Document:

CONFORMED COPY

                                  $500,000,000

                            364-DAY CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                   dated as of

                                  July 12, 2000

                                      among

                                 Praxair, Inc.,

                             The Banks Party Hereto

                    Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
                              Bank of America, N.A.
                                       and
                           Credit Suisse First Boston,
                            as Co-Syndication Agents

                                       and

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank,
                             as Administrative Agent

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

                          J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
                         Lead Arranger and Book Manager
                                 --------------

                         Banc of America Securities LLC
                              Chase Securities Inc.
                           Credit Suisse First Boston,
                        Co-Arrangers and Co-Book Managers

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<S>     <C>                                                                                <C>

                                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

                                                                                             PAGE

                                            ARTICLE 1
                                           DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01.  Definitions......................................................................1
SECTION 1.02.  Accounting Terms and Determinations.............................................14
SECTION 1.03.  Types of Borrowings.............................................................14

                                            ARTICLE 2
                                           THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01.  Commitments to Lend.............................................................15
SECTION 2.02.  Notice of Committed Borrowings..................................................16
SECTION 2.03.  Money Market Borrowings.........................................................16
SECTION 2.04.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans...............................................21
SECTION 2.05.  Notes...........................................................................22
SECTION 2.06.  Maturity of Loans...............................................................23
SECTION 2.07.  Interest Rates..................................................................23
SECTION 2.08.  Facility Fee....................................................................26
SECTION 2.09.  Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments................................27
SECTION 2.10.  Optional Prepayments............................................................27
SECTION 2.11.  General Provisions as to Payments...............................................28
SECTION 2.12.  Funding Losses..................................................................29
SECTION 2.13.  Computation of Interest and Fees................................................29
SECTION 2.14.  Method of Electing Interest Rates...............................................29
SECTION 2.15.  Withholding Tax Exemption.......................................................31
SECTION 2.16.  Regulation D Compensation.......................................................32
SECTION 2.17.  Replacement of this Agreement...................................................33
SECTION 2.18.  Optional Increase in Commitments................................................33

                                            ARTICLE 3
                                           CONDITIONS

SECTION 3.01.  Effectiveness...................................................................34
SECTION 3.02.  Borrowings......................................................................36

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                                                                                             PAGE

                                            ARTICLE 4
                                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

SECTION 4.01.  Corporate Existence and Power...................................................37
SECTION 4.02.  Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No
         Contravention.........................................................................37
SECTION 4.03.  Binding Effect..................................................................37
SECTION 4.04.  Financial Information...........................................................38
SECTION 4.05.  Litigation......................................................................38
SECTION 4.06.  Compliance with ERISA...........................................................38
SECTION 4.07.  Environmental Matters...........................................................39
SECTION 4.08.  Subsidiaries....................................................................39
SECTION 4.09.  Not an Investment Company.......................................................39
SECTION 4.10.  Disclosure......................................................................39

                                            ARTICLE 5
                                            COVENANTS

SECTION 5.01.  Information.....................................................................40
SECTION 5.02.  Maintenance of Property; Insurance..............................................43
SECTION 5.03.  Negative Pledge.................................................................43
SECTION 5.04.  Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets.....................................44
SECTION 5.05.  Minimum Consolidated Book Net Worth.............................................45
SECTION 5.06.  Leverage Ratio..................................................................45
SECTION 5.07.  Use of Proceeds.................................................................45

                                            ARTICLE 6
                                            DEFAULTS

SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default...............................................................46
SECTION 6.02.  Notice of Default...............................................................49

                                            ARTICLE 7
                                             AGENTS

SECTION 7.01.  Appointment and Authorization...................................................49
SECTION 7.02.  Agents and Affiliates...........................................................49
SECTION 7.03.  Action by Administrative Agent..................................................49
SECTION 7.04.  Consultation with Experts.......................................................50
SECTION 7.05.  Liability of Administrative Agent...............................................50
SECTION 7.06.  Indemnification.................................................................50

                                               ii

<PAGE>

                                                                                             PAGE

SECTION 7.07.  Credit Decision.................................................................50
SECTION 7.08.  Successor Administrative Agent..................................................51

                                            ARTICLE 8
                                     CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

SECTION 8.01.  Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair........................51
SECTION 8.02.  Illegality......................................................................52
SECTION 8.03.  Increased Cost and Reduced Return...............................................53
SECTION 8.04.  Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate Loans.......................55

                                            ARTICLE 9
                                          MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01.  Notices.........................................................................56
SECTION 9.02.  No Waivers......................................................................56
SECTION 9.03.  Expenses; Documentary Taxes; Indemnification....................................56
SECTION 9.04.  Sharing of Set-offs.............................................................57
SECTION 9.05.  Amendments and Waivers..........................................................58
SECTION 9.06.  Successors and Assigns..........................................................59
SECTION 9.07.  Designated Lenders..............................................................61
SECTION 9.08.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of
         Jury Trial............................................................................62
SECTION 9.09.  Counterparts; Integration.......................................................62
SECTION 9.10.  Confidentiality.................................................................63
SECTION 9.11.  Severability....................................................................64
SECTION 9.12.  Termination of Existing Credit Agreement........................................64
SECTION 9.13.  Collateral......................................................................64

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                                               iii

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Exhibits

Exhibit A   --    Note
Exhibit B   --    Form of Money Market Quote Request
Exhibit C   --    Form of Invitation for Money Market Quotes
Exhibit D   --    Form of Money Market Quote
Exhibit E   --    Form of Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, Special
                  Counsel for the Borrower
Exhibit F   --    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell, Special Counsel for
                  the Agents
Exhibit G   --    Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit H   --    Designation Agreement
Exhibit I   --    Extension Agreement

                                       iv

<PAGE>

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT dated as of July 12, 2000 among PRAXAIR, INC., the BANKS
party hereto, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
and CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, as Co-Syndication Agents, and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN BANK, as Administrative Agent.

         The parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1
                                   DEFINITIONS

         SECTION 1.01. Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, have
the following meanings:

         "Absolute Rate Auction" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes
setting forth Money Market Absolute Rates pursuant to Section 2.03.

         "Adjusted CD Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "Administrative Agent" means The Chase Manhattan Bank, in its capacity
as administrative agent for the Banks hereunder, and its successors in such
capacity.

         "Administrative Questionnaire" means, with respect to each Bank, an
administrative questionnaire in the form prepared by the Administrative Agent
and submitted to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly following
receipt thereof give a copy to the Borrower) duly completed by such Bank.

         "Agents" means the Administrative Agent and the Co-Syndication Agents.

         "Applicable Lending Office" means, with respect to any Bank,

               (i) in the case of its Domestic Loans, its Domestic Lending
          Office,

               (ii) in the case of its Euro-Dollar Loans, its Euro-Dollar
          Lending Office and

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<PAGE>

               (iii) in the case of its Money Market Loans, its Money Market
          Lending Office.

         "Assessment Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "Assignee" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(c).

         "Bank" means each bank listed on the signature pages hereof, each
Person which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 2.18 and each Assignee which
becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 9.06(c), and their respective successors.

         "Bank Parties" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.10.

         "Base Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the higher of
the Reference Rate for such day or the sum of 1/2 of 1% plus the Effective
Federal Funds Rate for such day.

         "Base Rate Loan" means a Committed Loan that bears interest at the Base
Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of
Interest Rate Election or the last sentence of Section 2.14(a) or Article 8.

         "Benefit Arrangement" means at any time an employee benefit plan within
the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA which is not a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan
and which is maintained or otherwise contributed to by any member of the ERISA
Group.

         "Borrower" means Praxair, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
successors.

         "Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03.

         "CD Base Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "CD Loan" means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a CD Rate
pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of Interest
Rate Election.

         "CD Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "CD Rate" means a rate of interest determined pursuant to Section
2.07(b) on the basis of an Adjusted CD Rate.

                                        2

<PAGE>

         "CD Reference Banks" means Bank of America, N.A., The Chase Manhattan
Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and each other Bank as may be
appointed pursuant to Section 9.06(g).

         "Commitment" means (i) with respect to each Bank listed on the
Commitment Schedule, the amount set forth opposite such Bank's name on the
Commitment Schedule and (ii) with respect to any Assignee or other Person which
becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 2.18 or 9.06(c), the amount of the transferor
Bank's Commitment assigned to it pursuant to Section 9.06(c), in each case as
such amount may be changed from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09 or
9.06(c); provided that, if the context so requires, the term "Commitment" means
the obligation of a Bank to extend credit up to such amount to the Borrower
hereunder.

         "Commitment Schedule" means the Schedule attached hereto identified as
such.

         "Committed Loan" means a Revolving Credit Loan or a Term Loan; provided
that, if any such loan or loans (or portions thereof) are combined or subdivided
pursuant to a Notice of Interest Rate Election, the term "Committed Loan" shall
refer to the combined principal amount resulting from such combination or to
each of the separate principal amounts resulting from such subdivision, as the
case may be.

         "Consolidated Book Net Worth" means at any date the consolidated
shareholders' equity of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries,
calculated without giving effect to (i) changes in the cumulative foreign
currency translation adjustment after March 31, 2000, (ii) any mark-to-market of
a derivative or hedging instrument or any other adjustment related to any
derivative or hedging instrument that might be required under FAS 133 after
March 31, 2000, and (iii) after-tax restructuring charges taken after March 31,
2000 up to a maximum cumulative amount of $75,000,000.

         "Consolidated Net Income" for any period means the consolidated net
income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period,
excluding any extraordinary items of gain or loss.

         "Consolidated Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means at any date
any Subsidiary or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with
those of such Person in its consolidated financial statements if such statements
were prepared as of such date.

                                        3

<PAGE>

         "Consolidated Total Debt" means at any date all consolidated Debt of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined as of such date.

         "Continuing Director" means at any date a member of the Borrower's
board of directors who was either (i) a member of such board twelve months prior
to such date or (ii) nominated for election to such board by at least two-thirds
of the Continuing Directors then in office.

         "Co-Syndication Agent" means each of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York, Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity
as co-syndication agent for the credit facility provided hereunder.

         "Debt" of any Person means at any date, without duplication, to the
extent required in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles to
be included in the financial statements of such Person or the footnotes thereto,

               (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money,

               (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds,
          debentures or notes,

               (iii) all obligations of such Person for installment purchase
          transactions involving the purchase of property or services over
          $5,000,000 for any particular transaction, except trade accounts
          payable and expense accruals arising in the ordinary course of
          business,

               (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee which are
          capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting
          principles,

               (v) all contingent or non-contingent obligations of such Person
          to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid or to
          be paid under a letter of credit, and

               (vi) all Debt of others Guaranteed by such Person.

         "Default" means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of
Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

         "Designated Lender" means, with respect to any Designating Bank, an
Eligible Designee designated by it pursuant to Section 9.07(a) as a Designated
Lender for purposes of this Agreement.

                                        4

<PAGE>

         "Designating Bank" means, with respect to each Designated Lender, the
Bank that designated such Designated Lender pursuant to Section 9.07(a).

         "Dollars" and the sign "$" mean lawful money of the United States of
America.

         "Domestic Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required
by law to close.

         "Domestic Consolidated Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means a
Consolidated Subsidiary of such Person organized and existing under the laws of
the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

         "Domestic Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office identified
in its Administrative Questionnaire as its Domestic Lending Office or such other
office of such Bank as such Bank may hereafter designate as its Domestic Lending
Office by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent; provided that any
Bank may so designate separate Domestic Lending Offices for its Base Rate Loans,
on the one hand, and its CD Loans, on the other hand, in which case all
references herein to the Domestic Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to
refer to either or both of such offices, as the context may require.

         "Domestic Loans" means CD Loans or Base Rate Loans or both.

         "Domestic Reserve Percentage" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.07(b).

         "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement becomes effective in
accordance with Section 3.01.

         "Effective Federal Funds Rate" means the weighted average of the rates
on overnight federal funds transactions between members of the Federal Reserve
System arranged by federal funds brokers as published daily (or, if such day is
not a Domestic Business Day, for the immediately preceding Domestic Business
Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the Composite Closing Quotations
for U.S. Government Securities (or any successor quotations).

         "Eligible Designee" means a special purpose corporation that (i) is
organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, (ii) is
engaged in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the
ordinary course of its business and (iii) issues (or the parent of which issues)
commercial

                                        5

<PAGE>

paper rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least
P-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's.

         "Environmental Laws" means all applicable federal, state, local and
foreign laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, orders and requirements relating
to the protection of, or discharge of materials into, the environment,
including, without limitation, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of
1976, as amended; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act; the Toxic Substance Control Act; the Clean Water Act; the Clean
Air Act; and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, or any successor statute.

         "ERISA Group" means the Borrower, any Subsidiary and all members of a
controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal
Revenue Code.

         "Eurocurrency Reserve Ratio" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.

         "Euro-Dollar Business Day" means any Domestic Business Day on which
commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in
Dollar deposits) in London.

         "Euro-Dollar Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office or
branch located at its address identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as
its Euro-Dollar Lending Office or such other office or branch of such Bank as it
may hereafter designate as its Euro-Dollar Lending Office by notice to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

         "Euro-Dollar Loan" means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a
Euro-Dollar Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or
Notice of Interest Rate Election.

         "Euro-Dollar Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(c).

         "Euro-Dollar Reference Banks" means the principal London offices of
Bank of America, N.A., The Chase Manhattan Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York and the principal London office of each other Bank as may be
appointed pursuant to Section 9.06(g).

                                        6

<PAGE>

         "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

         "Existing Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of
December 7, 1995, among the Borrower, the banks parties thereto, Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, as documentation agent, and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(successor to Chemical Bank), as administrative agent and auction agent, as
amended to the Effective Date.

         "Final Maturity Date" means the first anniversary of the Termination
Date, or if such date is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next preceding
Euro- Dollar Business Day.

         "Fixed Rate Loans" means CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market
Loans (excluding Money Market LIBOR Loans bearing interest at the Reference Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01) or any combination of the foregoing.

         "Group of Loans" means, at any time, a group of Loans consisting of (i)
all Committed Loans which are Base Rate Loans at such time, (ii) all Euro-Dollar
Loans having the same Interest Period at such time or (iii) all CD Loans having
the same Interest Period at such time; provided that, if a Committed Loan of any
particular Bank is converted to or made as a Base Rate Loan pursuant to Article
8, such Loan shall be included in the same Group or Groups of Loans from time to
time as it would have been in if it had not been so converted or made.

         "Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt of any
other Person, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:

               (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
          purchase or payment of) such Debt (whether arising by virtue of
          partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep-well, to purchase
          assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain
          financial statement conditions or otherwise); or

               (ii) entered into for the purpose of ensuring in any legally
          enforceable manner the obligee of such Debt of the payment thereof or
          to protect such obligee in any legally enforceable manner against loss
          in respect thereof (in whole or in part);

provided that the term Guarantee shall not include

                                        7

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           (a)  endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business;

           (b) obligations that are not required in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles to be included in the financial statements of
such Person or the footnotes thereto;

           (c) "unconditional purchase obligations" (including take-or-pay
contracts) as defined in and as required to be disclosed pursuant to Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 47 and the related interpretations, as the
same may be amended from time to time, but only to the extent the aggregate
present value amount of all such obligations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries (other than amounts reflected on the balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries) is equal to or less than 5% of
the net sales of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as set forth in
their Consolidated Statement of Income, determined as of the end of the
preceding quarter for the twelve months then ending; and

           (d) any obligations required to be disclosed pursuant to the
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 105, Disclosure of Information
about Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and Financial
Instruments with Concentrations of Credit Risk, issued March 1990, the Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosure about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments, issued December 1991, and the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 119, Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments
and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, issued October 1994, and their related
interpretations, as the same may be amended from time to time (except to the
extent any such obligation is required to be reflected on the balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries).

         The term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

         "Interest Period" means: (1) with respect to each Euro-Dollar Loan, the
period commencing on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of
Borrowing or on the date specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate
Election and ending one, two, three or six months thereafter and, if deposits of
a corresponding maturity are available to all Banks in the London interbank
market, nine or twelve months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect in the
applicable notice; provided that:

           (a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
         not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
         Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls

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         in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall
         end on the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day; and

           (b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar 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 Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar
         month;

           (2) with respect to each CD Loan, the period commencing on the date
of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing or on the date
specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate Election and ending 30, 60,
90 or 180 days thereafter, as the Borrower may elect in the applicable notice;
provided that any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day;

          (3) with respect to each Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the period
commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such whole number of months
thereafter (but not more than 12 months) as the Borrower may elect in accordance
with Section 2.03; provided that:

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

               (b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
          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 Euro-Dollar Business Day of a
          calendar month; and

          (4) with respect to each Money Market Absolute Rate Borrowing, the
period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such number of days
thereafter (but not less than seven nor more than 180 days) as the Borrower
may elect in accordance with Section 2.03; provided that any Interest Period
which would otherwise end on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall
be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day; and

         provided further that:

                                        9

<PAGE>

               (x) no Interest Period which begins before the Termination Date
          may end after the Termination Date; and

               (y) no Interest Period applicable to any Term Loan may end after
          the Final Maturity Date.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Interest Periods at any one time
outstanding hereunder shall end on not more than 25 different dates, and the
duration of any Interest Period which would otherwise exceed such limitation
shall be adjusted so as to coincide with the remaining term of such other then
current Interest Period as the Borrower may specify in the related Notice of
Borrowing or Notice of Interest Rate Election.

         "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or any successor statute.

         "Invitation for Money Market Quotes" means an invitation by the
Administrative Agent on behalf of the Borrower to each Bank to submit Money
Market Quotes offering to make Money Market Loans in accordance with Section
2.03, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto.

         "Leverage Ratio" means the ratio of (x) Consolidated Total Debt to (y)
Consolidated Book Net Worth.

         "LIBOR Auction" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes setting
forth Money Market LIBOR Margins pursuant to Section 2.03.

         "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.

         "Loan" means a Domestic Loan or a Euro-Dollar Loan or a Money Market
Loan and "Loans" means Domestic Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market Loans
or any combination of the foregoing, in each case made or to be made under this
Agreement.

         "London Interbank Offered Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.07(c).

         "Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as such term is defined in
Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time.

                                       10

<PAGE>

         "Material Plan" means at any time a Plan or Plans having aggregate
Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $25,000,000.

         "Money Market Absolute Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d)(ii)(D).

         "Money Market Absolute Rate Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a
Bank pursuant to an Absolute Rate Auction.

         "Money Market Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its Domestic
Lending Office or such other office or branch of such Bank as it may hereafter
designate as its Money Market Lending Office by notice to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent; provided that any Bank may from time to time by notice to
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent designate separate Money Market
Lending Offices for its Money Market LIBOR Loans, on the one hand, and its Money
Market Absolute Rate Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references
herein to the Money Market Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer
to either or both of such offices, as the context may require.

         "Money Market LIBOR Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank
pursuant to a LIBOR Auction (including such a loan bearing interest at the
Reference Rate pursuant to Section 8.01).

         "Money Market LIBOR Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d)(ii)(C).

         "Money Market Loan" means a Money Market LIBOR Loan or a Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan.

         "Money Market Quote" means an offer by a Bank to make a Money Market
Loan in accordance with Section 2.03.

         "Multiemployer Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of the
ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or
has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including for these
purposes any Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during such
five year period.

         "Notes" means promissory notes of the Borrower, substantially in the
form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the obligation of the Borrower to repay the
Loans, and "Note" means any one of such promissory notes issued hereunder.

                                       11

<PAGE>

         "Notice of Borrowing" means a Notice of Committed Borrowing (as defined
in Section 2.02) or a Notice of Money Market Borrowing (as defined in Section
2.03(f)).

         "Notice of Interest Rate Election" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.14(a).

         "Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(b).

         "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

         "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
association, a trust or any other entity or organization, including a government
or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

         "Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the
minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and
either:

               (i) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA
          Group for employees of any member of the ERISA Group; or

               (ii) has at any time within the preceding five years been
          maintained, or contributed to, by any Person which was at such time a
          member of the ERISA Group for employees of any Person which was at
          such time a member of the ERISA Group.

         "Pricing Schedule" means the Pricing Schedule attached hereto.

         "Quarterly Payment Dates" means each March 31, June 30, September 30
and December 31.

         "Reference Banks" means the CD Reference Banks or the Euro-Dollar
Reference Banks, as the context may require, and "Reference Bank" means any one
of such Reference Banks.

         "Reference Rate" means the rate of interest publicly announced by The
Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City from time to time as its "prime rate".

                                       12

<PAGE>

         "Regulation D" and "Regulation U" means Regulation D and Regulation U,
respectively, of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in
effect from time to time.

         "Required Banks" means at any time Banks having at least 51% of the
aggregate amount of the Commitments, or, if the Commitments have been
terminated, holding Notes evidencing at least 51% of the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the outstanding Loans.

         "Restricted Subsidiary" means

               (i) any Domestic Consolidated Subsidiary of the Borrower, and

               (ii) Praxair Canada Inc.

         "Revolving Credit Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank
pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

         "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means any corporation or other
entity of which such Person directly or indirectly owns a majority of the
securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect
the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions. Unless
otherwise specified, "Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

         "Termination Date" means July 11, 2001 or such later date to which the
"Termination Date" under this Agreement shall have been extended pursuant to
Section 2.01(c), or, if any such day is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next
preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.

         "Term Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank pursuant to
Section 2.01(b).

         "Unfunded Liabilities" means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the
amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all benefits under such Plan
exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits
(excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all determined as of the then
most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such
excess represents a potential liability of a member of the ERISA Group to the
PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA.

                                       13

<PAGE>

         "Wholly-Owned Consolidated Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means
any Consolidated Subsidiary all of the shares of capital stock or other
ownership interests of which (except directors' qualifying shares) are at the
time directly or indirectly owned by such Person.

         SECTION 1.02. Accounting Terms and Determinations. Unless otherwise
specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied
on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by the Borrower's
independent public accountants) with the most recent audited consolidated
financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries delivered
to the Banks; provided that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent
that the Borrower wishes to amend any covenant in Article 5 to eliminate the
effect of any change in generally accepted accounting principles on the
operation of such covenant (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower
that the Required Banks wish to amend Article 5 for such purpose), then the
Borrower's compliance with such covenant shall be determined on the basis of
generally accepted accounting principles in effect immediately before the
relevant change in generally accepted accounting principles became effective,
until either such notice is withdrawn or such covenant is amended in a manner
satisfactory to the Borrower and the Required Banks.

         SECTION 1.03. Types of Borrowings. The term "Borrowing" denotes the
aggregation of Loans of one or more Banks to be made to the Borrower pursuant to
Article 2 on a single date and for a single Interest Period. Borrowings are
classified for purposes of this Agreement either by reference to the pricing of
Loans comprising such Borrowing (e.g., a "Euro-Dollar Borrowing" is a Borrowing
comprised of Euro-Dollar Loans) or by reference to the provisions of Article 2
under which participation therein is determined (i.e., a "Committed Borrowing"
is a Borrowing under Section 2.01 in which all Banks participate in proportion
to their Commitments, while a "Money Market Borrowing" is a Borrowing under
Section 2.03 in which the Bank participants are determined on the basis of their
bids in accordance therewith).

                                       14

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                   THE CREDITS

         SECTION 2.01. Commitments to Lend. (a) Revolving Credit Loans. Each
Bank severally agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
to make loans to the Borrower pursuant to this Section from time to time before
the Termination Date in amounts such that the aggregate principal amount of
Committed Loans by such Bank at any one time outstanding shall not exceed the
amount of its Commitment. Each Borrowing under this Section shall be in an
aggregate principal amount of $25,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000
(except that any such Borrowing may be in the aggregate amount available in
accordance with Section 3.02(b) and, if less than $5,000,000, must be a Base
Rate Borrowing) and shall be made from the several Banks ratably in proportion
to their respective Commitments. Within the foregoing limits, the Borrower may
borrow under this Section, to the extent permitted by Section 2.10, prepay Loans
and reborrow at any time before the Termination Date under this Section. The
Commitments shall terminate at the close of business on the Termination Date.

          (b) Term Loans. Each Bank severally agrees, on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement, and subject to the prior satisfaction of
the conditions set forth in Section 3.02, to make a loan to the Borrower on the
Termination Date in an aggregate principal amount up to but not exceeding the
aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans it has outstanding on the
Termination Date.

          (c) Extension of the Termination Date. The Termination Date may be
extended in the manner set forth in this subsection 2.01(c) on not more than two
occasions, in each case for a period of 364 days from the Termination Date then
in effect. If the Borrower wishes to request an extension of the Termination
Date, it shall give written notice to that effect to the Administrative Agent
not less than 45 nor more than 60 days prior to the Termination Date then in
effect, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall immediately notify each of the
Banks of such request. Each Bank will use its best efforts to respond to such
request, whether affirmatively or negatively, as it may elect in its discretion,
within 30 days of such notice to the Administrative Agent. If less than all
Banks respond affirmatively to such request within 30 days, then so long as
Banks having more than 50% of the Commitments shall have responded
affirmatively, the Banks that do not elect to extend the Termination Date shall
if so requested by the Borrower assign their Commitments in their entirety to
one or more Assignees pursuant to Section 9.06(c) which Assignees will agree to
extend the Termination Date. Subject to receipt by the Administrative Agent no
earlier than 30 days prior to the Termination Date then in effect of
counterparts of an Extension Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit I
hereto duly completed and signed by each of

                                       15

<PAGE>

the Banks responding affirmatively to the Borrower's request for extension and
each Assignee contemplated by the preceding sentence, the Termination Date shall
be extended for the period specified above as to such parties, and the
Commitment of any Bank which shall not have responded affirmatively, to the
extent such Commitment shall not have been assigned as contemplated by the
preceding sentence, shall terminate on the unextended Termination Date (and no
such Bank shall be obligated to make a Term Loan on such unextended Termination
Date).

         SECTION 2.02. Notice of Committed Borrowings. The Borrower shall give
the Administrative Agent notice (a "Notice of Committed Borrowing") not later
than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on: (x) the date of each Base Rate
Borrowing, (y) the Domestic Business Day next preceding the date of each CD
Borrowing, and (z) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before each Euro-Dollar
Borrowing, specifying:

          (a) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic Business Day
in the case of a Domestic Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Business Day in the case of
a Euro-Dollar Borrowing,

          (b) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing,

          (c) whether the Loans comprising such Borrowing are to bear interest
initially at the Base Rate, a CD Rate or a Euro-Dollar Rate, and

          (d) in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, the duration of the initial
Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to the provisions of the definition
of Interest Period.

         SECTION 2.03.  Money Market Borrowings.

          (a) The Money Market Option. In addition to Committed Borrowings
pursuant to Section 2.01, the Borrower may, as set forth in this Section,
request the Banks to make offers to make Money Market Loans to the Borrower
prior to the Termination Date. The Banks may, but shall have no obligation to,
make such offers and the Borrower may, but shall have no obligation to, accept
any such offers in the manner set forth in this Section.

          (b) Money Market Quote Request. When the Borrower wishes to request
offers to make Money Market Loans under this Section, it shall transmit to the
Administrative Agent by telex or facsimile transmission a Money Market Quote
Request substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto so as to be received no
later than: (x) 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the fourth Euro-Dollar
Business

                                       16

<PAGE>

Day prior to the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of a LIBOR
Auction or (y) 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the Domestic Business Day which
is the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of an Absolute Rate
Auction (or, in either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent shall have mutually agreed and shall have notified to the
Banks not later than the date of the Money Market Quote Request for the first
LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which such change is to be effective)
specifying:

               (i) the proposed date of Borrowing, which shall be a Euro-Dollar
          Business Day in the case of a LIBOR Auction or a Domestic Business Day
          in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction,

               (ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing, which shall be
          $25,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,

               (iii) the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto,
          subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period, and

               (iv) whether the Money Market Quotes requested are to set forth a
          Money Market LIBOR Margin or a Money Market Absolute Rate.

The Borrower may request offers to make Money Market Loans for more than one
Interest Period in a single Money Market Quote Request.

          (c) Invitation for Money Market Quotes. Promptly upon receipt of a
Money Market Quote Request, the Administrative Agent shall send to the Banks by
telex or facsimile transmission an Invitation for Money Market Quotes,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, with respect to such Money Market
Quote Request.

          (d) Submission and Contents of Money Market Quotes. (i) Each Bank may
submit a Money Market Quote containing an offer or offers to make Money Market
Loans in response to any Invitation for Money Market Quotes. Each Money Market
Quote must comply with the requirements of this subsection (d) and must be
submitted to the Administrative Agent by telex or facsimile transmission at its
offices specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01 not later than 11:00 A.M. (New
York City time) on:

               (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed date
          of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or

                                       17

<PAGE>

               (y) the proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute
          Rate Auction

(or, in either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent shall have mutually agreed, with corresponding changes to
the times and dates set forth in clauses (x) and (y) below, and the
Administrative Agent shall have notified the Banks not later than the date of
the Money Market Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate
Auction for which such change is to be effective); provided that Money Market
Quotes submitted by the Administrative Agent in the capacity of a Bank may be
submitted, and may only be submitted, if the Administrative Agent notifies the
Borrower of the terms of the offer or offers contained therein not later than:

               (x) one hour prior to the deadline for the other Banks, in the
          case of a LIBOR Auction or

               (y) 15 minutes prior to the deadline for the other Banks, in the
          case of an Absolute Rate Auction.

Subject to Articles 3 and 6, any Money Market Quote so made shall be irrevocable
except with the written consent of the Administrative Agent given on the
instructions of the Borrower.

         (ii) Each Money Market Quote shall be in substantially the form of
         Exhibit D hereto and shall in any case specify:

               (A) the proposed date of Borrowing,

               (B) the principal amount of the Money Market Loan for which each
          such offer is being made, which principal amount:

                  (w) may be greater than or less than the Commitment of the
               quoting Bank,

                  (x) must be $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,

                  (y) may not exceed the principal amount of Money Market Loans
               for which offers were requested and

                  (z) may be subject to an aggregate limitation as to the
               principal amount of Money Market Loans for which offers being
               made by such quoting Bank may be accepted,

                                       18

<PAGE>

               (C) in the case of a LIBOR Auction, the margin above or below the
          applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (the "Money Market LIBOR
          Margin") offered for each such Money Market Loan, expressed as a
          percentage (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) to be added to or
          subtracted from such base rate,

               (D) in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction, the rate of interest
          per annum (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) (the "Money Market
          Absolute Rate") offered for each such Money Market Loan, and

               (E) the identity of the quoting Bank.

A Money Market Quote may set forth up to five separate offers by the quoting
Bank with respect to each Interest Period specified in the related Invitation
for Money Market Quotes.

        (iii)   Any Money Market Quote shall be disregarded if it:

               (A) is not substantially in conformity with Exhibit D hereto or
          does not specify all of the information required by subsection
          (d)(ii);

               (B) contains qualifying, conditional or similar language, except
          as permitted by subsection (d)(ii)(B)(z);

               (C) proposes terms other than or in addition to those set forth
          in the applicable Invitation for Money Market Quotes; or

               (D) arrives after the time set forth in subsection (d)(i).

          (e) Notice to Borrower. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify
the Borrower of the terms:

           (x)  of any Money Market Quote submitted by a Bank that is in
         accordance with subsection (d) and

           (y) of any Money Market Quote that amends, modifies or is otherwise
         inconsistent with a previous Money Market Quote submitted by such Bank
         with respect to the same Money Market Quote Request. Any such
         subsequent Money Market Quote shall be disregarded by the
         Administrative Agent unless such subsequent Money Market Quote is

                                       19

<PAGE>

         submitted solely to correct a manifest error in such former Money
         Market Quote.

The Administrative Agent's notice to the Borrower shall specify:

                       (A) the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans
                  for which offers have been received for each Interest Period
                  specified in the related Money Market Quote Request,

                       (B) the respective principal amounts and Money Market
                  LIBOR Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may
                  be, so offered and

                       (C) if applicable, limitations on the aggregate principal
                  amount of Money Market Loans for which offers in any single
                  Money Market Quote may be accepted.

          (f)   Acceptance and Notice by Borrower.  Not later than 12:00 Noon
(New York City time) on:

           (x)  the third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed date
         of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or

           (y)  the proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute
         Rate Auction

(or, in either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent shall have mutually agreed and the Administrative Agent
shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of the Money Market
Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which
such change is to be effective), the Borrower shall notify the Administrative
Agent of its acceptance or non-acceptance of the offers so notified to it
pursuant to subsection (e). In the case of acceptance, such notice (a "Notice of
Money Market Borrowing") shall specify the aggregate principal amount of offers
for each Interest Period that are accepted. The Borrower may accept any Money
Market Quote in whole or in part; provided that:

           (i) the aggregate principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing may
          not exceed the applicable amount set forth in the related Money Market
          Quote Request,

           (ii) the principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing must be
          $25,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000 and the principal

                                       20

<PAGE>

         amount of each Money Market Loan with respect to such Money Market
         Borrowing must be in an amount of $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of
         $1,000,000,

           (iii) acceptance of offers may only be made on the basis of ascending
          Money Market LIBOR Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case
          may be,

           (iv) the Borrower may not accept any offer that is described in
          subsection (d)(iii) or that otherwise fails to comply with the
          requirements of this Agreement, and

           (v) failure by the Borrower to notify the Administrative Agent by the
          time specified above shall be deemed a rejection of all offers.

          (g) Allocation by Borrower. If offers are made by two or more Banks
with the same Money Market LIBOR Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the
case may be, for a greater aggregate principal amount than the amount in respect
of which such offers are accepted for the related Interest Period, the principal
amount of Money Market Loans in respect of which such offers are accepted shall
be allocated by the Borrower among such Banks as nearly as possible in
proportion to the aggregate principal amounts of such offers (or as nearly in
proportion as shall be practicable after giving effect to the requirement that
Money Market Loans for each relevant maturity date shall each be in a principal
amount of $5,000,000 or a multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof).

         SECTION 2.04.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans.

          (a) Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Administrative Agent
shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof and of such Bank's share
(if any) of such Borrowing and such Notice of Borrowing shall not thereafter be
revocable by the Borrower.

          (b) Not later than 1:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of each
Borrowing, each Bank participating therein shall make the amount of its share of
such Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the
Borrower at the office of the Administrative Agent specified in or pursuant to
Section 9.01 in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent. Unless
the Administrative Agent determines that any applicable condition specified in
Article 3 has not been satisfied, the Administrative Agent shall make such
aggregate funds available to the Borrower by depositing the proceeds thereof, in
like funds as received by the Administrative Agent, in the account of the
Borrower

                                       21

<PAGE>

with the Administrative Agent as promptly as practicable, but in no event later
than 2:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of such Borrowing.

          (c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a
Bank prior to the date (or, in the case of a Base Rate Borrowing, prior to 12:30
P.M. on the date) of any Borrowing that such Bank will not make available to the
Administrative Agent such Bank's share of such Borrowing, the Administrative
Agent may assume that such Bank has made such share available to the
Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with
subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 2.04 and the Administrative Agent may,
in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a
corresponding amount. If the Administrative Agent does, in such circumstances,
make available to the Borrower such amount, such Bank shall within three
Domestic Business Days following such Borrowing make such share available to the
Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for each day from and
including the date of such Borrowing that such share was not made available, at
the Effective Federal Funds Rate. If such amount is so made available, such
payment to the Administrative Agent shall constitute such Bank's share of such
Borrowing for all purposes of this Agreement. If such amount is not so made
available to the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent shall on
the third Domestic Business Day following such Borrowing notify the Borrower of
such failure and on the fourth Domestic Business Day following the date of such
Borrowing, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent such share,
together with interest thereon for each day that the Borrower had the use of
such share, at the Effective Federal Funds Rate. Nothing contained in this
subsection (c) shall relieve any Bank which has failed to make available its
share of any Borrowing hereunder from its obligation to do so in accordance with
the terms hereof.

          (d) The failure of any Bank to make available to the Administrative
Agent its share of any Borrowing on the date of such Borrowing shall not relieve
any other Bank of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make available to the
Administrative Agent its share of such Borrowing, but no Bank shall be
responsible for the failure of any other Bank to make available the share of any
Borrowing to be made available by such other Bank on such date of Borrowing.

         SECTION 2.05. Notes. (a) The Loans of each Bank shall be evidenced by a
single Note payable to the order of such Bank for the account of its Applicable
Lending Office in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
such Bank's Loans.

          (b) Each Bank may, by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent (to be given not later than two Domestic Business Days prior to the first

                                       22

<PAGE>

Borrowing), request that its Loans of a particular type be evidenced by a
separate Note in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
such Loans. Each such Note shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A
hereto with appropriate modifications to reflect the fact that it evidences
solely Loans of the relevant type. Each reference in this Agreement to the
"Note" of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to and include any or all of such
Notes, as the context may require.

          (c) Upon receipt of each Bank's Note pursuant to Section 3.01(b), the
Administrative Agent shall mail such Note to such Bank. Each Bank shall record
the date, amount and maturity of each Loan made by it and the date and amount of
each payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect thereto and may, at
its option prior to any transfer or enforcement of its Note, endorse on the
schedule forming a part thereof appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing
information with respect to each such Loan then outstanding; provided that the
failure of any Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect
the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Notes. Each Bank is
hereby irrevocably authorized by the Borrower so to endorse its Note and to
attach to and make a part of its Note a continuation of any such schedule as and
when required.

         SECTION 2.06.  Maturity of Loans.  (a) Each Revolving Credit Loan shall
mature, and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable (together with
interest accrued thereon), on the Termination Date.

          (b) Each Term Loan shall mature, and the principal amount thereof
shall be due and payable (together with interest accrued thereon), on the Final
Maturity Date.

          (c) Each Money Market Loan included in any Money Market Borrowing
shall mature, and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable
(together with interest accrued thereon), on the last day of the Interest Period
applicable to such Borrowing.

         SECTION 2.07. Interest Rates. (a) Each Base Rate Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from the date
such Loan is made to but excluding the date it becomes due, at a rate per annum
equal to the Base Rate for such day. Such interest shall be payable quarterly in
arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date, on the Termination Date and on the Final
Maturity Date, and, with respect to the principal amount of any Base Rate Loan
that is prepaid or converted to a CD Loan or Euro-Dollar Loan, on the date of
such prepayment or conversion. Any overdue principal of or interest on any Base
Rate Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and
including the date

                                       23

<PAGE>

payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

          (b) Subject to Section 8.01, each CD Loan shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day during each Interest Period
applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the applicable CD
Margin for such day plus the applicable Adjusted CD Rate. Such interest shall be
payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such Interest
Period is longer than 90 days, at intervals of 90 days after the first day
thereof and, with respect to the principal amount of any CD Loan that is prepaid
or converted to a Base Rate Loan or Euro-Dollar Loan, on the date of such
prepayment or conversion. Any overdue principal of or interest on any CD Loan
shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

         "CD Margin" means a rate per annum determined in accordance with the
Pricing Schedule.

         The "Adjusted CD Rate" applicable to any Interest Period means a rate
per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:

                  [    CDBR        ]*
         ACDR =   [ ---------------]   +   AR
                  [  1.00  -  DRP  ]

ACDR  =  Adjusted CD Rate
CDBR  = CD Base Rate
DRP = Domestic Reserve Percentage
AR  =  Assessment Rate

* The amount in brackets being rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher
1/100 of 1%.

         The "CD Base Rate" applicable to any Interest Period is the rate of
interest determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of the prevailing rates
per annum bid at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) (or as soon thereafter as
practicable) on the first day of such Interest Period by two or more New York
certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing for the purchase at face
value from each CD Reference Bank of its certificates of deposit in an amount
comparable to the principal amount of the CD Loan of such CD Reference Bank

                                       24

<PAGE>

to which such Interest Period applies and having a maturity comparable to such
Interest Period.

         "Domestic Reserve Percentage" means for any day that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement (including without limitation any
basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding $5,000,000,000 in
respect of new non-personal time deposits in Dollars in New York City having a
maturity comparable to the related Interest Period and in an amount of $100,000
or more. The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
effective date of any change in the Domestic Reserve Percentage.

         "Assessment Rate" means for any day the annual assessment rate in
effect on such day which is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund
classified as adequately capitalized and within supervisory subgroup "A" (or a
comparable successor assessment risk classification) within the meaning of 12
C.F.R. ss. 327.4(a) (or any successor provision) to the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (or any successor) for such Corporation's (or such
successor's) insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in the United
States. The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
effective date of any change in the Assessment Rate.

          (c) Subject to Section 8.01, each Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest
on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day during each Interest
Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the
applicable Euro-Dollar Margin for such day plus the applicable London Interbank
Offered Rate. Such interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the
last day thereof and, if such Interest Period is longer than three months, at
intervals of three months after the first day thereof and, with respect to the
principal amount of any Euro-Dollar Loan that is prepaid or converted to a Base
Rate Loan or CD Loan, on the date of such prepayment or conversion.

         "Euro-Dollar Margin" means a rate per annum determined in accordance
with the Pricing Schedule.

         The "London Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any Interest Period
means the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%)
of the respective rates per annum at which deposits in Dollars are offered to
each of the Euro-Dollar Reference Banks in the London interbank market at
approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the
first day of such Interest Period and for value on the first day of such
Interest

                                       25

<PAGE>

Period in an amount approximately equal to the principal amount of the
Euro-Dollar Loan of such Euro-Dollar Reference Bank to which such Interest
Period is to apply and for a period of time comparable to such Interest Period.

           (d) Any overdue principal of or interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan
shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment, at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

           (e) Subject to Section 8.01, each Money Market LIBOR Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the Interest Period
applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the London Interbank
Offered Rate for such Interest Period (determined in accordance with Section
2.07(c) as if the related Money Market LIBOR Borrowing were a Committed
Euro-Dollar Borrowing) plus (or minus) the Money Market LIBOR Margin quoted by
the Bank making such Loan in accordance with Section 2.03. Each Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof, for the Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal
to the Money Market Absolute Rate quoted by the Bank making such Loan in
accordance with Section 2.03. Interest on each Money Market Loan shall be
payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such Interest
Period is longer than three months, at intervals of three months after the first
day thereof. Any overdue principal of or interest on any Money Market Loan shall
bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

           (f) The Administrative Agent shall determine each interest rate
applicable to the Loans hereunder. The Administrative Agent shall give to the
Borrower and the Banks making such Loans prompt notice by telex or facsimile
transmission of each rate of interest so determined, and its determination
thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

           (g) Each Reference Bank agrees to use its best efforts to furnish
quotations to the Administrative Agent as contemplated by this Section. If any
Reference Bank does not furnish a timely quotation, the Administrative Agent
shall determine the relevant interest rate on the basis of the quotation or
quotations furnished by the remaining Reference Bank or Banks or, if none of
such quotations is available on a timely basis, the provisions of Section 8.01
shall apply.

         SECTION 2.08. Facility Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the
Administrative Agent for the account of the Banks ratably in proportion to their
Commitments a

                                       26

<PAGE>

facility fee at the Facility Fee Rate (determined for each day in accordance
with the Pricing Schedule). Such facility fee shall accrue:

               (i) from and including the date on which the condition referred
          to in Section 3.01(a) has been satisfied to but excluding the date on
          which the Commitments are terminated in their entirety, on the daily
          aggregate amount of the Commitments (whether used or unused) and

               (ii) from and including the date on which the Commitments are
          terminated in their entirety to but excluding the date the Loans shall
          be repaid in their entirety (if later), on the daily aggregate
          outstanding principal amount of the Loans.

Such facility fee shall be payable quarterly on each Quarterly Payment Date (in
arrears), commencing on September 30, 2000, and upon the date of termination of
the Commitments in their entirety (and, if later, the date the Loans shall be
repaid in their entirety).

         SECTION 2.09.  Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments.  The
Borrower may, upon at least three Domestic Business Days' notice to the
Administrative Agent,

               (i) terminate the Commitments at any time, if no Loans are
          outstanding at such time or

               (ii) ratably reduce from time to time by an aggregate amount of
          $25,000,000 or any larger multiple of $5,000,000, the aggregate amount
          of the Commitments, provided that the Commitments may not be reduced
          below the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans.
          Promptly after receiving a notice pursuant to this subsection, the
          Administrative Agent shall notify each Bank of the contents thereof.

         SECTION 2.10. Optional Prepayments. (a) Subject in the case of Fixed
Rate Loans to Section 2.12, the Borrower may (i) upon at least one Domestic
Business Day's notice to the Administrative Agent, prepay any Group of Domestic
Loans (or any Money Market Borrowing bearing interest at the Reference Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01) or (ii) upon at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days'
notice to the Administrative Agent, prepay any Group of Euro- Dollar Loans, in
each case in whole at any time, or from time to time in part in amounts
aggregating $10,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000, by paying the
principal amount to be prepaid together with interest accrued thereon to the
date of prepayment. Each such optional prepayment shall be applied to prepay

                                       27

<PAGE>

ratably the Loans of the several Banks included in such Group of Loans (or such
Money Market Borrowing).

          (b) Upon receipt of a notice of prepayment pursuant to this Section,
the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof
and of such Bank's ratable share (if any) of such prepayment and such notice
shall not thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.

          (c) Except as expressly provided in Section 2.10(a), the Borrower may
not prepay the Money Market Loans at any time.

         SECTION 2.11. General Provisions as to Payments. (a) The Borrower shall
make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Loans and of fees
hereunder, not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date when due,
in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City, to the
Administrative Agent at its address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01 and
without reduction by reason of any set-off or counterclaim. The Administrative
Agent will promptly distribute to each Bank its share of each such payment
received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the Banks. Whenever any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Domestic Loans or of fees shall be
due on a day which is not a Domestic Business Day, the date for payment thereof
shall be extended to the next succeeding Domestic Business Day. Whenever any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Euro-Dollar Loans shall be due on a
day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall
be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such
Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the date
for payment thereof shall be the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.
Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Money Market Loans
shall be due on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for
payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business
Day. If the date for any payment of principal is extended by operation of law or
otherwise, interest thereon shall be payable for such extended time.

          (b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from
the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Banks
hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the
Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full
to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in
reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on such due
date an amount equal to the amount then due such Bank. If and to the extent that
the Borrower shall not have so made such payment, each Bank shall repay to the
Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Bank
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is

                                       28

<PAGE>

distributed to such Bank until the date such Bank repays such amount to the
Administrative Agent, at the Effective Federal Funds Rate.

