EXECUTION COPY







                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                          Dated as of December 16, 1999

                                      among

                         HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.

                       THE INSTITUTIONS FROM TIME TO TIME
                            PARTIES HERETO AS LENDERS

                                       and

                                  BANK ONE, NA,
                                    as Agent









                         BANC ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.,
                      as Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner






                                 SIDLEY & AUSTIN
                                 Bank One Plaza
                            10 South Dearborn Street
                             Chicago, Illinois 60603








                                       TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION                                                                     PAGE

ARTICLE I:     DEFINITIONS                                                     1
      1.1      CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS                                           1
      1.2      REFERENCES                                                     24
      1.3      SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE                                        24

ARTICLE II:    THE REVOLVING LOAN FACILITY                                    25
      2.1      REVOLVING LOANS                                                25
      2.2      SWING LINE LOANS                                               26
      2.3      RATE OPTIONS FOR ALL ADVANCES; MAXIMUM INTEREST PERIODS        27
      2.4      OPTIONAL PAYMENTS; MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS                       27
               (A)  OPTIONAL   PAYMENTS                                       27
               (B)  MANDATORY   PREPAYMENTS                                   28
               (C)  PREPAYMENTS AND HEDGING ARRANGEMENTS                      29
      2.5      REDUCTION OF REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENTS                        29
      2.6      METHOD OF BORROWING                                            29
      2.7      METHOD OF SELECTING TYPES AND INTEREST PERIODS FOR ADVANCES    29
      2.8      MINIMUM AMOUNT OF EACH ADVANCE                                 30
      2.9      METHOD OF SELECTING TYPES AND INTEREST PERIODS FOR
               CONVERSION AND CONTINUATION OF ADVANCES                        30
               (A)  RIGHT TO CONVERT                                          30
               (B)  AUTOMATIC CONVERSION AND CONTINUATION                     30
               (C)  NO CONVERSION POST-DEFAULT OR POST-UNMATURED DEFAULT      30
               (D)  BORROWING/ELECTION NOTICE                                 30
      2.10     DEFAULT RATE                                                   31
      2.11     METHOD OF PAYMENT                                              31
      2.12     EVIDENCE OF DEBT                                               31
      2.13     TELEPHONIC NOTICES                                             32
      2.14     PROMISE TO PAY; INTEREST AND COMMITMENT FEES; INTEREST
               PAYMENT DATES; INTEREST AND FEE BASIS; LOAN AND CONTROL
               ACCOUNTS                                                       32
               (A)  PROMISE TO PAY                                            32
               (B)  INTEREST PAYMENT DATES                                    32
               (C)  COMMITMENT FEES AND AGENT'S FEES                          33
               (D)  INTEREST AND FEE BASIS; APPLICABLE FLOATING
                    RATE MARGINS, APPLICABLE EURODOLLAR MARGINS;
                    APPLICABLE COMMITMENT FEE PERCENTAGE AND APPLICABLE L/C
                    FEE PERCENTAGE                                            33
      2.15     NOTIFICATION OF ADVANCES, INTEREST RATES, PREPAYMENTS
               AND AGGREGATE REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENT REDUCTIONS             34
      2.16     LENDING INSTALLATIONS                                          35
      2.17     NON-RECEIPT OF FUNDS BY THE AGENT                              35
      2.18     TERMINATION DATE                                               35
      2.19     REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN LENDERS                                 35



ARTICLE III:   THE LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY                                  36
      3.1      OBLIGATION TO ISSUE LETTERS OF CREDIT                          36
      3.3      TYPES AND AMOUNTS                                              36
      3.4      CONDITIONS.                                                    37
      3.5      PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT                    37
      3.6      LETTER OF CREDIT PARTICIPATION                                 38
      3.7      REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION                                       38
      3.8      LETTER OF CREDIT FEES                                          39
      3.9      ISSUING BANK REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.                           39
      3.10     INDEMNIFICATION; EXONERATION                                   39
      3.11     CASH COLLATERAL                                                40


ARTICLE IV:    YIELD PROTECTION; TAXES                                        41
      4.1.     YIELD PROTECTION.                                              41
      4.2.     CHANGES IN CAPITAL ADEQUACY REGULATIONS.                       42
      4.3.     AVAILABILITY OF TYPES OF ADVANCES.                             42
      4.4.     FUNDING INDEMNIFICATION.                                       42
      4.5.     TAXES.                                                         43
      4.6.     LENDER STATEMENTS; SURVIVAL OF INDEMNITY.                      45

ARTICLE V:     CONDITIONS PRECEDENT                                           45
      5.1      INITIAL ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT                         45
      5.2      EACH ADVANCE AND LETTER OF CREDIT                              47

ARTICLE VI:    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES                                 46
      6.1      ORGANIZATION; CORPORATE POWERS                                 48
      6.2      AUTHORITY                                                      48
      6.3      NO CONFLICT; GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS                             49
      6.4      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                           50
      6.5      NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE                                     50
      6.6      TAXES                                                          50
               (A) TAX EXAMINATIONS                                           50
               (B) PAYMENT OF TAXES                                           51
      6.7      LITIGATION; LOSS CONTINGENCIES AND VIOLATIONS                  51
      6.8      SUBSIDIARIES                                                   51
      6.9      ERISA                                                          52
      6.10     ACCURACY OF INFORMATION                                        54
      6.11     SECURITIES ACTIVITIES                                          54
      6.12     MATERIAL AGREEMENTS                                            54
      6.13     COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS                                           54
      6.14     ASSETS AND PROPERTIES                                          54
      6.15     STATUTORY INDEBTEDNESS RESTRICTIONS                            54
      6.16     INSURANCE                                                      55
      6.17     LABOR MATTERS                                                  55
      6.18     SPIN-OFF AND RUGBY TRANSACTIONS                                55
      6.19     ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS                                          55





      6.20     SOLVENCY                                                       56
      6.21     YEAR 2000 ISSUES                                               56
      6.22     BENEFITS                                                       56

ARTICLE VII :  COVENANTS                                                      57
      7.1      REPORTING                                                      57
               (A)  FINANCIAL REPORTING                                       57
               (B)  NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS                58
               (C)  LAWSUITS                                                  59
               (D)  ERISA NOTICES                                             59
               (E)  LABOR MATTERS                                             61
               (F)  OTHER INDEBTEDNESS                                        61
               (G)  OTHER REPORTS                                             61
               (H)  ENVIRONMENTAL NOTICES                                     62
               (I)  OTHER INFORMATION                                         62

      7.2      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS                                          62
               (A)  CORPORATE EXISTENCE, ETC.                                 62
               (B)  CORPORATE POWERS; CONDUCT OF BUSINESS                     62
               (C)  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, ETC.                                62
               (D)  PAYMENT OF TAXES AND CLAIMS; TAX CONSOLIDATION            63
               (E)  INSURANCE                                                 63
               (F)  INSPECTION OF PROPERTY; BOOKS AND RECORDS; DISCUSSIONS    63
               (G)  ERISA COMPLIANCE                                          64
               (H)  MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY                                   64
               (I)  ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE                                  64
               (J)  USE OF PROCEEDS                                           64
               (K)  ADDITION OF GUARANTORS                                    64
               (L)  YEAR 2000 ISSUES                                          64

      7.3      NEGATIVE COVENANTS                                             65
               (A)  INDEBTEDNESS                                              65
               (B)  SALES OF ASSETS                                           66
               (C)  LIENS                                                     66
               (D)  INVESTMENTS                                               68
               (E)  CONTINGENT OBLIGATIONS                                    69
               (F)  RESTRICTED PAYMENTS                                       69
               (G)  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS; NEW SUBSIDIARIES; ACQUISITIONS       70
               (H)  TRANSACTIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS AND AFFILIATES             71
               (I)  RESTRICTION ON FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES                        71
               (J)  MARGIN REGULATIONS                                        71
               (K)  ERISA                                                     71
               (L)  CORPORATE DOCUMENTS                                       72
               (M)  FISCAL YEAR                                               72
               (N)  SUBSIDIARY COVENANTS                                      72
               (O)  HEDGING OBLIGATIONS                                       72
               (P)  ISSUANCE OF DISQUALIFIED STOCK.                           73




               (Q)  OTHER INDEBTEDNESS                                        73
               (R)  INTERCOMPANY LOANS                                        74

      7.4      FINANCIAL COVENANTS                                            74
               (A)  MAXIMUM LEVERAGE RATIO                                    74
               (B)  MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH                            74
               (C)  INTEREST EXPENSE COVERAGE RATIO                           74


ARTICLE VIII:  DEFAULTS                                                       75
      8.1      DEFAULTS                                                       75

ARTICLE IX:    ACCELERATION, DEFAULTING LENDERS; WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS
               AND REMEDIES                                                   78
      9.1      TERMINATION OF REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENTS; ACCELERATION        78
      9.2      DEFAULTING LENDER                                              78
      9.3      AMENDMENTS                                                     79
      9.4      PRESERVATION OF RIGHTS                                         80

ARTICLE X:     GENERAL PROVISIONS                                             81
      10.1     SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS                                    81
      10.2     GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION                                        81
      10.3     PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS                                     81
      10.4     HEADINGS                                                       82
      10.5     ENTIRE AGREEMENT                                               82
      10.6     SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS; BENEFITS OF THIS AGREEMENT                82
      10.7     EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION                                      82
               (A)  EXPENSES                                                  82
               (B)  INDEMNITY                                                 82
               (C)  WAIVER OF CERTAIN  CLAIMS;  SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS          83
               (D)  SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENTS                                    84
      10.8     NUMBERS OF DOCUMENTS                                           84
      10.9     ACCOUNTING                                                     84
      10.10    SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS                                     84
      10.11    NONLIABILITY OF LENDERS                                        84
      10.12    GOVERNING LAW                                                  84
      10.13    CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; JURY TRIAL        85
               (A)  EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION                                    85
               (B)  OTHER JURISDICTIONS                                       85
               (C)  VENUE                                                     85
               (D)  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL                                      86
      10.14    SUBORDINATION OF INTERCOMPANY INDEBTEDNESS                     86
      10.15    LENDER'S NOT UTILIZING PLAN ASSETS.                            87

ARTICLE XI:    THE AGENT                                                      87
      11.1     APPOINTMENT; NATURE OF RELATIONSHIP                            87
      11.2     POWERS                                                         88




      11.3     GENERAL IMMUNITY                                               88
      11.4     NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOANS, CREDITWORTHINESS, RECITALS, ETC.  88
      11.5     ACTION ON INSTRUCTIONS OF LENDERS                              88
      11.6     EMPLOYMENT OF AGENTS AND COUNSEL                               89
      11.7     RELIANCE ON DOCUMENTS; COUNSEL                                 89
      11.8     THE AGENT'S REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNIFICATION                  89
      11.9     RIGHTS AS A LENDER                                             89
      11.10    LENDER CREDIT DECISION                                         90
      11.11    SUCCESSOR AGENT                                                90

ARTICLE XII:   SETOFF; RATABLE PAYMENTS                                       90
      12.1     SETOFF                                                         90
      12.2     RATABLE PAYMENTS                                               90
      12.3     APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS                                        91
      12.4     RELATIONS AMONG LENDERS                                        92
      12.5     REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS AMONG LENDERS.                   92

ARTICLE XIII:  BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS              92
      13.1     SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS                                         92
      13.2     PARTICIPATIONS                                                 93
               (A) PERMITTED  PARTICIPANTS;  EFFECT                           93
               (B) VOTING RIGHTS                                              93
               (C) BENEFIT OF SETOFF                                          94
      13.3     ASSIGNMENTS                                                    94
               (A)  PERMITTED ASSIGNMENTS                                     94
               (B)  EFFECT; EFFECTIVE DATE                                    94
               (C)  THE REGISTER                                              95

      13.4     CONFIDENTIALITY                                                95
      13.5     DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION                                   96

ARTICLE XIV:   NOTICES                                                        96
      14.1     GIVING NOTICE                                                  96
      14.2     CHANGE OF ADDRESS                                              96

ARTICLE XV:    COUNTERPARTS                                                   96






                             EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES


                                    EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT A         --    Revolving Loan Commitments
                        (Definitions)

EXHIBIT B         --    Form of Borrowing/Election Notice
                        (Section 2.2 and Section 2.7 and Section 2.9)

EXHIBIT C         --    Form of Request for Letter of Credit
                        (Section 3.4)

EXHIBIT D         --    Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement
                        (Sections 2.19 and 13.3)

EXHIBIT E         --    Form of Borrower's Counsel's Opinion
                        (Section 5.1)

EXHIBIT F         --    List of Closing Documents
                        (Section 5.1)

EXHIBIT G         --    Form of Officer's Certificate
                        (Sections 5.2 and 7.1(A)(iii))

EXHIBIT H         --    Form of Compliance Certificate
                        (Sections 5.2 and 7.1(A)(iii))

EXHIBIT I         --    Form of Guaranty
                        (Definitions)







                                         SCHEDULES


Schedule 1.1.1     --    Permitted Existing Indebtedness (Definitions)

Schedule 1.1.2     --    Permitted Existing Investments (Definitions)

Schedule 1.1.3     --    Permitted Existing Liens (Definitions)

Schedule 1.1.4     --    Permitted Existing Contingent Obligations (Definitions)

Schedule 3.2       --    Transitional Letters of Credit (Section 3.2)

Schedule 5.1       --    Terminated Indebtedness (Section 5.1)

Schedule 6.3       --    Conflicts; Governmental Consents (Section 6.3)

Schedule 6.4       --    Pro Forma Financial Statements (Section 6.4(A))

Schedule 6.7       --    Litigation; Loss Contingencies (Section 6.7)

Schedule 6.8       --    Subsidiaries (Section 6.8)

Schedule 6.9       --    ERISA (Section 6.9)

Schedule 6.18      --    Spin-Off Transactions and Rugby Acquisition Conditions
                         (Section 6.18)

Schedule 6.19      --    Environmental Matters (Section 6.19)








                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


      This Credit  Agreement dated as of December 16, 1999 is entered into among
HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS,  INC., a Delaware  corporation,  the institutions from
time to time parties  hereto as Lenders,  whether by execution of this Agreement
or an Assignment  Agreement  pursuant to SECTION 13.3,  and BANK ONE, NA, having
its  principal  office in Chicago,  Illinois,  in its  capacity  as  contractual
representative for itself and the other Lenders.
The parties hereto agree as follows:


ARTICLE I:  DEFINITIONS

      1.1 CERTAIN  DEFINED TERMS.  In addition to the terms defined  above,  the
following  terms  used in this  Agreement  shall  have the  following  meanings,
applicable both to the singular and the plural forms of the terms defined.

      As used in this Agreement:

      "ACCOUNTING CHANGE" is defined in SECTION 10.9 hereof.

      "ACQUISITION"  means any transaction,  or any series of transactions  with
respect to Persons that are Affiliates, consummated on or after the date of this
Agreement,  by which the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  (i) acquires any
going  business  or  all  or  substantially  all of  the  assets  of  any  firm,
corporation or division thereof,  whether through purchase of assets,  merger or
otherwise or (ii) directly or indirectly  acquires (in one transaction or as the
most recent  transaction  in a series of  transactions)  at least a majority (in
number of votes) of the securities of a corporation  which have ordinary  voting
power for the election of  directors  (other than  securities  having such power
only by reason of the happening of a  contingency)  or a majority (by percentage
of voting power) of the outstanding Equity Interests of another Person.

      "ADVANCE" means a borrowing  hereunder  consisting of the aggregate amount
of the several  Loans made by the Lenders to the  Borrower of the same Type and,
in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, for the same Interest Period.

      "AFFECTED LENDER" is defined in SECTION 2.19 hereof.

      "AFFILIATE"  of any Person means any other Person  directly or  indirectly
controlling,  controlled by or under common  control with such Person.  A Person
shall be deemed to  control  another  Person  if the  controlling  Person is the
"beneficial  owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities  Exchange Act
of 1934)  of  greater  than ten  percent  (10%) or more of any  class of  voting
securities (or other voting  interests) of the  controlled  Person or possesses,
directly  or  indirectly,  the power to direct  or cause  the  direction  of the
management or policies of the controlled  Person,  whether through  ownership of
Capital Stock, by contract or otherwise.



                                     - 1 -



      "AGENT" means Bank One in its capacity as contractual  representative  for
itself and the  Lenders  pursuant to ARTICLE XI hereof and any  successor  Agent
appointed pursuant to ARTICLE XI hereof.

      "AGGREGATE REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENT" means the aggregate of the Revolving
Loan  Commitments  of all  the  Lenders,  as may be  reduced  from  time to time
pursuant to the terms hereof. The initial Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment is
One Hundred Twenty-Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($125,000,000.00);  PROVIDED,
that the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment shall be reduced pro rata among the
Lenders to Ninety-Three  Million and 00/100 Dollars  ($93,000,000)  if the Rugby
Acquisition shall not have been completed on or before March 31, 2000.

      "AGREEMENT" means this Credit Agreement, as it may be amended, restated or
otherwise modified and in effect from time to time.

      "AGREEMENT  ACCOUNTING  PRINCIPLES"  means generally  accepted  accounting
principles  as in effect in the United  States  from time to time,  applied in a
manner  consistent  with that used in preparing the financial  statements of the
Borrower  referred to in SECTION 6.4(B)  hereof,  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  except as
provided in SECTION  10.9,  that with  respect to the  calculation  of financial
ratios  and  other  financial  tests  required  by  this  Agreement,  "Agreement
Accounting  Principles"  means generally  accepted  accounting  principles as in
effect in the  United  States  as of the date of this  Agreement,  applied  in a
manner consistent with that used in preparing the financial statements of Huttig
Sash & Door Company referred to in SECTION 6.4(A) hereof.

      "ALTERNATE BASE RATE" means,  for any day, a fluctuating  rate of interest
per annum  equal to the higher of (i) the  Corporate  Base Rate for such day and
(ii)  the sum of (a) the  Federal  Funds  Effective  Rate  for  such day and (b)
one-half of one percent (0.5%) per annum; provided, however, that for the period
from December 1, 1999 through January 31, 2000, "Alternate Base Rate" means, for
any day, a  fluctuating  rate of interest  per annum equal to the highest of (i)
the  Corporate  Base Rate for such day,  (ii) the sum of (a) the  Federal  Funds
Effective Rate for such day and (b) one-half of one percent (0.5%) per annum and
(iii) the sum of the Federal Reserve Board Open Market  Committee target Federal
Funds Rate for such day plus one and one-half  percent (1.5%) per annum plus the
Applicable Eurodollar Margin.

      "APPLICABLE   COMMITMENT  FEE  PERCENTAGE"   means,  as  at  any  date  of
determination,  the rate per annum then applicable in the  determination  of the
amount payable under SECTION 2.14(C)(I) hereof determined in accordance with the
provisions of SECTION 2.14(D)(II) hereof.

      "APPLICABLE  EURODOLLAR  MARGINS" means, as at any date of  determination,
the rate per annum then  applicable  to  Eurodollar  Rate Loans,  determined  in
accordance with the provisions of SECTION 2.14(D)(II) hereof.

      "APPLICABLE FLOATING RATE MARGINS" means, as at any date of determination,
the rate per annum  then  applicable  to  Floating  Rate  Loans,  determined  in
accordance with the provisions of SECTION 2.14(D)(II) hereof.



                                     - 2 -




      "APPLICABLE  L/C FEE PERCENTAGE"  means, as at any date of  determination,
the rate per annum then  applicable in the  determination  of the amount payable
under SECTION  3.8(I) hereof  determined  in accordance  with the  provisions of
SECTION 2.14(D)(II) hereof.

      "ARRANGER"  means Banc One Capital  Markets,  Inc., in its capacity as the
lead arranger and sole  bookrunner  for the loan  transaction  evidenced by this
Agreement.

      "ASSIGNMENT  AGREEMENT"  means  an  assignment  and  acceptance  agreement
entered into in connection with an assignment pursuant to SECTION 13.3 hereof in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT D.

      "ASSET  SALE"  means,  with  respect  to  any  Person,  the  sale,  lease,
conveyance,  disposition  or other  transfer by such Person of any of its assets
(including  by way of a  sale-leaseback  transaction,  and including the sale or
other transfer of any of the Equity  Interests of any Subsidiary of such Person)
other than (i) the sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business and (ii)
the sale or other disposition of any obsolete  manufacturing  Equipment disposed
of in the ordinary course of business.

      "AUTHORIZED OFFICER" means any of the President, any Vice President, Chief
Financial  Officer,  Treasurer,  Controller,  any  Assistant  Treasurer  or  any
Assistant Controller of the Borrower, acting singly.

      "BANK BOOK" is defined in SECTION 5.1 hereof.

      "BANK ONE" means Bank One,  NA,  having its  principal  office in Chicago,
Illinois, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

      "BENEFIT PLAN" means a defined benefit plan as defined in Section 3(35) of
ERISA (other than a Multiemployer  Plan) in respect of which the Borrower or any
other member of the Controlled Group is, or within the immediately preceding six
(6) years was, an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

      "BORROWER" means Huttig Building Products,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation,
together with its successors and assigns,  including a  debtor-in-possession  on
behalf of the Borrower.

      "BORROWING  DATE"  means a date on which an  Advance or Swing Line Loan is
made hereunder.

      "BORROWING/ELECTION NOTICE" is defined in SECTION 2.7 hereof.

      "BUSINESS  DAY" means (i) with respect to any  borrowing,  payment or rate
selection of Loans bearing  interest at the Eurodollar Rate, a day (other than a
Saturday  or Sunday) on which banks are open for  business in Chicago,  Illinois
and on which dealings in Dollars are carried on



                                     - 3 -


in the London interbank market and (ii) for all other purposes a day (other than
a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Chicago, Illinois.


