	 	Very truly yours,
	 	 	 	 
	 	WESTERN NATIONAL BANK
	 	 	 	 
	 	By:	 	 /s/ JAMES B. KREUZ
	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	     James R. Kreuz
	 	 	 	      Senior Vice President

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED THIS

22nd DAY OF DECEMBER 2004.

BORROWER:

DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY

	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 /s/ STEPHEN C. JUMPER
	

	 	

     Stephen C. Jumper, President
	 
	 	 
	By:
	 	 /s/ L. DECKER DAWSON
	

	 	

	

	 	     L. Decker Dawson,
	

	 	     Chairman of the Board

13<PAGE>
                                                                 EXECUTION COPY
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                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                          Dated as of December 17, 2004

                                      among

                         PATTERSON -- UTI ENERGY, INC.,
                                as the Borrower,

                             BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                            as Administrative Agent,
                            L/C Issuer and a Lender,

                                       and

                         The Other Lenders Party Hereto

                       THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD.,
                          SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORP.
                                       and
                             WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
                              Co-Syndication Agents

                         THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
                               Documentation Agent

                         BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
                    Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

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

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Section                                                                                                        Page

ARTICLE I.  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS......................................................................4
         1.01         Defined Terms...............................................................................4
         1.02         Other Interpretive Provisions..............................................................24
         1.03         Accounting Terms...........................................................................24
         1.04         Rounding...................................................................................25
         1.05         Times of Day...............................................................................25
         1.06         Letter of Credit Amounts...................................................................25
         1.07         Responsible Officer........................................................................25

ARTICLE II.  THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS...............................................................26
         2.01         Borrowings.................................................................................26
         2.02         Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Borrowings....................................26
         2.03         Letters of Credit..........................................................................27
         2.04         Voluntary Prepayments......................................................................35
         2.05         Mandatory Prepayments......................................................................36
         2.06         Termination or Reduction of Commitments....................................................36
         2.07         Repayment of Loans.........................................................................36
         2.08         Interest...................................................................................36
         2.09         Fees.......................................................................................37
         2.10         Computation of Interest and Fees...........................................................38
         2.11         Evidence of Debt...........................................................................38
         2.12         Payments Generally; Administrative Agent's Clawback........................................39
         2.13         Sharing of Payments by Lenders.............................................................40
         2.14         Increase in Commitments....................................................................41

ARTICLE III.  TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY.............................................................42
         3.01         Taxes......................................................................................42
         3.02         Illegality.................................................................................44
         3.03         Inability to Determine Rates...............................................................45
         3.04         Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.........................................45
         3.05         Compensation for Losses....................................................................47
         3.06         Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.............................................47
         3.07         Survival...................................................................................48

ARTICLE IV.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS...........................................................48
         4.01         Conditions of Initial Credit Extension.....................................................48
         4.02         Conditions to all Credit Extensions........................................................50

ARTICLE V.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.......................................................................50
         5.01         Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws...................................50
         5.02         Authorization; No Contravention............................................................50
         5.03         Governmental Authorization; Other Consents.................................................51
         5.04         Binding Effect.............................................................................51
         5.05         Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect...........................................51
         5.06         Litigation.................................................................................52
         5.07         No Default.................................................................................52
         5.08         Ownership of Property; Liens...............................................................52
         5.09         Environmental Compliance...................................................................52
</TABLE>
                                       1

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                                              <C>
         5.10         Insurance..................................................................................52
         5.11         Taxes......................................................................................52
         5.12         ERISA Compliance...........................................................................53
         5.13         Subsidiaries; Equity Interests.............................................................53
         5.14         Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act; Public Utility Holding Company Act.............53
         5.15         Disclosure.................................................................................54
         5.16         Compliance with Laws.......................................................................54

ARTICLE VI.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS...............................................................................54
         6.01         Financial Statements.......................................................................55
         6.02         Certificates; Other Information............................................................55
         6.03         Notices....................................................................................57
         6.04         Payment of Obligations.....................................................................57
         6.05         Preservation of Existence, Etc.............................................................58
         6.06         Maintenance of Properties..................................................................58
         6.07         Maintenance of Insurance...................................................................58
         6.08         Compliance with Laws.......................................................................58
         6.09         Books and Records..........................................................................58
         6.10         Inspection Rights..........................................................................58
         6.11         Use of Proceeds............................................................................59
         6.12         Additional Guarantors......................................................................59

ARTICLE VII.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.................................................................................59
         7.01         Liens......................................................................................59
         7.02         Foreign Subsidiaries and Joint Venture.....................................................61
         7.03         Indebtedness of Subsidiaries...............................................................61
         7.04         Fundamental Changes........................................................................61
         7.05         Hedging Agreements.........................................................................63
         7.06         Change in Nature of Business...............................................................63
         7.07         Transactions with Affiliates...............................................................63
         7.08         Burdensome Agreements......................................................................63
         7.09         Use of Proceeds............................................................................64
         7.10         Financial Covenants........................................................................64

ARTICLE VIII.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES....................................................................64
         8.01         Events of Default..........................................................................64
         8.02         Remedies Upon Event of Default.............................................................66
         8.03         Application of Funds.......................................................................67

ARTICLE IX.  ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT................................................................................68
         9.01         Appointment and Authority..................................................................68
         9.02         Rights as a Lender.........................................................................68
         9.03         Exculpatory Provisions.....................................................................68
         9.04         Reliance by Administrative Agent...........................................................69
         9.05         Delegation of Duties.......................................................................69
         9.06         Resignation of Administrative Agent........................................................70
         9.07         Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.....................................71
         9.08         No Other Duties, Etc.......................................................................71
         9.09         Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim..............................................71
         9.10         Guaranty Matters...........................................................................72

ARTICLE X.  MISCELLANEOUS........................................................................................72
</TABLE>

                                      2
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<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                                              <C>
         10.01        Amendments, Etc............................................................................72
         10.02        Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication...........................................73
         10.03        No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.............................................................75
         10.04        Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.........................................................75
         10.05        Payments Set Aside.........................................................................77
         10.06        Successors and Assigns.....................................................................77
         10.07        Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality..........................................81
         10.08        Right of Setoff............................................................................82
         10.09        Interest Rate Limitation...................................................................82
         10.10        Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness...................................................82
         10.11        Survival of Representations and Warranties.................................................83
         10.12        Severability...............................................................................83
         10.13        Replacement of Lenders.....................................................................83
         10.14        Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc...........................................................84
         10.15        Waiver of Jury Trial.......................................................................85
         10.16        USA PATRIOT Act Notice.....................................................................85
         10.17        ENTIRE AGREEMENT...........................................................................85

SIGNATURES.....................................................................................S-1

</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>

SCHEDULES

         2.01    Commitments and Applicable Percentages
         4.01    Post Closing Matters
         5.13    Subsidiaries; Other Equity Investments
         7.01    Existing Liens
         10.02   Administrative Agent's Office; Certain Addresses for Notices

EXHIBITS
                 FORM OF
         A       Loan Notice
         B       Note
         C       Compliance Certificate
         D       Assignment and Assumption
         E       Guaranty
         F       Opinion of Counsel
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

         This CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of December 17, 2004, among
PATTERSON -- UTI ENERGY, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), each
lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the "Lenders" and
individually, a "Lender"), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent,
L/C Issuer and a Lender.

         The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit
facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set
forth herein.

         In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein
contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I.
                        DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

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

         "Administrative Agent" means Bank of America in its capacity as
administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor
administrative agent.

         "Administrative Agent's Office" means the Administrative Agent's
address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such
other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time
provide to the Borrower and the Lenders.

         "Administrative Questionnaire" means an Administrative Questionnaire in
a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

                                       4

<PAGE>

         "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, another Person that
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is
Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

         "Aggregate Commitments" means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

         "Agreement" means this Credit Agreement, as the same may hereafter be
renewed, extended, amended or restated from time to time.

         "Applicable Percentage" means with respect to any Lender at any time,
the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate
Commitments represented by such Lender's Commitment at such time. If the
commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to
make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if
the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each
Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender
most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The
initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of
such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to
which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

         "Applicable Rate" means, from time to time, the following percentages
per annum, based upon the Debt to Capitalization Ratio as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              APPLICABLE RATE
<S>              <C>                      <C>                <C>                <C>             <C>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PRICING            DEBT TO              COMMITMENT          EURODOLLAR
   LEVEL         CAPITALIZATION              FEE                 RATE;
                     RATIO                                    LETTERS OF                        UTILIZATION
                                                                CREDIT          BASE RATE           FEE
-------------- --------------------- --------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ---------------
      1        Less than or equal           0.150%              0.625%            0.00%           .0125%
               to 25%

      2        Greater than 25%,            0.175%              0.750%            0.00%           .0125%
               but less than or
               equal to 35%

      3        Greater than 35%             0.225%              1.000%            0.00%           .0125%

</TABLE>

         Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change
in the Debt to Capitalization Ratio shall become effective as of the date (the
"ADJUSTMENT DATE") that is the first day of the fiscal quarter (the "APPLICABLE
QUARTER") immediately following the date that a Compliance Certificate is due to
be delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(b) hereof; provided, however, that if a
Compliance Certificate is not delivered within thirty (30) days after the date
due, then (a) Pricing Level 3 shall apply as of the Adjustment Date if Pricing
Levels 1 or 2 are in effect for the fiscal quarter preceding the Applicable
Quarter; and (b) Base Rate plus 1.00% shall

                                       5

<PAGE>

apply as of the Adjustment Date if Pricing Level 3 is in effect for the fiscal
quarter preceding the Applicable Quarter.

The Applicable Rate in effect from the Closing Date through the date the
Compliance Certificate is delivered in connection with the fiscal quarter ended
September 30, 2004, shall be the Pricing Level that corresponds to the Debt to
Capitalization Ratio set forth in the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant
to Section 4.01(a)(viii) hereof.

         "Approved Fund" means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a
Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an
entity that administers or manages a Lender.

         "Arranger" means Banc of America Securities LLC, in its capacity as
sole lead arranger and sole book manager.

         "Assignment and Assumption" means an assignment and assumption entered
into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose
consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative
Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit D or any other form approved by the
Administrative Agent.

         "Attributable Indebtedness" means, on any date, (a) in respect of any
capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on
a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP,
and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of
the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a
balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if
such lease were accounted for as a capital lease.

         "Audited Financial Statements" means the audited consolidated balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.

         "Availability Period" means the period from and including the Closing
Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of
the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06, and (c) the date of
termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation
of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02.

         "Bank of America" means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.

         "Base Rate" means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the
higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest
in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of
America as its "prime rate." The "prime rate" is a rate set by Bank of America
based upon various factors including Bank of America's costs and desired return,
general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point
for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced
rate. Any change

                                       6

<PAGE>

in such rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of
business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

         "Base Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base
Rate.

         "Borrower" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph
hereto.

         "Borrowing" means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the
same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest
Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.

         "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day
on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in
fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent's Office is located
and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day on
which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the
London interbank eurodollar market.

         "Cash Collateralize" has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(g).

         "Change in Law" means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement,
of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule,
regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or
in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental
Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive
(whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.

         "Change of Control" means an event or series of events by which:

                  (a) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in
         Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but
         excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries,
         and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or
         other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the
         "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be
         deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of all securities that such
         person or group has the right to acquire (such right, an "option
         right"), whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after
         the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the
         equity securities of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the
         board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a
         fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that
         such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option
         right);

                  (b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of
         the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing
         body of the Borrower cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were
         members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of
         such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or
         equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in
         clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or
         nomination at least a majority of that board or

                                       7

<PAGE>

         equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that
         board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals
         referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of
         such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or
         equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii)
         and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or
         assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing
         body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of
         proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more
         directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the
         election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of
         directors); or

                  (c) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall
         have acquired by contract or otherwise, or shall have entered into a
         contract or arrangement that, upon consummation thereof, will result in
         its or their acquisition of the power to exercise, directly or
         indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of
         the Borrower, or control over the equity securities of the Borrower
         entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent
         governing body of the Borrower on a fully-diluted basis (and taking
         into account all such securities that such Person or group has the
         right to acquire pursuant to any option right) representing 25% or more
         of the combined voting power of such securities.

         "Closing Date" means the first date all the conditions precedent in
Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

         "Commitment" means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Loans
to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01, and (b) purchase participations in L/C
Obligations, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to
exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 2.01 or in
the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party
hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in
accordance with this Agreement.

         "Compliance Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form
of Exhibit C.

         "Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, for the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income
for such period plus (a) the following to the extent deducted in calculating
such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Interest Charges for such period,
(ii) the provision for Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (including
state franchise taxes based on income or similar taxes based on income) payable
by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, (iii) depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense and (iv) other expenses of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries reducing such Consolidated Net Income which do not represent a
cash item in such period or any future period and minus, to the extent included
in calculating such Consolidated Net Income, all non-cash items increasing
Consolidated Net Income for such period.

                                       8

<PAGE>

         "Consolidated Funded Indebtedness" means, as of any date of
determination, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, excluding (a) Indebtedness of the type described in clauses
(b) (so long as such amounts in such clause are contingent obligations), (c) and
(g) of the definition of Indebtedness and (b) Guarantees in respect of
Indebtedness described in the foregoing clause (a).

         "Consolidated Interest Charges" means, for any period, for the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) all interest,
premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with borrowed money (including
capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of
assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP,
and (b) the portion of rent expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with
respect to such period under capital leases that is treated as interest in
accordance with GAAP.

         "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, for the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the net income of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries (excluding extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses) for that
period.

         "Consolidated Net Worth" means, as of any date of determination, for
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, Shareholders' Equity
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on that date.

         "Contractual Obligation" means, 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" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether
through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise.
"Controlling" and "Controlled" have meanings correlative thereto.

         "Credit Extension" means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b)
an L/C Credit Extension.

         "Debt to Capitalization Ratio" means the ratio of Consolidated Funded
Indebtedness to Total Capital.

         "Debtor Relief Laws" means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States,
and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the
benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency,
reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other
applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of
creditors generally.

         "Default" means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of
Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both,
would be an Event of Default.

                                       9

<PAGE>

         "Default Rate" means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other
than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus
(ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2%
per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the
Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any
Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, and (b)
when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable
Rate plus 2% per annum.

         "Defaulting Lender" means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any
portion of the Loans or participations in L/C Obligations required to be funded
by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date required to be funded by it
hereunder, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or
any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one
Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute,
or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or
insolvency proceeding.

         "Disposition" or "Dispose" means the sale, transfer, license, lease or
other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property
by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with
or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and
claims associated therewith.

         "Dollar" and "$" mean lawful money of the United States.

         "Domestic Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that is organized under the
laws of any political subdivision of the United States.

         "Eligible Assignee" means (a) a Lender; (b) an Affiliate of a Lender;
(c) an Approved Fund; and (d) any other Person (other than a natural person)
approved by (i) the Administrative Agent, (ii) the L/C Issuer and (iii) unless
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower (each such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that
notwithstanding the foregoing, "Eligible Assignee" shall not include the
Borrower or any of the Borrower's Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

         "Environmental Laws" means any and all Federal, state, local, and
foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders,
decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or
governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the
environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including
those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to
waste or public systems.

         "Environmental Liability" means any liability, contingent or otherwise
(including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines,
penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their
respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a)
violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling,
transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c)
exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of
any Hazardous Materials into

                                       10

<PAGE>

the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement
pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the
foregoing.

         "Equity Interests" means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares
of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all
of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from
such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit
interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit
interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or
acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all
of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including
partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting,
and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are
outstanding on any date of determination.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

         "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of
Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for
purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

         "ERISA Event" means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension
Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension
Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a
substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation
of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of
ERISA; (c) a complete withdrawal (within the meaning of Section 4203 of ERISA)
or partial withdrawal (within the meaning of Section 4205 of ERISA) by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a
Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization within the meaning of Section 4241 of
ERISA; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a
Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041(c) or 4041A of ERISA, or the
commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or
Multiemployer Plan; (e) a determination by the PBGC that an event has occurred
or a condition exists which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for
the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension
Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) the imposition of any liability under Title
IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section
4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

         "Eurodollar Rate" means, for any Interest Period with respect to a
Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers
Association LIBOR Rate ("BBA LIBOR"), as published by Reuters (or other
commercially available, internationally recognized source providing quotations
of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at
approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the
commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the
first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest
Period. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the
"Eurodollar Rate" for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum
determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in
Dollars for

                                       11
<PAGE>

delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the
approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or
converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period
would be offered by Bank of America's London Branch to major banks in the London
interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London
time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

         "Eurodollar Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based
on the Eurodollar Rate.

         "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.

         "Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any
Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on
account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) taxes imposed on or
measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes
imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any
political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is
organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any
Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch
profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any
other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, (c) in the case of a
Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower
under Section 10.13), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to
such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or
designates a new Lending Office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender's
failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with
Section 3.01(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor,
if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or
assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to
such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a), and (d) in the case of any
Foreign Lender that is subject to withholding tax on amounts payable to such
Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or
designates a new Lending Office), any additional withholding tax that is imposed
on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender as a result of a Change in Law.

         "Federal Funds Rate" means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to
the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with
members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such
day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day
next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day,
the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on
the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business
Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business
Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded
upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of
America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative
Agent.

         "Fee Letter" means the letter agreement, dated November 9, 2004, among
the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Arranger.

                                       12
<PAGE>

         "Foreign Lender" means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a
jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.
For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the
District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

         "Foreign Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary other than a Domestic
Subsidiary.

         "FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the
United States.

         "Fund" means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will
be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial
loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles
Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements
and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other
principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of
the date of determination, consistently applied.

         "Governmental Authority" means the government of the United States or
any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or
local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court,
central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial,
taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to
government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or
the European Central Bank).

         "Guarantee" means, as to any Person, any (a) any obligation, contingent
or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of
guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by
another Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or
indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i)
to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of)
such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property,
securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of
such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such
Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity
capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of
income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor
to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the
purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such
Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to
protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or
(b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other
obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other
obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of
any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any
Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable
amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of
which such Guarantee is made or, if

                                       13
<PAGE>

not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in
respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term
"Guarantee" as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

         "Guarantor" means (a) as of the Closing Date, each of the Domestic
Subsidiaries identified on Schedule 5.13, and (b) after the Closing Date, any
other Subsidiary of the Company required to execute a Guaranty under Section
6.12 hereof.

         "Guaranty" means the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit E,
and such additional guaranty agreements as may hereafter be executed.

         "Hazardous Materials" means all explosive or radioactive substances or
wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants,
including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing
materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes
and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any
Environmental Law.