         SECTION 2.12. Funding Losses. If the Borrower makes any payment of
principal with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan or any Fixed Rate Loan is
converted to a different type of Loan (whether such payment or conversion is
pursuant to Article 2, 6 or 8 or otherwise) on any day other than the last day
of an Interest Period applicable thereto, or the last day of an applicable
period fixed pursuant to Section 2.07(d), or if the Borrower fails to borrow,
prepay, convert or continue any Fixed Rate Loan after notice has been given to
any Bank in accordance with Section 2.04(a), 2.10(c) or 2.14(c), the Borrower
shall reimburse each Bank through the Administrative Agent within 30 days after
demand for any resulting loss or expense incurred by it (or by an existing or
prospective Participant in the related Loan), including (without limitation) any
loss incurred in obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits from third
parties, but excluding loss of margin for the period after such payment or
conversion or failure to borrow, prepay, convert or continue; provided that such
Bank shall have delivered to the Borrower a certificate containing a computation
in reasonable detail of the amount of such loss or expense, which certificate
shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

         SECTION 2.13. Computation of Interest and Fees. Interest based on the
Reference Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days
in a leap year) and paid for the actual number of days elapsed (including the
first day but excluding the last day). All other interest and fees shall be
computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of
days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

         SECTION 2.14. Method of Electing Interest Rates. (a) The Loans included
in each Committed Borrowing shall bear interest initially at the type of rate
specified by the Borrower in the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing.
Thereafter, the Borrower may from time to time elect to change or continue the
type of interest rate borne by each Group of Loans (subject to Section 2.14(d)
and the provisions of Article 8), as follows:

               (i) if such Loans are Base Rate Loans, the Borrower may elect to
          convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Domestic Business Day or to
          Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar Business Day;

               (ii) if such Loans are CD Loans, the Borrower may elect to
          convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic Business Day,
          or convert such Loans to Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar
          Business Day or continue such Loans as CD Loans, as of the end of any

                                       29

<PAGE>

         Interest Period applicable thereto, for an additional Interest Period,
         subject to Section 2.12 if any such conversion is effective on any day
         other than the last day of an Interest Period applicable to such Loans;
         and

               (iii) if such Loans are Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower may elect
          to convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic Business
          Day, or convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Domestic Business Day
          or may elect to continue such Loans as Euro-Dollar Loans, as of the
          end of any Interest Period applicable thereto, for an additional
          Interest Period, subject to Section 2.12 if any such conversion is
          effective on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period
          applicable to such Loans.

Each such election shall be made by delivering a notice (a "Notice of Interest
Rate Election") to the Administrative Agent not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York
City time) on the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before the conversion or
continuation selected in such notice is to be effective (unless the relevant
Loans are to be converted from Domestic Loans of one type to Domestic Loans of
the other type or are CD Loans to be continued as CD Loans for an additional
Interest Period, in which case such notice shall be delivered to the
Administrative Agent not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York City time) on the
second Domestic Business Day before such conversion or continuation is to be
effective). A Notice of Interest Rate Election may, if it so specifies, apply to
only a portion of the aggregate principal amount of the relevant Group of Loans;
provided that (i) such portion is allocated ratably among the Loans comprising
such Group and (ii) the portion to which such Notice applies, and the remaining
portion to which it does not apply, are each at least $5,000,000 (unless such
portion is comprised of Base Rate Loans). If no such notice is timely received
before the end of an Interest Period for any Group of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar
Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected that such Group of Loans be
converted to Base Rate Loans at the end of such Interest Period.

          (b)   Each Notice of Interest Rate Election shall specify:

               (i) the Group of Loans (or portion thereof) to which such notice
          applies;

               (ii) the date on which the conversion or continuation selected in
          such notice is to be effective, which shall comply with the applicable
          clause of Section 2.14(a);

               (iii) if the Loans comprising such Group are to be converted, the
          new Type of Loans and, if the Loans resulting from such conversion are
          to

                                       30

<PAGE>

          be CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the duration of the next succeeding
          Interest Period applicable thereto; and

               (iv) if such Loans are to be continued as CD Loans or Euro-Dollar
          Loans for an additional Interest Period, the duration of such
          additional Interest Period.

Each Interest Period specified in a Notice of Interest Rate Election shall
comply with the provisions of the definition of Interest Period.

          (c) Promptly after receiving a Notice of Interest Rate Election from
the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.14(a), the Administrative Agent shall notify
each Bank of the contents thereof and such notice shall not thereafter be
revocable by the Borrower.

          (d) The Borrower shall not be entitled to elect to convert any
Committed Loans to, or continue any Committed Loans for an additional Interest
Period as, CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans if (i) the aggregate principal amount
of any Group of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans created or continued as a result
of such election would be less than $5,000,000 or (ii) a Default shall have
occurred and be continuing when the Borrower delivers notice of such election to
the Administrative Agent.

          (e) If any Committed Loan is converted to a different type of Loan,
the Borrower shall pay, on the date of such conversion, the interest accrued to
such date on the principal amount being converted.

         SECTION 2.15. Withholding Tax Exemption. At least five Domestic
Business Days prior to the first date on which interest or fees are payable
hereunder for the account of any Bank, each Bank that is not incorporated under
the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof agrees that it will
deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (i) two duly completed
copies of United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI (or, in
either case, a successor form), certifying in either case that such Bank is
entitled to receive payments under this Agreement and the Notes without
deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes and (ii) if
such Bank is subject to backup withholding on the payment of interest,
notification to such effect. Each Bank which so delivers a Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI
(or, in either case, a successor form) further undertakes to deliver to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent two additional copies of such form on or
before the date that such form expires or becomes obsolete or after the
occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form so delivered
by it, and such amendments thereto or extensions or renewals thereof as may be
reasonably

                                       31

<PAGE>

requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, in each case certifying
that such Bank is entitled to receive payments under this Agreement and the
Notes without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income
taxes, unless an event (including without limitation any change in treaty, law
or regulation) has occurred prior to the date on which any such delivery would
otherwise be required which renders all such forms inapplicable or which would
prevent such Bank from duly completing and delivering any such form with respect
to it and such Bank promptly advises the Borrower and the Administrative Agent
that it is not capable of receiving payments without any deduction or
withholding of United States federal income tax.

         SECTION 2.16. Regulation D Compensation. (a) So long as Regulation D
shall require reserves to be maintained against "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or
against any other category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference
to which the interest rate on Euro-Dollar Loans is determined or any category of
extensions of credit or other assets which includes loans by a non-United States
office of any Bank to United States residents), each Bank subject to and
actually incurring such reserve requirement may require the Borrower to pay,
contemporaneously with each payment of interest on the Euro-Dollar Loans,
additional interest on the related Euro-Dollar Loan of such Bank at a rate per
annum (the "Regulation D Rate") determined pursuant to the following formula:

                              [  LIBOR  ]
                  RDR  =      [---------]  -  LIBOR
                              [ 1 - ERR ]

RDR  =    Regulation D Rate
LIBOR  =    The applicable London Interbank Offered Rate
ERR  =    Eurocurrency Reserve Ratio

         "Eurocurrency Reserve Ratio" means the applicable reserve ratio
prescribed by Regulation D (as such Regulation shall have been amended to the
first day of the related Interest Period) for such reserve requirements
(expressed as a decimal).

         Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the
Regulation D Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective
date of any change in such reserve ratio.

          (b)   Any Bank wishing to require payment of such additional interest:

               (i) shall so notify the Borrower, in which case such additional
          interest on the Euro-Dollar Loans of such Bank shall be payable on any
          date interest is payable with respect to each Euro-Dollar Loan
          commencing after the giving of such notice and

                                       32

<PAGE>

         (ii)   shall notify the Borrower from time to time of the amount
         due it under this Section;

provided that the Borrower shall not be required to make any payment of an
amount due hereunder earlier than the fifth Euro-Dollar Business Day after
receipt of the notice referred to in clause (ii) of this Section.

         SECTION 2.17. Replacement of this Agreement. If the Borrower wishes at
any time to replace this Agreement with another credit facility, the Borrower
may give prior notice of the termination of the Commitments hereunder as
required by Section 2.09 and prior notice of the prepayment of any Loans
outstanding hereunder as required by Section 2.10, in each case on a conditional
basis (i.e., conditioned upon such other credit facility becoming available to
the Borrower), provided that the Borrower gives definitive notice of such
termination of the Commitments and prepayment of outstanding Loans (if any) to
the Administrative Agent before 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date of
such termination and prepayment (if any) and complies with the applicable
requirements of Sections 2.09 and 2.10 in all other respects.

         SECTION 2.18. Optional Increase in Commitments. (a) At any time prior
to the Termination Date, if no Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly
provide a copy of such notice to the Banks), propose to increase the aggregate
amount of the Commitments by an amount not greater than $125,000,000 (the amount
of any such increase, the "Increased Commitments"). Each Bank party to this
Agreement at such time shall have the right (but no obligation), for a period of
30 days following receipt of such notice to elect by notice to the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent to increase its Commitment by a principal amount which
bears the same ratio to the Increased Commitments as its then Commitment bears
to the aggregate Commitments then existing. Any Bank not responding within 30
days of receipt of such notice shall be deemed to have declined to increase its
Commitment.

          (b) If any Bank party to this Agreement shall not elect to increase
its Commitment pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section, the Borrower may,
within 21 days of the Banks' response, designate one or more of the existing
Banks or other financial institutions acceptable to the Administrative Agent and
the Borrower (which consent of the Administrative Agent shall not be
unreasonably withheld) which at the time agree to (i) in the case of any such
Person that is an existing Bank, increase its Commitment and (ii) in the case of
any other such Person (an "Additional Bank"), become a party to this Agreement.
The sum of the increases in the Commitments of the existing Banks pursuant to
this

                                       33

<PAGE>

subsection (b) plus the Commitments of the Additional Banks shall not in the
aggregate exceed the unsubscribed amount of the Increased Commitments.

          (c) An increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments pursuant to
this Section 2.18 shall become effective upon the receipt by the Administrative
Agent of (i) an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent signed by the Borrower, by each Additional Bank and by each
other Bank whose Commitment is to be increased, setting forth the new
Commitments of such Banks and setting forth the agreement of each Additional
Bank to become a party to this Agreement and to be bound by all the terms and
provisions hereof and (ii) such evidence of appropriate corporate authorization
on the part of the Borrower with respect to the Increased Commitments and such
opinions of counsel for the Borrower with respect to the Increased Commitments
as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

          (d) Upon any increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments
pursuant to this Section 2.18, within five Domestic Business Days, in the case
of any Group of Base Rate Loans then outstanding, and at the end of the then
current Interest Period with respect thereto, in the case of any Group of CD
Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans then outstanding, the Borrower shall prepay such
Group in its entirety and, to the extent the Borrower elects to do so and
subject to the conditions specified in Article 3, the Borrower shall reborrow
Committed Loans from the Banks in proportion to their respective Commitments
after giving effect to such increase, until such time as all outstanding
Committed Loans are held by the Banks in such proportion.

                                    ARTICLE 3
                                   CONDITIONS

         SECTION 3.01. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on
the date that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied (or
waived in accordance with Section 9.05):

          (a) receipt by the Administrative Agent of counterparts hereof signed
by each of the parties hereto (or, in the case of any party as to which an
executed counterpart shall not have been received, receipt by the Administrative
Agent in form satisfactory to the Agents of telegraphic, telex, facsimile or
other written confirmation from such party of execution of a counterpart hereof
by such party);

          (b) receipt by the Administrative Agent for the account of each Bank
of one executed Note dated on or before the Effective Date complying with the
provisions of Section 2.05;

                                       34

<PAGE>

          (c) receipt by the Administrative Agent of an opinion of Cahill Gordon
& Reindel, special counsel for the Borrower, covering the matters described in
Exhibit E;

          (d) receipt by the Administrative Agent of an opinion of Davis Polk &
Wardwell, special counsel for the Agents, substantially in the form of Exhibit F
hereto;

          (e) receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate signed by the
Chairman, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer (or such Treasurer's
designee) or any Assistant Treasurer of the Borrower, dated the Effective Date,
to the effect set forth in clauses (c) and (d) of Section 3.02;

          (f)   receipt by the Administrative Agent of a copy of the Borrower's
certificate of incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware;

          (g) receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate on behalf of
the Borrower signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower
or such other authorized officer of the Borrower satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent certifying

               (i) that the Borrower's certificate of incorporation has not been
          amended since the date of the certificate referred to in clause (f)
          above,

               (ii) that no proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of the
          Borrower exists,

               (iii) that the copy of the By-laws of the Borrower attached to
          the certificate is true, correct and complete,

               (iv) that the copies of the resolutions of the Borrower's Board
          of Directors attached to the certificate are true and correct and in
          full force and effect, and

               (v) as to the incumbency of each officer of the Borrower who
          signed this Agreement and the Notes on behalf of the Borrower;

          (h) receipt by the Administrative Agent of evidence satisfactory to it
of

               (i) the repayment in full, not later than the Effective Date, of
          all loans (if any) under the Existing Credit Agreement, together with
          interest accrued thereon to the Effective Date, and

                                       35

<PAGE>

               (ii) the receipt by The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative
          agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, of all accrued and unpaid
          fees and all other amounts then due and payable by the Borrower under
          the Existing Credit Agreement;

          (i) the fact that all fees payable on or before the Effective Date by
the Borrower for the account of the Banks and their affiliates in connection
with this Agreement have been paid in full on or before such date in the amounts
previously agreed upon in writing; and

          (j) receipt by the Administrative Agent of all other documents that
the Agents may reasonably request relating to the existence of the Borrower, the
corporate authority for and the validity of this Agreement, the Notes and any
other matters relevant hereto, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Administrative Agent;

provided that (i) the obligations of the Borrower set forth in Section 2.08 and
clauses (a) and (b) of Section 5.01, and the obligations of the Bank Parties set
forth in Section 9.10, shall become effective on the date on which the condition
referred to in Section 3.01(a) has been satisfied, and (ii) the other provisions
of this Agreement shall not become effective or be binding on any party hereto
unless all of the foregoing conditions are satisfied not later than July 19,
2000. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Banks
of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding on all
parties hereto.

         SECTION 3.02.  Borrowings.  The obligation of any Bank to make a Loan
on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:

          (a)   receipt by the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Borrowing as
required by Section 2.02 or 2.03, as the case may be;

          (b) immediately after such Borrowing, the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Loans will not exceed the aggregate amount of the
Commitments;

          (c)   immediately after such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred
and be continuing; and

          (d) the fact that the representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in this Agreement (except the representations and warranties set forth
in Sections 4.04(c) as to any material adverse change which has theretofore been

                                       36

<PAGE>

disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Banks) shall be true on and as of
the date of such Borrowing.

Each Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by
the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the facts specified in clauses
(b), (c) and (d) of this Section, and each Notice of Borrowing shall be deemed
to be a confirmation by the Borrower to such effect.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         The Borrower represents and warrants that:

         SECTION 4.01. Corporate Existence and Power. The Borrower is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of Delaware, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its
business as now conducted.

         SECTION 4.02. Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No
Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
Agreement and the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers, have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, require no action by or in
respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official (other
than routine informational filings) and do not contravene, or constitute a
default under, any provision of applicable law or regulation or of the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Borrower or of any material
agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon
the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or result in or permit the
termination or modification of any agreement, judgment, injunction, order,
decree or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of
the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

         SECTION 4.03.  Binding Effect.  This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of the Borrower and the Notes, when executed and delivered in
accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower.

         SECTION 4.04.  Financial Information.

                                       37

<PAGE>

          (a) The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and the related statements of
income and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, reported on by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, copies of which have been delivered to each of the
Banks, fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of
operations and cash flows for such fiscal year.

          (b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2000 and the related unaudited
consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three months then
ended, copies of which have been delivered to each of the Banks, fairly present,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
consistent with the consolidated financial statements referred to in subsection
(a) of this Section, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of
operations and cash flows for such three month period (subject to normal
year-end adjustments).

          (c) Since March 31, 2000 there has been no change in the business,
financial position or results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect the ability of the
Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any Note or which in
any manner draws into question the validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any Note.

         SECTION 4.05. Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding
pending against, or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened against or
affecting, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries before any court
or arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official in which there is a
reasonable possibility of an adverse decision which could materially and
adversely affect the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under
this Agreement or any Note or which in any manner draws into question the
validity of this Agreement or the Notes.

         SECTION 4.06. Compliance with ERISA. After it has become a member of
the ERISA Group, each member of the ERISA Group has fulfilled its obligations
under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Internal
Revenue Code with respect to each Plan and is in compliance in all material
respects with the currently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal
Revenue Code with respect to each Plan. After it has become a member of the
ERISA Group, no member of the ERISA Group has:

                                       38

<PAGE>

               (i) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section
          412 of the Internal Revenue Code in respect of any Plan,

               (ii) failed to make any contribution or payment to any Plan or
          Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement, or made
          any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement, which has resulted
          or could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond
          or other security under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code, or

               (iii) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than a
          liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA and
          aggregate withdrawal liabilities not in excess of $5,000,000 at any
          one time outstanding.

         SECTION 4.07. Environmental Matters. In the ordinary course of its
business, the Borrower conducts reviews of the effect of Environmental Laws on
the business, operations and properties of the Borrower and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates associated
liabilities and costs. On the basis of this review, the Borrower has reasonably
concluded that Environmental Laws are unlikely to have an effect on the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole during the term of the Agreement,
which could materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower to
perform its obligations under this Agreement or any Note.

         SECTION 4.08. Subsidiaries. Each corporate Restricted Subsidiary of the
Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all
corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

         SECTION 4.09.  Not an Investment Company.  The Borrower is not an
"investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

         SECTION 4.10. Disclosure. None of the material furnished to the Agents
and the Banks by or on behalf of the Borrower in connection herewith contains,
or contained at the time so furnished, any untrue statement of a material fact
or omits, or omitted at the time so furnished, to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                                       39

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 5
                                    COVENANTS

         The Borrower agrees that, so long as any Bank has any Commitment
hereunder or any amount payable under any Note remains unpaid:

         SECTION 5.01. Information. The Borrower will deliver to the
Administrative Agent (and, in the case of a certificate delivered pursuant to
clause (e) below, to each Bank):

         (a) as promptly as practicable and in any event within 113 days after
the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and
the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal
year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
previous fiscal year, all reported on in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public
accountants of nationally recognized standing;

         (b) as promptly as practicable and in any event within 53 days after
the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower,
a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
as of the end of such quarter and comparative financial information as of the
end of the previous fiscal year, the related consolidated statement of income
for such quarter and the related consolidated statements of income and cash
flows for the portion of the Borrower's fiscal year ended at the end of such
quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
corresponding quarter and the corresponding portion of the Borrower's previous
fiscal year, all certified (subject to normal year-end adjustments) as to
fairness of presentation, generally accepted accounting principles and
consistency by the principal financial officer or the principal accounting
officer of the Borrower or a person designated in writing by either of the
foregoing persons. If such financial statements are filed with the SEC, then
they shall be reported on in conformity with the financial reporting
requirements of the SEC;

         (c) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
statements referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, a certificate of the
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or
comptroller of the Borrower, or a person designated in writing by either of the
foregoing persons

                                       40

<PAGE>

               (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required
          to establish whether the Borrower was in compliance with any
          applicable requirements of Sections 5.05 and 5.06;

               (ii) stating whether the Borrower was in compliance with the
          requirements of Sections 5.02 and 5.03; and

               (iii) stating whether any Default exists on the date of such
          certificate and, if any Default then exists, setting forth the details
          thereof and the action which the Borrower is taking or proposes to
          take with respect thereto;

          (d) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
statements referred to in clause (a) above, a statement of the firm of
independent public accountants which reported on such statements whether
anything has come to their attention to cause them to believe that the Borrower
was not in compliance with Sections 5.05 and 5.06, insofar as they relate to
accounting matters, on the date of such statements;

          (e) within five days after any officer of the Borrower obtains
knowledge of any Default, if such Default is then continuing, a certificate of
the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the
Borrower setting forth the details thereof and the action which the Borrower is
taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

          (f) promptly upon the mailing thereof to the public shareholders of
the Borrower generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy
statements so mailed;

          (g) promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration
statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any registration statements on
Form S-8 or its equivalent) and reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or their
equivalents) which the Borrower shall have filed with the SEC;

          (h)   if and when any member of the ERISA Group (after it has become a
member of the ERISA Group):

               (i) gives or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any
          "reportable event" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect
          to any Plan which might constitute grounds for a termination of such
          Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that the plan administrator of
          any Plan has given or is required to give notice of any such
          reportable event, a copy of the notice of such reportable event given
          or required to be given to the PBGC;

                                       41

<PAGE>

               (ii) receives notice of complete or partial withdrawal liability
          in excess of $5,000,000, under Title IV of ERISA or notice that any
          Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization, is insolvent or has been
          terminated, a copy of such notice;

               (iii) receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an
          intent to terminate, impose liability (other than for premiums under
          Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or appoint a trustee to
          administer, any Plan, a copy of such notice;

               (iv) applies for a waiver of the minimum funding standard under
          Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, a copy of such application;

               (v) gives notice of intent to terminate any Plan under Section
          4041(c) of ERISA, a copy of such notice and other information filed
          with the PBGC;

               (vi) gives notice of withdrawal from any Plan pursuant to Section
          4063 of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or

               (vii) fails to make any payment or contribution to any Plan or
          Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement or makes
          any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement which has resulted or
          could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or
          other security,

a certificate of the principal financial officer, principal accounting officer,
treasurer or comptroller of the Borrower setting forth details as to such
occurrence and action, if any, which the Borrower or applicable member of the
ERISA Group is required or proposes to take;

          (i) promptly after the Borrower is notified by any rating agency
referred to in the Pricing Schedule of any actual change in any rating referred
to in the Pricing Schedule, written notice of such change; and

          (j) from time to time such additional information regarding the
financial position or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the
Administrative Agent, at the request of any Bank, may reasonably request.

The Administrative Agent will deliver a copy of each document it receives
pursuant to this Section 5.01 to each Bank within four Domestic Business Days
after receipt thereof.

                                       42

<PAGE>

         Information required to be delivered pursuant to clauses 5.01(a),
5.01(b), 5.01(f) or 5.01(g) above shall be deemed to have been delivered on the
date on which the Borrower provides notice to the Banks that such information
has been posted on the Borrower's website on the Internet at www.praxair.com, at
sec.gov/edaux/searches.htm or at another website identified in such notice and
accessible by the Banks without charge; provided that such notice may be
included in a certificate delivered pursuant to clause 5.01(c).

         SECTION 5.02. Maintenance of Property; Insurance. (a) The Borrower will
keep, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep, all property useful and
necessary in its respective business in good working order and condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted.

          (b) The Borrower will maintain, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance policies on its assets at coverage levels
that are at least as high as the coverage levels that are usually insured
against in the same general area by companies of established repute engaged in
the same or a similar business as the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case
may be; and, upon request of the Administrative Agent, will promptly furnish to
the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Banks information presented in
reasonable detail as to the insurance so carried.

         SECTION 5.03. Negative Pledge. The Borrower will not, and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, assume or suffer to exist
any Lien securing Debt on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it,
except:

          (a) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement securing Debt
outstanding on the date of this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not
exceeding $75,000,000;

          (b) any Lien existing on any asset of any corporation at the time such
corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of
such event;

          (c) any Lien on any asset securing Debt incurred or assumed for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring such asset,
provided that such Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or within 90
days after the acquisition thereof;

          (d) any Lien on any improvements constructed on any property of the
Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary and any theretofore unimproved real
property on which such improvements are located securing Debt incurred for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of constructing such
improvements, provided that such Lien attaches to such improvements within 90

                                       43

<PAGE>

days after the later of (1) completion of construction of such improvements and
(2) commencement of full operation of such improvements;

          (e) any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition thereof by
the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such
acquisition;

          (f) Liens on property of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in
favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any department,
agency or instrumentality or political subdivision of the United States of
America or any State thereof, or any other government or department, agency,
instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress,
advance or other payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any
Debt incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price
or the cost of construction of the property subject to such Liens;

          (g) any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or
refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any of the foregoing
clauses of this Section, provided that such Debt is not increased and is not
secured by any additional assets; and

          (h) Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of this
Section securing Debt in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding
not to exceed $400,000,000.

         SECTION 5.04. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets. The Borrower
will not merge or consolidate with or into any other Person or sell, lease,
transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets,
property or business in any single transaction or series of related
transactions, unless

               (i) in the case of any such merger or consolidation, the Borrower
          shall be the continuing corporation, or, in the case of any such sale,
          lease, transfer or other disposition, the transferee or transferees
          shall be one or more Wholly-Owned Consolidated Subsidiaries of the
          Borrower organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
          America or any State thereof which shall expressly assume, in the case
          of any such Wholly-Owned Consolidated Subsidiary, the due and punctual
          performance and observance of all of the covenants and agreements of
          the Borrower contained in this Agreement and the Notes, and

               (ii) immediately after giving effect to such merger or
          consolidation, or such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, no
          Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

                                       44

<PAGE>

         SECTION 5.05.  Minimum Consolidated Book Net Worth.  Consolidated
Book Net Worth will not at any time be less than the sum of

          (a)   $1,700,000,000,

          (b) 50% of Consolidated Net Income (calculated before giving effect to
any charges referred to in the definition of Consolidated Book Net Worth) for
each fiscal quarter beginning after March 31, 2000 for which such Consolidated
Net Income (as so calculated) is positive, and

         (c) 50% of the proceeds from the sale on or subsequent to March 31,
2000 of capital stock of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that
the proceeds from capital stock issued pursuant to any employee benefit plan,
stock option plan or dividend reinvestment plan shall not be included in any
determination under this Section 5.05.

         SECTION 5.06.  Leverage Ratio.  The Leverage Ratio will not exceed at
any time 1.9:1.

         SECTION 5.07. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans made under
this Agreement will be used by the Borrower for general corporate purposes. None
of such proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, in violation of any
applicable law or regulation, and no use of such proceeds for general corporate
purposes will include any use thereof, whether immediate, incidental or
ultimate, of buying or carrying any Margin Stock.

                                    ARTICLE 6
                                    DEFAULTS

         SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. If one or more of the following events
(each, an "Event of Default") shall have occurred and be continuing:

         (a) the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal of any Loan;

         (b) the Borrower shall fail to pay within five Domestic Business Days
of the due date thereof any interest on any Loan, any fees or any other amount
payable hereunder;

         (c) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant
contained in Sections 5.03 through 5.07, inclusive;

                                       45

<PAGE>

          (d) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those covered by clause (a),
(b) or (c) above) for 20 days after written notice thereof has been given to the
Borrower;

          (e) any representation, warranty, certification or statement made (or
deemed made) by the Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate, financial
statement or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to
have been incorrect in any materially adverse respect when made (or deemed
made);

          (f) the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall fail to make
any payment in respect of any Debt having an aggregate principal amount
outstanding at such time equal to or exceeding $100,000,000 (other than the
Notes) when due or within any applicable grace period;

          (g) any event or condition shall occur which results in the
acceleration of the maturity of any Debt having an aggregate principal amount
outstanding at such time equal to or exceeding $100,000,000 of the Borrower or
any Subsidiary of the Borrower or enables (or, with the giving of notice or
lapse of time or both, would enable) the holder of such Debt or any Person
acting on such holder's behalf to accelerate the maturity thereof or terminate
its commitment in respect thereof;

          (h)   the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall:

               (i) commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking (1)
          liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or
          its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
          hereafter in effect or (2) the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
          liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
          substantial part of its property;

               (ii) consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or
          taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other
          proceeding commenced against it;

               (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

               (iv) except for trade payables, fail generally to pay its debts
          as they become due; or

               (v) take any corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing;

                                       46

<PAGE>

provided that no event otherwise constituting an Event of Default under this
clause (h) shall be an Event of Default if the total assets of all entities with
respect to which events have occurred and are continuing (calculated in each
case at the time such event occurred) which would otherwise have constituted
Events of Default under this clause (h) or clause (i) below do not exceed
$150,000,000 on a cumulative basis;

          (i) (i) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced
against the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower seeking (1) liquidation,
reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or (2)
the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar
official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary
case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of
60 days; or

               (ii) an order for relief shall be entered against the Borrower or
          any Subsidiary of the Borrower under the federal bankruptcy laws as
          now or hereafter in effect;

provided that no event otherwise constituting an Event of Default under this
clause (i) shall be an Event of Default if the total assets of all entities with
respect to which events have occurred and are continuing (calculated in each
case at the time such event occurred) which would otherwise have constituted
Events of Default under this clause (i) or clause (h) above do not exceed
$150,000,000 on a cumulative basis;

          (j) (i) any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to pay when due an
amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $25,000,000 which it shall have
become liable to pay under Title IV of ERISA;

               (ii) notice of intent to terminate a Material Plan shall be filed
          under Title IV of ERISA by any member of the ERISA Group, any plan
          administrator or any combination of the foregoing;

               (iii) the PBGC shall institute proceedings under Title IV of
          ERISA to terminate, to impose liability (other than for premiums under
          Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or to cause a trustee to be
          appointed to administer, any Material Plan;

               (iv) a condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be
          entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any Material Plan must
          be terminated; or

                                       47

<PAGE>

           (v) there shall occur a complete or partial withdrawal from, or a
         default, within the meaning of Section 4219(c)(5) of ERISA, with
         respect to, one or more Multiemployer Plans which could cause one or
         more members of the ERISA Group to incur a current payment obligation
         in excess of $25,000,000;

          (k) a judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of
$50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary and shall
remain unsatisfied for a period of ten consecutive days during which ten-day
period execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

          (l) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13
or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC
under said Act) of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the
Borrower; or Continuing Directors shall cease to constitute a majority of the
board of directors of the Borrower;

then, and in every such event, the Administrative Agent shall:

               (i) if requested by Banks having more than 50% in aggregate
          amount of the Commitments, by notice to the Borrower, terminate the
          Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate, and

               (ii) if requested by Banks holding Notes evidencing more than 50%
          in aggregate principal amount of the Loans, by notice to the Borrower,
          declare the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and
          the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) shall thereupon
          become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
          protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by
          the Borrower;

provided that in the case of any of the Events of Default specified in clause
(h) or (i) above with respect to the Borrower, without any notice to the
Borrower or any other act by the Administrative Agent or the Banks, the
Commitments shall thereupon automatically terminate and the Notes (together with
accrued interest thereon) shall automatically become immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby waived by the Borrower.

         SECTION 6.02. Notice of Default. The Administrative Agent shall give
notice under Section 6.01(d) promptly upon being requested to do so by any Bank
and shall thereupon notify all the Banks thereof.

                                       48

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                     AGENTS

         SECTION 7.01. Appointment and Authorization. Each Bank irrevocably
appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on
its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the Notes as are
delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together
with all such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

         SECTION 7.02. Agents and Affiliates. The Chase Manhattan Bank shall
have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Bank and may
exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not the
Administrative Agent, and The Chase Manhattan Bank and its affiliates may accept
deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of business with
the Borrower or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the Borrower as if it were not
the Administrative Agent hereunder.

         SECTION 7.03. Action by Administrative Agent. The obligations of the
Administrative Agent hereunder are only those expressly set forth herein.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall
not be required to take any action with respect to any Default, except as
expressly provided in Article 6.

         SECTION 7.04. Consultation with Experts. The Administrative Agent may
consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent
public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for
any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.

         SECTION 7.05. Liability of Administrative Agent. Neither the
Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents, or employees
shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in connection herewith
(i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Banks (or such different
number of Banks as any provision hereof expressly requires for such consent or
request) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful
misconduct. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers,
agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain,
inquire into or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in
connection with this Agreement or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance
or observance of any of the covenants or agreements of the Borrower; (iii) the
satisfaction of any condition specified in Article 3, except receipt of items
required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent; or (iv) the validity,
effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, the Notes or any other
instrument or writing furnished in connection herewith. The Administrative Agent
shall not incur any liability by acting in

                                       49

<PAGE>

reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, statement, or other writing
(which may be a bank wire, telex or similar writing) believed by it to be
genuine or to be signed by the proper party or parties. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the use of the term "agent" in this Agreement with
reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary
or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any
applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom
and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between
independent contracting parties. The Co-Syndication Agents have no
responsibilities, and shall have no liability, under this Agreement or the Notes
in their capacities as Co-Syndication Agents.

         SECTION 7.06. Indemnification. Each Bank shall, ratably in accordance
with its Commitment, indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not
reimbursed by the Borrower) against any cost, expense (including counsel fees
and disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or liability (except such as
result from such indemnitees' gross negligence or willful misconduct) that such
indemnitees may suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement or any action
taken or omitted by such indemnitees hereunder.

         SECTION 7.07.  Credit Decision.  Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Bank, 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 Bank also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or
any other Bank, 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 any action under this Agreement.

         SECTION 7.08. Successor Administrative Agent. (a) The Administrative
Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days' prior written notice thereof to
the Banks and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Banks shall
have the right to appoint a successor to such Administrative Agent which shall
be a Bank. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by
the Required Banks, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days
after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of resignation, then the
retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor
Administrative Agent, which shall be a Bank. Upon the acceptance of its
appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative
Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested with all the rights and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and
the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations hereunder. After any retiring Administrative Agent's resignation
hereunder as an Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article shall inure
to

                                       50

<PAGE>

its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was
Administrative Agent.

          (b) If at any time the Administrative Agent shall have assigned its
rights and obligations in respect of all of its Commitment hereunder, the
Administrative Agent shall resign as the Administrative Agent in accordance with
the procedures set forth in subsection (a) of this Section 7.08.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                             CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

         SECTION 8.01. Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair.
If on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period for any Fixed Rate Loan
(other than a Money Market Absolute Rate Loan):

          (a) the Reference Banks notify (stating the reason therefor) the
Administrative Agent that deposits in Dollars (in the applicable amounts) are
not being offered to the Reference Banks in the relevant market for such
Interest Period, or

          (b) in the case of a Committed Borrowing, Banks having 50% or more of
the aggregate amount of the Commitments notify (stating the reason therefor) the
Administrative Agent that the Adjusted CD Rate or the London Interbank Offered
Rate, as the case may be, as determined by the Administrative Agent will not
adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Banks of funding their CD Loans
or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, for such Interest Period,

the Administrative Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Borrower and
the Banks, whereupon until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that
the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer exist, (i) the
obligations of the Banks to make CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may
be, or to continue or convert outstanding Loans as or into CD Loans or Euro-
Dollar Loans, as the case may be, shall be suspended and (ii) each outstanding
CD Loan or Euro-Dollar Loan, as the case may be, shall be converted into a Base
Rate Loan on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable
thereto. Unless the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent at least two
Domestic Business Days before the date of any Fixed Rate Borrowing for which a
Notice of Borrowing has previously been given that it elects not to borrow on
such date, if such Fixed Rate Borrowing is a Committed Borrowing, such Borrowing
shall instead be made as a Base Rate Borrowing and if such Fixed Rate Borrowing
is a Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the Money Market LIBOR Loans comprising such
Borrowing shall bear interest for each day from and including the first day to

                                       51

<PAGE>

but excluding the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto at the
Reference Rate for such day.

         SECTION 8.02. Illegality. (a) If, after the date of this Agreement, the
adoption of, or any change in, any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending
Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency shall make it unlawful
or impossible for any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) to make, maintain
or fund its Euro-Dollar Loans and such Bank shall promptly so notify the
Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith give notice
thereof to the other Banks and the Borrower, whereupon until such Bank notifies
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that the circumstances giving rise to
such suspension no longer exist, the obligation of such Bank to make Euro-Dollar
Loans shall be suspended.

          (b) Before giving any such notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant
to this Section, such Bank shall designate a different Euro-Dollar Lending
Office if such designation will avoid the need for giving such notice and will
not, in the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank. If
such notice is given, each Euro-Dollar Loan of such Bank then outstanding shall
be converted to a Base Rate Loan either (i) on the last day of the then current
Interest Period applicable to such Euro-Dollar Loan if such Bank may lawfully
continue to maintain and fund such Loan as a Euro-Dollar Loan to such day or
(ii) immediately if such Bank shall determine that it may not lawfully continue
to maintain and fund such Loan as a Euro-Dollar Loan to such day. Interest and
principal on any such Base Rate Loan shall be payable on the same dates as, and
on a pro rata basis with, the interest and principal payable on the related
Euro- Dollar Loans of the other Banks.

         SECTION 8.03. Increased Cost and Reduced Return. (a) If, after (x) the
date hereof, in the case of any Committed Loan or any obligation to make
Committed Loans or (y) the date of the related Money Market Quote, in the case
of any Money Market Loan, the adoption of, or any change in, any applicable law,
rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or
its Applicable Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency:

               (i) shall subject any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) to
          any tax, duty or other charge with respect to its Fixed Rate Loans,
          its Note

                                       52

<PAGE>

          to the extent evidencing Fixed Rate Loans or its obligation to make
          Fixed Rate Loans, or shall change the basis of taxation of payments to
          any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) of the principal of or
          interest on its Fixed Rate Loans or any other amounts due under this
          Agreement in respect of its Fixed Rate Loans or its obligation to make
          Fixed Rate Loans (except for changes in the rate of tax on the overall
          net income of such Bank or its Applicable Lending Office imposed by
          the jurisdiction in which such Bank's principal executive office or
          Applicable Lending Office is located); or

               (ii) shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special
          deposit or similar requirement (including, without limitation, any
          such requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal
          Reserve System, but excluding with respect to any CD Loan any such
          requirement included in an applicable Domestic Reserve Percentage)
          against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit
          extended by, any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or shall
          impose on any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or on the United
          States market for certificates of deposit or the London interbank
          market any other condition affecting its Fixed Rate Loans, its Note to
          the extent evidencing Fixed Rate Loans or its obligation to make Fixed
          Rate Loans;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Bank (or
its Applicable Lending Office) of making or maintaining any Fixed Rate Loan, or
to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Bank (or its
Applicable Lending Office) under this Agreement or under its Note with respect
thereto, by an amount deemed by such Bank to be material, then, within 15 days
after demand by such Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the
Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will
compensate such Bank for such increased cost or reduction.

          (b) If any Bank shall notify (stating the reason therefor) the
Borrower that, after the date hereof, the adoption of, or any change in, any
applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change in
the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority,
central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy
(whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency (including any determination by any such authority, central
bank or comparable agency that, for purposes of capital adequacy requirements,
the Commitments hereunder do not constitute commitments with an original
maturity of one year or less), has the effect of reducing the rate of return on
capital of such Bank as a consequence of such Bank's obligations hereunder to a
level below that which such Bank could have achieved but for such adoption,
change, request or directive (taking into

                                       53

<PAGE>

consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed
by such Bank to be material, then from time to time, within 15 days after demand
by such Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay
to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for
such reduction.

          (c) Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent of any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof,
which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section and will
designate a different Applicable Lending Office if such designation will avoid
the need for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the
judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank. A certificate
of any Bank claiming compensation under this Section and setting forth the
additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder, accompanied by a
computation thereof in reasonable detail, shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. In determining such amount, such Bank may use any reasonable
averaging and attribution methods.

          (d)   If any Bank has demanded compensation under this Section, the
Borrower:

               (i) shall have the right, with the assistance of the
          Administrative Agent and upon notification to such Bank, to require
          such Bank to transfer, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption
          Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto, its Note and
          Commitment to a substitute bank or banks satisfactory to the Borrower
          and the Administrative Agent (which may be one or more of the Banks)
          or

               (ii) may elect to terminate this Agreement as to such Bank, and
          in connection therewith to prepay any Base Rate Loan made pursuant to
          Section 8.04, provided that the Borrower (1) notifies the
          Administrative Agent (which will forthwith notify such Bank) of such
          election at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days before any date
          fixed for such a prepayment, and (2) either (x) repays all of such
          Bank's outstanding Loans at the end of the respective Interest Periods
          applicable thereto or as otherwise required by Section 8.02 or (y)
          subject to Section 2.12, prepays all of such Bank's outstanding Loans
          (other than Money Market Loans). Upon receipt by the Administrative
          Agent of such notice, the Commitment of such Bank shall terminate.

         SECTION 8.04. Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate
Loans. Subject to Sections 2.10 and 2.12, if (i) the obligation of any Bank to
make, or to continue to convert outstanding Loans as or to, Euro-Dollar Loans
has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or (ii) any Bank has demanded

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<PAGE>

compensation under Section 8.03(a) and the Borrower shall, by at least five
Euro-Dollar Business Days' prior notice to such Bank through the Administrative
Agent, have elected that the provisions of this Section shall apply to such
Bank, then, unless and until such Bank notifies the Borrower that the
circumstances giving rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no
longer apply:

          (a) all Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank as (as
continued or as converted to) CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be,
shall instead be Base Rate Loans (on which interest and principal shall be
payable contemporaneously with the related Fixed Rate Loans of the other Banks),
and

          (b) after each of its CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may
be, has been repaid, all payments of principal which would otherwise be applied
to repay such Fixed Rate Loans shall be applied to repay its Base Rate Loans
instead.

If such Bank notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such
notice no longer apply, the principal amount of each such Base Rate Loan shall
be converted into a Euro-Dollar Loan on the first day of the next succeeding
Interest Period applicable to the related Euro-Dollar Loans of the other Banks.

                                    ARTICLE 9
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         SECTION 9.01. Notices. All notices, requests, instructions and other
communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire,
telex, facsimile transmission or similar writing) and shall be given to such
party: (x) in the case of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at its
address, facsimile number or telex number (if any) set forth on the signature
pages hereof, (y) in the case of any Bank, at its address, facsimile number or
telex number (if any) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire or (z) in
the case of any party hereto, such other address, facsimile number or telex
number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower. Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telex, when such telex is
transmitted to the telex number specified in this Section and the appropriate
answerback is received, (ii) if given by facsimile transmission, when
transmitted to the facsimile number specified in this Section and confirmation
of receipt is received, (iii) if given by mail, 72 hours after such
communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid,
addressed as aforesaid or (iv) if given by any other means, when delivered at
the address specified in this Section; provided that notices to the
Administrative Agent under Article 2 or Article 8 shall not be effective until
received.

                                       55

<PAGE>

         SECTION 9.02. No Waivers. No failure or delay by the Administrative
Agent or any Bank in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under
any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided
shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Documentary Taxes; Indemnification. (a) The
Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Agents,
including reasonable fees and disbursements of one special counsel (Davis Polk &
Wardwell) for the Agents, in connection with the preparation of this Agreement,
any waiver or consent hereunder or any amendment hereof or any Default or
alleged Default hereunder and (ii) if an Event of Default occurs, all
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents or any Bank, including reasonable
fees and disbursements of counsel (including the cost of staff counsel when used
in lieu of separate special counsel), in connection with such Event of Default
and collection and other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom. The
Borrower shall indemnify each Bank against any transfer taxes, documentary
taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of
the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Notes.

          (b) The Borrower shall indemnify each Bank and its directors, officers
and employees for, and hold each Bank and its directors, officers and employees
harmless from and against (i) any and all damages, losses and other liabilities
of any kind, including, without limitation, judgments and costs of settlement,
and (ii) any and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses of any kind, including,
without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, including the
cost of staff counsel where used in lieu of separate special counsel, and any
other costs of defense, including, without limitation, costs of discovery and
investigation, for such Bank and its officers and directors (all of which shall
be paid or reimbursed by the Borrower monthly), suffered or incurred in
connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding
(whether or not such Bank shall be designated a party thereto) relating to or
arising out of this Agreement or any actual or proposed use of proceeds of Loans
hereunder; provided that such Bank and its directors, officers and employees
shall have no right to be indemnified or held harmless hereunder for its own
gross negligence or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction. The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Agent, in its capacity as an Agent hereunder, to the same extent that the
Borrower indemnifies and holds harmless each Bank pursuant to this Section.

         SECTION 9.04. Sharing of Set-offs. Each Bank agrees that if it shall,
by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise (other than
pursuant to Section 8.03(d)(ii)), receive payment of a proportion of the
aggregate amount of

                                       56

<PAGE>

principal and interest then due with respect to any Note held by it which is
greater than the proportion received by any other Bank in respect of the
aggregate amount of principal and interest then due with respect to any Note
held by such other Bank, the Bank receiving such proportionately greater payment
shall purchase such participations in the Notes held by the other Banks, and
such other adjustments shall be made, as may be required so that all such
payments of principal and interest with respect to the Notes held by the Banks
shall be shared by the Banks pro rata; provided that if at any time thereafter,
the Bank that originally received such payment is required to repay (whether to
the Borrower or to any other Person) all or any portion of such payment, each
other Bank shall promptly (and in any event within five Domestic Business Days
of its receipt of notification from such Bank requiring such repayment) repay to
such Bank the portion of such payment previously received by it under this
Section 9.04, together with such amount (if any) as is equal to the appropriate
portion of any interest (in respect of the period during which such other Bank
held such amount) such Bank shall have been obligated to pay when repaying such
amount as aforesaid, in exchange for such participation in the Note of such
other Bank as was previously purchased by such Bank. Nothing in this Section
shall impair the right of any Bank to exercise any right of set-off or
counterclaim it may have and to apply the amount subject to such exercise to the
payment of indebtedness of the Borrower other than its indebtedness under the
Notes.

         SECTION 9.05. Amendments and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement
or the Notes may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver
is in writing and is signed by the Borrower and the Required Banks (and, if the
rights or duties of any Agent are affected thereby, by such Agent).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment or waiver shall,

          (a)   unless signed by all the Banks,

               (i) increase the Commitment of any Bank or subject any Bank to
          any additional obligation,

               (ii) reduce the principal of or rate of interest on any Loan or
          any fees hereunder,

               (iii) postpone the date fixed for any payment of principal of or
          interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder or for any reduction or
          termination of any Commitment,

               (iv) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate
          unpaid principal amount of the Notes, or the number of Banks, which
          shall be required for the Banks or any of them to take any action
          under this Section or any other provision of this Agreement,

                                       57

<PAGE>

               (v) amend or waive the provisions of this Section 9.05; or

          (b) unless signed by a Designated Lender or its Designating Bank, (i)
subject such Designated Lender to any additional obligation, (ii) affect its
rights hereunder (unless the rights of all the Banks hereunder are similarly
affected) or (iii) change this clause 9.05(b).

The exercise by the Borrower of its right to decrease the Commitments pursuant
to Section 2.09 or to decrease the Commitment of a Bank pursuant to Section
8.03(d) shall not be deemed to require the consent of any party to this
Agreement. The exercise by the Borrower of its option to increase the aggregate
amount of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.18 shall not require the consent
of any Person except for the consent of such Persons required by Section 2.18.