      "CAPITAL  EXPENDITURES"  means,  for  any  period,  the  aggregate  of all
expenditures  (whether  paid in cash or accrued  as  liabilities  and  including
Capitalized  Leases and Permitted  Purchase Money  Indebtedness) by the Borrower
and its  Subsidiaries  during that period that,  in  conformity  with  Agreement
Accounting  Principles,  are  required  to be included  in or  reflected  by the
property,  plant,  Equipment or similar  fixed asset  accounts  reflected in the
consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

      "CAPITAL STOCK" means (i) in the case of a corporation,  corporate  stock,
(ii) in the case of an  association  or  business  entity,  any and all  shares,
interests,  participations,  rights or other equivalents (however designated) of
corporate  stock,  (iii) in the  case of a  partnership,  partnership  interests
(whether general or limited) and (iv) any other interest or  participation  that
confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the  profits  and losses of,
or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

      "CAPITALIZED LEASE" of a Person means any lease of property by such Person
as lessee which would be capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person  prepared
in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles.

      "CAPITALIZED  LEASE  OBLIGATIONS"  of a Person  means  the  amount  of the
obligations of such Person under  Capitalized  Leases which would be capitalized
on a  balance  sheet  of such  Person  prepared  in  accordance  with  Agreement
Accounting Principles.

      "CASH  EQUIVALENTS"  means (i)  marketable  direct  obligations  issued or
unconditionally  guaranteed  by the United States  government  and backed by the
full  faith and  credit of the  United  States  government;  (ii)  domestic  and
Eurodollar  certificates of deposit and time deposits,  bankers' acceptances and
floating rate  certificates  of deposit issued by any commercial  bank organized
under  the laws of the  United  States,  any  state  thereof,  the  District  of
Columbia,  any  foreign  bank,  or  its  branches  or  agencies,  the  long-term
indebtedness  of which  institution  at the time of  acquisition is rated A- (or
better)  by  Standard  & Poor's  Ratings  Group  or A3 (or  better)  by  Moody's
Investors  Services,  Inc., and which  certificates of deposit and time deposits
are fully protected  against currency  fluctuations for any such deposits with a
term of more than ninety (90) days);  (iii)  shares of money  market,  mutual or
similar funds having assets in excess of  $100,000,000  and the  investments  of
which are limited to (x) investment grade securities (i.e.,  securities rated at
least Baa by  Moody's  Investors  Service,  Inc.  or at least BBB by  Standard &
Poor's  Ratings  Group) and (y)  commercial  paper of United  States and foreign
banks and bank holding  companies and their  subsidiaries  and United States and
foreign finance,  commercial  industrial or utility companies which, at the time
of acquisition,  are rated A-1 (or better) by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or
P-1 (or better) by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. (all such institutions being
"Qualified Institutions");  and (iv) commercial paper of Qualified Institutions;
PROVIDED that the maturities of such Cash Equivalents  shall not exceed 365 days
from the date of acquisition thereof.


                                     - 4 -



      "CHANGE" is defined in SECTION 4.2 hereof.

      "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means an event or series of events by which:

            (i) any  "person" or "group"  (within the meaning of Sections  13(d)
      and 14(d)(2) of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934) other than Rugby PLC
      becomes  the  "beneficial  owner"  (as  defined  in Rule  13d-3  under the
      Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934),  directly  or  indirectly,  of twenty
      percent (20%) or more of the voting power of the then outstanding  Capital
      Stock of the  Borrower  entitled to vote  generally in the election of the
      directors of the Borrower;

            (ii) Rugby PLC  becomes the  "beneficial  owner" (as defined in Rule
      13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934),  directly or indirectly,
      of greater than thirty-three percent (33%) of the voting power of the then
      outstanding  Capital Stock of the Borrower  entitled to vote  generally in
      the election of the directors of the Borrower;

            (iii) during any period of 12 consecutive calendar months, the board
      of  directors  of the  Borrower  shall  cease to have as a majority of its
      members individuals who either:

                  (a)  were directors of the Borrower on the first day  of  such
             period, or

                  (b) were  elected or  nominated  for  election to the board of
            directors of the Borrower at the recommendation of or other approval
            by at least a majority of the directors  then still in office at the
            time of such  election  or  nomination  who  were  directors  of the
            Borrower  on the  first day of such  period,  or whose  election  or
            nomination for election was so approved;

            (iv) other  than as a result of a  transaction  permitted  under the
      terms of this  Agreement,  the Borrower  shall cease to own, of record and
      beneficially,  with sole  voting and  dispositive  power,  (a) 100% of the
      outstanding shares of Capital Stock of each of the Guarantors or (b) shall
      cease to have the  power,  directly  or  indirectly,  to elect  all of the
      members of the board of directors of each of the Guarantors;

                  (v) the  Borrower  consolidates  with or merges  into  another
      corporation or conveys,  transfers or leases all or  substantially  all of
      its property to any Person, or any corporation consolidates with or merges
      into the Borrower,  in either event pursuant to a transaction in which the
      outstanding  Capital Stock of the Borrower is reclassified or changed into
      or exchanged for cash, securities or other property; or

            (vi) any "Change of Control" (or similar term) under (and as defined
      in) the Note Purchase Agreement or the Senior Notes shall have occurred.

      "CLOSING DATE" means the date of this Agreement.




                                     - 5 -



      "CODE" means the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended,  reformed or
otherwise modified from time to time.

      "COMMISSION"  means the Securities  and Exchange  Commission of the United
States of America and any Person succeeding to the functions thereof.

      "CONSOLIDATED ASSETS"   means the  total  assets of the  Borrower  and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

      "CONSOLIDATED  NET  WORTH"  means,  as of any date of  determination,  the
consolidated total  stockholders'  equity (including  capital stock,  additional
paid-in  capital and retained  earnings)  of the  Borrower and its  consolidated
Subsidiaries determined in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles.

      "CONTAMINANT"  means any  waste,  pollutant,  hazardous  substance,  toxic
substance,  hazardous  waste,  special  waste,  petroleum  or  petroleum-derived
substance  or  waste,  asbestos,  polychlorinated  biphenyls  ("PCBS"),  or  any
constituent of any such  substance or waste,  and includes but is not limited to
these terms as defined in Environmental, Health or Safety Requirements of Law.

      "CONTINGENT  OBLIGATION",  as applied to any Person, means any Contractual
Obligation,  contingent  or  otherwise,  of  that  Person  with  respect  to any
Indebtedness of another or other obligation or liability of another,  including,
without  limitation,  any such Indebtedness,  obligation or liability of another
directly or indirectly  guaranteed,  endorsed  (otherwise than for collection or
deposit in the ordinary course of business),  co-made or discounted or sold with
recourse  by that  Person,  or in  respect  of which  that  Person is  otherwise
directly or indirectly liable,  including Contractual Obligations (contingent or
otherwise) arising through any agreement to purchase,  repurchase,  or otherwise
acquire such Indebtedness,  obligation or liability or any security therefor, or
to provide  funds for the payment or discharge  thereof  (whether in the form of
loans,  advances,  stock purchases,  capital contributions or otherwise),  or to
maintain solvency,  assets, level of income, or other financial condition, or to
make  payment  other  than for value  received.  The  amount  of any  Contingent
Obligation  shall be computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and
circumstances existing at the time, represent the amount which can be reasonably
be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

      "CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION", as applied to any Person, means any provision of
any equity or debt securities issued by that Person or any indenture,  mortgage,
deed  of  trust,  security  agreement,  pledge  agreement,  guaranty,  contract,
undertaking,  agreement  or  instrument,  in any case in writing,  to which that
Person is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound,  or to which
it or any of its properties is subject.

      "CONTROLLED GROUP" means the group consisting of (i) any corporation which
is a member of the same controlled group of corporations  (within the meaning of
Section  414(b) of the Code) as the Borrower;  (ii) a partnership or other trade
or business (whether or not incorporated)  which is under common control (within
the meaning of Section 414(c) of the



                                     - 6 -


Code) with the Borrower; and (iii) a member of the same affiliated service group
(within  the  meaning  of  Section  414(m)  of the  Code) as the  Borrower,  any
corporation  described  in  CLAUSE  (I)  above  or any  partnership  or trade or
business described in CLAUSE (II) above.

      "CONTROLLED  SUBSIDIARY"  of any Person means a Subsidiary  of such Person
(i) 90% or more of the total Equity  Interests or other  ownership  interests of
which (other than  directors'  qualifying  shares) shall at the time be owned by
such Person or by one or more wholly-owned  Subsidiaries of such Person and (ii)
of which such Person possesses,  directly or indirectly,  the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management or policies, whether through the ownership
of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

      "CORPORATE  BASE  RATE"  means the  corporate  base rate or prime  rate of
interest  announced  by Bank One from  time to time,  changing  when and as said
corporate base rate or prime rate changes.

      "CRANE" means Crane Co., a Delaware  corporation and prior to the Spin-Off
the owner of all of the outstanding Capital Stock of the Borrower.

      "CRANE PAYMENT" means the Restricted Payment made by the Borrower to Crane
in connection  with the  consummation of the Spin-Off in an amount not to exceed
$68,000,000.

      "CURE LOAN" is defined in SECTION 9.2(III) hereof.

      "CUSTOMARY PERMITTED LIENS" means:

            (i) Liens (other than Environmental  Liens and Liens in favor of the
      IRS or the  PBGC or any  Plan)  with  respect  to the  payment  of  taxes,
      assessments or governmental  charges in all cases which are not yet due or
      (if foreclosure,  distraint,  sale or other similar  proceedings shall not
      have been  commenced  or any such  proceeding  after  being  commenced  is
      stayed) which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
      properly  instituted  and  diligently  conducted and with respect to which
      adequate reserves or other appropriate  provisions are being maintained in
      accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles;

            (ii) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of suppliers, mechanics,
      carriers,  materialmen,  warehousemen,  service  providers  or workmen and
      other  similar  Liens  imposed by law  created in the  ordinary  course of
      business  for  amounts  not yet due or which are being  contested  in good
      faith  by  appropriate  proceedings  properly  instituted  and  diligently
      conducted and with respect to which adequate reserves or other appropriate
      provisions are being  maintained in accordance  with Agreement  Accounting
      Principles;

            (iii) Liens  (other than  Environmental  Liens and Liens in favor of
      the IRS or the PBGC or any Plan) incurred or deposits made in the ordinary
      course of business in connection with workers' compensation,  unemployment
      insurance  or other  types of social  security  benefits  or to secure the
      performance  of  bids,  tenders,  sales,  contracts  (other  than



                                     - 7 -


     for the repayment of borrowed money), surety, appeal and performance bonds;
     PROVIDED that (A) all such Liens do not in the aggregate materially detract
     from the value of the  Borrower's  or its  Subsidiary's  assets or property
     taken as a whole or  materially  impair the use thereof in the operation of
     the businesses  taken as a whole,  and (B) all Liens securing bonds to stay
     judgments  or in  connection  with  appeals  do not  secure  at any time an
     aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000;

            (iv) Liens arising with respect to zoning  restrictions,  easements,
      licenses,  reservations,   covenants,  rights-of-way,  utility  easements,
      building restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances on the use
      of real  property  which do not in any case  materially  detract  from the
      value of the  property  subject  thereto or  interfere  with the  ordinary
      conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

            (v) Liens of attachment or judgment with respect to judgments, writs
      or warrants of attachment,  or similar process against the Borrower or any
      of its Subsidiaries which do not constitute a Default under SECTION 8.1(H)
      hereof; and

            (vi) any interest or title of the lessor in the property  subject to
      any  operating   lease  entered  into  by  the  Borrower  or  any  of  its
      Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

      "DEFAULT" means an event described in ARTICLE VIII hereof.

      "DISCLOSED LITIGATION" is defined in SECTION 6.7 hereof.

      "DISQUALIFIED STOCK" means any preferred stock and any Capital Stock that,
by its terms (or by the terms of any security  into which it is  convertible  or
for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily  redeemable,  pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior
to the date that is 91 days after the Revolving Loan Termination Date.

      "DOL"  means  the  United  States  Department  of  Labor  and  any  Person
succeeding to the functions thereof.

      "DOLLAR" and "$"   means  dollars in  the  lawful   currency of the United
 States.

      "EBIT" means, for any period, on a consolidated basis for the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries,  the sum of the amounts for such period,  without duplication,
of (i) Net  Income,  PLUS  (ii)  Interest  Expense  to the  extent  deducted  in
computing Net Income,  PLUS (iii) charges  against income for foreign,  federal,
state and local taxes to the extent deducted in computing Net Income,  PLUS (iv)
other  non-cash  charges  classified as long-term  deferrals in accordance  with
Agreement Accounting  Principles to the extent deducted in computing Net Income,
PLUS  (v)  other  extraordinary  non-cash  charges  to the  extent  deducted  in
computing Net Income,  MINUS (vi) other  extraordinary  non-cash  credits to the
extent added in computing Net Income,  PLUS (vii) nonrecurring  after-tax losses
(or MINUS nonrecurring after-tax gains).



                                     - 8 -


      "EBITDA" means, for any period,  on a consolidated  basis for the Borrower
and  its  Subsidiaries,  the  sum  of  the  amounts  for  such  period,  without
duplication,  of (i) EBIT, plus (ii) depreciation expense to the extent deducted
in computing Net Income,  PLUS (iii) amortization  expense,  including,  without
limitation,  amortization of goodwill and other intangible  assets to the extent
deducted in computing Net Income, PLUS (iv) other non-cash charges classified as
long-term  deferrals in accordance with Agreement  Accounting  Principles to the
extent deducted in computing Net Income, PLUS (v) other  extraordinary  non-cash
charges  to the  extent  deducted  in  computing  Net  Income,  MINUS (vi) other
extraordinary non-cash credits to the extent added in computing Net Income, PLUS
(vii) nonrecurring after-tax losses (or MINUS nonrecurring after-tax gains).

      "ENVIRONMENTAL,   HEALTH  OR  SAFETY   REQUIREMENTS   OF  LAW"  means  all
Requirements  of Law derived  from or relating  to foreign,  federal,  state and
local laws or regulations  relating to or addressing  pollution or protection of
the environment,  or protection of worker health or safety,  including,  but not
limited to, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 eT Seq., the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,
29 U.S.C.  ss. 651 eT Seq.,  and the Resource  Conservation  and Recovery Act of
1976, 42 U.S.C. ss. 6901 eT Seq., in each case including any amendments thereto,
any successor statutes, and any regulations or guidance promulgated  thereunder,
and any state or local equivalent thereof.

      "ENVIRONMENTAL  LIEN" means a lien in favor of any Governmental  Authority
for (a) any liability under Environmental, Health or Safety Requirements of Law,
or (b) damages arising from, or costs incurred by such Governmental Authority in
response  to,  a  Release  or  threatened  Release  of a  Contaminant  into  the
environment.

      "ENVIRONMENTAL  PROPERTY TRANSFER ACT" means any applicable requirement of
law that  conditions,  restricts,  prohibits  or requires  any  notification  or
disclosure  triggered  by the closure of any property or the  transfer,  sale or
lease  of any  property  or deed or title  for any  property  for  environmental
reasons,  including, but not limited to, any so-called "Industrial Site Recovery
Act" or "Responsible Property Transfer Act."

      "EQUIPMENT" means all of the Borrower's and its Subsidiaries'  present and
future (i) equipment, including, without limitation,  machinery,  manufacturing,
distribution,  selling, data processing and office equipment,  assembly systems,
tools, molds, dies,  fixtures,  appliances,  furniture,  furnishings,  vehicles,
vessels,  aircraft,  aircraft engines,  and trade fixtures,  (ii) other tangible
personal  property  (other than the Borrower's or Subsidiary's  Inventory),  and
(iii) any and all  accessions,  parts and  appurtenances  attached to any of the
foregoing or used in connection  therewith,  and any substitutions  therefor and
replacements, products and proceeds thereof.

      "EQUITY INTERESTS" means Capital Stock and all warrants,  options or other
rights to  acquire  Capital  Stock  (but  excluding  any debt  security  that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).


                                     - 9 -



      "ERISA"  means the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of 1974,  as
amended from time to time, including (unless the context otherwise requires) any
rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

      "EURODOLLAR  BASE RATE" means,  with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan for
the relevant  Interest  Period,  the  applicable  British  Bankers'  Association
Interest  Settlement  Rate for  deposits in U.S.  dollars  appearing  on Reuters
Screen FRBD as of 11:00 a.m.  (London time) two Business Days prior to the first
day of such  Interest  Period,  and  having a  maturity  equal to such  Interest
Period,  as adjusted for Reserves ; provided  that,  if the Reuters  Screen FRBD
rate is not available for any reason,  the applicable  Eurodollar  Base Rate for
the relevant  Interest Period shall instead be the applicable  London  interbank
offered  rate for  deposits  in U.S.  dollars  appearing  on Dow  Jones  Markets
(Telerate)  Page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m.  (London time) two Business Days prior to
the first day of such  Interest  Period,  and  having a  maturity  equal to such
Interest Period, as adjusted for Reserves.

      "EURODOLLAR  RATE" means,  with respect to a Eurodollar  Rate Loan for the
relevant  Interest Period,  the Eurodollar Base Rate applicable to such Interest
Period PLUS the then Applicable  Eurodollar Margin. The Eurodollar Rate shall be
rounded  to the  next  higher  multiple  of 1/16 of 1% if the rate is not such a
multiple.

      "EURODOLLAR  RATE ADVANCE"  means an Advance  which bears  interest at the
Eurodollar Rate.

      "EURODOLLAR  RATE LOAN"  means a Loan,  or portion  thereof,  which  bears
interest at the Eurodollar Rate.

      "EXCLUDED  ASSET  SALES"  means those Asset  Sales  permitted  pursuant to
CLAUSES (I), (ii), (III) and (IV) of SECTION 7.3(B).

      "EXCLUDED  TAXES" means, in the case of each Lender or applicable  Lending
Installation  and the  Agent,  taxes  imposed on its  overall  net  income,  and
franchise taxes imposed on it, by (i) the  jurisdiction  under the laws of which
such Lender or the Agent is incorporated  or organized or (ii) the  jurisdiction
in which  the  Agent's  or such  Lender's  principal  executive  office  or such
Lender's applicable Lending Installation is located.

      "FEDERAL FUNDS  EFFECTIVE  RATE" means,  for any day, an interest rate per
annum equal to the  weighted  average of the rates on  overnight  Federal  funds
transactions  with  members of the Federal  Reserve  System  arranged by Federal
funds  brokers on such day, as published  for such day (or, if such day is not a
Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York,  or, if such rate is not so  published  for any day which is a
Business Day, the average of the quotations at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Chicago
time) on such day on such transactions  received by the Agent from three Federal
funds  brokers  of  recognized  standing  selected  by the  Agent  in  its  sole
discretion.


                                     - 10 -




      "FLOATING RATE" means, for any day for any Loan, a rate per annum equal to
the Alternate  Base Rate for such day,  changing when and as the Alternate  Base
Rate changes, plus the then Applicable Floating Rate Margin.

      "FLOATING  RATE  ADVANCE"  means an Advance  which  bears  interest at the
Floating Rate.

      "FLOATING  RATE  LOAN"  means a Loan,  or  portion  thereof,  which  bears
interest at the Floating Rate.

      "FORM 10" means  the  Form  10  General  Form  for  the  Registration   of
Securities,  as amended by Amendment No. 1, Amendment No. 2, Amendment No. 3 and
Amendment  No. 4  thereto  filed by the  Borrower  (File No.  1-15313)  with the
Commission  in  connection  with the  Spin-Off,  together  with all exhibits and
appendices thereto.

      "GOVERNMENTAL ACTS" is defined in SECTION 3.10(A) hereof.

      "GOVERNMENTAL  AUTHORITY"  means any nation or  government,  any  federal,
state,  local or other political  subdivision  thereof and any entity exercising
executive,  legislative,  judicial,  regulatory or  administrative  authority or
functions of or  pertaining  to  government,  including  any  authority or other
quasi-governmental entity established to perform any of such functions.

      "GROSS  NEGLIGENCE" means  recklessness,  or actions taken or omitted with
conscious indifference to or the complete disregard of consequences or rights of
others affected.  Gross Negligence does not mean the absence of ordinary care or
diligence,  or an  inadvertent  act or  inadvertent  failure to act. If the term
"gross  negligence"  is used  with  respect  to the  Agent or any  Lender or any
indemnitee  in any of the other Loan  Documents,  it shall have the  meaning set
forth herein.

      "GUARANTORS"  means  (i)  all of  the  Borrower's  Subsidiaries  as of the
Closing Date; (ii) any New  Subsidiaries  which have satisfied the provisions of
SECTION 7.2(K) hereof;  and (iii) any other Subsidiaries which become Guarantors
as a result of the  provisions  of SECTION  7.2(K),  and,  in each  case,  their
respective successors and assigns.

      "GUARANTY"  means that  certain  Guaranty  dated as of the  Closing  Date,
executed by the Guarantors in favor of the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the
Lenders,  in substantially  the form of EXHIBIT I hereto,  as it may be amended,
modified, supplemented and/or restated (including to add new Guarantors), and as
in effect from time to time.

      "HEDGING ARRANGEMENTS" is defined in the definition of Hedging Obligations
 below.

      "HEDGING AGREEMENTS" is defined in SECTION 7.3(O) hereof.