         "Hydrocarbon Interests" means all rights, titles, interests and estates
now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in
any and all oil, gas and other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon properties and
interests, including without limitation, mineral fee or lease interests,
production sharing agreements, concession agreements, license agreements,
service agreements, risk service agreements or similar Hydrocarbon interests
granted by an appropriate Governmental Authority, farmout, overriding royalty
and royalty interests, net profit interests, oil payments, production payment
interests and similar interests in Hydrocarbons, including any reserved or
residual interests of whatever nature.

         "Hydrocarbons" means oil, gas, casing head gas, condensate, distillate,
liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons, all products refined, separated,
settled and dehydrated therefrom, including, without limitation, kerosene,
liquefied petroleum gas, refined lubricating oils, diesel fuel, drip gasoline,
natural gasoline, helium, sulfur and all other minerals.

         "Immaterial Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary having total assets (real
or personal, tangible or intangible) of less than $100,000.

         "Indebtedness" means, as to any Person at a particular time, without
duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or
liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

                  (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all
         obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan
         agreements or other similar instruments;

                  (b) (i) reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of
         letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers'
         acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments; and
         (ii) contingent obligations of such Person in respect of

                                       14
<PAGE>

         letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers'
         acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;

                  (c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;

                  (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred
         purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts
         payable to a Person in the United States or Canada in the ordinary
         course of business and, in each case, not past due for more than 60
         days, and (ii) trade accounts payable to a Person in a country other
         than the United States or Canada in the ordinary course of business
         and, in each case, not past due for more than 120 days); and

                  (e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured
         by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person
         (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title
         retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been
         assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

                  (f) capital leases;

                  (g) Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities;

                  (h) obligations in respect of a forward sale of production for
         which such Person has received payment in advance other than on
         ordinary trade terms;

                  (i) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem,
         retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity
         Interest in such Person or any other Person, on a date certain and not
         subject to any contingencies, or at the option of the holder of such
         Equity Interest, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred
         interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation
         preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and

                  (j) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the
         foregoing.

         For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include
the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture
that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person
is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly
made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any
Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value
thereof as of such date. The amount of any capital lease or Synthetic Lease
Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable
Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date.

         "Indemnified Taxes" means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

         "Indemnitees" has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).

                                       15
<PAGE>

         "Interest Coverage Ratio" means, as of any date of determination, the
ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four prior fiscal
quarters ending on such date to (b) Consolidated Interest Charges for such
period.

         "Interest Payment Date" means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base
Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the
Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar
Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three
months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest
Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each
March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.

         "Interest Period" means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period
commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or
continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or
six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Loan Notice; provided
that:

                  (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that
         is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business
         Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which
         case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

                  (ii) 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

                  (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity
         Date.

         "Investment" means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect
acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase
or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, or
(b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt
of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation
or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture
interest in such other Person and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor
Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person. For purposes of covenant
compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested,
without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such
Investment. The term "Investment" does not include (a) investment in cash
equivalents or short-term marketable debt securities; (b) extensions of credit
in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant
of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, or (c) investments in direct
ownership interests in oil and gas properties (and related personal property
used in the operating, working or development thereof), net revenue interests,
royalty interests, or related to Oil and Gas Agreements, or other similar
arrangements in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business which are usual
and customary in the ordinary course of the oil and gas exploration and
production business. As used in this definition, "Person" does not include a
natural person.

                                       16
<PAGE>

         "IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

         "ISP" means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the "International
Standby Practices 1998" published by the Institute of International Banking Law
& Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of
issuance).

         "Issuer Documents" means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the
Letter Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument
entered into by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower or in favor the L/C Issuer and
relating to any such Letter of Credit.

         "Joint Venture" means any Person (A) in which the Borrower or a
Subsidiary invests cash, or to which the Borrower or a Subsidiary transfers
assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) used or useful in the
Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business, and the Borrower or such Subsidiary
receives in return ownership interests in such Person, (B) that carries on a
trade or business that is the same or similar to the business carried on by the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (C) some portion of the equity interests
(excluding director's qualifying shares or similar ownership qualifications
applying to such Person's board of directors or similar policy making group) of
which are owned by a Person or Persons other than the Borrower or its
Subsidiaries, and (D) the senior management functions of which are carried out
by a group that includes officers or directors of the Borrower or a Subsidiary;
provided, however, that a Joint Venture shall not include:

                  (i) a natural person, or

                  (ii) a Person having a class of common stock (a) that is
                  registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (b) that
                  is publicly traded on a recognized national market, including
                  electronic markets such as the NASDAQ Stock Market, or (c) for
                  which bid or ask prices are quoted in the publication known as
                  the pink sheets or similar reporting service for thinly traded
                  companies.

         "Laws" means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state
and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes
and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the
interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged
with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all
applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses,
authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

         "L/C Advance" means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender's funding
of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable
Percentage.

         "L/C Borrowing" means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing
under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made
or refinanced as a Borrowing.

         "L/C Credit Extension" means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the
issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the
amount thereof.

                                       17
<PAGE>

         "L/C Issuer" means Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters
of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

         "L/C Obligations" means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate
amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the
aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For
purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of
Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance
with Section 1.06. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of
determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may
still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP,
such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be "outstanding" in the amount so
remaining available to be drawn.

         "Lender" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph
hereto.

         "Lending Office" means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such
Lender described as such in such Lender's Administrative Questionnaire, or such
other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time designate by notice to
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

         "Letter of Credit" means any letter of credit issued hereunder. A
Letter of Credit may be a standby letter of credit or a commercial letter of
credit.

         "Letter of Credit Application" means an application and agreement for
the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in
use by the L/C Issuer.

         "Letter of Credit Expiration Date" means the day that is seven days
prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business
Day, the next preceding Business Day).

         "Letter of Credit Fee" has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(i).

         "Letter of Credit Sublimit" means an amount equal to $200,000,000. The
Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate
Commitments.

         "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference,
priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of
a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional
sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other
encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

         "Loan" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

         "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document,
the Fee Letter and the Guaranty.

                                       18
<PAGE>

         "Loan Notice" means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of
Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate
Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially
in the form of Exhibit A.

         "Loan Parties" means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.

         "Material Adverse Effect" means (a) a material adverse change in, or a
material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities
(actual or contingent), condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of
the Loan Parties collectively to perform their payment or other material
obligations under any Loan Document; (c) a material adverse effect upon the
legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any
Loan Document to which it is a party, or (d) a material adverse effect upon the
legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against a Guarantor of any
Loan Document to which it is a party if such material adverse effect constitutes
a material adverse effect on the legality, validity, binding effect or
enforceability of the Loan Documents against the Borrower and the Guarantors
considered as a whole.

         "Maturity Date" means December 16, 2009.

         "Multiemployer Plan" means any employee benefit plan of the type
described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or with respect to which
the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate may have any liability, contingent or
otherwise.

         "Note" means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a
Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of
Exhibit B.

         "Obligations" means all advances to, and debts, liabilities,
obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan
Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether
direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or
contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and
including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any
Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief
Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether
such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.

         "Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities" means, with respect to any Person as of
any date of determination thereof, without duplication and to the extent not
included as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its
Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP: (a) with respect to any asset
securitization transaction (including any accounts receivable purchase facility)
(i) the unrecovered investment of purchasers or transferees of assets so
transferred provided that such investment is ultimately due for repayment at
some date certain, and (ii) any other payment, recourse, repurchase, hold
harmless, indemnity or similar obligation of such Person or any of its
Subsidiaries in respect of assets transferred or payments made in respect
thereof, other than limited recourse provisions that are customary for
transactions of such type

                                       19
<PAGE>

and that neither (x) have the effect of limiting the loss or credit risk of such
purchasers or transferees with respect to payment or performance by the obligors
of the assets so transferred nor (y) impair the characterization of the
transaction as a true sale under applicable Laws (including Debtor Relief Laws);
(b) any Synthetic Lease Obligation; (c) the monetary obligations under any sale
and leaseback transaction which does not create a liability on the consolidated
balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries; or (d) any other monetary
obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which (i) is
characterized as indebtedness for tax purposes but not for accounting purposes
in accordance with GAAP or (ii) is the functional equivalent of or takes the
place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the consolidated
balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries (for purposes of this clause
(d), any transaction structured to provide tax deductibility as interest expense
of any dividend, coupon or other periodic payment will be deemed to be the
functional equivalent of a borrowing).

         "Oil and Gas Agreements" means operating agreements, processing
agreements, farm-out and farm-in agreements, development agreements, area of
mutual interest agreements, contracts for the gathering and/or transportation of
oil and natural gas, unitization agreements, pooling arrangements, joint bidding
agreements, joint venture agreements, participation agreements, surface use
agreements, service contracts, leases and subleases of Oil and Gas Properties or
other similar agreements which are customary in the oil and gas business,
howsoever designated, in each case made or entered into in the ordinary course
of the oil and gas business as conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

         "Oil and Gas Properties" means (a) Hydrocarbon Interests; (b) the
Property now or hereafter pooled or unitized with Hydrocarbon Interests; (c) all
presently existing or future unitization, pooling agreements and declarations of
pooled units and the units created thereby (including, without limitation, all
units created under orders, regulations and rules of any Governmental Authority)
which may affect all or any portion of the Hydrocarbon Interests; (d) all
operating agreements, contracts and other agreements which relate to any of the
Hydrocarbon Interests or the production, sale, purchase, exchange or processing
of Hydrocarbons from or attributable to such Hydrocarbon Interest; (e) all
Hydrocarbons in and under and which may be produced and saved or attributable to
the Hydrocarbon Interests, the lands covered thereby and all oil in tanks and
all rents, issues, profits, proceeds, products, revenues and other income from
or attributable to the Hydrocarbon Interests; and (f) all tenements,
hereditaments, appurtenances and property in any manner appertaining, belonging,
affixed or incidental to the Hydrocarbon Interests, and any and all property,
now owned or hereinafter acquired and situated upon, used, held for use or
useful in connection with the operating, working or development of any of such
Hydrocarbon Interests or property (excluding drilling rigs, automotive equipment
or other personal property which may be on such premises for the purpose of
drilling a well or for other similar temporary uses) and including any and all
oil wells, gas wells, injection wells or other wells, buildings, structures,
fuel separators, liquid extraction plants, plant compressors, pumps, pumping
units, field gathering systems, tanks and tank batteries, fixtures, valves,
fittings, machinery and parts, engines, boilers, meters, apparatus, equipment,
appliances, tools, implements, cables, wires, towers, casing, tubing and rods,
surface leases, rights-of-way, easements and servitudes together with all
additions, substitutions, replacements, accessions and attachments to any and
all of the foregoing.

                                       20
<PAGE>

         "Organization Documents" means, (a) with respect to any corporation,
the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or
comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction);
(b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles
of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to
any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the
partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or
organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect
thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the
applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or
organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or
organization of such entity.

         "Other Taxes" means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or
any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies (other than
Excluded Taxes) arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan
Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with
respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except to the extent such
taxes, charges or similar levies are attributable to a Lender's failure to
comply with Section 3.01(e).

         "Outstanding Amount" means (i) with respect to Loans on any date, the
aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any
borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Loans occurring on such date; and
(ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C
Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension
occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C
Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the
Borrower of Unreimbursed Amounts.

         "Participant" has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).

         "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

         "Pension Plan" means any "employee pension benefit plan" (as such term
is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is
subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by the Borrower or
any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes
or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or
other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, with respect to which the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, may have any liability, contingent or
otherwise.

         "Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability
company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental
Authority or other entity.

         "Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" (as such term is defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by the Borrower or, with respect to any such
plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA
Affiliate.

         "Register" has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c).

                                       21
<PAGE>

         "Related Parties" means, with respect to any Person, such Person's
Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors
of such Person and of such Person's Affiliates.

         "Reportable Event" means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c)
of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

         "Request for Credit Extension" means (a) with respect to a Borrowing,
conversion or continuation of Loans, a Loan Notice, and (b) with respect to an
L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application.

         "Required Lenders" means, as of any date of determination, Lenders
having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each
Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit
Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the
aggregate more than 50% of the Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of
each Lender's risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations
being deemed "held" by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided
that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed
held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a
determination of Required Lenders.

         "Responsible Officer" means the chief executive officer, president,
chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer of a Loan Party.

         "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental
Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

         "Shareholders' Equity" means, as of any date of determination,
consolidated shareholders' equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of
that date determined in accordance with GAAP.

         "SPC" has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(h).

         "Subsidiary" of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority
of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for
the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or
interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency)
are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise
controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both,
by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a
"Subsidiary" or to "Subsidiaries" shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of
the Borrower.

         "Swap Contract" means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis
swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity
swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index
swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward
bond or forward bond price or forward bond index

                                       22
<PAGE>

transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap
transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap
transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot
contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the
foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or
not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and
(b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which
are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master
agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association,
Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master
agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a
"Master Agreement"), including any such obligations or liabilities under any
Master Agreement.

         "Swap Termination Value" means, in respect of any one or more Swap
Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable
netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after
the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination values
determined in accordance therewith, such termination values, and (b) for any
date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amounts determined as the
mark-to-market values for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or
more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized
dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a
Lender).

         "Synthetic Lease Obligation" means the monetary obligation of a Person
under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or
(b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that
do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency
or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such
Person (without regard to accounting treatment).

         "Taxes" means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties,
deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any
Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties
applicable thereto.

         "Threshold Amount" means $10,000,000.

         "Total Capital" means, at any time, the sum of (a) Consolidated Funded
Indebtedness and (b) Consolidated Net Worth.

         "Total Outstandings" means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all
Loans and all L/C Obligations.

         "Type" means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan
or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

         "Unfunded Pension Liability" means the excess of a Pension Plan's
benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA as of the most recently
completed fiscal year of the Pension Plan, over the current value of that
Pension Plan's assets as of the most recently completed fiscal year of the
Pension Plan, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the
Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.

                                       23
<PAGE>

         "United States" and "U.S." mean the United States of America.

         "Unreimbursed Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

         1.02 OTHER INTERPRETIVE PROVISIONS. With reference to this Agreement
and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other
Loan Document:

         (a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular
and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any
pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.
The words "include," "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed
by the phrase "without limitation." The word "will" shall be construed to have
the same meaning and effect as the word "shall." Unless the context requires
otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or
other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as
referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such
amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan
Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include
such Person's successors and assigns, (iii) the words "herein," "hereof" and
"hereunder," and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall
be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any
particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to
Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to
Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in
which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all
statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending replacing or
interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless
otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words "asset" and "property" shall
be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all
tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities,
accounts and contract rights.

         (b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a
later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including;" the words "to"
and "until" each mean "to but excluding;" and the word "through" means "to and
including."

         (c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are
included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the
interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

         1.03 ACCOUNTING TERMS. (a) Generally. All accounting terms not
specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with,
and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial
calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be
calculated and prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis,
as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in
preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically
prescribed herein.

                                       24
<PAGE>

         (b) Changes in GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all
terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with
GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrower notifies
the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any
provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date
hereof in GAAP (including but not limited to any Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards) or in the application thereof on the operation of such
provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the
Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose),
regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in
GAAP or in the application thereof, then (a) such provision shall be interpreted
on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change
shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such
provision amended in accordance herewith, and (b) if such change in GAAP would
affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in this
Agreement, then if so requested by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall
provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and
other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested setting
forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made
before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.

         1.04 ROUNDING. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the
Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the
appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place
more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and
rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if
there is no nearest number).

         1.05 TIMES OF DAY. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to
times of day shall be references to Central time (daylight or standard, as
applicable).

         1.06 LETTER OF CREDIT AMOUNTS. Unless otherwise specified herein, the
amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount
of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time (for purposes of clarity, it is
understood by the parties that in the case of a Letter of Credit which is issued
in an initial face amount and is subsequently drawn, the "stated amount" shall
mean the remaining amount available to be drawn); provided, however, that with
respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer
Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the
stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be
the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all
such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such
time.

         1.07 RESPONSIBLE OFFICER. Any document delivered hereunder that is
signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed
to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other
action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be
conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II.
                      THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

         2.01 LOANS. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each
Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a "Loan") to the Borrower
from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an
aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such
Lender's Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any
Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate
Commitments, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Loans of any
Lender, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of
all L/C Obligations, shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment. Within the
limits of each Lender's Commitment, and subject to the other terms and
conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under
Section 2.04, and reborrow under this Section 2.01. Loans may be Base Rate Loans
or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

         2.02 BORROWINGS, CONVERSIONS AND CONTINUATIONS OF LOANS.

         (a) Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the
other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the
Borrower's irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by
telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not
later than 10:00 a.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any
Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any
conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, and (ii) on the
requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans. Each telephonic notice by
the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by
delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Loan Notice, appropriately
completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each Borrowing
of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a
principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess
thereof. Except as provided in Section 2.03(c), each Borrowing of or conversion
to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole
multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Loan Notice (whether telephonic or
written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing, a
conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar
Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or
continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the
principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type
of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, and (v)
if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the
Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Loan Notice or if the Borrower
fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the
applicable Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such
automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of
the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar
Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or
continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Loan Notice, but fails to
specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest
Period of one month.

         (b) Following receipt of a Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall
promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the
applicable Loans, and if no

                                       26
<PAGE>
timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the
Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic
conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case
of a Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the
Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative
Agent's Office not later than 12:00 noon on the Business Day specified in the
applicable Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth
in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section
4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to
the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i)
crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the
amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in
accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the
Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided, however, that if, on the date
the Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there
are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing, first,
shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second,
shall be made available to the Borrower as provided above.

         (c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be
continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such
Eurodollar Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be
requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans without the
consent of the Required Lenders.

         (d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the
Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar
Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate
Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and
the Lenders of any change in Bank of America's prime rate used in determining
the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

         (e) After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans
from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type,
there shall not be more than six Interest Periods in effect with respect to
Loans.

         2.03     LETTERS OF CREDIT.

         (a)      The Letter of Credit Commitment.

         (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C
Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this
Section 2.03, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from
the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of
Credit for the account of the Borrower, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit
previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below, and (2) to
honor drawings under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the Lenders severally agree
to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower and
any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit
Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall
not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of
the Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the
Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, shall not exceed such Lender's
Commitment,

                                       27

<PAGE>

and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the
Letter of Credit Sublimit. Each request by the Borrower for the issuance or
amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the
Borrower that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions
set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence. Within the foregoing limits,
and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower's ability to obtain
Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may,
during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of
Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

         (ii)     The L/C Issuer shall not issue any Letter of Credit, if:

         (A) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiry date of such requested
Letter of Credit would (excluding automatic extensions in the applicable Letter
of Credit, which extensions are subject to annual cancellation in accordance
with the terms of an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit) occur more than twelve
months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders
have approved such expiry date; or

         (B) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur
after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Lenders have approved
such expiry date.