         SECTION 9.06. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not
assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights under this Agreement without the
prior written consent of all Banks.

          (b) Any Bank may at any time grant to one or more banks or other
institutions (each a "Participant") participating interests in its Commitment or
any or all of its Loans. In the event of any such grant by a Bank of a
participating interest to a Participant, whether or not upon notice to the
Borrower and the Agents, such Bank shall remain responsible for the performance
of its obligations hereunder, and the Borrower and the Agents shall continue to
deal solely and directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights
and obligations under this Agreement and such Bank's Note. Any agreement
pursuant to which any Bank may grant such a participating interest shall provide
that such Bank shall retain the sole right and responsibility to enforce the
obligations of the Borrower hereunder and under the Notes including, without
limitation, the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any
provision of this Agreement; provided that such participation agreement may
provide that such Bank will not agree to any modification, amendment or waiver
of this Agreement described in clause (i) (only to the extent such modification,
amendment or waiver would decrease the Commitment of such Bank), (ii) or (iii)
of Section 9.05 or to any modification, amendment or waiver that would have the
effect of increasing the amount of a Participant's participation in such Bank's
Commitment, in any such case without the consent of the Participant. The
Borrower agrees that each Participant shall, to the extent provided in its
participation agreement, be entitled to the benefits of Article 8 with respect
to its participating interest, subject to subsection (f) below. An assignment or
other transfer which is not permitted by subsection (c) or (d) below shall be
given effect for purposes of this Agreement

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<PAGE>

only to the extent of a participating interest granted in accordance with this
subsection (b).

         (c) Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other
institutions (each an "Assignee") all, or a proportionate part of all, of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes, and such Assignee
shall assume such rights and obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and
Assumption Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto executed by
such Assignee and such transferor Bank, with the subscribed consent of the
Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld, in consultation with the
Administrative Agent and with the subscribed acknowledgment of the
Administrative Agent; provided that if an Assignee is (i) any Person which
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or is otherwise
substantially affiliated with such transferor Bank or (ii) another Bank, no such
consent shall be required; and provided further that any assignment shall not be
less than $5,000,000, or, if less, shall constitute an assignment of all of such
Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes. Upon execution
and delivery of such instrument and payment by such Assignee to such transferor
Bank of an amount equal to the purchase price agreed between such transferor
Bank and such Assignee, such Assignee shall be a Bank party to this Agreement
and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank with a Commitment as set
forth in such instrument of assumption, and the transferor Bank shall be
released from its obligations hereunder to a corresponding extent, and no
further consent or action by any party shall be required. Upon the consummation
of any assignment pursuant to this subsection (c), the transferor Bank, the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so
that, if required, new Notes are issued to the Assignee and the transferor Bank
and the original Note is canceled, and the Administrative Agent shall notify the
other Agents of such assignment. In connection with any such assignment, the
transferor Bank shall pay to the Administrative Agent an administrative fee of
$3,500 for processing such assignment. If the Assignee is not incorporated under
the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof, it shall, prior to
the first date on which interest or fees are payable hereunder for its account,
deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent certification as to
exemption from deduction or withholding of any United States federal income
taxes in accordance with Section 2.15.

          (d) Any Bank may at any time assign all or any portion of its rights
under this Agreement and its Note to a Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment
shall release the transferor Bank from its obligations hereunder.

          (e) The Administrative Agent and the Borrower may, for all purposes of
this Agreement, treat any Bank as the holder of any Note drawn to its order (and

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<PAGE>

owner of the Loans evidenced thereby) until written notice of assignment or
other transfer shall have been received by them.

          (f) No Assignee, Participant or other transferee of any Bank's rights
shall be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 8.03 than such
Bank would have been entitled to receive with respect to the rights transferred,
unless such transfer is made with the Borrower's prior written consent or by
reason of the provisions of Section 8.02 or 8.03 requiring such Bank to
designate a different Applicable Lending Office under certain circumstances or
at a time when the circumstances giving rise to such greater payment did not
exist.

          (g) If any Reference Bank assigns its Note to an unaffiliated
institution, the Administrative Agent shall, with the consent of the Borrower
and the Required Banks, appoint another Bank to act as a Reference Bank
hereunder.

         SECTION 9.07. Designated Lenders. (a) Subject to the provisions of this
subsection (a), any Bank may at any time designate an Eligible Designee to
provide all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Bank pursuant to this
Agreement; provided that such designation shall not be effective unless the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent consent thereto in writing (which consents
shall not be unreasonably withheld). When a Bank and its Eligible Designee shall
have signed an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto (a
"Designation Agreement") and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall
have signed their respective consents thereto, such Eligible Designee shall
become a Designated Lender for purposes of this Agreement. The Designating Bank
shall thereafter have the right to permit such Designated Lender to provide all
or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Designating Bank pursuant to
Section 2.01 or 2.03, and the making of such Loans or portion thereof shall
satisfy the obligation of the Designating Bank to the same extent, and as if,
such Loans or portion thereof were made by the Designating Bank. As to any Loans
or portion thereof made by it, each Designated Lender shall have all the rights
that a Bank making such Loans or portion thereof would have had under this
Agreement and otherwise; provided that (x) its voting rights under this
Agreement shall be exercised solely by its Designating Bank and (y) its
Designating Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for
the performance of such Designated Lender's obligations under this Agreement,
including its obligations in respect of the Loans or portion thereof made by it.
No additional Note shall be required to evidence the Loans or portion thereof
made by a Designated Lender; and the Designating Bank shall be deemed to hold
its Note as agent for its Designated Lender to the extent of the Loans or
portion thereof funded by such Designated Lender. Each Designating Bank shall
act as administrative agent for its Designated Lender and give and receive
notices and other communications on its behalf. Any payments for the account of
any Designated Lender shall be paid to its Designating Bank as administrative
agent

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<PAGE>

for such Designated Lender and neither the Borrower nor the Administrative Agent
shall be responsible for any Designating Bank's application of such payments. In
addition, any Designated Lender may, with notice to (but without the prior
written consent of) the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, (i) assign all or
portions of its interest in any Loans to its Designating Bank or to any
financial institutions consented to in writing by the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent that provide liquidity and/or credit facilities to or for
the account of such Designated Lender to support the funding of Loans or
portions thereof made by it and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any
non-public information relating to its Loans or portions thereof to any rating
agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any guarantee, surety, credit or
liquidity enhancement to such Designated Lender.

          (b) Each party to this Agreement agrees that it will not institute
against, or join any other person in instituting against, any Designated Lender
any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar proceeding under any
federal or state bankruptcy or similar law, for one year and a day after all
outstanding senior indebtedness of such Designated Lender is paid in full. The
Designating Bank for each Designated Lender agrees to indemnify, save, and hold
harmless each other party hereto for any loss, cost, damage and expense arising
out of its inability to institute any such proceeding against such Designated
Lender. This subsection (b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

         SECTION 9.08. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury
Trial. THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE BORROWER HEREBY SUBMITS
TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW
YORK CITY FOR PURPOSES OF ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. THE BORROWER IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY NOW
OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN
SUCH A COURT AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH OF THE BORROWER, THE AGENTS AND THE
BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

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<PAGE>

         SECTION 9.09. Counterparts; Integration. This Agreement may be signed
in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same
effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
This Agreement and the writings referred to in Section 3.01(i) constitute the
entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto and supersede any
and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the
subject matter hereof.

         SECTION 9.10. Confidentiality. In addition to any confidentiality
requirements under applicable law, each of the Agents and Banks (each a "Bank
Party" and, collectively, the "Bank Parties") agrees that through and including
the later of (x) the Termination Date and (y) a date three years from the
relevant Bank Party's receipt of the relevant information, it will take normal
and reasonable precautions so that

               (i) all information provided to it by the Borrower, any Person on
          behalf of the Borrower, or by any other Bank Party on behalf of the
          Borrower, in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
          contemplated hereby will be held and treated by such Bank Party and
          its respective directors, affiliates, officers, agents and employees
          in confidence and

               (ii) neither it nor any of its respective directors, affiliates,
          officers, agents or employees shall, without the prior written consent
          of the Borrower, use any such information for any purpose or in any
          manner other than pursuant to the terms of and for the purposes
          contemplated by this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, any Bank Party may
disclose any such information or portions thereof

         (a) that is or becomes publicly available other than through a breach
by such Bank Party of its obligations hereunder;

         (b) that is also provided to such Bank Party by a Person other than the
Borrower not in violation, to the actual knowledge of such Bank Party, of any
duty of confidentiality;

         (c) at the request of any bank regulatory authority or examiner;

         (d) pursuant to subpoena or other court process;

         (e) when required by applicable law;

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<PAGE>

         (f) at the written request or the express direction of any other
authorized government agency;

         (g) to its independent auditors, counsel and other professional
advisors in connection with their provision of professional services to such
Bank Party;

         (h) to any (i) Participant or (ii) prospective Participant or
prospective Bank, if such Participant, prospective Participant or prospective
Bank (which prospective Bank is promptly identified to the Borrower), prior to
any such disclosure, agrees in writing to keep such information confidential to
the same extent required of the Bank Parties hereunder; or

         (i) to any affiliate of such Bank Party, solely to enable such
affiliate to assess the creditworthiness of the Borrower in connection with any
transaction between such affiliate and the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

provided that any Bank Party's failure to comply with the provisions of this
Section 9.10 shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder.

         SECTION 9.11. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is
prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall, as to
such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition,
unenforceability or non-authorization without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof or affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such
provision in any other jurisdiction.

         SECTION 9.12. Termination of Existing Credit Agreement. The Borrower
and each of the Banks that is also a party to the Existing Credit Agreement
agree that the "Commitments" as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement shall
terminate in their entirety on the Effective Date. Each such Bank waives (a) any
requirement of notice of such termination pursuant to Section 2.09 of the
Existing Credit Agreement and (b) any claim to any commitment fees or other fees
under the Existing Credit Agreement for any day on or after the Effective Date.
The Borrower agrees that (i) no loans will be outstanding under the Existing
Credit Agreement on or at any time after the Effective Date and (ii) all accrued
and unpaid commitment fees, facility fees and other amounts due and payable
under the Existing Credit Agreement on or before the Effective Date will be paid
on or before the Effective Date.

         SECTION 9.13. Collateral. Each of the Banks represents to the Agents
and each of the other Banks that it in good faith is not relying upon any Margin
Stock as collateral in the extension or maintenance of the credit provided for
in this Agreement.

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<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year
first above written.

                            PRAXAIR, INC.

                            By: /s/ James S. Sawyer
                                ------------------------------------------------
                               Title: Vice President, Treasurer and Interim
                               Chief Financial Officer
                               39 Old Ridgebury Road
                               Danbury, CT  06810-5113
                               Telecopy number: (203) 837-2480
                               Attention: Treasurer's Group

                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as
                            Administrative Agent

                            By: /s/ Stacey L. Haimes
                                ------------------------------------------------
                               Title: Vice President
                               270 Park Avenue
                               New York, NY 10017
                               Attention: Stacey Haimes
                               Telecopy number: (212) 270-7939

Commitments

$29,166,666.68              MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                OF NEW YORK

                            By: /s/ Dennis Wilczek
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Associate

                                       64
<PAGE>

$29,166,666.67              BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

                            By: /s/ Wendy J. Gorman
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

$29,166,666.67              CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON

                            By: /s/ William S. Lutkins
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                            By: /s/ Vitaly G. Butenko
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Assistant Vice President

$29,166,666.67              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                            By: /s/ Stacey L. Haimes
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

$20,000,000                 ABN-AMRO BANK NV

                            By: /s/ David Mandell
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Vice President

                            By: /s/ Patricia Christy
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Assistant Vice President

                                       65

<PAGE>

$20,000,000                 BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST
                                COMPANY

                            By: /s/ Pamela Donnelly
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

$20,000,000                 BAYERISCHE HYPO-UND VEREINSBANK
                                AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Steven Atwell
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Director

                            By: /s/ Alexander M. Blodi
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Director

$20,000,000                 CITIBANK, N.A.

                            By: /s/ James N. Simpson
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Managing Director

$20,000,000                 COMMERZBANK AG, NEW YORK AND
                                GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES

                            By: /s/ Robert J. Donohue
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Vice President

                            By: /s/ Peter T. Doyle
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Assistant Vice President

                                       66

<PAGE>

$20,000,000                 CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ

                            By: /s/ Sarah McClintock
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                            By: /s/ John McCloskey
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: First Vice President

$20,000,000                 DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH
                                AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Jean M. Hannigan
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                            By: /s/ Annette Walter
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Associate

$20,000,000                 FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                            By: /s/ Irene Bertozzi Bartenstein
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

$20,000,000                 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

                            By: /s/ Gordon C. MacArthur
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Manager

                                       67

<PAGE>

$20,000,000                 THE SANWA BANK, LIMITED

                            By: /s/ Masahito Okubo
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

$20,000,000                 THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LTD.

                            By: /s/ John Dippo
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Vice President

$20,000,000                 WESTDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK
                                GIROZENTRALE

                            By:/s/ Cynthia M. Niesen
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Managing Director

                            By:/s/ Walter T. Duffy III
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Associate Director

$13,333,333.33              BANCA COMMERCIALE ITALIANA, NEW
                                YORK BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Frank Maffei
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Authorized Signature

                            By: /s/ Joseph Carlani
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                                       68

<PAGE>

$13,333,333.33              BANCA NAZIONALE DEL LAVORO S.P.A.,
                                NEW YORK BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Frederic W. Hall
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                            By: /s/ Leonardo Valentini
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: First Vice President

$13,333,333.33              CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Stephen M. Poppel
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: First Vice President

$13,333,333.33              MELLON BANK N.A.

                            By: /s/ Charles E. Frankenberry
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Lending Officer

$13,333,333.33              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                            By: /s/ Eliza S. Adams
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                                       69

<PAGE>

$13,333,333.33              THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED

                            By: /s/ Edward D. Henderson, Jr.
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Vice President

$13,333,333.33              TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC.

                            By: /s/ Sheila M. Conley
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

$10,000,000                 BANCA DI ROMA, NEW YORK BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Alessandro Paoli
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Assistant Treasurer

                            By: /s/ Steven Paley
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: First Vice President

$10,000,000                 BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA
                              S.A.

                            By: /s/ John Martini
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President Corporate Banking

                            By: /s/ Alberto Conde
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President Corporate Banking

                                       70

<PAGE>

$10,000,000                 BANCO SANTANDER CENTRALE HISPANO,
                                S.A. NEW YORK BRANCH

                            By: /s/ Javier Guibert
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                            By: /s/ Rebecca Rains
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Assistant Vice President

$10,000,000                 BNP PARIBAS

                            By: /s/ Sophie Revillard Kaufman
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                            By: /s/ Richard Pace
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President
                                            Corporate Banking Division

$10,000,000                 STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

                            By: /s/ Peter G. R. Dodds
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Credit Officer Coin 98/62

                            By: /s/ Shafiq Ur Rahman
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Senior Vice President

------------------
TOTAL COMMITMENTS:

$500,000,000
==============

                                       71

<PAGE>

                                PRICING SCHEDULE

         The "CD Margin", "Euro-Dollar Margin", and "Facility Fee Rate" for any
day are the respective percentages set forth below in the applicable row and
column corresponding to the Status and Utilization that exist on such day;
provided that for any day on or after the Termination Date, the CD Margin and
the Euro-Dollar Margin are the percentage specified in (i) plus 0.125%.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Level I    Level II   Level III    Level IV     Level V    Level VI
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
Euro-Dollar Margin if Utilization
is equal to or less than 33%                 .14%        .27%        .40%        .50%         .825%      1.25%

Euro-Dollar Margin If Utilization
exceeds 33%                                  .19%        .37%        .525%       .625%        .95%       1.25%

CD Margin If Utilization is equal
to or less than 33%                          .265%       .395%       .52%        .625%        .95%       1.375%

CD Margin If Utilization exceeds 33%         .315%       .495%       .645%       .745%       1.05%       1.375%

Facility Fee Rate                            .06%        .08%        .10%        .125%        .175%       .25%
</TABLE>

         For purposes of this Schedule, the following terms have the following
meanings:

         "Level I Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long- term debt is rated at least A by S&P and at least A3 by Moody's
or (ii) the Borrower's long-term debt is rated at least A- by S&P and at least
A2 by Moody's.

         "Level II Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated (x) at least A- by S&P and at least Baa1 by
Moody's or (y) at least BBB+ by S&P and at least A3 by Moody's and (ii) Level I
Status does not exist.

         "Level III Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated (x) at least BBB+ by S&P and at least Baa2 by
Moody's or (y) at least BBB by S&P and at least Baa1 by Moody's and (ii) neither
Level I Status nor Level II Status exists.

         "Level IV Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated BBB or higher by S&P and Baa2 or higher by
Moody's and (ii) none of Level I Status, Level II Status and Level III Status
exists.

         "Level V Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher by
Moody's

                                        1

<PAGE>

and (ii) none of Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III and Level IV Status
exists.

         "Level VI Status" exists at any date if, at such date, no other Status
exists.

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

         "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group.

         "Status" refers to the determination of which of Level I Status, Level
II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status, or Level V or Level VI Status
exists at any date.

         "Utilization" means at any date the percentage equivalent of a fraction
(i) the numerator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Loans at such date, after giving effect to any borrowing or payment on such date
and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of the Commitments at
such date, after giving effect to any reduction of the Commitments on such date.
If for any reason any Loans remain outstanding following termination of the
Commitments in their entirety, Utilization shall be deemed to exceed 33%.

         The credit ratings to be utilized for purposes of this Schedule are
those assigned to the senior unsecured long-term debt securities of the Borrower
without third-party credit enhancement and any rating assigned to any other debt
security of the Borrower shall be disregarded. The rating in effect at any date
is that in effect at the close of business on such date.

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                      NOTE

                                                              New York, New York

                                                              ________ __, 200__

         For value received, PRAXAIR, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of ______________ (the "Bank"), for
the account of its Applicable Lending Office, the unpaid principal amount of
each Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement
referred to below on the maturity date provided for in the Credit Agreement. The
Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each such
Loan on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit Agreement.
All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the
United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York.

         All Loans made by the Bank, the respective types and maturities thereof
and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and,
prior to any transfer hereof, appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing
information with respect to each such Loan then outstanding may be endorsed by
the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule
attached to and made a part hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to
make any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the
Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement.

         This note is one of the Notes referred to in the 364-Day Credit
Agreement dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party
thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston
and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Administrative Agent (as the same may be amended from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement"). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with
the same meanings. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions for
the prepayment hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof.

                                        1

<PAGE>

                                    PRAXAIR, INC.

                                    By________________________
                                      Name:
                                     Title:

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                  Note (cont'd)

                         LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

                                            Amount of
          Amount of      Type of            Principal           Notation Made
 Date        Loan          Loan              Repaid                  By

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                                        3

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                       FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE REQUEST

                                     [Date]

To:            The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Administrative Agent")

From:          Praxair, Inc. (the "Borrower")

Re:            364-Day Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated
               as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party thereto,
               Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse
               First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication
               Agents, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent

         We hereby give notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement
that we request Money Market Quotes for the following proposed Money Market
Borrowing(s):

Date of Borrowing:  __________________

Principal Amount1                                              Interest Period2

$

         Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [LIBOR Margin]
[Absolute Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]

         Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

                                                PRAXAIR, INC

                                                By________________________
                                                   Name:
                                                   Title:
--------
1    Amount must be $25,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.
2    Not less than one month (LIBOR Auction) or not less than 7 days (Absolute
     Rate Auction), subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest
     Period.

                                        1

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                   FORM OF INVITATION FOR MONEY MARKET QUOTES

                                     [Date]

To:  [Name of Bank]

Re:  Invitation for Money Market Quotes
        to Praxair, Inc. (the "Borrower")

         Pursuant to Section 2.03 of the 364-Day Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party
thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston
and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Administrative Agent, we are pleased on behalf of the Borrower to
invite you to submit Money Market Quotes to the Borrower for the following
proposed Money Market Borrowing(s):

         Date of Borrowing:  __________________

         Principal Amount                    Interest Period

         $

         Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [LIBOR Margin]
[Absolute Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]

         Please respond to this invitation by no later than 11:00 A.M. (New York
City time) on [date].

         Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

                                        The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
                                        Administrative Agent

                                        By________________________
                                            Authorized Officer

                                        1

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                           FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE

                                     [Date]

The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent
270 Park Avenue
NY, NY 10017

Attention:

Re: Money Market Quote to
    Praxair, Inc. (the "Borrower")

         In response to your invitation on behalf of the Borrower dated
__________ we hereby make the following Money Market Quote on the following
terms:

         1.       Quoting Bank:  ________________________________

         2.       Person to contact at Quoting Bank:

                  ________________________________

         3.       Date of Borrowing: ____________________1

________________
1    As specified in the related Invitation.

                                        1

<PAGE>

     4.   We hereby offer to make Money Market Loan(s) in the following
          principal amounts, for the following Interest Periods and at the
          following rates:

   Principal           Interest          Money Market
   Amount 1            Period 2        [LIBOR Margin] 3     [Absolute Rate] 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$

$

[Provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for which
the above offers may be accepted shall not exceed $____________.]1

         We understand and agree that the offer(s) set forth above, subject to
the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in the 364-Day Credit
Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair,
Inc., the Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit
Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,

         irrevocably obligates us to make the Money Market Loan(s) for which any
offer(s) are accepted, in whole or in part.

         Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            [NAME OF BANK]

Dated:_______________               By:__________________________
                                        Authorized Officer
-------------
1    Principal amount bid for each Interest Period may not exceed principal
     amount requested. Specify aggregate limitation if the sum of the individual
     offers exceeds the amount the Bank is willing to lend. Bids must be made
     for $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.

2    Not more than 12 months or not less than 7 days, as specified in the
     related Invitation. No more than five bids are permitted for each Interest
     Period. .

3    Margin over or under the London Interbank Offered Rate determined for the
     applicable Interest Period. Specify percentage (rounded to the nearest
     1/10,000 of 1%) and specify whether "PLUS" or "MINUS".

4    Specify rate of interest per annum (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of
     1%).

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                   FORM OF OPINION OF CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL,
                               SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR
                                  THE BORROWER

                                                     [Effective Date]

To the Banks and the Agents
Referred to Below
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent
270 Park Avenue
NY, NY 10017

Re:      Praxair, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special counsel to Praxair, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), in connection with the 364-Day Credit Agreement
(the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the
Banks party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Credit Suisse First Boston and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Co-Syndication Agents, and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein
without definition have the same meanings as in the Credit Agreement.

         In such capacity, we have examined the Credit Agreement and such
corporate records, instruments and other documents, and such questions of law,
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions
expressed herein. As to various questions of fact material to our opinion, we
have relied upon and assumed the accuracy of (i) the representations and
warranties contained in the Credit Agreement, (ii) certificates or other
documents furnished by the Borrower and the officers of the Borrower and (iii)
certificates from various state authorities and public officials.

                                        1

<PAGE>

         In connection with this opinion, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to the appropriate
authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified,
conformed or photostatic or facsimile copies. We have further assumed the due
authorization, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement by, or on behalf
of, all parties thereto, other than the Borrower.

         Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth
below, we are of the opinion that:

            1. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation under the laws of the States
of Connecticut and New York.

            2. The Borrower has the corporate power and corporate authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the
Notes.

            3. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes have been duly authorized by all requisite
corporate action on the part of the Borrower.

            4. The Credit Agreement and the Notes have been duly executed and
delivered by the Borrower and are valid and binding obligations of the Borrower,
enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance and
transfer, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or
affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles (regardless of
whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

            5. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes do not contravene any United States Federal or
New York State law or the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

            6. No consent or approval of, or action by or filing with, any court
or administrative or governmental body is required under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware or the laws of the State of New York or the United
States of America for the Borrower to execute and deliver the Credit Agreement
and the Notes and to perform its obligations thereunder.

           7. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes will not (i) violate the certificate of
incorporation

                                        2

<PAGE>

or by laws of the Borrower or (ii) result in a breach of, or constitute a
default under, or require any consent under, any indenture or other agreement or
instrument known to us evidencing or governing indebtedness for borrowed money
of the Borrower.

         The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United
States, the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws
of any other jurisdiction. In particular, we are expressing no opinion as to the
effect, if any, of any law of any jurisdiction (except the State of New York) in
which any Bank is located that may limit the rate of interest that may be
charged or collected by such bank. In addition, with respect to the
enforceability against and the performance by the Borrower of the Credit
Agreement and the Notes, we express no opinion as to any contractual provisions
purporting to provide indemnification insofar as such indemnification might be
deemed inconsistent with public policy.

         This opinion is furnished at the request of the Borrower pursuant to
Section 3.01(c) of the Credit Agreement by us as special counsel for the
Borrower to you as Banks and Agents and is solely for your benefit in connection
with the above transaction and may not be relied upon by you for any other
purpose or relied upon by any other person, firm or corporation for any purpose
without our prior written consent. The opinions we express herein are as of the
date hereof, and we do not assume or undertake any responsibility or obligation
to supplement such opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances that may
hereafter come to our attention or to reflect any changes in the law which may
occur after the date hereof.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                        3

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT F

                                   OPINION OF
                     DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL, SPECIAL COUNSEL
                                 FOR THE AGENTS

                                                     [Effective Date]

To the Banks and the Agents
Referred to Below
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent
270 Park Avenue
NY, NY 10017

Dear Sirs:

         We have participated in the preparation of the 364-Day Credit Agreement
(the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc. (the
"Borrower"), the Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents,
and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, for the purpose of
rendering this opinion pursuant to Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement.
Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

         We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of
public officials and other instruments and have conducted such other
investigations of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable for
purposes of this opinion.

         Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

           1. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers and
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

                                        1

<PAGE>

           2. The Credit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Borrower and the Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the
Borrower, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the
same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity.

         We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. In giving the foregoing opinion, we
express no opinion as to the effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction
(except the State of New York) in which any Bank is located which limits the
rate of interest that such Bank may charge or collect.

         This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above
matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or
relied upon by any other Person without our prior written consent.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT G

                       ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT dated as of _________, ____ among [ASSIGNOR] (the
"Assignor"), [and] [ASSIGNEE] (the "Assignee"), [and PRAXAIR, INC. (the
"Borrower")].

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, this Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the
"Agreement") relates to the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of July 12, 2000
among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York, Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-
Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent (as
amended, the "Credit Agreement");

         WHEREAS, as provided under the Credit Agreement, the Assignor has a
Commitment to make Committed Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal
amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $__________;

         WHEREAS, Committed Loans made to the Borrower by the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $__________ are
outstanding at the date hereof; and

         WHEREAS, the Assignor proposes to assign to the Assignee all of the
rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement in respect of a portion of its
Commitment thereunder in an amount equal to $__________ (the "Assigned Amount"),
together with a corresponding portion of its outstanding Committed Loans, and
the Assignee proposes to accept assignment of such rights and assume the
corresponding obligations from the Assignor on such terms;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                        1

<PAGE>

         SECTION 1.  Definitions.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         SECTION 2. Assumption. The Assignor hereby assigns and sells to the
Assignee all of the rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the
extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby accepts such assignment
from the Assignor and assumes all of the obligations of the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Amount, including the purchase
from the Assignor of the corresponding portion of the principal amount of the
Committed Loans made by the Assignor outstanding at the date hereof. Upon the
execution and delivery hereof by the Assignor, [and] the Assignee[, the Borrower
and the Administrative Agent] and the payment of the amounts specified in
Section 3 required to be paid on the date hereof (i) the Assignee shall, as of
the date hereof, succeed to the rights and be obligated to perform the
obligations of a Bank under the Credit Agreement with a Commitment in an amount
equal to the Assigned Amount, and (ii) the Commitment of the Assignor shall, as
of the date hereof, be reduced by a like amount and the Assignor released from
its obligations under the Credit Agreement to the extent such obligations have
been assumed by the Assignee. The assignment provided for herein shall be
without recourse to the Assignor.

         SECTION 3. Payments. As consideration for the assignment and sale
contemplated in Section 2 hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on the
date hereof in Federal funds an amount equal to $_________.1 It is understood
that facility fees accrued to the date hereof are for the account of the
Assignor and such fees accruing from and including the date hereof with respect
to the Assigned Amount are for the account of the Assignee. Each of the Assignor
and the Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount under the Credit
Agreement which is for the account of the other party hereto, it shall receive
the same for the account of such other party to the extent of such other party's
interest therein and shall promptly pay the same to such other party.

         SECTION 4. Consent of the Borrower. This Agreement is conditioned upon
the consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.06(c) of the Credit Agreement.
The execution of this Agreement by the Borrower is evidence of this consent.
Pursuant to Section 9.06(c) the Borrower agrees to execute and deliver Notes
payable to the order of the Assignee (and, if necessary, to the Assignor) to
evidence the assignment and assumption provided for herein.]

--------
         1 Amount should combine principal together with accrued interest and
breakage compensation, if any, to be paid by the Assignee. It may be preferable
in an appropriate case to specify these amounts generically or by formula rather
than as a fixed sum.

                                        2

<PAGE>

         SECTION 5. Non-reliance on Assignor. The Assignor makes no
representation or warranty in connection with, and shall have no responsibility
with respect to, the solvency, financial condition, or statements of the
Borrower, or the validity and enforceability of the obligations of the Borrower
in respect of the Credit Agreement or any Note. The Assignee acknowledges that
it has, independently and without reliance on the Assignor, the Sole Lead
Arranger, any Co-Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent, any Agent or any other
Bank, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate,
made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and will
continue to be responsible for making its own independent appraisal of the
business, affairs and financial condition of the Borrower.

         SECTION 6.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

         SECTION 7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

                                        3

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.

                                   [ASSIGNOR]

                                    By______________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                   [ASSIGNEE]

                                    By______________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                    [PRAXAIR, INC.]

                                    By______________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

Acknowledged this ____ day
of ________ by The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent

By___________________________
     Name:

                                        4

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT H

                              DESIGNATION AGREEMENT

                       dated as of ________________, _____

         Reference is made to the 364-Day Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party
thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston
and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Administrative Agent. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meaning.

         _________________ (the "Designator") and ________________ (the
"Designee") agree as follows:

           1. The Designator designates the Designee as its Designated Lender
under the Credit Agreement and the Designee accepts such designation.

           2. The Designator makes no representations or warranties and assumes
no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the
performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the
Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.

           3. The Designee (i) confirms that it is an Eligible Designee; (ii)
appoints and authorizes the Designator as its administrative agent and
attorney-in-fact and grants the Designator an irrevocable power of attorney to
receive payments made for the benefit of the Designee under the Credit Agreement
and to deliver and receive all communications and notices under the Credit
Agreement, if any, that the Designee is obligated to deliver or has the right to
receive thereunder; (iii) acknowledges that the Designator retains the sole
right and responsibility to vote under the Credit Agreement, including, without
limitation, the right to approve any amendment or waiver of any provision of the
Credit Agreement; and (iv) agrees that the Designee shall be bound by all such
votes, approvals, amendments and waivers and all other agreements of the
Designator pursuant to or in connection with the Credit Agreement, all subject
to Section 9.05(b) of the Credit Agreement.

           4. The Designee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the
Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements
referred to in Article 4 or delivered pursuant to Article 5 thereof and such
other documents

                                        1

<PAGE>

and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and
decision to enter into this Designation Agreement and (ii) agrees that it will,
independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Designator
or any other Bank 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 any action it may be permitted to take under the Credit Agreement.

           5. Following the execution of this Designation Agreement by the
Designator and the Designee and the consent hereto by the Borrower, it will be
delivered to the Administrative Agent for its consent. This Designation
Agreement shall become effective when the Administrative Agent consents hereto
or on any later date specified on the signature page hereof.

           6. Upon the effectiveness hereof, the Designee shall have the right
to make Loans or portions thereof as a Bank pursuant to Section 2.01 or 2.03 of
the Credit Agreement and the rights of a Bank related thereto. The making of any
such Loans or portions thereof by the Designee shall satisfy the obligations of
the Designator under the Credit Agreement to the same extent, and as if, such
Loans or portions thereof were made by the Designator.

           7. This Designation Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Designation Agreement
to be executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, as of the
date first above written.

Effective Date:______ , ____

                                  [NAME OF DESIGNATOR]

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

                                  [NAME OF DESIGNEE]

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

                                        2

<PAGE>

The undersigned consent to the foregoing designation.

                                  PRAXAIR, INC.

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

                                  THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as
                                      Administrative Agent

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

                                        3

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT I

                               EXTENSION AGREEMENT

Praxair, Inc.
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, Connecticut 06810-5113

Gentlemen:

         Effective as of [effective date], the undersigned hereby agree to
extend the Termination Date as now in effect under the 364-Day Credit Agreement
(the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the
Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse
First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, to [date]. Terms defined in the Credit
Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

                                        1

<PAGE>

         This Extension Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and
governed by the law of the State of New York.

                                  THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                      as Administrative Agent

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

                                  [NAME OF BANK]

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

Agreed and accepted:

PRAXAIR, INC.

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

                                        2

<PAGE>
                                                                  CONFORMED COPY

                                 $1,000,000,000

                           FIVE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                   dated as of

                                  July 12, 2000

                                      among

                                 Praxair, Inc.,

                             The Banks Party Hereto

                    Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
                              Bank of America, N.A.
                                       and
                           Credit Suisse First Boston,
                            as Co-Syndication Agents

                                       and

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank,
                             as Administrative Agent

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

                          J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
                         Lead Arranger and Book Manager
                                 --------------

                         Banc of America Securities LLC
                              Chase Securities Inc.
                           Credit Suisse First Boston,
                        Co-Arrangers and Co-Book Managers

                                                i

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

                                                                                             PAGE

                                            ARTICLE 1
                                           DEFINITIONS

<S>                                                                                           <C>
SECTION 1.01.  Definitions......................................................................1
SECTION 1.02.  Accounting Terms and Determinations.............................................13
SECTION 1.03.  Types of Borrowings.............................................................14

                                            ARTICLE 2
                                           THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01.  Commitments to Lend.............................................................14
SECTION 2.02.  Notice of Committed Borrowings..................................................14
SECTION 2.03.  Money Market Borrowings.........................................................15
SECTION 2.04.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans...............................................20
SECTION 2.05.  Notes...........................................................................21
SECTION 2.06.  Maturity of Loans...............................................................22
SECTION 2.07.  Interest Rates..................................................................22
SECTION 2.08.  Facility Fee....................................................................25
SECTION 2.09.  Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments................................26
SECTION 2.10.  Optional Prepayments............................................................26
SECTION 2.11.  General Provisions as to Payments...............................................26
SECTION 2.12.  Funding Losses..................................................................27
SECTION 2.13.  Computation of Interest and Fees................................................28
SECTION 2.14.  Method of Electing Interest Rates...............................................28
SECTION 2.15.  Withholding Tax Exemption.......................................................30
SECTION 2.16.  Regulation D Compensation.......................................................30
SECTION 2.17.  Replacement of this Agreement...................................................31
SECTION 2.18.  Optional Increase in Commitments................................................32

                                            ARTICLE 3
                                           CONDITIONS

SECTION 3.01.  Effectiveness...................................................................33
SECTION 3.02.  Borrowings......................................................................35

                                                i

<PAGE>

                                                                                             PAGE

                                            ARTICLE 4
                                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

SECTION 4.01.  Corporate Existence and Power...................................................36
SECTION 4.02.  Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No
         Contravention.........................................................................36
SECTION 4.03.  Binding Effect..................................................................36
SECTION 4.04.  Financial Information...........................................................36
SECTION 4.05.  Litigation......................................................................37
SECTION 4.06.  Compliance with ERISA...........................................................37
SECTION 4.07.  Environmental Matters...........................................................38
SECTION 4.08.  Subsidiaries....................................................................38
SECTION 4.09.  Not an Investment Company.......................................................38
SECTION 4.10.  Disclosure......................................................................38

                                            ARTICLE 5
                                            COVENANTS

SECTION 5.01.  Information.....................................................................39
SECTION 5.02.  Maintenance of Property; Insurance..............................................42
SECTION 5.03.  Negative Pledge.................................................................42
SECTION 5.04.  Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets.....................................43
SECTION 5.05.  Minimum Consolidated Book Net Worth.............................................43
SECTION 5.06.  Leverage Ratio..................................................................44
SECTION 5.07.  Use of Proceeds.................................................................44

                                            ARTICLE 6
                                            DEFAULTS

SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default...............................................................44
SECTION 6.02.  Notice of Default...............................................................47

                                            ARTICLE 7
                                             AGENTS

SECTION 7.01.  Appointment and Authorization...................................................48
SECTION 7.02.  Agents and Affiliates...........................................................48
SECTION 7.03.  Action by Administrative Agent..................................................48
SECTION 7.04.  Consultation with Experts.......................................................48
SECTION 7.05.  Liability of Administrative Agent...............................................48
SECTION 7.06.  Indemnification.................................................................49

                                               ii

<PAGE>

                                                                                             PAGE

SECTION 7.07.  Credit Decision.................................................................49
SECTION 7.08.  Successor Administrative Agent..................................................49

                                            ARTICLE 8
                                     CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

SECTION 8.01.  Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair........................50
SECTION 8.02.  Illegality......................................................................51
SECTION 8.03.  Increased Cost and Reduced Return...............................................51
SECTION 8.04.  Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate Loans.......................54

                                            ARTICLE 9
                                          MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01.  Notices.........................................................................54
SECTION 9.02.  No Waivers......................................................................55
SECTION 9.03.  Expenses; Documentary Taxes; Indemnification....................................55
SECTION 9.04.  Sharing of Set-offs.............................................................56
SECTION 9.05.  Amendments and Waivers..........................................................56
SECTION 9.06.  Successors and Assigns..........................................................57
SECTION 9.07.  Designated Lenders..............................................................59
SECTION 9.08.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of
         Jury Trial............................................................................60
SECTION 9.09.  Counterparts; Integration.......................................................61
SECTION 9.10.  Confidentiality.................................................................61
SECTION 9.11.  Severability....................................................................62
SECTION 9.12.  Termination of Existing Credit Agreement........................................62
SECTION 9.13.  Collateral......................................................................63

</TABLE>

                                               iii

<PAGE>

Exhibits

Exhibit A    --    Note
Exhibit B    --    Form of Money Market Quote Request
Exhibit C    --    Form of Invitation for Money Market Quotes
Exhibit D    --    Form of Money Market Quote
Exhibit E    --    Form of Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, Special
                    Counsel for the Borrower
Exhibit F    --    Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell, Special Counsel for
                   the Agents
Exhibit G    --    Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit H    --    Designation Agreement

                                               iv

<PAGE>

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT dated as of July 12, 2000 among PRAXAIR, INC., the BANKS
party hereto, MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
and CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, as Co-Syndication Agents, and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN BANK, as Administrative Agent.

         The parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1
                                   DEFINITIONS

         SECTION 1.01. Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, have
the following meanings:

         "Absolute Rate Auction" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes
setting forth Money Market Absolute Rates pursuant to Section 2.03.

         "Adjusted CD Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "Administrative Agent" means The Chase Manhattan Bank, in its capacity
as administrative agent for the Banks hereunder, and its successors in such
capacity.

         "Administrative Questionnaire" means, with respect to each Bank, an
administrative questionnaire in the form prepared by the Administrative Agent
and submitted to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly following
receipt thereof give a copy to the Borrower) duly completed by such Bank.

         "Agents" means the Administrative Agent and the Co-Syndication Agents.

         "Applicable Lending Office" means, with respect to any Bank,

               (i) in the case of its Domestic Loans, its Domestic Lending
          Office,

               (ii) in the case of its Euro-Dollar Loans, its Euro-Dollar
          Lending Office and

                                        1

<PAGE>

               (iii) in the case of its Money Market Loans, its Money Market
          Lending Office.

         "Assessment Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "Assignee" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(c).

         "Bank" means each bank listed on the signature pages hereof, each
Person which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 2.18 and each Assignee which
becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 9.06(c), and their respective successors.

         "Bank Parties" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.10.

         "Base Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the higher of
the Reference Rate for such day or the sum of 1/2 of 1% plus the Effective
Federal Funds Rate for such day.

         "Base Rate Loan" means a Committed Loan that bears interest at the Base
Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of
Interest Rate Election or the last sentence of Section 2.14(a) or Article 8.

         "Benefit Arrangement" means at any time an employee benefit plan within
the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA which is not a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan
and which is maintained or otherwise contributed to by any member of the ERISA
Group.

         "Borrower" means Praxair, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
successors.

         "Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03.

         "CD Base Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "CD Loan" means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a CD Rate
pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of Interest
Rate Election.

         "CD Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

         "CD Rate" means a rate of interest determined pursuant to Section
2.07(b) on the basis of an Adjusted CD Rate.

                                        2

<PAGE>

         "CD Reference Banks" means Bank of America, N.A., The Chase Manhattan
Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and each other Bank as may be
appointed pursuant to Section 9.06(g).

         "Commitment" means (i) with respect to each Bank listed on the
Commitment Schedule, the amount set forth opposite such Bank's name on the
Commitment Schedule and (ii) with respect to any Assignee or other Person which
becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 2.18 or 9.06(c), the amount of the transferor
Bank's Commitment assigned to it pursuant to Section 9.06(c), in each case as
such amount may be changed from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09 or
9.06(c); provided that, if the context so requires, the term "Commitment" means
the obligation of a Bank to extend credit up to such amount to the Borrower
hereunder.

         "Commitment Schedule" means the Schedule attached hereto identified as
such.

         "Committed Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank pursuant to
Section 2.01; provided that, if any such loan or loans (or portions thereof) are
combined or subdivided pursuant to a Notice of Interest Rate Election, the term
"Committed Loan" shall refer to the combined principal amount resulting from
such combination or to each of the separate principal amounts resulting from
such subdivision, as the case may be.

         "Consolidated Book Net Worth" means at any date the consolidated
shareholders' equity of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries,
calculated without giving effect to (i) changes in the cumulative foreign
currency translation adjustment after March 31, 2000, (ii) any mark-to-market of
a derivative or hedging instrument or any other adjustment related to any
derivative or hedging instrument that might be required under FAS 133 after
March 31, 2000, and (iii) after-tax restructuring charges taken after March 31,
2000 up to a maximum cumulative amount of $75,000,000.

         "Consolidated Net Income" for any period means the consolidated net
income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period,
excluding any extraordinary items of gain or loss.

         "Consolidated Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means at any date
any Subsidiary or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with
those of such Person in its consolidated financial statements if such statements
were prepared as of such date.

                                        3

<PAGE>

         "Consolidated Total Debt" means at any date all consolidated Debt of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined as of such date.

         "Continuing Director" means at any date a member of the Borrower's
board of directors who was either (i) a member of such board twelve months prior
to such date or (ii) nominated for election to such board by at least two-thirds
of the Continuing Directors then in office.

         "Co-Syndication Agent" means each of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York, Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity
as co-syndication agent for the credit facility provided hereunder.

         "Debt" of any Person means at any date, without duplication, to the
extent required in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles to
be included in the financial statements of such Person or the footnotes thereto,

               (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money,

               (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds,
          debentures or notes,

               (iii) all obligations of such Person for installment purchase
          transactions involving the purchase of property or services over
          $5,000,000 for any particular transaction, except trade accounts
          payable and expense accruals arising in the ordinary course of
          business,

               (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee which are
          capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting
          principles,

               (v) all contingent or non-contingent obligations of such Person
          to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid or to
          be paid under a letter of credit, and

               (vi) all Debt of others Guaranteed by such Person.

         "Default" means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of
Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

         "Designated Lender" means, with respect to any Designating Bank, an
Eligible Designee designated by it pursuant to Section 9.07(a) as a Designated
Lender for purposes of this Agreement.

                                        4

<PAGE>

         "Designating Bank" means, with respect to each Designated Lender, the
Bank that designated such Designated Lender pursuant to Section 9.07(a).

         "Dollars" and the sign "$" mean lawful money of the United States of
America.

         "Domestic Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required
by law to close.

         "Domestic Consolidated Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means a
Consolidated Subsidiary of such Person organized and existing under the laws of
the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

         "Domestic Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office identified
in its Administrative Questionnaire as its Domestic Lending Office or such other
office of such Bank as such Bank may hereafter designate as its Domestic Lending
Office by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent; provided that any
Bank may so designate separate Domestic Lending Offices for its Base Rate Loans,
on the one hand, and its CD Loans, on the other hand, in which case all
references herein to the Domestic Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to
refer to either or both of such offices, as the context may require.

         "Domestic Loans" means CD Loans or Base Rate Loans or both.

         "Domestic Reserve Percentage" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.07(b).

         "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement becomes effective in
accordance with Section 3.01.

         "Effective Federal Funds Rate" means the weighted average of the rates
on overnight federal funds transactions between members of the Federal Reserve
System arranged by federal funds brokers as published daily (or, if such day is
not a Domestic Business Day, for the immediately preceding Domestic Business
Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the Composite Closing Quotations
for U.S. Government Securities (or any successor quotations).

         "Eligible Designee" means a special purpose corporation that (i) is
organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, (ii) is
engaged in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the
ordinary course of its business and (iii) issues (or the parent of which issues)
commercial

                                        5

<PAGE>

paper rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or the
equivalent thereof by Moody's.

         "Environmental Laws" means all applicable federal, state, local and
foreign laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, orders and requirements relating
to the protection of, or discharge of materials into, the environment,
including, without limitation, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of
1976, as amended; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act; the Toxic Substance Control Act; the Clean Water Act; the Clean
Air Act; and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, or any successor statute.

         "ERISA Group" means the Borrower, any Subsidiary and all members of a
controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal
Revenue Code.

         "Eurocurrency Reserve Ratio" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.

         "Euro-Dollar Business Day" means any Domestic Business Day on which
commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in
Dollar deposits) in London.

         "Euro-Dollar Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office or
branch located at its address identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as
its Euro-Dollar Lending Office or such other office or branch of such Bank as it
may hereafter designate as its Euro-Dollar Lending Office by notice to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

         "Euro-Dollar Loan" means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a
Euro-Dollar Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or
Notice of Interest Rate Election.

         "Euro-Dollar Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(c).

         "Euro-Dollar Reference Banks" means the principal London offices of
Bank of America, N.A., The Chase Manhattan Bank and Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York and the principal London office of each other Bank as may be
appointed pursuant to Section 9.06(g).