      "HEDGING  OBLIGATIONS"  of a Person means any and all  obligations of such
Person,  whether  absolute or contingent and howsoever and  whensoever  created,
arising,   evidenced  or  acquired  (including  all  renewals,   extensions  and
modifications  thereof  and  substitutions

                                     - 11 -





therefor), under (i) any and all agreements, devices or arrangements designed to
protect at least one of the parties  thereto from the  fluctuations  of interest
rates,  commodity  prices,  exchange  rates or forward rates  applicable to such
party's assets, liabilities or exchange transactions, including, but not limited
to,  dollar-denominated  or  cross-currency  interest rate exchange  agreements,
forward currency  exchange  agreements,  interest rate cap or collar  protection
agreements, forward rate currency or interest rate options, puts and warrants or
any similar derivative transactions ("HEDGING  ARRANGEMENTS"),  and (ii) any and
all cancellations,  buy backs, reversals,  terminations or assignments of any of
the foregoing.

      "HOLDERS OF OBLIGATIONS" means the holders of the Obligations from time to
time and shall include their respective successors, transferees and assigns.

      "INCENTIVE   ARRANGEMENTS"  means  any  employment  agreements  and  other
incentive and bonus plans and similar  arrangements  made in connection with the
retention  of  executives,  officers  or  employees  of  the  Borrower  and  its
Subsidiaries.

      "INDEBTEDNESS" of any Person means, without duplication, such Person's (a)
obligations  for  borrowed  money,  (b)  obligations  representing  the deferred
purchase price of property or services  (other than accounts  payable arising in
the ordinary course of such Person's  business payable on terms customary in the
trade), (c) obligations, whether or not assumed, secured by Liens or payable out
of the proceeds or production  from property or assets now or hereafter owned or
acquired  by  such  Person,  (d)  obligations  which  are  evidenced  by  notes,
acceptances  or  other  instruments,  (e)  Capitalized  Lease  Obligations,  (f)
Contingent  Obligations,  (g) obligations with respect to letters of credit, (h)
Hedging  Obligations,  (i) Off-Balance Sheet  Liabilities,  and (j) Disqualified
Stock.  The  amount of  Indebtedness  of any Person at any date shall be without
duplication  (i)  the  outstanding  balance  at such  date of all  unconditional
obligations as described above and the maximum  liability of any such Contingent
Obligations at such date and (ii) in the case of  Indebtedness of others secured
by a Lien to which  the  property  or  assets  owned or held by such  Person  is
subject,  the lesser of the fair market value at such date of any asset  subject
to a Lien securing the Indebtedness of others and the amount of the Indebtedness
secured.

      "INDEMNIFIED MATTERS"  is defined in SECTION 10.7(B) hereof.

      "INDEMNITEES" is defined in SECTION 10.7(B) hereof.

      "INITIAL FUNDING DATE" means the date on which the initial Revolving Loans
are advanced hereunder.

      "INSOLVENCY EVENT" is defined in SECTION 10.14 hereof.

      "INTERCOMPANY INDEBTEDNESS" is defined in SECTION 10.14 hereof.

      "INTEREST  EXPENSE" means,  for any period,  the total interest expense of
the  Borrower  and  its  consolidated  Subsidiaries,  whether  paid  or  accrued
(including,  without duplication,  the interest component of Capitalized Leases,
the interest component (or discount and other fees and



                                     - 12 -



charges in securitization  transactions) of Off-Balance Sheet  Liabilities,  net
payments (if any)  pursuant to Hedging  Arrangements  relating to interest  rate
protection,  and  commitment  and letter of credit  fees),  all as determined in
conformity with Agreement Accounting Principles.

      "INTEREST EXPENSE COVERAGE RATIO" is defined in SECTION 7.4(C) hereof.

      "INTEREST  PERIOD" means, with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, a period
of one (1), two (2),  three (3) or six (6) months  commencing  on a Business Day
selected by the Borrower on which a Eurodollar  Rate Advance is made to Borrower
pursuant to this Agreement; provided, HOWEVER,  notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the  contrary  for the period from the Initial  Funding Date to the
earlier of (y) the date that is 90 days after the Initial  Funding  Date and (z)
the date upon which the Agent  confirms  that the loan  syndication  process has
been complete (the "SYNDICATION PERIOD"),  "Interest Period" means, with respect
to a Eurodollar Rate Advance,  a period of seven (7) days. Other than during the
Syndication  Period,  such  Interest  Period shall end on (but  exclude) the day
which  corresponds  numerically  to such  date  one,  two,  three or six  months
thereafter;   PROVIDED,   HOWEVER,   that  if  there  is  no  such   numerically
corresponding  day in such next,  second,  third or sixth succeeding month, such
Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of such next,  second,  third
or sixth  succeeding  month.  If an Interest Period would otherwise end on a day
which  is not a  Business  Day,  such  Interest  Period  shall  end on the  next
succeeding  Business  Day,  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that  if said  next  succeeding
Business Day falls in a new calendar  month,  such Interest  Period shall end on
the immediately preceding Business Day.

      "INVENTORY" shall mean any and all goods,  including,  without limitation,
goods in transit,  wheresoever located,  whether now owned or hereafter acquired
by the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries,  which are held for sale or lease,
furnished  under any  contract  of  service  or held as raw  materials,  work in
process or  supplies,  and all  materials  used or consumed  in the  business of
Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries,  and shall  include  all right,  title and
interest of the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries in any property the sale or
other  disposition  of which has given  rise to  Receivables  and which has been
returned to or  repossessed  or stopped in transit by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.

      "INVESTMENT"  means, with respect to any Person, (i) any purchase or other
acquisition  by that  Person  of any  Indebtedness,  Equity  Interests  or other
securities, or of a beneficial interest in any Indebtedness, Equity Interests or
other securities,  issued by any other Person,  (ii) any purchase by that Person
of all or  substantially  all of the assets of a business  conducted  by another
Person,  and  (iii)  any loan,  advance  (other  than  deposits  with  financial
institutions  available for  withdrawal on demand,  prepaid  expenses,  accounts
receivable,  advances to  employees  and  similar  items made or incurred in the
ordinary course of business) or capital contribution by that Person to any other
Person,  including  all  Indebtedness  to  such  Person  arising  from a sale of
property by such Person other than in the ordinary course of its business.

      "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service and any Person  succeeding to the
functions thereof.



                                     - 13 -



      "ISSUING  BANK"  means Bank One in its  separate  capacity as an issuer of
Letters of Credit pursuant to SECTION 3.1.

      "L/C DOCUMENTS" is defined in SECTION 3.4 hereof.

      "L/C DRAFT" means a draft drawn on the Issuing  Bank  pursuant to a Letter
of Credit.

      "L/C INTEREST" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in SECTION 3.6
hereof.

      "L/C OBLIGATIONS" means, without  duplication,  an amount equal to the sum
of (i) the aggregate of the amount then  available for drawing under each of the
Letters  of  Credit,  (ii)  the  face  amount  of  all  outstanding  L/C  Drafts
corresponding  to the Letters of Credit,  which L/C Drafts have been accepted by
the Issuing Bank, (iii) the aggregate  outstanding  amount of all  Reimbursement
Obligations  at such time and (iv) the  aggregate  face amount of all Letters of
Credit  requested by the Borrower but not yet issued  (unless the request for an
unissued Letter of Credit has been denied).

      "LENDERS" means the lending  institutions listed on the signature pages of
this Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.

      "LENDING  INSTALLATION"  means, with respect to a Lender or the Agent, any
office, branch, subsidiary or affiliate of such Lender or the Agent.
      "LETTER  OF  CREDIT"  means the  letters of credit to be (a) issued by the
Issuing Bank  pursuant to SECTION 3.1 hereof or (b) deemed issued by the Issuing
Bank pursuant to SECTION 3.2 hereof.

      "LEVERAGE RATIO" is defined in SECTION 7.4(A) hereof.

      "LIEN"   means  any  lien   (statutory   or  other),   mortgage,   pledge,
hypothecation,  assignment,  deposit  arrangement,  encumbrance  or  preference,
priority or security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature
whatsoever  (including,  without limitation,  the interest of a vendor or lessor
under  any  conditional  sale,   Capitalized  Lease  or  other  title  retention
agreement).

      "LOAN(S)"  means,  with respect to a Lender,  such Lender's portion of any
Advance made pursuant to SECTION 2.1 hereof,  as applicable,  and in the case of
the Swing Line Bank,  any Swing Line Loan made  pursuant  to SECTION 2.2 hereof,
and  collectively,  all  Revolving  Loans and Swing Line Loans,  whether made or
continued as or converted to Floating Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans.

      "LOAN ACCOUNT" is defined in SECTION 2.12(A) hereof.

      "LOAN  DOCUMENTS" means this Agreement,  the Guaranty,  the L/C Documents,
any  promissory  notes issued to any Lender under  SECTION  2.12,  and all other
documents,  instruments  and  agreements  (other  than  any  Hedging  Agreement)
executed in connection  therewith or



                                     - 14 -




contemplated thereby, as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified
and in effect from time to time.

      "LOAN PARTIES" is defined in SECTION 5.1 hereof.

      "MARGIN STOCK" shall have the meaning  ascribed to such term in Regulation
U.

      "MATERIAL  ADVERSE  EFFECT" means a material  adverse  effect upon (a) the
business,   condition   (financial  or  otherwise),   operations,   performance,
properties or prospects of the Borrower,  or the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole,  (b) the ability of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to
perform their  respective  obligations  under the Loan Documents in any material
respect,  or (c) the  ability  of the  Lenders  or the Agent to  enforce  in any
material respect the Obligations.

      "MULTIEMPLOYER  PLAN" means a  "multiemployer  plan" as defined in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA which is, or within the immediately  preceding six (6) years
was,  contributed  to by either the  Borrower  or any  member of the  Controlled
Group.

      "NET CASH PROCEEDS"  means,  with respect to any Asset Sale by any Person,
(a) cash or Cash Equivalents  (freely convertible into Dollars) received by such
Person or any Subsidiary of such Person from such Asset Sale  (including cash or
Cash Equivalents  received as consideration  for the assumption or incurrence of
liabilities  incurred in connection with or in anticipation of such Asset Sale),
after (i) provision for all income or other taxes  measured by or resulting from
such Asset Sale,  (ii) payment of all brokerage  commissions  and other fees and
expenses related to such Asset Sale, (iii) repayment of Indebtedness  secured by
a Lien on any  asset  disposed  of in such  Asset  Sale  or  which  is or may be
required (by the express terms of the instrument  governing such Indebtedness or
by applicable  law) to be repaid in connection  with such Asset Sale  (including
payments  made to obtain or avoid the need for the consent of any holder of such
Indebtedness),  and (iv) deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by such
Person or a Subsidiary of such Person as a reserve, in accordance with Agreement
Accounting  Principles,  against any liabilities associated with the assets sold
or disposed of in such Asset Sale and retained by such Person or a Subsidiary of
such Person after such Asset Sale,  including,  without limitation,  pension and
other   post-employment   benefit   liabilities  and   liabilities   related  to
environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with
the  assets  sold  or  disposed  of in such  Asset  Sale;  and (b)  cash or Cash
Equivalent  payments  in respect  of any other  consideration  received  by such
Person or any  Subsidiary  of such Person  from such Asset Sale upon  receipt of
such cash payments by such Person or such Subsidiary.

      "NET INCOME" means, for any period, the net earnings (or loss) after taxes
of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  on a  consolidated  basis for such period
taken as a single  accounting  period  determined in conformity  with  Agreement
Accounting Principles.

      "NEW SUBSIDIARY" is defined in SECTION 7.3(G).

      "NON-ERISA COMMITMENTS" means



                                     - 15 -


            (i)  each  pension,   medical,  dental,  life,  accident  insurance,
      disability,   group  insurance,   sick  leave,  profit  sharing,  deferred
      compensation,  bonus, stock option, stock purchase,  retirement,  savings,
      severance,  stock ownership,  performance,  incentive,  hospitalization or
      other insurance, or other welfare, benefit or fringe benefit plan, policy,
      trust, understanding or arrangement of any kind; and

            (ii)  each  employee  collective   bargaining   agreement  and  each
      agreement,  understanding  or  arrangement  of any  kind,  with or for the
      benefit of any present or prior officer, director,  employee or consultant
      (including,  without limitation, each employment,  compensation,  deferred
      compensation,  severance or consulting  agreement or  arrangement  and any
      agreement  or  arrangement  associated  with a change in  ownership of the
      Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group);

to which the Borrower or any member of the  Controlled  Group is a party or with
respect to which the Borrower or any member of the  Controlled  Group is or will
be required to make any payment other than any Plans.

      "NON PRO RATA LOAN" is defined in SECTION 9.2 hereof.

      "NON-U.S. LENDER" is defined in SECTION 4.5(IV) hereof.

      "NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means any agreement entered into by the Borrower
with  respect to the  Borrower's  issuance of not more than  $75,000,000  Senior
Notes (the  "SENIOR  NOTES") on  substantially  the terms set forth in the draft
Note  Purchase  Agreement  (draft dated  December 14, 1999,  document  reference
CH01/12037808.6),  delivered to the Agent on December 15, 1999, and otherwise as
reasonably  acceptable  to the  Agent  and the  Required  Lenders,  as such Note
Purchase Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in
a manner that is not materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders.

      "NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT" is defined in SECTION 13.3(B) hereof.

      "OBLIGATIONS"   means  all  Loans,  L/C  Obligations,   advances,   debts,
liabilities,  obligations,  covenants and duties owing by the Borrower or any of
its  Subsidiaries to the Agent,  any Lender,  the Swing Line Bank, the Arranger,
any Affiliate of the Agent or any Lender, the Issuing Bank or any Indemnitee, of
any kind or nature,  present or future,  arising under this  Agreement,  the L/C
Documents  or any other Loan  Document,  whether or not  evidenced  by any note,
guaranty or other instrument,  whether or not for the payment of money,  whether
arising by reason of an extension of credit, loan, guaranty, indemnification, or
in any other manner,  whether  direct or indirect  (including  those acquired by
assignment),  absolute  or  contingent,  due or to become due,  now  existing or
hereafter arising and however acquired.  The term includes,  without limitation,
all  interest,  charges,  expenses,  fees,  attorneys'  fees and  disbursements,
paralegals'  fees (in each  case  whether  or not  allowed),  and any  other sum
chargeable to the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  under this  Agreement or
any other Loan Document.



                                     - 16 -



      "OFF-BALANCE  SHEET  LIABILITIES"  of a Person  means  (a) any  repurchase
obligation or liability of such Person or any of its  Subsidiaries  with respect
to  Receivables  or  notes  receivable  sold  by  such  Person  or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  (calculated to include the unrecovered investment of purchasers or
transferees of Receivables  or notes  receivable or any other  obligation of the
Borrower  or  such   transferor  to   purchasers/transferees   of  interests  in
Receivables or notes receivables or the agent for such  purchasers/transferees),
(b) any liability under any sale and leaseback  transactions which do not create
a liability on the consolidated  balance sheet of such Person, (c) any liability
under any financing lease or so-called "synthetic" lease transaction, or (d) any
obligations  arising  with  respect  to  any  other  transaction  which  is  the
functional  equivalent  of or takes the place of  borrowing  but which  does not
constitute a liability on the consolidated balance sheets of such Person and its
Subsidiaries.

      "OTHER TAXES" is defined in SECTION 4.5 hereof.

      "PARTICIPANTS" is defined in SECTION 13.2(A) hereof.

      "PAYMENT DATE" means the last Business Day of each  March, June, September
and December.

      "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty   Corporation, or any  successor
thereto.

      "PERMITTED ACQUISITION" is defined in SECTION 7.3(G) hereof.

      "PERMITTED   EXISTING   CONTINGENT   OBLIGATIONS"   means  the  Contingent
Obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries  identified as such on SCHEDULE
1.1.4 to this Agreement.

      "PERMITTED  EXISTING  INDEBTEDNESS" means the Indebtedness of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries identified as such on SCHEDULE 1.1.1 to this Agreement.

      "PERMITTED EXISTING INVESTMENTS" means the Investments of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries identified as such on SCHEDULE 1.1.2 to this Agreement.

      "PERMITTED  EXISTING  LIENS" means the Liens on assets of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries identified as such on SCHEDULE 1.1.3 to this Agreement.

      "PERMITTED PURCHASE MONEY INDEBTEDNESS" is defined in SECTION 7.3(A) (VII)
hereof.

      "PERMITTED  REFINANCING  INDEBTEDNESS"  means  any  replacement,  renewal,
refinancing  or extension of any  Indebtedness  permitted by this Agreement that
(i) does not exceed the aggregate  principal  amount (plus accrued  interest and
any  applicable  premium and associated  fees and expenses) of the  Indebtedness
being replaced,  renewed,  refinanced or extended, (ii) does not have a Weighted
Average Life to Maturity at the time of such replacement,  renewal,  refinancing
or  extension  that is less than the  Weighted  Average  Life to Maturity of the
Indebtedness  being replaced,  renewed,  refinanced or extended,  (iii) does not
rank at the time of such replacement,  renewal,  refinancing or extension senior
to the Indebtedness being replaced,  renewed,  refinanced



                                     - 17 -



or extended,  and (iv) does not contain terms  (including,  without  limitation,
terms  relating  to  security,  amortization,  interest  rate,  premiums,  fees,
covenants,  subordination,  event  of  default  and  remedies)  materially  less
favorable  to the  Borrower  or to the  Lenders  than  those  applicable  to the
Indebtedness being replaced, renewed, refinanced or extended.

      "PERSON" means any individual, corporation, firm, enterprise, partnership,
trust,  incorporated or unincorporated  association,  joint venture, joint stock
company,  limited  liability  company  or  other  entity  of  any  kind,  or any
government or political subdivision or any agency, department or instrumentality
thereof.

      "PLAN" means an employee  benefit plan defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA in
respect  of which the  Borrower  or any  member of the  Controlled  Group is, or
within the immediately  preceding six (6) years was, an "employer" as defined in
Section 3(5) of ERISA.

      "PRO RATA  SHARE"  means,  with  respect  to any  Lender,  the  percentage
obtained by dividing (A) such Lender's  Revolving  Loan  Commitment at such time
(in each case, as adjusted from time to time in accordance  with the  provisions
of this Agreement) by (B) the Aggregate  Revolving Loan Commitment at such time;
PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  if all of the Revolving  Loan  Commitments  are  terminated
pursuant  to the  terms of this  Agreement,  then  "Pro  Rata  Share"  means the
percentage  obtained  by  dividing  (x) the sum of (A) such  Lender's  Revolving
Loans,   PLUS  (B)  such  Lender's   share  of  the   obligations   to  purchase
participations  in Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit, by (y) the sum of (A)
the  aggregate  outstanding  amount of Revolving  Loans,  PLUS (B) the aggregate
outstanding amount of all Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit.

      "PURCHASERS" is defined in SECTION 13.3(A) hereof.

      "RECEIVABLE(S)"   means  and  includes  all  of  the  Borrower's  and  its
Subsidiaries'  presently  existing and hereafter  arising or acquired  accounts,
accounts  receivable,  and all present and future rights of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries  to  payment  for goods  sold or leased  or for  services  rendered
(except those  evidenced by instruments or chattel  paper),  whether or not they
have been  earned by  performance,  and all rights in any  merchandise  or goods
which  any of the  same may  represent,  and all  rights,  title,  security  and
guaranties with respect to each of the foregoing, including, without limitation,
any right of stoppage in transit.

      "REGISTER" is defined in SECTION 13.3(C) hereof.

      "REGULATION T" means Regulation T of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve  System  as from  time to time in  effect  and any  successor  or  other
regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the
extension of credit by and to brokers and dealers of securities  for the purpose
of purchasing or carrying margin stock (as defined therein).

      "REGULATION U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve  System  as from  time to time in  effect  and any  successor  or  other
regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the
extension of credit by banks,  non-banks


                                     - 18 -



and  non-broker  lenders for the purpose of purchasing or carrying  Margin Stock
applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

      "REGULATION X" means Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve  System  as from  time to time in  effect  and any  successor  or  other
regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the
extension of credit by foreign lenders for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
margin stock (as defined therein).

      "REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION" is defined in SECTION 3.7 hereof.

      "RELEASE" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection,
deposit, disposal,  discharge,  dispersal, leaching or migration into the indoor
or outdoor environment, including the movement of Contaminants through or in the
air, soil, surface water or groundwater.

      "RENTALS" of a Person means the aggregate  fixed  amounts  payable by such
Person  under any lease of real or  personal  property  but does not include any
amounts payable under Capitalized Leases of such Person.

      "REPLACEMENT LENDER" is defined in SECTION 2.19 hereof.

      "REPORTABLE  EVENT" means a reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of
ERISA and the  regulations  issued under such  section,  with respect to a Plan,
excluding,  however,  such events as to which the PBGC by regulation  waived the
requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days after
such event occurs, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a failure to meet the minimum funding
standards  of  Section  412 of the Code and of Section  302 of ERISA  shall be a
Reportable  Event  regardless  of any such waiver of the notice  requirement  in
accordance with either Section 4043(a) of ERISA or Section 412(d) of the Code.

      "REQUIRED  LENDERS" means Lenders whose Pro Rata Shares, in the aggregate,
are at least fifty-one  percent (51%);  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that, if any of the
Lenders  shall  have  failed to fund its Pro Rata  Share of any  Revolving  Loan
requested  by the  Borrower,  (ii) any  Revolving  Loan  required  to be made in
connection  with  reimbursement  for any L/C Obligations or (iii) any Swing Line
Loan as requested by the Agent,  which such Lenders are  obligated to fund under
the terms of this Agreement and any such failure has not been cured, then for so
long as such failure continues,  "REQUIRED LENDERS" means Lenders (excluding all
Lenders whose failure to fund their respective Pro Rata Shares of such Revolving
Loans or Swing Line Loans has not been so cured) whose Pro Rata Shares represent
at least  fifty-one  percent  (51%) of the  aggregate  Pro Rata  Shares  of such
Lenders; PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that, if the Revolving Loan Commitments have
been  terminated  pursuant to the terms of this  Agreement,  "REQUIRED  LENDERS"
means Lenders  (without regard to such Lenders'  performance of their respective
obligations  hereunder) whose aggregate  ratable shares (stated as a percentage)
of the aggregate  outstanding principal balance of all Loans and L/C Obligations
are at least fifty-one percent (51%).