         (iii) The L/C Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any
Letter of Credit if:

         (A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or
arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from
issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any
request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any
Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or
request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit
generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C
Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital
requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder)
not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any
unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date
and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;

         (B) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more
policies of the L/C Issuer;

         (C) except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the L/C
Issuer, such Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $500,000;

         (D) such Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than
Dollars; or

         (E) a default of any Lender's obligations to fund under Section 2.03(c)
exists or any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender hereunder, unless the
L/C Issuer has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrower or such
Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer's risk with respect to such Lender.

                                       28

<PAGE>

         (iv) The L/C Issuer shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the L/C
Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its
amended form under the terms hereof.

         (v) The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of
Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such
Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the
beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to
such Letter of Credit.

         (vi) The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to
any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and
the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the
Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions
suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or
proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of
Credit as fully as if the term "Administrative Agent" as used in Article IX
included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as
additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer.

         (b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit;
Auto-Extension Letters of Credit.

         (i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may
be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to
the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application,
appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.
Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the
Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or
such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may
agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed
issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request
for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application
shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the
proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a
Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name
and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by
such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any
certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing
thereunder; and (G) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may reasonably require.
In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit,
such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory
to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date
of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the
proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may reasonably
require. Additionally, the Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the
Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such
requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer
Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.

         (ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the
L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in
writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of
Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, the

                                       29

<PAGE>

L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Unless the
L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent
or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of
issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more
applicable conditions contained in Article IV shall not then be satisfied, then,
subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the
requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or the
applicable Subsidiary or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may
be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer's usual and customary
business practices. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each
Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to,
purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an
amount equal to the product of such Lender's Applicable Percentage times the
amount of such Letter of Credit.

         (iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit
Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole and absolute discretion, agree to
issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an
"Auto-Extension Letter of Credit"); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter
of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once
in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter
of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a
day (the "Non-Extension Notice Date") in each such twelve-month period to be
agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise
directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a
specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an
Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to
have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of
such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of
Credit Expiration Date; provided, however, that the L/C Issuer shall not permit
any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be
permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of
Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of
the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.03(a) or otherwise), or (B)
it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before
the day that is five Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from
the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit
such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower
that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not
then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit
such extension.

         (iv) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any
amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to
the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or
amendment.

         (c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations.

         (i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any
notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 10:00 a.m. on the
date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date,
an "Honor Date"), the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the
Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such

                                       30

<PAGE>

drawing. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the
Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the
amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the "Unreimbursed Amount"), and the amount
of such Lender's Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, the Borrower
shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed
on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard
to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount
of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the
Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than
the delivery of a Loan Notice). Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the
Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by
telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an
immediate confirmation shall not affect the binding effect of such notice.

         (ii) Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i)
make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C
Issuer at the Administrative Agent's Office in an amount equal to its Applicable
Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 12:00 Noon on the Business
Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to
the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Lender that so makes funds
available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such
amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C
Issuer.

         (iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully
refinanced by a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in
Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be
deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of
the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be
due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at
the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender's payment to the Administrative
Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be
deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall
constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation
obligation under this Section 2.03.

         (iv) Until each Lender funds its Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this
Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any
Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender's Applicable Percentage of
such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.

         (v) Each Lender's obligation to make Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse
the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by
this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim,
recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the
L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the
occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or
condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however,
that each Lender's obligation to make Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is
subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the
Borrower of a Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or
otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for
the amount of

                                       31

<PAGE>

any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with
interest as provided herein.

         (vi) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent
for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender
pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time
specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover
from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such
amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is
required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C
Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a
rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on
interbank compensation. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender
(through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this
clause (vi) shall be presumed correct absent manifest error.

         (d) Repayment of Participations.

         (i) At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any
Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender's L/C Advance in
respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), if the
Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in
respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly
from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied
thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute
to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the
case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such
Lender's L/C Advance was outstanding) in the same funds as those received by the
Administrative Agent.

         (ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the
account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be
returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including
pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion),
each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C
Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent,
plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is
returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate
from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause
shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.

         (e) Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse
the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each
L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be
paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all
circumstances, including the following:

         (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit,
this Agreement, or any other Loan Document;

         (ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other
right that the Borrower or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any
beneficiary or any transferee of

                                       32

<PAGE>

such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such
transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in
connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such
Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any
unrelated transaction;

         (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under
such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient
in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any
respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document
required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

         (iv) any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against
presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the
terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such
Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy,
debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator,
receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any
transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with
any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or

         (v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not
similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might
otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower or
any Subsidiary.

         The Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and
each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of
noncompliance with the Borrower's instructions or other irregularity, the
Borrower will immediately notify the L/C Issuer.

         (f) Role of L/C Issuer. Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in
paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any
responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates
and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or
inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of
the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer,
the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any
correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any
Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request
or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii)
any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful
misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or
enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or
Issuer Document. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions
of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of
Credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall
not, preclude the Borrower's pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have
against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None
of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related
Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall
be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through
(v) of Section 2.03(e); provided, however, that anything in such clauses to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer,
and the L/C Issuer may

                                       33

<PAGE>

be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct,
as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which
the Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer's willful misconduct or gross
negligence or the L/C Issuer's willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit
after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and
certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of
Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer
may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without
responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or
information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the
validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or
purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits
thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be
invalid or ineffective for any reason.

         (g) Cash Collateral. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, (i)
if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any
Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if,
as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason
remains outstanding, the Borrower shall, in each case, immediately Cash
Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations. Sections 2.05
and 8.02(c) set forth certain additional requirements to deliver Cash Collateral
hereunder. For purposes of this Section 2.03, Section 2.05 and Section 8.02(c),
"Cash Collateralize" means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as
collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to
documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and
the L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders).
Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. The Borrower hereby grants
to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders,
a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein
and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash Collateral shall be maintained in
blocked, interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America.

         (h) Applicability of ISP and UCP. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by
the L/C Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, (i) the rules
of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of
the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits as most recently
published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance shall
apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.

         (i) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative
Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable
Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the "Letter of Credit Fee") for each Letter
of Credit equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily amount available to be
drawn under such Letter of Credit. For purposes of computing the daily amount
available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of
Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. Letter of Credit
Fees shall be (i) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears and (ii) due and
payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September
and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of
such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on
demand. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the
daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed
and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such
quarter that such Applicable Rate was in

                                       34

<PAGE>

effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the
request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter
of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

         (j) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C
Issuer. The Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a
fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit, at the rate per annum
specified in the Fee Letter, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn
under such Letter of Credit on a quarterly basis in arrears, and due and payable
on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and
December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of
such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on
demand. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under
any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in
accordance with Section 1.06. In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to
the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation,
amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of
the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect.
Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand
and are nonrefundable.

         (k) Conflict with Issuer Documents. In the event of any conflict
between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof
shall control.

         (l) Letter of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a
Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any
obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be
obligated to reimburse the L/C Issuer hereunder for any and all drawings under
such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of
Letters of Credit for the account of Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the
Borrower, and that the Borrower's business derives substantial benefits from the
businesses of such Subsidiaries.

         2.04 VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENTS. The Borrower may, upon notice to the
Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans
in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice
must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m. (A) three
Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans and (B)
on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar
Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall
be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess
thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then
outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such
prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will
promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the
amount of such Lender's Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice
is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the
payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date
specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied
by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional
amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Each such prepayment shall be applied
to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable
Percentages.

                                       35

<PAGE>

         2.05 MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS. If for any reason the Total Outstandings at
any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall
immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an
aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that the Borrower
shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this
Section 2.05 unless after the prepayment in full of the Loans the Total
Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect.

         2.06 TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS. The Borrower may, upon
notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from
time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any
such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 10:00
a.m. five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any
such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any
whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not
terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto
and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed
the Aggregate Commitments, and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of
the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit exceeds the amount of
the Aggregate Commitments, such Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the
amount of such excess. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders
of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any
reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of
each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the
effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on
the effective date of such termination.

         2.07 REPAYMENT OF LOANS. The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the
Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Loans outstanding on such date.

         2.08 INTEREST.

         (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each
Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar
Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; and (ii) each Base Rate
Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the
applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the
Applicable Rate.

         (b) (i) If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due
(without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a
fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

         (ii) If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the
Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any
applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall
thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times
equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

                                       36

<PAGE>

         (iii) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, so long as any Event of
Default is continuing, the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount
of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per
annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable Laws.

         (iv) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including
interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

         (c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each
Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be
specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with
the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the
commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

         2.09 FEES. In addition to certain fees described in subsections (i) and
(j) of Section 2.03:

         (a) Commitment Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent
for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a
commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount by
which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of
Loans and (ii) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations. The commitment fee
shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time
during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall
be due and payable in arrears at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower,
commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the
Maturity Date. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and
if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual
daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately
for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

         (b) Utilization Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent
for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a
fee equal to the utilization fee set forth in the definition of Applicable Rate
times the Total Outstandings on each day that the Total Outstandings exceed 50%
of the actual daily amount of the Aggregate Commitments then in effect (or, if
terminated, in effect immediately prior to such termination). The utilization
fee shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of
each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to
occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date. The utilization fee
shall be calculated quarterly in arrears and if there is any change in the
Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount shall be computed and
multiplied by the Applicable Rate for each period during which such Applicable
Rate was in effect. The utilization fee shall accrue at all times, including at
any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met.

         (c) Other Fees. (i) The Borrower shall pay to the Arranger and the
Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and
at the times specified in the Fee

                                       37

<PAGE>

Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable
for any reason whatsoever.

         (ii) The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been
separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified.
Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any
reason whatsoever.

         2.10 COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. All computations of interest for
Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America's "prime
rate" shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may
be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall
be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in
more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis
of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the
Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the
day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is
repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a),
bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an
interest rate or fee hereunder shall be presumed correct and binding for all
purposes, absent manifest error.

         2.11 EVIDENCE OF DEBT.

         (a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one
or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative
Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by
the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be presumed correct absent
manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the
Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any
error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation
of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the
Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records
maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative
Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative
Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any
Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and
deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall
evidence such Lender's Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each
Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if
applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

         (b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in subsection
(a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with
its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by
such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit. In the event of any conflict
between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the
accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and
records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest
error.

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<PAGE>

         2.12     PAYMENTS GENERALLY; ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT'S CLAWBACK.

         (a) General. All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made
without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or
setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the
Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of
the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative
Agent's Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 1:00
p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly
distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share
as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer
to such Lender's Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative
Agent after 1:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business
Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment
to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day,
payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of
time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

         (b) (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless
the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the
proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the
Administrative Agent such Lender's share of such Borrowing, the Administrative
Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in
accordance with Section 2.02 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make
available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has
not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the
Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally
agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding
amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from
and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but
excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of
a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a
rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry
rules on interbank compensation and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by
the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrower
and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same
or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the
Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If
such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative
Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender's Loan included in
such Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any
claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such
payment to the Administrative Agent.

         (ii) Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless
the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to
the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account
of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer hereunder that the Borrower will not make such
payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such
payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such
assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the
amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment,
then each of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees
to repay to the Administrative

                                       39

<PAGE>

Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C
Issuer, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from
and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the
date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds
Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with
banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

         A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with
respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be presumed correct,
absent manifest error.

         (c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes
available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such
Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such
funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because
the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are
not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative
Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to
such Lender, without interest.

         (d) Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders
hereunder to make Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and to make
payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of
any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any
payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve
any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no
Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its
Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section
10.04(c).

         (e) Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any
Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to
constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain
the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

         2.13 SHARING OF PAYMENTS BY LENDERS. If any Lender shall, by exercising
any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of
any principal of or interest on any of the Loans made by it, or the
participations in L/C Obligations held by it resulting in such Lender's
receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or
participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share
thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion
shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for
cash at face value) participations in the Loans and subparticipations in L/C
Obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be
equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the
Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and
accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them,
provided that:

         (i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and
all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such
participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price
restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

                                       40

<PAGE>

         (ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to
(x) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the
express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as
consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its
Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations to any assignee or participant,
other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions
of this Section shall apply).

         Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it
may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a
participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such
Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation
as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the
amount of such participation.

         2.14     INCREASE IN COMMITMENTS.

         (a) Request for Increase. Provided there exists no Default, upon notice
to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the
Borrower may from time to time request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments;
provided that (i) the Aggregate Commitments shall not at any time exceed
$400,000,000, (ii) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount
of $10,000,000, or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, and (iii)
the Borrower may make a maximum of three such requests. At the time of sending
such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall
specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which
shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of
such notice to the Lenders).

         (b) Lender Elections to Increase. Each Lender shall notify the
Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to
increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than,
or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender
not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to
increase its Commitment.

         (c) Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders. The
Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders'
responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a
requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and
the L/C Issuer (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld), the
Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders
pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent and its counsel.

         (d) Effective Date and Allocations. If the Aggregate Commitments are
increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the
Borrower shall determine the effective date (the "Increase Effective Date") and
the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly
notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and
the Increase Effective Date.

                                       41

<PAGE>

         (e) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As a condition precedent
to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a
certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date (i)
signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching
the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such
increase, and (B) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after
giving effect to such increase, (1) the representations and warranties contained
in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the
Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and
warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true
and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this
Section 2.14, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a)
and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements
furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, and
(2) no Default exists, (ii) new Notes to each Lender who requests a Note, to the
extent required as a result of the increase in the Aggregate Commitments, and
(iii) an opinion of counsel as to the corporate (or partnership or limited
liability company) authorization of the Borrower and the Guarantors of the
increase, substantively in the form delivered on the Closing Date. The Borrower
shall prepay any Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any
additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05) to the extent necessary to
keep the outstanding Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages
arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.

         (f) Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions
in Sections 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.

                                   ARTICLE III
                     TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

         3.01 TAXES.

         (a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of
any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall
be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, provided that if the Borrower shall be
required by applicable law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from
such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that
after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to
additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Lender or
L/C Issuer, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would
have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make
such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall timely pay the full amount deducted
to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

         (b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. Without limiting the
provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other
Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

         (c) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify the
Administrative Agent, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, within 30 days after
demand therefor, for

                                       42
<PAGE>

the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified
Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable
under this Section) paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C
Issuer, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses
arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes
or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant
Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or
liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy
to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf
or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be presumed correct absent
manifest error.

         (d) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority,
the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a
certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing
such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of
such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

         (e) Status of Lenders. Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an
exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction
in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such
jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other
Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative
Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably
requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, 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 of withholding.

         Any Lender, at the time or times prescribed by law or reasonably
requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other
documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the
Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the
Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to
backup withholding or information reporting requirements.

         Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the
Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, any Foreign Lender
shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of
copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which
such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time
thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent or as
required by applicable law, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled
to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:

         (i) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN
claiming the benefits of the portfolio interest exemption pursuant to subsection
(iii) below or eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the
United States is a party,

         (ii) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,

                                       43
<PAGE>

         (iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the
exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a
certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a "bank" within
the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a "10 percent shareholder"
of the Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a
"controlled foreign corporation" described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code
or (D) that such payments are not effectively connected with such Foreign
Lender's conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and (y) duly
completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or

         (iv) any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for
claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax
duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be
prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower to determine the withholding
or deduction required to be made.

         (f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If the Administrative Agent, any
Lender or the L/C Issuer determines in good faith that it has received a refund
of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower
or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to
this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but
only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by
the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving
rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative
Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest
(other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with
respect to such refund), provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the
Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, agrees to repay the amount
paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed
by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent, such Lender
or the L/C Issuer in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C
Issuer is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority, in which
case the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall provide
evidence that such refund is due to such Governmental Authority. This subsection
shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the
L/C Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating
to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.

         3.02 ILLEGALITY. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it
unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful,
for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund
Eurodollar Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the
Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions
on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of,
Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender
to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender
to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to
Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such
determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall,
upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay
or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate
Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender
may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar

                                       44
<PAGE>

Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue
to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion,
the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or
converted.

         3.03 INABILITY TO DETERMINE RATES. If the Required Lenders determine
that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or
a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being
offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable
amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and
reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any
requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan, or
(c) the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a
proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to
such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so
notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders
to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until the
Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such
notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request
for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or,
failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a
Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

         3.04 INCREASED COSTS; RESERVES ON EURODOLLAR RATE LOANS.

         (a) Increased Costs Generally.  If any Change in Law shall:

         (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit,
compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of,
deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by,
any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the Eurodollar Rate) or
the L/C Issuer;

         (ii) subject any Lender or the L/C Issuer to any tax of any kind
whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any
participation in a Letter of Credit or any Eurodollar Loan made by it, or change
the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the L/C Issuer in respect
thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and
the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by
such Lender or the L/C Issuer); or

         (iii) impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank
market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or
Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation
therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such
Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its
obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the
L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or
of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of
Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such
Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other
amount) then, upon request of such Lender

                                       45
<PAGE>

or the L/C Issuer, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as
the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such
Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred
or reduction suffered.

         (b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines
that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending
Office of such Lender or such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company, if
any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the
rate of return on such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's capital or on the capital of
such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company, if any, as a consequence of
this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or
participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of
Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the
L/C Issuer or such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company could have
achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or
the L/C Issuer's policies and the policies of such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's
holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the
Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such
additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or
such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company for any such reduction
suffered.

         (c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or the
L/C Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such
Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as
specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower
shall be presumed correct absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such
Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any
such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

         (d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or
the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of
this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's
right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be
required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing
provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions
suffered more than six months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C
Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving
rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender's or the L/C
Issuer's intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in
Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the
six-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of
retroactive effect thereof).

         3.05 COMPENSATION FOR LOSSES. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to
the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly
compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or
expense incurred by it as a result of:

         (a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan
other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest
Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of
acceleration, or otherwise);

                                       46
<PAGE>

         (b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of
such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan
other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the
Borrower; or

         (c) any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the
last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the
Borrower pursuant to Section 10.13;

including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from
the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or
from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.
The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such
Lender in connection with the foregoing.

For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under
this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar
Rate Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit
or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable
amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Loan was
in fact so funded.