                                        6

<PAGE>

         "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

         "Existing Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of
December 7, 1995, among the Borrower, the banks parties thereto, Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, as documentation agent, and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(successor to Chemical Bank), as administrative agent and auction agent, as
amended to the Effective Date.

         "Fixed Rate Loans" means CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market
Loans (excluding Money Market LIBOR Loans bearing interest at the Reference Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01) or any combination of the foregoing.

         "Group of Loans" means, at any time, a group of Loans consisting of (i)
all Committed Loans which are Base Rate Loans at such time, (ii) all Euro-Dollar
Loans having the same Interest Period at such time or (iii) all CD Loans having
the same Interest Period at such time; provided that, if a Committed Loan of any
particular Bank is converted to or made as a Base Rate Loan pursuant to Article
8, such Loan shall be included in the same Group or Groups of Loans from time to
time as it would have been in if it had not been so converted or made.

         "Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt of any
other Person, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:

               (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
          purchase or payment of) such Debt (whether arising by virtue of
          partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep-well, to purchase
          assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain
          financial statement conditions or otherwise); or

               (ii) entered into for the purpose of ensuring in any legally
          enforceable manner the obligee of such Debt of the payment thereof or
          to protect such obligee in any legally enforceable manner against loss
          in respect thereof (in whole or in part);

provided that the term Guarantee shall not include

           (a)  endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business;

                                        7

<PAGE>

           (b) obligations that are not required in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles to be included in the financial statements of
such Person or the footnotes thereto;

           (c) "unconditional purchase obligations" (including take-or-pay
contracts) as defined in and as required to be disclosed pursuant to Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 47 and the related interpretations, as the
same may be amended from time to time, but only to the extent the aggregate
present value amount of all such obligations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries (other than amounts reflected on the balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries) is equal to or less than 5% of
the net sales of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as set forth in
their Consolidated Statement of Income, determined as of the end of the
preceding quarter for the twelve months then ending; and

           (d) any obligations required to be disclosed pursuant to the
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 105, Disclosure of Information
about Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk and Financial
Instruments with Concentrations of Credit Risk, issued March 1990, the Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosure about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments, issued December 1991, and the Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 119, Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments
and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, issued October 1994, and their related
interpretations, as the same may be amended from time to time (except to the
extent any such obligation is required to be reflected on the balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries).

         The term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

         "Interest Period" means: (1) with respect to each Euro-Dollar Loan, the
period commencing on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of
Borrowing or on the date specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate
Election and ending one, two, three or six months thereafter and, if deposits of
a corresponding maturity are available to all Banks in the London interbank
market, nine or twelve months thereafter, as the Borrower may elect in the
applicable notice; provided that:

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

                                        8

<PAGE>

               (b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
          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 Euro-Dollar Business Day of a
          calendar month;

           (2) with respect to each CD Loan, the period commencing on the date
of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing or on the date
specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate Election and ending 30, 60,
90 or 180 days thereafter, as the Borrower may elect in the applicable notice;
provided that any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day;

          (3) with respect to each Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the period
commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such whole number of months
thereafter (but not more than 12 months) as the Borrower may elect in accordance
with Section 2.03; provided that:

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

               (b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
          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 Euro-Dollar Business Day of a
          calendar month; and

          (4) with respect to each Money Market Absolute Rate Borrowing, the
period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such number of days
thereafter (but not less than seven nor more than 180 days) as the Borrower may
elect in accordance with Section 2.03; provided that any Interest Period which
would otherwise end on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be
extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day; and

         provided further that no Interest Period may end after the Termination
Date.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Interest Periods at any one time
outstanding hereunder shall end on not more than 25 different dates, and the
duration of any Interest Period which would otherwise exceed such limitation

                                        9

<PAGE>

shall be adjusted so as to coincide with the remaining term of such other then
current Interest Period as the Borrower may specify in the related Notice of
Borrowing or Notice of Interest Rate Election.

         "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or any successor statute.

         "Invitation for Money Market Quotes" means an invitation by the
Administrative Agent on behalf of the Borrower to each Bank to submit Money
Market Quotes offering to make Money Market Loans in accordance with Section
2.03, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto.

         "Leverage Ratio" means the ratio of (x) Consolidated Total Debt to (y)
Consolidated Book Net Worth.

         "LIBOR Auction" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes setting
forth Money Market LIBOR Margins pursuant to Section 2.03.

         "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.

         "Loan" means a Domestic Loan or a Euro-Dollar Loan or a Money Market
Loan and "Loans" means Domestic Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market Loans
or any combination of the foregoing, in each case made or to be made under this
Agreement.

         "London Interbank Offered Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.07(c).

         "Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as such term is defined in
Regulation U of the Federal Reserve Board, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time.

         "Material Plan" means at any time a Plan or Plans having aggregate
Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $25,000,000.

         "Money Market Absolute Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d)(ii)(D).

         "Money Market Absolute Rate Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a
Bank pursuant to an Absolute Rate Auction.

                                       10

<PAGE>

         "Money Market Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its Domestic
Lending Office or such other office or branch of such Bank as it may hereafter
designate as its Money Market Lending Office by notice to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent; provided that any Bank may from time to time by notice to
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent designate separate Money Market
Lending Offices for its Money Market LIBOR Loans, on the one hand, and its Money
Market Absolute Rate Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references
herein to the Money Market Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer
to either or both of such offices, as the context may require.

         "Money Market LIBOR Loan" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank
pursuant to a LIBOR Auction (including such a loan bearing interest at the
Reference Rate pursuant to Section 8.01).

         "Money Market LIBOR Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d)(ii)(C).

         "Money Market Loan" means a Money Market LIBOR Loan or a Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan.

         "Money Market Quote" means an offer by a Bank to make a Money Market
Loan in accordance with Section 2.03.

         "Multiemployer Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of the
ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or
has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including for these
purposes any Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during such
five year period.

         "Notes" means promissory notes of the Borrower, substantially in the
form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the obligation of the Borrower to repay the
Loans, and "Note" means any one of such promissory notes issued hereunder.

         "Notice of Borrowing" means a Notice of Committed Borrowing (as defined
in Section 2.02) or a Notice of Money Market Borrowing (as defined in Section
2.03(f)).

         "Notice of Interest Rate Election" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.14(a).

         "Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(b).

                                       11

<PAGE>

         "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

         "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
association, a trust or any other entity or organization, including a government
or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

         "Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the
minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and
either:

               (i) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA
          Group for employees of any member of the ERISA Group; or

               (ii) has at any time within the preceding five years been
          maintained, or contributed to, by any Person which was at such time a
          member of the ERISA Group for employees of any Person which was at
          such time a member of the ERISA Group.

         "Pricing Schedule" means the Pricing Schedule attached hereto.

         "Quarterly Payment Dates" means each March 31, June 30, September 30
and December 31.

         "Reference Banks" means the CD Reference Banks or the Euro-Dollar
Reference Banks, as the context may require, and "Reference Bank" means any one
of such Reference Banks.

         "Reference Rate" means the rate of interest publicly announced by The
Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City from time to time as its "prime rate".

         "Regulation D" and "Regulation U" means Regulation D and Regulation U,
respectively, of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in
effect from time to time.

         "Required Banks" means at any time Banks having at least 51% of the
aggregate amount of the Commitments, or, if the Commitments have been
terminated, holding Notes evidencing at least 51% of the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the outstanding Loans.

         "Restricted Subsidiary" means

                                       12

<PAGE>

               (i) any Domestic Consolidated Subsidiary of the Borrower, and

               (ii) Praxair Canada Inc.

         "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means any corporation or other
entity of which such Person directly or indirectly owns a majority of the
securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect
the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions. Unless
otherwise specified, "Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

         "Termination Date" means July 12, 2005 or, if such day is not a
Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.

         "Unfunded Liabilities" means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the
amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all benefits under such Plan
exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits
(excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all determined as of the then
most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such
excess represents a potential liability of a member of the ERISA Group to the
PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA.

         "Wholly-Owned Consolidated Subsidiary" with respect to any Person means
any Consolidated Subsidiary all of the shares of capital stock or other
ownership interests of which (except directors' qualifying shares) are at the
time directly or indirectly owned by such Person.

         SECTION 1.02. Accounting Terms and Determinations. Unless otherwise
specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied
on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by the Borrower's
independent public accountants) with the most recent audited consolidated
financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries delivered
to the Banks; provided that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent
that the Borrower wishes to amend any covenant in Article 5 to eliminate the
effect of any change in generally accepted accounting principles on the
operation of such covenant (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower
that the Required Banks wish to amend Article 5 for such purpose), then the
Borrower's compliance with such covenant shall be determined on the basis of
generally accepted

                                       13

<PAGE>

accounting principles in effect immediately before the relevant change in
generally accepted accounting principles became effective, until either such
notice is withdrawn or such covenant is amended in a manner satisfactory to the
Borrower and the Required Banks.

         SECTION 1.03. Types of Borrowings. The term "Borrowing" denotes the
aggregation of Loans of one or more Banks to be made to the Borrower pursuant to
Article 2 on a single date and for a single Interest Period. Borrowings are
classified for purposes of this Agreement either by reference to the pricing of
Loans comprising such Borrowing (e.g., a "Euro-Dollar Borrowing" is a Borrowing
comprised of Euro-Dollar Loans) or by reference to the provisions of Article 2
under which participation therein is determined (i.e., a "Committed Borrowing"
is a Borrowing under Section 2.01 in which all Banks participate in proportion
to their Commitments, while a "Money Market Borrowing" is a Borrowing under
Section 2.03 in which the Bank participants are determined on the basis of their
bids in accordance therewith).

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                   THE CREDITS

         SECTION 2.01. Commitments to Lend. Each Bank severally agrees, on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make loans to the Borrower
pursuant to this Section from time to time before the Termination Date in
amounts such that the aggregate principal amount of Committed Loans by such Bank
at any one time outstanding shall not exceed the amount of its Commitment. Each
Borrowing under this Section shall be in an aggregate principal amount of
$25,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000 (except that any such Borrowing
may be in the aggregate amount available in accordance with Section 3.02(b) and,
if less than $5,000,000, must be a Base Rate Borrowing) and shall be made from
the several Banks ratably in proportion to their respective Commitments. Within
the foregoing limits, the Borrower may borrow under this Section, to the extent
permitted by Section 2.10, prepay Loans and reborrow at any time before the
Termination Date under this Section. The Commitments shall terminate on the
Termination Date.

         SECTION 2.02. Notice of Committed Borrowings. The Borrower shall give
the Administrative Agent notice (a "Notice of Committed Borrowing") not later
than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on: (x) the date of each Base Rate
Borrowing, (y) the Domestic Business Day next preceding the date of each CD
Borrowing, and (z) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before each Euro-Dollar
Borrowing, specifying:

                                       14

<PAGE>

          (a) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic Business Day
in the case of a Domestic Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Business Day in the case of
a Euro-Dollar Borrowing,

          (b) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing,

          (c) whether the Loans comprising such Borrowing are to bear interest
initially at the Base Rate, a CD Rate or a Euro-Dollar Rate, and

          (d) in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, the duration of the initial
Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to the provisions of the definition
of Interest Period.

         SECTION 2.03.  Money Market Borrowings.

          (a) The Money Market Option. In addition to Committed Borrowings
pursuant to Section 2.01, the Borrower may, as set forth in this Section,
request the Banks to make offers to make Money Market Loans to the Borrower
prior to the Termination Date. The Banks may, but shall have no obligation to,
make such offers and the Borrower may, but shall have no obligation to, accept
any such offers in the manner set forth in this Section.

          (b) Money Market Quote Request. When the Borrower wishes to request
offers to make Money Market Loans under this Section, it shall transmit to the
Administrative Agent by telex or facsimile transmission a Money Market Quote
Request substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto so as to be received no
later than: (x) 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the fourth Euro-Dollar
Business Day prior to the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of a
LIBOR Auction or (y) 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the Domestic Business Day
which is the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of an Absolute Rate
Auction (or, in either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent shall have mutually agreed and shall have notified to the
Banks not later than the date of the Money Market Quote Request for the first
LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which such change is to be effective)
specifying:

               (i) the proposed date of Borrowing, which shall be a Euro-Dollar
          Business Day in the case of a LIBOR Auction or a Domestic Business Day
          in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction,

               (ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing, which shall be
          $25,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,

                                       15

<PAGE>

               (iii) the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto,
          subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period, and

               (iv) whether the Money Market Quotes requested are to set forth a
          Money Market LIBOR Margin or a Money Market Absolute Rate.

The Borrower may request offers to make Money Market Loans for more than one
Interest Period in a single Money Market Quote Request.

          (c) Invitation for Money Market Quotes. Promptly upon receipt of a
Money Market Quote Request, the Administrative Agent shall send to the Banks by
telex or facsimile transmission an Invitation for Money Market Quotes,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, with respect to such Money Market
Quote Request.

          (d) Submission and Contents of Money Market Quotes. (i) Each Bank may
submit a Money Market Quote containing an offer or offers to make Money Market
Loans in response to any Invitation for Money Market Quotes. Each Money Market
Quote must comply with the requirements of this subsection (d) and must be
submitted to the Administrative Agent by telex or facsimile transmission at its
offices specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01 not later than 11:00 A.M. (New
York City time) on:

               (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed date
          of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or

               (y) the proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute
          Rate Auction

(or, in either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent shall have mutually agreed, with corresponding changes to
the times and dates set forth in clauses (x) and (y) below, and the
Administrative Agent shall have notified the Banks not later than the date of
the Money Market Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate
Auction for which such change is to be effective); provided that Money Market
Quotes submitted by the Administrative Agent in the capacity of a Bank may be
submitted, and may only be submitted, if the Administrative Agent notifies the
Borrower of the terms of the offer or offers contained therein not later than:

               (x) one hour prior to the deadline for the other Banks, in the
          case of a LIBOR Auction or

                                       16

<PAGE>

               (y) 15 minutes prior to the deadline for the other Banks, in the
          case of an Absolute Rate Auction.

Subject to Articles 3 and 6, any Money Market Quote so made shall be irrevocable
except with the written consent of the Administrative Agent given on the
instructions of the Borrower.

               (ii) Each Money Market Quote shall be in substantially the form
          of Exhibit D hereto and shall in any case specify:

                  (A) the proposed date of Borrowing,

                  (B) the principal amount of the Money Market Loan for which
            each such offer is being made, which principal amount:

                      (w) may be greater than or less than the Commitment of the
                  quoting Bank,

                      (x) must be $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,

                      (y) may not exceed the principal amount of Money Market
                  Loans for which offers were requested and

                      (z) may be subject to an aggregate limitation as to the
                  principal amount of Money Market Loans for which offers being
                  made by such quoting Bank may be accepted,

                  (C) in the case of a LIBOR Auction, the margin above or below
            the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (the "Money Market
            LIBOR Margin") offered for each such Money Market Loan, expressed as
            a percentage (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) to be added
            to or subtracted from such base rate,

                  (D) in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction, the rate of
            interest per annum (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) (the
            "Money Market Absolute Rate") offered for each such Money Market
            Loan, and

                  (E) the identity of the quoting Bank.

                                       17

<PAGE>

A Money Market Quote may set forth up to five separate offers by the quoting
Bank with respect to each Interest Period specified in the related Invitation
for Money Market Quotes.

        (iii)   Any Money Market Quote shall be disregarded if it:

                      (A) is not substantially in conformity with Exhibit D
                  hereto or does not specify all of the information required by
                  subsection (d)(ii);

                      (B) contains qualifying, conditional or similar language,
                  except as permitted by subsection (d)(ii)(B)(z);

                      (C) proposes terms other than or in addition to those set
                  forth in the applicable Invitation for Money Market Quotes; or

                      (D) arrives after the time set forth in subsection (d)(i).

          (e) Notice to Borrower. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify
the Borrower of the terms:

           (x)  of any Money Market Quote submitted by a Bank that is in
         accordance with subsection (d) and

           (y) of any Money Market Quote that amends, modifies or is otherwise
         inconsistent with a previous Money Market Quote submitted by such Bank
         with respect to the same Money Market Quote Request. Any such
         subsequent Money Market Quote shall be disregarded by the
         Administrative Agent unless such subsequent Money Market Quote is
         submitted solely to correct a manifest error in such former Money
         Market Quote.

The Administrative Agent's notice to the Borrower shall specify:

                      (A) the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans
                  for which offers have been received for each Interest Period
                  specified in the related Money Market Quote Request,

                      (B) the respective principal amounts and Money Market
                  LIBOR Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may
                  be, so offered and

                                       18

<PAGE>

                       (C) if applicable, limitations on the aggregate principal
                  amount of Money Market Loans for which offers in any single
                  Money Market Quote may be accepted.

          (f) Acceptance and Notice by Borrower. Not later than 12:00 Noon (New
York City time) on:

               (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed date
          of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or

               (y) the proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute
          Rate Auction

(or, in either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent shall have mutually agreed and the Administrative Agent
shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of the Money Market
Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which
such change is to be effective), the Borrower shall notify the Administrative
Agent of its acceptance or non-acceptance of the offers so notified to it
pursuant to subsection (e). In the case of acceptance, such notice (a "Notice of
Money Market Borrowing") shall specify the aggregate principal amount of offers
for each Interest Period that are accepted. The Borrower may accept any Money
Market Quote in whole or in part; provided that:

               (i) the aggregate principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing
          may not exceed the applicable amount set forth in the related Money
          Market Quote Request,

               (ii) the principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing must be
          $25,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000 and the principal
          amount of each Money Market Loan with respect to such Money Market
          Borrowing must be in an amount of $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of
          $1,000,000,

               (iii) acceptance of offers may only be made on the basis of
          ascending Money Market LIBOR Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates,
          as the case may be,

               (iv) the Borrower may not accept any offer that is described in
          subsection (d)(iii) or that otherwise fails to comply with the
          requirements of this Agreement, and

                                       19

<PAGE>

               (v) failure by the Borrower to notify the Administrative Agent by
          the time specified above shall be deemed a rejection of all offers.

          (g) Allocation by Borrower. If offers are made by two or more Banks
with the same Money Market LIBOR Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the
case may be, for a greater aggregate principal amount than the amount in respect
of which such offers are accepted for the related Interest Period, the principal
amount of Money Market Loans in respect of which such offers are accepted shall
be allocated by the Borrower among such Banks as nearly as possible in
proportion to the aggregate principal amounts of such offers (or as nearly in
proportion as shall be practicable after giving effect to the requirement that
Money Market Loans for each relevant maturity date shall each be in a principal
amount of $5,000,000 or a multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof).

         SECTION 2.04.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans.

          (a) Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Administrative Agent
shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof and of such Bank's share
(if any) of such Borrowing and such Notice of Borrowing shall not thereafter be
revocable by the Borrower.

          (b) Not later than 1:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of each
Borrowing, each Bank participating therein shall make the amount of its share of
such Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the
Borrower at the office of the Administrative Agent specified in or pursuant to
Section 9.01 in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent. Unless
the Administrative Agent determines that any applicable condition specified in
Article 3 has not been satisfied, the Administrative Agent shall make such
aggregate funds available to the Borrower by depositing the proceeds thereof, in
like funds as received by the Administrative Agent, in the account of the
Borrower with the Administrative Agent as promptly as practicable, but in no
event later than 2:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of such Borrowing.

          (c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a
Bank prior to the date (or, in the case of a Base Rate Borrowing, prior to 12:30
P.M. on the date) of any Borrowing that such Bank will not make available to the
Administrative Agent such Bank's share of such Borrowing, the Administrative
Agent may assume that such Bank has made such share available to the
Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with
subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 2.04 and the Administrative Agent may,
in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a
corresponding amount. If the Administrative Agent does, in such circumstances,
make available to the Borrower such amount, such Bank shall within three

                                       20

<PAGE>

Domestic Business Days following such Borrowing make such share available to the
Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for each day from and
including the date of such Borrowing that such share was not made available, at
the Effective Federal Funds Rate. If such amount is so made available, such
payment to the Administrative Agent shall constitute such Bank's share of such
Borrowing for all purposes of this Agreement. If such amount is not so made
available to the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent shall on
the third Domestic Business Day following such Borrowing notify the Borrower of
such failure and on the fourth Domestic Business Day following the date of such
Borrowing, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent such share,
together with interest thereon for each day that the Borrower had the use of
such share, at the Effective Federal Funds Rate. Nothing contained in this
subsection (c) shall relieve any Bank which has failed to make available its
share of any Borrowing hereunder from its obligation to do so in accordance with
the terms hereof.

          (d) The failure of any Bank to make available to the Administrative
Agent its share of any Borrowing on the date of such Borrowing shall not relieve
any other Bank of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make available to the
Administrative Agent its share of such Borrowing, but no Bank shall be
responsible for the failure of any other Bank to make available the share of any
Borrowing to be made available by such other Bank on such date of Borrowing.

         SECTION 2.05. Notes. (a) The Loans of each Bank shall be evidenced by a
single Note payable to the order of such Bank for the account of its Applicable
Lending Office in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
such Bank's Loans.

          (b) Each Bank may, by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent (to be given not later than two Domestic Business Days prior to the first
Borrowing), request that its Loans of a particular type be evidenced by a
separate Note in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
such Loans. Each such Note shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A
hereto with appropriate modifications to reflect the fact that it evidences
solely Loans of the relevant type. Each reference in this Agreement to the
"Note" of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to and include any or all of such
Notes, as the context may require.

          (c) Upon receipt of each Bank's Note pursuant to Section 3.01(b), the
Administrative Agent shall mail such Note to such Bank. Each Bank shall record
the date, amount and maturity of each Loan made by it and the date and amount of
each payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect thereto and may, at
its option prior to any transfer or enforcement of its Note, endorse on the
schedule

                                       21

<PAGE>

forming a part thereof appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing
information with respect to each such Loan then outstanding; provided that the
failure of any Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect
the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Notes. Each Bank is
hereby irrevocably authorized by the Borrower so to endorse its Note and to
attach to and make a part of its Note a continuation of any such schedule as and
when required.

         SECTION 2.06. Maturity of Loans. (a) Each Committed Loan shall mature,
and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable (together with
interest accrued thereon), on the Termination Date.

          (b) Each Money Market Loan included in any Money Market Borrowing
shall mature, and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable
(together with interest accrued thereon), on the last day of the Interest Period
applicable to such Borrowing.

         SECTION 2.07. Interest Rates. (a) Each Base Rate Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from the date
such Loan is made to but excluding the date it becomes due, at a rate per annum
equal to the Base Rate for such day. Such interest shall be payable quarterly in
arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date and on the Termination Date, and, with
respect to the principal amount of any Base Rate Loan that is prepaid or
converted to a CD Loan or Euro-Dollar Loan, on the date of such prepayment or
conversion. Any overdue principal of or interest on any Base Rate Loan shall
bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

          (b) Subject to Section 8.01, each CD Loan shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day during each Interest Period
applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the applicable CD
Margin for such day plus the applicable Adjusted CD Rate. Such interest shall be
payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such Interest
Period is longer than 90 days, at intervals of 90 days after the first day
thereof and, with respect to the principal amount of any CD Loan that is prepaid
or converted to a Base Rate Loan or Euro-Dollar Loan, on the date of such
prepayment or conversion. Any overdue principal of or interest on any CD Loan
shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

         "CD Margin" means a rate per annum determined in accordance with the
Pricing Schedule.

                                       22

<PAGE>

         The "Adjusted CD Rate" applicable to any Interest Period means a rate
per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:

                           [    CDBR        ]*
         ACDR =            [ ---------------]   +   AR
                           [  1.00  -  DRP ]

ACDR  =  Adjusted CD Rate
CDBR  = CD Base Rate
DRP = Domestic Reserve Percentage
AR  =  Assessment Rate

* The amount in brackets being rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher
1/100 of 1%.

         The "CD Base Rate" applicable to any Interest Period is the rate of
interest determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of the prevailing rates
per annum bid at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) (or as soon thereafter as
practicable) on the first day of such Interest Period by two or more New York
certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing for the purchase at face
value from each CD Reference Bank of its certificates of deposit in an amount
comparable to the principal amount of the CD Loan of such CD Reference Bank to
which such Interest Period applies and having a maturity comparable to such
Interest Period.

         "Domestic Reserve Percentage" means for any day that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement (including without limitation any
basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding $5,000,000,000 in
respect of new non-personal time deposits in Dollars in New York City having a
maturity comparable to the related Interest Period and in an amount of $100,000
or more. The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
effective date of any change in the Domestic Reserve Percentage.

         "Assessment Rate" means for any day the annual assessment rate in
effect on such day which is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund
classified as adequately capitalized and within supervisory subgroup "A" (or a
comparable successor assessment risk classification) within the meaning of 12
C.F.R. ss. 327.4(a) (or any successor provision) to the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (or any successor) for such Corporation's (or such
successor's)

                                       23

<PAGE>

insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in the United States. The
Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date
of any change in the Assessment Rate.

          (c) Subject to Section 8.01, each Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest
on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day during each Interest
Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the
applicable Euro-Dollar Margin for such day plus the applicable London Interbank
Offered Rate. Such interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the
last day thereof and, if such Interest Period is longer than three months, at
intervals of three months after the first day thereof and, with respect to the
principal amount of any Euro-Dollar Loan that is prepaid or converted to a Base
Rate Loan or CD Loan, on the date of such prepayment or conversion.

         "Euro-Dollar Margin" means a rate per annum determined in accordance
with the Pricing Schedule.

         The "London Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any Interest Period
means the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%)
of the respective rates per annum at which deposits in Dollars are offered to
each of the Euro-Dollar Reference Banks in the London interbank market at
approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the
first day of such Interest Period and for value on the first day of such
Interest Period in an amount approximately equal to the principal amount of the
Euro-Dollar Loan of such Euro-Dollar Reference Bank to which such Interest
Period is to apply and for a period of time comparable to such Interest Period.

           (d) Any overdue principal of or interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan
shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment, at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

           (e) Subject to Section 8.01, each Money Market LIBOR Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the Interest Period
applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the London Interbank
Offered Rate for such Interest Period (determined in accordance with Section
2.07(c) as if the related Money Market LIBOR Borrowing were a Committed
Euro-Dollar Borrowing) plus (or minus) the Money Market LIBOR Margin quoted by
the Bank making such Loan in accordance with Section 2.03. Each Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof, for the Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal
to the Money Market Absolute Rate quoted by the Bank making such Loan in
accordance with Section 2.03. Interest on each Money Market Loan shall be

                                       24

<PAGE>

payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such Interest
Period is longer than three months, at intervals of three months after the first
day thereof. Any overdue principal of or interest on any Money Market Loan shall
bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the date
payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.

           (f) The Administrative Agent shall determine each interest rate
applicable to the Loans hereunder. The Administrative Agent shall give to the
Borrower and the Banks making such Loans prompt notice by telex or facsimile
transmission of each rate of interest so determined, and its determination
thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

           (g) Each Reference Bank agrees to use its best efforts to furnish
quotations to the Administrative Agent as contemplated by this Section. If any
Reference Bank does not furnish a timely quotation, the Administrative Agent
shall determine the relevant interest rate on the basis of the quotation or
quotations furnished by the remaining Reference Bank or Banks or, if none of
such quotations is available on a timely basis, the provisions of Section 8.01
shall apply.

         SECTION 2.08. Facility Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the
Administrative Agent for the account of the Banks ratably in proportion to their
Commitments a facility fee at the Facility Fee Rate (determined for each day in
accordance with the Pricing Schedule). Such facility fee shall accrue:

               (i) from and including the date on which the condition referred
          to in Section 3.01(a) has been satisfied to but excluding the date on
          which the Commitments are terminated in their entirety, on the daily
          aggregate amount of the Commitments (whether used or unused) and

               (ii) from and including the date on which the Commitments are
          terminated in their entirety to but excluding the date the Loans shall
          be repaid in their entirety (if later), on the daily aggregate
          outstanding principal amount of the Loans.

Such facility fee shall be payable quarterly on each Quarterly Payment Date (in
arrears), commencing on September 30, 2000, and upon the date of termination of
the Commitments in their entirety (and, if later, the date the Loans shall be
repaid in their entirety).

                                       25

<PAGE>

         SECTION 2.09.  Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments.  The
Borrower may, upon at least three Domestic Business Days' notice to the
Administrative Agent,

               (i) terminate the Commitments at any time, if no Loans are
          outstanding at such time or

               (ii) ratably reduce from time to time by an aggregate amount of
          $25,000,000 or any larger multiple of $5,000,000, the aggregate amount
          of the Commitments, provided that the Commitments may not be reduced
          below the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans.
          Promptly after receiving a notice pursuant to this subsection, the
          Administrative Agent shall notify each Bank of the contents thereof.

         SECTION 2.10. Optional Prepayments. (a) Subject in the case of Fixed
Rate Loans to Section 2.12, the Borrower may (i) upon at least one Domestic
Business Day's notice to the Administrative Agent, prepay any Group of Domestic
Loans (or any Money Market Borrowing bearing interest at the Reference Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01) or (ii) upon at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days'
notice to the Administrative Agent, prepay any Group of Euro- Dollar Loans, in
each case in whole at any time, or from time to time in part in amounts
aggregating $10,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000, by paying the
principal amount to be prepaid together with interest accrued thereon to the
date of prepayment. Each such optional prepayment shall be applied to prepay
ratably the Loans of the several Banks included in such Group of Loans (or such
Money Market Borrowing).

          (b) Upon receipt of a notice of prepayment pursuant to this Section,
the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof
and of such Bank's ratable share (if any) of such prepayment and such notice
shall not thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.

          (c) Except as expressly provided in Section 2.10(a), the Borrower may
not prepay the Money Market Loans at any time.

         SECTION 2.11. General Provisions as to Payments. (a) The Borrower shall
make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Loans and of fees
hereunder, not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date when due,
in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City, to the
Administrative Agent at its address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01 and
without reduction by reason of any set-off or counterclaim. The Administrative
Agent will promptly distribute to each Bank its share of each such payment
received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the Banks. Whenever

                                       26

<PAGE>

any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Domestic Loans or of fees shall
be due on a day which is not a Domestic Business Day, the date for payment
thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Domestic Business Day. Whenever
any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Euro-Dollar Loans shall be due
on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for payment thereof
shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such
Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the date
for payment thereof shall be the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.
Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Money Market Loans
shall be due on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for
payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business
Day. If the date for any payment of principal is extended by operation of law or
otherwise, interest thereon shall be payable for such extended time.

          (b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from
the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Banks
hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the
Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full
to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in
reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on such due
date an amount equal to the amount then due such Bank. If and to the extent that
the Borrower shall not have so made such payment, each Bank shall repay to the
Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Bank
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is
distributed to such Bank until the date such Bank repays such amount to the
Administrative Agent, at the Effective Federal Funds Rate.

         SECTION 2.12. Funding Losses. If the Borrower makes any payment of
principal with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan or any Fixed Rate Loan is
converted to a different type of Loan (whether such payment or conversion is
pursuant to Article 2, 6 or 8 or otherwise) on any day other than the last day
of an Interest Period applicable thereto, or the last day of an applicable
period fixed pursuant to Section 2.07(d), or if the Borrower fails to borrow,
prepay, convert or continue any Fixed Rate Loan after notice has been given to
any Bank in accordance with Section 2.04(a), 2.10(c) or 2.14(c), the Borrower
shall reimburse each Bank through the Administrative Agent within 30 days after
demand for any resulting loss or expense incurred by it (or by an existing or
prospective Participant in the related Loan), including (without limitation) any
loss incurred in obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits from third
parties, but excluding loss of margin for the period after such payment or
conversion or failure to borrow, prepay, convert or continue; provided that such
Bank shall have delivered to the Borrower a certificate containing a computation
in reasonable detail of the amount of such

                                       27

<PAGE>

loss or expense, which certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error.

         SECTION 2.13. Computation of Interest and Fees. Interest based on the
Reference Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days
in a leap year) and paid for the actual number of days elapsed (including the
first day but excluding the last day). All other interest and fees shall be
computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of
days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

         SECTION 2.14. Method of Electing Interest Rates. (a) The Loans included
in each Committed Borrowing shall bear interest initially at the type of rate
specified by the Borrower in the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing.
Thereafter, the Borrower may from time to time elect to change or continue the
type of interest rate borne by each Group of Loans (subject to Section 2.14(d)
and the provisions of Article 8), as follows:

               (i) if such Loans are Base Rate Loans, the Borrower may elect to
          convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Domestic Business Day or to
          Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar Business Day;

               (ii) if such Loans are CD Loans, the Borrower may elect to
          convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic Business Day,
          or convert such Loans to Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar
          Business Day or continue such Loans as CD Loans, as of the end of any
          Interest Period applicable thereto, for an additional Interest Period,
          subject to Section 2.12 if any such conversion is effective on any day
          other than the last day of an Interest Period applicable to such
          Loans; and

               (iii) if such Loans are Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower may elect
          to convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic Business
          Day, or convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Domestic Business Day
          or may elect to continue such Loans as Euro-Dollar Loans, as of the
          end of any Interest Period applicable thereto, for an additional
          Interest Period, subject to Section 2.12 if any such conversion is
          effective on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period
          applicable to such Loans.

Each such election shall be made by delivering a notice (a "Notice of Interest
Rate Election") to the Administrative Agent not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York
City time) on the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before the conversion or
continuation selected in such notice is to be effective (unless the relevant
Loans are to be converted from Domestic Loans of one type to Domestic Loans of
the other type or are CD Loans to be continued as CD Loans for an additional
Interest

                                       28

<PAGE>

Period, in which case such notice shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent
not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York City time) on the second Domestic Business
Day before such conversion or continuation is to be effective). A Notice of
Interest Rate Election may, if it so specifies, apply to only a portion of the
aggregate principal amount of the relevant Group of Loans; provided that (i)
such portion is allocated ratably among the Loans comprising such Group and (ii)
the portion to which such Notice applies, and the remaining portion to which it
does not apply, are each at least $5,000,000 (unless such portion is comprised
of Base Rate Loans). If no such notice is timely received before the end of an
Interest Period for any Group of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower
shall be deemed to have elected that such Group of Loans be converted to Base
Rate Loans at the end of such Interest Period.

          (b)   Each Notice of Interest Rate Election shall specify:

               (i) the Group of Loans (or portion thereof) to which such notice
          applies;

               (ii) the date on which the conversion or continuation selected in
          such notice is to be effective, which shall comply with the applicable
          clause of Section 2.14(a);

               (iii) if the Loans comprising such Group are to be converted, the
          new Type of Loans and, if the Loans resulting from such conversion are
          to be CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the duration of the next
          succeeding Interest Period applicable thereto; and

               (iv) if such Loans are to be continued as CD Loans or Euro-Dollar
          Loans for an additional Interest Period, the duration of such
          additional Interest Period.

Each Interest Period specified in a Notice of Interest Rate Election shall
comply with the provisions of the definition of Interest Period.

          (c) Promptly after receiving a Notice of Interest Rate Election from
the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.14(a), the Administrative Agent shall notify
each Bank of the contents thereof and such notice shall not thereafter be
revocable by the Borrower.

          (d) The Borrower shall not be entitled to elect to convert any
Committed Loans to, or continue any Committed Loans for an additional Interest
Period as, CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans if (i) the aggregate principal amount
of any Group of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans created or continued as a result
of such

                                       29

<PAGE>

election would be less than $5,000,000 or (ii) a Default shall have occurred and
be continuing when the Borrower delivers notice of such election to the
Administrative Agent.

          (e) If any Committed Loan is converted to a different type of Loan,
the Borrower shall pay, on the date of such conversion, the interest accrued to
such date on the principal amount being converted.

         SECTION 2.15. Withholding Tax Exemption. At least five Domestic
Business Days prior to the first date on which interest or fees are payable
hereunder for the account of any Bank, each Bank that is not incorporated under
the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof agrees that it will
deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (i) two duly completed
copies of United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI (or, in
either case, a successor form), certifying in either case that such Bank is
entitled to receive payments under this Agreement and the Notes without
deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes and (ii) if
such Bank is subject to backup withholding on the payment of interest,
notification to such effect. Each Bank which so delivers a Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI
(or, in either case, a successor form) further undertakes to deliver to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent two additional copies of such form on or
before the date that such form expires or becomes obsolete or after the
occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form so delivered
by it, and such amendments thereto or extensions or renewals thereof as may be
reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, in each case
certifying that such Bank is entitled to receive payments under this Agreement
and the Notes without deduction or withholding of any United States federal
income taxes, unless an event (including without limitation any change in
treaty, law or regulation) has occurred prior to the date on which any such
delivery would otherwise be required which renders all such forms inapplicable
or which would prevent such Bank from duly completing and delivering any such
form with respect to it and such Bank promptly advises the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent that it is not capable of receiving payments without any
deduction or withholding of United States federal income tax.

         SECTION 2.16. Regulation D Compensation. (a) So long as Regulation D
shall require reserves to be maintained against "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or
against any other category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference
to which the interest rate on Euro-Dollar Loans is determined or any category of
extensions of credit or other assets which includes loans by a non-United States
office of any Bank to United States residents), each Bank subject to and
actually incurring such reserve requirement may require the Borrower to pay,
contemporaneously with each payment of interest on the Euro-Dollar Loans,

                                       30

<PAGE>

additional interest on the related Euro-Dollar Loan of such Bank at a rate per
annum (the "Regulation D Rate") determined pursuant to the following formula:

                                    [ LIBOR  ]
                  RDR  =            [--------]  -  LIBOR
                                    [1 - ERR ]
RDR    =    Regulation D Rate
LIBOR  =    The applicable London Interbank Offered Rate
ERR    =    Eurocurrency Reserve Ratio

         "Eurocurrency Reserve Ratio" means the applicable reserve ratio
prescribed by Regulation D (as such Regulation shall have been amended to the
first day of the related Interest Period) for such reserve requirements
(expressed as a decimal).

         Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the
Regulation D Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective
date of any change in such reserve ratio.

          (b)  Any Bank wishing to require payment of such additional interest:

               (i) shall so notify the Borrower, in which case such additional
          interest on the Euro-Dollar Loans of such Bank shall be payable on any
          date interest is payable with respect to each Euro-Dollar Loan
          commencing after the giving of such notice and

               (ii) shall notify the Borrower from time to time of the amount
          due it under this Section;

provided that the Borrower shall not be required to make any payment of an
amount due hereunder earlier than the fifth Euro-Dollar Business Day after
receipt of the notice referred to in clause (ii) of this Section.

         SECTION 2.17. Replacement of this Agreement. If the Borrower wishes at
any time to replace this Agreement with another credit facility, the Borrower
may give prior notice of the termination of the Commitments hereunder as
required by Section 2.09 and prior notice of the prepayment of any Loans
outstanding hereunder as required by Section 2.10, in each case on a conditional
basis (i.e., conditioned upon such other credit facility becoming available to
the Borrower), provided that the Borrower gives definitive notice of such
termination of the Commitments and prepayment of outstanding Loans (if any) to
the Administrative Agent before 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date of
such termination

                                       31

<PAGE>

and prepayment (if any) and complies with the applicable requirements of
Sections 2.09 and 2.10 in all other respects.

         SECTION 2.18. Optional Increase in Commitments. (a) At any time prior
to the Termination Date, if no Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly
provide a copy of such notice to the Banks), propose to increase the aggregate
amount of the Commitments by an amount not greater than $250,000,000 (the amount
of any such increase, the "Increased Commitments"). Each Bank party to this
Agreement at such time shall have the right (but no obligation), for a period of
30 days following receipt of such notice to elect by notice to the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent to increase its Commitment by a principal amount which
bears the same ratio to the Increased Commitments as its then Commitment bears
to the aggregate Commitments then existing. Any Bank not responding within 30
days of receipt of such notice shall be deemed to have declined to increase its
Commitment.

          (b) If any Bank party to this Agreement shall not elect to increase
its Commitment pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section, the Borrower may,
within 21 days of the Banks' response, designate one or more of the existing
Banks or other financial institutions acceptable to the Administrative Agent and
the Borrower (which consent of the Administrative Agent shall not be
unreasonably withheld) which at the time agree to (i) in the case of any such
Person that is an existing Bank, increase its Commitment and (ii) in the case of
any other such Person (an "Additional Bank"), become a party to this Agreement.
The sum of the increases in the Commitments of the existing Banks pursuant to
this subsection (b) plus the Commitments of the Additional Banks shall not in
the aggregate exceed the unsubscribed amount of the Increased Commitments.

          (c) An increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments pursuant to
this Section 2.18 shall become effective upon the receipt by the Administrative
Agent of (i) an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent signed by the Borrower, by each Additional Bank and by each
other Bank whose Commitment is to be increased, setting forth the new
Commitments of such Banks and setting forth the agreement of each Additional
Bank to become a party to this Agreement and to be bound by all the terms and
provisions hereof and (ii) such evidence of appropriate corporate authorization
on the part of the Borrower with respect to the Increased Commitments and such
opinions of counsel for the Borrower with respect to the Increased Commitments
as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

          (d) Upon any increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments
pursuant to this Section 2.18, within five Domestic Business Days, in the case
of any Group of Base Rate Loans then outstanding, and at the end of the then
current

                                       32

<PAGE>

Interest Period with respect thereto, in the case of any Group of CD
Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans then outstanding, the Borrower shall prepay such
Group in its entirety and, to the extent the Borrower elects to do so and
subject to the conditions specified in Article 3, the Borrower shall reborrow
Committed Loans from the Banks in proportion to their respective Commitments
after giving effect to such increase, until such time as all outstanding
Committed Loans are held by the Banks in such proportion.

                                    ARTICLE 3
                                   CONDITIONS

         SECTION 3.01. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on
the date that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied (or
waived in accordance with Section 9.05):

          (a) receipt by the Administrative Agent of counterparts hereof signed
by each of the parties hereto (or, in the case of any party as to which an
executed counterpart shall not have been received, receipt by the Administrative
Agent in form satisfactory to the Agents of telegraphic, telex, facsimile or
other written confirmation from such party of execution of a counterpart hereof
by such party);

          (b) receipt by the Administrative Agent for the account of each Bank
of one executed Note dated on or before the Effective Date complying with the
provisions of Section 2.05;

          (c) receipt by the Administrative Agent of an opinion of Cahill Gordon
& Reindel, special counsel for the Borrower, covering the matters described in
Exhibit E;

          (d) receipt by the Administrative Agent of an opinion of Davis Polk &
Wardwell, special counsel for the Agents, substantially in the form of Exhibit F
hereto;

          (e) receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate signed by the
Chairman, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer (or such Treasurer's
designee) or any Assistant Treasurer of the Borrower, dated the Effective Date,
to the effect set forth in clauses (c) and (d) of Section 3.02;

          (f)   receipt by the Administrative Agent of a copy of the Borrower's
certificate of incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware;

                                       33

<PAGE>

           (g) receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate on behalf of
the Borrower signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower
or such other authorized officer of the Borrower satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent certifying

               (i) that the Borrower's certificate of incorporation has not been
          amended since the date of the certificate referred to in clause (f)
          above,

               (ii) that no proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of the
          Borrower exists,

               (iii) that the copy of the By-laws of the Borrower attached to
          the certificate is true, correct and complete,

               (iv) that the copies of the resolutions of the Borrower's Board
          of Directors attached to the certificate are true and correct and in
          full force and effect, and

               (v) as to the incumbency of each officer of the Borrower who
          signed this Agreement and the Notes on behalf of the Borrower;

           (h) receipt by the Administrative Agent of evidence satisfactory to
it of

           (i) the repayment in full, not later than the Effective Date, of all
loans (if any) under the Existing Credit Agreement, together with interest
accrued thereon to the Effective Date, and

               (ii) the receipt by The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative
          agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, of all accrued and unpaid
          fees and all other amounts then due and payable by the Borrower under
          the Existing Credit Agreement;

               (i) the fact that all fees payable on or before the Effective
          Date by the Borrower for the account of the Banks and their affiliates
          in connection with this Agreement have been paid in full on or before
          such date in the amounts previously agreed upon in writing; and

          (j) receipt by the Administrative Agent of all other documents that
the Agents may reasonably request relating to the existence of the Borrower, the
corporate authority for and the validity of this Agreement, the Notes and any
other matters relevant hereto, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Administrative Agent;

                                       34

<PAGE>

provided that (i) the obligations of the Borrower set forth in Section 2.08 and
clauses (a) and (b) of Section 5.01, and the obligations of the Bank Parties set
forth in Section 9.10, shall become effective on the date on which the condition
referred to in Section 3.01(a) has been satisfied, and (ii) the other provisions
of this Agreement shall not become effective or be binding on any party hereto
unless all of the foregoing conditions are satisfied not later than July 19,
2000. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Banks
of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding on all
parties hereto.

         SECTION 3.02.  Borrowings.  The obligation of any Bank to make a Loan
on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:

          (a)   receipt by the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Borrowing as
required by Section 2.02 or 2.03, as the case may be;

          (b) immediately after such Borrowing, the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Loans will not exceed the aggregate amount of the
Commitments;

          (c)   immediately after such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred
and be continuing; and

          (d) the fact that the representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in this Agreement (except the representations and warranties set forth
in Sections 4.04(c) as to any material adverse change which has theretofore been
disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Banks) shall be true on and as of
the date of such Borrowing.

Each Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by
the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the facts specified in clauses
(b), (c) and (d) of this Section, and each Notice of Borrowing shall be deemed
to be a confirmation by the Borrower to such effect.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         The Borrower represents and warrants that:

         SECTION 4.01. Corporate Existence and Power. The Borrower is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the

                                       35

<PAGE>

laws of Delaware, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its
business as now conducted.

         SECTION 4.02. Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No
Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
Agreement and the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers, have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, require no action by or in
respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official (other
than routine informational filings) and do not contravene, or constitute a
default under, any provision of applicable law or regulation or of the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Borrower or of any material
agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon
the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or result in or permit the
termination or modification of any agreement, judgment, injunction, order,
decree or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of
the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

         SECTION 4.03. Binding Effect. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of the Borrower and the Notes, when executed and delivered in
accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower.

         SECTION 4.04.  Financial Information.

          (a) The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and the related statements of
income and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, reported on by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, copies of which have been delivered to each of the
Banks, fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of
operations and cash flows for such fiscal year.

          (b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2000 and the related unaudited
consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three months then
ended, copies of which have been delivered to each of the Banks, fairly present,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
consistent with the consolidated financial statements referred to in subsection
(a) of this Section, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of

                                       36

<PAGE>

operations and cash flows for such three month period (subject to normal
year-end adjustments).