                                     - 19 -



      "REQUIREMENTS OF LAW" means, as to any Person,  the charter and by-laws or
other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, rule or
regulation,  or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other  Governmental
Authority,  in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its
property  or to which such Person or any of its  property is subject  including,
without  limitation,  the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of
1934,  Regulations T, U and X, ERISA,  the Fair Labor  Standards Act, the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining  Notification Act,  Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990,  and  any   certificate   of  occupancy,   zoning   ordinance,   building,
environmental  or land  use  requirement  or  permit  or  environmental,  labor,
employment,  occupational  safety or health law, rule or  regulation,  including
Environmental, Health or Safety Requirements of Law.

      "RESERVES"  shall mean the maximum reserve  requirement,  as prescribed by
the Board of Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System (or any  successor)  with
respect to  "Eurocurrency  liabilities"  or in respect of any other  category of
liabilities  which includes  deposits by reference to which the interest rate on
Eurodollar Rate Loans is determined or category of extensions of credit or other
assets  which  includes  loans by a  non-United  States  office of any Lender to
United States residents.

      "RESTRICTED PAYMENT" means:

            (i) any  dividend  or other  distribution,  direct or  indirect,  on
      account  of  any  Equity  Interests  of  the  Borrower  now  or  hereafter
      outstanding,  except a dividend  payable solely in the Borrower's  Capital
      Stock  (other than  Disqualified  Stock) or in options,  warrants or other
      rights to purchase such Capital Stock;

            (ii) any redemption,  retirement,  purchase or other acquisition for
      value, direct or indirect,  of any Equity Interests of the Borrower or any
      of its Subsidiaries now or hereafter  outstanding,  other than in exchange
      for, or out of the proceeds of, the  substantially  concurrent sale (other
      than to a Subsidiary  of the  Borrower)  of other Equity  Interests of the
      Borrower (other than Disqualified Stock);

            (iii) any redemption, purchase, retirement,  defeasance,  prepayment
      or other  acquisition for value,  direct or indirect,  of any Indebtedness
      other than the Obligations;
            (iv) any payment of a claim for the  rescission  of the  purchase or
      sale of, or for material damages arising from the purchase or sale of, any
      Indebtedness  (other than the  Obligations) or any Equity Interests of the
      Borrower,  or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or of a claim for  reimbursement,
      indemnification  or  contribution  arising  out of or  related to any such
      claim for damages or rescission; and

            (v) any payment or  prepayment  (whether  consisting  of  principal,
      interest,   premium  or  otherwise)  with  respect  to  any   Indebtedness
      subordinated  to the  Obligations,  except such as is expressly  permitted
      pursuant to the subordination terms contained therein or in the applicable
      subordination agreement with respect thereto.



                                     - 20 -




      "REVOLVING CREDIT  AVAILABILITY" means, at any particular time, the amount
by which the  Aggregate  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  at such time  exceeds  the
Revolving Credit Obligations outstanding at such time; PROVIDED,  HOWEVER, prior
to the closing of the Rugby  Transactions  in accordance  with the terms hereof,
Revolving Credit Availability shall be reduced by $32,000,000.

      "REVOLVING CREDIT  OBLIGATIONS"  means, at any particular time, the sum of
(i) the outstanding  principal  amount of the Revolving Loans at such time, PLUS
(ii) the outstanding principal amount of the Swing Line Loans at such time, PLUS
(iii) the outstanding L/C Obligations at such time.

      "REVOLVING LOAN" is defined in SECTION 2.1 hereof.

      "REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENT" means, for each Lender, the obligation of such
Lender to make  Revolving  Loans and to  purchase  participations  in Letters of
Credit and to participate in Swing Line Loans not exceeding the amount set forth
on EXHIBIT A to this  Agreement  opposite  its name  thereon  under the  heading
"Revolving  Loan  Commitment"  or in the  assignment  and acceptance by which it
became a Lender,  as such amount may be modified  from time to time  pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement or to give effect to any  applicable  assignment and
acceptance.

      "REVOLVING LOAN TERMINATION DATE" means December 16, 2004.

      "RISK-BASED CAPITAL GUIDELINES" is defined in SECTION 4.2 hereof.

      "RUGBY  ACQUISITION"  means the  acquisition by the Borrower of all of the
issued and  outstanding  Capital  Stock of Rugby USA under and  pursuant  to the
terms of the Share Exchange Agreement.

      "RUGBY  PAYMENT" means the  Restricted  Payment made by Rugby USA to Rugby
PLC in connection with the  consummation  of the Rugby  Acquisition in an amount
not to exceed $32,000,000.

      "RUGBY PLC" means The Rugby Group PLC, a company registered in England and
Wales under company number 206971, together with its successors.

      "RUGBY TRANSACTIONS" means the series of transactions  contemplated by and
described  in the Share  Exchange  Agreement,  including  but not limited to the
Rugby Payment and the Rugby Acquisition.

      "RUGBY USA" means Rugby USA, Inc., a corporation  organized under the laws
of the State of Georgia which prior to the Rugby  Acquisition  is a wholly-owned
Subsidiary of Rugby PLC and which after the Rugby  Acquisition is a wholly-owned
Subsidiary of the Borrower.

      "SENIOR NOTES" is defined in the  definition  of Note Purchase   Agreement
above.


                                     - 21 -




      "SHARE  EXCHANGE  AGREEMENT"  means that certain Share Exchange  Agreement
dated as of October 19, 1999 among Rugby PLC,  Crane and the  Borrower,  as such
agreement  is in effect as of the date hereof,  without  taking into account any
amendments,  modifications or supplements  thereto except such as are acceptable
to the Agent and the Required Lenders

      "SOLVENT" means, when used with respect to any Person, that at the time of
determination:

            (i) the fair  value of its  assets  (both at fair  valuation  and at
      present fair saleable  value) is equal to or in excess of the total amount
      of its liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities;
      and

            (ii) it is then able and expects to be able to pay its debts as they
      mature; and

            (iii)  it  has  capital  sufficient  to  carry  on its  business  as
      conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

With respect to  contingent  liabilities  (such as  litigation,  guarantees  and
pension  plan  liabilities),  such  liabilities  shall be computed at the amount
which,  in  light of all the  facts  and  circumstances  existing  at the  time,
represent  the amount which can be reasonably be expected to become an actual or
matured liability.

      "SPIN-OFF"  means the dividend by Crane to its  stockholders in a tax free
transactions of all of the  outstanding  capital stock of the Borrower such that
the Borrower will become a separate  publicly-held  corporation  owned  directly
(prior to the  consummation  of the Rugby  Acquisition)  by the  stockholders of
Crane to whom such dividend is made,  in connection  with which there shall have
been obtained a letter ruling from the IRS  substantially to the effect that the
Spin-Off will be treated as a tax-free  distribution  by Crane under Section 355
of the Code (the "TAX RULING").

      "SPIN-OFF  TRANSACTIONS" means the series of transactions  contemplated by
and described in the Form 10, including but not limited to the Crane Payment and
the Spin-Off.

      "SUBSIDIARY"  of a Person means (i) any  corporation  more than 50% of the
outstanding  securities  having ordinary voting power of which shall at the time
be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more
of its  Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its  Subsidiaries,  or
(ii) any partnership,  limited liability company, association,  joint venture or
similar business  organization  more than 50% of the ownership  interests having
ordinary  voting  power  of which  shall at the time be so owned or  controlled.
Unless otherwise  expressly  provided,  all references  herein to a "Subsidiary"
means a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

      "SWING LINE BANK" means Bank One pursuant to the terms hereof.


                                     - 22 -



      "SWING LINE  COMMITMENT"  means the  commitment of the Swing Line Bank, in
its  discretion,  to make Swing Line Loans up to a maximum  principal  amount of
$5,000,000 at any one time outstanding.

      "SWING LINE LOAN" means a Loan made available to the Borrower by the Swing
Line Bank pursuant to SECTION 2.2 hereof.

      "SYNDICATION PERIOD" shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of
"Interest Period" above.

      "TAX RULING" is defined in the definition of Spin-Off above.

      "TAXES"  means  any and all  present  or  future  taxes,  duties,  levies,
imposts, deductions,  charges or withholdings,  and any and all liabilities with
respect to the foregoing, but excluding Excluded Taxes.

      "TERMINATION DATE" means the earlier of (a) the Revolving Loan Termination
Date, and (b) the date of  termination in whole of the Aggregate  Revolving Loan
Commitment  pursuant to SECTION  2.5 hereof or the  Revolving  Loan  Commitments
pursuant to SECTION 9.1 hereof.

      "TERMINATION  EVENT"  means (i) a  Reportable  Event  with  respect to any
Benefit  Plan;  (ii)  the  withdrawal  of  the  Borrower  or any  member  of the
Controlled Group from a Benefit Plan during a plan year in which the Borrower or
such Controlled Group member was a "substantial  employer" as defined in Section
4001(a)(2)  of ERISA with  respect to such plan or a reduction  or  cessation of
operations  which results in the  termination  of  employment of twenty  percent
(20%) of the participants of a Benefit Plan who are employees of the Borrower or
any member of the Controlled Group;  (iii) the imposition of an obligation under
Section 4041 of ERISA to provide  affected  parties  written notice of intent to
terminate a Benefit Plan in a distress termination  described in Section 4041(c)
of ERISA; (iv) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Benefit
Plan; (v) any event or condition  which might  constitute  grounds under Section
4042 of ERISA  for the  termination  of,  or the  appointment  of a  trustee  to
administer,  any Benefit Plan; or (vi) the partial or complete withdrawal of the
Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan.

      "TRANSACTION  DOCUMENTS"  means  the  Loan  Documents  and  the  documents
executed and delivered by the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries in connection
with the  Spin-Off,  the Rugby  Transactions  or the  Senior  Notes,  including,
without limitation,  the Share Exchange Agreement, the Form 10, the Senior Notes
and the Note Purchase Agreement.

      "TRANSACTIONS" means the Spin-Off Transactions, the Rugby Transactions and
the financing transactions evidenced by the Loan Documents,  and, if applicable,
the Note Purchase Agreement.

      "TRANSFEREE" is defined in SECTION 13.5 hereof.



                                     - 23 -




      "TYPE" means, with respect to any Loan, its nature as a Floating Rate Loan
or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

      "UNMATURED DEFAULT" means an event which, but for the lapse of time or the
giving of notice, or both, would constitute a Default.

      "WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE TO MATURITY" means when applied to any Indebtedness
at any  date,  the  number  of years  obtained  by  dividing  (i) the sum of the
products  obtained  by  multiplying  (a)  the  amount  of  each  then  remaining
installment,  sinking  fund,  serial  maturity  or other  required  payments  of
principal,  including payment at final maturity,  in respect thereof, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal
amount of such Indebtedness.

      "YEAR 2000 ISSUES" means, with respect to any Person,  anticipated  costs,
problems and  uncertainties  associated  with the inability of certain  computer
applications and imbedded systems to effectively  handle data,  including dates,
prior to, on and after January 1, 2000, as it affects the business,  operations,
and financial condition of such Person, and such Person's  customers,  suppliers
and vendors.

      "YEAR 2000 PROGRAM" is defined in SECTION 6.21.

      The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular
and  plural  forms of the  defined  terms.  Any  accounting  terms  used in this
Agreement  which are not  specifically  defined  herein  shall have the meanings
customarily  given  them  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted   accounting
principles in existence as of the date hereof.

      1.2  REFERENCES.  Any references to Subsidiaries of the Borrower shall not
in any  way  be  construed  as  consent  by  the  Agent  or  any  Lender  to the
establishment,  maintenance  or  acquisition  of any  Subsidiary,  except as may
otherwise be permitted hereunder.

      1.3 SUPPLEMENTAL  DISCLOSURE.  At any time at the request of the Agent and
at  such  additional  times  as the  Borrower  determines,  the  Borrower  shall
supplement each schedule or representation herein or in the other Loan Documents
with respect to any matter hereafter  arising which, if existing or occurring at
the  date of this  Agreement,  would  have  been  required  to be set  forth  or
described in such schedule or as an exception to such representation or which is
necessary to correct any  information in such schedule or  representation  which
has  been  rendered  inaccurate  thereby.  Unless  any such  supplement  to such
schedule or  representation  discloses  the  existence or  occurrence of events,
facts or  circumstances  which are not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement
or any other Loan Documents,  such supplement to such schedule or representation
shall  not be deemed an  amendment  thereof  unless  expressly  consented  to in
writing by Agent and the Required Lenders, and no such amendments, except as the
same may be consented to in a writing which expressly  includes a waiver,  shall
be or be  deemed a waiver by the Agent or any  Lender of any  Default  disclosed
therein.  Any items  disclosed  in any such


                                     - 24 -



supplemental  disclosures  shall be included in the  calculation  of any limits,
baskets or similar restrictions  contained in this Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents.

ARTICLE II:  THE REVOLVING LOAN FACILITY

      2.1 REVOLVING LOANS. (a) Upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent
set forth in SECTIONS 5.1 and 5.2, as applicable, from and including the Initial
Funding Date and prior to the Termination  Date,  each Lender  severally and not
jointly agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make
revolving loans to the Borrower from time to time, in Dollars,  in an amount not
to exceed such Lender's Pro Rata Share of Revolving Credit  Availability at such
time (each individually,  a "REVOLVING LOAN" and,  collectively,  the "REVOLVING
LOANS");  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  at no time shall the Revolving Credit Obligations
exceed the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment;  PROVIDED, FURTHER, prior to the
closing  of the  Rugby  Transactions  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  this
Agreement,  at no time shall the Revolving Credit  Obligations  exceed an amount
equal to the Aggregate  Revolving Loan Commitment MINUS  $32,000,000;  PROVIDED,
FURTHER,  that the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment shall be reduced pro rata
among the Lenders to Ninety-Three  Million and 00/100 Dollars  ($93,000,000)  if
the Rugby Acquisition shall not have been completed on or before March 31, 2000.
Subject to the terms of this  Agreement,  the  Borrower  may  borrow,  repay and
reborrow  Revolving  Loans  at any  time  prior  to the  Termination  Date.  The
Revolving Loans made on the Initial Funding Date or on or before the third (3rd)
Business Day  thereafter  shall  initially be Floating Rate Loans and thereafter
may be continued as Floating Rate Loans or converted into  Eurodollar Rate Loans
in the manner  provided in SECTION 2.9 and subject to the other  conditions  and
limitations  therein set forth and set forth in this ARTICLE II and set forth in
the definition of Interest  Period.  Revolving  Loans made after the third (3rd)
Business  Day after the  Initial  Funding  Date  shall be, at the  option of the
Borrower, selected in accordance with SECTION 2.9, either Floating Rate Loans or
Eurodollar Rate Loans. On the Termination Date, the Borrower shall repay in full
the outstanding  principal  balance of the Revolving  Loans.  Each Advance under
this SECTION 2.1 shall consist of Revolving Loans made by each Lender ratably in
proportion to such Lender's respective Pro Rata Share.

      (b)  BORROWING/ELECTION NOTICE.  The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent a
Borrowing/Election Notice, signed by it, in accordance with the terms of SECTION
2.7. The Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of such request.

      (c)  MAKING  OF   REVOLVING   LOANS.   Promptly   after   receipt  of  the
Borrowing/Election  Notice under SECTION 2.7 in respect of Revolving  Loans, the
Agent shall  notify each Lender by telex or telecopy,  or other  similar form of
transmission,  of the requested Revolving Loan. Each Lender shall make available
its Revolving  Loan in accordance  with the terms of SECTION 2.6. The Agent will
promptly make the funds so received  from the Lenders  available to the Borrower
at the Agent's office in Chicago,  Illinois on the applicable Borrowing Date and
shall  disburse  such proceeds in accordance  with the  Borrower's  disbursement
instructions  set forth in such  Borrowing/Election  Notice.  The failure of any
Lender to deposit the amount  described  above with the Agent on the  applicable
Borrowing Date shall not relieve any other Lender of its  obligations  hereunder
to make its Revolving Loan on such Borrowing Date.


                                     - 25 -




      2.2  SWING  LINE  LOANS.  (A)  AMOUNT  OF  SWING  LINE  LOANS.   Upon  the
satisfaction  of the  conditions  precedent set forth in SECTION 5.1 and 5.2, as
applicable,  from and  including  the  Initial  Funding  Date  and  prior to the
Termination  Date, the Swing Line Bank may, in its discretion,  on the terms and
conditions  set forth in this  Agreement,  make swing line loans to the Borrower
from time to time,  in  Dollars,  in an  amount  not to  exceed  the Swing  Line
Commitment (each, individually, a "SWING LINE LOAN" and collectively, the "SWING
LINE  Loans");  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  at  no  time  shall  the  Revolving  Credit
Obligations exceed the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment;  PROVIDED,  FURTHER,
prior to the closing of the Rugby  Transactions  in accordance with the terms of
this  Agreement,  at no time shall the Revolving  Credit  Obligations  exceed an
amount equal to the  Aggregate  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  MINUS  $32,000,000;
PROVIDED, FURTHER, that the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment shall be reduced
PRO  RATA  among  the  Lenders  to  Ninety-Three   Million  and  00/100  Dollars
($93,000,000)  if the Rugby  Acquisition  shall not have  been  completed  on or
before March 31, 2000; and PROVIDED,  FURTHER,  that at no time shall the sum of
(a) the  outstanding  amount of the Swing Line Loans,  PLUS (b) the  outstanding
amount of Revolving  Loans made by the Swing Line Bank  pursuant to SECTION 2.1,
exceed the Swing Line Bank's Revolving Loan Commitment at such time.  Subject to
the terms of this Agreement,  the Borrower may borrow,  repay and reborrow Swing
Line Loans at any time prior to the Termination Date.

      (B)  BORROWING/ELECTION  NOTICE FOR SWING LINE LOANS.  The Borrower  shall
deliver to the Agent and the Swing Line Bank a Borrowing/Election Notice, signed
by it, not later than 11:00  a.m.(Chicago  time) on the  Borrowing  Date of each
Swing Line Loan,  specifying (i) the applicable Borrowing Date (which date shall
be  a   Business   Day  and  which  may  be  the  same  date  as  the  date  the
Borrowing/Election  Notice  is  given),  and (ii) the  aggregate  amount  of the
requested  Swing Line Loan which shall be an amount not less than  $500,000  and
increments  of  $100,000  in excess  thereof.  The Swing Line Loans shall at all
times be Floating Rate Loans.

      (C)  MAKING  OF  SWING  LINE  LOANS.   Promptly   after   receipt  of  the
Borrowing/Election  Notice under SECTION  2.2(B) in respect of Swing Line Loans,
the Swing Line Bank may, in its sole  discretion  make  available its Swing Line
Loan,  in funds  immediately  available  in Chicago to the Agent at its  address
specified  pursuant to ARTICLE  XIV. The Agent will  promptly  make the funds so
received  from the Swing Line Bank  available to the  Borrower on the  Borrowing
Date at the Agent's aforesaid address.

      (D)  REPAYMENT OF SWING LINE LOANS.  Each Swing Line Loan shall be paid in
full by the Borrower on or before the seventh (7th) day after the Borrowing Date
for such Swing Line Loan. The Borrower may at any time pay,  without  penalty or
premium,  all  outstanding  Swing Line Loans or, in a minimum amount of $500,000
and  increments of $100,000 in excess  thereof,  any portion of the  outstanding
Swing Line Loans, upon notice to the Agent and the Swing Line Bank. In addition,
the  Agent  (i) may at any  time in its  sole  discretion  with  respect  to any
outstanding  Swing Line Loan,  or (ii) shall on the seventh  (7th) day after the
Borrowing  Date of any Swing Line Loan,  on notice to each Lender  (which notice
shall be deemed a Borrowing/Election Notice of the Borrower) require each Lender
(including  the Swing Line Bank) to make a Revolving  Loan in the amount of such
Lender's  Pro Rata Share of such Swing Line Loan,  for the  purpose of


                                     - 26 -


repaying such Swing Line Loan.  Not later than 2:00 p.m.  (Chicago  time) on the
date of any notice received  pursuant to this SECTION 2.2(D),  each Lender shall
make  available  its  required  Revolving  Loan or  Revolving  Loans,  in  funds
immediately  available in Chicago to the Agent at its address specified pursuant
to ARTICLE  XIV.  Revolving  Loans made  pursuant to this  SECTION  2.2(D) shall
initially  be Floating  Rate Loans and  thereafter  may be continued as Floating
Rate Loans or converted  into  Eurodollar  Rate Loans in the manner  provided in
SECTION  2.9 and subject to the other  conditions  and  limitations  therein set
forth and set forth in this ARTICLE II.  Unless a Lender shall have notified the
Swing Line Bank,  prior to its making any Swing Line Loan,  that any  applicable
condition  precedent set forth in SECTIONS 5.1 and 5.2, as  applicable,  had not
then been satisfied,  such Lender's  obligation to make Revolving Loans pursuant
to this  SECTION  2.2(D)  to repay  Swing  Line  Loans  shall be  unconditional,
continuing,   irrevocable  and  absolute  and  shall  not  be  affected  by  any
circumstances,  including,  without limitation,  (a) any set-off,  counterclaim,
recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Agent,
the Swing Line Bank or any other Person,  (b) the occurrence or continuance of a
Default or Unmatured Default, (c) any adverse change in the condition (financial
or otherwise) of the Borrower or (d) any other circumstances, happening or event
whatsoever.  In the event that any Lender  fails to make payment to the Agent of
any  amount  due under this  SECTION  2.2(D),  the Agent  shall be  entitled  to
receive,  retain and apply  against such  obligation  the principal and interest
otherwise payable to such Lender hereunder until the Agent receives such payment
from such Lender or such obligation is otherwise fully satisfied. In addition to
the  foregoing,  if for any reason any Lender fails to make payment to the Agent
of any amount due under this SECTION 2.2(D), such Lender shall be deemed, at the
option of the Agent, to have unconditionally and irrevocably  purchased from the
Swing Line Bank,  without  recourse  or  warranty,  an  undivided  interest  and
participation  in the applicable Swing Line Loan in the amount of such Revolving
Loan,  and such  interest and  participation  may be recovered  from such Lender
together with interest  thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate for each day
during the period  commencing  on the date of demand and ending on the date such
amount is received.  On the  Termination  Date, the Borrower shall repay in full
the outstanding principal balance of the Swing Line Loans.

