Document:

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.77

                                                                 [JPMORGAN LOGO]

JPMorgan Chase Bank
P.O. Box 161
60 Victoria Embankment
London EC4Y 0JP
England

                                                                 August 27, 2003

To: CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.
2655 Seely Avenue
San Jose, CA 95134
Attention: Treasurer
Telephone No.: (408) 943-1234
Facsimile No.: (408) 943-0513

Re: Call Option Transaction

Reference:

         The purpose of this letter agreement is to confirm the terms and
conditions of the Transaction entered into between JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, LONDON
BRANCH ("JPMORGAN") and CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC. ("COUNTERPARTY") on the
Trade Date specified below (the "TRANSACTION"). This letter agreement
constitutes a "Confirmation" as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement
specified below. This Confirmation shall replace any previous letter and serve
as the final documentation for this Transaction.

         The definitions and provisions contained in the 1996 ISDA Equity
Derivatives Definitions (the "EQUITY DEFINITIONS"), as published by the
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., are incorporated into
this Confirmation. In the event of any inconsistency between the Equity
Definitions and this Confirmation, this Confirmation shall govern. Certain
defined terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Offering
Memorandum dated August 11, 2003 (the "OFFERING MEMORANDUM") relating to the USD
350,000,000 principal amount of Zero Coupon Zero Yield Senior Convertible Notes
due August 15, 2023, (the "INITIAL CONVERTIBLE NOTES") and an additional USD
70,000,000 principal amount of Zero Coupon Zero Yield Senior Convertible Notes
due August 15, 2023 (the "ADDITIONAL CONVERTIBLE NOTES" and together with the
Initial Convertible Notes, the "CONVERTIBLE NOTES") issued by Counterparty to
the initial purchasers as a result of their exercise of the right granted with
respect to such Additional Convertible Notes and issued by the Counterparty
pursuant to an Indenture dated as of August 15, 2003 between Counterparty and
J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the "INDENTURE").
In the event of any inconsistency between the terms defined in the Indenture and
this Confirmation, the Confirmation shall govern.

         Each party is hereby advised, and each such party acknowledges, that
the other party has engaged in, or refrained from engaging in, substantial
financial transactions and has taken other material actions in reliance upon the
parties' entry into the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates on the
terms and conditions set forth below.

1.       This Confirmation evidences a complete and binding agreement between
JPMorgan and the Counterparty as to the terms of the Transaction to which this
Confirmation relates. In addition, JPMorgan and the Counterparty agree to make
all reasonable efforts to promptly negotiate, execute, and deliver an agreement
in the form of the 1992 ISDA Master Agreement (Multicurrency-Cross Border) (the
"AGREEMENT"), with such modifications as JPMorgan and the Counterparty will in
good faith agree together with related schedules. Upon the execution by JPMorgan
and the Counterparty of such an agreement, this Confirmation will supplement,
form a part of, and be subject to, that agreement. All provisions contained or

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
          REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ.
                  HEAD OFFICE 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

<PAGE>

                                                                 [JPMORGAN LOGO]

incorporated by reference in that agreement upon its execution will govern this
Confirmation except as expressly modified below. Until JPMorgan and the
Counterparty execute such agreement, this Confirmation, together with all other
documents referring to an Agreement (each a "CONFIRMATION") confirming
transactions (each a "TRANSACTION") entered into between JPMorgan and the
Counterparty (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in a Confirmation), shall
supplement, form a part of, and be subject to an agreement in the form of the
Agreement as if JPMorgan and the Counterparty had executed an agreement in such
form (but without any Schedule except for the election of the laws of the State
of New York as the governing law and United States dollars as the Termination
Currency and Second Method and Loss as the payments on early termination) on the
Trade Date of the first such Transaction between JPMorgan and the Counterparty.
In the event of any inconsistency between provisions of that agreement and this
Confirmation, this Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of the Transaction
to which this Confirmation relates. The parties hereby agree that if they have
not executed an Agreement within 60 days from the Trade Date it shall constitute
an Additional Termination Event under the Agreement in respect of which the
Counterparty is the sole Affected Party and this Transaction is the sole
Affected Transaction.

2.       The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation
relates are as follows:

General Terms:

         Trade Date:                         August 27, 2003

         Option Style:
                                             "Modified American", as set forth
                                             under "Exercise and Valuation"
                                             below

         Option Type:                        Call

         Buyer:                              Counterparty

         Seller:                             JPMorgan

         Shares:                             The common stock of Counterparty,
                                             par value USD 0.01 per Share
                                             (Exchange symbol "CDN")

         Number of Options:                  A number equal to the Conversion
                                             Rate (as defined in the Offering
                                             Memorandum, but without regard to
                                             Section 13.08 and Section 13.13 of
                                             the Indenture), multiplied by the
                                             number of USD 1,000 principal
                                             amount of Additional Convertible
                                             Notes (each such USD 1,000
                                             principal amount, a "CONVERTIBLE
                                             NOTE")

         Option Entitlement:                 One Share per Option

         Strike Price:                       USD 15.65

         Premium:                            USD 23,639,000

         Premium Payment Date:               August 29, 2003

         Exchange:                           The New York Stock Exchange

         Related Exchange(s):                The principal exchange(s) for
                                             options contracts or futures
                                             contracts, if any, with respect to
                                             the Shares

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                           PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                                                 [JPMORGAN LOGO]

Exercise and Valuation:

         Exercise Period:                    Notwithstanding the Equity
                                             Definitions, the Exercise Period
                                             shall be, in respect of the
                                             Exercise Options, each period
                                             commencing from the date a Notice
                                             of Conversion is submitted to the
                                             Counterparty by a holder of
                                             Additional Convertible Notes to and
                                             including the third Exchange
                                             Business Day following the
                                             Conversion Date for such Additional
                                             Convertible Notes. For the
                                             avoidance of doubt, only a number
                                             of options equal to the Exercise
                                             Options shall be exercisable
                                             hereunder, and only during the
                                             Exercise Period for such Exercise
                                             Options.