          (c) Since March 31, 2000 there has been no change in the business,
financial position or results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect the ability of the
Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any Note or which in
any manner draws into question the validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any Note.

         SECTION 4.05. Litigation. There is no action, suit or proceeding
pending against, or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened against or
affecting, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries before any court
or arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official in which there is a
reasonable possibility of an adverse decision which could materially and
adversely affect the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under
this Agreement or any Note or which in any manner draws into question the
validity of this Agreement or the Notes.

         SECTION 4.06. Compliance with ERISA. After it has become a member of
the ERISA Group, each member of the ERISA Group has fulfilled its obligations
under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code with
respect to each Plan and is in compliance in all material respects with the
currently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code with
respect to each Plan. After it has become a member of the ERISA Group, no member
of the ERISA Group has:

               (i) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section
          412 of the Internal Revenue Code in respect of any Plan,

               (ii) failed to make any contribution or payment to any Plan or
          Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement, or made
          any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement, which has resulted
          or could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond
          or other security under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code, or

               (iii) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than a
          liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA and
          aggregate withdrawal liabilities not in excess of $5,000,000 at any
          one time outstanding.

         SECTION 4.07. Environmental Matters. In the ordinary course of its
business, the Borrower conducts reviews of the effect of Environmental Laws on
the business, operations and properties of the Borrower and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates associated

                                       37

<PAGE>

liabilities and costs. On the basis of this review, the Borrower has reasonably
concluded that Environmental Laws are unlikely to have an effect on the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole during the term of the Agreement,
which could materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower to
perform its obligations under this Agreement or any Note.

         SECTION 4.08. Subsidiaries. Each corporate Restricted Subsidiary of the
Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all
corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

         SECTION 4.09.  Not an Investment Company.  The Borrower is not an
"investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

         SECTION 4.10. Disclosure. None of the material furnished to the Agents
and the Banks by or on behalf of the Borrower in connection herewith contains,
or contained at the time so furnished, any untrue statement of a material fact
or omits, or omitted at the time so furnished, to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                                    ARTICLE 5
                                    COVENANTS

         The Borrower agrees that, so long as any Bank has any Commitment
hereunder or any amount payable under any Note remains unpaid:

         SECTION 5.01. Information. The Borrower will deliver to the
Administrative Agent (and, in the case of a certificate delivered pursuant to
clause (e) below, to each Bank):

          (a) as promptly as practicable and in any event within 113 days after
the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and
the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal
year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
previous fiscal year, all reported on in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public
accountants of nationally recognized standing;

                                       38

<PAGE>

          (b) as promptly as practicable and in any event within 53 days after
the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower,
a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
as of the end of such quarter and comparative financial information as of the
end of the previous fiscal year, the related consolidated statement of income
for such quarter and the related consolidated statements of income and cash
flows for the portion of the Borrower's fiscal year ended at the end of such
quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
corresponding quarter and the corresponding portion of the Borrower's previous
fiscal year, all certified (subject to normal year-end adjustments) as to
fairness of presentation, generally accepted accounting principles and
consistency by the principal financial officer or the principal accounting
officer of the Borrower or a person designated in writing by either of the
foregoing persons. If such financial statements are filed with the SEC, then
they shall be reported on in conformity with the financial reporting
requirements of the SEC;

          (c) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
statements referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, a certificate of the
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or
comptroller of the Borrower, or a person designated in writing by either of the
foregoing persons

               (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required
          to establish whether the Borrower was in compliance with any
          applicable requirements of Sections 5.05 and 5.06;

               (ii) stating whether the Borrower was in compliance with the
          requirements of Sections 5.02 and 5.03; and

               (iii) stating whether any Default exists on the date of such
          certificate and, if any Default then exists, setting forth the details
          thereof and the action which the Borrower is taking or proposes to
          take with respect thereto;

          (d) simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
statements referred to in clause (a) above, a statement of the firm of
independent public accountants which reported on such statements whether
anything has come to their attention to cause them to believe that the Borrower
was not in compliance with Sections 5.05 and 5.06, insofar as they relate to
accounting matters, on the date of such statements;

          (e) within five days after any officer of the Borrower obtains
knowledge of any Default, if such Default is then continuing, a certificate of
the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the
Borrower setting forth

                                       39

<PAGE>

the details thereof and the action which the Borrower is taking or proposes to
take with respect thereto;

          (f) promptly upon the mailing thereof to the public shareholders of
the Borrower generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy
statements so mailed;

          (g) promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration
statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any registration statements on
Form S-8 or its equivalent) and reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or their
equivalents) which the Borrower shall have filed with the SEC;

          (h)   if and when any member of the ERISA Group (after it has become a
member of the ERISA Group):

               (i) gives or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any
          "reportable event" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect
          to any Plan which might constitute grounds for a termination of such
          Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that the plan administrator of
          any Plan has given or is required to give notice of any such
          reportable event, a copy of the notice of such reportable event given
          or required to be given to the PBGC;

               (ii) receives notice of complete or partial withdrawal liability
          in excess of $5,000,000, under Title IV of ERISA or notice that any
          Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization, is insolvent or has been
          terminated, a copy of such notice;

               (iii) receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an
          intent to terminate, impose liability (other than for premiums under
          Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or appoint a trustee to
          administer, any Plan, a copy of such notice;

               (iv) applies for a waiver of the minimum funding standard under
          Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, a copy of such application;

               (v) gives notice of intent to terminate any Plan under Section
          4041(c) of ERISA, a copy of such notice and other information filed
          with the PBGC;

               (vi) gives notice of withdrawal from any Plan pursuant to Section
          4063 of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or

                                       40

<PAGE>

               (vii) fails to make any payment or contribution to any Plan or
          Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement or makes
          any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement which has resulted or
          could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or
          other security,

a certificate of the principal financial officer, principal accounting officer,
treasurer or comptroller of the Borrower setting forth details as to such
occurrence and action, if any, which the Borrower or applicable member of the
ERISA Group is required or proposes to take;

          (i) promptly after the Borrower is notified by any rating agency
referred to in the Pricing Schedule of any actual change in any rating referred
to in the Pricing Schedule, written notice of such change; and

          (j) from time to time such additional information regarding the
financial position or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the
Administrative Agent, at the request of any Bank, may reasonably request.

The Administrative Agent will deliver a copy of each document it receives
pursuant to this Section 5.01 to each Bank within four Domestic Business Days
after receipt thereof.

         Information required to be delivered pursuant to clauses 5.01(a),
5.01(b), 5.01(f) or 5.01(g) above shall be deemed to have been delivered on the
date on which the Borrower provides notice to the Banks that such information
has been posted on the Borrower's website on the Internet at www.praxair.com, at
sec.gov/edaux/searches.htm or at another website identified in such notice and
accessible by the Banks without charge; provided that such notice may be
included in a certificate delivered pursuant to clause 5.01(c).

         SECTION 5.02. Maintenance of Property; Insurance. (a) The Borrower will
keep, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep, all property useful and
necessary in its respective business in good working order and condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted.

          (b) The Borrower will maintain, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance policies on its assets at coverage levels
that are at least as high as the coverage levels that are usually insured
against in the same general area by companies of established repute engaged in
the same or a similar business as the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case
may be; and, upon request of the Administrative Agent, will promptly furnish to
the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Banks information presented in
reasonable detail as to the insurance so carried.

                                       41

<PAGE>

         SECTION 5.03. Negative Pledge. The Borrower will not, and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, assume or suffer to exist
any Lien securing Debt on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it,
except:

          (a) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement securing Debt
outstanding on the date of this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount not
exceeding $75,000,000;

          (b) any Lien existing on any asset of any corporation at the time such
corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of
such event;

          (c) any Lien on any asset securing Debt incurred or assumed for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring such asset,
provided that such Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or within 90
days after the acquisition thereof;

          (d) any Lien on any improvements constructed on any property of the
Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary and any theretofore unimproved real
property on which such improvements are located securing Debt incurred for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of constructing such
improvements, provided that such Lien attaches to such improvements within 90
days after the later of (1) completion of construction of such improvements and
(2) commencement of full operation of such improvements;

          (e) any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition thereof by
the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such
acquisition;

          (f) Liens on property of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in
favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or any department,
agency or instrumentality or political subdivision of the United States of
America or any State thereof, or any other government or department, agency,
instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, to secure partial, progress,
advance or other payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any
Debt incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price
or the cost of construction of the property subject to such Liens;

          (g) any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or
refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any of the foregoing
clauses of this Section, provided that such Debt is not increased and is not
secured by any additional assets; and

                                       42

<PAGE>

          (h) Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of this
Section securing Debt in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding
not to exceed $400,000,000.

         SECTION 5.04. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets. The Borrower
will not merge or consolidate with or into any other Person or sell, lease,
transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets,
property or business in any single transaction or series of related
transactions, unless

               (i) in the case of any such merger or consolidation, the Borrower
          shall be the continuing corporation, or, in the case of any such sale,
          lease, transfer or other disposition, the transferee or transferees
          shall be one or more Wholly-Owned Consolidated Subsidiaries of the
          Borrower organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
          America or any State thereof which shall expressly assume, in the case
          of any such Wholly-Owned Consolidated Subsidiary, the due and punctual
          performance and observance of all of the covenants and agreements of
          the Borrower contained in this Agreement and the Notes, and

               (ii) immediately after giving effect to such merger or
          consolidation, or such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition, no
          Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

         SECTION 5.05.  Minimum Consolidated Book Net Worth.  Consolidated
Book Net Worth will not at any time be less than the sum of

          (a)   $1,700,000,000,

          (b) 50% of Consolidated Net Income (calculated before giving effect to
any charges referred to in the definition of Consolidated Book Net Worth) for
each fiscal quarter beginning after March 31, 2000 for which such Consolidated
Net Income (as so calculated) is positive, and

         (c) 50% of the proceeds from the sale on or subsequent to March 31,
2000 of capital stock of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that
the proceeds from capital stock issued pursuant to any employee benefit plan,
stock option plan or dividend reinvestment plan shall not be included in any
determination under this Section 5.05.

         SECTION 5.06.  Leverage Ratio.  The Leverage Ratio will not exceed at
any time 1.9:1.

         SECTION 5.07. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans made under
this Agreement will be used by the Borrower for general corporate purposes.

                                       43

<PAGE>

None of such proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, in violation of any
applicable law or regulation, and no use of such proceeds for general corporate
purposes will include any use thereof, whether immediate, incidental or
ultimate, of buying or carrying any Margin Stock.

                                    ARTICLE 6
                                    DEFAULTS

         SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. If one or more of the following events
(each, an "Event of Default") shall have occurred and be continuing:

         (a) the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal of any Loan;

         (b) the Borrower shall fail to pay within five Domestic Business Days
of the due date thereof any interest on any Loan, any fees or any other amount
payable hereunder;

         (c) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant
contained in Sections 5.03 through 5.07, inclusive;

         (d) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those covered by clause (a),
(b) or (c) above) for 20 days after written notice thereof has been given to the
Borrower;

          (e) any representation, warranty, certification or statement made (or
deemed made) by the Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate, financial
statement or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to
have been incorrect in any materially adverse respect when made (or deemed
made);

          (f) the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall fail to make
any payment in respect of any Debt having an aggregate principal amount
outstanding at such time equal to or exceeding $100,000,000 (other than the
Notes) when due or within any applicable grace period;

          (g) any event or condition shall occur which results in the
acceleration of the maturity of any Debt having an aggregate principal amount
outstanding at such time equal to or exceeding $100,000,000 of the Borrower or
any Subsidiary of the Borrower or enables (or, with the giving of notice or
lapse of time or both, would enable) the holder of such Debt or any Person
acting on such holder's

                                       44

<PAGE>

behalf to accelerate the maturity thereof or terminate its commitment in respect
thereof;

          (h)   the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall:

               (i) commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking (1)
          liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or
          its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
          hereafter in effect or (2) the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
          liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
          substantial part of its property;

               (ii) consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or
          taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other
          proceeding commenced against it;

               (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

               (iv) except for trade payables, fail generally to pay its debts
          as they become due; or

               (v) take any corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing;

provided that no event otherwise constituting an Event of Default under this
clause (h) shall be an Event of Default if the total assets of all entities with
respect to which events have occurred and are continuing (calculated in each
case at the time such event occurred) which would otherwise have constituted
Events of Default under this clause (h) or clause (i) below do not exceed
$150,000,000 on a cumulative basis;

          (i) (i) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced
against the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower seeking (1) liquidation,
reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or (2)
the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar
official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary
case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of
60 days; or

               (ii) an order for relief shall be entered against the Borrower or
          any Subsidiary of the Borrower under the federal bankruptcy laws as
          now or hereafter in effect;

provided that no event otherwise constituting an Event of Default under this
clause (i) shall be an Event of Default if the total assets of all entities with
respect to which events have occurred and are continuing (calculated in each
case at the

                                       45

<PAGE>

time such event occurred) which would otherwise have constituted Events of
Default under this clause (i) or clause (h) above do not exceed $150,000,000 on
a cumulative basis;

          (j) (i) any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to pay when due an
amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $25,000,000 which it shall have
become liable to pay under Title IV of ERISA;

               (ii) notice of intent to terminate a Material Plan shall be filed
          under Title IV of ERISA by any member of the ERISA Group, any plan
          administrator or any combination of the foregoing;

               (iii) the PBGC shall institute proceedings under Title IV of
          ERISA to terminate, to impose liability (other than for premiums under
          Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or to cause a trustee to be
          appointed to administer, any Material Plan;

               (iv) a condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be
          entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any Material Plan must
          be terminated; or

               (v) there shall occur a complete or partial withdrawal from, or a
          default, within the meaning of Section 4219(c)(5) of ERISA, with
          respect to, one or more Multiemployer Plans which could cause one or
          more members of the ERISA Group to incur a current payment obligation
          in excess of $25,000,000;

          (k) a judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of
$50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary and shall
remain unsatisfied for a period of ten consecutive days during which ten-day
period execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

          (l) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13
or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC
under said Act) of 30% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the
Borrower; or Continuing Directors shall cease to constitute a majority of the
board of directors of the Borrower;

then, and in every such event, the Administrative Agent shall:

               (i) if requested by Banks having more than 50% in aggregate
          amount of the Commitments, by notice to the Borrower, terminate the
          Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate, and

                                       46

<PAGE>

               (ii) if requested by Banks holding Notes evidencing more than 50%
          in aggregate principal amount of the Loans, by notice to the Borrower,
          declare the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and
          the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) shall thereupon
          become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
          protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by
          the Borrower;

provided that in the case of any of the Events of Default specified in clause
(h) or (i) above with respect to the Borrower, without any notice to the
Borrower or any other act by the Administrative Agent or the Banks, the
Commitments shall thereupon automatically terminate and the Notes (together with
accrued interest thereon) shall automatically become immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby waived by the Borrower.

         SECTION 6.02. Notice of Default. The Administrative Agent shall give
notice under Section 6.01(d) promptly upon being requested to do so by any Bank
and shall thereupon notify all the Banks thereof.

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                     AGENTS

         SECTION 7.01. Appointment and Authorization. Each Bank irrevocably
appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on
its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the Notes as are
delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together
with all such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

         SECTION 7.02. Agents and Affiliates. The Chase Manhattan Bank shall
have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Bank and may
exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not the
Administrative Agent, and The Chase Manhattan Bank and its affiliates may accept
deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of business with
the Borrower or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the Borrower as if it were not
the Administrative Agent hereunder.

         SECTION 7.03. Action by Administrative Agent. The obligations of the
Administrative Agent hereunder are only those expressly set forth herein.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall

                                       47

<PAGE>

not be required to take any action with respect to any Default, except as
expressly provided in Article 6.

         SECTION 7.04. Consultation with Experts. The Administrative Agent may
consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent
public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for
any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.

         SECTION 7.05. Liability of Administrative Agent. Neither the
Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents, or employees
shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in connection herewith
(i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Banks (or such different
number of Banks as any provision hereof expressly requires for such consent or
request) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful
misconduct. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers,
agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain,
inquire into or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in
connection with this Agreement or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance
or observance of any of the covenants or agreements of the Borrower; (iii) the
satisfaction of any condition specified in Article 3, except receipt of items
required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent; or (iv) the validity,
effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, the Notes or any other
instrument or writing furnished in connection herewith. The Administrative Agent
shall not incur any liability by acting in reliance upon any notice, consent,
certificate, statement, or other writing (which may be a bank wire, telex or
similar writing) believed by it to be genuine or to be signed by the proper
party or parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of
the term "agent" in this Agreement with reference to the Administrative Agent is
not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations
arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used
merely as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an
administrative relationship between independent contracting parties. The
Co-Syndication Agents have no responsibilities, and shall have no liability,
under this Agreement or the Notes in their capacities as Co-Syndication Agents.

         SECTION 7.06. Indemnification. Each Bank shall, ratably in accordance
with its Commitment, indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not
reimbursed by the Borrower) against any cost, expense (including counsel fees
and disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or liability (except such as
result from such indemnitees' gross negligence or willful misconduct) that such
indemnitees may suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement or any action
taken or omitted by such indemnitees hereunder.

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<PAGE>

         SECTION 7.07. Credit Decision. Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Bank, 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 Bank also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or
any other Bank, 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 any action under this Agreement.

         SECTION 7.08. Successor Administrative Agent. (a) The Administrative
Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days' prior written notice thereof to
the Banks and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Banks shall
have the right to appoint a successor to such Administrative Agent which shall
be a Bank. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by
the Required Banks, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days
after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of resignation, then the
retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor
Administrative Agent, which shall be a Bank. Upon the acceptance of its
appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative
Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested with all the rights and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and
the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations hereunder. After any retiring Administrative Agent's resignation
hereunder as an Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article shall inure
to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was
Administrative Agent.

          (b) If at any time the Administrative Agent shall have assigned its
rights and obligations in respect of all of its Commitment hereunder, the
Administrative Agent shall resign as the Administrative Agent in accordance with
the procedures set forth in subsection (a) of this Section 7.08.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                             CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

         SECTION 8.01. Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair.
If on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period for any Fixed Rate Loan
(other than a Money Market Absolute Rate Loan):

          (a) the Reference Banks notify (stating the reason therefor) the
Administrative Agent that deposits in Dollars (in the applicable amounts) are
not

                                       49

<PAGE>

being offered to the Reference Banks in the relevant market for such Interest
Period, or

          (b) in the case of a Committed Borrowing, Banks having 50% or more of
the aggregate amount of the Commitments notify (stating the reason therefor) the
Administrative Agent that the Adjusted CD Rate or the London Interbank Offered
Rate, as the case may be, as determined by the Administrative Agent will not
adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Banks of funding their CD Loans
or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, for such Interest Period,

the Administrative Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Borrower and
the Banks, whereupon until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that
the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer exist, (i) the
obligations of the Banks to make CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may
be, or to continue or convert outstanding Loans as or into CD Loans or Euro-
Dollar Loans, as the case may be, shall be suspended and (ii) each outstanding
CD Loan or Euro-Dollar Loan, as the case may be, shall be converted into a Base
Rate Loan on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable
thereto. Unless the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent at least two
Domestic Business Days before the date of any Fixed Rate Borrowing for which a
Notice of Borrowing has previously been given that it elects not to borrow on
such date, if such Fixed Rate Borrowing is a Committed Borrowing, such Borrowing
shall instead be made as a Base Rate Borrowing and if such Fixed Rate Borrowing
is a Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the Money Market LIBOR Loans comprising such
Borrowing shall bear interest for each day from and including the first day to
but excluding the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto at the
Reference Rate for such day.

         SECTION 8.02. Illegality. (a) If, after the date of this Agreement, the
adoption of, or any change in, any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending
Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency shall make it unlawful
or impossible for any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) to make, maintain
or fund its Euro-Dollar Loans and such Bank shall promptly so notify the
Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith give notice
thereof to the other Banks and the Borrower, whereupon until such Bank notifies
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that the circumstances giving rise to
such suspension no longer exist, the obligation of such Bank to make Euro-Dollar
Loans shall be suspended.

                                       50

<PAGE>

          (b) Before giving any such notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant
to this Section, such Bank shall designate a different Euro-Dollar Lending
Office if such designation will avoid the need for giving such notice and will
not, in the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank. If
such notice is given, each Euro-Dollar Loan of such Bank then outstanding shall
be converted to a Base Rate Loan either (i) on the last day of the then current
Interest Period applicable to such Euro-Dollar Loan if such Bank may lawfully
continue to maintain and fund such Loan as a Euro-Dollar Loan to such day or
(ii) immediately if such Bank shall determine that it may not lawfully continue
to maintain and fund such Loan as a Euro-Dollar Loan to such day. Interest and
principal on any such Base Rate Loan shall be payable on the same dates as, and
on a pro rata basis with, the interest and principal payable on the related
Euro- Dollar Loans of the other Banks.

         SECTION 8.03. Increased Cost and Reduced Return. (a) If, after (x) the
date hereof, in the case of any Committed Loan or any obligation to make
Committed Loans or (y) the date of the related Money Market Quote, in the case
of any Money Market Loan, the adoption of, or any change in, any applicable law,
rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or
its Applicable Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency:

               (i) shall subject any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) to
          any tax, duty or other charge with respect to its Fixed Rate Loans,
          its Note to the extent evidencing Fixed Rate Loans or its obligation
          to make Fixed Rate Loans, or shall change the basis of taxation of
          payments to any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) of the
          principal of or interest on its Fixed Rate Loans or any other amounts
          due under this Agreement in respect of its Fixed Rate Loans or its
          obligation to make Fixed Rate Loans (except for changes in the rate of
          tax on the overall net income of such Bank or its Applicable Lending
          Office imposed by the jurisdiction in which such Bank's principal
          executive office or Applicable Lending Office is located); or

               (ii) shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special
          deposit or similar requirement (including, without limitation, any
          such requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal
          Reserve System, but excluding with respect to any CD Loan any such
          requirement included in an applicable Domestic Reserve Percentage)
          against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit
          extended by, any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or shall
          impose on any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or on the United
          States market for certificates of deposit

                                       51

<PAGE>

          or the London interbank market any other condition affecting its Fixed
          Rate Loans, its Note to the extent evidencing Fixed Rate Loans or its
          obligation to make Fixed Rate Loans;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Bank (or
its Applicable Lending Office) of making or maintaining any Fixed Rate Loan, or
to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Bank (or its
Applicable Lending Office) under this Agreement or under its Note with respect
thereto, by an amount deemed by such Bank to be material, then, within 15 days
after demand by such Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the
Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will
compensate such Bank for such increased cost or reduction.

          (b) If any Bank shall notify (stating the reason therefor) the
Borrower that, after the date hereof, the adoption of, or any change in, any
applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change in
the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority,
central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy
(whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on capital of
such Bank as a consequence of such Bank's obligations hereunder to a level below
that which such Bank could have achieved but for such adoption, change, request
or directive (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital
adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Bank to be material, then from time to
time, within 15 days after demand by such Bank (with a copy to the
Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such reduction.

          (c) Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent of any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof,
which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section and will
designate a different Applicable Lending Office if such designation will avoid
the need for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the
judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank. A certificate
of any Bank claiming compensation under this Section and setting forth the
additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder, accompanied by a
computation thereof in reasonable detail, shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. In determining such amount, such Bank may use any reasonable
averaging and attribution methods.

          (d)   If any Bank has demanded compensation under this Section, the
Borrower:

                                       52

<PAGE>

               (i) shall have the right, with the assistance of the
          Administrative Agent and upon notification to such Bank, to require
          such Bank to transfer, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption
          Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto, its Note and
          Commitment to a substitute bank or banks satisfactory to the Borrower
          and the Administrative Agent (which may be one or more of the Banks)
          or

               (ii) may elect to terminate this Agreement as to such Bank, and
          in connection therewith to prepay any Base Rate Loan made pursuant to
          Section 8.04, provided that the Borrower (1) notifies the
          Administrative Agent (which will forthwith notify such Bank) of such
          election at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days before any date
          fixed for such a prepayment, and (2) either (x) repays all of such
          Bank's outstanding Loans at the end of the respective Interest Periods
          applicable thereto or as otherwise required by Section 8.02 or (y)
          subject to Section 2.12, prepays all of such Bank's outstanding Loans
          (other than Money Market Loans). Upon receipt by the Administrative
          Agent of such notice, the Commitment of such Bank shall terminate.

         SECTION 8.04. Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate
Loans. Subject to Sections 2.10 and 2.12, if (i) the obligation of any Bank to
make, or to continue to convert outstanding Loans as or to, Euro-Dollar Loans
has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or (ii) any Bank has demanded
compensation under Section 8.03(a) and the Borrower shall, by at least five
Euro-Dollar Business Days' prior notice to such Bank through the Administrative
Agent, have elected that the provisions of this Section shall apply to such
Bank, then, unless and until such Bank notifies the Borrower that the
circumstances giving rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no
longer apply:

          (a) all Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank as (as
continued or as converted to) CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be,
shall instead be Base Rate Loans (on which interest and principal shall be
payable contemporaneously with the related Fixed Rate Loans of the other Banks),
and

          (b) after each of its CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may
be, has been repaid, all payments of principal which would otherwise be applied
to repay such Fixed Rate Loans shall be applied to repay its Base Rate Loans
instead.

If such Bank notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such
notice no longer apply, the principal amount of each such Base Rate Loan shall
be converted into a Euro-Dollar Loan on the first day of the next succeeding
Interest Period applicable to the related Euro-Dollar Loans of the other Banks.

                                       53

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 9
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         SECTION 9.01. Notices. All notices, requests, instructions and other
communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire,
telex, facsimile transmission or similar writing) and shall be given to such
party: (x) in the case of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at its
address, facsimile number or telex number (if any) set forth on the signature
pages hereof, (y) in the case of any Bank, at its address, facsimile number or
telex number (if any) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire or (z) in
the case of any party hereto, such other address, facsimile number or telex
number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower. Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telex, when such telex is
transmitted to the telex number specified in this Section and the appropriate
answerback is received, (ii) if given by facsimile transmission, when
transmitted to the facsimile number specified in this Section and confirmation
of receipt is received, (iii) if given by mail, 72 hours after such
communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid,
addressed as aforesaid or (iv) if given by any other means, when delivered at
the address specified in this Section; provided that notices to the
Administrative Agent under Article 2 or Article 8 shall not be effective until
received.

         SECTION 9.02. No Waivers. No failure or delay by the Administrative
Agent or any Bank in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under
any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided
shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Documentary Taxes; Indemnification. (a) The
Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Agents,
including reasonable fees and disbursements of one special counsel (Davis Polk &
Wardwell) for the Agents, in connection with the preparation of this Agreement,
any waiver or consent hereunder or any amendment hereof or any Default or
alleged Default hereunder and (ii) if an Event of Default occurs, all
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents or any Bank, including reasonable
fees and disbursements of counsel (including the cost of staff counsel when used
in lieu of separate special counsel), in connection with such Event of Default
and collection and other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom. The
Borrower shall indemnify each Bank against any transfer taxes, documentary
taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of
the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Notes.

                                       54

<PAGE>

         (b) The Borrower shall indemnify each Bank and its directors, officers
and employees for, and hold each Bank and its directors, officers and employees
harmless from and against (i) any and all damages, losses and other liabilities
of any kind, including, without limitation, judgments and costs of settlement,
and (ii) any and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses of any kind, including,
without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, including the
cost of staff counsel where used in lieu of separate special counsel, and any
other costs of defense, including, without limitation, costs of discovery and
investigation, for such Bank and its officers and directors (all of which shall
be paid or reimbursed by the Borrower monthly), suffered or incurred in
connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding
(whether or not such Bank shall be designated a party thereto) relating to or
arising out of this Agreement or any actual or proposed use of proceeds of Loans
hereunder; provided that such Bank and its directors, officers and employees
shall have no right to be indemnified or held harmless hereunder for its own
gross negligence or willful misconduct as finally determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction. The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each
Agent, in its capacity as an Agent hereunder, to the same extent that the
Borrower indemnifies and holds harmless each Bank pursuant to this Section.

         SECTION 9.04. Sharing of Set-offs. Each Bank agrees that if it shall,
by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise (other than
pursuant to Section 8.03(d)(ii)), receive payment of a proportion of the
aggregate amount of principal and interest then due with respect to any Note
held by it which is greater than the proportion received by any other Bank in
respect of the aggregate amount of principal and interest then due with respect
to any Note held by such other Bank, the Bank receiving such proportionately
greater payment shall purchase such participations in the Notes held by the
other Banks, and such other adjustments shall be made, as may be required so
that all such payments of principal and interest with respect to the Notes held
by the Banks shall be shared by the Banks pro rata; provided that if at any time
thereafter, the Bank that originally received such payment is required to repay
(whether to the Borrower or to any other Person) all or any portion of such
payment, each other Bank shall promptly (and in any event within five Domestic
Business Days of its receipt of notification from such Bank requiring such
repayment) repay to such Bank the portion of such payment previously received by
it under this Section 9.04, together with such amount (if any) as is equal to
the appropriate portion of any interest (in respect of the period during which
such other Bank held such amount) such Bank shall have been obligated to pay
when repaying such amount as aforesaid, in exchange for such participation in
the Note of such other Bank as was previously purchased by such Bank. Nothing in
this Section shall impair the right of any Bank to exercise any right of set-off
or counterclaim it may have and to apply the amount subject to such exercise to
the payment of indebtedness of the Borrower other than its indebtedness under
the Notes.

                                       55

<PAGE>

         SECTION 9.05. Amendments and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement
or the Notes may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver
is in writing and is signed by the Borrower and the Required Banks (and, if the
rights or duties of any Agent are affected thereby, by such Agent).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment or waiver shall,

          (a)   unless signed by all the Banks,

               (i) increase the Commitment of any Bank or subject any Bank to
          any additional obligation,

               (ii) reduce the principal of or rate of interest on any Loan or
          any fees hereunder,

               (iii) postpone the date fixed for any payment of principal of or
          interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder or for any reduction or
          termination of any Commitment,

               (iv) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate
          unpaid principal amount of the Notes, or the number of Banks, which
          shall be required for the Banks or any of them to take any action
          under this Section or any other provision of this Agreement,

               (v) amend or waive the provisions of this Section 9.05; or

          (b) unless signed by a Designated Lender or its Designating Bank, (i)
subject such Designated Lender to any additional obligation, (ii) affect its
rights hereunder (unless the rights of all the Banks hereunder are similarly
affected) or (iii) change this clause 9.05(b).

The exercise by the Borrower of its right to decrease the Commitments pursuant
to Section 2.09 or to decrease the Commitment of a Bank pursuant to Section
8.03(d) shall not be deemed to require the consent of any party to this
Agreement. The exercise by the Borrower of its option to increase the aggregate
amount of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.18 shall not require the consent
of any Person except for the consent of such Persons required by Section 2.18.

         SECTION 9.06. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not
assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights under this Agreement without the
prior written consent of all Banks.

                                       56

<PAGE>

         (b) Any Bank may at any time grant to one or more banks or other
institutions (each a "Participant") participating interests in its Commitment or
any or all of its Loans. In the event of any such grant by a Bank of a
participating interest to a Participant, whether or not upon notice to the
Borrower and the Agents, such Bank shall remain responsible for the performance
of its obligations hereunder, and the Borrower and the Agents shall continue to
deal solely and directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights
and obligations under this Agreement and such Bank's Note. Any agreement
pursuant to which any Bank may grant such a participating interest shall provide
that such Bank shall retain the sole right and responsibility to enforce the
obligations of the Borrower hereunder and under the Notes including, without
limitation, the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any
provision of this Agreement; provided that such participation agreement may
provide that such Bank will not agree to any modification, amendment or waiver
of this Agreement described in clause (i) (only to the extent such modification,
amendment or waiver would decrease the Commitment of such Bank), (ii) or (iii)
of Section 9.05 or to any modification, amendment or waiver that would have the
effect of increasing the amount of a Participant's participation in such Bank's
Commitment, in any such case without the consent of the Participant. The
Borrower agrees that each Participant shall, to the extent provided in its
participation agreement, be entitled to the benefits of Article 8 with respect
to its participating interest, subject to subsection (f) below. An assignment or
other transfer which is not permitted by subsection (c) or (d) below shall be
given effect for purposes of this Agreement only to the extent of a
participating interest granted in accordance with this subsection (b).

          (c) Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other
institutions (each an "Assignee") all, or a proportionate part of all, of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes, and such Assignee
shall assume such rights and obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and
Assumption Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto executed by
such Assignee and such transferor Bank, with the subscribed consent of the
Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld, in consultation with the
Administrative Agent and with the subscribed acknowledgment of the
Administrative Agent; provided that if an Assignee is (i) any Person which
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, or is otherwise
substantially affiliated with such transferor Bank or (ii) another Bank, no such
consent shall be required; and provided further that any assignment shall not be
less than $5,000,000, or, if less, shall constitute an assignment of all of such
Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes. Upon execution
and delivery of such instrument and payment by such Assignee to such transferor
Bank of an amount equal to the purchase price agreed between such transferor
Bank and such Assignee, such Assignee shall be a Bank party to this Agreement
and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank with a Commitment as set
forth in such instrument of assumption, and the

                                       57

<PAGE>

transferor Bank shall be released from its obligations hereunder to a
corresponding extent, and no further consent or action by any party shall be
required. Upon the consummation of any assignment pursuant to this subsection
(c), the transferor Bank, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall make
appropriate arrangements so that, if required, new Notes are issued to the
Assignee and the transferor Bank and the original Note is canceled, and the
Administrative Agent shall notify the other Agents of such assignment. In
connection with any such assignment, the transferor Bank shall pay to the
Administrative Agent an administrative fee of $3,500 for processing such
assignment. If the Assignee is not incorporated under the laws of the United
States of America or a state thereof, it shall, prior to the first date on which
interest or fees are payable hereunder for its account, deliver to the Borrower
and the Administrative Agent certification as to exemption from deduction or
withholding of any United States federal income taxes in accordance with Section
2.15.

          (d) Any Bank may at any time assign all or any portion of its rights
under this Agreement and its Note to a Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment
shall release the transferor Bank from its obligations hereunder.

          (e) The Administrative Agent and the Borrower may, for all purposes of
this Agreement, treat any Bank as the holder of any Note drawn to its order (and
owner of the Loans evidenced thereby) until written notice of assignment or
other transfer shall have been received by them.

          (f) No Assignee, Participant or other transferee of any Bank's rights
shall be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 8.03 than such
Bank would have been entitled to receive with respect to the rights transferred,
unless such transfer is made with the Borrower's prior written consent or by
reason of the provisions of Section 8.02 or 8.03 requiring such Bank to
designate a different Applicable Lending Office under certain circumstances or
at a time when the circumstances giving rise to such greater payment did not
exist.

          (g) If any Reference Bank assigns its Note to an unaffiliated
institution, the Administrative Agent shall, with the consent of the Borrower
and the Required Banks, appoint another Bank to act as a Reference Bank
hereunder.

         SECTION 9.07. Designated Lenders. (a) Subject to the provisions of this
subsection (a), any Bank may at any time designate an Eligible Designee to
provide all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Bank pursuant to this
Agreement; provided that such designation shall not be effective unless the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent consent thereto in writing (which consents
shall not be unreasonably withheld). When a Bank and its Eligible Designee shall
have signed an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H

                                       58

<PAGE>

hereto (a "Designation Agreement") and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent
shall have signed their respective consents thereto, such Eligible Designee
shall become a Designated Lender for purposes of this Agreement. The Designating
Bank shall thereafter have the right to permit such Designated Lender to provide
all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Designating Bank pursuant to
Section 2.01 or 2.03, and the making of such Loans or portion thereof shall
satisfy the obligation of the Designating Bank to the same extent, and as if,
such Loans or portion thereof were made by the Designating Bank. As to any Loans
or portion thereof made by it, each Designated Lender shall have all the rights
that a Bank making such Loans or portion thereof would have had under this
Agreement and otherwise; provided that (x) its voting rights under this
Agreement shall be exercised solely by its Designating Bank and (y) its
Designating Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for
the performance of such Designated Lender's obligations under this Agreement,
including its obligations in respect of the Loans or portion thereof made by it.
No additional Note shall be required to evidence the Loans or portion thereof
made by a Designated Lender; and the Designating Bank shall be deemed to hold
its Note as agent for its Designated Lender to the extent of the Loans or
portion thereof funded by such Designated Lender. Each Designating Bank shall
act as administrative agent for its Designated Lender and give and receive
notices and other communications on its behalf. Any payments for the account of
any Designated Lender shall be paid to its Designating Bank as administrative
agent for such Designated Lender and neither the Borrower nor the Administrative
Agent shall be responsible for any Designating Bank's application of such
payments. In addition, any Designated Lender may, with notice to (but without
the prior written consent of) the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, (i)
assign all or portions of its interest in any Loans to its Designating Bank or
to any financial institutions consented to in writing by the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent that provide liquidity and/or credit facilities to or for
the account of such Designated Lender to support the funding of Loans or
portions thereof made by it and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any
non-public information relating to its Loans or portions thereof to any rating
agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any guarantee, surety, credit or
liquidity enhancement to such Designated Lender.

          (b) Each party to this Agreement agrees that it will not institute
against, or join any other person in instituting against, any Designated Lender
any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar proceeding under any
federal or state bankruptcy or similar law, for one year and a day after all
outstanding senior indebtedness of such Designated Lender is paid in full. The
Designating Bank for each Designated Lender agrees to indemnify, save, and hold
harmless each other party hereto for any loss, cost, damage and expense arising
out of its inability to institute any such proceeding against such Designated
Lender. This subsection (b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

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<PAGE>

         SECTION 9.08. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury
Trial. THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE BORROWER HEREBY SUBMITS
TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND OF ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW
YORK CITY FOR PURPOSES OF ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. THE BORROWER IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY NOW
OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN
SUCH A COURT AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT HAS
BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH OF THE BORROWER, THE AGENTS AND THE
BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

         SECTION 9.09. Counterparts; Integration. This Agreement may be signed
in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same
effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
This Agreement and the writings referred to in Section 3.01(i) constitute the
entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto and supersede any
and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the
subject matter hereof.

         SECTION 9.10. Confidentiality. In addition to any confidentiality
requirements under applicable law, each of the Agents and Banks (each a "Bank
Party" and, collectively, the "Bank Parties") agrees that through and including
the later of (x) the Termination Date and (y) a date three years from the
relevant Bank Party's receipt of the relevant information, it will take normal
and reasonable precautions so that

               (i) all information provided to it by the Borrower, any Person on
          behalf of the Borrower, or by any other Bank Party on behalf of the
          Borrower, in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
          contemplated hereby will be held and treated by such Bank Party and
          its respective directors, affiliates, officers, agents and employees
          in confidence and

                                       60

<PAGE>

               (ii) neither it nor any of its respective directors, affiliates,
          officers, agents or employees shall, without the prior written consent
          of the Borrower, use any such information for any purpose or in any
          manner other than pursuant to the terms of and for the purposes
          contemplated by this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, any Bank Party may
disclose any such information or portions thereof

            (a) that is or becomes publicly available other than through a
breach by such Bank Party of its obligations hereunder;

            (b) that is also provided to such Bank Party by a Person other than
the Borrower not in violation, to the actual knowledge of such Bank Party, of
any duty of confidentiality;

            (c) at the request of any bank regulatory authority or examiner;

            (d) pursuant to subpoena or other court process;

            (e) when required by applicable law;

            (f) at the written request or the express direction of any other
authorized government agency;

            (g) to its independent auditors, counsel and other professional
advisors in connection with their provision of professional services to such
Bank Party;

            (h) to any (i) Participant or (ii) prospective Participant or
prospective Bank, if such Participant, prospective Participant or prospective
Bank (which prospective Bank is promptly identified to the Borrower), prior to
any such disclosure, agrees in writing to keep such information confidential to
the same extent required of the Bank Parties hereunder; or

            (i) to any affiliate of such Bank Party, solely to enable such
affiliate to assess the creditworthiness of the Borrower in connection with any
transaction between such affiliate and the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

provided that any Bank Party's failure to comply with the provisions of this
Section 9.10 shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder.

         SECTION 9.11. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is
prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall, as to
such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition,
unenforceability or

                                       61

<PAGE>

non-authorization without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or
affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such provision in any
other jurisdiction.

         SECTION 9.12. Termination of Existing Credit Agreement. The Borrower
and each of the Banks that is also a party to the Existing Credit Agreement
agree that the "Commitments" as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement shall
terminate in their entirety on the Effective Date. Each such Bank waives (a) any
requirement of notice of such termination pursuant to Section 2.09 of the
Existing Credit Agreement and (b) any claim to any commitment fees or other fees
under the Existing Credit Agreement for any day on or after the Effective Date.
The Borrower agrees that (i) no loans will be outstanding under the Existing
Credit Agreement on or at any time after the Effective Date and (ii) all accrued
and unpaid commitment fees, facility fees and other amounts due and payable
under the Existing Credit Agreement on or before the Effective Date will be paid
on or before the Effective Date.

         SECTION 9.13. Collateral. Each of the Banks represents to the Agents
and each of the other Banks that it in good faith is not relying upon any Margin
Stock as collateral in the extension or maintenance of the credit provided for
in this Agreement.

                                       62

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year
first above written.

                              PRAXAIR, INC.

                              By: /s/ James S. Sawyer
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President, Treasurer and Interim
                                 Chief Financial Officer
                                 39 Old Ridgebury Road
                                 Danbury, CT  06810-5113
                                 Telecopy number: (203) 837-2480
                                 Attention: Treasurer's Group

                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as
                              Administrative Agent

                              By: /s/ Stacey L. Haimes
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President
                                 270 Park Avenue
                                 New York, NY 10017
                                 Attention: Stacey Haimes
                                 Telecopy number: (212) 270-7939

Commitments

$58,333,333.32                MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                  OF NEW YORK

                              By:  /s/ Dennis Wilczek
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                    Title: Associate

                                               63

<PAGE>

$58,333,333.33                BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

                              By: /s/ Wendy J. Gorman
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

$58,333,333.33                CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON

                              By: /s/ William S. Lutkins
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

                              By: /s/ Vitaly G. Butenko
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Assistant Vice President

$58,333,333.33                THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                              By: /s/ Stacey L. Haimes
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

$40,000,000                   ABN-AMRO BANK NV

                              By: /s/ David Mandell
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Senior Vice President

                              By: /s/ Patricia Christy
                                 ---------------------------------
                                   Title: Assistant Vice President

                                               64

<PAGE>

$40,000,000                   BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI TRUST
                                  COMPANY

                              By: /s/ Pamela Donnelly
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

$40,000,000                   BAYERISCHE HYPO-UND VEREINSBANK
                                  AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Steven Atwell
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                    Title: Director

                              By: /s/ Alexander M. Blodi
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                    Title: Director

$40,000,000                   CITIBANK, N.A.

                              By: /s/ James N. Simpson
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                    Title: Managing Director

$40,000,000                   COMMERZBANK AG, NEW YORK AND
                                  GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES

                              By: /s/ Robert J. Donohue
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Senior Vice President

                              By: /s/ Peter T. Doyle
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Assistant Vice President

                                               65

<PAGE>

$40,000,000                   CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ

                              By: /s/ Sarah McClintock
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

                              By: /s/ John McCloskey
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: First Vice President

$40,000,000                   DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH
                                  AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Jean M. Hannigan
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

                               By: /s/ Annette Walter
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Associate

$40,000,000                    FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                               By: /s/ Irene Bertozzi Bartenstein
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President

$40,000,000                    ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

                               By: /s/ Gordon C. MacArthur
                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Senior Manager

                                               66

<PAGE>

$40,000,000                   THE SANWA BANK, LIMITED

                              By: /s/ Masahito Okubo
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President

$40,000,000                   THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN, LTD.

                              By: /s/ John Dippo
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Senior Vice President

$40,000,000                   WESTDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK
                                 GIROZENTRALE

                              By: /s/ Cynthia M. Niesen
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Managing Director

                              By: /s/ Walter T. Duffy III
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Associate Director

$26,666,666.67                BANCA COMMERCIALE ITALIANA, NEW
                                 YORK BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Frank Maffei
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Authorized Signature

                              By: /s/ Joseph Carlani
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President

                                               67

<PAGE>

$26,666,666.67                BANCA NAZIONALE DEL LAVORO S.P.A.,
                                 NEW YORK BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Frederic W. Hall
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President

                              By: /s/ Leonardo Valentini
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: First Vice President

$26,666,666.67                CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Stephen M. Poppel
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: First Vice President

$26,666,666.67                MELLON BANK N.A.

                              By: /s/ Charles E. Frankenberry
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Lending Officer

$26,666,666.67                THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                              By: /s/ Eliza S. Adams
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President

                                               68

<PAGE>

$26,666,666.67                THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED

                              By: /s/ Edward D. Henderson, Jr.
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Senior Vice President

$26,666,666.67                TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS), INC.

                              By: /s/ Sheila M. Conley
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President

$20,000,000                   BANCA DI ROMA, NEW YORK BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Alessandro Paoli
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Assistant Treasurer

                              By: /s/ Steven Paley
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: First Vice President

$20,000,000                   BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA
                               S.A.

                              By: /s/ John Martini
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President Corporate Banking

                              By: /s/ Alberto Conde
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President Corporate Banking

                                               69

<PAGE>

$20,000,000                   BANCO SANTANDER CENTRALE HISPANO,
                                 S.A. NEW YORK BRANCH

                              By: /s/ Javier Guibert
                                  --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President

                              By: /s/ Rebecca Rains        6
                                  --------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Assistant Vice President

$20,000,000                   BNP PARIBAS

                              By: /s/ Sophie Revillard Kaufman
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Vice President

                              By: /s/ Richard Pace
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                   Title: Vice President
                                             Corporate Banking Division

$20,000,000                   STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

                              By: /s/ Peter G. R. Dodds
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Senior Credit Officer Coin 98/62

                              By: /s/ Shafiq Ur Rahman
                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                  Title: Senior Vice President

------------------
TOTAL COMMITMENTS:

$1,000,000,000
==============

                                               70

<PAGE>

                                        PRICING SCHEDULE

         The "CD Margin", "Euro-Dollar Margin", and "Facility Fee Rate" for any
day are the respective percentages set forth below in the applicable row and
column corresponding to the Status and Utilization that exist on such day.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
                                    Level I    Level II  Level III Level IV   Level V      Level VI
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>
Euro-Dollar Margin if                  .12%       .25%      .375%     .475%      .775%        1.20%
Utilization is equal to or less
than 33%
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
Euro-Dollar Margin If                  .17%       .35%       .50%      .60%       .90%        1.20%
Utilization exceeds 33%
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
CD Margin If Utilization is           .245%      .375%       .50%      .60%       .90%       1.325%
equal to or less than 33%
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
CD Margin If Utilization exceeds      .295%      .475%      .625%     .725%     1.025%       1.325%
33%
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
Facility Fee Rate                      .08%       .10%      .125%      .15%      .225%         .30%
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------
</TABLE>

         For purposes of this Schedule, the following terms have the following
meanings:

         "Level I Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long- term debt is rated at least A by S&P and at least A3 by Moody's
or (ii) the Borrower's long-term debt is rated at least A- by S&P and at least
A2 by Moody's.