      2.3 RATE OPTIONS FOR ALL ADVANCES;  MAXIMUM  INTEREST  PERIODS.  The Swing
Line Loans shall be Floating Rate Loans at all times. The Revolving Loans may be
Floating Rate Advances or Eurodollar  Rate Advances,  or a combination  thereof,
selected by the Borrower in  accordance  with SECTION  2.7;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,
notwithstanding  anything  herein to the  contrary,  the Borrower may not select
Interest Periods for Eurodollar Rate Advances made during the Syndication Period
which exceed  seven (7) days and the  Interest  Periods with respect to all such
Eurodollar Rate Advances made during the Syndication Period shall be required to
expire on the same date.  The Borrower may select,  in  accordance  with SECTION
2.9,  rate options and  Interest  Periods  applicable  to the  Revolving  Loans;
PROVIDED  that there  shall be no more than six (6)  Interest  Periods in effect
with respect to all of the Loans at any time.

      2.4  OPTIONAL PAYMENTS; MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS.

      (A) OPTIONAL PAYMENTS.  The Borrower may from time to time and at any time
upon at least one (1)  Business  Day's  prior  written  notice  repay or prepay,
without penalty or premium all or any part of outstanding Floating Rate Advances
in an  aggregate  minimum  amount of


                                     - 27 -


$1,000,000  and in integral  multiples  of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof. Eurodollar Rate Advances may be voluntarily repaid
or prepaid prior to the last day of the applicable  Interest Period,  subject to
the  indemnification  provisions  contained in SECTION 4.4,  PROVIDED,  that the
Borrower  may not so  prepay  Eurodollar  Rate  Advances  unless  it shall  have
provided at least three (3) Business  Days' prior written notice to the Agent of
such prepayment and PROVIDED,  FURTHER,  that optional prepayments of Eurodollar
Rate Advances made pursuant to SECTION 2.1 shall be for the entire amount of the
outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advance.

      (B) MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS.

      (i)  ASSET  SALE   PREPAYMENTS   AND  COMMITMENT   REDUCTIONS.   Upon  the
consummation  of any  Asset  Sale  by the  Borrower  or  any  Subsidiary  of the
Borrower,  within  five (5)  Business  Days after the  Borrower's  or any of its
Subsidiaries'  (i) receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from any such Asset Sale, or
(ii)  conversion  to cash or Cash  Equivalents  of  non-cash  proceeds  (whether
principal or interest and including  securities,  release of escrow arrangements
or lease payments)  received from any such Asset Sale, the Borrower shall make a
mandatory  prepayment of the Obligations in an amount equal to the lesser of (a)
one hundred percent (100%) of such Net Cash Proceeds or such proceeds  converted
from non-cash to cash or Cash Equivalents and (b) the outstanding  amount of the
Revolving  Credit  Obligations at such time. Upon the  consummation of any Asset
Sale,  other than the Excluded Asset Sales, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of
the Borrower, the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment shall be automatically and
permanently  reduced  (unless  otherwise  consented by the Required  Lenders) in
whole, or in part ratably among the Lenders, in an aggregate amount equal to one
hundred  percent  (100%) of the Net Cash  Proceeds  received  plus such proceeds
converted from non-cash to cash or Cash Equivalents.

      (ii) GENERAL  MANDATORY  PREPAYMENTS  OF REVOLVING  LOANS.  In addition to
repayments  under  SECTION  2.4(B)(I),  if at any  time and for any  reason  the
Revolving  Credit  Obligations  are greater than the  Aggregate  Revolving  Loan
Commitment,  the Borrower shall  immediately make a mandatory  prepayment of the
Obligations in an amount equal to such excess. In addition, if at any time prior
to the closing of the Rugby  Transactions  in accordance  with the terms of this
Agreement and for any reason the Revolving  Credit  Obligations are greater than
an amount equal to the Aggregate  Revolving Loan Commitment  MINUS  $32,000,000,
the Borrower shall immediately make a mandatory prepayment of the Obligations in
an amount equal to such excess. In addition, if the L/C Obligations  outstanding
at any time are greater than the  Aggregate  Revolving  Loan  Commitment at such
time MINUS the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans at
such time and the outstanding  principal  amount of the Swing Line Loans at such
time,  the Borrower  shall either prepay the  Obligations  in an amount equal to
such excess or deposit  cash  collateral  with the Agent in an amount in Dollars
equal to such excess.

      (iii)  GENERAL  PROVISIONS  APPLICABLE  TO  PREPAYMENTS.  Nothing  in this
SECTION  2.4(B)  shall be construed to  constitute  the Lenders'  consent to any
transaction  referred to in CLAUSE (I) above which is not expressly permitted by
the terms of this Agreement.  Each mandatory  prepayment required by CLAUSES (I)
and (II) of this  SECTION  2.4(B)  shall be referred to herein as a  "Designated
Prepayment."  Designated  Prepayments  shall be  allocated  and  applied  to the
Obligations  as follows:  (a) to repay  Revolving  Loans and (b)  following  the
payment in full of the Revolving


                                     - 28 -



Loans,  the  amount of each  Designated  Prepayment  shall be  applied  first to
interest  on  the   Reimbursement   Obligations,   then  to   principal  on  the
Reimbursement  Obligations,  then to fees on  account  of  Letters of Credit and
then, to the extent any L/C Obligations are contingent, deposited with the Agent
as cash  collateral  in  respect  of  such  L/C  Obligations.  On the  date  any
Designated Prepayment is received by the Agent, such prepayment shall be applied
first to Floating Rate Loans and to any  Eurodollar  Rate Loans maturing on such
date  and  then to  subsequently  maturing  Eurodollar  Rate  Loans  in order of
maturity.

      (C) PREPAYMENTS AND HEDGING ARRANGEMENTS.  No prepayment of any Loan shall
affect the Borrower's or any  Guarantor's  existing or future  obligation to may
payments under any Hedging Agreement.

      2.5 REDUCTION OF REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENTS. In addition to the reductions
required pursuant to SECTION 2.4(B)(I),  the Borrower may permanently reduce the
Aggregate  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  in whole,  or in part ratably  among the
Lenders,  in an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of
$5,000,000  in  excess of that  amount  (unless  the  Aggregate  Revolving  Loan
Commitment  is reduced in whole),  upon at least three  (3)Business  Day's prior
written  notice to the Agent,  which notice shall specify the amount of any such
reduction;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that the amount of the Aggregate Revolving Loan
Commitment  may not be  reduced  below  the  aggregate  principal  amount of the
outstanding  Revolving Credit Obligations.  All accrued commitment fees shall be
payable on the  effective  date of any  termination  of the  obligations  of the
Lenders to make Loans hereunder or any reduction of the Aggregate Revolving Loan
Commitment on the amount so reduced.

      2.6 METHOD OF BORROWING.  Not later than 2:00 p.m.  (Chicago time) on each
Borrowing  Date,  each  Lender  shall make  available  its  Revolving  Loan,  in
immediately  available funds, to the Agent at its address specified  pursuant to
ARTICLE XIV. The Agent will promptly make the funds so received from the Lenders
available to the Borrower at the Agent's aforesaid address.

      2.7 METHOD OF  SELECTING  TYPES AND  INTEREST  PERIODS FOR  ADVANCES.  The
Borrower  shall select the Type of Advance  and, in the case of each  Eurodollar
Rate Advance,  the Interest Period applicable to each Advance from time to time.
The Borrower shall give the Agent  irrevocable  notice in substantially the form
of EXHIBIT B hereto (a  "BORROWING/ELECTION  NOTICE")  not later than 10:00 a.m.
(Chicago time) (a) on or before the Borrowing Date of each Floating Rate Advance
and (b) three (3) Business  Days before the Borrowing  Date for each  Eurodollar
Rate Advance specifying:  (i) the Borrowing Date (which shall be a Business Day)
of such Advance;  (ii) the aggregate  amount of such Advance;  (iii) the Type of
Advance  selected;  and (iv) in the case of each  Eurodollar  Rate Advance,  the
Interest Period applicable  thereto.  The Borrower shall select Interest Periods
so that, to the best of the  Borrower's  knowledge,  it will not be necessary to
prepay all or any portion of any  Eurodollar  Rate Advance prior to the last day
of the  applicable  Interest  Period in order to make  mandatory  prepayments as
required  pursuant  to the terms  hereof.  Each  Floating  Rate  Advance and all
Obligations  other than Loans shall bear interest from and including the date of
the making of such Advance,  in the case of Loans,  and the date such Obligation
is due and owing in the case of such other  Obligations,  to (but not including)
the date of repayment  thereof at the Floating  Rate,  changing when and as such
Floating  Rate  changes.


                                     - 29 -



Changes  in the rate of  interest  on that  portion of the Loans  maintained  as
Floating  Rate Loans will take  effect  simultaneously  with each  change in the
Alternate Base Rate.  Each  Eurodollar Rate Advance shall bear interest from and
including the first day of the Interest  Period  applicable  thereto to (but not
including) the last day of such Interest  Period at the interest rate determined
as  applicable  to  such  Eurodollar  Rate  Advance,  changing  when  and as the
Applicable  Eurodollar  Margin changes.  Changes in the rate of interest on that
portion of the Loans  maintained  as  Eurodollar  Rate Advances will take effect
simultaneously with each change in the Applicable Eurodollar Margin.

      2.8 MINIMUM AMOUNT OF EACH ADVANCE. Each Floating Rate Advance (other than
an Advance to repay Swing Line Loans or a Reimbursement  Obligation) shall be in
the minimum  amount of  $1,000,000  (and in multiples of $1,000,000 if in excess
thereof); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any Floating Rate Advance may be in the amount
of the unused Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment.  Each Eurodollar Rate Advance
shall be in the minimum amount of $5,000,000  (and in multiples of $1,000,000 if
in excess thereof).

      2.9  METHOD OF SELECTING TYPES AND INTEREST  PERIODS   FOR  CONVERSION AND
CONTINUATION OF ADVANCES.

      (A) RIGHT TO CONVERT. The Borrower may elect from time to time, subject to
the  provisions  of SECTION 2.3 and this SECTION 2.9, to convert all or any part
of a Loan of any Type into any other Type or Types of Loans;  PROVIDED  that any
conversion  of any  Eurodollar  Rate Advance  shall be made on, and only on, the
last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

      (B)  AUTOMATIC  CONVERSION  AND  CONTINUATION.  Floating  Rate Loans shall
continue as Floating  Rate Loans unless and until such  Floating  Rate Loans are
converted into  Eurodollar  Rate Loans.  Eurodollar Rate Loans shall continue as
Eurodollar  Rate  Loans  until the end of the then  applicable  Interest  Period
therefor,  at which  time such  Eurodollar  Rate  Loans  shall be  automatically
converted  into  Floating  Rate Loans unless the  Borrower  shall have given the
Agent a  Borrowing/Election  Notice in accordance with SECTION 2.9(D) requesting
that, at the end of such Interest Period, such Eurodollar Rate Loans continue as
a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

      (C) NO CONVERSION POST-DEFAULT OR POST-UNMATURED DEFAULT.  Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary  contained in SECTION 2.9(A) or SECTION 2.9(B), no Loan
may be converted  into or  continued as a Eurodollar  Rate Loan (except with the
consent of the  Required  Lenders)  when any  Default or  Unmatured  Default has
occurred and is continuing.

      (D)   BORROWING/ELECTION   NOTICE.  The  Borrower  shall  give  the  Agent
irrevocable  notice (a  "BORROWING/ELECTION  NOTICE")  of each  conversion  of a
Floating Rate Loan into a Eurodollar  Rate Loan or  continuation of a Eurodollar
Rate Loan not later than 10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) three (3) Business Days prior
to the date of the requested  conversion or  continuation,  specifying:  (1) the
requested  date  (which  shall  be  a  Business  Day)  of  such   conversion  or
continuation;  (2) the amount and Type of the Loan to be converted or continued;
and (3) the  amount of  Eurodollar  Rate  Loan(s)  into which such Loan is to be
converted  or  continued,  and the duration of the  Interest  Period  applicable
thereto.


                                     - 30 -



      2.10 DEFAULT RATE.  After the occurrence  and during the  continuance of a
Default, at the option of the Agent or at the direction of the Required Lenders,
(a) the interest rate(s)  applicable to the Obligations  (whether  Floating Rate
Advances,  Swing Line Loans or Eurodollar  Rate Advances)  shall be equal to the
Floating  Rate,  changing as and when the Floating Rate changes PLUS two percent
(2.00%) per annum for all Loans and other  Obligations  and (b) the fees payable
under  SECTION  3.8 with  respect  to  Letters  of Credit  shall be equal to the
Applicable L/C Fee Percentage PLUS two percent (2.00%) per annum.

      2.11  METHOD OF  PAYMENT.  All  payments  of  principal,  interest,  fees,
commissions  and L/C  Obligations  hereunder  shall  be  made,  without  setoff,
deduction or  counterclaim,  in immediately  available funds to the Agent at the
Agent's  address  specified  pursuant to ARTICLE  XIV,  or at any other  Lending
Installation of the Agent specified in writing by the Agent to the Borrower,  by
2:00 p.m.  (Chicago  time) on the date when due and shall be made ratably  among
the Lenders  (unless such amount is not to be shared ratably in accordance  with
the terms  hereof).  Each payment  delivered to the Agent for the account of any
Lender shall be delivered  promptly by the Agent to such Lender in the same type
of funds which the Agent received at its address  specified  pursuant to ARTICLE
XIV or at any Lending  Installation  specified in a notice received by the Agent
from such Lender. The Borrower authorizes the Agent to charge the account of the
Borrower maintained with Bank One for each payment of principal, interest, fees,
commissions and L/C  Obligations as it becomes due hereunder.  Each reference to
the Agent in this  SECTION  2.11 shall also be deemed to refer,  and shall apply
equally, to the Issuing Bank, in the case of payments required to be made by the
Borrower to the Issuing Bank pursuant to ARTICLE III.

      2.12  EVIDENCE OF DEBT.

      (a) Each Lender shall  maintain in accordance  with its usual  practice an
account or  accounts  (a "LOAN  ACCOUNT")  evidencing  the  indebtedness  of the
Borrower to such Lender  owing to such Lender from time to time,  including  the
amounts of principal  and interest  payable and paid to such Lender from time to
time hereunder.

      (b) The Register maintained by the Agent pursuant to SECTION 13.3(C) shall
include a control account,  and a subsidiary  account for each Lender,  in which
accounts (taken  together) shall be recorded (i) the date and the amount of each
Loan  made  hereunder,  the  Type  thereof  and  the  Interest  Period,  if any,
applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable
or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender  hereunder,  (iii)
the  effective  date and amount of each  Assignment  Agreement  delivered to and
accepted by it and the parties thereto pursuant to SECTION 13.3, (iv) the amount
of any sum  received by the Agent  hereunder  for the account of the Lenders and
each Lender's share thereof, and (v) all other appropriate debits and credits as
provided in this Agreement,  including,  without limitation,  all fees, charges,
expenses and interest.

      (c) The  entries  made in the Loan  Account,  the  Register  and the other
accounts  maintained pursuant to SUBSECTIONS (A) or (B) of this Section shall be
conclusive  and binding for all  purposes,  absent  manifest  error,  unless the
Borrower objects to information contained in the


                                     - 31 -



Loan Accounts, the Register or the other accounts within thirty (30) days of the
Borrower's receipt of such information;  PROVIDED that the failure of any Lender
or the Agent to maintain  such  accounts or any error  therein  shall not in any
manner  affect the  obligation  of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement.

      (d) Any Lender may  request  that the  Revolving  Loans made by it each be
evidenced by a promissory  note.  In such event,  the  Borrower  shall  prepare,
execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory  note for such Loans  payable to
the order of such Lender and in a form approved by the Agent and consistent with
the terms of this Agreement.  Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory
note  and  interest  thereon  shall at all  times  (including  after  assignment
pursuant to SECTION 13.3) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such
form payable to the order of the payee named therein.

      2.13 TELEPHONIC NOTICES. The Borrower authorizes the Lenders and the Agent
to extend, convert or continue Advances,  effect selections of Types of Advances
and to transfer funds based on telephonic  notices made by any person or persons
the Agent or any  Lender in good  faith  believes  to be acting on behalf of the
Borrower.  The  Borrower  agrees  to  deliver  promptly  to the  Agent a written
confirmation, signed by an Authorized Officer, if such confirmation is requested
by the  Agent  or  any  Lender,  of  each  telephonic  notice.  If  the  written
confirmation  differs in any material respect from the action taken by the Agent
and the Lenders,  the records of the Agent and the Lenders  shall govern  absent
manifest error. In case of  disagreement  concerning such notices,  if the Agent
has recorded telephonic Borrowing/Election Notices, such recordings will be made
available to the Borrower upon the Borrower's request therefor.

      2.14 PROMISE TO PAY; INTEREST AND COMMITMENT FEES; INTEREST PAYMENT DATES;
INTEREST AND FEE BASIS; LOAN AND CONTROL ACCOUNTS.

      (A) PROMISE TO PAY. The Borrower  unconditionally promises to pay when due
the principal amount of each Loan and all other Obligations  incurred by it, and
to pay all unpaid interest accrued thereon, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

      (B) INTEREST  PAYMENT DATES.  Interest  accrued on each Floating Rate Loan
shall be payable on each Payment  Date,  commencing  with the first such date to
occur  after  the date  hereof  and at  maturity  (whether  by  acceleration  or
otherwise).  Interest  accrued on each  Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be payable on
the last  day of its  applicable  Interest  Period,  on any  date on  which  the
Eurodollar Rate Loan is prepaid,  whether by  acceleration or otherwise,  and at
maturity.  Interest  accrued on each  Eurodollar  Rate Loan  having an  Interest
Period  longer than three  months  shall also be payable on the last day of each
three-month  interval  during  such  Interest  Period.  Interest  accrued on the
principal  balance of all other  Obligations  shall be payable in arrears (i) on
the  last  day of each  calendar  quarter,  commencing  on the  first  such  day
following the incurrence of such Obligation, (ii) upon repayment thereof in full
or in part,  and (iii) if not  theretofore  paid in full, at the time such other
Obligation becomes due and payable (whether by acceleration or otherwise).


                                     - 32 -




      (C)  COMMITMENT  FEES AND AGENT'S FEES.  (i) The Borrower shall pay to the
Agent,  for the account of the Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares,
from and after the Closing Date until the date on which the Aggregate  Revolving
Loan  Commitment  shall be terminated in whole, a Commitment fee accruing at the
rate of the then Applicable  Commitment Fee  Percentage,  on the amount by which
(A) the Aggregate  Revolving Loan Commitment in effect from time to time exceeds
(B) the Revolving Credit Obligations (excluding the outstanding principal amount
of the Swing Line Loans) in effect from time to time. All such  Commitment  fees
payable  under this  CLAUSE (C) shall be  payable  quarterly  in arrears on each
Payment Date occurring after the Closing Date (with the first such payment being
calculated  for the period  from the  Closing  Date and ending on  December  31,
1999),  on the date of any reduction of the Aggregate  Revolving Loan Commitment
for the amount so reduced and, in addition,  on the date on which the  Aggregate
Revolving Loan Commitment shall be terminated in whole.
      (ii) The  Borrower  agrees to pay to the Agent for the sole account of the
Agent  and the  Arranger  (unless  otherwise  agreed  between  the Agent and the
Arranger  and any Lender) the fees set forth in the letter  agreement  among the
Agent,  the  Arranger and the Borrower  dated  November 9, 1999,  payable at the
times and in the amounts set forth therein.

      (D) INTEREST AND FEE BASIS;  APPLICABLE FLOATING RATE MARGINS,  APPLICABLE
EURODOLLAR MARGINS;  APPLICABLE COMMITMENT FEE PERCENTAGE AND APPLICABLE L/C FEE
PERCENTAGE.

      (i) Interest and fees shall be  calculated  for actual days elapsed on the
basis of a 360-day year for actual days elapsed.  Interest  shall be payable for
the day an  Obligation  is  incurred  but not for the day of any  payment on the
amount paid if payment is received prior to 2:00 p.m.(Chicago time) at the place
of payment.  If any payment of principal of or interest on a Loan or any payment
of any other  Obligations shall become due on a day which is not a Business Day,
such payment shall be made on the next succeeding  Business Day and, in the case
of a principal  payment,  such  extension of time shall be included in computing
interest, fees and commissions in connection with such payment.