         Exercise Options:                   A number of Options equal to the
                                             Conversion Rate (but without regard
                                             to any adjustment under Section
                                             13.08 and Section 13.13 of the
                                             Indenture) of Additional
                                             Convertible Notes surrendered to
                                             Counterparty for conversion times
                                             the number of such Additional
                                             Convertible Notes.

         Expiration Time:                    The Valuation Time

         Expiration Date:                    In respect of any Exercise Options,
                                             the earlier of August 15, 2008 and
                                             the final day of the Exercise
                                             Period in respect of such Exercise
                                             Options.

         Multiple Exercise:                  Applicable; and means that
                                             Counterparty may exercise, with
                                             respect to an Exercise Period and
                                             the Exercise Options relating to
                                             such Period, a number of Options
                                             not less than one (1) and not
                                             greater than such Exercise Options.

         Automatic Exercise:                 Applicable; and means that a number
                                             of Options not previously exercised
                                             hereunder equal to the Exercise
                                             Options shall be deemed to be
                                             exercised on the Expiration Date
                                             for the Exercise Period relating to
                                             such Exercise Options; provided
                                             that Counterparty has notified
                                             JPMorgan (in writing or orally) of
                                             the Conversion Date and the number
                                             of such Exercise Options one
                                             Exchange Business Day prior to such
                                             Expiration Date.

         Valuation Time:                     At the close of trading of the
                                             regular trading session on the
                                             Exchange

Settlement Terms:

         Physical Settlement:                Applicable; provided that if and to
                                             the extent Counterparty is required
                                             to deliver cash in lieu of
                                             fractional Shares (or any
                                             fractional Shares) with respect to
                                             the settlement of Additional
                                             Convertible Notes, the Calculation
                                             Agent shall adjust the settlement
                                             terms hereunder to account for
                                             delivery by JPMorgan to

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                           PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                        3
<PAGE>

                                                                (JPMORGAN LOGO)

                                             Counterparty of such cash or
                                             fractional Shares in the amount of
                                             such required delivery obligation.

                  Settlement Date:           For any Exercise Options relating
                                             to the conversion of Additional
                                             Convertible Notes, the settlement
                                             date for Shares to be delivered
                                             under such Additional Convertible
                                             Notes under the terms of the
                                             Indenture.

                  Failure to Deliver:        Applicable

3.       Additional Terms applicable to the Transaction:

           Adjustments applicable to the Transaction:

           Potential Adjustment Events:      Notwithstanding Section 9.1(e) of
                                             the Equity Definitions, a
                                             "Potential Adjustment Event" means
                                             any occurrence of any event or
                                             condition, as set forth in Section
                                             13.06 of the Indenture that would
                                             result in an adjustment to the
                                             Conversion Rate of the Convertible
                                             Notes; provided that in no event
                                             shall there be any adjustment
                                             hereunder as a result of an
                                             adjustment to the Conversion Rate
                                             pursuant to Section 13.08 and
                                             Section 13.13 of the Indenture.

         Method of Adjustment:               Calculation Agent Adjustment, and
                                             means that, notwithstanding Section
                                             9.1(c) of the Equity Definitions,
                                             upon any adjustment to the
                                             Conversion Rate of the Convertible
                                             Notes pursuant to the Indenture
                                             (other than Section 13.08 and
                                             Section 13.13 of the Indenture),
                                             the Calculation Agent will make a
                                             corresponding adjustment to any one
                                             or more of the Strike Price, Number
                                             of Options, the Option Entitlement
                                             and any other variable relevant to
                                             the exercise, settlement or payment
                                             for the Transaction.

Extraordinary Events applicable to the Transaction:

                  Merger Events:             Notwithstanding Section 9.2(a) of
                                             the Equity Definitions, a "Merger
                                             Event" means the occurrence of any
                                             event or condition set forth in
                                             Section 8.01 of the Indenture.

                  Consequence of Merger      Notwithstanding Section 9.3 of the
                  Events:                    Equity Definitions, upon the
                                             occurrence of a Merger Event, the
                                             Calculation Agent shall make a
                                             corresponding adjustment in respect
                                             of any adjustment under the
                                             Indenture to any one or more of the
                                             nature of the Shares, Strike Price,
                                             Number of Options, the Option
                                             Entitlement and any other variable
                                             relevant to the exercise,
                                             settlement or payment for the
                                             Transaction.

Additional Termination Events:             If an event of default with respect
                                           to Counterparty shall occur under the
                                           terms of the Convertible Notes as set
                                           forth in Section 5.01 of the
                                           Indenture, then such event shall
                                           constitute an Additional Termination
                                           Event applicable to this Transaction
                                           and, with respect to such event (i)
                                           Counterparty shall be deemed to be

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                           PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                                                                (JPMORGAN LOGO)

                                             Affected Party and JPMorgan shall
                                             be deemed to be the party that is
                                             not the Affected Party and (ii)
                                             JPMorgan shall be the party
                                             entitled to designate an Early
                                             Termination Date pursuant to
                                             Section 6(b) of the Agreement.

Payments on Early Termination:               Second Method and Loss

 4.      Calculation Agent:                  JPMorgan, whose calculations and
                                             determinations shall be
                                             made in good faith and in a
                                             commercially reasonable manner,
                                             including with respect to
                                             calculations and determinations
                                             that are made in its sole
                                             discretion.

5.       Account Details:

         (a)      Account for payments to Counterparty:

                  Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________

                  Account for delivery of Shares to Counterparty:

                  Mellon Investor Services
                  235 Montgomery Street, 23rd Floor
                  San Francisco, CA 94104
                  Cadence Design Systems Book Memo Treasury Reserve Account
                  Comment: When you are ready to deliver Shares contact Cadence
                  FIRST.