         3.06 MITIGATION OBLIGATIONS; REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS.

         (a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests
compensation under Section 3.04, or the Borrower is required to pay any
additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of
any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to
Section 3.02, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a
different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign
its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or
affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment
(i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04,
as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant
to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such
Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be
disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable
costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such
designation or assignment.

         (b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under
Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any
Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to
Section 3.01, the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section
10.13.

         3.07 SURVIVAL. All of the Borrower's obligations under this Article III
shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all
other Obligations hereunder.

                                   ARTICLE IV.
                    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

         4.01 CONDITIONS OF INITIAL CREDIT EXTENSION. The obligation of the L/C
Issuer and each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject
to satisfaction of the

                                       47
<PAGE>

following conditions precedent (other than the items listed on Schedule 4.01,
which items are hereby permitted to be delivered after the Closing Date but not
later than the respective date for delivery of each such item specified on
Schedule 4.01):

         (a) The Administrative Agent's receipt of the following, each of which
shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless
otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the
signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates
of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in
form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the
Lenders:

         (i) executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Guaranty;

         (ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting
a Note;

         (iii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency
certificates and/or other certificates of a secretary or assistant secretary or
similar officer of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require
evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer
thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;

         (iv) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may
reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed,
and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to
engage in business in its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation;

         (v) (A) a favorable opinion of Fulbright and Jaworski, L.L.P., counsel
to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as
to the matters set forth in Exhibit F, and (B) a favorable opinion of Borrower's
special Oklahoma counsel as to Oklahoma law matters pertaining to Suits Drilling
Company, and a favorable opinion of Borrower's special Pennsylvania counsel as
to Pennsylvania law matters pertaining to International Petroleum Service
Company, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent;

         (vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower either (A)
attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower and the validity
against the Borrower of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such
consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B)
stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;

         (vii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower
certifying (A) that the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained
in Article V are true and correct as of the Closing Date, (B) no Default has
occurred and is continuing as of such date, and (C) that there has been no event
or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had
or could be reasonably expected to have or result in, either individually or in
the aggregate, a material adverse effect upon, or a material adverse change in,
in the business, assets,

                                       48
<PAGE>

liabilities (actual or contingent), operations, condition (financial or
otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

         (viii) a duly completed Compliance Certificate as of the last day of
the fiscal quarter of the Borrower most recently ended prior to the Closing
Date, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;

         (ix) evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent of the
termination of the Borrower's existing revolving credit agreement and repayment
of all amounts due thereunder on or before the Closing Date; and

         (x) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or
opinions as the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, or the Required Lenders
reasonably may require.

         (b) Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall
have been paid.

         (c) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have
paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent
to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional
amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its
reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be
incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate
shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower
and the Administrative Agent).

         Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.04, for
purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section
4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have
consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or
other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable
or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received
notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its
objection thereto.

         4.02 CONDITIONS TO ALL CREDIT EXTENSIONS. The obligation of each Lender
to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Loan Notice requesting
only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar
Rate Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:

         (a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other
Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are
contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith
or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit
Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties
specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and
correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section
4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of
Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished
pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01.

         (b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit
Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

                                       49
<PAGE>

         (c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer, shall
have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements
hereof.

         Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Loan Notice requesting
only a conversion of Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar
Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and
warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been
satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

                                   ARTICLE V.
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders that:

         5.01 EXISTENCE, QUALIFICATION AND POWER; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each
Loan Party (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good
standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or
organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite
governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own its
assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its
obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly
qualified and is licensed and in good standing under the Laws of each
jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the
conduct of its business requires such qualification or license, and (d) is in
compliance with all Laws; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i), (c)
or (d), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.02 AUTHORIZATION; NO CONTRAVENTION. The execution, delivery and
performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is
party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other
organizational action, and do not and will not (a) violate the terms of any of
such Person's Organization Documents; (b) violate or result in any breach of, or
the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any
Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person
or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order,
injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award
to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law. Each
Loan Party is in compliance with all Contractual Obligations referred to in
clause (b)(i), except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.03 GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; OTHER CONSENTS. No approval, consent,
exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any
Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in
connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement
against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

         5.04 BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan
Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered
by each Loan Party that is

                                       50
<PAGE>

party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so
delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan
Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance
with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance laws, and other similar laws and
provisions, and general principles of equity.

         5.05 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; NO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT.

         (a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as
otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of
operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly
noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities,
direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date
thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

         (b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries dated September 30, 2004, and the related consolidated statements
of income or operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal
quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise
expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of
operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i)
and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.

         (c) From the period commencing on the date of the Audited Financial
Statements and ending on the Closing Date, there has been no event or
circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.06 LITIGATION. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or
disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower after due and diligent
investigation, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or
before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to
affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) as to which there is a reasonable
possibility of an adverse determination, and that, if determined adversely,
could reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         5.07 NO DEFAULT. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would
result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or any other Loan Document.

         5.08 OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY; LIENS. Each of the Borrower and each
Subsidiary has good record and indefeasible title in fee simple to, or valid
leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary
conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

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<PAGE>

The property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is subject to no Liens, other
than Liens permitted by Section 7.01.

         5.09 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries
conduct in the ordinary course of business a review of the effect of existing
Environmental Laws and claims alleging potential liability or responsibility for
violation of any Environmental Law on their respective businesses, operations
and properties, and as a result thereof, the Borrower has reasonably concluded
that such Environmental Laws and claims could not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         5.10 INSURANCE. The properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are
insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates
of the Borrower, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks
as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning
similar properties in localities where the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary
operates.

         5.11 TAXES. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have filed all Federal,
state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have
paid all Federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other
governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or
assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate
reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed tax
assessment against the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if made, have a
Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is
party, with any Person other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower,
to any tax sharing agreement; provided that the allocation of taxes in
connection with a business acquisition agreement does not constitute a tax
sharing agreement.

         5.12 ERISA COMPLIANCE.

         (a) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws. Each
Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a
favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter
is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the best
knowledge of the Borrower, no event or circumstance has occurred or exists which
would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification if such event or
circumstance, or such lack of qualification, could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have made
all material amounts of required contributions to each Plan subject to Section
412 of the Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any
amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made with
respect to any Plan.

         (b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower,
threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority,
with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. There has been no

                                       52
<PAGE>

prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with
respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result
in a Material Adverse Effect.

         (c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur
that, when taken together with each other ERISA Event that has occurred or is
reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect; (ii) the Unfunded Pension Liability of all Pension
Plans does not exceed the Threshold Amount; and (iii) neither the Borrower nor
any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to
Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

         5.13 SUBSIDIARIES; EQUITY INTERESTS. As of the Closing Date, the
Borrower has no Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Part (a)
of Schedule 5.13, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests in such
Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are
owned by a Loan Party in the amounts specified on Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 free
and clear of all Liens. As of the Closing Date, the Borrower has no equity
investments in any other corporation or entity other than those specifically
disclosed in Part (b) of Schedule 5.13.

         5.14 MARGIN REGULATIONS; INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT; PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING
COMPANY ACT.

         (a) The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as
one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying
margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or
extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.
Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing or drawing under
each Letter of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of
the Borrower only or of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis) subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 or Section 7.05 or subject to
any restriction contained in any agreement or instrument between the Borrower
and any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender relating to Indebtedness and
within the scope of Section 8.01(e) will be margin stock.

         (b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any
Subsidiary (i) is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding
company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company"
of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company
Act of 1935, or (ii) is or is required to be registered as an "investment
company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

         5.15 DISCLOSURE. The Borrower has disclosed to the Administrative Agent
and the Lenders, or has stated in filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission of the type described in Section 6.02(d), all agreements, instruments
and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is
subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
No report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished
(whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the
Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder
or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or

                                       53
<PAGE>

supplemented by, or read in conjunction with, other information so furnished)
contains any material misstatement of fact or, when read together with filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the type described in Section
6.02(d), omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading in any material respect; provided that, with respect to projected
financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was
prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the
time. The Borrower has given all notices required to be delivered pursuant to
Section 6.03.

         5.16 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary is
in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all
orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties,
except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ,
injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually
or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

                                   ARTICLE VI.
                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or
other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of
Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the
case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03) cause each
Subsidiary to:

         6.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each
Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the
Required Lenders:

         (a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end
of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its Annual Report, the Form 10-K, or its
equivalent, of the Borrower, for such fiscal year that includes a consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal
year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each
case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in
reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied
by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of
nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders,
which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards and shall not be subject to any "going concern" or like
qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of
such audit; and

         (b) as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end
of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower,
its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or its equivalent, of the Borrower that
includes a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at
the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of
income or operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal
quarter and for the portion of the Borrower's fiscal year then ended, setting
forth in each case in comparative form

                                       54
<PAGE>

the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and
the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail,
and that includes a certification of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower in
accordance with applicable law and regulations, certifying that the foregoing
fairly presents the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders'
equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with
GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of
footnotes (provided, however, that the requirement for certification contained
in this paragraph (b) shall be deemed satisfied by a certification of a
Responsible Officer made in conjunction with a Form 10-Q as required by the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as in effect on the Closing Date (or as subsequently
amended if such law as amended requires a certification that is more
comprehensive than, or substantially similar to, the certification required by
this paragraph (b)).

         As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to
Section 6.02, the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such
information under clause (a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in
derogation of the obligation of the Borrower to furnish the information and
materials described in clauses (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein.

         6.02 CERTIFICATES; OTHER INFORMATION.  Deliver to the Administrative
Agent and each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative
Agent and the Required Lenders:

         (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred
to in Section 6.01(a), a certificate of its independent certified public
accountants certifying such financial statements and stating that in making the
examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any Default or, if
any such Default shall exist, stating the nature and status of such event;

         (b) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred
to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed
by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;

         (c) promptly after any request by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or
recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of
the board of directors) of the Borrower by independent accountants in connection
with the accounts or books of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any audit of
any of them;

         (d) promptly after the same are available the following (provided,
however, that the requirement to deliver the following may be satisfied by
giving notice as provided in the last paragraph of this Section 6.02): (i) each
report on Form 8-K (other than earnings reports) and effective registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (ii) each
annual report, proxy, financial statement or other report sent to the
stockholders of the Borrower, to the extent that such items are not otherwise
required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

                                       55
<PAGE>

         (e) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or
report other than those related to ministerial matters furnished to any holder
of debt securities of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof pursuant to the
terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise
required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01 or any other
clause of this Section 6.02;

         (f) promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt
thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or
other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any
applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible
investigation by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of
any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof;

         (g) the items required to be delivered pursuant to Schedule 4.01 within
the time periods therein specified; and

         (h) promptly, such additional information regarding the business,
financial or corporate affairs of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance
with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender
may from time to time reasonably request.

         The Borrower may satisfy the requirement to deliver documents pursuant
to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or Section 6.02(d) (to the extent any such documents
are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) by giving the
Administrative Agent notice by electronic mail of the posting of any such
documents, such notice to provide either a link to the Borrower's website on the
Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02 or instructions for the
Lenders to access such documents electronically from EDGAR or the Borrower's
website. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the
Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance
Certificates required by Section 6.02(b) to the Administrative Agent. Except for
such Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation
to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to
above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by
the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely
responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such
documents.

         6.03 NOTICES.  Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each
Lender:

         (a) of the occurrence of any Default;

         (b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non-performance of,
or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or
suspension between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Governmental
Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any
litigation or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary, including
pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws;

                                       56
<PAGE>

         (c) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event; and

         (d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial
reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

         Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a
statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the
occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken
and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section
6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this
Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

         6.04 PAYMENT OF OBLIGATIONS. Pay and discharge as the same shall become
due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax
liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its
properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance
with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (b) all
lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property,
except those that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP;
and (c) all Indebtedness, as and when due and payable, but subject to any
subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing
such Indebtedness.

         6.05 PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE, ETC. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain
in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of
the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by
Section 7.04; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges,
permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of
its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its
registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the failure to
preserve any of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

         6.06 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES. (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all
of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its
business in accordance with industry practices; (b) make all necessary repairs
thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) use
the standard of care typical in the industry in the operation and maintenance of
its facilities.

         6.07 MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE. Maintain with financially sound and
reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Borrower, insurance with
respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds
customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business,
of such types and in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar
circumstances by such other Person.

         6.08 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Comply in all material respects with the
requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees
applicable to it or to its business or

                                       57
<PAGE>

property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or
order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply
therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         6.09 BOOKS AND RECORDS. Maintain proper books of record and account, in
which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently
applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the
assets and business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.

         6.10 INSPECTION RIGHTS. Permit representatives and independent
contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any
of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records,
and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs,
finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public
accountants, all at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as
often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the
Borrower; provided, however, that when an Event of Default exists the
Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives
or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the
Borrower at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.

         6.11 USE OF PROCEEDS. Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for
working capital, capital expenditures, letters of credit, acquisitions, and
general corporate purposes not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan
Document; provided however, no portion of the proceeds of any Credit Extension
will be used in any manner prohibited by Section 7.09.

         6.12 ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS. Notify the Administrative Agent within 10
days after the date that any Person becomes a Domestic Subsidiary other than an
Immaterial Subsidiary, and within 10 days after the date that any Person becomes
a Domestic Subsidiary other than an Immaterial Subsidiary, cause such Person to
(a) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a
counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent
shall deem appropriate for such purpose, and (b) deliver to the Administrative
Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section
4.01(a) and favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which shall cover,
among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of
the documentation referred to in clause (a)), all in form, content and scope
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

                                  ARTICLE VII.
                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or
other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of
Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:

         7.01 LIENS. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any
of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
other than the following:

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<PAGE>

         (a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;

         (b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.01 and
any renewals or extensions thereof, provided that (i) the property covered
thereby is not changed, (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not
increased, and (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto
is not changed;

         (c) Liens for taxes or unpaid utilities not yet due or which are being
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if
adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the
applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;

         (d) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen's
or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which are not
overdue for a period of more than 60 days or which are being contested in good
faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves
with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person;

         (e) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in
connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social
security legislation, other than any Lien imposed by ERISA;

         (f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and
leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety bonds (other
than bonds related to judgments or litigation), performance bonds and other
obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

         (g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar
encumbrances affecting real property which, 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 applicable Person;

         (h) (i) Liens securing purchase money obligations of the Borrower or of
Subsidiaries of the Borrower, for fixed or capital assets acquired after the
Closing Date, provided that (A) such Liens do not at any time encumber any
property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness, (B) the
Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost or fair market value,
whichever is lower, of the property being acquired on the date of acquisition
and (C) such Liens attach to such property concurrently with or within 90 days
after the acquisition thereof, and (ii) Liens securing any refinancing of such
Indebtedness, provided that such Liens do not extend to additional property and
the amount of the Indebtedness is not increased;

         (i) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting
an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h) or securing appeal or other surety
bonds related to such judgments;

         (j) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business under Oil and Gas
Agreements to secure compliance with such agreements, provided that any such
Lien referred to in this clause

                                       59
<PAGE>

are for claims which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate action and for which adequate reserves have been maintained
in accordance with GAAP, and provided further that any such Lien referred to in
this clause does not materially impair the use of the property covered by such
Lien for the purposes for which such property is held by the Borrower or any
Subsidiary or materially impair the value of such property subject thereto, and
provided further that such Liens are limited to property that is the subject of
the relevant Oil and Gas Agreement and any proceeds thereof; and

         (k) Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.01 if at the time
of, and after giving effect to, the creation or assumption of any such Lien, the
aggregate of all obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries secured by any
Liens not otherwise permitted hereby does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net
Worth of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

         7.02     FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES.

         (a) Make or permit any Domestic Subsidiary to make any Investment in
any Foreign Subsidiary or any Joint Venture unless the book value of all
Investments (including such Investment then being made) in Foreign Subsidiaries
and Joint Ventures made on or after the Closing Date does not exceed an amount
equal to 30% of the total book value of all assets of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries calculated on a pro forma basis taking into account such
Investment; or

         (b) Incur any Indebtedness owed by the Borrower to any Foreign
Subsidiary or other Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor unless such Indebtedness
is subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to terms that are substantially the
same as the subordination terms applicable to the Guarantors pursuant to the
Guaranty.

         7.03 INDEBTEDNESS OF SUBSIDIARIES. Permit any Subsidiary of the
Borrower to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

         (a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

         (b) Guarantees in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder
of the Borrower;

         (c) Indebtedness owed by any Subsidiary to (i) the Borrower, or (ii)
another Subsidiary provided that if such Subsidiary to whom such Indebtedness is
owed is not a Guarantor, then such Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness owed by
a Foreign Subsidiary to another Foreign Subsidiary) shall be subordinated to the
Obligations pursuant to terms substantially the same as the subordination terms
applicable to the Guarantors pursuant to the Guaranty;

         (d) purchase money Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.01(h); and

         (e) unsecured Indebtedness provided that (i) both before and after such
Indebtedness is created, incurred or assumed, no Default or Event of Default
shall exist, and (ii) the aggregate

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<PAGE>

outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness shall not exceed at any time
an amount equal to 10% of Consolidated Net Worth.