      (ii) The Applicable Floating Rate Margins,  Applicable Eurodollar Margins,
Applicable  Commitment Fee Percentage and Applicable L/C Fee Percentage shall be
determined  from time to time by reference to the table set forth below,  on the
basis  of the  then  applicable  Leverage  Ratio as  described  in this  SECTION
2.14(D)(II):


                        APPLICABLE MARGINS             APPLICABLE FEES
  LEVERAGE RATIO
                     APPLICABLE    APPLICABLE    APPLICABLE      APPLICABLE
                     EURODOLLAR     FLOATING       L/C FEE     COMMITMENT FEE
                       MARGIN      RATE MARGIN   PERCENTAGE      PERCENTAGE
                    ------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL I
_1.0 to 1.00           0.75%         0.00%         0.75%         0.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL II
_1.0 to 1.00 and       0.875%        0.00%         0.875%        0.225%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     - 33 -



_1.5 to 1.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL III
_1.5 to 1.00 and       1.00%         0.00%         1.00%         0.25%
_2.0 to 1.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL IV
_2.0 to 1.00 and       1.25%         0.25%         1.25%         0.275%
_2.5 to 1.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL V                1.50%         0.50%         1.50%         0.30%
_2.5 to 1.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For purposes of this SECTION 2.14(D)(II), the Leverage Ratio shall be calculated
as  provided  in  SECTION  7.4(A).  Upon  receipt  of the  financial  statements
delivered pursuant to SECTION 7.1(A)(I) (other than such financials for the last
quarter of each fiscal year) and SECTION  7.1(A)(II),  as  applicable,  and upon
consummation of the Rugby Acquisition and each other Permitted Acquisition,  the
Applicable  Floating Rate Margins,  Applicable  Eurodollar  Margins,  Applicable
Commitment Fee  Percentage and Applicable L/C Fee Percentage  shall be adjusted,
such  adjustment  being  effective  five (5) Business Days following the Agent's
receipt of such financial statements and the compliance  certificate required to
be delivered in connection  therewith  pursuant to SECTION  7.1(A)(III),  or the
Agent's  receipt of an  Authorized  Officer's  certificate  pursuant  to SECTION
7.3(F),  as  applicable;  PROVIDED,  that if the Borrower  shall not have timely
delivered its financial statements in accordance with SECTION 7.1(A)(I) or (II),
or such Authorized Officer's certificate,  as applicable, then commencing on the
date upon  which such  financial  statements  or  certificate  should  have been
delivered and continuing  until such  financial  statements or  certificate,  as
applicable,  are  actually  delivered,  it  shall be  assumed  for  purposes  of
determining the Applicable Floating Rate Margins, Applicable Eurodollar Margins,
Applicable  Commitment Fee Percentage and Applicable L/C Fee Percentage that the
Leverage  Ratio  was  greater  than  2.5 to 1.0 and  Level V  pricing  shall  be
applicable.

      (iii)  Notwithstanding  anything herein to the contrary,  from the Closing
Date to but not  including  the fifth  Business  Day  following  receipt  of the
Borrower's  financial statements delivered pursuant to SECTION 7.1(A)(I) for the
fiscal  quarter  ending June 30, 2000,  the  Applicable  Floating  Rate Margins,
Applicable   Eurodollar  Margins,   Applicable  Commitment  Fee  Percentage  and
Applicable L/C Fee  Percentage  shall be set at the greater of (a) Level III and
(b) the Level determined in accordance with clause (ii) above.

      2.15 NOTIFICATION OF ADVANCES,  INTEREST RATES,  PREPAYMENTS AND AGGREGATE
REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENT REDUCTIONS.  Promptly after receipt thereof, the Agent
will  notify  each  Lender of the  contents  of each  Aggregate  Revolving  Loan
Commitment  reduction notice,  Borrowing/Election  Notice,  and repayment notice
received by it hereunder. The Agent will notify each Lender of the interest rate
applicable to each  Eurodollar  Rate Loan promptly  upon  determination  of such
interest  rate and will give each  Lender  prompt  notice of each  change in the
Alternate Base Rate.


                                     - 34 -




      2.16 LENDING  INSTALLATIONS.  Each Lender may book its Loans or Letters of
Credit at any  Lending  Installation  selected by such Lender and may change its
Lending  Installation from time to time. All terms of this Agreement shall apply
to any such  Lending  Installation.  Each Lender  may,  by written or  facsimile
notice to the Agent and the Borrower,  designate a Lending  Installation through
which  Loans  will be made by it and for  whose  account  Loan  payments  and/or
payments of L/C Obligations are to be made.

      2.17  NON-RECEIPT OF FUNDS BY THE AGENT.  Unless the Borrower or a Lender,
as the  case  may be,  notifies  the  Agent  prior  to the  date on  which it is
scheduled  to make  payment  to the  Agent of (i) in the case of a  Lender,  the
proceeds of a Loan or (ii) in the case of the Borrower,  a payment of principal,
interest or fees to the Agent for the account of the  Lenders,  that it does not
intend to make such  payment,  the Agent may assume  that such  payment has been
made.  The Agent may,  but shall not be  obligated  to,  make the amount of such
payment available to the intended recipient in reliance upon such assumption. If
such  Lender  or the  Borrower,  as the case may be,  has not in fact  made such
payment to the Agent,  the  recipient  of such payment  shall,  on demand by the
Agent,  repay to the Agent the amount so made  available  together with interest
thereon in respect  of each day  during the period  commencing  on the date such
amount was so made available by the Agent until the date the Agent recovers such
amount at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of payment by a Lender,  the
Federal Funds  Effective Rate for such day or (ii) in the case of payment by the
Borrower, the interest rate applicable to the relevant Loan.

      2.18  TERMINATION  DATE.  This  Agreement  shall be  effective  until  the
Termination Date.  Notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement,  until all
of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnity obligations) shall have been
fully and  indefeasibly  paid and satisfied in cash, all financing  arrangements
among the Borrower and the Lenders shall have been terminated  (including  under
Hedging Agreements or other agreements with respect to Hedging  Obligations) and
all of the Letters of Credit shall have expired,  been  canceled or  terminated,
all of the rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
shall survive.

      2.19  REPLACEMENT  OF CERTAIN  LENDERS.  In the event a Lender  ("AFFECTED
LENDER")  shall  have:  (i)  failed  to fund its Pro Rata  Share of any  Advance
requested by the Borrower,  or to fund a Revolving  Loan in order to repay Swing
Line Loans or Reimbursement Obligations,  which such Lender is obligated to fund
under the terms of this  Agreement  and which  failure has not been cured,  (ii)
requested  compensation  from the  Borrower  under  SECTIONS  4.1, 4.2 or 4.5 to
recover  Taxes,  Other Taxes or other  additional  costs incurred by such Lender
which are not being  incurred  by any other  Lender,  (iii)  delivered  a notice
pursuant to SECTION 4.3 claiming that such Lender is unable to extend Eurodollar
Rate Loans to the Borrower  for reasons not  generally  applicable  to the other
Lenders or (iv) has invoked  SECTION 10.2,  then, in any such case, the Borrower
or the Agent may make written demand on such Affected Lender (with a copy to the
Agent in the case of a demand by the  Borrower and a copy to the Borrower in the
case of a demand by the  Agent)  for the  Affected  Lender to  assign,  and such
Affected Lender shall use commercially  reasonable efforts to assign pursuant to
one or more duly executed Assignment Agreements five (5) Business Days after the
date of such demand, to one or more financial  institutions that comply with the
provisions of SECTION 13.3 which the Borrower or the Agent,  as the case may be,
shall   have  engaged  for  such   purpose   ("REPLACEMENT LENDER"), all of such


                                     - 35 -



Affected Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents  (including,  without limitation,  its Revolving Loan Commitment,  all
Loans owing to it, all of its  participation  interests  in existing  Letters of
Credit,  and its obligation to  participate in additional  Letters of Credit and
Swing Line Loans  hereunder) in accordance  with SECTION 13.3. The Agent agrees,
upon the  occurrence of such events with respect to an Affected  Lender and upon
the written request of the Borrower, to use its reasonable efforts to obtain the
commitments  from one or more  financial  institutions  to act as a  Replacement
Lender.  The  Agent is  authorized  to  execute  one or more of such  assignment
agreements as  attorney-in-fact  for any Affected  Lender failing to execute and
deliver the same within five (5)  Business  Days after the date of such  demand.
Further,  with  respect  to such  assignment  the  Affected  Lender  shall  have
concurrently received, in cash, all amounts due and owing to the Affected Lender
hereunder or under any other Loan Document,  including,  without limitation, the
aggregate  outstanding  principal  amount  of the  Loans  owed to  such  Lender,
together  with accrued  interest  thereon  through the date of such  assignment,
amounts  payable  under  SECTIONS 4.1, 4.2 and 4.5 with respect to such Affected
Lender  and  compensation  payable  under  SECTION  2.14(C)  in the event of any
replacement  of any  Affected  Lender  under CLAUSE (II) or CLAUSE (III) of this
SECTION  2.19;  PROVIDED  that upon such  Affected  Lender's  replacement,  such
Affected  Lender  shall  cease to be a party  hereto  but shall  continue  to be
entitled to the benefits of SECTIONS  4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5 and 10.7, as well as to
any fees accrued for its account  hereunder and not yet paid, and shall continue
to be obligated  under SECTION 11.8. Upon the replacement of any Affected Lender
pursuant to this SECTION 2.19,  the  provisions of SECTION 9.2 shall continue to
apply with respect to Loans which are then outstanding with respect to which the
Affected Lender failed to fund its Pro Rata Share and which failure has not been
cured.


ARTICLE III: THE LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

      3.1  OBLIGATION  TO ISSUE  LETTERS  OF  CREDIT.  Subject  to the terms and
conditions  of  this  Agreement  and  in  reliance  upon  the   representations,
warranties  and  covenants  of the Borrower  herein set forth,  the Issuing Bank
hereby  agrees to issue for the  account of the  Borrower  through  the  Issuing
Bank's branches as it and the Borrower may jointly agree, one or more Letters of
Credit  denominated in Dollars in accordance with this ARTICLE III, from time to
time during the period, commencing on the Initial Funding Date and ending on the
fifth Business Day prior to the Revolving Loan Termination Date.

      3.2  TRANSITIONAL  PROVISION.  SCHEDULE 3.2 contains a schedule of certain
letters of credit  issued for the account of the  Borrower  prior to the Closing
Date.  Subject to the  satisfaction of the conditions  contained in SECTIONS 5.1
and 5.2,  from and after the Closing Date such letters of credit shall be deemed
to be Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this ARTICLE III.

      3.3 TYPES AND AMOUNTS.  The Issuing Bank shall not have any  obligation to
and the Issuing Bank shall not:

            (i) issue (or amend) any Letter of Credit if on the date of issuance
      (or  amendment),  before or after  giving  effect to the  Letter of Credit
      requested


                                     - 36 -



      hereunder, (a) the Revolving Credit  Obligations at such time would exceed
      the Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment at such time, or (b) the aggregate
      outstanding amount of the L/C Obligations would exceed $10,000,000; or

            (ii) issue (or amend) any Letter of Credit  which has an  expiration
      date later  than the date  which is the  earlier of (a) one (1) year after
      the date of issuance  thereof or (b) five (5)  Business  Days  immediately
      preceding the Revolving Loan Termination Date; PROVIDED that any Letter of
      Credit  with a one-year  tenor may  provide  for the  renewal  thereof for
      additional  one-year  periods  (which shall in no event extend  beyond the
      date referred to in CLAUSE (B) above).

      3.4  CONDITIONS.  In addition to being subject to the  satisfaction of the
conditions contained in SECTIONS 5.1 and 5.2, the obligation of the Issuing Bank
to issue any  Letter of Credit is  subject  to the  satisfaction  in full of the
following conditions:

            (i) the  Borrower  shall have  delivered to the Issuing Bank at such
      times and in such manner as the Issuing Bank may reasonably  prescribe,  a
      request for issuance of such Letter of Credit in substantially the form of
      EXHIBIT C hereto,  duly executed  applications  for such Letter of Credit,
      and such other  documents,  instructions and agreements as may be required
      pursuant  to  the  terms  thereof  (all  such   applications,   documents,
      instructions,  and  agreements  being  referred  to  herein  as  the  "L/C
      DOCUMENTS"),  and the  proposed  Letter  of  Credit  shall  be  reasonably
      satisfactory  to the Issuing Bank and the Borrower as to form and content;
      and

            (ii) as of the date of issuance no order,  judgment or decree of any
      court,  arbitrator or Governmental Authority shall purport by its terms to
      enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit and
      no law, rule or  regulation  applicable to the Issuing Bank and no request
      or directive  (whether or not having the force of law) from a Governmental
      Authority  with  jurisdiction  over the  Issuing  Bank shall  prohibit  or
      request  that the Issuing  Bank  refrain  from the  issuance of Letters of
      Credit generally or the issuance of that Letter of Credit.

      3.5 PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT.  (a) Subject to the terms
and conditions of this ARTICLE III and provided that the  applicable  conditions
set forth in SECTIONS 5.1 and 5.2 hereof have been  satisfied,  the Issuing Bank
shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit on behalf of the Borrower
in accordance  with the Issuing  Bank's usual and customary  business  practices
and,  in this  connection,  the  Issuing  Bank may  assume  that the  applicable
conditions set forth in SECTION 5.2 hereof have been  satisfied  unless it shall
have received notice to the contrary from the Agent or a Lender or has knowledge
that the applicable conditions have not been met.

      (b) The  Issuing  Bank shall give the Agent  written or telex  notice,  or
telephonic notice confirmed promptly thereafter in writing, of the issuance of a
Letter of Credit,  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that the failure to provide  such notice
shall not result in any liability on the part of the Issuing Bank.



                                     - 37 -



      (c) The  Issuing  Bank  shall  not  extend  (including  as a result of any
evergreen  provision) or amend any Letter of Credit unless the  requirements  of
this  SECTION  3.5 are met as though a new Letter of Credit was being  requested
and issued.

      3.6 LETTER OF CREDIT  PARTICIPATION.  On the date of this Agreement,  with
respect to the Letters of Credit  identified  on SCHEDULE  3.2, and  immediately
upon the  issuance  of each Letter of Credit  hereunder,  each Lender with a Pro
Rata   Share   shall  be  deemed   to  have   automatically,   irrevocably   and
unconditionally  purchased  and  received  from the  Issuing  Bank an  undivided
interest and  participation in and to such Letter of Credit,  the obligations of
the  Borrower  in  respect  thereof,  and  the  liability  of the  Issuing  Bank
thereunder  (collectively,  an "L/C  INTEREST") in an amount equal to the amount
available  for drawing  under such Letter of Credit  multiplied by such Lender's
Pro Rata  Share.  The  Issuing  Bank  will  notify  each  Lender  promptly  upon
presentation  to it of an L/C  Draft or upon any  other  draw  under a Letter of
Credit. On or before the Business Day on which the Issuing Bank makes payment of
each such L/C Draft or, in the case of any other draw on a Letter of Credit,  on
demand by the Agent or the  Issuing  Bank,  in either  case,  to the  extent the
Borrower  fails to reimburse the Issuing Bank on such date in an amount equal to
such  payment or draw,  each  Lender  shall make  payment to the Agent,  for the
account of the Issuing Bank, in immediately  available  funds in an amount equal
to such  Lender's  Pro Rata  Share of the amount of such  payment  or draw.  The
obligation  of each Lender to reimburse  the Issuing Bank under this SECTION 3.6
shall  be  unconditional,  continuing,  irrevocable  and  absolute,  unless  the
applicable  Letter of Credit shall have been issued or amended in  contravention
of the  provisions  of SECTION  3.3. In the event that any Lender  fails to make
payment to the Agent of any amount due under this  SECTION  3.6, the Agent shall
be entitled to receive,  retain and apply against such  obligation the principal
and interest otherwise payable to such Lender hereunder until the Agent receives
such payment from such Lender or such obligation is otherwise  fully  satisfied;
PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that nothing  contained in this sentence shall relieve such
Lender of its  obligation  to  reimburse  the  Issuing  Bank for such  amount in
accordance with this SECTION 3.6.

      3.7  REIMBURSEMENT   OBLIGATION.   The  Borrower  agrees  unconditionally,
irrevocably and absolutely to pay  immediately to the Agent,  for the account of
the Lenders,  the amount of each advance  drawn under or pursuant to a Letter of
Credit or an L/C Draft  related  thereto  (such  obligation  of the  Borrower to
reimburse  the Agent for an  advance  made under a Letter of Credit or L/C Draft
being  hereinafter  referred to as a "REIMBURSEMENT  OBLIGATION" with respect to
such Letter of Credit or L/C Draft),  each such  reimbursement to be made by the
Borrower no later than the Business Day on which the Issuing Bank makes  payment
of each such L/C Draft or, in the case of any other  draw on a Letter of Credit,
the date  specified  in the demand of the Issuing  Bank.  If the Borrower at any
time fails to repay a Reimbursement Obligation pursuant to this SECTION 3.7, the
Borrower  shall be deemed to have  elected  to borrow  Revolving  Loans from the
Lenders,  as of the  date  of  the  advance  giving  rise  to the  Reimbursement
Obligation,   equal  in  amount  to  the  amount  of  the  unpaid  Reimbursement
Obligation.  Such  Revolving  Loans  shall be made as of the date of the payment
giving rise to such Reimbursement Obligation,  automatically, without notice and
without any requirement to satisfy the conditions precedent otherwise applicable
to an Advance of  Revolving  Loans.  Such  Revolving  Loans shall  constitute  a
Floating


                                     - 38 -


Rate  Advance,  the  proceeds  of which  Advance  shall  be used to  repay  such
Reimbursement  Obligation.  If, for any reason,  the  Borrower  fails to repay a
Reimbursement  Obligation on the day such  Reimbursement  Obligation arises and,
for any reason,  the Lenders  are unable to make or have no  obligation  to make
Revolving Loans, then such Reimbursement Obligation shall bear interest from and
after  such day,  until  paid in full,  at the  interest  rate  applicable  to a
Floating Rate Advance.

      3.8  LETTER OF CREDIT FEES.  The Borrower agrees to pay:

             (i) quarterly,  in arrears, to the Agent for the ratable benefit of
      the Lenders, except as set forth in SECTION 9.2, a letter of credit fee at
      a rate per annum equal to the Applicable L/C Fee Percentage on the average
      daily  outstanding  face amount  available  for drawing  under all standby
      Letters of Credit;

             (ii) quarterly, in arrears, to the Issuing Bank, a letter of credit
      fronting  fee at a rate per annum  equal to 0.125%  on the  average  daily
      outstanding  face amount available for drawing under all Letters of Credit
      issued by the Issuing Bank; and

            (iii) to the Issuing Bank,  all customary  fees and other  issuance,
      amendment, cancellation,  document examination,  negotiation, transfer and
      presentment  expenses and related charges in connection with the issuance,
      amendment, cancellation, presentation of L/C Drafts, negotiation, transfer
      and the like  customarily  charged  by the  Issuing  Bank with  respect to
      standby and commercial Letters of Credit,  including,  without limitation,
      standard commissions with respect to commercial Letters of Credit, payable
      at the time of invoice of such amounts.

      3.9 ISSUING BANK REPORTING  REQUIREMENTS.  Upon the request of any Lender,
the Issuing Bank shall furnish to such Lender copies of any Letter of Credit and
any  application  for or  reimbursement  agreement  with  respect to a Letter of
Credit to which the Issuing Bank is party.

      3.10 INDEMNIFICATION;  EXONERATION.  (A) In addition to amounts payable as
elsewhere  provided in this ARTICLE III, the Borrower  hereby agrees to protect,
indemnify,  pay and save  harmless  the Agent,  the Issuing Bank and each Lender
from and against any and all liabilities and costs which the Agent,  the Issuing
Bank or such  Lender  may incur or be  subject  to as a  consequence,  direct or
indirect, of (i) the issuance of any Letter of Credit other than, in the case of
the Issuing Bank, as a result of its Gross Negligence or willful misconduct,  as
determined by the final judgment of a court of competent  jurisdiction,  or (ii)
the failure of the Issuing Bank to honor a drawing under a Letter of Credit as a
result of any act or omission,  whether rightful or wrongful,  of any present or
future DE JURE or DE FACTO  Governmental  Authority  (all such acts or omissions
herein called "GOVERNMENTAL ACTS").

      (B) As among the  Borrower,  the Lenders,  the Agent and the Issuing Bank,
the Borrower  assumes all risks of the acts and  omissions of, or misuse of such
Letter of Credit by, the  beneficiary  of any Letters of Credit.  In furtherance
and not in limitation of the foregoing,  subject to the provisions of the Letter
of Credit applications and Letter of Credit reimbursement


                                     - 39 -



agreements  executed  by the  Borrower  at the time of request for any Letter of
Credit,  neither the Agent, the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be responsible
(in the  absence  of  Gross  Negligence  or  willful  misconduct  in  connection
therewith,  as  determined  by  the  final  judgment  of a  court  of  competent
jurisdiction): (i) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or
legal  effect of any  document  submitted  by any party in  connection  with the
application for and issuance of the Letters of Credit, even if it should in fact
prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent
or forged;  (ii) for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument  transferring
or  assigning  or  purporting  to  transfer  or assign a Letter of Credit or the
rights or benefits  thereunder or proceeds  thereof,  in whole or in part, which
may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason;  (iii) for failure of the
beneficiary  of a Letter of Credit to comply  duly with  conditions  required in
order  to  draw  upon  such  Letter  of  Credit;  (iv)  for  errors,  omissions,
interruptions  or delays in transmission  or delivery of any messages,  by mail,
cable, telegraph, telex, or other similar form of teletransmission or otherwise;
(v) for errors in  interpretation of technical trade terms; (vi) for any loss or
delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make
a drawing under any Letter of Credit or of the proceeds  thereof;  (vii) for the
misapplication  by the  beneficiary of a Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any
drawing  under such Letter of Credit;  and (viii) for any  consequences  arising
from causes  beyond the control of the Agent,  the Issuing Bank and the Lenders,
including,  without  limitation,  any Governmental Acts. None of the above shall
affect,  impair,  or prevent the vesting of the Issuing  Bank's rights or powers
under this SECTION 3.10.