         (b)      Account for payments to JPMorgan:

                  JPMorgan Chase Bank, New York
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________
                  __________________________________

                  Account for delivery of Shares from JPMorgan:

                  DTC 060

6.       Offices:

The Office of Counterparty for the Transaction is: Inapplicable, Counterparty is
not a Multibranch Party.

The Office of JPMorgan for the Transaction is: New York

                  JP Morgan Chase Bank
                  London Branch

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                           PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       5
<PAGE>

                                                                (JPMORGAN LOGO)

                  P.O. Box 161
                  60 Victoria Embankment
                  London EC4Y 0JP, England

7.       Notices: For purposes of this Confirmation:

           (a)    Address for notices or communications to Counterparty:

                  Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
                  Attention: Treasurer
                  Telephone No.: (408) 943-1234
                  Telecopy No.: (408)943-0513

                  Address for notices or communications to JPMorgan:

                  JPMorgan Chase Bank
                  277 Park Avenue, 11th Floor
                  New York, NY 10172
                  Attention: Kevin J. Moran
                  EDG Corporate Marketing
                  Telephone No.: (212) 622-6707
                  Telecopy No.: (212) 622-8534

8.       Other Provisions:

           (a)    No Reliance, etc. Each party represents that (i) it is
                  entering into the Transaction evidenced hereby as principal
                  (and not as agent or in any other capacity); (ii) neither the
                  other party nor any of its agents are acting as a fiduciary
                  for it; (iii) it is not relying upon any representations
                  except those expressly set forth in the Agreement or this
                  Confirmation; (iv) it has not relied on the other party for
                  any legal, regulatory, tax, business, investment, financial,
                  and accounting advice, and it has made its own investment,
                  hedging, and trading decisions based upon its own judgment and
                  upon any view expressed by the other party or any of its
                  agents; and (v) it is entering into this Transaction with a
                  full understanding of the terms, conditions and risks thereof
                  and it is capable of and willing to assume those risks.

           (b)    Share De-listing Event. If at any time during the period from
                  and including the Trade Date, to and including August 15,
                  2008, the Shares cease to be listed on the Exchange for any
                  reason (other than a Merger Event) and are not immediately
                  re-listed as of the date of such de-listing on The New York
                  Stock Exchange, The American Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq
                  National Market System (or their respective successors) (the
                  "SUCCESSOR EXCHANGE"), then Cancellation and Payment shall
                  apply, and the date of the de-listing shall be deemed the date
                  of termination for purposes of calculating any payment due
                  from one party to the other in connection with the
                  cancellation of this Transaction. If the Shares are
                  immediately re-listed on a Successor Exchange upon their
                  de-listing from the Exchange, this Transaction shall continue
                  in full force and effect, provided that the Successor Exchange
                  shall be deemed to be the Exchange for all purposes hereunder.
                  In addition, the Calculation Agent shall make any adjustments
                  it deems necessary to the terms of the Transaction in
                  accordance with Calculation Agent Adjustment method as defined
                  under Section 9.1(c) of the Equity Definitions.

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                           PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                                                                [JPMORGAN LOGO]

         (c)      Repurchase Notices. Counterparty shall, on any day on which
                  Counterparty effects any repurchase of Shares, promptly give
                  JPMorgan a written notice of such repurchase (a "REPURCHASE
                  NOTICE") if following such repurchase, the Options Equity
                  Percentage as determined on such day is (i) greater than 5%
                  and (ii) greater by 0.5% than the Options Equity Percentage
                  included in the immediately preceding Repurchase Notice (or,
                  in the case of the first such Repurchase Notice, greater than
                  the Options Equity Percentage as of the date hereof). The
                  "OPTIONS EQUITY PERCENTAGE" as of any day is the fraction (A)
                  the numerator of which is the sum of (1) the product of the
                  Number of Options and the Option Entitlement and (2) the
                  product of the Number of Options as defined in the
                  Confirmation dated August 11, 2003 between Counterparty and
                  JPMorgan in respect of the Initial Convertible Notes (the
                  "INITIAL TRANSACTION") and the Option Entitlement as defined
                  in the Initial Transaction, and (B) the denominator of which
                  is the number of Shares outstanding on such day. Counterparty
                  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless JPMorgan and its
                  affiliates and their respective officers, directors,
                  employees, affiliates, advisors, agents and controlling
                  persons (each, an "INDEMNIFIED PERSON") from and against any
                  and all losses (including losses relating to JPMorgan's
                  hedging activities as a consequence of becoming, or of the
                  risk of becoming, a Section 16 "insider", including without
                  limitation, any forbearance from hedging activities or
                  cessation of hedging activities and any losses in connection
                  therewith with respect to this Transaction), claims, damages,
                  judgments, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable
                  attorney's fees), joint or several, which an Indemnified
                  Person actually incurs as a result of Counterparty's failure
                  to provide JPMorgan with a Repurchase Notice on the day and in
                  the manner specified in this Section 8(c), and to reimburse,
                  within 30 days, upon written request, each of such Indemnified
                  Persons for any reasonable legal or other expenses incurred in
                  connection with investigating, preparing for, providing
                  testimony or other evidence in connection with or defending
                  any of the foregoing. If any suit, action, proceeding
                  (including any governmental or regulatory investigation),
                  claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against the
                  Indemnified Person, such Indemnified Person shall promptly
                  notify the Counterparty in writing, and the Counterparty, upon
                  request of the Indemnified Person, shall retain counsel
                  reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent
                  the Indemnified Person and any others the Counterparty may
                  designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and
                  expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding.
                  Counterparty shall not be liable for any settlement of any
                  proceeding effected without its written consent, but if
                  settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for
                  the plaintiff, Counterparty agrees to indemnify any
                  Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by
                  reason of such settlement or judgment. Counterparty shall not,
                  without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person,
                  effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding
                  in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have
                  been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by
                  such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement includes an
                  unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all
                  liability on claims that are the subject matter of such
                  proceeding on terms reasonably satisfactory to such
                  Indemnified Person. If the indemnification provided for in
                  this paragraph (c) is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or
                  insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or
                  liabilities referred to therein, then Counterparty under such
                  paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person
                  thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
                  such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims,
                  damages or liabilities. The remedies provided for in this
                  paragraph (c) are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights
                  or remedies which may otherwise be available to any
                  Indemnified Party at law or in equity. The indemnity and
                  contribution agreements contained in this paragraph (c) shall
                  remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of
                  the termination of this Transaction.