         7.04 FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES. (A) Wind up, liquidate or dissolve its
affairs, or (B) amalgamate or consolidate with, or merge into, or sell, lease or
otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or
substantially all of its assets to, any other Person, or permit any other Person
to amalgamate or consolidate with, or merge into, or sell, lease or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, it, except that this
Section 7.04 shall not prohibit any of the following transactions, or any
agreement to effect the same, provided that no Default has occurred and is
continuing or would result therefrom:

         (a) any amalgamation, consolidation or merger, or sale or other
disposition of assets (other than by lease) involving the Borrower or any of its
consolidated Subsidiaries, provided that

         (i) in any such transaction involving the Borrower, the Borrower is the
surviving, resulting or continuing Person in such merger, amalgamation or
consolidation, or the transferee in such sale or other disposition (in any such
case, the "Survivor"),

         (ii) in any such transaction involving any Guarantor,

                  (x)      the entity that constituted the Guarantor immediately
prior thereto is the Survivor, or

                  (y)      the Guarantor shall have amalgamated or merged with
and into the Borrower and the Borrower shall be the Survivor, or

                  (z)      if neither the entity that constituted the Guarantor
immediately prior thereto nor the Borrower is the Survivor, the Survivor shall
execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an instrument, in form and
substance satisfactory to it, whereby the Survivor shall assume all rights and
obligations of the Guarantor under the Guaranty to which the Guarantor is a
party),

         (iii) in any such transaction not involving the Borrower or a
Guarantor, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower is the Survivor, and

         (iv) in the case of any transaction specified in the foregoing clause
(i), (ii) or (iii) (A) the Borrower, the Guarantor (except in a case specified
in clause (ii)(y)) and their Subsidiaries shall be in compliance, on a pro forma
basis after giving effect to such transaction, with the covenants contained in
this Article VII recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal
quarter of the Borrower, the Guarantor and their Subsidiaries as if such
transaction had occurred on the first day of each relevant period for testing
such compliance, (B) with respect to any amalgamation, consolidation or merger,
or sale or other disposition of assets with or to a Person not a consolidated
Subsidiary of the Borrower, the Borrower shall have delivered to the
Administrative Agent an officer's certificate to such effect, together with all
relevant financial information and calculations demonstrating such compliance
and (C) in a

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transaction of the type described in clause (a)(ii) or (a)(iii) above in which a
Guarantor is not the Survivor, the Administrative Agent shall have received an
opinion reasonably satisfactory in form, scope and substance to the
Administrative Agent, of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative
Agent, addressing such matters in connection with such transaction as the
Administrative Agent or such Lender may reasonably request, and such other
documentation as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request;

         (b) any winding up, liquidation or dissolution of any consolidated
Subsidiary if in the reasonable judgment of the board of directors (or other
managing group) of such Subsidiary, such winding up, liquidation or dissolution
is in the best interests of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries taken
as a whole and is not materially disadvantageous to any Lender, provided,
however, with respect to any winding up, liquidation or dissolution of any
Guarantor the owner of all of the capital stock of the Guarantor immediately
prior to such event shall be the Borrower or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the
Borrower;

         (c) transactions and transfers of assets among or between Loan Parties,
or among and between Loan Parties and wholly-owned Subsidiaries or among and
between wholly-owned Subsidiaries, provided that any transaction or transfers
described in this clause (c) that involves the Borrower shall be subject to the
requirements of Section 7.04(a)(i) and any transaction or transfer that involves
a Guarantor shall be subject to the requirements of Section 7.04(a)(ii); and

         (d) dispositions (whether in the form of a sale of assets or by merger)
not otherwise permitted hereunder which are made for fair market value; provided
that (i) any merger shall be subject to the requirements set forth in Section
7.04(a), (ii) the aggregate sales price from such disposition shall be paid in
cash or otherwise on payment terms satisfactory to the applicable Loan Party or
Subsidiary, and (iii) the aggregate book value of all assets of the Borrower and
its consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall not be reduced at any
time to an amount which is less than the Asset Threshold Value. As used in this
Section "Asset Threshold Value" means an amount equal to 80% of the aggregate
book value of all assets of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, on December 31, 2003, as reflected on the Borrower's
consolidated balance sheet dated December 31, 2003. No disposition (or series of
dispositions) shall be permitted if, following such disposition or series of
dispositions, the aggregate book value of all assets of the Borrower and its
consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, would be less than the Asset
Threshold Value.

         7.05 HEDGING AGREEMENTS. Enter into any Swap Contracts other than in
the ordinary course of business for the purpose of directly mitigating risks to
which the Borrower or its Subsidiaries are exposed in the conduct of their
business and not for purposes of speculation.

         7.06 CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS. Engage in any material line of
business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business substantially
related or incidental thereto.

         7.07 TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Enter into any material transaction
of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary
course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms substantially as
favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as

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would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary at the time in a
comparable arm's length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate,
except that the foregoing shall not apply to transactions among the Borrower and
one or more of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, or between or among the Borrower's
wholly-owned Subsidiaries.

         7.08 BURDENSOME AGREEMENTS. Enter into any Contractual Obligation
(other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability
of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or make other payments or distributions to
the Borrower or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to the Borrower
or any Guarantor, except restrictions that could not reasonably be expected to
impair the Borrower's ability to repay the Obligations as and when due.

         7.09 USE OF PROCEEDS.

         (a) Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or
indirectly to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U
of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such
purpose; or

         (b) Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension in connection with the
acquisition of a voting interest of five percent or more in any Person if such
acquisition is opposed by the board of directors or management of such Person.

         7.10 FINANCIAL COVENANTS.

         (a) Permit the Debt to Capitalization Ratio, expressed as a percentage,
to exceed 40% at any time.

         (b) Permit the Interest Coverage Ratio as of the last day of a fiscal
quarter to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

                                  ARTICLE VIII.
                         EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

         8.01 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Any of the following shall constitute an Event
of Default:

         (a) Non-Payment. The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i)
when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or
any L/C Obligation, or (ii) within three days after the same becomes due, any
interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any fee due hereunder, or
(iii) within five days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable
hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or

         (b) Specific Covenants. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any
term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Sections 6.03(a), 6.05(a) or
6.11 or Article VII; or

         (c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any
other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above)
contained in any Loan Document on its

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part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days after
delivery of written notice thereof to the Borrower from the Administrative Agent
acting on the instructions of any Lender; or

         (d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty,
certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the
Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any
document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or
misleading when made or deemed made; or

         (e) Cross-Default. (i) The Borrower or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make
any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment,
acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee
(other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having
an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts
and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated
credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe
or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or
Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or
relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or
other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness
or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on
behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with
the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become
due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or
otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such
Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to
become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii)
there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in
such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap
Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as
defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined)
under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an
Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value
owed by the Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the
Threshold Amount; or

         (f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any of its
Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under
any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian,
conservator, liquidator, or similar officer for it or for all or any material
part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator,
liquidator, or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent
of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60
calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any
such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without
the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar
days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries shall take any corporate, partnership or company
action in furtherance of the foregoing; or

         (g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower or any
Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally
to pay its debts as they become due, or

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<PAGE>

(ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued
or levied against all or any property of such Person if such property is a
material part of the property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 30 days after its
issue or levy; or

         (h) Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary
(i) a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount
exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent
third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), or
(ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect
and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor
upon such judgment or order, or (B) the same shall remain undischarged for a
period of 20 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such
judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

         (i) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or
Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result
in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan,
Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold
Amount, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after
the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with
respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a
Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or

         (j) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any Loan Document, at any time after
its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted
hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases
to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person contests
in any manner the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document; or any Loan
Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan
Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any Loan Document; or

         (k) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control.

         8.02 REMEDIES UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default occurs and
is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with
the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:

         (a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any
obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated,
whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;

         (b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all
interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable
hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable,
without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of
acceleration, or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly
waived by the Borrower;

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<PAGE>

         (c) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations
(in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and

         (d) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and
remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable
Law;

provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an
order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the
United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of
the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the
unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other
amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the
obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as
aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act
of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

         8.03 APPLICATION OF FUNDS. After the exercise of remedies provided for
in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due
and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash
Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts
received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative
Agent in the following order:

         First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees,
indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and
disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under
Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

         Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting
fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable
to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of
counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer and amounts payable under
Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this
clause Second payable to them;

         Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting
accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, L/C Borrowings and other Obligations,
ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective
amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

         Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting
unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders and
the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause
Fourth held by them;

         Fifth, to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer,
to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate
undrawn amount of Letters of Credit; and

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<PAGE>

         Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been
indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

         Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the
aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above
shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur.
If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit
have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied
to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.

                                   ARTICLE IX.
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

         9.01 APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY. Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer
hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the
Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes
the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such
powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or
thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental
thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the
Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither the Borrower
nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any
of such provisions.

         9.02 RIGHTS AS A LENDER. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent
hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as
any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the
Administrative Agent and the term "Lender" or "Lenders" shall, unless otherwise
expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person
serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such
Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the
financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in
any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate
thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and
without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

         9.03 EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS. The Administrative Agent shall not have
any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the
other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Administrative Agent:

         (a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties,
regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

         (b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or
exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers
expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the
Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the
Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be
expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the
Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its
opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to
liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

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         (c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other
Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the
failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its
Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the
Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

         The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or
not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders
(or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as
the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under
the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence
of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent
shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice
describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a
Lender or the L/C Issuer.

         The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty
to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made
in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the
contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or
thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or
observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set
forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity,
enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan
Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction
of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to
confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the
Administrative Agent.

         9.04 RELIANCE BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. The Administrative Agent shall
be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon,
any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or
other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website
posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been
signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative
Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and
believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any
liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition
hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that
by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C
Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory
to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have
received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer prior to the
making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative
Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower),
independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be
liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of
any such counsel, accountants or experts.

         9.05 DELEGATION OF DUTIES. The Administrative Agent may perform any and
all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any
other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the
Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may
perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and

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powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory
provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related
Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to
their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit
facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

         9.06 RESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. The Administrative Agent may
at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and
the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required
Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a
successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an
Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such
successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have
accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent
gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on
behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative
Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the
Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no
qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall
nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring
Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any
collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or
the L/C Issuer under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Administrative
Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a
successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) all payments,
communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the
Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the L/C
Issuer directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor
Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance
of a successor's appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor
shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges
and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring
Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations
hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom
as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrower to a
successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its
predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.
After the retiring Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder and under the
other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall
continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its
sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken
or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent
was acting as Administrative Agent.

         Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to
this Section shall also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer. Upon the
acceptance of a successor's appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (a)
such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights,
powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer, (b) the retiring L/C
Issuer shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations
hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (c) the successor L/C Issuer
shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any,
outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangement
satisfactory to the retiring L/C Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of
the retiring L/C Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.

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         9.07 NON-RELIANCE ON ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER LENDERS. Each
Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without
reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their
Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this
Agreement. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will,
independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other
Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and
information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its
own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement,
any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished
hereunder or thereunder.

         9.08 NO OTHER DUTIES, ETC. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, none of the Bookrunners, Arrangers or agents, if any, listed on
the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under
this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as
applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder.

         9.09 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM. In case of the
pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial
proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of
whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and
payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of
whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower)
shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise

         (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and
interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other
Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be
necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C
Issuer and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C
Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and
all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent
under Sections 2.03(i) and (j), 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial
proceeding; and

         (b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

         and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator,
sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby
authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer
to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the
Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to
the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount
due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the
Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04.

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         Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the
Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of
any Lender or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment
or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to
authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender
in any such proceeding.

         9.10 GUARANTY MATTERS. The Lenders and the L/C Issuer irrevocably
authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to
release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person
ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder.

         Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required
Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent's authority to release
any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section
9.10.

                                   ARTICLE X.
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         10.01 AMENDMENTS, ETC. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the
Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing
signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as
the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such
waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the
specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment,
waiver or consent shall:

         (a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) without the
written consent of each Lender;

         (b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any
Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of
such Lender;

         (c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan
Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to
the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without
the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

         (d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein
on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso
to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any
other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected
thereby; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall
be necessary (i) to amend the definition of "Default Rate" or to waive any
obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the
Default Rate or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined
term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the
rate of interest on any Loan or L/C Borrowing or to reduce any fee payable
hereunder;

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<PAGE>

         (e) change Section 2.13 or Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter
the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of
each Lender;

         (f) change any provision of this Section or the definition of "Required
Lenders" or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of
Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or
make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written
consent of each Lender; or

         (g) release all or substantially all of the Guarantors from the
Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender;

and, provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in
writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above,
affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer
Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no
amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the
Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the
rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other
Loan Document; (iii) Section 10.06(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise
modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose
Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other
modification; and (iv) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges
thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have
any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder,
except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended
without the consent of such Lender.

         10.02    NOTICES; EFFECTIVENESS; ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION.

         (a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other
communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as
provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided
for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight
courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as
follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder
to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as
follows:

         (i) if to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, or the L/C Issuer, to
the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number
specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and

         (ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number,
electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative
Questionnaire.

         Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by
certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received;
notices sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except
that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be
deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business

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day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to
the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in
such subsection (b).

         (b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the
Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic
communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to
procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing
shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article
II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the
Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such
Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower
may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it
hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it,
provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices
or communications.

         Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and
other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the
sender's receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by
the "return receipt requested" function, as available, return e-mail or other
written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is
not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or
communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on
the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications
posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the
deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in
the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is
available and identifying the website address therefor.

         (c) Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrower, the Administrative
Agent and the L/C Issuer may change its address, telecopier or telephone number
for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties
hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number
for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the
Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer.

         (d) Reliance by Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lenders. The
Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely
and act upon any notices (including telephonic Loan Notices) purportedly given
by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a
manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any
other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood
by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall
indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related
Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities
resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by
or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic
communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the
Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such
recording.

         10.03 NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No failure by any Lender, the L/C
Issuer or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person
in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as
a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or

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<PAGE>

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.

         10.04    EXPENSES; INDEMNITY; DAMAGE WAIVER.

         (a) Costs and Expenses. The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates
(including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the
Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit
facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution,
delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or
any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof
(whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be
consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the L/C
Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any
Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the
L/C Issuer (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the
Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, in connection with the
enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in
connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including
all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or
negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

         (b) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify the
Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and the L/C
Issuer, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person
being called an "Indemnitee") against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from,
any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including
the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred
by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by
the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a
result of (i) the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the
preparation, negotiation execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan
Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the
performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or
thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the
proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand
for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection
with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of
Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials
on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation,
investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on
contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the
Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a
party thereto, IN ALL CASES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN
PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNITEE;

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<PAGE>

provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to
the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses
are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable
judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
such Indemnitee.

         (c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that the Borrower for any
reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b)
of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent
thereof), the L/C Issuer or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each
Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such
sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or such Related Party, as the case may be, such
Lender's Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable
unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount,
provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage,
liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted
against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or the L/C Issuer in
its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing
acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or L/C Issuer in
connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this
subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d).

         (d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives,
any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special,
indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual
damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement,
any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the
use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above
shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of
any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications,
electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby.

         (e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not
later than ten Business Days after demand therefor.

         (f) Survival. The agreements in this Section shall survive the
resignation of the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, the replacement of
any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment,
satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.

         10.05 PAYMENTS SET ASIDE. To the extent that any payment by or on
behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or
any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises
its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part
thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential,
set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the
Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be
repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any
proceeding under any

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Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the
obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived
and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or
such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally
agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share
(without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the
Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the
date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate
from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer
under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of
the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

         10.06    SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

         (a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may
not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder
without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender
and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations
hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions
of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance
with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, (iii) by way of pledge or
assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f)
of this Section, or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (h) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer
by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement,
expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than
the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby,
Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to
the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the
Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable
right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

         (b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or
more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under
this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans
(including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C
Obligations) at the time owing to it); provided that

         (i) except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount
of the assigning Lender's Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in
the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved
Fund with respect to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for
this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not
then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning
Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment
and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the
Administrative Agent or, if "Trade Date" is specified in the Assignment and
Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each
of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed);

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         (ii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a
proportionate part of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under
this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned;

         (iii) any assignment of a Commitment must be approved by the
Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer unless the Person that is the proposed
assignee is itself a Lender (whether or not the proposed assignee would
otherwise qualify as an Eligible Assignee); and

         (iv) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the
Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing
and recordation fee of $3,500 (unless the Eligible Assignee is an Affiliate of a
Lender, in which case such fee shall not apply), and the Eligible Assignee, if
it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an
Administrative Questionnaire.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant
to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified
in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a
party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such
Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under
this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the
interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its
obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and
Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under
this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue
to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, and 10.04 with
respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such
assignment. Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and
deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of
rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this
subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such
Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with
subsection (d) of this Section.

         (c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose
as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent's Office
a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the
recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of,
and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Obligations
owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the
"Register"). The entries in the Register shall be presumed correct, and the
Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose
name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender
hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the
contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by each of the Borrower
and the L/C Issuer at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable
prior notice. In addition, at any time that a request for a consent for a
material or substantive change to the Loan Documents is pending, any Lender
wishing to consult with other Lenders in connection therewith may request and
receive from the Administrative Agent a copy of the Register.

         (d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of,
or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to
any Person (other than a natural

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person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower's Affiliates or Subsidiaries)
(each, a "Participant") in all or a portion of such Lender's rights and/or
obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment
and/or the Loans (including such Lender's participations in L/C Obligations)
owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement
shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the
other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the
Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall
continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such
Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement.

         Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a
participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to
enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of
any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may
provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree
to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to
Section 10.01 that affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this
Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the
benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a
Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of
this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be
entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender, provided
such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a
Lender.

         (e) Limitations upon Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be
entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 than the
applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the
participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to
such Participant is made with the Borrower's prior written consent. A
Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be
entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless the Borrower is notified of the
participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the
benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a
Lender.

         (f) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a
security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement
(including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender,
including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve
Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from
any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for
such Lender as a party hereto.

         (g) Electronic Execution of Assignments. The words "execution,"
"signed," "signature," and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption
shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in
electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or
enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based
recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in
any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and
National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act,
or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions
Act.

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         (h) Special Purpose Funding Vehicles. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, any Lender (a "Granting Lender") may grant to a
special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time
by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an "SPC")
the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender
would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that
(i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan,
and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make
all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make
such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof or, if it fails to do so, to make such
payment to the Administrative Agent as is required under Section 2.12(b)(ii).
Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) neither the grant to any SPC nor the
exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or
otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this
Agreement (including its obligations under Section 3.04), (ii) no SPC shall be
liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for
which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all
purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification
of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder.
The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the
Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such
Granting Lender. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby
agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that,
prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all
outstanding commercial paper or other senior debt of any SPC, it will not
institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, such SPC any
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, or liquidation proceeding
under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but
without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and without
paying any processing fee therefor, assign all or any portion of its right to
receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii)
disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its
funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of
any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.

         (i) Resignation as L/C Issuer after Assignment. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America
assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank
of America may, (i) upon 30 days' notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign
as L/C Issuer. In the event of any such resignation as L/C
Issuer, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a
successor L/C Issuer hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by the
Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of
America as L/C Issuer. If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain
all the rights and obligations of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all
Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C
Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to
require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in
Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)).

         10.07    TREATMENT OF CERTAIN INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY.

         (a) Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer
agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below),
except that Information may

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be disclosed (i) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates' respective
partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives
(it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be
informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep
such Information confidential), (ii) to the extent requested by any regulatory
authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory
authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (iii)
to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or
similar legal process, (iv) to any other party hereto, (v) in connection with
the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any
action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or
the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (vi) subject to an agreement
containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (A)
any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant
in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (B) any actual or
prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction
relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (vii) with the consent of the
Borrower or (viii) to the extent such Information (X) becomes publicly available
other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (Y) becomes available to
the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective
Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.