         "Level II Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated (x) at least A- by S&P and at least Baa1 by
Moody's or (y) at least BBB+ by S&P and at least A3 by Moody's and (ii) Level I
Status does not exist.

         "Level III Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated (x) at least BBB+ by S&P and at least Baa2 by
Moody's or (y) at least BBB by S&P and at least Baa1 by Moody's and (ii) neither
Level I Status nor Level II Status exists.

         "Level IV Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated BBB or higher by S&P and Baa2 or higher by
Moody's and (ii) none of Level I Status, Level II Status and Level III Status
exists.

         "Level V Status" exists at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long- term debt is rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher by
Moody's and (ii) none of Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III and Level IV
Status exists.

         "Level VI Status" exists at any date if, at such date, no other Status
exists.

                                        1

<PAGE>

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

         "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group.

         "Status" refers to the determination of which of Level I Status, Level
II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status, or Level V or Level VI Status
exists at any date.

         "Utilization" means at any date the percentage equivalent of a fraction
(i) the numerator of which is the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Loans at such date, after giving effect to any borrowing or payment on such date
and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of the Commitments at
such date, after giving effect to any reduction of the Commitments on such date.
If for any reason any Loans remain outstanding following termination of the
Commitments in their entirety, Utilization shall be deemed to exceed 33%.

         The credit ratings to be utilized for purposes of this Schedule are
those assigned to the senior unsecured long-term debt securities of the Borrower
without third-party credit enhancement and any rating assigned to any other debt
security of the Borrower shall be disregarded. The rating in effect at any date
is that in effect at the close of business on such date.

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                      NOTE

                                                              New York, New York

                                                              ________ __, 200__

         For value received, PRAXAIR, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of ______________ (the "Bank"), for
the account of its Applicable Lending Office, the unpaid principal amount of
each Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement
referred to below on the maturity date provided for in the Credit Agreement. The
Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each such
Loan on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit Agreement.
All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the
United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York.

         All Loans made by the Bank, the respective types and maturities thereof
and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and,
prior to any transfer hereof, appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing
information with respect to each such Loan then outstanding may be endorsed by
the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule
attached to and made a part hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to
make any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the
Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement.

         This note is one of the Notes referred to in the Five-Year Credit
Agreement dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party
thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston
and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Administrative Agent (as the same may be amended from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement"). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with
the same meanings. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions for
the prepayment hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof.

                                        1

<PAGE>

                                     PRAXAIR, INC.

                                     By________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                  Note (cont'd)

                         LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

                                            Amount of
          Amount of      Type of            Principal           Notation Made
 Date        Loan          Loan              Repaid                  By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                        3

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                       FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE REQUEST

                                     [Date]

To:      The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Administrative Agent")

From:    Praxair, Inc. (the "Borrower")

Re:      Five-Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated
         as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party thereto,
         Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse
         First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication
         Agents, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent

         We hereby give notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement
that we request Money Market Quotes for the following proposed Money Market
Borrowing(s):

Date of Borrowing:  __________________

Principal Amount 1                                           Interest Period 2

$

         Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [LIBOR Margin]
[Absolute Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]

         Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

                                                 PRAXAIR, INC

                                                 By________________________
                                                    Name:
                                                    Title:
--------

     1    Amount must be $25,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.
     2    Not less than one month (LIBOR Auction) or not less than 7 days
          (Absolute Rate Auction), subject to the provisions of the definition
          of Interest Period.

                                        1

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                   FORM OF INVITATION FOR MONEY MARKET QUOTES

                                     [Date]

To:  [Name of Bank]

Re:  Invitation for Money Market Quotes
        to Praxair, Inc. (the "Borrower")

         Pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Five-Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party
thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston
and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Administrative Agent, we are pleased on behalf of the Borrower to
invite you to submit Money Market Quotes to the Borrower for the following
proposed Money Market Borrowing(s):

         Date of Borrowing:  __________________

         Principal Amount                                      Interest Period

         $

         Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [LIBOR Margin]
[Absolute Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]

         Please respond to this invitation by no later than 11:00 A.M. (New York
City time) on [date].

         Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

                                             The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
                                             Administrative Agent

                                             By________________________
                                                 Authorized Officer

                                        1

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                           FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE

                                     [Date]

The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent
270 Park Avenue
NY, NY 10017

Attention:

Re: Money Market Quote to
    Praxair, Inc. (the "Borrower")

         In response to your invitation on behalf of the Borrower dated
__________ we hereby make the following Money Market Quote on the following
terms:

         1.       Quoting Bank:  ________________________________

         2.       Person to contact at Quoting Bank:

                  ________________________________

         3.       Date of Borrowing: ____________________1

--------
1 As specified in the related Invitation.

                                                1

<PAGE>

     4.   We hereby offer to make Money Market Loan(s) in the following
          principal amounts, for the following Interest Periods and at the
          following rates:

   Principal           Interest          Money Market
   Amount 1            Period 2        [LIBOR Margin] 3     [Absolute Rate] 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$

$

[Provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for which
the above offers may be accepted shall not exceed $____________.]1

         We understand and agree that the offer(s) set forth above, subject to
the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in the Five-Year Credit
Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair,
Inc., the Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit
Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,

         irrevocably obligates us to make the Money Market Loan(s) for which any
offer(s) are accepted, in whole or in part.

         Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            [NAME OF BANK]

Dated:_______________               By:__________________________
                                                  Authorized Officer
--------

     1    Principal amount bid for each Interest Period may not exceed principal
          amount requested. Specify aggregate limitation if the sum of the
          individual offers exceeds the amount the Bank is willing to lend. Bids
          must be made for $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.
     2    Not more than 12 months or not less than 7 days, as specified in the
          related Invitation. No more than five bids are permitted for each
          Interest Period.
     3    Margin over or under the London Interbank Offered Rate determined for
          the applicable Interest Period. Specify percentage (rounded to the
          nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) and specify whether "PLUS" or "MINUS".
     4    Specify rate of interest per annum (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th
          of 1%).

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                   FORM OF OPINION OF CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL,
                               SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR
                                  THE BORROWER

                                                [Effective Date]

To the Banks and the Agents
Referred to Below
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent
270 Park Avenue
NY, NY 10017

Re:      Praxair, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special counsel to Praxair, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), in connection with the Five-Year Credit Agreement
(the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the
Banks party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., Credit Suisse First Boston and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Co-Syndication Agents, and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein
without definition have the same meanings as in the Credit Agreement.

         In such capacity, we have examined the Credit Agreement and such
corporate records, instruments and other documents, and such questions of law,
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions
expressed herein. As to various questions of fact material to our opinion, we
have relied upon and assumed the accuracy of (i) the representations and
warranties contained in the Credit Agreement, (ii) certificates or other
documents furnished by the Borrower and the officers of the Borrower and (iii)
certificates from various state authorities and public officials.

                                        1

<PAGE>

         In connection with this opinion, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to the appropriate
authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified,
conformed or photostatic or facsimile copies. We have further assumed the due
authorization, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement by, or on behalf
of, all parties thereto, other than the Borrower.

         Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth
below, we are of the opinion that:

         1. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation under the laws of the States
of Connecticut and New York.

         2. The Borrower has the corporate power and corporate authority to
execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the
Notes.

         3. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes have been duly authorized by all requisite
corporate action on the part of the Borrower.

         4. The Credit Agreement and the Notes have been duly executed and
delivered by the Borrower and are valid and binding obligations of the Borrower,
enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance and
transfer, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or
affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles (regardless of
whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

         5. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes do not contravene any United States Federal or
New York State law or the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

         6. No consent or approval of, or action by or filing with, any court or
administrative or governmental body is required under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware or the laws of the State of New York or the United
States of America for the Borrower to execute and deliver the Credit Agreement
and the Notes and to perform its obligations thereunder.

         7. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes will not (i) violate the certificate of
incorporation

                                        2

<PAGE>

or by laws of the Borrower or (ii) result in a breach of, or constitute a
default under, or require any consent under, any indenture or other agreement or
instrument known to us evidencing or governing indebtedness for borrowed money
of the Borrower.

         The foregoing opinion is limited to the Federal laws of the United
States, the laws of the State of New York and the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, and we are expressing no opinion as to the effect of the laws
of any other jurisdiction. In particular, we are expressing no opinion as to the
effect, if any, of any law of any jurisdiction (except the State of New York) in
which any Bank is located that may limit the rate of interest that may be
charged or collected by such bank. In addition, with respect to the
enforceability against and the performance by the Borrower of the Credit
Agreement and the Notes, we express no opinion as to any contractual provisions
purporting to provide indemnification insofar as such indemnification might be
deemed inconsistent with public policy.

         This opinion is furnished at the request of the Borrower pursuant to
Section 3.01(c) of the Credit Agreement by us as special counsel for the
Borrower to you as Banks and Agents and is solely for your benefit in connection
with the above transaction and may not be relied upon by you for any other
purpose or relied upon by any other person, firm or corporation for any purpose
without our prior written consent. The opinions we express herein are as of the
date hereof, and we do not assume or undertake any responsibility or obligation
to supplement such opinions to reflect any facts or circumstances that may
hereafter come to our attention or to reflect any changes in the law which may
occur after the date hereof.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                        3

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT F

                                   OPINION OF
                     DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL, SPECIAL COUNSEL
                                 FOR THE AGENTS

                                                     [Effective Date]

To the Banks and the Agents
Referred to Below
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent
270 Park Avenue
NY, NY 10017

Dear Sirs:

         We have participated in the preparation of the Five-Year Credit
Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc.
(the "Borrower"), the Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York, Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as Co- Syndication
Agents, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, for the purpose
of rendering this opinion pursuant to Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement.
Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

         We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of
public officials and other instruments and have conducted such other
investigations of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable for
purposes of this opinion.

         Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

           1. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers and
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

                                        1

<PAGE>

           2. The Credit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Borrower and the Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the
Borrower, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the
same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity.

         We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. In giving the foregoing opinion, we
express no opinion as to the effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction
(except the State of New York) in which any Bank is located which limits the
rate of interest that such Bank may charge or collect.

         This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above
matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or
relied upon by any other Person without our prior written consent.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                        2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT G

                       ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

         AGREEMENT dated as of _________, ____ among [ASSIGNOR] (the
"Assignor"), [and] [ASSIGNEE] (the "Assignee"), [and PRAXAIR, INC. (the
"Borrower")].

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, this Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the
"Agreement") relates to the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 12,
2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston and Bank of America, N.A., as
Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent
(as amended, the "Credit Agreement");

         WHEREAS, as provided under the Credit Agreement, the Assignor has a
Commitment to make Committed Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal
amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $__________;

         WHEREAS, Committed Loans made to the Borrower by the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $__________ are
outstanding at the date hereof; and

         WHEREAS, the Assignor proposes to assign to the Assignee all of the
rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement in respect of a portion of its
Commitment thereunder in an amount equal to $__________ (the "Assigned Amount"),
together with a corresponding portion of its outstanding Committed Loans, and
the Assignee proposes to accept assignment of such rights and assume the
corresponding obligations from the Assignor on such terms;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                        1

<PAGE>

         SECTION 1.  Definitions.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         SECTION 2. Assumption. The Assignor hereby assigns and sells to the
Assignee all of the rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the
extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby accepts such assignment
from the Assignor and assumes all of the obligations of the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Amount, including the purchase
from the Assignor of the corresponding portion of the principal amount of the
Committed Loans made by the Assignor outstanding at the date hereof. Upon the
execution and delivery hereof by the Assignor, [and] the Assignee[, the Borrower
and the Administrative Agent] and the payment of the amounts specified in
Section 3 required to be paid on the date hereof (i) the Assignee shall, as of
the date hereof, succeed to the rights and be obligated to perform the
obligations of a Bank under the Credit Agreement with a Commitment in an amount
equal to the Assigned Amount, and (ii) the Commitment of the Assignor shall, as
of the date hereof, be reduced by a like amount and the Assignor released from
its obligations under the Credit Agreement to the extent such obligations have
been assumed by the Assignee. The assignment provided for herein shall be
without recourse to the Assignor.

         SECTION 3. Payments. As consideration for the assignment and sale
contemplated in Section 2 hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on the
date hereof in Federal funds an amount equal to $_________.1 It is understood
that facility fees accrued to the date hereof are for the account of the
Assignor and such fees accruing from and including the date hereof with respect
to the Assigned Amount are for the account of the Assignee. Each of the Assignor
and the Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount under the Credit
Agreement which is for the account of the other party hereto, it shall receive
the same for the account of such other party to the extent of such other party's
interest therein and shall promptly pay the same to such other party.

         SECTION 4. Consent of the Borrower. This Agreement is conditioned upon
the consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.06(c) of the Credit Agreement.
The execution of this Agreement by the Borrower is evidence of this consent.
Pursuant to Section 9.06(c) the Borrower agrees to execute and deliver Notes
payable to the order of the Assignee (and, if necessary, to the Assignor) to
evidence the assignment and assumption provided for herein.]

--------
         1 Amount should combine principal together with accrued interest and
breakage compensation, if any, to be paid by the Assignee. It may be preferable
in an appropriate case to specify these amounts generically or by formula rather
than as a fixed sum.

                                        2

<PAGE>

         SECTION 5. Non-reliance on Assignor. The Assignor makes no
representation or warranty in connection with, and shall have no responsibility
with respect to, the solvency, financial condition, or statements of the
Borrower, or the validity and enforceability of the obligations of the Borrower
in respect of the Credit Agreement or any Note. The Assignee acknowledges that
it has, independently and without reliance on the Assignor, the Sole Lead
Arranger, any Co-Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent, any Agent or any other
Bank, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate,
made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and will
continue to be responsible for making its own independent appraisal of the
business, affairs and financial condition of the Borrower.

         SECTION 6.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

         SECTION 7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

                                        3

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.

                                   [ASSIGNOR]

                                    By______________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                   [ASSIGNEE]

                                    By______________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                    [PRAXAIR, INC.]

                                    By______________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

Acknowledged this ____ day
of ________ by The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Administrative Agent

By___________________________
     Name:

                                        4

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT H

                              DESIGNATION AGREEMENT

                       dated as of ________________, _____

         Reference is made to the Five-Year Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") dated as of July 12, 2000 among Praxair, Inc., the Banks party
thereto, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Credit Suisse First Boston
and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Administrative Agent. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meaning.

         _________________ (the "Designator") and ________________ (the
"Designee") agree as follows:

           1. The Designator designates the Designee as its Designated Lender
under the Credit Agreement and the Designee accepts such designation.

           2. The Designator makes no representations or warranties and assumes
no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the
performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the
Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.

           3. The Designee (i) confirms that it is an Eligible Designee; (ii)
appoints and authorizes the Designator as its administrative agent and
attorney-in-fact and grants the Designator an irrevocable power of attorney to
receive payments made for the benefit of the Designee under the Credit Agreement
and to deliver and receive all communications and notices under the Credit
Agreement, if any, that the Designee is obligated to deliver or has the right to
receive thereunder; (iii) acknowledges that the Designator retains the sole
right and responsibility to vote under the Credit Agreement, including, without
limitation, the right to approve any amendment or waiver of any provision of the
Credit Agreement; and (iv) agrees that the Designee shall be bound by all such
votes, approvals, amendments and waivers and all other agreements of the
Designator pursuant to or in connection with the Credit Agreement, all subject
to Section 9.05(b) of the Credit Agreement.

           4. The Designee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the
Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements
referred to in Article 4 or delivered pursuant to Article 5 thereof and such
other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Designation Agreement and (ii)
agrees that it will,

                                        1

<PAGE>

independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Designator
or any other Bank 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 any action it may be permitted to take under the Credit Agreement.

           5. Following the execution of this Designation Agreement by the
Designator and the Designee and the consent hereto by the Borrower, it will be
delivered to the Administrative Agent for its consent. This Designation
Agreement shall become effective when the Administrative Agent consents hereto
or on any later date specified on the signature page hereof.

           6. Upon the effectiveness hereof, the Designee shall have the right
to make Loans or portions thereof as a Bank pursuant to Section 2.01 or 2.03 of
the Credit Agreement and the rights of a Bank related thereto. The making of any
such Loans or portions thereof by the Designee shall satisfy the obligations of
the Designator under the Credit Agreement to the same extent, and as if, such
Loans or portions thereof were made by the Designator.

           7. This Designation Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Designation Agreement
to be executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, as of the
date first above written.

Effective Date:______ , ____

                                          [NAME OF DESIGNATOR]

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

                                          [NAME OF DESIGNEE]

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

                                        2

<PAGE>

The undersigned consent to the foregoing designation.

                                          PRAXAIR, INC.

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

                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as
                                              Administrative Agent

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

                                        3REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

           Relating to the Acquisition of All of the Capital Stock of

                 AMERICAN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY

                                       by

                             ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.

                          Dated as of December 31, 2000

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>     <C>                                                                                                   <C>
1.       Definitions..........................................................................................2

2.       Purchase and Sale of Common Stock...................................................................10
         2.1      Purchase and Sale..........................................................................10

2A.      Redemption of Common Stock..........................................................................10
         2A.1     Redemption.................................................................................10

3.       Cancellation of Indebtedness; Warrants; Options; Contribution to Capital of ACGL Notes..............11
         3.1      TDH Notes..................................................................................11
         3.2      Warrants, Options, Etc.....................................................................11
         3.3      Contribution to Capital of ACGL Notes......................................................11
         3.4      Escrow Interest............................................................................11

4.       Lawsuit Proceeds....................................................................................12
         4.1      Allocation of Lawsuit Proceeds.............................................................12
         4.2      Certain Matters Related to the Lawsuits....................................................13

5.       Closing.............................................................................................14

6.       Representations and Warranties of the Selling Stockholders..........................................15
         6.1      Corporate Existence and Power..............................................................15
         6.2      Authorization, Execution, Enforceability...................................................16
         6.3      Capitalization of the Company..............................................................16
         6.4      Subsidiaries; Other Interests..............................................................17
         6.5      No Contravention, Conflict, Breach, Etc....................................................17
         6.6      Consents...................................................................................18
         6.7      No Existing Violation, Default, Etc........................................................18
         6.8      Licenses and Permits.......................................................................18
         6.9      Title to Properties........................................................................19
         6.10     Taxes......................................................................................19
         6.11     Litigation.................................................................................19
         6.12     Labor Matters..............................................................................20
         6.13     Contracts..................................................................................20
         6.14     Finder' Fees...............................................................................21
         6.15     Financial Statements.......................................................................21
         6.16     Employee Benefits..........................................................................21
         6.17     Contingent Liabilities.....................................................................23

                                        i
<PAGE>

         6.18     No Material Change.........................................................................23
         6.19     Insurance Matters..........................................................................24
         6.20     Automobile Lease Payments..................................................................25
         6.21     Lederman Surplus Notes.....................................................................25
         6.22     Individual Selling Stockholder Representations and Warranties..............................25

7.       Representations and Warranties of ACGL..............................................................26
         7.1      Organization, Good Standing, Power, Authority, Etc.........................................26
         7.2      Ownership of the ACGL Notes................................................................26
         7.3      Consents...................................................................................27
         7.4      Finder's Fees..............................................................................27

8.       Representations and Warranties of TDH...............................................................27
         8.1      Organization, Good Standing, Power, Authority, Etc.........................................27
         8.2      Ownership of the TDH Notes.................................................................27
         8.3      Warrant Cancellation.......................................................................27

9.       Covenants...........................................................................................27
         9.1      Business in the Ordinary Course............................................................28
         9.2      Certain Actions............................................................................28
         9.3      Accounting Changes.........................................................................30
         9.4      Capitalization, Options, Dividends and Payments............................................31
         9.5      Encumbrance of Assets......................................................................31
         9.6      Litigation During Interim Period...........................................................31
         9.7      Employee Matters...........................................................................31
         9.8      Notification of Certain Matters............................................................31
         9.9      Access to Company..........................................................................31
         9.10     Administration of Lawsuits.................................................................32
         9.11     No-Shop....................................................................................32
         9.12     Automobile Lease Payments..................................................................32

10.      Conditions Precedent to ACGL's Obligations..........................................................33
         10.1     Representations and Warranties.............................................................33
         10.2     Compliance with Agreements.................................................................33
         10.3     Resignations...............................................................................33
         10.4     Certificates...............................................................................33
         10.5     Litigation.................................................................................34
         10.6     Material Adverse Effect....................................................................34
         10.7     Third Party Consents.......................................................................34
         10.8     Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Filings..............................................................34
         10.9     Deliveries.................................................................................34
         10.10    Options; Warrants..........................................................................34

                                        ii
<PAGE>

         10.11    Outstanding Indebtedness...................................................................34
         10.12    [Intentionally Omitted]....................................................................34
         10.13    Audit......................................................................................34
         10.14    Legal Opinion..............................................................................34
         10.15    Minimum Capital and Surplus................................................................34
         10.16    Section 1445 Certificate...................................................................34

11.      Conditions Precedent to the Selling Stockholders' Obligations.......................................35
         11.1     Representations and Warranties.............................................................35
         11.2     Compliance with Agreement..................................................................35
         11.3     Third Party Consents.......................................................................35
         11.4     Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Filings..............................................................35
         11.5     Litigation.................................................................................35

12.      Conditions Precedent to TDH's Obligations...........................................................35
         12.1     Litigation.................................................................................35
         12.2     All Conditions Satisfied...................................................................35

13.      Termination.........................................................................................36
         13.1     Termination Events.........................................................................36
         13.2     Effect of Termination......................................................................36

14.      Survival of Representations and Warranties..........................................................37

15.      Indemnification.....................................................................................37

16.      Tax Matters.........................................................................................39

17.      Miscellaneous.......................................................................................40
         17.1     Expenses...................................................................................40
         17.2     Confidentiality............................................................................40
         17.3     Further Actions and Assurances.............................................................40
         17.4     Counterparts...............................................................................40
         17.5     Contents of Agreement; Parties in Interest, Etc............................................40
         17.6     New York Law to Govern; Venue..............................................................41
         17.7     Section Headings and Gender................................................................41
         17.8     Schedules and Exhibits.....................................................................41
         17.9     Notices....................................................................................41
         17.10    Antitrust Matters..........................................................................44
         17.11    Specific Performance.......................................................................44
         17.12    Acknowledgment by ACGL; Releases; etc......................................................44
         17.13    Modification and Waiver....................................................................45
         17.14    Invalid Provisions.........................................................................46

                                        iii
<PAGE>

         17.15    Third Party Beneficiaries..................................................................46
         17.16    Construction and Interpretation............................................................46

</TABLE>

                                        iv
<PAGE>

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A - List of Selling Stockholders and the Number of Shares Owned by Each
     Selling Stockholder

Exhibit B - List of Outstanding Options and Warrants to Purchase Shares of
     Common Stock

Exhibit C - Form of Company Counsel Opinion

Exhibit D - Form of Selling Stockholder Counsel Opinion

Exhibit E - Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

Exhibit F - Distribution of Lawsuit Net Proceeds

                                        v
<PAGE>
                            REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT

     This REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
as of this 31st day of December, 2000 by and among American Independent
Insurance Holding Company, a Pennsylvania corporation (the "Company"), each of
the entities listed on Exhibit A hereto (the "Selling Stockholders"), TDH
Capital Partners, a Delaware business trust ("TDHCP"), TDH III, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership ("TDH III" and, together with TDHCP, "TDH"), and Arch
Capital Group Ltd., a Bermuda corporation ("ACGL").

                                    RECITALS:

     WHEREAS, the authorized Capital Stock of the Company consists of 20,000,000
shares of Common Stock, of which 7,441 shares are issued and outstanding as of
the date of execution hereof (such shares being held by the Selling Stockholders
in the amounts set forth on Exhibit A hereto), and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, of which no shares are outstanding;

     WHEREAS, (i) ACGL holds the AGGL Notes (as defined herein) representing
indebtedness of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $8,500,000 and
certain warrants to purchase Capital Stock of the Company and (ii) TDH holds a
$2,000,000 subordinated note of the Company (the "TDH Subordinated Note") and
two senior secured promissory notes of the Company aggregating $2,000,000 (the
"TDH Senior Notes" and, together with the TDH Subordinated Note, the "TDH
Notes"), with all of the TDH Notes representing indebtedness of the Company in
the aggregate principal amount of $4,000,000, and certain warrants to purchase
Capital Stock of the Company;

     WHEREAS, the Company is a party to certain Lawsuits (as defined herein) the
potential proceeds of which shall be allocated according to the terms and
subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

     WHEREAS, pursuant to a reorganization of the Company the terms and
conditions of which are hereinafter set forth, (i) TDH will forgive the
indebtedness, including accrued interest thereon, which is owed to it by the
Company, (ii) the Selling Stockholders will have a portion of the shares of
Capital Stock of the Company held by them redeemed by the Company, (iii) all
warrants, options and direct or indirect rights to acquire Capital Stock of the
Company (including the Warrants) will be cancelled, (iv) ACGL will acquire 100%
of the then outstanding shares of Capital Stock of the Company and (v)
immediately after the foregoing steps, ACGL will contribute the ACGL Notes to
the Company as a contribution to capital of the Company;

     WHEREAS, the Selling Stockholders own all of the outstanding shares of
Capital Stock of the Company in the individual amounts set forth on Exhibit A
hereto, and

<PAGE>
                                       -2-

desire (i) to sell the number of shares of Capital Stock of the Company set
forth under the heading "Shares to Be Purchased" on such exhibit to ACGL and
(ii) to have the number of shares of Capital Stock of the Company set forth
under the heading "Shares to Be Redeemed" on such exhibit redeemed by the
Company, on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

     WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each party
hereto desires to consummate the transactions described in this Agreement.

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

     1. Definitions.

     For purposes of this Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto, the
following terms shall have the meaning specified or referred to below unless the
context requires otherwise:

     "ACGL" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.

     "ACGL Losses" has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a).

     "ACGL Notes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

     "ACGL Senior Note" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

     "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person (the "Subject Person"), (i)
any other Person (a "Controlling Person") that directly, or indirectly through
one or more intermediaries, Controls the Subject Person or (ii) any other Person
that is Controlled by or is under common Control with a Controlling Person;
provided, however, that (x) ACGL and its Affiliates shall not be deemed
Affiliates of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (y) each of the
Company's other shareholders and its Affiliates shall be deemed Affiliates of
the Company and its Subsidiaries (it being understood that, in the case of an
individual shareholder, such shareholder's parent, spouse, issue, estate of such
shareholder or parent, spouse or issue or trust for the benefit of such
shareholder or parent, spouse or issue shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of
such shareholder).

     "Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.13.

     "AIIC" means American Independent Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania
corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company.

     "Audited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
6.15(a).

<PAGE>
                                       -3-

     "Benefit Arrangement" means at any time an employee benefit plan within the
meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA which is not a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan and
which is maintained or otherwise contributed to by any member of the ERISA
Group.

     "Breach" means, with respect to a representation, warranty, covenant,
obligation or other provision of this Agreement, if there is, or has been, any
inaccuracy in any such representation or warranty at the time it was made, or
any failure to perform or comply with any such covenant, obligation or other
provisions.

     "Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which (i) commercial banks in the City of New York are authorized or required by
law to close or (ii) the New York Stock Exchange is not open for trading.

     "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
partnership interests or equivalents (however designated and whether voting or
non-voting) of such Person's capital stock, whether outstanding on the date
hereof or hereafter issued.

     "Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 15(c)(i).

     "Class A Warrant Certificate" means a warrant certificate, substantially in
the form of Exhibit B-1 to the SPA 1999 or Exhibits B-1 or B-2 to the SPA 1997.

     "Class A Warrants" means warrants to purchase Common Stock evidenced by one
or more Class A Warrant Certificates.

     "Class B Warrant Certificate" means a warrant certificate, substantially in
the form of Exhibit B-2 to the SPA 1999 or Exhibit B-3 to the SPA 1997.

     "Class B Warrants" means warrants to purchase Common Stock evidenced by one
or more Class B Warrant Certificates.

     "Class C Warrant Certificate" means a warrant certificate, substantially in
the form of Exhibit B-1 to the SPA 2000.

     "Class C Warrants" means warrants to purchase Common Stock evidenced by one
or more Class C Warrant Certificates.

     "Class D Warrant Certificate" means a warrant certificate, substantially in
the form of Exhibit B-2 to the SPA 2000.

     "Class D Warrants" means warrants to purchase Common Stock evidenced by one
or more Class D Warrant Certificates.

     "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.

<PAGE>
                                       -4-

     "Closing Time" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.

     "COBRA" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(j).

     "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

     "Company" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.

     "Company Counsel" means Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP or other counsel for
the Company and its Subsidiaries satisfactory to ACGL.

     "Control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "Controlling,"
"Controlled by" and "under common Control with"), as used with respect to any
Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities or interests, by contract or
otherwise.

     "Debt" of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i) all
obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments issued
by such Person, (iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred
purchase price of property or services, except trade accounts payable arising in
the ordinary course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person under any
Financing Lease, (v) all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of
letters of credit or other similar instruments, (vi) Disqualified Capital Stock
of such Person, (vii) Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary of such Person, (viii)
all Debt of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not
such Debt is otherwise an obligation of such Person, and (ix) all Debt of others
Guaranteed by such Person.

     "Default" means any event or condition which constitutes an event of
default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured within the stated time period or waived, become an event of
default.

     "Disqualified Capital Stock" means that portion of any Capital Stock which,
by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or
for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the
happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a
sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the sole option of the
holder thereof, or requires the payment of any dividends.

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

     "ERISA Group" means the Company and its Subsidiaries and all members of a
controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control which, together with the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the
Internal Revenue Code.

<PAGE>
                                       -5-

     "Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.15(b).

     "Financing Lease" means any lease of property, real or personal, the
obligations of the lessee in respect of which are required in accordance with
GAAP to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee.

     "Fully Diluted Basis" means after giving effect to the exercise of all
outstanding options, warrants and other rights to purchase Capital Stock of the
Company and the conversion or exchange of all securities convertible or
exchangeable into Capital Stock of the Company (whether or not then exercisable,
exchangeable or convertible and whether or not "in the money"), including all
Warrants issuable hereunder.

     "GAAP" means, at any particular time, United States generally accepted
accounting principles at such time.

     "Gitterman Letter" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b).

     "Governmental Entity" means any court, arbitral tribunal, administrative
agency or commission or other governmental or other regulatory authority or
agency, including any insurance regulatory authority or agency.

     "Guarantee" by any Person means (a) any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing (whether by virtue
of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keepwell, to purchase assets,
goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain a minimum net
worth, financial ratio or similar requirements, or otherwise) any Debt of any
other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i) to
purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such
Debt or (ii) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the
holder of such Debt of the payment thereof or to protect such holder against
loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part). The term "Guarantee" used as a
verb has a corresponding meaning.

     "HSR Act" has the meaning set forth in Section 17.10.

     "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a).

     "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a).

     "Insurance Acts" means all applicable insurance laws and the applicable
rules and regulations thereunder.

     "Insurance Department" means the Department of Insurance of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

<PAGE>
                                       -6-

     "Insurance License" means a Permit from the Insurance Department or any
other department of insurance of any other jurisdiction.

     "Insurance Subsidiaries" means (i) American Independent Insurance Company
and (ii) each other Subsidiary of the Company engaged in an insurance business.

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

     "Investment" means any investment in any Person, whether by means of share
purchase, capital contribution, loan, advance, time deposit or otherwise.

     "IRS" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(a).

     "Katz" means Arnold M. Katz and/or BCI Holdings, Inc. and any of its
affiliated and/or subsidiary corporations.

     "Lawsuit Gross Proceeds" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

     "Lawsuit Net Proceeds" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).

     "Lawsuits" shall mean the State Lawsuits together with the Lederman
Lawsuits and any other lawsuits or other actions which may arise out of or be in
relation to or in connection with such lawsuits, whether or not involving the
same claims or facts based on similar claims.

     "Lederman Lawsuits" means the Company's lawsuits against Charles M.
Lederman, et al. (captioned American Independent Insurance Company, et al. v.
Charles M. Lederman, et al., United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 97-4153) or any other lawsuits by or
on behalf of the Company against or involving Charles M. Lederman.

     "Lederman Surplus Notes" means the Surplus Note, principal amount
$1,080,000, issued by the Company to Charles Lederman, the Surplus Note,
principal amount $420,000, issued by the Company to Charles Lederman and the
Surplus Note, principal amount $129,032, issued by the Company to Charles
Lederman as identified on the disclosure schedules to this Agreement or any
other surplus notes issued by the Company to Charles Lederman.

     "Lien" means any lien, mechanic's lien, materialmen's lien, lease,
easement, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, conditional sale agreement, title
retention agreement, voting trust agreement, assignment by way of security,
restriction on voting or transfer, agreement to sell or convey, option, claim,
title imperfection, encroachment or other survey defect, pledge, restriction,
security interest or adverse claim of any kind, whether arising by contract or
under law or otherwise (including any Financing Lease having substantially the
same economic ef-

<PAGE>
                                       -7-

fect as any of the foregoing, and the filing of any financing statement under
the UCC or comparable law of any jurisdiction in respect of any of the
foregoing).

     "Losses" has the meaning set forth in Section 15(a).

     "Material Adverse Effect" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(b).

     "Multiemployer Plan" means at any time a multiemployer plan within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of the ERISA Group is
then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the
preceding five plan years made contributions, including for these purposes any
Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during such five year
period.

     "NAIC" means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

     "NOLCs" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(b).

     "Notifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 15(c)(i).

     "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate executed on behalf of the
Company by the Chief Executive Officer or President and by its Chief Financial
Officer, its Treasurer or any other officer acceptable to ACGL; provided,
however, that the Officers' Certificate with respect to the compliance with a
condition precedent to the Closing Date shall include (i) a statement that the
signers have read such condition and any definitions or other provisions
contained in this Agreement relating thereto, (ii) a statement that in the
opinion of the signers, they have made or have caused to be made such
examination or investigation as is necessary to enable them to express an
informed opinion as to whether or not such condition has been complied with and
(iii) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of the signers, such condition
has been complied with.

     "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

     "Permits" means all domestic and foreign licenses, permits, consents,
franchises, orders, authorizations, clearances, certificates, and approvals,
including from Governmental Entities.

     "Person" means an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust,
incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company,
government (or any agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of
any kind.

     "Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the
minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and
either (i) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA Group
for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (ii) has at any time within
the preceding five years been maintained, or con-

<PAGE>
                                       -8-

tributed to, by any Person which was at the time a member of such ERISA Group
for employees of any Person which was at the time a member of the ERISA Group.

     "Prime Bank Warrant" means the common stock purchase warrant issued to
Prime Bank pursuant to the Warrant Agreement between the Company and Prime Bank
dated as of February 24, 1999.

     "Post-Closing Tax Attributes" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

     "Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

     "Purchased Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

     "Redeemed Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2A.1.

     "Reinsurance Arrangements" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.19(e).

     "Related Person" means any director, officer or employee of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries who is also an equity or debt holder of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries.

     "Returns" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(a).

     "Selling Stockholder" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this
Agreement.

     "Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2A.1.

     "SPA 1997" means the Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated
as of December 31, 1996 and executed on February 20, 1997 among the Company,
TDHIII and the other parties thereto and the Securities Purchase Agreement dated
as of December 31, 1996 among the Company, Risk Capital Reinsurance Company and
the other parties thereto.

     "SPA 1999" means the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of February 24,
1999 by and among the Company, Risk Capital Reinsurance Company, TDH and the
other parties thereto.

     "SPA 2000" means the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of March 6,
2000 by and among the Company, Risk Capital Holdings, Inc. (the predecessor of
ACGL) and the other parties thereto.

     "State Lawsuits" shall mean: (i) the Company's lawsuit against Coopers &
Lybrand (captioned American Independent Insurance Company, et al. v. Coopers &
Lybrand, Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, June Term, 1988, No. 880),
and (ii) the Com-

<PAGE>
                                       -9-

pany's lawsuit against Dilworth, Paxson, Kalish & Kaufman (captioned American
Independent Insurance Company v. Dilworth, Paxson, Kalish & Kaufman, Court of
Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, June Term, 1998).

     "Statutory Accounting Principles" means generally accepted statutory
accounting principles for property and casualty insurance companies domiciled in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

     "Straddle Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 16(b).

     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation or
other entity of which more than 50% of the Capital Stock or other ownership
interests having ordinary voting power to elect more than 50% of the board of
directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly
or indirectly owned by such Person and (ii) any partnership, association, joint
venture or other entity in which such Person, directly or indirectly through
Subsidiaries, has a greater than 50% equity interest.

     "Taxes" means (i) any and all federal, state, provincial, local and foreign
income, profits, estimated, alternative minimum, franchise, sales, value added,
use, employment, payroll, occupation, real property, personal property, excise,
gross receipts, license, customs, duties, capital stock, windfall profit,
withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability,
registration, and other taxes, assessments, imposts, fees, charges or duties of
any kind whatsoever, (ii) any interest, additions to tax and penalties with
respect to any item described in clause (i) hereof and (iii) any transferee,
successor, joint and several or contractual liability (including liability as an
indemnitor, guarantor, surety or in a similar capacity, or liability pursuant to
U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any comparable state, local or
foreign provision)) in respect of any item described in clause (i) or (ii)
hereof.

     "TDH" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this Agreement. For
clarity, TDH is not a Selling Stockholder.

     "TDH III" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.

     "TDHCP" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this Agreement.

     "TDH Notes" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this
Agreement.

     "TDH Senior Notes" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to this
Agreement.

     "TDH Subordinated Notes" has the meaning set forth in the introduction to
this Agreement.

<PAGE>
                                      -10-

     "Threatened" means, with respect to any Person, that such Person has
received any written demand, statement or other notice with respect to a
proceeding, claim, dispute or other matter.

     "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any applicable
jurisdiction.

     "Unaudited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
6.15(b).

     "Unfunded Liabilities" means, with respect to any Plan of the ERISA Group
at any time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all benefits
under such Plan exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable
to such benefits (excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all
determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan using the
actuarial assumptions used for purposes of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue
Code.

     "Warrant Shares" means the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the Class A Warrants, Class B Warrants, Class C Warrants and Class D Warrants.

     "Warrants" means the Class A Warrants, Class B Warrants, Class C Warrants
and the Class D Warrants.

     "Wilstein Group" means David Wilstein, Leonard Wilstein, Denise Wilstein,
Gary Wilstein and Ronald Wilstein, considered together.

     2. Purchase and Sale of Common Stock.

          2.1 Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, ACGL agrees to pay and deliver to the Selling Stockholders, in the
respective amounts set forth opposite each Selling Stockholder's name under the
heading "Purchase Price Allocation" on Exhibit A attached hereto, on the Closing
Date, the purchase price (the "Purchase Price") in the aggregate amount of
$1,250,000, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account
designated by each Selling Stockholder in writing at least two (2) Business Days
prior to the Closing Date, and each of the Selling Stockholders agrees to sell
and deliver to ACGL, on the Closing Date, the number of shares of Common Stock
set forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name under the heading "Shares to
Be Purchased" on Exhibit A attached hereto (in the aggregate, the "Purchased
Shares").

     2A. Redemption of Common Stock.

          2A.1 Redemption. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, each of the Selling Stockholders agrees to deliver to the Company for
redemption, certificates representing the number of shares of Common Stock set
forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name under the heading "Shares to Be
Redeemed" on Exhibit A attached hereto (in the aggregate, the "Redeemed Shares"
and together with the Purchased Shares, the "Shares"),

<PAGE>
                                      -11-

on the Closing Date, in exchange for the right to receive a distribution with
respect to any proceeds received as a result of the final adjudication or
settlement of the Lawsuits, but in only in the amounts as provided under Section
4 and as set forth on Exhibit F attached hereto.

     3. Cancellation of Indebtedness; Warrants; Options; Contribution to Capital
of ACGL Notes.

          3.1 TDH Notes. TDH and the Company hereby agree that effective on the
Closing Date, the Company's obligations in the aggregate principal amount of
$4.0 million owing to TDH pursuant to the TDH Notes will be deemed to be
satisfied in full and all obligations under such promissory notes will
terminate. In consideration for such cancellation, TDH shall receive its
allocation of the Lawsuit Net Proceeds as provided under Section 4 hereof and as
set forth on Exhibit F attached hereto. On the Closing Date, TDH agrees to
return to the Company promptly the originally executed TDH Notes evidencing the
obligations thereunder marked "Cancelled."

          3.2 Warrants, Options, Etc. The Company and each other party to this
Agreement will take (on its or his own behalf) all necessary actions so that
effective at or prior to the Closing Time (a) any and all securities of the
Company directly or indirectly exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible
into Capital Stock of the Company (including all warrants and stock options
listed on Exhibit B attached hereto) will be permanently cancelled and retired
and (b) the Company's stock option plan and all stockholders or other agreements
relating directly or indirectly to the Capital Stock of the Company, including ,
without limitation, the Amended and Restated Stock Restriction Agreement dated
as of March 6, 2000 and the Amended and Restated Restated Registration Rights
Agreement dated as of March 6, 2000, will be terminated in their entirety and
have no further force and effect whatsoever.

          3.3 Contribution to Capital of ACGL Notes. ACGL and the Company hereby
agree that immediately after the Closing Time, ACGL will contribute to the
capital of the Company the Company's obligations in the aggregate principal
amount of $8.5 million owing to ACGL pursuant to the Promissory Note dated March
6, 2000 and the Promissory Note dated February 24, 1999 (the "ACGL Senior Note"
and together with the March 6, 2000 note, the "ACGL Notes").

          3.4 Escrow Interest. At the closing, (i) the Company and TDH shall
direct the collateral account agent in respect of the TDH Senior Notes to pay
the principal balance of $2,000,000 in such collateral account to the Company
and accrued interest and dividends to the Closing Date to TDH and (ii) the
Company and ACGL shall direct the collateral account agent in respect of the
ACGL Notes to pay the aggregate principal balance of $8,500,000 in such
collateral accounts to the Company and accrued interest to the Closing Date to
ACGL.

     4. Lawsuit Proceeds.

<PAGE>
                                      -12-

          4.1 Allocation of Lawsuit Proceeds. If any Person directly or
indirectly collects any money or property pursuant to the Lawsuits (the "Lawsuit
Gross Proceeds"), such Lawsuit Gross Proceeds shall immediately be paid over to
the Company (and not to Lewis Small or any other Person) and the Company shall
pay out the Lawsuit Gross Proceeds (net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be
imposed on the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds), in
the following order of priority, to:

          (a) FIRST, the Company to cover any and all unpaid fees and expenses
     incurred in connection with the Lawsuits, including any payments made under
     contingency fee arrangements agreed upon with legal counsel prior to the
     Closing Date (which payments shall also include any payments made in
     settlement of claims arising under or concerning the matters covered by
     such contingency fee arrangements) and any expenses paid by the Company
     pursuant to clause (iv) of Section 9.10 hereof;

          (b) SECOND, in the event that the Company receives Lawsuit Gross
     Proceeds in excess of the amounts allocated to Persons pursuant to clause
     (a) above, Frederick Gitterman pursuant to the letter agreement between the
     Company and Frederick Gitterman dated as of February 6, 1996 (the
     "Gitterman Letter");

          (c) THIRD, in the event that (i) the Company receives aggregate
     Lawsuit Gross Proceeds in excess of $4.0 million, 9.375% of the amount by
     which such Lawsuit Gross Proceeds exceed $4.0 million up to an aggregate
     amount of $10.0 million to the Selling Stockholders in the percentages set
     forth on Exhibit A, payable within thirty calendar days after the Lawsuit
     Gross Proceeds are received by the Company (subject to the last sentence of
     this Section 4.1(c)); (ii) in addition to the payment in clause (i) above,
     there is a final adjudication of any of the Lawsuits yielding aggregate
     Lawsuit Gross Proceeds in excess of $10.0 million, $187,500 to the Selling
     Stockholders in the percentages set forth on Exhibit A, payable after the
     Lawsuit Gross Proceeds are received by the Company; and (iii) in addition
     to the payments in clauses (i) and (ii) above, there is a final
     adjudication by Judge Rutter of any of the Lawsuits yielding aggregate
     Lawsuit Gross Proceeds in excess of $11.0 million, an additional $62,500 to
     the Selling Stockholders in the percentages set forth on Exhibit A, payable
     after the Lawsuit Gross Proceeds are received by the Company. All payments
     due under this Section 4.1(c) are due within thirty calendar days after the
     Lawsuit Gross Proceeds are received by the Company, unless there is a
     reasonable third-party demand against such Lawsuit Gross Proceeds. Failure
     to pay within thirty calendar days in the absence of a reasonable
     third-party demand will result in interest at a rate of twelve percent; and

          (d) FOURTH, in the event that the Company receives Lawsuit Gross
     Proceeds in excess of the amounts allocated to Persons pursuant to clauses
     (a) - (c) above ("Lawsuit Net Proceeds"), but subject to Sections 4.2(d)
     and 4.2(e) below, to the parties and in the amounts set forth on Exhibit F
     hereto, with amounts to the Selling Stockholders to be paid in the
     percentages set forth on Exhibit A.

<PAGE>
                                      -13-

          The amount of Taxes imposed or to be imposed on the Company or any
Subsidiary in connection with the Lawsuit Gross Proceeds (as noted above) shall
be determined on an incremental basis (i.e. by determining the excess of (i) the
expected Tax liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries taking the actual
Gross Lawsuit Proceeds into account over (ii) the hypothetical expected Tax
liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries if the amount of the Gross Lawsuit
Proceeds were zero). In making the computations described in the preceding
sentence, no net operating losses or other Tax attributes of the Company or any
Subsidiary that arise in a taxable period, beginning on or after the Closing
Date (the "Post-Closing Tax Attributes") shall be taken into account (i.e., the
foregoing tax computations shall be made as if any Post-Closing Tax Attributes
did not exist). The portion of any net operating losses or other Tax attributes
that arise in a Straddle Period that will be considered Post-Closing Tax
Attributes for purposes of the preceding sentence shall be determined in a
manner consistent with the methodology selected by ACGL for applying Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code to such Straddle Period (i.e. either a pro-rata
allocation or a closing of the books).