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
               REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON,
             EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       7
<PAGE>

                                                                [JPMORGAN LOGO]

         (d)      Material Non-Public Information. Counterparty represents and
                  warrants that each of it and its Affiliates is not, on the
                  date hereof, in possession of any material non-public
                  information with respect to Counterparty.

         (e)      Eligible Contract Participant. Counterparty represents and
                  warrants that it is an "eligible contract participant" (as
                  such term is defined in Section 1(a)(12) of the Commodity
                  Exchange Act, as amended (the "CEA")) because one or more of
                  the following is true:

                  Counterparty is a corporation, partnership, proprietorship,
                  organization, trust or other entity and:

                           (A)      Counterparty has total assets in excess of
                                    USD 10,000,000;

                           (B)      the obligations of Counterparty hereunder
                                    are guaranteed, or otherwise supported by a
                                    letter of credit or keepwell, support or
                                    other agreement, by an entity of the type
                                    described in Section 1a(12)(A)(i) through
                                    (iv), 1a(12)(A)(v)(I), 1a(12)(A)(vii) or
                                    1a(12)(C) of the CEA; or

                           (C)      Counterparty has a net worth in excess of
                                    USD 1,000,000 and has entered into this
                                    Agreement in connection with the conduct of
                                    Counterparty's business or to manage the
                                    risk associated with an asset or liability
                                    owned or incurred or reasonably likely to be
                                    owned or incurred by Counterparty in the
                                    conduct of Counterparty's business.

         (f)      Regulation M. The Counterparty was not on the Trade Date and
                  is not on the date hereof engaged in a distribution, as such
                  term is used in Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act
                  of 1934, as amended ("EXCHANGE ACT"), of any securities of
                  Counterparty, other than a distribution meeting the
                  requirements of the exception set forth in sections 101(b)(10)
                  and 102(b)(7) of Regulation M. The Counterparty shall not,
                  until the fifth Exchange Business Day immediately following
                  the Trade Date, engage in any such distribution.

         (g)      No Manipulation. The Counterparty is not entering into this
                  Transaction to create actual or apparent trading activity in
                  the Shares (or any security convertible into or exchangeable
                  for the Shares) or to raise or depress or otherwise manipulate
                  the price of the Shares (or any security convertible into or
                  exchangeable for the Shares).

         (h)      Number of Repurchased Shares. Counterparty represents that it
                  could have purchased Shares, in an amount equal to the product
                  of the Number of Options and the Option Entitlement, on the
                  Exchange or otherwise, in compliance with applicable law, its
                  organizational documents and any orders, decrees, contractual
                  agreements binding upon Counterparty, on the Trade Date.

         (i)      Board Authorization. Each of this Transaction and the issuance
                  of the Convertible Notes was approved by its board of
                  directors and publicly announced, solely for the purposes
                  stated in such board resolution and public disclosure and,
                  prior to any exercise of Options hereunder, Counterparty's
                  board of directors will have duly authorized any repurchase of
                  Shares pursuant to this Transaction. Counterparty further
                  represents that there is no internal policy, whether written
                  or oral, of Counterparty that would prohibit Counterparty from
                  entering into any aspect of this Transaction, including, but
                  not limited to, the purchases of Shares to be made pursuant
                  hereto.

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
               REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON,
             EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       8
<PAGE>

                                                                 [JPMORGAN LOGO]

         (j)      Transfer or Assignment. Neither party may transfer any of its
                  rights or obligations under this Transaction without the prior
                  written consent of the non-transferring party; provided that
                  if, as determined at JPMorgan's sole discretion, its
                  "beneficial ownership" with respect to the Initial Transaction
                  and this Transaction (within the meaning of Section 16 of the
                  Exchange Act and rules promulgated thereunder) exceeds 8% of
                  Counterparty's outstanding Shares, JPMorgan may transfer or
                  assign a number of Options sufficient to reduce such
                  "beneficial ownership" to 7.5% to any third party with a
                  rating for its long term, unsecured and unsubordinated
                  indebtedness of A+ or better by Standard and Poor's Rating
                  Group, Inc. or its successor ("S&P"), or A1 or better by
                  Moody's Investor Service, Inc. ("MOODY'S") or, if either S&P
                  or Moody's ceases to rate such debt, at least an equivalent
                  rating or better by a substitute agency rating mutually agreed
                  by Counterparty and JPMorgan. If, in the discretion of
                  JPMorgan, JPMorgan is unable to effect such transfer or
                  assignment after its commercially reasonable efforts on
                  pricing terms reasonably acceptable to JPMorgan and within a
                  time period reasonably acceptable to JPMorgan, JPMorgan may
                  designate any Exchange Business Day as an Early Termination
                  Date with respect to a portion (the "TERMINATED PORTION") of
                  this Transaction or the Initial Transaction, such that its
                  "beneficial ownership" following such partial termination will
                  be equal to or less than 8%. In the event that JPMorgan so
                  designates an Early Termination Date with respect to a portion
                  of this Transaction, a payment shall be made pursuant to
                  Section 6 of the Agreement as if (i) an Early Termination Date
                  had been designated in respect of a Transaction having terms
                  identical to this Transaction and a Number of Options equal to
                  the Terminated Portion, (ii) the Counterparty and JPMorgan
                  shall both be Affected Parties with respect to such partial
                  termination and (iii) such Transaction shall be the only
                  Terminated Transaction. Notwithstanding any other provision in
                  this Confirmation to the contrary requiring or allowing
                  JPMorgan to purchase, sell, receive or deliver any shares or
                  other securities to or from Counterparty, JPMorgan may
                  designate any of its affiliates to purchase, sell, receive or
                  deliver such shares or other securities and otherwise to
                  perform JPMorgan's obligations in respect of this Transaction
                  and any such designee may assume such obligations. JPMorgan
                  shall be discharged of its obligations to Counterparty to the
                  extent of any such performance.