         For purposes of this Section 10.07(a), "Information" means all
information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary relating to the
Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any
such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or
the L/C Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or
any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from the
Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly
identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to
maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be
considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has
exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such
Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

         (b) The Borrower agrees that the Fee Letter and any commitment letter
executed in connection herewith are confidential, and agrees not to disclose any
information contained in any such letter except upon the terms therein set
forth.

         10.08 RIGHT OF SETOFF. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective
Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all
deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever
currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any
time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the
credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and
all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party now or hereafter
existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the
L/C Issuer, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall
have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and
although such obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party may be contingent
or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or the L/C Issuer
different from the branch or office holding

                                       80

<PAGE>

such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of each Lender, the
L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to
other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender,
the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and the L/C
Issuer agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after
any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice
shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

         10.09 INTEREST RATE LIMITATION. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid
under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious
interest permitted by applicable Law (the "Maximum Rate"). If the Administrative
Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum
Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if
it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining
whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative
Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent
permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal
as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary
prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and
spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the
contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

         To the extent that the interest rate laws of the State of Texas are
applicable to the Loans for purposes of determining the "maximum rate" or the
"maximum amount," then those terms mean the "weekly ceiling" from time to time
in effect under Texas Finance Code Section 303.001, as limited by Texas Finance
Code Section 303.009, and, to the extent that this Agreement is deemed an open
end account as such term is defined in Texas Finance Code Section
301.002(a)(14), the Lenders retain the right to modify the interest rate in
accordance with applicable law. The parties agree that Texas Finance Code,
Chapter 346, which regulates certain revolving loan accounts and revolving
triparty accounts, shall not apply to any revolving loan accounts created under
this Agreement or the Notes or maintained in connection therewith.

         10.10 COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement may be
executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different
counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when
taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other
Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the
subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and
understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except
as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall
have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent
shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the
signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed
counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective
as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

         10.11 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations
and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document
delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith
shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such
representations and warranties have been or will be relied

                                       81

<PAGE>

upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any
investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf
and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had
notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and
shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other
Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit
shall remain outstanding.

         10.12 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the other
Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the
legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby
and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the
illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic
effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any
other jurisdiction.

         10.13 REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS. If any Lender requests compensation under
Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any
Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to
Section 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may,
upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to
assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the
restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its
interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan
Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may
be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

         (a)      the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the
assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b);

         (b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the
outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon,
accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other
Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) from the assignee (to
the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the
Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

         (c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for
compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to
Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or
payments thereafter; and

         (d)      such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.

         A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or
delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or
otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment
and delegation cease to apply.

                                       82

<PAGE>

         10.14    GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; ETC.

         (a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS; PROVIDED THAT THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER SHALL RETAIN ALL RIGHTS ARISING UNDER
APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW.

         (b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY
IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE
NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS SITTING IN HARRIS
COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF
TEXAS, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR
RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO
IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH
ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH TEXAS STATE COURT OR,
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH
OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR
PROCEEDING MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN
ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR THE
L/C ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN
PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

         (c) WAIVER OF VENUE. THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY
AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW,
ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY
ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER
LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF
THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH
ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

         (d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO
SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING
IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN
ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

                                       83

<PAGE>

         10.15 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE
TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF
OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER
THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR
ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH
OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE
FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE
BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG
OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

         10.16 USA PATRIOT ACT NOTICE. Each Lender that is subject to the Act
(as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on
behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the
requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into
law October 26, 2001)) (the "Act"), it is required to obtain, verify and record
information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name
and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or
the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance
with the Act.

         10.17 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS
REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY
EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE
PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

                                       84

<PAGE>

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

                                        PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.,
                                        a Delaware corporation, as Borrower

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)

<PAGE>

                                      BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                                      as Administrative Agent

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)

<PAGE>

                                             BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                                             as L/C Issuer and a Lender

                                             By:
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Claire M. Liu
                                                Senior Vice President

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                             THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD.,
                                             as a Lender

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                             MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD.,
                                             as a Lender

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                             THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC,
                                             as a Lender

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                             SOUTHWEST BANK OF TEXAS, N.A.,
                                             as a Lender

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                             SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORP., as a
                                             Lender

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                             WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL
                                             ASSOCIATION, as a Lender

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

                  Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement
                         (Patterson - UTI Energy, Inc.)
<PAGE>

                                                                   SCHEDULE 2.01

                                   COMMITMENTS

                           AND APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Lender                                                  Commitment                Applicable Percentage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>                        <C>
Bank of America, N.A.                                           $ 34,000,000               17.000000000%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.                              $ 34,000,000               17.000000000%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc                                  $ 34,000,000               17.000000000%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.                                   $ 34,000,000               17.000000000%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.                                          $ 34,000,000               17.000000000%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.                                     $ 15,000,000                7.500000000%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southwest Bank of Texas, N.A.                                   $ 15,000,000                7.500000000%

TOTAL                                                           $200,000,000              100.000000000%

</TABLE>

                                  Schedule 2.01
                                     Page 1

<PAGE>
                                                                   SCHEDULE 4.01

                              POST CLOSING MATTERS

1. Copy of corporate charter (or articles of incorporation) certified by the
Secretary of State of the State of Pennsylvania, and good standing certificate
issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Pennsylvania, for International
Petroleum Service Company. The foregoing shall be delivered within fourteen (14)
days after Closing.

2. Copy of corporate charter (or articles of incorporation) certified by the
Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma, and good standing certificate
issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma, for Suits Drilling
Company. The foregoing shall be delivered within fourteen (14) days after
Closing.

3. Opinions of special counsel required by Section 4.01(a)(v)(B). Time for
delivery: within fourteen (14) days after Closing.

                                  Schedule 4.01
                                     Page 1

<PAGE>

                                                                   SCHEDULE 5.13

                    SUBSIDIARIES AND OTHER EQUITY INVESTMENTS

Part (a). Domestic Subsidiaries

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     State of
                                                                        Percent Owned              Incorporation
              Name                                                       by Borrower              or Organization
              ----                                                       -----------              ----------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                       <C>
Ambar Drilling Fluids LP, LLLP                                               100%                     Delaware
International Petroleum Service Company                                      100%                   Pennsylvania
Lone Star Mud LP, LLLP                                                       100%                     Delaware
Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.                                         100%                     Delaware
Norton Drilling, L.P.                                                        100%                     Delaware
Norton Drilling Services, Inc.                                               100%                     Delaware
Norton GP, L.L.C.                                                            100%                     Delaware
Patterson (GP) LLC                                                           100%                     Delaware
Patterson (GP2) LLC                                                          100%                     Delaware
Patterson (LP) LLC                                                           100%                     Delaware
Patterson Petroleum LP, LLLP                                                 100%                     Delaware
Patterson Petroleum Trading Company LP, LLLP                                 100%                     Delaware
Patterson-UTI Aviation Services LLC                                          100%                     Delaware
Patterson-UTI Drilling Company LP, LLLP                                      100%                     Delaware
Patterson-UTI Drilling Company South LP, LLLP                                100%                     Delaware
Patterson-UTI Drilling Company West LP, LLLP                                 100%                     Delaware
Suits Drilling Company                                                       100%                     Oklahoma
TMBR/Sharp Drilling, LLC                                                     100%                      Texas
Universal Well Services, Inc.                                                100%                     Delaware
UTI Drilling Canada, Inc.                                                    100%                     Delaware
UTI Drilling, L.P.                                                           100%                      Texas
UTI Management Services, L.P.                                                100%                      Texas
UTICO Hard Rock Boring, Inc.                                                 100%                     Delaware
UTICO, Inc.                                                                  100%                     Delaware

</TABLE>

Part (b) Foreign Subsidiaries

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      State of
                                                                       Percent Owned by           Incorporation or
              Name                                                       by Borrower                Organization
              ----                                                       -----------              ----------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                       <C>
Eastern Reservoir Services Company                                           100%                   Nova Scotia
Phelps Drilling CO.                                                          100%                   Nova Scotia

</TABLE>

                                  Schedule 5.13
                                     Page 1

<PAGE>

                                                                   SCHEDULE 7.01

                             CERTAIN EXISTING LIENS

                                      None.

                                  Schedule 7.01
                                     Page 1

<PAGE>

                                                                  SCHEDULE 10.02

                  ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES TO COMPANY, GUARANTORS
                            AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
4510 Lamesa Highway
Snyder, Texas 79549
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Telephone:  (325) 574-6323
Facsimile:  (325) 574-6307

GUARANTORS

[NAME OF GUARANTOR]
c/oPatterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
4510 Lamesa Highway
Snyder, Texas 79549
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
Telephone:  (325) 574-6323
Facsimile:  (325) 574-6307

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
  as Administrative Agent

Address for Notices:

Bank of America, N.A.
901 Main Street
Dallas, TX  75202
Attention:  Renita Cummings
Telephone:  (214) 209-4130
Facsimile:  (214) 290-8371
Email:  renita.m.cummings@bankofamerica.com

                                 Schedule 10.02
                                     Page 1

<PAGE>

With a copy to:

Bank of America, N.A.
700 Louisiana
8th Floor - TX4-213-08-14
Attention:  Thelma Johnson
Houston, Texas 77002
Telephone:  (713) 247-7231
Facsimile:  (713) 247-7286
Email:  thelma.l.johnson@bankofamerica.com

Administrative Agent's Payment office:

Bank of America
ABA No.:    111000012
Acct. No.:  1292000883
Ref:  Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

Bank of America, N.A.
901 Main Street
Dallas, Texas  75282--3714
Attention:  Betty Canales
Telephone:  (214) 209-2131
Facsimile:  (214) 290-8371
Email:  betty.l.canales@bankofamerica.com

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Issuing Bank

Address for Notices:

333 S. Beaudry Avenue
19th Floor -- CA9-703-19-23
Los Angeles, CA  90017
Standby Letter of Credit Department
Attention:  Stella Rosales
Telephone:  (213) 345-0141
Facsimile:  (213) 345-6684

                                 Schedule 10.02
                                     Page 2
<PAGE>

With a copy to:

Bank of America, N.A.
700 Louisiana
8th Floor - TX4-213-08-14
Attention:  Thelma Johnson
Houston, Texas 77002
Telephone:  (713) 247-7231
Facsimile:   (713) 247-7286
Email:  thelma.l.johnson@bankofamerica.com

                                 Schedule 10.02
                                     Page 3

<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                               FORM OF LOAN NOTICE

                                                       Date:  ___________, _____

To:      Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of
December 17, 2004 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise
modified in writing from time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined
therein being used herein as therein defined), among Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the Lenders from time to time party
thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer.

         The undersigned hereby requests (select one):

         [ ] a Borrowing   [ ] a conversion of Loans  [ ] a continuation of
                                                           Eurodollar Rate Loans

         1.   On                                 (a Business Day).

         2.   In the amount of $                                  .

         3.   Comprised of                                        .
                                  [Type of Loan requested]

         4.   For Eurodollar Rate Loans:  with an Interest Period
              of                months.

         The Borrowing, if any, requested herein complies with the proviso to
the first sentence of Section 2.01 of the Agreement.

                                             PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.,
                                             a Delaware corporation, as Borrower

                                             By:________________________________

                                             Name:______________________________

                                             Title:_____________________________

                                      A - 1
                              Form of Loan Notice
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF NOTE

                                                           _______________, 2004

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the "Borrower") hereby promises to
pay to _____________________ or permitted and registered assigns (the "Lender"),
in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the
principal amount of each Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the
Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 17, 2004 (as
amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from
time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined therein being used herein as
therein defined), among the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party
thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer.

         The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of
each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in
full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All
payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for
the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the
Administrative Agent's Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due
hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from
the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as
after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

         This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled
to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the
terms and conditions provided therein. This Note is also entitled to the
benefits of the Guaranty. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of
the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining
unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and
payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be
evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender and
by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may
also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, Type, amount
and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

         The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives
diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, notice of
intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration, demand, dishonor and non-payment
of this Note.

         The terms of Section 10.09 of the Credit Agreement are incorporated
herein as fully as if set forth herein.

         THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS; PROVIDED THAT EACH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND
THE LENDER SHALL RETAIN ALL RIGHTS ARISING UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW.

                                       B-1
                                  Form of Note
<PAGE>

                                       PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.,
                                       a Delaware corporation, as Borrower

                                       By:
                                           -------------------------------------

                                       Name:
                                             -----------------------------------

                                       Title:
                                              ----------------------------------

                                       B-2
                                  Form of Note

<PAGE>

                     LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               AMOUNT OF
                                                                              PRINCIPAL OR     OUTSTANDING
                                                               END OF          INTEREST         PRINCIPAL
                          TYPE OF          AMOUNT OF          INTEREST         PAID THIS         BALANCE           NOTATION
        DATE             LOAN MADE         LOAN MADE           PERIOD             DATE          THIS DATE          MADE BY
-------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S>                  <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>                <C>               <C>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

</TABLE>

                                       B-3
                                  Form of Note

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

                                            Financial Statement Date:__________,

To:      Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December
17, 2004 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in
writing from time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined therein being used
herein as therein defined), among Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer.

         The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date
hereof that he/she is the ______________________ of the Borrower, and that, as
such, he/she is authorized to execute and deliver this Certificate to the
Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrower, and that:

      [Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal YEAR-END financial statements]

         1. [Attached hereto are] or [The Borrower has submitted or is
submitting on this date pursuant to Section 6.01(a) of the Agreement the
following:] the year-end audited financial statements required by Section
6.01(a) of the Agreement for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended as of the
above date and the report and opinion of an independent certified public
accountant required by such section.

     [Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal QUARTER-END financial statements]

         1. [Attached hereto are] or [The Borrower has submitted or is
submitting on this date pursuant to Section 6.01(b) of the Agreement the
following:] the unaudited financial statements required by Section 6.01(b) of
the Agreement for the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended as of the above date.
Such financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance
with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end
audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

         2. The undersigned has reviewed and is familiar with the terms of the
Agreement and has made, or has caused to be made under his/her supervision, a
detailed review of the transactions and condition (financial or otherwise) of
the Borrower during the accounting period covered by the attached financial
statements.

         3. A review of the activities of the Borrower during such fiscal period
has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to
determining whether during such fiscal period the Borrower performed and
observed all its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and

                                      C-1
                         Form of Compliance Certificate
<PAGE>

                                  [select one:]

[to the best knowledge of the undersigned during such fiscal period, the
Borrower performed and observed each covenant and condition of the Loan
Documents applicable to it.]
                                     --or--

         [the following covenants or conditions have not been performed or
observed and the following is a list of each such Default and its nature and
status:]

         4. The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in
Article V of the Agreement, and any representations and warranties of any Loan
Party that are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in
connection with the Loan Documents, are true and correct on and as of the date
hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties
specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct
as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Compliance
Certificate, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and
(b) of Section 5.05 of the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent
statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section
6.01 of the Agreement, including the statements in connection with which this
Compliance Certificate is delivered, [except as follows: _______________].

         5. The financial covenant analyses and information set forth on
Schedule 1 attached hereto are true and accurate on and as of the date of this
Certificate.

         6. Each Domestic Subsidiary (excluding Immaterial Subsidiaries)
existing as of the date of this Certificate has executed and delivered to the
Administrative Agent a Guaranty (or such other document as the Administrative
Agent has requested to cause such Domestic Subsidiary to become a Guarantor),
and such other documents as are required by Section 6.12 of the Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as
of __________________,_____________.

                                        PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC.,
                                        a Delaware corporation, as Borrower

                                        By: ____________________________________

                                        Name: __________________________________

                                        Title:__________________________________

                                      C-2
                         Form of Compliance Certificate

<PAGE>

        For the Quarter/Year ended ___________________("Statement Date")

                                   SCHEDULE 1
                          to the Compliance Certificate
                                  ($ in 000's)

I.       SECTION 7.10(a) --DEBT TO CAPITALIZATION RATIO.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                                     <C>
         A.  Consolidated Funded Indebtedness:

             1.       Obligations for borrowed money:                                   $_________________

             2.       Reimbursement obligations arising under letters of credit,
                      bankers' acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, and
                      similar instruments:                                              $_________________

             3.       Obligations to pay deferred purchase price of
                      property or services (other than trade accounts
                      payable to a Person (i) in the United States or
                      Canada, if not past due for more than 60 days or (ii)
                      in any other country, if not past due for more than
                      120 days):                                                        $_________________

             4.       Indebtedness secured by a Lien on property owned or being
                      purchased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries:                    $_________________

             5.       Capital leases:                                                   $_________________

             6.       Obligations in respect of any forward sale of production for
                      which payment is received in advance, other than on ordinary
                      trade terms:                                                      $_________________

             7.       Obligations to purchase, redeem, or otherwise make
                      any payment in respect of any Equity Interest, on a
                      date certain and not subject to any contingencies, or
                      at the option of the holder of such Equity Interest:              $_________________

             8.       Guaranty obligations in respect of the foregoing:                 $_________________

             9.       Consolidated Funded Indebtedness (the sum of I.A.1 through
                      I.A.8):                                                           $_________________

         B.  Total Capital

             1.       Consolidated Funded Indebtedness (I.A.9):                         $_________________

             2.       Consolidated Net Worth:                                           $_________________

             3.       Total Capital (I.B.1 + I.B.2):                                    $_________________

         C.  Debt to Capitalization Ratio ((I.A.9 / I.B.3) x 100):                      __________________%

             Maximum allowed:                                                                           40%

</TABLE>

                                      C-3
                         Form of Compliance Certificate

<PAGE>

II.      SECTION 7.10(b) -- INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO.

<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                     <C>
         A.       Consolidated EBITDA for four consecutive fiscal quarters
                  ending on above date ("Subject Period"):

                  1.       Consolidated Net Income for Subject Period:                  $_________________

                  2.       Consolidated Interest Charges for Subject Period:            $_________________

                  3.       Income taxes for Subject Period (including state
                           franchise taxes based on income or similar taxes
                           based on income):                                            $_________________

                  4.       Depreciation expenses for Subject Period:                    $_________________

                  5.       Depletion expenses for Subject Period:                       $_________________

                  6.       Amortization expenses for Subject Period:                    $_________________

                  7.       Non-cash reductions of Consolidated Net Income for
                           Subject Period:                                              $_________________

                  8.       Non-cash additions to Consolidated Net Income for
                           Subject Period:                                              $_________________

                  9.       Consolidated EBITDA (II.A.1 + II.A.2 + II.A.3 +
                           II.A.4 + II.A.5 + II.A.6 + II.A.7 - II.A.8):                 $_________________

         B.       Consolidated Interest Charges for Subject Period:

                  1.       Interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees,
                           charges and related expenses in connection with
                           borrowed money or in connection with the deferred
                           purchase price of assets:                                    $_________________

                  2.       Rent expenses under capital leases treated as
                           interest in accordance with GAAP:                            $_________________

                  3.       Consolidated Interest Charges (II.B.1 + II.B.2):             $_________________

         C.       Interest Coverage Ratio (II.A.9 / II.B.3):                            ____  to 1
                  Minimum required:                                                     3.00  to 1

</TABLE>

                                       C-4
                         Form of Compliance Certificate

<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT D

                        FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

         This Assignment and Assumption (this "Assignment and Assumption") is
dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and
between [Insert name of Assignor] (the "Assignor") and [Insert name of Assignee]
(the "Assignee"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the "Credit
Agreement"), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee.
The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are
hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this
Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

         For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and
assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and
assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms
and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by
the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor's rights
and obligations as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents
or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount
and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and
obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below
(including, without limitation, the Letters of Credit included in such
facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable
law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in
its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising
under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or
instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby
or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not
limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims
and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations
sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold
and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein
collectively as, the "Assigned Interest"). Such sale and assignment is without
recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment
and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

1.  Assignor:  ______________________________

2.  Assignee:  ______________________________ [and is an [Affiliate/Approved
    Fund] of [identify Lender]]

3.  Borrower(s): Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation

4.  Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent
    under the Credit Agreement

5.  Credit Agreement: Credit Agreement dated as of December 17, 2004, among
    Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto,
    and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and L/C Issuer

                                       D-1
                        Form of Assignment and Assumption

<PAGE>

6.       Assigned Interest:

        Aggregate
        Amount of             Amount of             Percentage
       Commitment             Commitment           Assigned of
     for all Lenders          Assigned(1)         Commitment(2)    CUSIP Number

    $________________     $________________      ______________%

[7.      Trade Date:       __________________](3)

Effective Date: __________________, 20__ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE
REGISTER THEREFOR.]