          Any payments made under this Section 4 to TDH shall be made to the
account(s) of TDHCP or TDH III as designated in writing to the Company by the
representative of TDH (who is initially designated as James Buck). In addition,
any payments made under this Section 4 to the Selling Stockholders shall be
deemed to constitute a redemption of the shares as so specified under Section 2A
of this Agreement and shall be treated consistently therewith for all Tax
purposes.

          A hypothetical example of the allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds and
Lawsuit Net Proceeds is set forth as Exhibit E attached hereto. Such example is
based on the hypothetical assumptions set forth therein and should in no way be
construed as indicative of any level of recovery or expenses that may actually
occur in connection with the Lawsuits.

          4.2 Certain Matters Related to the Lawsuits. (a) Each Selling
Stockholder (other than the Wilstein Group and Katz), TDH (to its knowledge) and
the Company severally represents to ACGL that no Person other than the Persons
enumerated on Schedule 4.2(a) as having a contingent right to receive any
Lawsuit Gross Proceeds has any claim or right whatsoever to any such Lawsuit
Gross Proceeds.

          (b) Each Selling Stockholder (other than the Wilstein Group and Katz),
TDH or the Company, as the case may be, has delivered to ACGL on or before the
date hereof all written agreements (and written summaries of any oral
agreements) known to them that relates in any way to any expenses of the
Lawsuits or any right, claim or entitlement of any person to any Lawsuit Gross
Proceeds, and all of such agreements and written summaries are listed on
Schedule 4.2(b). True, complete, accurate and fully executed copies of each of
the agreements listed on Schedule 4.2(b) (including, without limitation, the
Gitterman Letter) have been delivered to ACGL.

<PAGE>
                                      -14-

          (c) The Company hereby agrees not to, and after the Closing Time ACGL
agrees not to cause the Company to, prepay any of the Lederman Surplus Notes
unless compelled to do so by law, regulation or legal process.

          (d) In the event that Lawsuit Gross Proceeds are distributed pursuant
to Section 4.1 above and either any order issued pursuant to the final
adjudication of the Lawsuits or any settlement agreement executed pursuant to
settlement of the Lawsuits provides for the release of the Company from its
obligations under the Lederman Surplus Notes, the aggregate face amount of the
Lederman Surplus Notes shall not be included as Lawsuit Gross Proceeds.

          (e) In the event of a final adjudication of the Lederman Lawsuits or
any settlement agreement executed pursuant to settlement of the Lederman
Lawsuits, proceeds from such Lederman Lawsuits shall be used to first repay the
Lederman Surplus Notes, if not previously released as part of any settlement or
final adjudication of the Lederman Lawsuits. . In the event that the aggregate
principal amounts and any interest or other amounts owing under the Lederman
Surplus Notes exceed the aggregate amount of proceeds collected under such final
adjudication or settlement or there is either an adverse judgment or no judgment
with respect to the Lederman Lawsuits, then the Selling Stockholders (other than
Katz and the Wilstein Group) shall indemnify ACGL as provided under Section
15(a) of this Agreement.

          (f) Each Selling Stockholder (other than Katz and the Wilstein Group)
hereby represents that the State Lawsuits are in binding arbitration and that
the minimum gross proceeds to the Company for the State Lawsuits shall be
$3,000,000 as provided in the fully executed copy of the letter agreement on
Schedule 4.2(f).

     5. Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
closing hereunder shall take place in New York City at the offices of Cahill
Gordon & Reindel, on the second Business Day after each of the conditions set
forth in Sections 10, 11, and 12 shall have been satisfied or waived, or at such
other time and place as shall be mutually agreed upon by ACGL, TDH, the Company
and the Selling Stockholders (the "Closing Date").

          Upon satisfaction or waiver of all such conditions:

          (a) TDH shall deliver to the Company the originally executed
     promissory notes representing the TDH Notes;

          (b) TDH shall deliver to the Company the certificates representing the
     Warants held by it;

          (c) the Selling Stockholders shall deliver to the Company the
     certificates representing the Redeemed Shares along with any executed stock
     powers deemed necessary by the parties hereto in order to effectuate the
     redemption of the Redeemed Shares;

<PAGE>
                                      -15-

          (d) the Selling Stockholders shall deliver to ACGL the certificates
     representing the Purchased Shares, unless previously delivered to ACGL,
     along with any executed stock powers deemed necessary by the parties hereto
     in order to effectuate the transfer of the Purchased Shares;

          (e) ACGL shall deliver to the Selling Stockholders the Purchase Price
     by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account(s) specified
     by the Selling Stockholders. At any time prior to the Closing Date ACGL may
     change the order of the foregoing steps.

          Upon occurrence of the events described in clauses (a) - (e) above,
the closing hereunder will be deemed accomplished (the "Closing Time").

          Immediately after the Closing Time, ACGL shall deliver to the Company
the originally executed promissory notes representing the ACGL Notes for
cancellation as a capital contribution to the Company.

     6. Representations and Warranties of the Selling Stockholders. The Selling
Stockholders (other than Katz and the Wilstein Group) represent and warrant,
jointly and severally, to ACGL as follows in Sections 6.1 to 6.21 (inclusive).
Each Selling Stockholder represents and warrants, as to itself only, to ACGL as
set forth in Section 6.22.

          6.1 Corporate Existence and Power. (a) Except as specifically set
forth on Schedule 6.1, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is a corporation
or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and has all organizational power and
authority and all Permits required to own, lease or operate its respective
properties and carry on its respective business as now conducted and as proposed
to be conducted.

          (b) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to
transact business as a foreign corporation or partnership and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its
ownership, leasing or operation of property requires such qualification, other
than any failure to be so qualified or in good standing as would not, singly or
in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the assets, liabilities,
business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects
or Permits of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a "Material Adverse
Effect").

          6.2. Authorization, Execution, Enforceability. The Company and each of
its Subsidiaries has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver,
and to perform its obligations under, this Agreement. Subject to receipt of
regulatory approval from the Insurance Department, the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has taken all action required by law, organizational documents or
otherwise required to be taken by it to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance by it of this Agreement. Subject to receipt of regulatory approval
from the Insurance Department, this Agreement is, or upon execution and delivery
will be, a valid and binding obligation of the Company and each of the
Subsidiaries (to the extent

<PAGE>
                                      -16-

each is a party thereto), enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
True and complete copies of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or
partnership agreement, as the case may be, of the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries have been provided by the Company to ACGL.

          6.3. Capitalization of the Company. (a) The authorized Capital Stock
of the Company consists of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which 7,441
shares are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, and 5,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, of which no shares are outstanding. Exhibit A sets forth a
true, complete and accurate statement of all issued and outstanding shares of
Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized,
are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in
compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws. As of September
30, 2000, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable to directors and
employees under the Company's stock option plan was 992.22.

          (b) Except as specifically set forth on Schedule 6.3(c) and 6.3(d),
there are no (i) securities or obligations of the Company convertible into or
exchangeable for any Capital Stock of the Company, (ii) warrants, options or
other rights to purchase or acquire from the Company any such Capital Stock or
any such convertible or exchangeable securities or obligations or (iii)
obligations of the Company to issue such Capital Stock, any such convertible or
exchangeable securities or obligations or any such warrants, rights or options.
Except as specifically set forth on Schedule 6.3(b), no Person has any
preemptive or similar rights with respect to any Capital Stock of the Company or
any rights to require registration of any securities of the Company.

          (c) Schedule 6.3(c) sets forth a complete list of all of the
outstanding Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date
hereof, together with the names of the holders thereof, the principal amount,
interest rate, issue date, stated maturity date and any other material terms.
Schedule 6.3(c) also sets forth an accurate description of all Debt of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries that was repaid since September 30, 1998.
Upon cancellation of the ACGL Notes and the TDH Notes, the Company will have no
outstanding Debt.

          (d) Schedule 6.3(d) set forth a complete list of all of the
shareholders of the Company as of the date hereof, together with the names of
such shareholders and the number of shares (and the percentage ownership
represented by such number of shares) of Common Stock owned by each such
shareholder on a Fully Diluted Basis.

          (e) Schedule 6.3(e) sets forth the capitalization of the Company at
the date hereof after giving pro forma effect to the transactions contemplated
hereby.

          6.4 Subsidiaries; Other Interests. (a) Schedule 6.4 sets forth a true,
complete and correct list of each Subsidiary of the Company. Each such
Subsidiary is wholly owned by the Company. Schedule 6.4 sets forth the state(s)
in which the Company's Subsidiaries are domiciled (both by incorporation and as
a "commercial domiciliary" under applicable

<PAGE>
                                      -17-

law) and the states in which they are licensed to conduct an insurance business,
which are the only jurisdictions in which the Company's Subsidiaries are
required to be so licensed. All of the outstanding Capital Stock of the
Company's Subsidiaries has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully
paid and nonassessable and owned by the Company, directly, free and clear of all
Liens (other than (x) such transfer restrictions as may exist under federal and
state securities laws and (y) in favor of any agent for the benefit of the ACGL
Notes and the TDH Notes, which Liens shall terminate and be of no further force
and effect upon cancellation of the ACGL Notes and TDH Notes), and there are no
warrants, options or other rights granted to or in favor of any third party
(whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity) other than the
Company to acquire any such Capital Stock, any additional Capital Stock or any
other securities of the Company's Subsidiaries.

          (b) Except for interests in the Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, holds, or has any contractual
or other commitment to make, any Investment in any Person, except for
Investments made by AIIC in the ordinary course of its business and in
accordance with the Company's investment policy in effect on the date hereof.

          6.5 No Contravention, Conflict, Breach, Etc. The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein will not (i) conflict with, or result in a breach or
violation of, any provision of the charter, by-laws or other organizational
documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) upon receipt of
regulatory approval from the Insurance Department, result in risk of loss of, or
limitation on, any Insurance License or other Permits held by the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries, or the right of the Company or of any of its Subsidiaries
to conduct business in any jurisdiction as currently conducted, or (iii)
conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and
provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any Lien upon any assets or properties of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries under, any statute, rule, regulation, order or decree of any
Governmental Entity or any of its properties, assets or operations, or any
agreement or instrument evidencing Debt or any lease, Permit or other agreement
or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of their
respective properties, assets or operations are subject.

          6.6 Consents. Except for filings under the HSR Act and regulatory
approval from the Insurance Department (which approval is required to be
obtained pursuant to Sections 10.7 and 11.3) and as specifically set forth on
Schedule 6.6, no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration, filing
or qualification of or with any (i) Governmental Entity or (ii) other third
party (whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity) is
necessary for the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this
Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated
hereby.

          6.7 No Existing Violation, Default, Etc. (a) Except as specifically
set forth on Schedule 6.7, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
violation of (i) its

<PAGE>
                                      -18-

charter, by-laws or other organizational documents, (ii)
any applicable law, ordinance, administrative or governmental rule or regulation
or (iii) any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental agency or
body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

          (b) No event of default or event that, but for the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or both, would constitute an event of default exists under any
indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note or other agreement or instrument for
borrowed money, any guarantee of any agreement or instrument for borrowed money
or any lease, permit, license or other agreement or instrument to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is party or by which the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of their respective properties, assets
or operations are subject.

          6.8 Licenses and Permits. Except as specifically set forth on Schedule
6.8, the Company and its Subsidiaries have such Permits from appropriate
Governmental Authorities (including Insurance Licenses) as are necessary to own,
lease or operate their properties as currently owned, leased or operated and to
conduct their businesses as currently conducted and all such Permits are valid
and in full force and effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance
in all respects with their respective obligations under such Permits, with such
exceptions as would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect. No event has occurred that allows, or after notice or lapse of time
would allow, revocation or termination of such Permits and no insurance
regulatory agency or body has issued any order or decree impairing, restricting
or prohibiting the payment of dividends by any of them to their respective
parent companies or shareholders.

          6.9 Title to Properties. The Company and its Subsidiaries each have
sufficient title to all properties (real and personal) owned by the Company and
its Subsidiaries or reflected in their financial statements which are necessary
for the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently
conducted, free and clear of any Lien that may interfere with the conduct of the
business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and to the best
of the Selling Stockholders' knowledge, all properties held under lease by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries are held under valid, subsisting and
enforceable leases.

          6.10 Taxes. (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.10, (i) all returns,
reports, declarations, statements and other documents required to be filed on
behalf of Taxes ("Returns") on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries have
been duly filed on a timely basis with the appropriate governmental agencies in
all jurisdictions in which such Returns are required to be filed; (ii) all such
Returns were correct and complete in all material respects; (iii) all Taxes
shown on such Returns as being due have been fully and timely paid; (iv) all
Taxes attributable to any taxable period (or portion thereof) of the Company and
its Subsidiaries ending on or prior to the Closing Date have been timely paid
or, if not yet due and payable, have been specifically and fully accrued on the
Closing Balance Sheet; (v) no issues have been raised (and are currently
pending) by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or

<PAGE>
                                      -19-

any other taxing authority in writing in connection with any of the Returns
referred to in the foregoing clauses and no examination of such Returns is
currently in progress nor, to the knowledge of the Company and its Subsidiaries
or the Selling Stockholders, threatened, and no deficiencies have been asserted
or assessed against the Company and its Subsidiaries by any taxing authority and
no such deficiency has been proposed or threatened; (vi) no waivers of statutes
of limitation with respect to such Returns have been given by or requested from
the Company and its Subsidiaries or the Selling Stockholders; and (vii) there
are no liens for Taxes (other than for property Taxes not yet due and payable)
on the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' assets. The charges, accruals and
reserves on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of taxes or
other governmental charges have been established in accordance with GAAP (or, in
the case of the Insurance Subsidiaries, in accordance with Statutory Accounting
Principles).

          (b) As of the Closing Date, the Company and its Subsidiaries will have
net operating loss carry-forwards ("NOLCs") of not less than $9 million in the
aggregate.

          6.11 Litigation. Except as specifically set forth on Schedule 6.11,
there are no pending or threatened actions, suits, proceedings, arbitrations or
investigations against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their respective properties, assets or operations or with respect to
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is responsible by way of indemnity
or otherwise, that question the validity of this Agreement or otherwise
adversely affect any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or that would,
singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect or would have an
adverse effect on the ability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
perform its obligations under this Agreement; and no Selling Stockholder is
aware of any basis for any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation.

          6.12 Labor Matters. No labor disturbance by the employees of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or is threatened. Neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to any collective bargaining or other union
contract. No Selling Stockholder is aware of the existence of any effort to
unionize employees of either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

          6.13 Contracts. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor
any other party is in breach of or default under any contract to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries are parties or bound. Except as listed on
Schedule 6.13,

          (a) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to any
     (written or oral) stockholder agreement, employment agreement, advisors'
     agreement, consulting agreement or any similar agreement;

          (b) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or
     bound by (i) any agreement or arrangement relating to Debt (it being
     understood that if any such agreement or arrangement exists, Schedule 6.13
     shall set forth the outstanding princi-

<PAGE>
                                      -20-

     pal amount, interest rate, maturity and all other material terms of such
     Debt); (ii) any agency, dealer, sales representative, marketing or other
     similar agreement; any reinsurance treaty or any facultative reinsurance
     contract (in each case applicable to insurance in force); (iii) any
     agreement containing "change in control" or similar provisions relating to
     change in control of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (iv) any
     powers of attorney, binding authorities or managing general agencies or
     other agents that have the power to bind on behalf of the Company or any of
     its Subsidiaries other than those made in the ordinary course of AIIC's
     business; (v) any third party collection agreements; or (vi) any agreements
     (other than insurance policies, leases or other similar agreements issued
     or made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
     its business) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
     obligated to indemnify any other Person; and

          (c) no agreement, contract or other document will require increased
     payments (in either amount or frequency) or changed terms as a result of
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          The Company has heretofore furnished to ACGL complete and correct
copies of the contracts, agreements and instruments listed on Schedule 6.13,
each as amended or modified to the date hereof (including any waivers with
respect thereto, the "Agreements").

          Schedule 6.13 further contains a list of all insureds the gross
written premiums of which (together with the gross written premiums derived from
any of its Affiliates) represented more than (or are expected to represent more
than) 2% of the Company's consolidated gross written premiums in any such fiscal
year.

          6.14 Finder's Fees. Except as expressly disclosed in Schedule 6.14, no
broker, finder or other party is entitled to receive from the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries any brokerage or finder's fee or any other fee, commission or
payment as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          6.15 Financial Statements. (a) The audited statutory financial
statements and related schedules and notes of the Insurance Subsidiary for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 (the "Audited Financial Statements")
fairly present the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and
changes in capital and surplus of the Insurance Subsidiary at December 31, 1998
and 1999 and for the years then ended and were prepared in accordance with
Statutory Accounting Principles as permitted or prescribed by the applicable
Insurance Acts. The Statements of Actuarial Opinion with respect to the Audited
Financial Statements were determined in accordance with generally accepted
actuarial standards and met the requirements of the insurance laws of
Pennsylvania.

          (b) The unaudited statutory financial statements and related schedules
and notes of the Insurance Subsidiary for periods commencing subsequent to
December 31, 1999 (the "Unaudited Financial Statements", and together with the
Audited Financial Statements,

<PAGE>
                                      -21-

the "Financial Statements") fairly present the financial condition, results of
the operations, cash flows and changes in capital and surplus of the Insurance
Subsidiary at the dates and for the periods presented and were prepared in
accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles prescribed or permitted by the
applicable Insurance Acts, subject to year-end audit adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring accruals) and full footnote disclosures which have been
omitted.

          (c) The unaudited consolidated and consolidating financial statements
and the related notes of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1998 and
1999 and the unaudited financial statements for periods commencing subsequent to
December 31, 1999 fairly present the financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries at the dates and for the
periods presented and were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis.

          (d) The Company has delivered to ACGL projected consolidated and
consolidating financial data which have been prepared by the Company in good
faith. The Selling Stockholders believe such projections and the assumptions
upon which they are based are reasonable.

          6.16 Employee Benefits. (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 6.16,
there are no Benefit Arrangements or stock bonus, stock option, restricted
stock, stock appreciation right, stock purchase, bonus, incentive, deferred
compensation, severance or vacation plans or employment or consulting agreements
covering employees maintained or contributed to by any member of the ERISA
Group.

          (b) The Company and its Subsidiaries, and each of the Benefit
Arrangements are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable
provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable laws in
connection with the Benefit Arrangements.

          (c) Any Benefit Arrangements intended to qualify under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code have been determined by the IRS to be so qualified and
no event has occurred and no condition exists with respect to the form or
operation of such Benefit Arrangements that would cause the loss of such
qualification or exemption or the imposition of any material liability, penalty
or tax under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code.

          (d) There are (i) no investigations pending by any governmental entity
(including the PBGC) involving the Benefit Arrangements, and (ii) no pending or
threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits), suits or proceedings
against any Benefit Arrangement, or against any fiduciary of any Benefit
Arrangement with respect to the operation of such plan or asserting any rights
or claims to benefits under such arrangement, nor, to the best of the Company's
knowledge, are there any facts that would give rise to any material liability.

<PAGE>
                                      -22-

          (e) None of the members of the ERISA Group, or any employee of the
foregoing, or any trustee, administrator, other fiduciary or any other "party in
interest" or "disqualified person" with respect to the Benefit Arrangements, has
engaged in a "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in Section 4975
of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 406 of ERISA) that could result in a
material tax or penalty on the Company or its Subsidiaries under Section 4975 of
the Internal Revenue Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA.

          (f) None of the members of the ERISA Group maintain or contribute to,
nor have they ever maintained or contributed to, any Plan.

          (g) No member of the ERISA Group has incurred, or is reasonably likely
to incur, liability under Title IV of ERISA.

          (h) No member of the ERISA Group has liability (including any
contingent liability under Section 4204 of ERISA) with respect to any
Multiemployer Plan.

          (i) With respect to each of the Benefit Arrangements, true, correct
and complete copies of the following documents have been made available to ACGL:
(i) the plan document and any related trust agreement, including amendments
thereto, (ii) any current summary plan descriptions and other material
communications to participants relating to the Benefit Arrangements, (iii) the
most recent Forms 5500, if applicable, and (iv) the most recent IRS
determination letter, if applicable.

          (j) None of the Benefit Arrangements maintained by any member of the
ERISA Group provide for continuing benefits or coverage for any participant or
any beneficiary of a participant following termination of employment, except as
may be required under Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code and Part 6 of
Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA ("COBRA"), or except at the expense of the
participant or the participant's beneficiary. All members of the ERISA Group
which maintain a "group health plan" within the meaning of Section 5000(b)(1) of
the Internal Revenue Code have complied in all material respects with the
"COBRA" notice and continuation requirements.

          (k) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not result in an increase in the amount of compensation or
benefits or accelerate the vesting or timing of payment of any benefits or
compensation payable to or in respect of any employee of the Company or its
Subsidiaries.

          (l) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not result in or satisfy a condition to the payment of
compensation that would, in combination with any other payment, result in an
"excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code.

<PAGE>
                                      -23-

          (m) The Company and its Subsidiaries do not maintain or contribute to
any plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement with respect to employees
(or former employees) employed outside the United States.

          6.17 Contingent Liabilities. Except as specifically set forth on
Schedule 6.17 and except as fully reserved against in the Financial Statements,
the Company and its Subsidiaries have no liabilities (including tax
liabilities), absolute or contingent. Except as specifically set forth on
Schedule 6.17, since December 31, 1999, the Company and its Subsidiaries have
not incurred any such liabilities other than with respect to claims under
insurance policies written by the Insurance Subsidiaries and reported in the
ordinary course of business. The frequency and severity of such claims within
the individual lines of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries since
December 31, 1999, are consistent with those reported for comparable periods
prior to January 1, 2000.

          6.18 No Material Change. Since December 31, 1999, except as
specifically set forth on Schedule 6.18, (i) neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has relinquished or incurred any liability or obligation (indirect,
direct or contingent), or entered into any oral or written agreement or other
transaction, that is not in the ordinary course of business; (ii) neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has sustained any loss or interference with
its respective businesses or properties from fire, flood, windstorm, accident or
other calamity (whether or not covered by insurance); (iii) there has been no
change in the Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, no change in the
Capital Stock of the Company (except as contemplated hereby), and no dividend or
distribution of any kind (including stock dividends, recapitalizations or other
transactions) declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its Capital
Stock; (iv) the Company has not permitted or allowed any of its or its
Subsidiaries' assets to be subjected to any Liens; (v) the Company has not
transferred or otherwise disposed of any of its or its Subsidiaries' assets,
except in the ordinary course of business; (vi) the Company has not made any
single capital expenditure or commitment for a capital expenditure relating to
its or its Subsidiaries' assets in excess of $50,000; (vii) there has not been
any change in any method of accounting or accounting practice or policy
(including any reserving method, practice or policy) by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries; (viii) there has not been, to the extent payable directly or
indirectly by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any (A) employment,
deferred compensation, severance, retirement or other similar agreement entered
into with any director, officer or employee (or any amendment to any such
existing agreement), (B) grant of any severance or termination pay to any
director, officer or employee, (C) change in compensation or other benefits
payable to any Related Person or change in compensation or other benefits
payable to any director, officer or employee or (D) loans or advances to any
directors, officers or employees except for ordinary travel and business
expenses in the ordinary course of business and advances of salary (not
exceeding one month's pay); (ix) there has been no damage, theft or casualty
loss by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (x) there has not been any
change by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in underwriting practices or
standards; (xi) there has not been (A) any entering into of any facultative
reinsurance contract, other than in the ordinary course of business, or (B) any
commutation of any facultative reinsurance contract, or (C) any entering into

<PAGE>
                                      -24-

or any commutation of any reinsurance treaty, by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (xii) there has not been any insurance transaction by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary course of business; (xiii)
there has not been any change by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the
compensation structure of, or benefits available to, any agent or with respect
to agents generally; and (xiv) there has been no event or circumstance causing a
Material Adverse Effect, nor any development that would, singly or in the
aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.

          6.19 Insurance Matters. (a) Except as specifically set forth on
Schedule 6.19(a), the Company and its Subsidiaries are each in compliance with
the requirements of all Insurance Acts and have filed all reports, documents or
other information required to be filed thereunder; and neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries has received any notification from any insurance
regulatory authority, commission or other insurance regulatory body in the
United States or elsewhere to the effect that the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is not in compliance with the Insurance Acts.

          (b) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any
change in its insurance reserving practices, either on a gross or net of
reinsurance basis, since December 31, 1999, that would, singly or in the
aggregate, have (i) a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) a material adverse effect
on the ability of any of the Insurance Subsidiaries to pay dividends or the
amount thereof.

          (c) All insurance policies issued by the Company and each Insurance
Subsidiary, as now in force, are, to the extent required under applicable law,
in a form acceptable to applicable regulatory authorities or have been filed and
not objected to by such authorities within the period provided for objection.
All premium rates, rating plans and policy forms established or used by the
Company or any Insurance Subsidiary that are required to be filed with or
approved by insurance regulatory authorities have been so filed or approved, the
premiums charged conform in all respects to the premiums so filed or approved
and comply in all respects with the insurance laws applicable thereto and no
such premiums are subject to any review or investigation by any insurance
regulatory authority.

          (d) Except as specifically set forth on Schedule 6.19(d), no loss
experience has developed, within any individual lines of business or on an
aggregate basis for all lines, that would require or make it appropriate for the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to alter or modify its reserving methodology
or assumptions since December 31, 1999.

          (e) Except as specifically set forth on Schedule 6.19(e), all
reinsurance treaties, contracts, agreements and arrangements ("Reinsurance
Arrangements") to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party are in
full force and effect, other than those that, by their terms, have expired by
their terms or otherwise terminated. Each of the Reinsurance Arrangements is
valid and binding in accordance with its terms on the insurance company party
thereto. To the best knowledge of the Selling Stockholders, all amounts
recoverable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any
Reinsurance Arrangement are fully

<PAGE>
                                      -25-

collectible in due course. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor
any other party thereto is in default as to any Reinsurance Arrangement and
there is no reason to believe that the financial condition of any such other
party is impaired to the extent that a default thereunder may reasonably be
anticipated. None of the Reinsurance Arrangements contains any provision
providing that the other party thereto may terminate such Reinsurance
Arrangement by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each
of the Insurance Subsidiaries is entitled to take full credit in its statutory
financial statements for any reinsurance, coinsurance or excess insurance ceded
by it.

          (f) The only consents, approvals, authorizations and orders of
Governmental Entities required under the Insurance Acts for the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are those listed on Schedule
6.19.

          (g) All filings required under any Insurance Act to have been made
with state insurance regulatory authorities relating to operations on and after
December 31, 1998 by the Company and its Subsidiaries have been duly and timely
made, and when filed were in compliance with the requirements of each such
Insurance Act.

          (h) The Insurance Department has not taken, or stated (orally or in
writing) that it intends to take or that it may take, any action to seize
control of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries through rehabilitation,
liquidation or otherwise, and has not otherwise precluded, or stated (orally or
in writing) that it intends to preclude or may preclude, the Insurance
Subsidiaries from writing premiums.

          6.20 Automobile Lease Payments. The principal terms of the existing
automobile leases of Lewis Small and Richard Small, including the terms of such
leases, and all fees and expenses to be included therein, are as set forth on
Schedule 6.20.

          6.21 Lederman Surplus Notes. The Lederman Surplus Notes are not
payable other than in connection with the bankruptcy or liquidation of AIIC.

          6.22 Individual Selling Stockholder Representations and Warranties.

          (a) Organization, Good Standing, Power, Authority, Etc. Each of the
Richard Small Voting Trust and the American Independent Company Voting Trust is
a voting trust duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and each of the Richard Small Voting Trust and the
American Independent Company Voting Trust has the power and authority as a
voting trust to own its properties and to conduct its business as currently
owned and conducted.

          BCI Holdings, Inc. is a corporation duly formed and registered,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate
its properties and to conduct its business as currently owned, leased and
conducted.

<PAGE>
                                      -26-

          Each Selling Stockholder has the power and authority to execute and
deliver, and to perform its obligations under, this Agreement and to perform its
obligations under this Agreement. Each Selling Stockholder has taken all action
required by law, its organizational documents, if any, or otherwise required to
be taken by it to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated to be performed
by it hereunder.

          This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of each Selling
Stockholder, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

          (b) Ownership of Common Stock. Each Selling Stockholder is the record
and beneficial owner of the exact number of shares of Common Stock set forth
opposite its name under the heading "Total Shares Owned" on Exhibit A and has,
and at the Closing will have, the absolute right, power and capacity to sell,
assign, transfer and deliver such shares of Common Stock free and clear of any
liens, other than liens in favor of ACGL, charges, encumbrances or restrictions
and such shares of Common Stock are free and clear of all liens, charges,
encumbrances or restrictions.

          (c) Option Cancellation. At the Closing Date, each option or other
direct or indirect right of any Selling Stockholder to acquire Capital Stock of
the Company shall be cancelled and terminate and be of no further force and
effect.

     7. Representations and Warranties of ACGL. ACGL represents and warrants to
the Company and each of the Selling Stockholders that:

          7.1 Organization, Good Standing, Power, Authority, Etc. ACGL is a
corporation duly formed and registered, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Bermuda and has the corporate power and authority to own,
lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as currently owned,
leased and conducted.

          ACGL has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver, and
to perform its obligations under, this Agreement and to perform its obligations
under this Agreement and each such Transaction Document. ACGL has taken all
action required by law, its charter or partnership agreement or otherwise
required to be taken by it to authorize the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated to be
performed by it hereunder.

          This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of ACGL, enforceable
in accordance with its terms.

          7.2 Ownership of the ACGL Notes. ACGL is the record and beneficial
owner of the ACGL Notes and has, and at the Closing will have, the absolute
right, power and capacity to deliver the ACGL Notes to the Company as a capital
contribution.

<PAGE>
                                      -27-

          7.3 Consents. Except for filings under the HSR Act and regulatory
approvals from the Insurance Department (which approval is required to be
obtained pursuant to Sections 10.7 and 11.3), no consent, approval,
authorization, order, registration, filing or qualification of or with any (i)
Governmental Entity or (ii) other third party (whether acting in an individual,
fiduciary or other capacity) is necessary for the execution, delivery or
performance by ACGL of this Agreement and the consummation by ACGL of the
transactions contemplated hereby. The only consents, approvals, authorizations
and orders of Governmental Entities required under the Insurance Acts for the
consummation by ACGL of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are
those listed on Schedule 7.3.

          7.4 Finder's Fees. No broker, finder or other party is entitled to
receive from ACGL or its Subsidiaries any brokerage or finder's fee or any other
fee, commission or payment as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

     8. Representations and Warranties of TDH. TDH represents and warrants to
ACGL and the Company that:

          8.1 Organization, Good Standing, Power, Authority, Etc. TDHCP is a
business trust duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and TDH III is a limited partnership duly formed and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware and each of TDHCP and TDH III has the
power and authority as a business trust or a limited partnership, as applicable,
to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as
currently owned, leased and conducted.

          Each of TDHCP and TDH III has the power and authority as a business
trust or a limited partnership, as applicable, to execute and deliver, and to
perform its obligations under, this Agreement and to perform its obligations
under this Agreement. Each of TDHCP and TDH III has taken all action required by
law, its partnership agreement or otherwise required to be taken by it to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated to be performed by it hereunder.

          This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of each of TDHCP and
TDH III, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

          8.2 Ownership of the TDH Notes. TDH is the record and beneficial owner
of the TDH Notes and has, and at the Closing will have, the absolute right,
power and capacity to cancel the TDH Notes and the TDH Notes are free and clear
of all liens, charges, encumbrances, security interests or restrictions
whatever.

          8.3 Warrant Cancellation. At the Closing Date, each Warrant issued to
or held by TDH shall be cancelled and terminate and be of no further force and
effect.

     9. Covenants. The Company and the Selling Stockholders (other than Katz and
the Wilstein Group) agree with ACGL as follows in Sections 9.1 through 9.10
(inclusive) and

<PAGE>
                                      -28-

Section 9.12 with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, pending the
Closing Time and except as otherwise approved in writing by ACGL. The Company
and the Selling Stockholders, for themselves only, agree with ACGL as follows in
Section 9.11 with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries pending the
Closing Time and except as otherwise approved in writing by ACGL. Further, each
of the Wilstein Group and Katz, for themselves only, agree with ACGL, that
neither he nor it will vote any shares of Common Stock held by him or it in
favor of any action or actions by the Company that would result in a violation
of any of the covenants contained in Sections 9.1 through 9.10 (inclusive) and
Section 9.12, pending the Closing Time and except as otherwise approved in
writing by ACGL.

          9.1 Business in the Ordinary Course. The Company will, and will cause
each of the Subsidiaries to, conduct its operations only in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice and will use its reasonable best
efforts, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to use its reasonable best
efforts, to preserve intact the business organization of the Company and each of
the Subsidiaries, to keep available the services of its and their present
officers and employees, and to preserve the good will of those having business
relationships with it. The Company shall (i) maintain the assets that are
material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
in the ordinary course of business and in all material respects in as favorable
a condition as the same are in on the date hereof, except for normal wear and
tear; (ii) reapply for necessary licenses in the ordinary course of business;
(iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to ACGL, promptly after receipt of the
same, copies of all written notices of any material violation of or material
non-compliance with any law issued by any governmental authority with respect to
the Company's business or any of its material assets and received by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries after the date of this Agreement and known to an
executive officer of the Company; (iv) deliver or cause to be delivered to ACGL,
promptly after receipt or delivery, as applicable, copies of all written notices
of material violation of or material defaults under any material Contract
received by the Company or by any Subsidiary or delivered by the Company or by
any Subsidiary after the date of this Agreement and known to an executive
officer of the Company; and (v) use reasonable best efforts to obtain the
renewal or extension of any lease on any Leased Real Property that is scheduled
to expire prior to Closing. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall
operate its respective businesses in material compliance with all applicable
laws, ordinances, rules or regulations or orders, including, without limitation
Environmental Laws, and all permits, authorizations, consents and approvals.

          9.2 Certain Actions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of
the Subsidiaries to, prior to the Closing Date, without the prior written
consent of ACGL:

          (a) Enter into any contract, agreement, undertaking or commitment
     which would have been required to be set forth on Schedule 6.13 if in
     effect on the date hereof, or enter into any contract which requires the
     consent or approval of any third party to consummate the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement;

<PAGE>
                                      -29-

          (b) Accelerate or delay collection of any notes or accounts receivable
     in advance of or beyond their regular due dates or the dates when the same
     would have been collected in the ordinary course of business consistent
     with past practice;

          (c) Delay or accelerate payment of any account payable or other
     liability beyond or in advance of its due date or the date when such
     liability would have been paid in the ordinary course of business
     consistent with past practice;

          (d) Make, or agree to make, any distribution of assets to the
     stockholders or any of their affiliates (other than the Company), or enter
     into, or agree to enter into, any agreement or transaction with the
     stockholders (other than the Company or a Subsidiary), any affiliate of the
     stockholders or any member of the immediate family of any stockholder or
     any affiliate of the stockholders (other than the Company or a Subsidiary);

          (e) Except for (i) increases in salary, wages and benefits of
     non-executive officers or employees of the Company or the Subsidiaries in
     the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii)
     increases in salary, wages and benefits granted to officers and employees
     of the Company or the Subsidiaries in conjunction with new hires,
     promotions or other changes in job status in the ordinary course of
     business consistent with past practice, or (iii) increases in salary, wages
     and benefits to employees of the Company pursuant to collective bargaining
     agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with
     past practice, (A) increase the compensation or fringe benefits payable or
     to become payable to its directors, officers or employees (whether from the
     Company or any of the Subsidiaries), (B) pay any benefit not required by
     any existing plan or arrangement, (C) grant any severance or termination
     pay, (D) enter into any employment or severance agreement with, any
     director, officer or other employee of the Company or any of the
     Subsidiaries, or (E) establish, adopt, enter into, or amend any collective
     bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option,
     restricted stock, pension, retirement, savings, welfare, deferred
     compensation, employment, termination, severance or other employee benefit
     plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit or
     welfare of any directors, officers or current or former employees, except
     in each case to the extent required by applicable law or regulation;

          (f) Acquire, sell, lease, mortgage, encumber or dispose of any assets
     (other than inventory) or securities with a value, individually or in the
     aggregate, in excess of $10,000, or enter into any commitment to do any of
     the foregoing or enter into any material commitment or transaction outside
     the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice other than
     transactions between the Company and its Subsidiaries or between
     Subsidiaries;

          (g) (i) Incur, assume or pre-pay any long-term debt or incur or assume
     any short-term debt, (ii) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become
     liable or respon-

<PAGE>
                                      -30-

     sible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of
     any other person except in the ordinary course of business consistent with
     past practice, or (iii) make any loans, advances or capital contributions
     to, or Investments in, any other person except in the ordinary course of
     business consistent with past practice and except for loans, advances,
     capital contributions or Investments between the Company and its
     Subsidiaries or between Subsidiaries;

          (h) Modify, amend or terminate any material Contract or waive, release
     or assign any rights or claims thereunder, except in the ordinary course of
     business and consistent with past practice;

          (i) Make any material Tax election or change or revoke any material
     Tax election already made, adopt, request or consent to any new material
     Tax accounting method, change any material Tax accounting method unless
     required by applicable law, enter into any material closing agreement,
     settle any material Tax claim or assessment or consent to any material Tax
     claim or assessment or any waiver of the statute of limitations for any
     such claim or assessment;

          (j) Adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution,
     merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other
     reorganization of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (other than under
     this Agreement);

          (k) Pay, discharge or satisfy, or fail to pay, discharge or satisfy,
     any claim, liability or obligation (contingent or otherwise), other than in
     the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

          (l) Cancel any debts owed to or claims held by the Company (including
     the settlement of any claims or litigation) other than in the ordinary
     course of business consistent with past practice;

          (m) Enter into an agreement, contract, commitment or arrangement to do
     any of the foregoing, or to authorize, recommend, propose or announce an
     intention to do any of the foregoing.

          9.3 Accounting Changes. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries shall
make any change in its accounting procedures and practices from those in
existence at December 31, 1999, other than any change necessitated by changes,
if any, in GAAP.

          9.4 Capitalization, Options, Dividends and Payments. No change shall
be made in the Articles of Incorporation or By-laws of the Company or any
Subsidiary. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries shall issue or reclassify
or alter any shares of its outstanding or unissued capital stock or other
securities. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries shall grant options,
warrants or other rights of any kind to purchase any of its securities, or agree
to issue any shares of its capital stock or any other securities, or purchase,
redeem or otherwise

<PAGE>
                                      -31-

acquire for consideration any shares of its capital stock or any other
securities. The Selling Stockholders shall not sell or transfer any of the
Shares.

          9.5 Encumbrance of Assets. No encumbrance on any of the properties or
assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall be made other than (i) pursuant
to an existing contract, or (ii) by operation of law.

          9.6 Litigation During Interim Period. The Company will promptly advise
ACGL in writing of the commencement or threat against the Company or its
Subsidiaries of any proceeding or Tax audit of which the Company or its
Subsidiaries becomes aware, that is not covered by insurance, when the amount
claimed is in any individual claim, litigation, proceeding or Tax audit in
excess of $10,000.

          9.7 Employee Matters. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries shall
make, amend or enter into any employment contract.

          9.8 Notification of Certain Matters. From the date hereof until the
Closing Date, the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall promptly disclose
to ACGL in writing any material variances from their representations and
warranties contained in this Agreement, including the Schedules hereto, and any
failure to comply with or satisfy any covenant or agreement to be complied with
or satisfied by them hereunder. From the date hereof until the Closing Date,
ACGL shall promptly disclose to the Company and the Selling Stockholders in
writing any material variances from its representations and warranties contained
in this Agreement and any failure to comply with or satisfy any covenant or
agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder.

          9.9 Access to Company. The Selling Stockholders shall cause the
Company and the Subsidiaries to afford to the officers and authorized
representatives of ACGL and to its counsel and accountants such reasonable
access during normal business hours, and upon reasonable advance notice, to its
properties, offices, equipment, files, agreements and books and records as may
be necessary in order that ACGL may have full opportunity to make such
reasonable investigations, at its expense, as it shall desire to make of the
affairs of the Company and the Subsidiaries in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that such access does not unreasonably
interfere with the normal operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries. All
information furnished to ACGL and its representatives under this Section 9.9
prior to Closing shall be kept confidential by such persons unless otherwise
publicly available or required to be disclosed by applicable law or judicial or
administrative process. If any such information is required to be disclosed,
ACGL will notify the Company and the Selling Stockholders thereof. From and
after the Closing, ACGL shall, and shall cause the Company to, provide the
Selling Stockholders and its agents with reasonable access (for the purpose of
examining and copying), during normal business hours, and upon reasonable
advance notice, to the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries
with respect to periods prior to the Closing Date in connection with any matter
relating to Taxes, governmental inquiries or litigation, whether or not relating
to or arising out of this

<PAGE>
                                      -32-

Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that such
access does not unreasonably interfere with the normal operations of ACGL, the
Company or the Subsidiaries.

          9.10 Administration of Lawsuits. After the Closing, Lewis Small will
continue to assist and manage the Lawsuits on behalf of the Company and TDH to
the extent his health permits, subject to the following: (i) Small will provide
the Company and TDH with all information relating to each Lawsuit, including the
status thereof, and will consult with the Company and TDH regarding the Lawsuits
at any time requested by the Company or TDH; (ii) the prior written approval of
the Company and TDH will be required for any strategic decisions relating to the
Lawsuits, including without limitation settlement of all or a portion of any
Lawsuit and the selection or removal of legal counsel or other professional
advisors (provided that the Company and TDH will not agree to a settlement that
does not provide for the release of Small as a defendant in the Lawsuits); (iii)
Small agrees not to take any position that would, directly or indirectly,
negatively affect in any material respect the reputation of the Company, its
shareholders, TDH or its partners; and (iv) the Company will continue to fund
reasonable fees and reasonable expenses of the Lawsuits (based on appropriate
supporting written invoices) up to a maximum of $500,000.

          9.11 No-Shop. Without the prior written consent of ACGL, neither the
Company nor the Company's officers, directors, employees, advisors, agents,
representatives, affiliates, security holders, or anyone acting on behalf of the
Company or such persons (collectively, the "Representatives"), shall, directly
or indirectly, encourage, solicit, initiate or engage in discussions or
negotiations with, or provide any information to, any person (other than ACGL
and its representatives) concerning any merger, consolidation, liquidation,
dissolution, sale of assets, purchase or sale of shares of capital stock,
issuance of debt securities or similar transaction involving the Company. The
Company and the Representatives shall immediately terminate all discussions and
negotiations with any person (other than ACGL or its representatives) concerning
any such transaction and shall promptly communicate to ACGL any inquiries or
communications concerning any such transaction which the Company or the
Representatives may receive or of which the Company or the Representatives may
become aware. The Company shall notify all of their Representatives of the
requirements of this paragraph and ensure the compliance thereof by the
Representatives. The term "person" as used herein shall be interpreted broadly
and shall include, without limitation, any individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, trust, estate, business trust, incorporated or
unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, government (or
an agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind. If any
provision of this section is breached by the Company or any Representative,
then, in addition to all other remedies available to ACGL at law or in equity,
the Company shall be required to pay as liquidated damages (i) all costs, fees
and expenses incurred by ACGL in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and (ii) a fee in the amount of $2,000,000.

          9.12 Automobile Lease Payments . Neither Lewis Small nor Richard Small
shall extend or otherwise amend the automobile leases described on Schedule
6.20.

<PAGE>
                                      -33-

     10. Conditions Precedent to ACGL's Obligations. All obligations of ACGL
under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, prior to or at the Closing,
of each of the following conditions:

          10.1 Representations and Warranties. The Company's, the Selling
Stockholders' and TDH's representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects if specifically qualified by
materiality and if not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material
respects at and as of the time of Closing as though such representations and
warranties were made at and as of such time (except to the extent that they are
stated therein to be true as of some other date). Each of the Company, TDH and
the Selling Stockholders shall have delivered to ACGL a certificate (with
respect to its own representations and warranties) dated the Closing Date to
such effect.

          10.2 Compliance with Agreements. The Company, the Selling Stockholders
and TDH shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all
agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied
with by it or them, as applicable, prior to or at the Closing. Each of TDH and
the Selling Stockholders shall have delivered to ACGL a certificate (as to its
own compliance) dated the Closing Date to such effect.

          10.3 Resignations. Each officer and director of the Company and its
Subsidiaries requested to resign from their positions with the Company or any
Subsidiary by ACGL shall have executed and delivered to ACGL resignation letters
in form and substance satisfactory to ACGL.

          10.4 Certificates. The Company shall have furnished to ACGL (a) at
least ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, copies, certified by the
Secretary of State of the state of incorporation, as of a date not more than
thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date, of each of the Articles of
Incorporation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and all amendments thereto,
(b) copies, certified by the Secretary of the Company, as of the Closing Date,
of the By-Laws of the Company and of its Subsidiaries, (c) certificates of good
standing issued with respect to each of the Company and the Subsidiary, as the
case may be, by the appropriate governmental officials of the states where
qualified to do business (except where the failure to have such certificates of
good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect), as of a date not more
than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, accompanied by bring-down
certificates dated as of the Closing Date, (d) a certificate of the Secretary of
the Company and its Subsidiaries relating to the incumbency and corporate
proceedings in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, and the absence of changes in the Company's and its
Subsidiaries' articles of incorporation and by-laws, and (e) the corporate
minute books of the Company and each Subsidiary.

          10.5 Litigation. There shall be no pending action or proceeding
commenced against the Company, its Subsidiaries, TDH or any Selling Stockholder
that may have the effect of preventing or making illegal the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and no such action or proceeding shall have been
Threatened.

<PAGE>
                                      -34-

          10.6 Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 2000, no event has
occurred which has had a Material Adverse Effect.

          10.7 Third Party Consents. ACGL shall have received satisfactory
evidence of the receipt by the Company of the consents set forth on Schedule
10.7 hereto.