         (k)      Amendment. Paragraph (i) of Section 9.7(b) of the Equity
                  Definitions is hereby amended for purposes of this Transaction
                  by replacing "two-year" with "90 calendar day".

         (l)      Damages. Neither party shall be liable under Section 6.10 of
                  the Equity Definitions for special, indirect or consequential
                  damages, even if informed of the possibility thereof.

         (m)      Role of Agent. Each party agrees and acknowledges that (i)
                  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., an affiliate of JPMorgan
                  ("JPMSI"), has acted solely as agent and not as principal with
                  respect to this Transaction and (ii) JPMSI has no obligation
                  or liability, by way of guaranty, endorsement or otherwise, in
                  any manner in respect of this Transaction (including, if
                  applicable, in respect of the settlement thereof). Each party
                  agrees it will look solely to the other party (or any
                  guarantor in respect thereof) for performance of such other
                  party's obligations under this Transaction.

         (n)      Additional Provisions.

                  (i) Section 9.6(a)(ii) of the Equity Definitions is hereby
                  amended by (1) deleting from the third line thereof the word
                  "or" after the word "official" and inserting a comma therefor,
                  and (2) deleting the period at the end of subsection (ii)
                  thereof and inserting the following words therefor " or (C) at
                  JPMorgan's option, the occurrence of any of the

                    A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
       INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED
                                COMMERCIAL BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                          PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       9
<PAGE>

                                                                [JPMORGAN LOGO]

                  events specified in Section 5(a)(vii) (1) through (9) of the
                  ISDA Master Agreement with respect to that Issuer."

                  (ii) Notwithstanding Section 9.7 of the Equity Definitions,
                  everything in the first paragraph of Section 9.7(b) of the
                  Equity Definitions after the words "Calculation Agent" in the
                  third line through the remainder of such Section 9.7 shall be
                  deleted and replaced with the following:

                  "based on an amount representing the Calculation Agent's
                  determination of the fair value to Buyer of an option with
                  terms that would preserve for Buyer the economic equivalent of
                  any payment or delivery (assuming satisfaction of each
                  applicable condition precedent) by the parties in respect of
                  the relevant Transaction that would have been required after
                  that date but for the occurrence of the Nationalization or
                  De-Listing Event, as the case may be."

         (o)      Alternative Calculations and Payment on Early Termination and
                  on Certain Extraordinary Events. If JPMorgan shall owe
                  Counterparty any amount pursuant to Sections 9.3, 9.6 or 9.7
                  of the Equity Definitions or pursuant to any early termination
                  hereunder or under the Agreement or pursuant to Section
                  6(d)(ii) of the Agreement or otherwise (a "PAYMENT
                  OBLIGATION"), JPMorgan may, in its sole discretion, satisfy
                  any such Payment Obligation by the Share Termination
                  Alternative (as defined below) by giving irrevocable
                  telephonic notice to Counterparty, confirmed in writing within
                  one Currency Business Day, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and
                  4:00 p.m. New York local time on the Announcement Date or
                  Early Termination Date, as applicable ("NOTICE OF SHARE
                  TERMINATION"). Upon Notice of Share Termination no later than
                  8:00 a.m. on the Exchange Business Day immediately following
                  the Announcement Date or Early Termination Date, as
                  applicable, the following provisions shall apply:

                  Share Termination          Applicable and means that JPMorgan
                  Alternative:               shall deliver to Counterparty the
                                             Share Termination Delivery Property
                                             on the date when the Payment
                                             Obligation would otherwise be due
                                             pursuant to Section 9.7 of the
                                             Equity Definitions or Section
                                             6(d)(ii) of the Agreement, as
                                             applicable (the "SHARE TERMINATION
                                             PAYMENT DATE"), in satisfaction of
                                             the Payment Obligation in the
                                             manner reasonably requested by
                                             Counterparty free of payment.

                  Share Termination          A number of Share Termination
                  Delivery Property:         Delivery Units, as calculated by
                                             the Calculation Agent, equal to the
                                             Payment Obligation divided by the
                                             Share Termination Unit Price. The
                                             Calculation Agent shall adjust the
                                             Share Termination Delivery Property
                                             by replacing any fractional portion
                                             of a security therein with an
                                             amount of cash equal to the value
                                             of such fractional security based
                                             on the values used to calculate the
                                             Share Termination Unit Price.

                    A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
       INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED
                                COMMERCIAL BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
  REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD OFFICE 270
                          PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                                                                [JPMORGAN LOGO]

                  Share Termination Unit     The value to JPMorgan of property
                  Price:                     contained in one Share Termination
                                             Delivery Unit on the date such
                                             Share Termination Delivery Units
                                             are to be delivered as Share
                                             Termination Delivery Property, as
                                             determined by the Calculation Agent
                                             in its discretion by commercially
                                             reasonable means and notified by
                                             the Calculation Agent to JPMorgan
                                             at the time of notification of the
                                             Payment Obligation.

                  Share Termination          One Share or, if a Merger Event has
                  Delivery Unit:             occurred and a corresponding
                                             adjustment to this Transaction has
                                             been made, a unit consisting of the
                                             number or amount of each type of
                                             property received by a holder of
                                             one Share (without consideration of
                                             any requirement to pay cash or
                                             other consideration in lieu of
                                             fractional amounts of any
                                             securities) in such Merger Event,
                                             as determined by the Calculation
                                             Agent.