      (C) In  furtherance  and  extension  and not in limitation of the specific
provisions  hereinabove  set forth,  any action  taken or omitted by the Issuing
Bank  under  or in  connection  with  the  Letters  of  Credit  or  any  related
certificates   shall  not,  in  the  absence  of  Gross  Negligence  or  willful
misconduct,  as  determined  by the  final  judgment  of a  court  of  competent
jurisdiction,  put the Issuing Bank, the Agent or any Lender under any resulting
liability  to the  Borrower  or relieve the  Borrower of any of its  obligations
hereunder to any such Person.

      (D)  Without  prejudice  to the  survival  of any other  agreement  of the
Borrower hereunder,  the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in
this  SECTION 3.10 shall  survive the payment in full of principal  and interest
hereunder,  the termination of the Letters of Credit and the termination of this
Agreement.

      (E)  Nothing in the ARTICLE  III shall  relieve the Issuing  Bank from its
obligations under applicable law with respect to Letters of Credit.

      3.11 CASH COLLATERAL.  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary herein or
in any application  for a Letter of Credit,  after the occurrence and during the
continuance of a Default,  the Borrower shall, upon the Agent's demand,  deliver
to the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, cash, or other
collateral of a type  satisfactory to the Required  Lenders,  having a value, as
determined by such Lenders,  equal to the aggregate outstanding L/C Obligations.
In addition,  if the Revolving Credit  Availability is at any time less than the
amount of contingent L/C Obligations outstanding at any time, the Borrower shall
deposit cash collateral with the Agent in an amount equal to the amount by which
such  L/C  Obligations  exceed  such  Revolving  Credit  Availability.  Any such
collateral  shall  be held by the  Agent  in a  separate


                                     - 40 -



account  appropriately  designated as a cash  collateral  account in relation to
this  Agreement  and the  Letters  of Credit and  retained  by the Agent for the
benefit of the Lenders  and the  Issuing  Bank as  collateral  security  for the
Borrower's  obligations  in respect of this Agreement and each of the Letters of
Credit and L/C Drafts.  Such amounts  shall be applied to reimburse  the Issuing
Bank for  drawings  or  payments  under or  pursuant to Letters of Credit or L/C
Drafts, or if no such reimbursement is required, to payment of such of the other
Obligations  as the Agent shall  determine.  If no Default shall be  continuing,
amounts remaining in any cash collateral  account  established  pursuant to this
SECTION  3.11 which are not to be  applied to  reimburse  the  Issuing  Bank for
amounts  actually  paid or to be paid by the Issuing Bank in respect of a Letter
of Credit or L/C Draft,  shall be returned to the Borrower  (after  deduction of
the Agent's expenses incurred in connection with such cash collateral account).


ARTICLE IV:  YIELD PROTECTION; TAXES

      4.1. YIELD  PROTECTION.  If, on or after the date of this  Agreement,  the
adoption of any law or any governmental or quasi-governmental  rule, regulation,
policy,  guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law), or any
change in the  interpretation or  administration  thereof by any governmental or
quasi-governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation  or  administration  thereof,  or  compliance  by any  Lender  or
applicable  Lending  Installation with any request or directive  (whether or not
having  the  force of law) of any such  authority,  central  bank or  comparable
agency:

(i)subjects any Lender or any applicable  Lending  Installation to any Taxes, or
            changes the basis of taxation of payments  (other than with  respect
            to  Excluded  Taxes) to any  Lender in  respect  of its Loans or L/C
            Interests, or

(ii)imposes or increases or deems applicable any reserve, assessment,  insurance
            charge,  special deposit or similar  requirement  against assets of,
            deposits  with or for the  account  of, or credit  extended  by, any
            Lender or any applicable Lending  Installation  (other than reserves
            and assessments  taken into account in determining the interest rate
            applicable to Eurodollar Rate Advances), or

(iii)imposesany other  condition  the result of which is to increase the cost to
            any Lender or any applicable Lending Installation,  as determined by
            such Lender in accordance with its customary  lending practices with
            respect to loan arrangements of a similar types as that contemplated
            by this  Agreement (as such practices are modified from time to time
            by such  Lender,  in its sole  discretion),  of  making,  funding or
            maintaining  its  Loans  or L/C  Interests  or  reduces  any  amount
            receivable by any Lender or any applicable  Lending  Installation in
            connection  with its Loans or L/C Interests,  or requires any Lender
            or  any  applicable   Lending   Installation  to  make  any  payment
            calculated by reference to the amount of Loans or L/C Interests held
            or  interest  received by it, by an amount  deemed  material by such
            Lender,


                                     - 41 -



and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender or
applicable  Lending  Installation  of  making  or  maintaining  its  Loans,  L/C
Interests or Revolving Loan  Commitment or to reduce the return received by such
Lender or applicable  Lending  Installation in connection  with such Loans,  L/C
Interests or Revolving Loan Commitment,  then,  within 15 days of demand by such
Lender,  the Borrower shall pay such Lender such additional amount or amounts as
will  compensate  such Lender for such  increased  cost or  reduction  in amount
received.

      4.2. CHANGES IN CAPITAL ADEQUACY REGULATIONS.  If a Lender determines,  in
accordance   with  its  customary   lending   practices  with  respect  to  loan
arrangements of a similar types as that  contemplated by this Agreement (as such
practices  are  modified  from  time  to  time  by  such  Lender,  in  its  sole
discretion), the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such
Lender, any Lending  Installation of such Lender or any corporation  controlling
such Lender is increased as a result of a Change, then, within 15 days of demand
by such  Lender,  the  Borrower  shall pay such Lender the amount  necessary  to
compensate  for any  shortfall  in the rate of  return  on the  portion  of such
increased   capital  which  such  Lender  determines  is  attributable  to  this
Agreement,  its Loans, L/C Interests or its Revolving Loan Commitment  hereunder
(after  taking into  account  such  Lender's  policies as to capital  adequacy).
"CHANGE" means (i) any change after the date of this Agreement in the Risk-Based
Capital  Guidelines  or  (ii)  any  adoption  of or  change  in any  other  law,
governmental  or  quasi-governmental   rule,  regulation,   policy,   guideline,
interpretation,  or directive (whether or not having the force of law) after the
date of this Agreement which affects the amount of capital  required or expected
to be maintained by any Lender or any Lending  Installation  or any  corporation
controlling any Lender. "RISK-BASED CAPITAL GUIDELINES" means (i) the risk-based
capital guidelines in effect in the United States on the date of this Agreement,
including  transition  rules,  and (ii) the  corresponding  capital  regulations
promulgated by regulatory authorities outside the United States implementing the
July 1988 report of the Basle  Committee on Banking  Regulation and  Supervisory
Practices  Entitled  "International  Convergence  of  Capital  Measurements  and
Capital  Standards,"  including  transition  rules,  and any  amendments to such
regulations adopted prior to the date of this Agreement.

      4.3.  AVAILABILITY  OF TYPES OF ADVANCES.  If any Lender  determines  that
maintenance  of its  Eurodollar  Rate Loans at a suitable  Lending  Installation
would violate any applicable law, rule, regulation, or directive, whether or not
having the force of law, or if the Required Lenders  determine that (i) deposits
of a type and maturity  appropriate to match fund  Eurodollar  Rate Advances are
not available or (ii) the interest rate  applicable to Eurodollar  Rate Advances
does not accurately  reflect the cost of making or maintaining  Eurodollar  Rate
Advances,  then the Agent shall  suspend the  availability  of  Eurodollar  Rate
Advances  and  require any  affected  Eurodollar  Rate  Advances to be repaid or
converted  to  Floating  Rate  Advances,  subject to the  payment of any funding
indemnification amounts required by SECTION 4.4.

      4.4. FUNDING INDEMNIFICATION.  If any payment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance
occurs on a date which is not the last day of the  applicable  Interest  Period,
whether because of acceleration,  prepayment or otherwise,  or a Eurodollar Rate
Advance is not made on the date  specified  by the Borrower for any reason other
than default by the Lenders,  the Borrower  will  indemnify  each Lender for any
loss or cost incurred by it resulting therefrom,  including, without


                                     - 42 -



limitation,  any loss or cost in liquidating or employing  deposits  acquired to
fund or maintain such Eurodollar Rate Advance. In connection with any assignment
by any Lender of any portion of the Loans made pursuant to SECTION 13.3 and made
during the Syndication  Period, and if Eurodollar Rate Advances are outstanding,
the  Borrower  shall be deemed to have repaid all  outstanding  Eurodollar  Rate
Advances as of the effective date of such  assignment and reborrowed such amount
as a Floating Rate Advance and/or  Eurodollar Rate Advance (chosen in accordance
with the  provisions of SECTION 2.3) and the  indemnification  provisions  under
this SECTION 4.4 shall apply.

      4.5. TAXES.  (i) All payments by the Borrower to or for the account of any
Lender or the Agent  hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall be
made free and  clear of and  without  deduction  for any and all  Taxes.  If the
Borrower  shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any
sum payable  hereunder  to any Lender,  Issuing  Bank or the Agent,  (a) the sum
payable  shall be  increased  as  necessary  so that after  making all  required
deductions  (including  deductions  applicable to additional  sums payable under
this SECTION  4.5) such  Lender,  Issuing Bank or the Agent (as the case may be)
receives  an  amount  equal  to the  sum it  would  have  received  had no  such
deductions  been made,  (b) the  Borrower  shall make such  deductions,  (c) the
Borrower  shall  pay the full  amount  deducted  to the  relevant  authority  in
accordance  with  applicable law and (d) the Borrower shall furnish to the Agent
the original copy of a receipt  evidencing  payment thereof within 30 days after
such payment is made.

      (ii) In addition,  the Borrower hereby agrees to pay any present or future
stamp or documentary  taxes and any other excise or property  taxes,  charges or
similar  levies  which  arise  from any  payment  made  hereunder  or under  any
promissory  note issued  hereunder  or from the  execution  or  delivery  of, or
otherwise  with  respect  to,  this  Agreement  or any  promissory  note  issued
hereunder ("OTHER TAXES").

       (iii) The Borrower  hereby  agrees to indemnify the Agent and each Lender
for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including,  without limitation, any
Taxes or Other Taxes imposed on amounts  payable under this SECTION 4.5) paid by
the Agent or such Lender and any liability  (including  penalties,  interest and
expenses)  arising  therefrom or with respect  thereto.  Payments due under this
indemnification  shall be made  within  30 days of the  date  the  Agent or such
Lender makes demand therefor pursuant to SECTION 4.6.

      (iv) Each  Lender  that is not  incorporated  under the laws of the United
States of America or a state thereof (each a "NON-U.S.  LENDER")  agrees that it
will, not less than ten (10) Business Days after the date of this Agreement, (i)
deliver  to each of the  Borrower  and the  Agent two duly  completed  copies of
United  States  Internal  Revenue  Service  Form 1001 (or,  if  delivered  after
December 31, 1999, IRS Form W-8BEN) or 4224 (or, if delivered after December 31,
1999,  IRS Form  W-8ECI),  or, in either case,  an  applicable  successor  form,
certifying in either case that such Lender is entitled to receive payments under
this  Agreement  without  deduction or  withholding of any United States federal
income  taxes,  and (ii)  deliver to each of the Borrower and the Agent a United
States Internal Revenue Form W-8 or W-9, as the case may be, and certify that it
is entitled to an exemption  from United  States  backup  withholding  tax. Each
Non-U.S.  Lender  further  undertakes to deliver to each of the Borrower and the
Agent (x) renewals or additional


                                     - 43 -



copies of such form (or any successor form) on or before the date that such form
expires or becomes obsolete, and (y) after the occurrence of any event requiring
a change in the most recent forms so delivered by it, such  additional  forms or
amendments thereto as may be reasonably  requested by the Borrower or the Agent.
All forms or amendments  described in the preceding  sentence shall certify that
such  Lender is  entitled  to  receive  payments  under this  Agreement  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
Lender from duly  completing  and  delivering  any such form or  amendment  with
respect to it and such Lender  advises the Borrower and the Agent that it is not
capable of receiving  payments  without any deduction or  withholding  of United
States federal income tax.

      (v) For any period  during  which a Non-U.S.  Lender has failed to provide
the Borrower with an  appropriate  form  pursuant to CLAUSE (IV),  above (unless
such failure is due to a change in treaty,  law or regulation,  or any change in
the  interpretation  or  administration  thereof by any governmental  authority,
occurring  subsequent to the date on which a form  originally was required to be
provided),  such Non-U.S.  Lender shall not be entitled to indemnification under
this SECTION 4.5 with respect to Taxes  imposed by the United  States;  provided
that,  should a Non-U.S.  Lender which is otherwise  exempt from or subject to a
reduced rate of  withholding  tax become subject to Taxes because of its failure
to deliver a form required  under CLAUSE (IV),  above,  the Borrower  shall take
such steps as such  Non-U.S.  Lender  shall  reasonably  request to assist  such
Non-U.S. Lender to recover such Taxes.

      (vi) Any Lender that is  entitled to an  exemption  from or  reduction  of
withholding  tax with respect to payments under this Agreement or any promissory
note issued  hereunder  pursuant to the law of any relevant  jurisdiction or any
treaty shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent),  at the time or
times  prescribed  by  applicable  law,  such  properly  completed  and executed
documentation  prescribed by  applicable  law as will permit such payments to be
made without withholding or at a reduced rate.
      (vii) If the U.S.  Internal  Revenue  Service  or any  other  governmental
authority of the United States or any other country or any political subdivision
thereof  asserts  a claim  that the  Agent did not  properly  withhold  tax from
amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender (because the  appropriate  form
was not  delivered or properly  completed,  because such Lender failed to notify
the  Agent of a change  in  circumstances  which  rendered  its  exemption  from
withholding  ineffective,  or for any other reason), such Lender shall indemnify
the Agent fully for all amounts paid,  directly or  indirectly,  by the Agent as
tax, withholding therefor, or otherwise,  including penalties and interest,  and
including  taxes  imposed by any  jurisdiction  on amounts  payable to the Agent
under this  subsection,  together  with all costs and expenses  related  thereto
(including  attorneys  fees and time charges of attorneys  for the Agent,  which
attorneys may be employees of the Agent).  The  obligations of the Lenders under
this  SECTION  4.5(VII)  shall  survive  the  payment  of the  Obligations,  the
termination of the Letters of Credit and termination of this Agreement.



                                     - 44 -



      4.6. LENDER  STATEMENTS;  SURVIVAL OF INDEMNITY.  To the extent reasonably
possible,  each Lender shall designate an alternate  Lending  Installation  with
respect to its Eurodollar  Rate Loans to reduce any liability of the Borrower to
such Lender under  SECTIONS 4.1, 4.2 and 4.5 or to avoid the  unavailability  of
Eurodollar Rate Advances under SECTION 4.3, so long as such  designation is not,
in the judgment of such  Lender,  disadvantageous  to such  Lender.  Each Lender
shall deliver a written statement of such Lender to the Borrower (with a copy to
the Agent) as to the amount due, if any,  under  SECTION  4.1,  4.2, 4.4 or 4.5.
Such written  statement  shall set forth in reasonable  detail the  calculations
upon which such Lender determined such amount and shall be final, conclusive and
binding on the  Borrower  in the  absence of manifest  error.  Determination  of
amounts  payable under such Sections in connection  with a Eurodollar  Rate Loan
shall be  calculated  as though  each  Lender  funded its  Eurodollar  Rate Loan
through the purchase of a deposit of the type and maturity  corresponding to the
deposit used as a reference in  determining  the Eurodollar  Rate  applicable to
such Loan,  whether in fact that is the case or not. Unless  otherwise  provided
herein,  the amount  specified  in the written  statement of any Lender shall be
payable on demand after receipt by the Borrower of such written  statement.  The
obligations  of the Borrower  under SECTIONS 4.1, 4.2, 4.4 and 4.5 shall survive
payment of the Obligations, termination of the Letters of Credit and termination
of this Agreement.


ARTICLE V:  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

      5.1  INITIAL  ADVANCES  AND LETTERS OF CREDIT.  The  Lenders  shall not be
required  to make the initial  Loans or issue any  Letters of Credit  unless the
Borrower  has  furnished  to the Agent each of the  following,  with  sufficient
copies for the Lenders, all in form and substance  satisfactory to the Agent and
the Lenders:

            (1) Copies of the Certificate of  Incorporation  of the Borrower and
      each of the Guarantors (collectively,  the "LOAN PARTIES"),  together with
      all amendments  and a certificate of good standing,  both certified by the
      appropriate governmental officer in its jurisdiction of incorporation;

            (2) Copies,  certified by the  Secretary  or Assistant  Secretary of
      each of the Loan  Parties,  of its By-Laws and of its Board of  Directors'
      resolutions (and resolutions of other bodies,  if any are deemed necessary
      by counsel for any Lender) authorizing the execution of the Loan Documents
      entered into by it;

            (3)  An  incumbency  certificate,   executed  by  the  Secretary  or
      Assistant  Secretary of each of the Loan Parties,  which shall identify by
      name and title and bear the  signature of the officers of the Loan Parties
      authorized to sign the Loan  Documents  and of the Borrower  authorized to
      make  borrowings  hereunder,  upon which  certificate the Lenders shall be
      entitled to rely until informed of any change in writing by the Borrower;

            (4) A certificate,  in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent,
      signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower, stating that on the
      Initial  Funding Date all the



                                     - 45 -


      representations  in this Agreement  are true and correct and no Default or
      Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing;

            (5) The written opinion of the Borrower's counsel,  addressed to the
      Agent  and the  Lenders,  in  substantially  the form  attached  hereto as
      EXHIBIT E and containing assumptions and qualifications  acceptable to the
      Agent and the Lenders;

            (6) Evidence reasonably  satisfactory to the Agent that the Borrower
      and each of its Subsidiaries  (a) has made a full and complete  assessment
      of the Year 2000 Issues;  (b) has a realistic and achievable  program from
      remediating  the Year 2000  Issues,  including a  timetable  and budget of
      anticipated costs; and (c) has source of funds as required in such budget;

            (7)  Evidence  satisfactory  to the  Agent  that (i) all  conditions
      precedent to the  consummation of the Spin-Off have been  satisfied,  (ii)
      the Spin-Off  Transactions  have been approved by all necessary  corporate
      action of Crane's and the Borrower's  Board of Directors and, if required,
      shareholders,  and the terms of the  Spin-Off  Transactions  have not been
      amended,  waived or modified in any material  respect from those set forth
      in the Form 10 without the approval of the Agent and the Required  Lenders
      (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld);  (iii) the Tax Ruling has
      been  obtained;  and (iv) other than the  initial  funding  hereunder  for
      purposes of making the Crane Payment, the Spin-Off  Transactions have been
      consummated in accordance with the terms of the Form 10;

            (8)  Evidence  satisfactory  to  the  Agent  that  there  exists  no
      injunction or temporary  restraining  order which,  in the judgment of the
      Agent,  would prohibit the making of the Loans or the  consummation of the
      Spin-Off  Transactions  and the  other  transactions  contemplated  by the
      Transaction  Documents or any  litigation  seeking such an  injunction  or
      restraining order;

            (9) Written money transfer instructions  reasonably requested by the
      Agent, addressed to the Agent and signed by an Authorized Officer;

            (10)  Copies  of  the  PRO  FORMA  opening  consolidated   financial
      statements  of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  after giving effect to
      the Spin-Off Transactions (and if closing  simultaneously  therewith,  the
      Rugby Transactions),  which financial statements shall demonstrate, in the
      reasonable  judgement of the Agent,  together  with all other  information
      then  available  to the  Agent,  the  ability  of  the  Borrower  and  its
      Subsidiaries  to repay  their  debts and satisfy  their  respective  other
      obligations  as and when due, and to comply with the  financial  covenants
      set forth in SECTION 7.4 hereof,  and such PRO FORMA financial  statements
      shall  not  have  changed  in any  material  respect  from  the PRO  FORMA
      financial statements contained in the Borrower's Confidential  Information
      Memorandum dated November, 1999 (the "BANK BOOK");

            (11)  Evidence  satisfactory  to the  Agent  of the  payment  of all
      principal,  interest,  fees and premiums, if any, on all loans outstanding
      under all  outstanding  funded debt and



                                     - 46 -


      credit facilities of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (other than
      Permitted  Existing  Indebtedness)  and the  termination of the applicable
      agreements,   including,   without  limitation,  the  Borrower's  and  its
      Subsidiaries' Indebtedness identified on SCHEDULE 5.1 attached hereto;

            (12)  Opinions  of value,  solvency  and other  appropriate  factual
      information and advice in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it
      and from the  Chief  Financial  Officer  of the  Borrower  supporting  the
      conclusions that after giving effect to the Spin-Off  Transactions and the
      Rugby Transactions and the initial borrowing  hereunder,  the Borrower and
      its  Subsidiaries on a consolidated  basis are Solvent and will be Solvent
      subsequent  to  incurring   the   indebtedness   contemplated   under  the
      Transaction  Documents,  will be able to pay its debts and  liabilities as
      they  become  due and will not be left  with  unreasonably  small  working
      capital for general corporate purposes;

            (13) Evidence  satisfactory  to the Agent that the Borrower has paid
      to the Agent and the  Arranger  the fees agreed to in the fee letter dated
      November 9, 1999, among the Agent, the Arranger and the Borrower;

            (14)  Evidence  satisfactory  to the Agent that the Borrower has met
      the other conditions set forth in the term sheet included in the Bank Book
      under Tab 4 thereof; and

            (15) Such other  documents as the Agent or any Lender or its counsel
      may have reasonably requested,  including,  without limitation, all of the
      documents reflected on the List of Closing Documents attached as EXHIBIT H
      to this Agreement.