          10.8 Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Filings. The applicable waiting period
(including any extension thereof by reason of a request for additional
information), if any, under the HSR Act, shall have expired or been terminated.

          10.9 Deliveries. Each of the Selling Stockholders shall have delivered
to ACGL the certificates for the shares of Common Stock owned by such Selling
Stockholder. The certificates for the shares of Common Stock shall be duly
endorsed or accompanied by separate executed stock powers attached.

          10.10 Options; Warrants. ACGL shall have received evidence
satisfactory to it that all direct or indirect rights to acquire Capital Stock
of the Company (including without limitation the Warrants and the Prime Bank
Warrant) shall have been cancelled and are of no further force and effect.

          10.11 Outstanding Indebtedness. Upon cancellation of the ACGL Notes
and the TDH Notes, the Company has no Debt.

          10.12 [Intentionally Omitted.]

          10.13 Audit. An audit firm selected by ACGL shall have commenced its
audit of the Company's GAAP financial statements for the years ended December
31, 1998, December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2000.

          10.14 Legal Opinion. ACGL shall have received (i) a satisfactory legal
opinion from Company Counsel as to the matters set forth on Exhibit C and (ii) a
satisfactory legal opinion from Counsel for the Selling Stockholders as to the
matters set forth on Exhibit D.

          10.15 Minimum Capital and Surplus. Capital and surplus, as determined
in accordance with Statutory Accounting Principles, of the Company's Insurance
Subsidiary as of September 30, 2000, shall be at least $4,000,000.

          10.16 Section 1445 Certificate. Each Selling Stockholder shall have
furnished to ACGL a certificate that such Person is not a foreign person within
the meaning of Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code, which certificate
shall set forth all information required by, and otherwise be executed in
accordance with, Treas. Reg.ss.1.1445-2(b).

<PAGE>
                                      -35-

     11. Conditions Precedent to the Selling Stockholders' Obligations. All
obligations of the Selling Stockholders under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment, prior to or at the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

          11.1 Representations and Warranties. ACGL's representations and
warranties contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct at and as of
the time of Closing as though such representations and warranties were made at
and as of such time. ACGL shall have delivered to the Selling Stockholders a
certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by its President or a Vice
President to such effect.

          11.2 Compliance with Agreement. ACGL shall have performed and complied
in all material respects with all agreements and conditions required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by it prior to or at the Closing.
ACGL shall have delivered to the Selling Stockholders a certificate dated the
Closing Date and signed by its President or a Vice President to such effect.

          11.3 Third Party Consents. The Selling Stockholders shall have
received satisfactory evidence of the receipt by the Company of the consents set
forth on Schedule 11.3 hereto.

          11.4 Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Filings. The applicable waiting period
(including any extension thereof by reason of a request for additional
information), if any, under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.

          11.5 Litigation. There shall be no pending action or proceeding
commenced against ACGL, the Company, its Subsidiaries or any Selling Stockholder
that may have the effect of preventing or making illegal the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and no such action or proceeding shall have been
Threatened.

          12. Conditions Precedent to TDH's Obligations. All obligations of TDH
under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment, prior to or at the Closing,
of each of the following conditions:

          12.1 Litigation. There shall be no pending action or proceeding
commenced against ACGL, the Company, its Subsidiaries, TDH or any Selling
Stockholder that may have the effect of preventing or making illegal the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and no such action or proceeding
shall have been Threatened.

          12.2 All Conditions Satisfied. All of the conditions set forth in
Sections 10 and 11 of this Agreement shall have been either satisfied or waived.

<PAGE>
                                      -36-

     13. Termination.

          13.1 Termination Events. This Agreement may, by written notice given
prior to or at the Closing, be terminated:

          (i) by ACGL (if ACGL itself is not then in material Breach of any of
     its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations contained in this
     Agreement), if a material Breach of any of the representations, warranties,
     covenants or obligations of the Selling Stockholders or the Company set
     forth in this Agreement has been committed by the Selling Stockholders or
     the Company, which Breach would give rise to a failure of a condition set
     forth in Section 10.1 or 10.2 hereof, and such Breach has not been (1)
     waived by ACGL, or (2) cured by the Company or the Selling Stockholders, as
     the case may be, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice
     thereof to the Selling Stockholders from ACGL;

          (ii) by the Selling Stockholders (if the Selling Stockholders are not
     then in material Breach of any of their representations, warranties,
     covenants or obligations contained in this Agreement), if a material Breach
     of any of the representations, warranties, covenants or obligations of ACGL
     set forth in this Agreement has been committed by ACGL, which Breach would
     give rise to a failure of a condition set forth in Section 11.1 or 11.2
     hereof, and such Breach has not been (1) waived by the Selling
     Stockholders, or (2) cured by ACGL within ten (10) days after receipt of
     written notice thereof from the Selling Stockholders;

          (iii) by mutual written consent of ACGL and the Selling Stockholders;

          (iv) by either ACGL or the Selling Stockholders if the Closing has not
     occurred (other than through the failure of any party seeking to terminate
     this Agreement to comply fully with its obligations under this Agreement)
     on or before May 31, 2001, or such later date as ACGL and the Selling
     Stockholders may mutually agree upon in writing.

          13.2 Effect of Termination. In the event that this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to this Section 13, all further obligations of the parties
under this Agreement shall be terminated without further liability of any party
to the others; provided that nothing herein shall relieve any party from
liability for its Breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, obligation
or agreement contained in this Agreement; and provided, further, that if this
Agreement is terminated for any reason and a Breach of Section 9.11 has
occurred, the Company shall pay (without duplication of any amounts previously
paid to ACGL by the Company pursuant to Section 9.11) to ACGL as liquidated
damages (i) all costs, fees and expenses incurred by ACGL in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) a fee in the amount of
$2,000,000.

<PAGE>
                                      -37-

     14. Survival of Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by the Company and the Selling Stockholders in this Agreement or
pursuant hereto shall survive the Closing as follows: (i) the representations
and warranties set forth in Sections 6.15, 6.17 and 6.18 shall survive until the
date that is 180 days after the delivery of the independent auditors' report in
connection with the Company's audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000,
and (ii) all other representations and warranties (other than as set forth in
Sections 4.2, 6.21 and 6.22, which shall survive indefinitely) shall terminate
on the first anniversary of the Closing Date; provided that, in the event that
any claim for a Breach of a representation or warranty has been asserted prior
to the last day such representation or warranty would otherwise survive pursuant
to this Section 12, such representation and warranty shall survive until the
final disposition of such claim. The representations and warranties made by TDH
in Section 8 shall survive indefinitely.

     15. Indemnification. (a) Following the Closing, the Selling Stockholders
(other than the Wilstein Group and Katz), jointly and severally (each an
"Indemnifying Party"), shall indemnify and hold harmless ACGL and its officers,
directors, employees, stockholders, representatives and agents (each, an
"Indemnified Party"), from and against the cost of any claims, damages, losses,
liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, any liability
relating to Taxes and settlement costs, any reasonable legal, accounting or
other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any
actions or Threatened actions and court costs) (collectively, "ACGL Losses" or
"Losses") sustained or required to be paid by reason of, arising out of or
caused by (i) any Breach of any representation or warranty made by the Selling
Stockholders in this Agreement, (ii) any Breach of any covenant, agreement or
obligation of the Selling Stockholders contained in this Agreement, (iii) any
third party claim arising out of the conduct of the business of the Company or
its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, and (iv) any payment made by the
Company with respect to the Lederman Surplus Notes, as well as the matter
specifically identified on Schedule 6.11 as subject to indemnification;
provided, however, that each of the Selling Stockholders (other than Katz and
the Wilstein Group) shall only be required to indemnify the parties listed above
up to a maximum amount of the Purchase Price received by such Selling
Stockholder pursuant to Section 2.1 including any amounts received by such
Selling Stockholder pursuant to Section 4.1 of this Agreement; provided,
further, however, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply for any
ACGL Losses which arise out of the Lederman Surplus Notes. In the event of any
Breach of the representations set forth in Sections 4.2(a) or 4.2(b) by a
Selling Stockholder (other than the Wilstein Group or Katz), TDH shall be
entitled to indemnity hereunder as if it were ACGL, subject to the aggregate
maximum amount of indemnity hereunder set forth in the first proviso to the next
preceding sentence. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15(a), in the event
of a bankruptcy or liquidation of AIIC, the Selling Stockholders, including the
Wilstein Group and Katz, shall not have any indemnification obligation to ACGL
under the Lederman Surplus Notes.

          (b) Following the Closing, each of the Wilstein Group and Katz,
severally and not jointly (each also, as applicable, an Indemnifying Party),
shall indemnify and hold harmless ACGL and its officers, directors, employees,
stockholders, representatives and agents,

<PAGE>
                                      -38-

from and against ACGL Losses sustained or required to be paid by reason of,
arising out of or caused by (i) any Breach of any representation or warranty in
Section 6.22 made by such Indemnifying Party and (ii) any Breach of any
covenant, agreement or obligation of such Indemnifying Party contained in this
Agreement; provided, however, that such Indemnifying Party shall only be
required to indemnify the parties listed above up to a maximum amount of the
Purchase Price each such Indemnifying Party receives pursuant to Section 2.1
including any amounts received by such Indemnifying Party under Section 4.1 of
this Agreement.

          (c) (i) In the event that any Indemnified Party is made a defendant in
or party to any claim, action, suit or proceeding, judicial or administrative,
instituted by any third party for Losses, or otherwise receives any demand from
any third party for Losses (any such third party claim, action, suit or
proceeding being referred to as a "Claim"), the Indemnified Party (referred to
in this clause (c)(i) as the "Notifying Party") shall give the Indemnifying
Party prompt notice thereof. The failure to give such notice shall not affect
whether an Indemnifying Party is liable for reimbursement unless such failure
has resulted in the loss of substantive rights with respect to the Indemnifying
Party's ability to defend such Claim, and then only to the extent of such Loss.
The Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to contest and defend such Claim.
Notice of the intention so to contest and defend shall be given by the
Indemnifying Party to the Notifying Party within twenty (20) Business Days after
the Notifying Party's notice of such Claim. The Notifying Party shall be
entitled at any time, at its own cost and expense (which expense shall not
constitute a Loss), to participate in such contest and defense and to be
represented by attorneys of its own choosing. If the Notifying Party elects to
participate in such defense, the Notifying Party will cooperate with the
Indemnifying Party in the conduct of such defense. Neither the Notifying Party
nor the Indemnifying Party may concede, settle or compromise any Claim without
the consent of the other party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Indemnifying Party fails to acknowledge in
writing its obligation to provide indemnification in respect of such Claim, then
the Notifying Party alone shall be entitled to contest, defend and settle such
Claim in the first instance (in which case, expenses incurred in connection
therewith shall constitute a Loss) and, thereafter, only if the Notifying Party
chooses not to contest, defend or settle such Claim, the Indemnifying Party
shall then have the right to contest and defend (but not settle) such Claim.

          (ii) In the event any Indemnified Party should have a claim against
any Indemnifying Party that does not involve a Claim, the Indemnified Party
shall deliver a notice of such claim with reasonable promptness to the
Indemnifying Party. The failure to give such notice shall not affect whether an
Indemnifying Party is liable for reimbursement unless such failure has resulted
in the loss of substantive rights with respect to the Indemnifying Party's
ability to defend such claim, and then only to the extent of such Loss. If the
Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that it does not dispute the
claim described in such notice or fails to notify the Indemnified Party within
fifteen (15) days after delivery of such notice by the Indemnified Party whether
the Indemnifying Party disputes the claim described in such notice and such
failure to notify materially prejudices any defense or claim of the Indemnified
Party, the Loss in the amount specified in the Indemnified Party's notice will
be conclusively

<PAGE>
                                      -39-

deemed a liability of the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnifying Party shall
pay the amount of such Loss to the Indemnified Party on demand.

          (iii) After the Closing, the rights set forth in this Section 15 shall
be the indemnified parties' sole and exclusive remedies against the Indemnifying
Party for Breaches of representations, warranties, covenants or obligations
contained in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall
prevent any of the indemnified parties from bringing an action based upon
allegations of fraud, bad faith or willful misconduct in connection with this
Agreement.

          (d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, ACGL shall not be entitled to indemnification for any ACGL Losses
sustained or required to be paid by reason of, arising out of or caused by any
Breach of any representation or warranty made by the Selling Stockholders in
this Agreement in the event that the Selling Stockholders demonstrate that such
Breach of such representation or warranty was actually known to ACGL prior to
Closing.

          (e) All indemnification payments under this Section 15 shall be deemed
adjustments to the Purchase Price for all income tax purposes.

     16. Tax Matters. (a) After the Closing Date, the Company, ACGL, TDH and the
Selling Stockholders (other than the Wilstein Group and Katz) shall make
available to the others, as reasonably requested, all information, records or
documents relating to Tax Liabilities or potential Tax Liabilities of the
Company or its Subsidiaries for all periods prior to or including the Closing
Date. The requesting party shall reimburse the requested parties for their
reasonable costs incurred in complying with the foregoing provision.

          (b) With respect to any taxable year or period beginning before and
ending after the Closing Date (a "Straddle Period"), solely for purposes of
Article 15 hereof, an allocation of Taxes shall be made to the part of any such
Straddle Period which ends on the Closing Date based on (i) except as provided
in clause (ii) below, a closing of the books; provided, however, that this
clause (i) shall not prevent ACGL from adopting a pro-rata allocation for
purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, and (ii) solely in the
case of property Taxes, the number of days elapsed between the beginning of any
such Straddle Period to and including the Closing Date.

          (c) ACGL and the Company shall bear the cost and shall control the
preparation and filing of all Tax returns filed on or after the Closing Date
with respect to periods that end prior to the Closing Date or Straddle Periods,
with reasonable rights of review granted to the Selling Stockholders before
filing, subject to the cooperation provisions of Section 17.3 hereof.

          (d) The Selling Stockholders shall be responsible for and shall pay
(a) all sales, use, real estate transfer and other similar taxes (and any
interest, penalties and other ad-

<PAGE>
                                      -40-

ditions to such taxes and/or any related costs or expenses) and (b) all
governmental charges, if any, upon the transactions contemplated hereby.

     17. Miscellaneous.

          17.1 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of
ACGL, TDH, the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall pay all of its own
expenses (including attorneys' and accountants' fees and expenses) in connection
with the negotiation of this Agreement, the performance of their respective
obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (whether consummated or not); provided, however,
that the Company shall pay (i) up to an aggregate of $5,000 of such reasonable
expenses of the Selling Stockholders, pursuant to appropriate written
documentation; (ii) up to $5,000 of such reasonable expenses of TDH, pursuant to
appropriate written documentation; and (iii) up to $40,000 of such reasonable
expenses of ACGL, pursuant to appropriate written documentation; and provided,
further, that the aggregate of all expenses paid by the Company (including,
without limitation, those set forth in the immediately preceding proviso and
under Section 17.10 hereof) shall not exceed $120,000. In addition to the
foregoing, the Company shall reimburse each of Lewis Small and Richard Small for
the automobile lease payments as described on Schedule 6.20.

          17.2 Confidentiality. Except as required by law, neither the Company,
nor any Selling Stockholder nor any Representative of any of them shall disclose
to any person or entity (other than appropriate regulatory agencies) the nature
of the transactions contemplated hereby or any other facts regarding such
transactions, including the status thereof. The Company and each Selling
Stockholder shall notify all of their Representatives of the requirements of
this Section 17.2 and ensure the compliance therewith by the Representatives.

          17.3 Further Actions and Assurances. ACGL, the Selling Stockholders,
TDH and the Company will execute and deliver any and all documents, and will
cause any and all other action to be taken, either before or after Closing,
which may be necessary or proper to effect or evidence the provisions of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation
taking all actions that may be necessary or advisable to discharge all security,
collateral, guarantee or similar arrangements relating to the TDH Notes. The
Company will fully cooperate with ACGL in connection with the filing of ACGL's
Form A with the Insurance Department.

          17.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts each of which is an original and all of which taken together shall
constitute a single instrument.

          17.5 Contents of Agreement; Parties in Interest, Etc. This Agreement
sets forth the entire understanding of the parties. Any previous agreements or
understandings between the parties (including the letter agreement between ACGL
and TDH III, TDHCP and the Company dated November 17, 2000) regarding the
subject matter hereof, and any amend-

<PAGE>
                                      -41-

ments thereto, are merged into and superseded by this Agreement. Neither this
Agreement nor any rights, interests, or obligations hereunder may be assigned by
any party without the prior written consent of all other parties hereto;
provided, however, that ACGL may assign its rights, interests and obligations
hereunder to any wholly owned subsidiary of ACGL as long as ACGL remains fully
liable for its obligations hereunder.

          17.6 New York Law to Govern; Venue. This Agreement and all matters
relating to the interpretation, construction, validity and enforcement of this
Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic
laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any choice or conflict of
law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other
jurisdiction) that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other
than the State of New York. The parties hereto agree to submit to the personal
and exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts serving New York, New
York with respect to the enforcement or interpretation of this Agreement or the
parties' obligations hereunder. Each party hereto irrevocably consents to the
service of any and all process in any action or proceeding by the mailing of
copies of such process by registered or certified mail to such party hereto to
serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law. Each party hereto
irrevocably waives, to the full extent permitted by law, any objection which it
may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such proceeding
brought in such a court and any claim that any such proceeding brought in such a
court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

          17.7 Section Headings and Gender. The section headings herein have
been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify or
restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof. The use of the masculine pronoun
herein when referring to any party has been for convenience only and shall be
deemed to refer to the particular party intended regardless of the actual gender
of such party.

          17.8 Schedules and Exhibits. All Schedules and Exhibits referred to in
this Agreement are intended to be and are hereby specifically made a part of
this Agreement.

          17.9 Notices. All notices, requests and other communications which are
required or permitted hereunder shall be sufficient if given in writing and
delivered personally or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by
facsimile transmission (with a copy simultaneously sent by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid), as follows (or to such other address as shall
be set forth in a notice given in the same manner):

<PAGE>
                                      -42-

                  If to the Company prior to Closing:

                           American Independent Insurance Company
                           633 Germantown Pike
                           Suite 208
                           Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania  19462
                               Tel: (610) 832-1199
                               Fax: (610) 832-0628
                           Attention:    William Lockhorn, President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer

                  Copies to:

                           Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
                           1701 Market Street
                           Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19103
                           Tel:    (215) 963-5000
                           Fax:    (215) 963-5299
                           Attention:    Stephen M. Goodman, Esq.

                  If to TDH:

                           TDH Capital Partners and TDH III, L.P.
                           919 Conestoga Rd.
                              Building 1, Suite 301
                          Rosemont, Pennsylvania 19010
                          Attention: James M. Buck III

                  Copies to:

                           Pepper Hamilton, LLP
                           3002 Logan Square
                              18th and Arch Streets
                             Philadelphia, PA 19103
                         Attention: Mike Friedman, Esq.

                    If   to the Selling Stockholders (other than the Wilstein
                         Group and Katz):

                           Lewis Small
                           1750 Oakwood Terrace, #17F
                           Penn Valley, Pennsylvania  19072
                               Tel: (610) 667-1225
                               Fax: (610) 667-3254

<PAGE>
                                      -43-

                           Richard Small
                           1416 Fort Washington Avenue
                           Ambler, Pennsylvania
                               Tel: (215) 793-0497
                               Fax: (215) 654-7922

                  If to Katz:

                           BCI Holdings, Inc.
                           1021 West 8th Avenue
                           King of Prussia, Pennsylvania  19406
                               Tel: (610) 491-4802
                               Fax: (610) 491-4990
                            Attention: Arnold M. Katz

                  If to the Wilstein Group:

                           Realtech
                           2080 Century Park East
                           Penthouse
                           Los Angeles, California  90067
                           Tel:    (310) 553-5116
                           Fax:    (310) 553-0205
                           Attention:  David Wilstein

                  Copies to:

                           Resch Polster Alpert & Berger LLP
                           10390 Santa Monica Boulevard
                           Fourth Floor
                           Los Angeles, California  90025
                           Tel:    (310) 277-8300
                           Fax:    (310) 552-3209
                           Attention:  Nicolas Ramniceanu, Esq.

                  If to ACGL or the Company after Closing:

                           Arch Capital Group Ltd.
                           20 Horseneck Lane
                           Greenwich, Connecticut  06830
                           Tel:    (203) 862-4300
                           Fax:    (203) 861-7240
                           Attention:    Peter A. Appel

<PAGE>
                                      -44-

                  Copies to:

                             Cahill Gordon & Reindel
                           80 Pine Street
                           New York, NY  10005
                           Facsimile:    (212) 269-5420
                           Attention:    Immanuel Kohn, Esq.

          17.10 Antitrust Matters. ACGL, the Company and the Selling
Stockholders will cause to be filed, and will cooperate with each other in
connection with, all filings required to be made by the parties under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act"), or any
successor law, regulations and rules promulgated pursuant to the HSR Act or any
successor law, and shall observe the applicable waiting period (including any
extensions thereof by reason of a request for additional information). ACGL, the
Company and the Selling Stockholders will coordinate all filings made pursuant
to the HSR Act so as to present the filings to the Federal Trade Commission and
the Department of Justice at the time selected by the mutual agreement of the
Selling Stockholders and ACGL and to avoid substantial errors or inconsistencies
between the two in the description of the transaction. ACGL and the Company
shall each pay one-half of all fees payable to the Federal Trade Commission in
connection with the filings required to be made pursuant to the HSR Act.

          17.11 Specific Performance. Each of the parties acknowledges and
agrees that the other party would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the
provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific
terms or otherwise are breached. Accordingly, each party agrees that the other
party shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of
the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically this Agreement and
the terms and provisions hereof in any action instituted in any court of the
Untied States or any state hereof having jurisdiction over the parties and the
matter (subject to Section 17.6) without the requirement of posting a bond or
other security therefor, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be
entitled, at law or in equity.

          17.12 Acknowledgment by ACGL; Releases; etc. (a) ACGL acknowledges
that the representations and warranties by the Selling Stockholders and TDH are
the sole and exclusive representations and warranties to ACGL in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and ACGL understands,
acknowledges and agrees that all other representations and warranties of any
kind or nature expressed or implied (including, but not limited to, any relating
to the future or historical financial condition, results of operations, assets
or liabilities of the Company) are specifically disclaimed by the Selling
Stockholders and TDH. ACGL understands that the representations and warranties
of the Selling Stockholders and TDH contained in this Agreement will only
survive the Closing Time as expressly set forth in Section 14.

          (b) Effective as of the Closing Time, each of ACGL, TDH and the
Company hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges all claims, rights,
demands, damages, costs,

<PAGE>
                                      -45-

expenses, loss, liability actions and causes of actions, in law, in equity or in
admiralty of whatever nature or description whatsoever which it now or hereafter
may have against any Selling Stockholder (and any present or former affiliate,
director, officer, employee, agent, attorney or fiduciary of any Selling
Stockholder) based upon or arising out of or relating, directly or indirectly,
to the business activities of any Selling Stockholder in connection with the
Company and/or to any actions taken (or omitted to be taken) by any Selling
Stockholder or any of them in connection with the Company at any time on or
prior to the Closing Time, except as set forth explicitly in this Agreement and
except with respect to any claim arising out of fraud.

          (c) Effective as of the Closing Time, each of the Selling Stockholders
and the Company hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges all claims,
rights, demands, damages, costs, expenses, loss, liability actions and causes of
action, in law, in equity or in admiralty of whatever nature or description
whatsoever which it now or hereafter may have against either ACGL or TDH (and
any present or former affiliate (which term, for the purposes of this paragraph,
shall include the Company, with respect to ACGL), director, shareholder,
partner, officer, employee, agent, attorney or fiduciary of either ACGL or TDH)
based upon or arising out of or relating, directly or indirectly, to the
business activities in connection with the Company of either ACGL or TDH (and
any present or former affiliate, director, shareholder, partner, officer,
employee, agent, attorney or fiduciary of either ACGL or TDH) and/or to any
actions taken (or omitted to be taken) by either ACGL or TDH (and any present or
former affiliate, director, shareholder, partner, officer, employee, agent,
attorney or fiduciary of either ACGL or TDH) in connection with the Company at
any time on or prior to the Closing Time, other than as explicitly set forth in
this Agreement and except with respect to any claim arising out of fraud.

          (d) Effective as of the Closing Time, each of TDH, ACGL and the
Company, as applicable, hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges all
claims, rights, demands, damages, costs, expenses, loss, liability actions and
causes of action in law, in equity or in admiralty of whatever nature or
description whatsoever which it now or hereafter may have against any of ACGL,
TDH or the Company (and any present or former affiliate, director, partner,
officer, employee, agent, attorney or fiduciary of any of ACGL, TDH or the
Company) based upon or arising out of or relating, directly or indirectly, to
the business activities of any of ACGL, TDH or the Company in connection with or
by the Company and/or to any actions taken (or omitted to be taken) by any of
ACGL, TDH or the Company in connection with or by the Company at any time on or
prior to the Closing Time, except as set forth explicitly in this Agreement and
except with respect to any claim arising out of fraud.

          17.13 Modification and Waiver. Any of the terms or conditions of this
Agreement may be waived in writing at any time by the party which is entitled to
the benefits thereof, and this Agreement may be modified or amended at any time
by ACGL, the Company and the Selling Stockholders; provided, however, that ACGL,
the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall not amend or modify this
Agreement in any way adverse to TDH without TDH's written consent. No
supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall

<PAGE>
                                      -46-

be binding unless executed in writing by the applicable parties hereto. No
waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall
constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof nor shall such waiver
constitute a continuing waiver.

          17.14 Invalid Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is held
to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, such
provision shall be fully severable, this Agreement shall be construed and
enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never
comprised a part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the
illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this
Agreement.

          17.15 Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise expressly set
forth herein, no individual or entity shall be a third party beneficiary of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by any party hereto.

          17.16 Construction and Interpretation. This Agreement has been
negotiated by the undersigned and their respective legal counsel, and legal or
equitable principles that might require the construction of this Agreement, or
any provision of this Agreement, against the party drafting this Agreement will
not apply in any construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the day and
year first above written.

                          AMERICAN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY

                          By:    /s/ Lewis Small
                                 --------------------------------------
                                 Name: Lewis Small
                                 Title:

<PAGE>

                          TDH CAPITAL PARTNERS

                          By:   /s/ J. Mahlon Buck, Jr.
                                --------------------------------------
                                 Name:  J. Mahlon Buck, Jr.
                                Title: President

                          TDH III, L.P.

                           By: /s/ James M. Buck, III
                                 --------------------------------------
                                 Name:  James M. Buck, III
                                 Title:  General Partner
                                         TDH III Partners, L.P.,
                                         its general partner

<PAGE>

                               By: /s/ Lewis Small
                                   ---------------------------------
                                   LEWIS SMALL

<PAGE>

                           RICHARD SMALL VOTING TRUST

                               By: /s/ Lewis Small
                                   ---------------------------------
                                   LEWIS SMALL

<PAGE>

                          AMERICAN INDEPENDENT COMPANY VOTING TRUST

                          By:    /s/ Lewis Small
                                 ---------------------------------
                                   LEWIS SMALL

<PAGE>

                             By: /s/ David Wilstein
                                 ---------------------------------
                                 DAVID WILSTEIN

<PAGE>

                            By: /s/ Leonard Wilstein
                                 ---------------------------------
                                LEONARD WILSTEIN

<PAGE>

                             By: /s/ Denise Wilstein
                                 ---------------------------------
                                 DENISE WILSTEIN

<PAGE>

                              By: /s/ Gary Wilstein
                                 ---------------------------------
                                  GARY WILSTEIN

<PAGE>

                             By: /s/ Ronald Wilstein
                                 ---------------------------------
                                 RONALD WILSTEIN

<PAGE>

                          BCI HOLDINGS, INC.

                             By: /s/ Arnold M. Katz
                                 ---------------------------------
                                 Name:  Arnold M. Katz
                                 Title:

<PAGE>

                          ARCH CAPITAL GROUP LTD.

                            By: /s/ Louis T. Petrillo
                                 ---------------------------------
                                 Name:  Louis T. Petrillo
                                 Title:  Senior Vice President,
                                         General Counsel and Secretary

<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit A

                      List of Selling Stockholders and the
               Number of Shares Owned by Each Selling Stockholder

<TABLE>
----------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------------
<CAPTION>
                                      Shares to Be        Shares to Be      Total Shares                      Purchase Price
Stockholder                           Purchased*          Redeemed*            Owned      Percentage          Allocation

<S>                                   <C>                  <C>              <C>            <C>                <C>
Lewis Small                           1,377.70             1,711.30         3,089.00       41.51%             518,875.00
Richard Small                           430.39               534.61
Voting Trust                                                                  965.00       12.97%             162,125.00
David Wilstein                          303.87               377.45           681.32        9.16%             114,500.00
Leonard Wilstein                        303.87               377.45           681.32        9.16%             114,500.00
Denise Wilstein                         160.87               199.81           360.68        4.84%              60,500.00
Gary Wilstein                            80.44                99.90           180.34        2.42%              30,250.00
Ronald Wilstein                          80.44                99.90           180.34        2.42%              30,250.00
BCI Holdings, Inc.                      122.65               152.35           275.00        3.70%              46,250.00
American                                458.49               569.51
Independent
Company Voting
Trust                                                                       1,028.00       13.82%             172,750.00
                                   ===========            =========         ========      =======          =============
TOTAL                                 3,318.72             4,122.28         7,441.00      100.00%          $1,250,000.00
                                      ========             ========         ========      =======          =============
</TABLE>

----------

*    Based on an assumption of an approximately $9.0 million gross award.

                                       A-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit B

                         List of Outstanding Options and
                   Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock

                                                        Number of Shares
Option/Warrant Holder            Security             Subject to Security

TDH III, L.P.                A-1 Warrant                        1,489

TDH III, L.P.                A-2 Warrant                          496.03*

TDH III, L.P.                B Warrant                            743.87

TDH Capital Partners         Class A Warrants                     315.85

TDH III, L.P.                Class A Warrants                     297.45

Stock Option Plan            Options                              992.22

ACGL                         Class A Warrants                     490.65

ACGL                         Class C Warrants                     645.52**

*    Remain unissued by the Company because subject to issue upon events which
     have not occurred.

**   This number reflects increases made in September 2000.

                                       B-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit C
                         Form of Company Counsel Opinion

          1. The Company and each Subsidiary is validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has the
requisite corporate power and authority to own and operate its properties and to
conduct the business in which it is currently engaged.

          2. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into and perform its obligations under the Agreement and to carry out the
transactions contemplated thereby. The execution, delivery and performance by
the Company of the Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite
corporate action on the part of the Company.

          3. The Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company
and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.

          4. Except as set forth on the Schedules to the Agreement and except
for any necessary approval by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions therein contemplated do not
result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or
constitute a default under, (i) any material indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party,
and which is listed in the Schedules to the Agreement (collectively,
"Contracts"), (ii) the articles of incorporation or by-laws of the Company, or
(iii) any judgment or order of which we have knowledge of any court or
governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its
properties or any law, rule or regulation.

          5. To the best of our knowledge, there is no action, suit, proceeding
or investigation pending or threatened against or affecting the Company or any
of its properties or assets that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent the
consummation of or otherwise challenge the Agreement.

          6. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock. Based on our review of the stock record books of the Company and a
certificate of the Company, immediately prior to the Closing, 7,441 shares of
Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were
issued and outstanding. Except as set forth on Exhibit B to the Agreement, there
are no preemptive rights, options, warrants or similar rights granted by the
Company in respect of shares of capital stock of the Company or any other
agreements to which the Company is a party providing for the issuance or sale by
it of any securities.

                                       C-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit D
                   Form of Selling Stockholder Counsel Opinion

          1. The Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the
Selling Stockholders and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of
each of the Selling Stockholders, enforceable against each of the Selling
Stockholders in accordance with its terms.

          2. Immediately prior to the date hereof each Selling Stockholder had
good and valid title to the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder on the
date hereof by each Selling Stockholder under the Agreement, free and clear of
all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, and full right, power and authority
to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by each Selling
Stockholder thereunder.

          3. Good and valid title to the Shares, free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, equities or claims, has been transferred to ACGL, who has
purchased the Shares in good faith and without notice of any such lien,
encumbrance, equity or claim or any other adverse claim within the meaning of
the UCC.

                                       D-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

          Set forth on the pages that follow are data which show the
hypothetical allocation of the proceeds from the Lawsuits. No assurances can be,
or are intended to be, given by the following data as to the actual amount of
proceeds which may be received with respect to the Lawsuits (or that there will
be any such proceeds), other than as specifically provided in the Agreement, or
as to the actual distribution of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds or the Tax consequences
to the Company.

          The following data assume:

          o    NOLCs other than Post-Closing Tax Attributes will be available to
               offset any Taxes imposed or to be imposed on the Company or any
               Subsidiary in connection with the Lawsuit Gross Proceeds which
               may be received with respect to the Lawsuits.

          o    Bill Kuntz, Ira Silverstein and Mark Mendel receive 10%, 5% and
               15%, respectively, pursuant to the contingency fee arrangements
               agreed upon with them prior to the Closing Date and as described
               on Schedule 4.2 to this Agreement.

          o    The first $12.0 million in proceeds from the Lawsuits are awarded
               with respect to the State Lawsuits.

          o    Future expenses with respect to the State Lawsuits total
               $150,000, and, including the federal Lawsuits, such expenses
               total $400,000.

          o    Previously booked expenses with respect to the Lawsuits total
               $750,000.

          o    Fred Gitterman receives 4% of the Company's award net of all
               expenses listed above him in the following table.

          To the extent that the foregoing assumptions differ from actual
results and expenses, the data that follow showing the hypothetical allocation
of proceeds from the Lawsuits will not reflect the actual distribution of Gross
Lawsuit Proceeds.

                                      E-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                <C>            <C>             <C>
(a)      Gross Lawsuit Proceeds*                   $3,000,000     $4,000,000      $5,000,000

(b)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.2(c))                                    0              0          93,750

(c)      Company award                              3,000,000      4,000,000       4,906,250

(d)      To Bill Kuntz (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                      300,000        400,000         500,000

(e)      To Ira Silverstein (under
         Section 4.1(a))                              150,000        200,000         250,000

(f)      To Mark Mendel (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                      450,000        600,000         750,000

(g)      For future expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))                              150,000        150,000         150,000

(h)      For previous expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))**                             750,000        750,000         750,000

(i)      To Fred Gitterman (under
         Section 4.1(b))                               48,000         76,000         100,250

(j)      Lawsuit Net Proceeds                       1,902,000      2,574,000       3,156,000

(k)      To TDH (under Section 4.1(d))              1,300,000      1,365,000       1,500,000

(l)      Net of TDH                                   602,000      1,209,000       1,656,000

(m)      To the Selling Stockholders
         (under Section 4.1(d))                       402,000        837,292       1,142,463

</TABLE>

*    Net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be imposed on the Company or any
     Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds.

**   Not to be considered for purposes of distribution under lines (k) through
     (n) and is not related to the Lawsuit Net Proceeds calculation. Any amounts
     recovered from the Company's director's and officer's insurance carrier for
     legal fees paid to Ira Silverstein shall reduce the amount reimbursed to
     the Company for previous expenses under Section 4.1(a), to the extent such
     payments are included in line (h).

                                      E-2
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>
(n)      To ACGL (under Section 4.1(d))              $200,000       $371,708        $513,537
</TABLE>

                                      E-3
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                             <C>              <C>            <C>
(a)      Gross Lawsuit Proceeds*                $6,000,000       $7,000,000     $8,000,000

(b)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.2(c))                           187,500          281,250        375,000

(c)      Company award                           5,812,500        6,718,750      7,625,000

(d)      To Bill Kuntz (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                   600,000          700,000        800,000

(e)      To Ira Silverstein (under
         Section 4.1(a))                           300,000          350,000        400,000

(f)      To Mark Mendel (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                   900,000        1,050,000      1,200,000
(g)      For future expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))                           150,000          150,000        150,000

(h)      For previous expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))**                         750,000          750,000        750,000

(i)      To Fred Gitterman (under
         Section 4.1(b))                           124,500          148,750        173,000

(j)      Lawsuit Net Proceeds                    3,738,000        4,320,000      4,902,000

(k)      To TDH (under Section 4.1(d))           1,911,600        2,292,000      2,622,400

(l)      Net of TDH                              1,826,400        2,028,000      2,279,600

(m)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.1(d))                         1,251,084        1,351,084      1,451,084

(n)      To ACGL (under Section 4.1(d))           $575,316         $676,916       $828,516
</TABLE>

*    Net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be imposed on the Company or any
     Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds.

**   Not to be considered for purposes of distribution under lines (k) through
     (n) and is not related to the Lawsuit Net Proceeds calculation. Any amounts
     recovered from the Company's director's and officer's insurance carrier for
     legal fees paid to Ira Silverstein shall reduce the amount reimbursed to
     the Company for previous expenses under Section 4.1(a), to the extent such
     payments are included in line (h).

                                      E-4
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                              <C>            <C>           <C>
(a)      Gross Lawsuit Proceeds*                 $9,000,000     $10,000,000   $11,000,000

(b)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.2(c))                            468,750         562,500       750,000

(c)      Company award                            8,531,250       9,437,500    10,250,000

(d)      To Bill Kuntz (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                    900,000       1,000,000     1,100,000
(e)      To Ira Silverstein (under
         Section 4.1(a))                            450,000         500,000       550,000

(f)      To Mark Mendel (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                  1,350,000       1,500,000     1,650,000
(g)      For future expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))                            150,000         150,000       150,000

(h)      For previous expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))**                          750,000         750,000       750,000

(i)      To Fred Gitterman (under
         Section 4.1(b))                            197,250         221,500       242,000

(j)      Lawsuit Net Proceeds                     5,484,000       6,066,000     6,558,000

(k)      To TDH (under Section 4.1(d))            2,977,800       3,333,200     3,688,600

(l)      Net of TDH                               2,506,200       2,732,800     2,869,400

(m)      To the Selling Stockholders
</TABLE>

*    Net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be imposed on the Company or any
     Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds.

**   Not to be considered for purposes of distribution under lines (k) through
     (n) and is not related to the Lawsuit Net Proceeds calculation. Any amounts
     recovered from the Company's director's and officer's insurance carrier for
     legal fees paid to Ira Silverstein shall reduce the amount reimbursed to
     the Company for previous expenses under Section 4.1(a), to the extent such
     payments are included in line (h).

                                      E-5
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                               <C>             <C>           <C>
         (under Section 4.1(d))                   1,551,084       1,651,084     1,751,084

(n)      To ACGL (under Section 4.1(d))            $955,116      $1,081,716    $1,118,316
</TABLE>

                                      E-6
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                    <C>                   <C>                     <C>
(a)      Gross Lawsuit Proceeds*                       $12,000,000           $13,000,000             $14,000,000

(b)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.2(c))                                   937,500             1,000,000               1,000,000

(c)      Company award                                  11,062,500            12,000,000              13,000,000

(d)      To Bill Kuntz (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                         1,200,000             1,300,000               1,400,000
(e)      To Ira Silverstein (under
         Section 4.1(a))                                   600,000               650,000                 700,000

(f)      To Mark Mendel (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                         1,800,000             1,950,000               2,100,000
(g)      For future expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))                                   150,000               400,000                 400,000

(h)      For previous expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))**                                 750,000               750,000                 750,000

(i)      To Fred Gitterman (under
         Section 4.1(b))                                   262,500               278,000                 306,000

(j)      Lawsuit Net Proceeds                            7,050,000             7,422,000               8,094,000

(k)      To TDH (under Section 4.1(d))                   4,044,000             4,231,400               4,411,800

</TABLE>

----------
*    Net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be imposed on the Company or any
     Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds.

**   Not to be considered for purposes of distribution under lines (k) through
     (n) and is not related to the Lawsuit Net Proceeds calculation. Any amounts
     recovered from the Company's director's and officer's insurance carrier for
     legal fees paid to Ira Silverstein shall reduce the amount reimbursed to
     the Company for previous expenses under Section 4.1(a), to the extent such
     payments are included in line (h).

                                      E-7
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                    <C>                   <C>                     <C>
(l)      Net of TDH                                      3,006,000             3,190,600               3,682,200

(m)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.1(d))                                 1,851,084             1,943,384               2,189,184

(n)      To ACGL (under Section 4.1(d))                 $1,154,916            $1,247,216              $1,493,016

</TABLE>

                                      E-8
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>
(a)      Gross Lawsuit Proceeds*               $15,000,000     $16,000,000     $17,000,000

(b)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.2(c))                           1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000

(c)      Company award                            14,000,000      15,000,000      16,000,000

(d)      To Bill Kuntz (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                   1,500,000       1,600,000       1,700,000
(e)      To Ira Silverstein (under
         Section 4.1(a))                             750,000         800,000         850,000

(f)      To Mark Mendel (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                   2,250,000       2,400,000       2,550,000
(g)      For future expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))                             400,000         400,000         400,000

(h)      For previous expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))**                           750,000         750,000         750,000

(i)      To Fred Gitterman (under
         Section 4.1(b))                             334,000         362,000         390,000

(j)      Lawsuit Net Proceeds                      8,766,000       9,438,000      10,110,000

(k)      To TDH (under Section 4.1(d))             4,592,200       4,772,600       4,953,000

</TABLE>

----------

*    Net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be imposed on the Company or any
     Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds.

**   Not to be considered for purposes of distribution under lines (k) through
     (n) and is not related to the Lawsuit Net Proceeds calculation. Any amounts
     recovered from the Company's director's and officer's insurance carrier for
     legal fees paid to Ira Silverstein shall reduce the amount reimbursed to
     the Company for previous expenses under Section 4.1(a), to the extent such
     payments are included in line (h).

                                      E-9
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>
(l)      Net of TDH                                4,173,800       4,665,400       5,157,000

(m)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.1(d))                           2,434,984       2,680,784       2,926,584

(n)      To ACGL (under Section 4.1(d))           $1,738,816      $1,984,616      $2,230,416
</TABLE>

                                      E-10
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                    <C>                   <C>                     <C>
(a)      Gross Lawsuit Proceeds*                       $18,000,000           $19,000,000             $20,000,000

(b)      To the Selling Stockholders (under
         Section 4.2(c))                                 1,000,000             1,000,000               1,000,000

(c)      Company award                                  17,000,000            18,000,000              19,000,000

(d)      To Bill Kuntz (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                         1,800,000             1,900,000               2,000,000
(e)      To Ira Silverstein (under
         Section 4.1(a))                                   900,000               950,000               1,000,000

(f)      To Mark Mendel (under Section 4.1(a))
                                                         2,700,000             2,850,000               3,000,000
(g)      For future expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))                                   400,000               400,000                 400,000

(h)      For previous expenses (under
         Section 4.1(a))**                                 750,000               750,000                 750,000

(i)      To Fred Gitterman (under
         Section 4.1(b))                                   418,000               446,000                 474,000

(j)      Lawsuit Net Proceeds                           10,782,000            11,454,000              12,126,000

(k)      To TDH (under Section 4.1(d))                   5,133,400             5,313,800               5,494,200

(l)      Net of TDH                                      5,648,600             6,140,200               6,631,800

(m)      To the Selling Stockholders
</TABLE>

----------
*    Net of any Taxes imposed or expected to be imposed on the Company or any
     Subsidiary in connection with such proceeds.

**   Not to be considered for purposes of distribution under lines (k) through
     (n) and is not related to the Lawsuit Net Proceeds calculation. Any amounts
     recovered from the Company's director's and officer's insurance carrier for
     legal fees paid to Ira Silverstein shall reduce the amount reimbursed to
     the Company for previous expenses under Section 4.1(a), to the extent such
     payments are included in line (h).

                                      E-11
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit E
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Hypothetical Example of Allocation of Lawsuit Gross Proceeds

<S>                                                     <C>                   <C>                     <C>
         (under Section 4.1(d))                          3,172,384             3,418,184               3,663,984

(n)      To ACGL (under Section 4.1(d))                 $2,476,216            $2,722,016              $2,967,816

</TABLE>

                                      E-12
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit F
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Distribution of Lawsuit Net Proceeds

<S>                                  <C>                 <C>                               <C>
Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds        $0 - 1,902,000       Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds    4,902,000 - 5,484,000
TDH Percentage                           68.35%           TDH Percentage                           61.07%
Selling Stockholders
Percentage*                              21.14%           Selling Stockholders                     17.18%
                                                          Percentage
Company Percentage                       10.52%           Company Percentage                       21.75%

Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds     1,902,000 - 2,574,000   Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds    5,484,000 - 6,066,000
TDH Percentage                            9.67%           TDH Percentage                           61.07%
Selling Stockholders Percentage
                                         64.78%           Selling Stockholders                     17.18%
                                                          Percentage
Company Percentage                       25.55%           Company Percentage                       21.75%

Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds     2,574,000 - 3,156,000   Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds    6,066,000 - 6,558,000
TDH Percentage                           23.20%           TDH Percentage                           72.24%
Selling Stockholders Percentage
                                         52.43%           Selling Stockholders                     20.33%
                                                          Percentage
Company Percentage                       24.37%           Company Percentage                       7.44%

Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds     3,156,000 - 3,738,000   Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds    6,558,000 - 7,050,000
TDH Percentage                           70.72%           TDH Percentage                           72.24%
Selling Stockholders Percentage
                                         18.66%           Selling Stockholders                     20.33%
                                                          Percentage
Company Percentage                       10.61%           Company Percentage                       7.44%

Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds     3,738,000 - 4,320,000   Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds    7,050,000 - 7,422,000
TDH Percentage                           65.36%           TDH Percentage                           50.38%
Selling Stockholders Percentage
                                         17.18%           Selling Stockholders                     24.81%
                                                          Percentage
Company Percentage                       17.46%           Company Percentage                       24.81%

Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds     4,320,000 - 4,902,000   Range of Lawsuit Net Proceeds     $7,422,000 and above
TDH Percentage                           56.77%           TDH Percentage                           26.85%

</TABLE>

----------
*    The ultimate dollar amount of the Selling Stockholders percentage
     throughout this Exhibit F shall be distributed to the Selling Stockholders
     in the percentages set forth on Exhibit A.

                                      F-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit F
                                                                     (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                  <C>              <C>                               <C>
Selling Stockholders Percentage      17.18%           Selling Stockholders              36.58%
                                                      Percentage
Company Percentage                   26.05%           Company Percentage                36.58%
</TABLE>

                                      F-2

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