                  Failure to Deliver:        Applicable

                  Other applicable           If this Transaction is to be Share
                  provisions:                Termination Settled, the provisions
                                             of Sections 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.10
                                             (as modified above) of the Equity
                                             Definitions will be applicable,
                                             except that all references in such
                                             provisions to "Physically-Settled"
                                             shall be read as references to
                                             "Share Termination Settled" and all
                                             references to "Shares" shall be
                                             read as references to "Share
                                             Termination Delivery Units". "Share
                                             Termination Settled" in relation to
                                             this Transaction means that Share
                                             Termination Settlement is
                                             applicable to this Transaction.

         (p)      Governing Law. New York law (without reference to choice of
                  law doctrine).

                    A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                     BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE FSA.
       REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ. HEAD
                     OFFICE 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.

                                       11
<PAGE>

                                                                [JPMORGAN LOGO]

         Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms of our
agreement by executing this Confirmation and returning it to EDG Confirmation
Group, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 277 Park Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY
10172-3401, or by fax on 212 622 8519 (PLEASE NOTE THIS NEW FAX NUMBER).

                                      Very truly yours,

                                             J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC., AS
                                             AGENT FOR JPMORGAN CHASE BANK

                                             BY: /s/ Nicola Mudge
                                                -------------------------------
                                                Authorized Signatory
                                                Name: Nicola Mudge

         Accepted and confirmed as
         of the Trade Date:

         CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.

         By: /s/ William Porter
             -----------------------------
         Authorized Signatory
         Name: William Porter
               Senior Vice President
               and Chief Financial Officer

                     A SUBSIDIARY OF J.P. MORGAN CHASE & CO.
  INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY AS A NEW YORK STATE CHARTERED COMMERCIAL
                                      BANK.
      REGISTERED IN ENGLAND BRANCH NUMBER BR000746. AUTHORISED BY THE PSA.
          REGISTERED BRANCH ADDRESS 125 LONDON WALL, LONDON, EC2Y 5AJ.
                  HEAD OFFICE 270 PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA.<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 4.1

                                 FIFTH AMENDMENT
                               TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

      This FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of March 31, 2004 (the
"FIFTH AMENDMENT"), is entered into among NASHUA CORPORATION, a Massachusetts
corporation (the "BORROWER"), whose address is 11 Trafalgar Square, 2nd Floor,
Nashua, New Hampshire 03063, FLEET NATIONAL BANK, a national Banking association
("FLEET") and LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national Banking association
("LASALLE", TOGETHER WITH FLEET, THE "BANKS" AND AS AGENT FOR THE BANKS
"AGENT"), whose address is 135 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603.

                                R E C I T A L S:

      A. The Borrower and the Banks entered into that certain Credit Agreement
dated as of March 1, 2002, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit
Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2003, that certain Waiver and Second Amendment
to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 24, 2003, that certain Third Amendment to
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2003 and that certain Fourth
Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2003 (as further
amended, restated and modified from time to time, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT").

      B. At the present time the Borrower requests, and the Banks are agreeable
to adjustments to: (i) the financial covenants (ii) the Pricing Schedule, (iii)
the Termination Date, (iv) the Letter of Credit sub-limit, and (v) other
provisions as identified herein, pursuant to the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth.

      NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Borrower and the Banks hereby agree as follows:

                              A G R E E M E N T S:

      1.    RECITALS

      The foregoing Recitals are hereby made a part of this Fifth Amendment.

      2.    DEFINITIONS

      Capitalized words and phrases used herein without definition shall have
the respective meanings ascribed to such words and phrases in the Credit
Agreement.

      3.    AMENDMENTS TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT

            3.1   Definitions

            a. Code. The definition of Code in Section 1.1 of the Credit
      Agreement is hereby amended to insert "as amended" after the year 1986.

<PAGE>
            b. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The definition of Fixed Charge
      Coverage Ratio in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in
      its entirety and replaced with the following:

            "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means for any Computation Period, the
            ratio of (a) the total for such period of Adjusted EBITDA minus the
            sum of all income taxes paid by the Company and its Subsidiaries and
            all Capital Expenditures to (b) the sum for such period of (i)
            Interest Expense plus (ii) required payments of principal of Funded
            Debt (including the Term Loans (limited to the last four quarterly
            principal payments) but excluding the Revolving Loans) plus (iii)
            all dividends paid by the Company during such period."

            c. Restricted Subsidiary. The definition of Restricted Subsidiary in
      Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
      replaced with the following:

            "Restricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Company (other
            than a Foreign Subsidiary) which either accounts for 5% or more of
            the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries or
            accounts for 5% or more of Consolidated Net Income."

            d. Termination Date. The definition of Termination Date in Section
      1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced
      with the following:

            "Termination Date" means the earlier to occur of (a) February 28,
            2007, or (b) such other date on which the Commitments terminate
            pursuant to Section 6 or 12. "

            e. Total Debt to EBITDA Ratio. The definition of Total Debt to
      EBITDA Ratio in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in
      its entirety and replaced with the following:

            "Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio means, as of the last day of
            any Fiscal Quarter, the ratio of (i) Funded Debt as of such day to
            (ii) Adjusted EBITDA for the Computation Period ending on such day."

            3.2 L/C Commitment. Section 2.1.3(b)(i) of the Credit Agreement is
      hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

                                       2
<PAGE>

                  "(i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit
                  shall not at any time exceed $5,000,000 and"

            3.3 Early Termination. Section 2.1.4 of the Credit Agreement is
      hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the word "Reserved".

            3.4 Borrowing Base Certificates. Section 10.1.6 of the Credit
      Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the words "the Vice President/"
      from the first sentence.

            3.5 Pricing Schedule. The Pricing Schedule attached to the Credit
      Agreement is hereby deleting in its entirety and replaced with the Pricing
      Schedule attached hereto as Attachment A. All references in the Credit
      Agreement to the Pricing Schedule shall be deemed to be references to the
      revised Pricing Schedule as set forth in Attachment A hereto.