    The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

                                         ASSIGNOR
                                         [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

                                         By: _____________________________
                                             Title:

                                         ASSIGNEE
                                         [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

                                         By: _____________________________
                                             Title:

----------------------------------
       (1) Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any
payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

       (2) Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment
of all Lenders thereunder.

       (3) To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the
minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

                                      D-2
                       Form of Assignment and Assumption

<PAGE>

[Consented to and](4) Accepted:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as
  Administrative Agent and as L/C Issuer

By: _________________________________
    Title:

[Consented to:](5)

PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC., as
  Borrower

By: _________________________________
    Title:

--------
         (4) To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent and
L/C Issuer is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

         (5) To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the
terms of the Credit Agreement.

                                     D - 3
                        Form of Assignment and Assumption
<PAGE>

                                            ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

                        STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

                            ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

                1.Representations and Warranties.

                1.1. Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i)
it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned
Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and
(iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to
execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect
to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection
with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution,
legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the
Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of
the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person
obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance
by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of
any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

                1.2. Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i)
it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute
and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it
meets all requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement
(subject to receipt of such consents as may be required under the Credit
Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the
provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of
the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv)
it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most
recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as
applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this
Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of
which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance
on the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and (v) if it is a Foreign
Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it
pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by
the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without
reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor 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 decisions in taking or not taking action
under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their
terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are
required to be performed by it as a Lender.

                2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the
Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest
(including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the
Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but

                                      D-4
                        Form of Assignment and Assumption

<PAGE>

excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued
from and after the Effective Date.

                3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be
binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be
executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one
instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this
Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a
manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment
and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law
of the State of Texas.

                                      D-5
                        Form of Assignment and Assumption

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                                     FORM OF
                               CONTINUING GUARANTY

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,
and in consideration of any credit and/or financial accommodation heretofore or
hereafter from time to time made or granted to Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
("Borrower") or any other Loan Party under that certain Credit Agreement dated
as of December 17, 2004, by and between Borrower, the financial institutions
party thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"), and Bank of America, N.A., as
Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent") and as L/C
Issuer (the "Credit Agreement"), each of the Persons now or hereafter
signatories hereto (each a "Guarantor," and, collectively, the "Guarantors")
hereby furnishes in favor of Administrative Agent and the Lenders (each a
"Guaranteed Party" and collectively, the "Guaranteed Parties") its joint and
several guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereinafter defined) as
follows:

         1. REFERENCE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT. Each Guarantor covenants and agrees
that certain representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the Credit
Agreement are applicable to Guarantors, and it (i) reaffirms that each such
representation and warranty is true and correct in every material respect with
respect to such Guarantor to the extent that such representation and warranty
refers to such Guarantor, and (ii) agrees to comply with all of the covenants
related to it, contained in the Credit Agreement. Each Guarantor agrees that if
the Credit Agreement shall cease to remain in effect for any reason whatsoever
during any period and any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereinafter
defined) remain unpaid, then the terms, covenants, and agreements thereof which
are applicable to it shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect as
obligations of such Guarantor under this Guaranty. Each Guarantor shall take, or
refrain from taking, as the case may be, each action that is necessary to be
taken or not taken, as the case may be, so that no Event of Default is caused by
the failure to take or refrain from taking such action, as the case may be. All
capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to
such term in the Credit Agreement.

         2. GUARANTY. (a) Each Guarantor hereby, jointly and severally,
absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guarantee of payment and not as
a guarantee of collection, the prompt payment in full in Dollars when due,
whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times
thereafter, of

                  (i) any and all existing and future indebtedness and
         liabilities of every kind, nature and character, direct or indirect,
         absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, voluntary or
         involuntary, of any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or
         otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, and

                  (ii) all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of
         the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower pursuant to any Lender
         Interest Rate Swap Contract arising while such Lender or its Affiliate
         is a Lender party to the Credit Agreement,

in each case including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by
or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any
Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding,
regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such
proceeding (collectively, the "Guaranteed Obligations"). As used herein, "Lender
Interest Rate Swap Contract" means a Swap Contract between the Borrower or any
Subsidiary of the Borrower and any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender entered into
for purposes of mitigating interest rate risk.

                                      E-1
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

         (b) The books and records of the Guaranteed Parties showing the amount
of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or
proceeding, and shall be binding upon each Guarantor and conclusive for the
purpose of establishing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, absent
manifest error. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness,
validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any
instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the
existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, or extent of any collateral
therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Guaranteed Obligations
which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of any Guarantor
under this Guaranty.

         (c) The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to an
aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its
obligations hereunder subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy
Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any comparable provisions of any
applicable state law.

         3. NO SETOFF OR DEDUCTIONS; TAXES. Each Guarantor represents and
warrants that it is an entity formed or incorporated, as the case may be, under
the laws of one or more states of the United States of America. All payments by
the Guarantors hereunder shall be paid in full, without setoff or counterclaim
or any deduction or withholding whatsoever, including, without limitation, for
any and all present and future taxes, other than Excluded Taxes. If any
Guarantor must make a payment under this Guaranty, such Guarantor agrees that it
will make the payment from one of its U.S. resident offices to Administrative
Agent, on behalf of the Guaranteed Parties. If notwithstanding the foregoing,
any Guarantor makes a payment to a Guaranteed Party under this Guaranty to which
withholding tax applies, or any taxes (other than Excluded Taxes) are at any
time imposed on any payments made to such Guaranteed Party pursuant to this
Guaranty, including payments made pursuant to this Paragraph 3, such Guarantor
shall pay all such taxes to the relevant authority in accordance with applicable
law such that the applicable Guaranteed Party receives the sum it would have
received had no such deduction or withholding been made and shall also pay to
such Guaranteed Party, within 30 days after demand therefor, all additional
amounts which such Guaranteed Party specifies as necessary to preserve the
after-tax yield would have received if such taxes had not been imposed. Such
Guarantor shall promptly provide such Guaranteed Party with an original receipt
or certified copy issued by the relevant authority evidencing the payment of any
such amount required to be deducted or withheld.

         4. NO TERMINATION. This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable
guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall
remain in full force and effect until (i) all Guaranteed Obligations and any
other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid and performed in
full, the Commitments of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement are terminated,
and all Letters of Credit have expired or been terminated and can no longer be
drawn, or (ii) with respect to a Guarantor, such Guarantor is released from its
obligations under this Guaranty by an instrument in writing signed by the
Administrative Agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement (such Guarantor referenced
in this clause (ii) is herein referred to as a "Released Guarantor".

         5. WAIVER OF NOTICES. Each Guarantor waives notice of the acceptance of
this Guaranty and of the extension or continuation of the Guaranteed Obligations
or any part thereof. Each Guarantor further waives presentment, protest, notice,
dishonor or default, demand for payment and any other notices to which such
Guarantor might otherwise be entitled.

         6. SUBROGATION. No Guarantor shall exercise any right of subrogation,
contribution or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this
Guaranty until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under
this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the commitments of
the Lenders under the Credit Agreement are terminated. If any amounts are paid
to any Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts
shall be held in trust for the

                                      E-2
                                Form of Guaranty
<PAGE>

benefit of the Guaranteed Parties and shall forthwith be paid to Administrative
Agent, on behalf of the Guaranteed Parties, to reduce the amount of the
Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

         7. WAIVER OF SURETYSHIP DEFENSES. Each Guarantor agrees that the
Guaranteed Parties may, at any time and from time to time, and without notice to
the Guarantors, make any agreement with Borrower or with any other person or
entity liable on any of the Guaranteed Obligations or providing collateral as
security for the Guaranteed Obligations, for the extension, renewal, payment,
compromise, discharge or release of the Guaranteed Obligations or any collateral
(in whole or in part), or for any modification or amendment of the terms thereof
or of any instrument or agreement evidencing the Guaranteed Obligations or the
provision of collateral, all without in any way impairing, releasing,
discharging or otherwise affecting the obligations of the Guarantors under this
Guaranty. Each Guarantor waives any defense arising by reason of any disability
or other defense of Borrower or any other guarantor (including any other
Guarantor hereunder), or the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the
liability of Borrower or any other Loan Party, or any claim that such
Guarantor's obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of Borrower or
any other Loan Party and waives the benefit of any statute of limitations
affecting the liability of such Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor waives any
right to enforce any remedy which any Guaranteed Party now has or may hereafter
have against Borrower or any other Loan Party and waives any benefit of and any
right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by the Guaranteed
Parties. Further, each Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take,
any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of such
Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as
a discharge of such Guarantor.

         8. EXHAUSTION OF OTHER REMEDIES NOT REQUIRED. The obligations of the
each Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety,
and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor waives
diligence by the Guaranteed Parties and action on delinquency in respect of the
Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof, including, without limitation any
provisions of law requiring the Guaranteed Parties to exhaust any right or
remedy or to take any action against Borrower, any other guarantor (including
any other Guarantor hereunder), or any other person, entity or property before
enforcing this Guaranty against such Guarantor, including, but not limited to,
the benefits of Chapter 34 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, Section
17.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and Rule 31 of the Texas
Rules of Civil Procedure, or any similar statute.

         9. REINSTATEMENT. Notwithstanding anything in this Guaranty to the
contrary, this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the
case may be, if at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed
Obligations is revoked, terminated, rescinded or reduced or must otherwise be
restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of
Borrower or any other person or entity or otherwise, as if such payment had not
been made and whether or not the Guaranteed Parties have in possession of or
have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission,
termination or reduction, in each case, however, other than a Released
Guarantor.

         10. SUBORDINATION. Each Guarantor hereby subordinates, to the extent
herein provided and except as otherwise set forth below in this Section 10, all
obligations and indebtedness of any Loan Party owing to such Guarantor, whether
now existing or hereafter arising (the "Subordinated Obligations"), to the
indefeasible payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. As long as no Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing, this Guaranty shall not limit any
Guarantor's right to receive payment from any Loan Party on account of any
Subordinated Obligations. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an
Event of Default, the Guarantor agrees not to accept any payment for any
Subordinated Obligations. In the event of (i) any insolvency, bankruptcy,
receivership, liquidation, reorganization, readjustment, composition or other
similar proceeding relating to a Loan Party, its creditors as such or its
property, (ii) any proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other
winding-up of a Loan Party, voluntary or involuntary, whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, (iii) any

                                      E-3
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

assignment by a Loan Party for the benefit of creditors, or (iv) any other
marshalling of the assets of a Loan Party, the Guaranteed Obligations (including
any interest thereon accruing at the legal rate after the commencement of any
such proceedings and any additional interest that would have accrued thereon but
for the commencement of such proceedings) shall first be paid in full before any
payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be
made by or on behalf of or from the estate of such Loan Party to any holder of
Subordinated Obligations. If a Guarantor receives any payment of any
Subordinated Obligations in violation of the terms of this Section, such
Guarantor shall hold that payment in trust for Administrative Agent and Lenders
and promptly turn it over to Administrative Agent, in the form received (with
any necessary endorsements), to be applied to the Guaranteed Obligations.

         11. INFORMATION. Each Guarantor agrees to furnish promptly to
Administrative Agent such information of the type described in Section 6.02(h)
of the Credit Agreement.

         12. STAY OF ACCELERATION. In the event that acceleration of the time
for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of Borrower or any other person or entity, or
otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantors,
jointly and severally, immediately upon demand by the Guaranteed Parties.

         13. EXPENSES. Each Guarantor shall pay, jointly and severally, on
demand all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses and the allocated cost and disbursements of internal legal counsel) in
any way relating to the enforcement or protection of any Guaranteed Party's
rights under this Guaranty, including any incurred in the preservation,
protection or enforcement of any rights of any Guaranteed Party in any case
commenced by or against any Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11,
United States Code) or any similar or successor statute. The obligations of each
Guarantor under the preceding sentence shall survive termination of this
Guaranty.

         14. APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS. Any payment received by any Guaranteed
Party from any Guarantor (or from any Lender pursuant to Paragraph 19 below),
shall be remitted to and applied by Administrative Agent in accordance with
Section 8.03 of the Credit Agreement.

         15. AMENDMENTS. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this
Guaranty, nor consent to any departure by any Guarantor herefrom, shall in any
event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed, in the case
of amendments, by the Guarantor(s) affected thereby and by Administrative Agent,
and, in the case of consents or waivers, by Administrative Agent, and then such
amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance
and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no Guarantor shall be released from this Guaranty except by a writing
signed by the Administrative Agent as permitted by Section 9.10 or Section 10.01
of the Credit Agreement.

         16. NO WAIVER; ENFORCEABILITY. No failure by the Guaranteed Parties to
exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative
and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity. The
unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not
affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein.

         17. ASSIGNMENT; GOVERNING LAWS; JURISDICTION. This Guaranty shall (a)
bind each Guarantor and its successors and assigns, provided that such Guarantor
may not assign its rights or obligations under this Guaranty without the prior
written consent of Administrative Agent and the Lenders (and any attempted
assignment without such consent shall be void), (b) inure to the benefit of the
Guaranteed Parties and their successors and permitted assigns and each Lender
may, without notice to the

                                      E-4
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

Guarantor and without affecting the Guarantor's obligations hereunder, assign or
sell participations in the Guaranteed Obligations and this Guaranty, in whole or
in part, and (c) be governed by the internal laws of the State of Texas;
provided that the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall retain all rights
arising under applicable federal law.

         Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive
jurisdiction of any State court sitting in Harris County, Texas, any United
States District Court of the Southern District of Texas, and any appellate court
from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Guaranty, and (ii) waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any
defense asserting an inconvenient forum in connection therewith. Service of
process by the Guaranteed Parties in connection with such action or proceeding
shall be binding on each Guarantor if sent to such Guarantor by registered or
certified mail at its address specified below. Subject to such Lender's
compliance with Section 10.07 of the Credit Agreement, each Guarantor agrees
that each Lender may disclose to any prospective purchaser and any purchaser of
all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations any and all information in such
Lender's possession concerning such Guarantor, this Guaranty and any security
for this Guaranty.

         18. CONDITION OF BORROWER. Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that
it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from
Borrower such information concerning the financial condition, business and
operations of Borrower as such Guarantor requires, and that the Guaranteed
Parties have no duty, and such Guarantor is not relying on the Guaranteed
Parties at any time, to disclose to such Guarantor any information relating to
the business, operations or financial condition of Borrower.

         19. SETOFF. Each Guarantor agrees to the provisions of Section 10.08 of
the Credit Agreement.

         20. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each Guarantor agrees that at any time and from
time to time, at the expense of such Guarantor, to promptly execute and deliver
all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be
necessary or desirable, or that Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to
enable Administrative Agent to protect and to exercise and enforce the rights
and remedies of the Guaranteed Parties hereunder.

         21. ADDITION OF GUARANTORS. The initial Guarantors hereunder shall be
each of the Subsidiaries of Borrower that are signatories hereto and that are
listed on Schedule 1 attached hereto. From time to time subsequent to the time
hereof, additional Subsidiaries of Borrower may become parties hereto as
additional Guarantors (each an "Additional Guarantor") by executing a
counterpart of this Guaranty Agreement in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
Upon delivery of any such counterpart to Administrative Agent, notice of which
is hereby waived by Guarantors, each such Additional Guarantor shall be a
Guarantor and shall be a party hereto as if such Additional Guarantor were an
original signatory hereof. Each Guarantor expressly agrees that its obligations
arising hereunder shall not be affected or diminished by the addition or release
of any other Guarantor hereunder, or by any election by Administrative Agent not
to cause any Subsidiary of Borrower to become an Additional Guarantor hereunder.

         22. NOTICES. All notices, requests and other communications provided
for hereunder shall be in writing and given to Administrative Agent as provided
in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices
hereunder to the Guarantors shall be given to the Guarantors at their respective
addresses set forth on the signature pages hereof or at such other address as
shall be designated by Guarantors in a written notice to Administrative Agent.

                                      E-5
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

         23. JOINT AND SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS. Each Guarantor acknowledges that (i)
this Guaranty is a master Guaranty pursuant to which other Subsidiaries of
Borrower now or hereafter may become parties, and (ii) the guaranty obligations
of each of the Guarantors hereunder are joint and several.

         24. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; FINAL AGREEMENT. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, EACH GUARANTOR AND EACH GUARANTEED PARTY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY
WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION, CLAIM, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS
GUARANTY. THIS GUARANTY (INCLUDING ANY SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTY OR OTHER AGREEMENT
BY WHICH A PERSON BECOMES A GUARANTOR) REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND MAY NOT BE
CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

           THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

                     REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK.
                          SIGNATURE(s) PAGE TO FOLLOW.