            3.6 Exhibit B. Exhibit B to the Credit Agreement, as amended in that
      certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its
      entirety and replaced with Exhibit B attached hereto as Attachment B. All
      references in the Credit Agreement to Exhibit B shall be deemed to be
      references to the revised Exhibit B as set forth in Attachment B hereto.

            3.7 Financial Covenants.

                        a. Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio. Section 10.6.2 of the
                  Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
                  replaced with the following:

                  "Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio. Not permit the Funded
                  Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio as of the last day of any
                  Computation Period to exceed 2.75 to 1.00 for such Computation
                  Period."

                        b. Adjusted EBITDA. Section 10.6.3 of the Credit
                  Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with
                  the word "Reserved".

      4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

      To induce the Banks to enter into this Fifth Amendment, the Borrower
hereby certifies, represents and warrants to the Banks that:

            4.1 Organization

      The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, existing and in good
standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with full and
adequate corporate power to carry on and conduct its business as presently
conducted. The Borrower is duly licensed or qualified in all foreign
jurisdictions wherein the nature of its activities require such qualification or
licensing. The exact legal name of the Borrower is as set forth in the preamble
of this Fifth Amendment, and the Borrower currently does not conduct, nor has

                                       3
<PAGE>
it during the last five (5) years conducted, business under any other name or
trade name, except that some of its operations were conducted under the name
Rittenhouse, Rittenhouse Paper Company or Rittenhouse, L.L.C. prior to 2002. The
Borrower will not change its name, its organizational identification number, its
type of organization, its jurisdiction of organization or other legal structure.

            4.2 Authorization

      The Borrower is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Fifth
Amendment and is and will continue to be duly authorized to borrow monies under
the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and to perform its obligations under
the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby.

            4.3 No Conflicts

         The execution and delivery of this Fifth Amendment and the performance
by the Borrower of its obligations under the Credit Agreement, as amended
hereby, do not and will not conflict with any provision of law or of the
articles of incorporation of the Borrower or of any agreement binding upon the
Borrower.

            4.4 Validity and Binding Effect

      The Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, is a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by Bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar laws of general application affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights or by general principles of equity limiting the availability
of equitable remedies.

            4.5 Compliance with Credit Agreement

      The representation and warranties set forth in Section 9 of the Credit
Agreement, as amended hereby, are true and correct with the same effect as if
such representations and warranties had been made on the date hereof, with the
exception that all references to the financial statements shall mean the
financial statements most recently delivered to the Banks and except for such
changes as are specifically permitted under the Credit Agreement. In addition,
the Borrower has complied with and is in compliance with all of the covenants
set forth in the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, including, but not limited
to, those set forth in Section 10 thereof.

            4.6 No Event of Default

      As of the date hereof, no Event of Default under Section 12 of the Credit
Agreement, as amended hereby, or event or condition which, with the giving of
notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default,
has occurred or is continuing.

                                       4
<PAGE>
      5.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

      This Fifth Amendment shall become effective as of the date above first
written after receipt by the Banks of the following documents and fees (and the
date on which all such conditions precedent have been satisfied or waived by the
Banks shall be called the "FIFTH AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE"):

            5.1 Fifth Amendment

      This Fifth Amendment executed by the Borrower and the Banks.

            5.2 Resolutions

      A certified copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors and/or
shareholders of the Borrower authorizing the execution, delivery and performance
of this Fifth Amendment and the related loan documents; provided, however that
the Borrower's compliance with this Section 5.2 shall be waived until the early
to occur of (i) delivery of such authorizing resolutions, or (ii) May 10, 2004.

            5.3 Other Documents

      Such other documents, certificates and/or opinions of counsel as the Banks
may request.

            5.4 Fifth Amendment Fee

      The Borrower agrees to pay to the Banks a Fifth Amendment Fee in the
amount of Forty-Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($45,000.00) to be split
pro-rata between the Banks.

      6.    GENERAL

            6.1 Governing Law; Severability

      This Fifth Amendment shall be construed in accordance with and governed by
the laws of Illinois. Wherever possible each provision of the Credit Agreement
and this Fifth Amendment shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective
and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of the Credit Agreement and
this Fifth Amendment shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such
provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity,
without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions
of the Credit Agreement and this Fifth Amendment.

            6.2 Successors and Assigns

      This Fifth Amendment shall be binding upon the Borrower and the Banks and
their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the
Borrower and the Banks and the successors and assigns of the Banks.

                                       5
<PAGE>

            6.3 Continuing Force and Effect of Loan Documents

      Except as specifically modified or amended by the terms of this Fifth
Amendment, all other terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other
Loan Documents are incorporated by reference herein, and in all respects, shall
continue in full force and effect. The Borrower, by execution of this Fifth
Amendment, hereby reaffirms, assumes and binds itself to all of the obligations,
duties, rights, covenants, terms and conditions that are contained in the Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

            6.4 Financing Statements

      The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Banks at any time and from
time to time to file in any jurisdiction any initial UCC financing statements
and/or amendments thereto that (a) describe the Collateral, and (b) contain any
other information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the UCC for the sufficiency
or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment.

            6.5 References to Credit Agreement

      Each reference in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement", "hereunder",
"hereof", or words of like import, and each reference to the Credit Agreement in
any and all instruments or documents delivered in connection therewith, shall be
deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby.

            6.6 Expenses

      The Borrower shall pay all costs and expenses in connection with the
preparation of this Fifth Amendment and other related loan documents, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and time charges of attorneys who
may be employees of the Banks or any affiliate or parent of the Banks. The
Borrower shall pay any and all stamp and other taxes, UCC search fees, filing
fees and other costs and expenses in connection with the execution and delivery
of this Fifth Amendment and the other instruments and documents to be delivered
hereunder, and agrees to save the Banks harmless from and against any and all
liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or omission to
pay such costs and expenses.