                                      E-6
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantors have caused this Guaranty to be duly
executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as
of December 17, 2004.

                                                 [NAMES OF THE GUARANTORS]

                                      E-7
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE 1
                               INITIAL GUARANTORS

                                      E-8
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A
                       COUNTERPART TO CONTINUING GUARANTY

         In witness whereof, the undersigned Additional Guarantor has caused
this Counterpart to Continuing Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered by its
duly authorized officer as of ______________ ____, 20___.

                                               ------------------------------
                                               [NAME OF ADDITIONAL GUARANTOR]

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

                                      E-9
                                Form of Guaranty

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT F

                           FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL

                                December 17, 2004

Each of the Lenders under the
  Credit Agreement, including those
  Lenders listed in Schedule A hereto

Bank of America, N.A.,
    as LC Issuer and as Administrative Agent for the Lenders

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY"), in connection with its execution and delivery of
(i) the Credit Agreement dated as of December 17, 2004 (the "CREDIT Agreement"),
among the Company, the lenders from time to time parties thereto (the "LENDERS")
and Bank of America, N.A., as letter of credit issuer (in such capacity, the "LC
Issuer") and as administrative agent (in such capacity, the "ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENT") and (ii) the promissory notes dated December 17, 2004 (the "NOTES"),
executed and delivered by it pursuant to the Credit Agreement. In addition, we
have acted as counsel to the Subject Guarantors in connection with their
execution and delivery of the Continuing Guaranty dated as of December 17, 2004
(the "GUARANTY"). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein or in any
Schedule hereto have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement. The opinions
expressed herein are being furnished to you pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(v) of
the Credit Agreement.

         In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have (i) examined the
Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Guaranty (collectively, the "FINANCING
DOCUMENTS"), corporate records of the Company and the Subject Guarantors
(collectively, the "SUBJECT LOAN PARTIES"), certificates of representatives of
the Subject Loan Parties and the Other Guarantors (the Subject Loan Parties and
the Other Guarantors, collectively, the "LOAN PARTIES"), certificates and other
communications of public officials and such other instruments, agreements and
documents as are in our judgment necessary to enable us to render the opinions
expressed herein, and (ii) as to questions of fact material to the opinions
expressed herein, and as to factual matters arising in connection with our
examination of the aforesaid materials, relied, to the extent we deemed
appropriate, upon the factual representations and warranties contained in the
Financing Documents, upon such certificates, communications, instruments,
agreements and documents and certain facts stated elsewhere herein.

         In making such examination and in such reliance, we have assumed the
authenticity and completeness of all records, certificates, instruments,
agreements and other documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to
authentic originals, records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other
documents of all copies submitted to us as copies, and the authenticity of the
originals of such latter records, certificates, instruments, agreements and
other documents. In

                                      F-1
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

<PAGE>

addition, we have assumed the legal capacity of each natural person identified
in, or indicated as having executed, any of those records, certificates,
instruments, agreements and other documents and the genuineness of all
signatures on all such records, certificates, instruments, agreements and other
documents.

         In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we also have assumed the
following:

         (i) each Person a party to any Financing Document other than a Subject
Loan Party (each such Person other than the Subject Loan Parties, an "Other
Party") (a) has been duly organized or formed (as applicable), (b) is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation or formation, as applicable and (c) has the corporate or
equivalent power and authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its
obligations under, each of the Financing Documents in which such Person is
identified as a party;

         (ii) the execution and delivery of each of the Financing Documents by
each Other Party, and the performance of its obligations thereunder, have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate or equivalent action on the part of
such Person;

         (iii) each Other Party has duly executed and delivered each of the
Financing Documents in which such Person is identified as a party;

         (iv) each Person a party to any Financing Document other than a Subject
Loan Party has (a) satisfied each legal requirement that is applicable to such
Person to the extent necessary to make such Financing Document enforceable
against such Person and (b) complied with any other legal requirements
pertaining to the status of such Person as such status relates to the rights of
such Person to perform or enforce (as applicable) such Financing Document
against each other Person that is a party to such Financing Document;

         (v) no order, consent, approval, license, authorization, waiver or
validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or notice to, or
exemption by, any court, governmental body or authority, or any subdivision
thereof, is required to authorize or is required in connection with, the
execution and delivery by any Person identified in any Financing Document as a
party thereto, or in connection with the performance of its obligations
thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, other
than those that have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect
(provided, that we make no such assumption with respect to consents, approvals
and the like applicable to the Loan Parties to the extent that we express our
opinion rendered in paragraph 6 below);

         (vi) each of the Financing Documents is the valid and binding
obligation of each Person a party thereto (other than a Loan Party), enforceable
against such Person in accordance with its terms; and

         (vii) Administrative Agent has been and is the duly appointed agent of
each of Lenders and the LC Issuer (the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and
Lenders, collectively, the "FINANCING PARTIES").

                                      F-2
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel
<PAGE>

         Based upon the foregoing and in the reliance thereon, and subject to
and qualified by the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set
forth herein, and having due regard for such legal considerations as we deem
relevant, we are of the opinion that:

         1. a. The Company is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL").

            b. Each of the Delaware LLLPs is validly existing as a limited
liability limited partnership in good standing under the Delaware Revised
Uniform Limited Partnership Act (6 Del.C. Sections 17.101 et seq.) (the
"DELAWARE LP ACT").

            c. Each of the Delaware Corporations is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the DGCL.

            d. The Delaware LP is validly existing as a limited partnership in
good standing under the Delaware LP Act.

            e. Each of the Delaware LLCs is validly existing as a limited
liability company in good standing under the Delaware Limited Liability Company
Act (6 Del.C. Sections 18.101 et seq.) (the "DELAWARE LLC ACT").

            f. Each of the Texas LPs is validly existing as a limited
partnership under the Texas Revised Limited Partnership Act (Tex. Rev. Civil
Stat. art. 6132a-1 Sections 1.01 et seq.).

            g. TMBR/Sharp Drilling, LLC is validly existing as a limited
liability company in good standing under the Texas Limited Liability Company Act
(Tex. Rev. Civil Stat. art. 1528n Sections 1.01 et seq.).

         2. The execution and delivery by each Subject Loan Party of each
Financing Document to which it is a party, and the performance by such Subject
Loan Party of its obligations thereunder, are within its corporate, limited
partnership or limited liability company (as the case may be) power and
authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited
partnership or limited liability company (as the case may be) action.

         3. Each Financing Document to which a Subject Loan Party is a party has
been duly executed and delivered by it.

         4. Under the internal laws of the State of Texas, each of the Financing
Documents to which a Loan Party is a party is a valid and binding obligation of
such Person, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms.

         5. a. Neither the execution and delivery by a Subject Loan Party of any
Financing Document to which it is a party, nor the performance of its
obligations thereunder, will (i) result in a violation by it of (a) any
statutory law or regulation applicable to such Person, or (b) the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws, certificate of limited partnership or limited

                                      F-3
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

<PAGE>

partnership agreement or certificate of formation or limited liability company
agreement (as the case may be) of such Person or (ii) result in a breach of, or
constitute a default under, the terms of any agreement or instrument binding on
such Person which is filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 or to the Company's Forms 10-Q for the
respective quarters ending March 31, 2004, June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004.

            b. Neither the execution and delivery by an Other Guarantor of any
Financing Document to which it is a party, nor the performance of its
obligations thereunder, will (i) result in a violation by it of any statutory
law or regulation applicable to such Person or (ii) result in a breach of, or
constitute a default under, the terms of any agreement or instrument binding on
such Person which is filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 or to the Company's Forms 10-Q for the
respective quarters ending March 31, 2004, June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004.

         6. No consent, approval, authorization or waiver of, or notice to or
filing with, or other action by, any governmental authority is required to be
obtained or made by a Loan Party by any material statutory law or regulation
applicable to such Loan Party as a condition to the execution and delivery by
such Loan Party of any Financing Document to which it is a party, or the
performance by such Loan Party of its obligations under any Financing Document
to which it is a party.

         7. None of the Loan Parties is (i) an "investment company", as such
term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) a
"holding company", or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company", as such
terms are defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

         8. Assuming the Company complies with the provisions of the Credit
Agreement relating to the use of proceeds thereunder (whether or not therein
stated as a covenant), the use by it of proceeds from the Loans will not result
in a violation of Regulation U of the FRB.

         The foregoing opinions expressed herein are further subject to, and
qualified by, the following assumptions, exceptions, qualifications and
limitations:

         A. The opinions expressed herein are limited exclusively to the laws of
the State of Texas, the DGCL, the Delaware LP Act, the Delaware LLC Act and the
federal statutory laws and regulations of the United States of America. In
respect to such laws, in addition to other limitations set forth herein, such
reference is limited to laws that are normally applicable to the transactions
provided for in the Financing Documents, and, in any event and without
limitation, does not include statutes, laws, rules or regulations relating to
(i) the operation of any asset or property, (ii) utility regulation, (iii)
antitrust, (iv) taxation or (v) securities law, or the construction or
interpretations of any of the foregoing, or authorizations, permits, consents
and the like with respect thereto. Reference herein to the "internal laws" of a
jurisdiction is to the laws of that jurisdiction, other than (x) that
jurisdiction's choice-of-law statutes and rules, (y) the statutes and
ordinances, the administrative decisions, and the rules and regulations of
counties, towns, municipalities and political subdivisions (whether created or
enabled through legislative

                                      F-4
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel
<PAGE>

action at the federal, state, regional or local level) and (z) judicial
decisions to the extent they deal with any of the foregoing.

         B. The opinions expressed in paragraph 4 hereof are further subject to
the following:

         (i) The enforceability of the Financing Documents, and to the extent
applicable, the Liens created thereby, may be limited or affected by (a)
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation, rearrangement,
conservatorship, receivership, fraudulent conveyance or transfer or similar laws
(including court decisions) relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors generally or providing for the relief of debtors, (b) general
principles of equity, including, without limitation, requirements of good faith,
fairness and reasonableness, and the possible unavailability of specific
performance or injunctive relief (regardless of whether enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), (c) the refusal of a particular
court to grant (1) equitable remedies, including, without limitation, specific
performance and injunctive relief or (2) a particular remedy sought by a
Financing Party under any Financing Document as opposed to another remedy
provided for therein or another remedy available at law or in equity and (d)
judicial discretion.

         (ii) In rendering the opinions expressed in paragraph 4 (such opinions
expressed in such paragraphs, the "REMEDIES OPINIONS"), we express no opinion as
to the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Financing Document
that:

         (1) purports to (i) establish evidentiary standards or
characterizations, treatments or effects of payments or rights, in each case
made or existing under, or in connection with, any Financing Document, (ii)
waive or otherwise affect any right, warranty or defense that cannot be waived
or otherwise affected as a matter of law, (iii) negate the effect of any course
of dealing or any exercise, or failure or delay to exercise, any right, power,
privilege or remedy, (iv) relate to indemnities, exculpation or contribution to
the extent prohibited by public policy or require indemnification or
contribution (as applicable) for liability on account of fraud, gross
negligence, willful misconduct, breach of the performance of an agreed
undertaking, violation of law or illegal conduct (or the public policy
underlying such action or conduct) of any Person seeking or asserting the
benefit of such indemnity, exculpation of contribution provision, (v) limit
liability of any Person to claims for gross negligence or willful misconduct,
(vi) grant to any Person the right to offset special deposits against
obligations owed under the Financing Documents, (vii) authorize conclusive
determinations by any party or to permit a party to make determinations in its
sole discretion or (viii) restrict access to legal or equitable remedies;

         (2) states that (i) prohibition, illegality, invalidity or
unenforceability of any provision of such Financing Document in any jurisdiction
shall not (a) invalidate the remaining provisions of such Financing Document or
(b) affect that provision in any other jurisdiction, or (ii) the right of any
Person to exercise any right or remedy on the basis of any misrepresentation or
breach of warranty is not affected by any action by Lender;

         (3) constitutes a submission to or acceptance of the jurisdiction of,
or permits an action against any Person to be brought, or waives any objection
to the laying of venue or choice

                                      F-5
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel
<PAGE>

of forum in such an action, in, the courts of any jurisdiction, other than the
courts of the State of Texas or the federal courts of the United States of
America sitting in the State of Texas;

         (4) permits an action against any Person to be brought in the courts of
the State of Texas (i) if such Person has not been served with process in that
action in accordance with applicable rules of procedure or (ii) if the court in
which the action is brought does not have jurisdiction of the subject matter of
the action;

         (5) permits an action against any Person to be brought in the federal
courts of the United States of America sitting in the State of Texas (i) if such
Person has not been served with process in accordance with applicable rules of
procedure or (ii) if those courts do not have jurisdiction in the subject matter
of the action;

         (6) requires the reimbursement to any Person whose breach of a
recognizable standard of performance or care in acting or failing timely or
otherwise properly to act substantially contributed to the basis for which such
reimbursement is sought; or

         (7) provides for the enforcement in any jurisdiction of a judgment of
the courts of another jurisdiction.

         (iii) We have assumed that each Financing Party will act reasonably and
in good faith in performing its duties, and in exercising its rights and
remedies, under the Financing Documents. In this regard, we note that the
enforceability of specific provisions of the Financing Documents may be subject
to standards of reasonableness, care and diligence and "good faith" limitations
and obligations such as those provided in Sections 1.102(c), 1.203, 1.208 and
5.109 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Texas and
similar applicable principles of common law and judicial precedent. Further, we
have also assumed that each Financing Party will enforce the respective
Financing Documents in compliance with the provisions thereof and all
requirements of applicable law.

         (iv) Furthermore, we note that the maximum lawful amount or rate of
interest which any national bank, a federal savings bank or any foreign bank or
branch of a foreign bank which is subject to the jurisdiction of the federal
banking laws of the United States of America, may take, receive, reserve,
contract for or charge is governed by federal statutory law. Further, Financing
Parties that are entities other than such financial institutions may, in
accordance with laws governing their respective operation and business, be
subject to statutory limits provided by the laws other than the laws of the
State of Texas. In rendering the Remedies Opinions, we express no opinion as to
whether the interest provided for in any Financing Document is in excess of any
such maximum lawful amount or rate or as to the effect of the provisions for
interest in any Loan Document on the enforceability of the Financing Documents
with respect to any Financing Party constituting a national bank or such foreign
bank or branch thereof which is located in any jurisdiction other than the State
of Texas.

         C. We do not express any opinion with respect to any exhibit to, or
other agreement referred to in, any of the Financing Documents.

                                      F-6
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

<PAGE>

         D. In rendering the foregoing opinions, we have not, pursuant to our
engagement, endeavored to express any opinions, and we express no opinions, and
none are intended to be implied hereby nor shall be inferred herefrom, as to (i)
the various state and federal laws, statutes, regulations, interpretations,
opinions, directives, orders, rulings, authorities or similar matters regulating
or governing any Financing Party (collectively, the "RULES") and/or its entry
into, execution, delivery or performance of the Financing Documents, or the
transactions provided for therein, or the conduct of its business related
thereto, or (ii) any Financing Party's compliance with any of the Rules in
connection with any Financing Document, or the transactions provided for
therein.

         E. In rendering the opinions expressed in paragraph 1 above relating to
existence and good standing, we have relied solely upon a review of certificates
of public officials, without further investigation as to matters set forth
therein, and such opinions are limited to the dates of such certificates.

         The opinions expressed herein are solely for the benefit of, and may
only be relied upon by each Financing Party, and its permitted successors and
assigns, in connection with the Financing Documents; provided however, any
reliance on such opinions by a Person who becomes a party to the Financing
Documents after the date of this opinion letter shall be as to the opinions
expressed herein as of the date of this opinion letter and shall not constitute
a reissuance of such opinions as of the date of any such subsequent reliance or
other subsequent date. Neither this opinion letter nor any excerpt hereof (nor
any reproduction of any of the foregoing) may be furnished to (except in
connection with a legal or arbitral proceeding or as may be required by
applicable law, and in any such events, as shall be directed and required
incident thereto pursuant to a duly issued subpoena, writ, order or other legal
process), or relied upon by, any other Person without the prior written consent
of this Firm. The opinions expressed herein are as of the date hereof (and not
as of any other date, including, without limitation, the effective date of any
Financing Document if a date other than the date hereof) or, to the extent a
reference to certificates of public officials or other documents made herein,
such date or dates, and we make no undertaking to amend or supplement such
opinions as facts and circumstances come to our attention or changes in the law
occur which could affect such opinions.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

                                      F-7
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE A
       TO OPINION OF FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI L.L.P. DATED DECEMBER ____, 2004

                                 LIST OF LENDERS

Bank of America, N.A.
The Bank Of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Houston Agency
The Royal Bank Of Scotland plc
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., New York
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd
Southwest Bank Of Texas, N.A.

                                      F-8
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE B
       TO OPINION OF FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI L.L.P. DATED DECEMBER ____, 2004

                               LIST OF GUARANTORS

The Persons listed immediately below, collectively, the "DELAWARE LLLPS"

         Ambar Drilling Fluids LP, LLLP
         Lone Star Mud LP, LLLP
         Patterson Petroleum LP LLLP
         Patterson Petroleum Trading Company LP, LLLP
         Patterson-UTI Drilling Company LP, LLLP
         Patterson-UTI Drilling Company South LP LLLP
         Patterson-UTI Drilling Company West LP, LLLP

The Persons listed immediately below, collectively, the "DELAWARE CORPORATIONS"

         Norton Drilling Company Mexico, Inc.
         Norton Drilling Services, Inc.
         Universal Well Services, Inc.
         UTI Drilling Canada, Inc.
         UTICO Hard Rock Boring, Inc.
         UTICO, Inc.

The Person listed immediately below, the "DELAWARE LP"

         Norton Drilling, L.P.

The Persons listed immediately below, collectively the "DELAWARE LLCS"

         Norton GP, L.L.C.
         Patterson (GP) LLC
         Patterson (GP2) LLC
         Patterson (LP) LLC
         Patterson-UTI Aviation Services LLC

The Persons listed immediately below, collectively, the "TEXAS LPS"

         UTI Drilling, L.P.
         UTI Management Services, L.P.

The Delaware LLLPs, Delaware Corporations, Delaware LP, Delaware LLCs,
TMBR/Sharp Drilling, LLC and Texas LPs, collectively, the "SUBJECT GUARANTORS".

                                      F-9
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

<PAGE>

The Persons listed immediately below, collectively, the "OTHER GUARANTORS"

         International Petroleum Service Company
         Suits Drilling Company

                                      F-10
                           Form of Opinion of Counsel

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