            6.7 Counterparts

      This Fifth Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of
which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

                            [Signature Page Follows]

                                       6
<PAGE>
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fifth Amendment
to Credit Agreement as of the date first above written.

WITNESS:                              NASHUA CORPORATION

/s/ Margaret M. Callan                By:      /s/ John L. Patenaude
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                      Name:  John L. Patenaude
                                      Title:   Vice President-Finance, CFO
                                               and Treasurer

WITNESS:                              LASALLE BANK NATIONAL
                                      ASSOCIATION, as Agent
/s/ Signature Illegible

                                      By:       /s/ Brian Sullivan
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                      Name:  Brian Sullivan
                                      Title:    Vice President

WITNESS:                              LASALLE BANK NATIONAL
/s/ Signature Illegible               ASSOCIATION, as Issuing Bank and as a Bank

                                      By:       /s/ Brian Sullivan
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                      Name:   Brian Sullivan
                                      Title:     Vice President

WITNESS:                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank

/s/ Signature Illegible

                                      By:       /s/ Christine M. Madden
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                      Name:   Christine M. Madden
                                      Title:     Vice President
<PAGE>
                                  ATTACHMENT A

                                PRICING SCHEDULE

      The LIBOR Margin, the Base Rate Margin, the Non-Use Fee Rate and the LC
Fee Rate shall be determined as set forth below.

      The LIBOR Margin, the Base Rate Margin, the Non-Use Fee Rate and the LC
Fee Rate shall be equal to the applicable rate per annum set forth in the table
below opposite the applicable Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUNDED DEBT                                      LIBOR           BASE RATE          NON-USE            LC FEE
TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO                         MARGIN            MARGIN          FEE RATE             RATE
<S>                                              <C>             <C>               <C>                 <C>
Greater than 2.51:1                              2.00%              .25%             .375%             2.00%
Greater than 2.01:1 but less than or
equal to 2.50:1                                  1.75%               0%              .25%              1.75%
Less than or equal to 2.00:1                     1.50%               0%              .25%              1.50%
</TABLE>

The LIBOR Margin, the Base Rate Margin, the Non-Use Fee Rate and the LC Fee Rate
shall be adjusted, to the extent applicable, on the 45th or, in the case of the
last Fiscal Quarter of each Fiscal Year, 120th day after the end of each Fiscal
Quarter, retroactively to the first day of such Fiscal Quarter, based on the
Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Quarter;
it being understood that if the Company fails to deliver the financial
statements required by Section 10.1.1 or 10.1.2, as applicable, and the related
Compliance Certificate, required by Section 10.1.3 by the 45th day (or, if
applicable, the 120th day) after any Fiscal Quarter, the LIBOR Margin shall be
2.00%, the Base Rate Margin shall be .25%, the Non-Use Fee Rate shall be .375%
and the LC Fee Rate shall be 2.00% until such financial statements and
Compliance Certificate are delivered. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
reduction to the foregoing interest rate margins or fee rates shall become
effective at any time when an Event of Default or Unmatured Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
                                  ATTACHMENT B

                                    EXHIBIT B

                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

To:   LaSalle Bank National Association, as Agent

      Please refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 1, 2002 (as amended
or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") among Nashua
Corporation (the "Company"), various financial institutions and LaSalle Bank
National Association, as Agent. Terms used but not otherwise defined herein are
used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement.

I.    Reports. Enclosed herewith is a copy of the [annual audited/monthly]
      report of the Company as at _____________, ____ (the "Computation Date"),
      which report fairly presents in all material respects the financial
      condition and results of operations (subject to the absence of footnotes
      and to normal year-end adjustments) of the Company as of the Computation
      Date and has been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

II.   Financial Tests. The Company hereby certifies and warrants to you that the
      following is a true and correct computation as at the Computation Date of
      the following ratios and/or financial restrictions contained in the Credit
      Agreement:

A.    SECTION 10.6.1 - MINIMUM FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO

1.       Consolidated Net Income            $________

2.       Plus:  Interest Expense            $________
         income tax expense                 $________
         depreciation                       $________
         amortization                       $________

3.       Restructuring, nonrecurring,
         one-time charges mutually
         agreed upon                        $_________

4.       Non-cash expenses mutually
         agreed upon                        $_________

5.       Proforma adjustments mutually
          agreed upon for acquisitions      $_________

6.       Total Adjusted EBITDA
         Sum of (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5)  $_________
<PAGE>
7.       Income taxes paid                  $________

8.       Capital Expenditures               $________

9.       Sum of (7) and (8)                 $________

10.      Remainder of (6) minus (9)         $________

11.      Interest Expense                   $________

12.      Required payments of
         Principal of Funded Debt
         (including Term Loans (limited
         to the last four quarterly
         principal payments) but
         excluding Revolving Loans)         $________

13.      Sum of (12) and (13)               $________

14.      Ratio of (10) to (13)              ____ to 1

15.      Minimum Required                   1.10 to 1

B.       SECTION 10.6.2 - MAXIMUM FUNDED DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO

1.       Funded Debt                        $________

2.       Adjusted EBITDA                    $________
         (from Item A(6) above)

3.       Ratio of (1) to (2)                ____ to 1

4.       Maximum allowed                    2.75 to 1

C.       SECTION 10.6.4 - CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

1.       Capital Expenditures for the
         Fiscal Year                        $__________

2.       Maximum Permitted Capital
         Expenditures                       $8,000,000

III.     Pricing Schedule Computation

FUNDED DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO

1.       Funded Debt                        $____________

                                       10
<PAGE>
2.       Adjusted EBITDA
         (from item A(6) above)             $____________

3.       Ratio of (1) to (2)                ____ to 1

The Company further certifies to you that no Event of Default or Unmatured Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing.

                                       11

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00064-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00064-of-00352.parquet"}]]