            5.2 EACH  ADVANCE  AND LETTER OF CREDIT.  The  Lenders  shall not be
      required to make any Advance, or issue any Letter of Credit, unless on the
      applicable  Borrowing Date, or in the case of a Letter of Credit, the date
      on which the Letter of Credit is to be issued:

            (i)  There exists no Default or Unmatured Default;

            (ii) The representations and warranties  contained in ARTICLE VI are
      true and  correct as of such  Borrowing  Date  except  for  changes in the
      Schedules to this Agreement reflecting transactions permitted by or not in
      violation of this Agreement; and

            (iii) The Revolving Credit Obligations do not, and after making such
      proposed  Advance or issuing such Letter of Credit  would not,  exceed the
      Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment; PROVIDED, FURTHER, if such Advance or
      Letter  of  Credit is made or  issued  prior to the  closing  of the Rugby
      Transactions in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Revolving
      Credit  Obligations  do not,  and after  making such  proposed  Advance or
      issuing  such Letter of Credit  would not,  exceed an amount  equal to the
      Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment MINUS $32,000,000.



                                     - 47 -



      Each  Borrowing/Election  Notice with respect to each such Advance and the
letter  of credit  application  with  respect  to each  Letter  of Credit  shall
constitute a  representation  and warranty by the Borrower  that the  conditions
contained  in  SECTIONS  5.2(I)  and (II) have been  satisfied.  Any  Lender may
require a duly  completed  officer's  certificate in  substantially  the form of
EXHIBIT G hereto and/or a duly completed compliance certificate in substantially
the form of EXHIBIT H hereto as a condition to making an Advance.


ARTICLE VI:  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

       In order to induce the Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement
and to make the Loans and the other financial accommodations to the Borrower and
to issue the Letters of Credit  described  herein,  the Borrower  represents and
warrants as follows to each Lender and the Agent as of the Closing Date,  giving
effect to the consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by the Transaction
Documents  on the  Closing  Date,  and  thereafter  on each date as  required by
SECTION 5.2:

      6.1  ORGANIZATION;   CORPORATE  POWERS.  The  Borrower  and  each  of  its
Subsidiaries (i) is a corporation,  limited  liability  company,  partnership or
other  commercial  entity duly organized,  validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its  organization,  (ii) is duly qualified
to do business  as a foreign  entity and is in good  standing  under the laws of
each jurisdiction in which failure to be so qualified and in good standing could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,  and (iii) has all
requisite  power and authority to own,  operate and encumber its property and to
conduct its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

      6.2  AUTHORITY.

      (A) The Borrower and each of its  Subsidiaries has the requisite power and
authority  to execute,  deliver and perform  each of the  Transaction  Documents
which are to be executed by it in connection with the Transactions or which have
been executed by it as required by this  Agreement and the other Loan  Documents
and  (ii) to file  the  Transaction  Documents  which  must  be  filed  by it in
connection  with the  Transactions or which have been filed by it as required by
this  Agreement,  the other Loan  Documents or otherwise  with any  Governmental
Authority. .
      (B) The execution,  delivery,  performance and filing, as the case may be,
of each of the  Transaction  Documents  which must be  executed  or filed by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions or which
have been  executed  or filed as  required  by this  Agreement,  the other  Loan
Documents or otherwise and to which the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  is
party, and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated thereby, have been
duly  approved by the  respective  boards of directors  and, if  necessary,  the
shareholders of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  and such approvals have not
been  rescinded.  No other action or  proceedings on the part of the Borrower or
its Subsidiaries are necessary to consummate such Transactions.


                                     - 48 -




      (C) Each of the Transaction  Documents to which the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party has been duly executed,  delivered or filed, as the case
may  be,  by it  and  constitutes  its  legal,  valid  and  binding  obligation,
enforceable  against it in accordance  with its terms (except as  enforceability
may be  limited  by  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or  similar  laws  affecting  the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally),  is in full force and effect and no
material term or condition thereof has been amended, modified or waived from the
terms and conditions  contained in the  Transaction  Documents  delivered to the
Agent pursuant to SECTION 5.1 without the prior written  consent of the Required
Lenders,  and the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  have,  and, to the best of the
Borrower's  and its  Subsidiaries'  knowledge,  all other parties  thereto have,
performed and complied with all the terms, provisions, agreements and conditions
set forth  therein and required to be performed or complied with by such parties
on or before the Initial  Funding  Date,  and no unmatured  default,  default or
breach of any covenant by any such party exists thereunder.

      6.3 NO  CONFLICT;  GOVERNMENTAL  CONSENTS.  The  execution,  delivery  and
performance  of each of the Loan  Documents and other  Transaction  Documents to
which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party do not and will not (i)
conflict with the  certificate  or articles of  incorporation  or by-laws of the
Borrower or any such Subsidiary,  (ii) with respect to the Transaction Documents
other  than the Loan  Documents,  constitute  a tortious  interference  with any
Contractual  Obligation of any Person or conflict with, result in a breach of or
constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any
Requirement of Law (including,  without limitation,  any Environmental  Property
Transfer Act) or Contractual  Obligation of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary,
or require termination of any Contractual Obligation,  except such interference,
breach,  default or termination which individually or in the aggregate could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,  (iii) with respect to
the Loan  Documents,  constitute a tortious  interference  with any  Contractual
Obligation of any Person or conflict  with,  result in a breach of or constitute
(with  or  without  notice  or  lapse  of time  or  both) a  default  under  any
Requirement of Law (including,  without limitation,  any Environmental  Property
Transfer Act) or Contractual  Obligation of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary,
or require termination of any Contractual Obligation,  (iv) result in or require
the creation or  imposition of any Lien  whatsoever  upon any of the property or
assets of the  Borrower or any such  Subsidiary,  other than Liens  permitted or
created by the Loan Documents,  or (v) require any approval of the Borrower's or
any such  Subsidiary's  Board of Directors or  shareholders  except such as have
been  obtained.  Except  as set forth on  SCHEDULE  6.3 to this  Agreement,  the
execution,  delivery and  performance  of each of the  Transaction  Documents to
which the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party do not and will not
require any  registration  with,  consent or approval of, or notice to, or other
action  to,  with  or  by  any  Governmental  Authority,   including  under  any
Environmental  Property Transfer Act, except filings,  consents or notices which
have been made,  obtained or given,  or which,  if not made,  obtained or given,
individually  or in the  aggregate  could not  reasonably  be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.


                                     - 49 -


      6.4  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

      (A) The PRO FORMA balance sheet,  income statements and statements of cash
flow of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  copies of which are attached hereto
as SCHEDULE 6.4 to this  Agreement,  present on a PRO FORMA basis the  financial
condition of the Borrower and such  Subsidiaries as of such date, and reflect on
a PRO FORMA basis those liabilities reflected in the notes thereto and resulting
from consummation of the Spin-Off  Transactions,  and, if closing simultaneously
therewith,  the Rugby Transactions,  and the other transactions  contemplated by
this Agreement,  and the payment or accrual of all transaction  costs payable on
the Initial  Funding Date with respect to any of the foregoing  and  demonstrate
that,  after  giving  effect  to  such   transactions,   the  Borrower  and  its
Subsidiaries  can repay their debt and satisfy  their other  obligations  as and
when  due,  and  can  comply  with  the  requirements  of  this  Agreement.  The
projections and assumptions  expressed in the PRO FORMA financials referenced in
this  SECTION  6.4(A)  were  prepared in good faith and  represent  management's
opinion  based  on the  information  available  to the  Borrower  at the time so
furnished and,  since the  preparation  thereof,  there has occurred no material
adverse change in the business, financial condition, operations, or prospects of
the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries
taken as a whole.

      (B) Complete and accurate copies of the audited  financial  statements and
the audit report related thereto of the Huttig Sash & Door Company (now known as
Huttig Building Products, Inc.) and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 1998 and
of  Rugby  USA and its  Subsidiaries  as at  December  31,  1998  and  unaudited
financial  statements of the Huttig Sash & Door Company and its  Subsidiaries as
at September 30, 1999 and of Rugby USA and its  Subsidiaries as at September 30,
1999 have been delivered to the Agent.

      6.5 NO MATERIAL  ADVERSE  CHANGE.  Since December 31, 1998  (determined by
reference  to the  financial  statements  of Huttig Sash & Door  Company and, if
applicable, Rugby USA and its Subsidiaries), there has occurred no change in the
business, properties,  condition (financial or otherwise),  performance, results
of operations or prospects of the Borrower, or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
taken  as a whole or any  other  event  which  has had or  could  reasonably  be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.6  TAXES.

      (A) TAX  EXAMINATIONS.  All deficiencies  which have been asserted against
the Borrower or any of the Borrower's  Subsidiaries  as a result of any federal,
state,  local or foreign tax  examination  for each  taxable  year in respect of
which an examination  has been conducted have been fully paid or finally settled
or are being contested in good faith, and no issue has been raised by any taxing
authority in any such examination  which, by application of similar  principles,
reasonably can be expected to result in assertion by such taxing  authority of a
material  deficiency  for any  other  year not so  examined  which  has not been
reserved for in the Borrower's  consolidated financial statements to the extent,
if any,  required  by  Agreement  Accounting  Principles.  Except  as  permitted
pursuant to SECTION  7.2(D),  neither  the  Borrower  nor any of the  Borrower's
Subsidiaries  anticipates  any material tax liability  with respect to the years
which have not been closed pursuant to applicable law.


                                     - 50 -



      (B) PAYMENT OF TAXES.  All tax returns and reports of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries  required  to be filed  have  been  timely  filed,  and all  taxes,
assessments,  fees and  other  governmental  charges  thereupon  and upon  their
respective  property,  assets,  income  and  franchises  which are shown in such
returns or reports to be due and payable have been paid except those items which
are being  contested in good faith and have been reserved for in accordance with
Agreement Accounting  Principles.  The Borrower has no knowledge of any proposed
tax assessment against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that will have or
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.7 LITIGATION; LOSS CONTINGENCIES AND VIOLATIONS.  Except as set forth in
SCHEDULE 6.7 (the "DISCLOSED LITIGATION"), there is no action, suit, proceeding,
arbitration  or, to the  Borrower's  knowledge,  investigation  before or by any
Governmental  Authority  or private  arbitrator  pending  or, to the  Borrower's
knowledge,  threatened  against the  Borrower,  any of its  Subsidiaries  or any
property of any of them. Neither any of the Disclosed Litigation nor any action,
suit,  proceeding,  arbitration or  investigation  which has commenced since the
Closing  Date  (or the most  recent  update  of the  Disclosed  Litigation)  (i)
challenges the validity or the  enforceability of any material  provision of the
Transaction  Documents  or (ii) has or could  reasonably  be  expected to have a
Material  Adverse  Effect.  There is no  material  loss  contingency  within the
meaning of Agreement  Accounting  Principles which has not been reflected in the
consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Borrower  prepared  and  delivered
pursuant to SECTION 7.1(A) for the fiscal period during which such material loss
contingency  was incurred.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its  Subsidiaries is
(A) in violation of any applicable Requirements of Law which violation will have
or could  reasonably  be  expected  to have a Material  Adverse  Effect,  or (B)
subject to or in default with respect to any final judgment,  writ,  injunction,
restraining  order or order of any nature,  decree,  rule or  regulation  of any
court or Governmental  Authority which will have or could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.8   SUBSIDIARIES.   SCHEDULE  6.8  to  this  Agreement  (i)  contains  a
description of the corporate structure of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and any
other  Person in which the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  holds an Equity
Interest;  and (ii)  accurately  sets  forth (A) the  correct  legal  name,  the
jurisdiction  of  incorporation  and  the  jurisdictions  in  which  each of the
Borrower and the direct and indirect  Subsidiaries of the Borrower are qualified
to transact business as a foreign  corporation,  (B) the authorized,  issued and
outstanding  shares of each class of Capital  Stock of the  Borrower and each of
its  Subsidiaries  and the owners of such shares (both as of the Initial Funding
Date and on a fully-diluted basis), and (C) a summary of the direct and indirect
partnership,  joint venture, or other Equity Interests,  if any, of the Borrower
and each  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower in any Person that is not a  corporation.
Upon the  consummation  of the Rugby  Acquisition  and after  the  formation  or
acquisition of any New Subsidiary  permitted under SECTION 7.3(G),  if requested
by the Agent,  the Borrower  shall  provide a supplement to SCHEDULE 6.8 to this
Agreement.  Except  as  disclosed  on  SCHEDULE  6.8,  none  of the  issued  and
outstanding Capital Stock of the Borrower or any of the Borrower's  Subsidiaries
is subject to any vesting, redemption, or repurchase agreement, and there are no
warrants  or  options  outstanding  with  respect  to such  Capital  Stock.  The
outstanding   Capital  Stock  of  the  Borrower  and  each  of  the   Borrower's
Subsidiaries is duly authorized,  validly issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable
and is not Margin Stock. All of the Borrower's  Subsidiaries are organized under
the laws of any state of


                                     - 51 -


the  United  States and have  substantially  all of their  operations  conducted
within the United States.

      6.9 ERISA. (A) Set forth in SCHEDULE 6.9(A) is a true and complete list of
each Plan that, as of the date of this Agreement, is or was an "employee pension
benefit  plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA).  Set forth in
SCHEDULE 6.9(A) is a true and complete list of each Plan that, as of the date of
this  Agreement,  is or was an "employee  welfare benefit plan" (as such term is
defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA).

      (B) Set  forth in  SCHEDULE  6.9(B)  is a true and  complete  list of each
Non-ERISA  Commitment  adopted by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and in
effect as of the date of this  Agreement.  SCHEDULE  6.9(B) also includes a true
and  complete  list of each  Non-ERISA  Commitment  which as of the date of this
Agreement the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries intends to adopt. The Borrower
has  delivered to the Agent  correct and complete  copies in existence as of the
date  of  this  Agreement  of (i)  all  written  Non-ERISA  Commitments  and all
Non-ERISA Commitments intended to be written when adopted and (ii) all insurance
and annuity  policies and  contracts and other  funding  arrangements  and other
documents relevant to any Non-ERISA Commitment.  SCHEDULE 6.9(B) contains a true
and  complete  description,  as of the  date  of  this  Agreement,  of all  oral
Non-ERISA  Commitments.  The Borrower has not adopted any  Non-ERISA  Commitment
other than in the form of documents provided by the Borrower to the Agent.

      (C) The  Borrower  has  delivered  to the Agent with  respect to each Plan
correct and complete  copies,  where  applicable,  of (i) all plan documents and
amendments  thereto,  trust agreements and amendments  thereto and insurance and
annuity contracts and policies, (ii) the current summary plan description, (iii)
the Annual Reports (IRS Form 5500 series) and accompanying  schedules, as filed,
for the most  recently  completed  three plan years for which such  reports have
been filed, (iv) the financial  statements for the most recently completed three
plan years for which  such  statements  have been  prepared,  (v) the  actuarial
reports  for the most  recently  begun  three plan years for which such  reports
exist,  (vi) the most  recent  determination  letter  issued  by the IRS and the
application  submitted  with respect to such  letter,  (vii) PBGC Form 1 for the
most recently  begun plan year and (viii) all  correspondence  with the IRS, DOL
and PBGC concerning any controversy.

      (D) Except as disclosed on SCHEDULE  6.9(D),  no Benefit Plan has incurred
any material accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Sections 302(a)(2) of
ERISA and 412(a) of the Code)  whether or not waived.  Neither the  Borrower nor
any member of the  Controlled  Group has incurred any material  liability to the
PBGC which remains outstanding other than the payment of premiums, and there are
no premium payments which have become due which are unpaid. With respect to each
Benefit  Plan,  Schedule B to the most recent  annual  report filed with the IRS
with respect to such plan is complete and accurate.  Since the date of each such
Schedule B, there has been no material  adverse  change in the funding status or
financial  condition of the Benefit Plan  relating to such Schedule B. As of the
last day of the most recent  prior plan year,  the market  value of assets under
each Benefit  Plan,  other than any  Multiemployer  Plan,  was not by a material
amount less than the present value of benefit liabilities thereunder (determined
in


                                     - 52 -


accordance with the actuarial valuation assumptions described therein).  Neither
the  Borrower  nor any member of the  Controlled  Group has (i) failed to make a
required contribution or payment to a Multiemployer Plan of a material amount or
(ii) incurred a material  complete or partial  withdrawal  under Section 4203 or
Section 4205 of ERISA from a  Multiemployer  Plan.  Neither the Borrower nor any
member of the  Controlled  Group has failed to make an  installment or any other
payment of a material amount required under Section 412 of the Code on or before
the due date for such installment or other payment. Neither the Borrower nor any
member of the  Controlled  Group is required  to provide  security of a material
amount to a Benefit  Plan  pursuant to Section  401(a)(29)  of the Code due to a
plan  amendment  that results in an increase in current  liability  for the plan
year. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries  maintains or contributes
to any employee welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA
or any other  arrangement  which  provides  benefits  to one or more  employees,
officers,  directors,  or consultants after termination of employment other than
as required by Section 601 of ERISA and other than any such plan or  arrangement
with  respect  to  which  the  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  do not  have any
liability  of a material  amount.  Each Plan which is intended  to be  qualified
under  Section  401(a) of the Code as currently in effect is so  qualified,  and
each trust  related  to any such Plan is exempt  from  federal  income tax under
Section  501(a) of the Code as currently  in effect.  With respect to each Plan,
the Borrower and all  Subsidiaries  and all fiduciaries are in compliance in all
material respects with the  responsibilities,  obligations and duties imposed on
them by ERISA and the Code. Each Plan and Non-ERISA  Commitment  complies in all
material respects in form, and has been administered in all material respects in
accordance  with its terms and,  in  accordance  with all laws and  regulations,
including  but not limited to ERISA and the Code.  There is no material  action,
suit or claim pending or threatened  with respect to any Plan other than routine
claims for benefits.  There have been no and there is no prohibited  transaction
described  in Sections 406 of ERISA or 4975 of the Code with respect to any Plan
for which a statutory  or  administrative  exemption  does not exist which could
reasonably  be expected to subject the Borrower to material  liability.  Neither
the Borrower nor any member of the Controlled  Group has taken or failed to take
any action which would constitute or result in a Termination Event, which action
or inaction  could  reasonably be expected to subject the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries to material  liability.  Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is
subject to any material liability under, or has any potential material liability
under, Section 4063, 4064, 4069, 4204 or 4212(c) of ERISA and no other member of
the  Controlled  Group is subject to any material  liability  under,  or has any
potential material liability under, Section 4063, 4064, 4069, 4204 or 4212(c) of
ERISA.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has, by reason of the
Transactions,  any  obligation  to make any  payment  to any  current  or former
employee,  director,  officer or  consultant  pursuant to any Plan or  Non-ERISA
Commitment  or any  obligation  to make any such  payment at a time earlier than
when it would  be  otherwise  payable.  For  purposes  of this  SECTION  6.9(D),
"material"  means any amount,  noncompliance  or basis for liability which could
reasonably  be likely to subject  the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  to
liability,  individually  or in the aggregate,  (i) of any amount (to the extent
the  representations   set  forth  in  this  SECTION  6.9(D),   other  than  the
representation set forth in the fourth sentence of this SECTION 6.9(D), are made
as of the Closing  Date) or, (ii) of an amount in excess of  $5,000,000  (to the
extent the  representations  set forth in this SECTION 6.9(D) are made as of any
date  after the  Closing  Date or the  representation  set  forth in the  fourth
sentence of this SECTION 6.9(D) is made as of any date).


                                     - 53 -



      6.10  ACCURACY  OF  INFORMATION.  The  information,  exhibits  and reports
furnished  by or on behalf of the Borrower  and any of its  Subsidiaries  to the
Agent or to any Lender in  connection  with the  negotiation  of, or  compliance
with, the Loan Documents, the representations and warranties of the Borrower and
its  Subsidiaries  contained in the Loan  Documents,  and all  certificates  and
documents  delivered to the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the terms thereof,
including,  without  limitation the Bank Book, the Share Exchange  Agreement and
the Form 10,  taken as a whole,  do not  contain  as of the date  furnished  any
untrue  statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary
in order to make the  statements  contained  herein or therein,  in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

      6.11  SECURITIES   ACTIVITIES.   Neither  the  Borrower  nor  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  is engaged in the business of extending  credit for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying Margin Stock.

      6.12  MATERIAL  AGREEMENTS.  Neither the Borrower nor any  Subsidiary is a
party to any Contractual Obligation or subject to any charter or other corporate
or similar restriction which individually or in the aggregate will have or could
reasonably be expected to have a Material  Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrower
nor any of its  Subsidiaries has received notice or has knowledge that (i) it is
in  default  in  the  performance,  observance  or  fulfillment  of  any  of the
obligations,  covenants or conditions  contained in any  Contractual  Obligation
applicable to it, or (ii) any condition exists which,  with the giving of notice
or the lapse of time or both,  would  constitute  a default  with respect to any
such  Contractual  Obligation,  in each  case,  except  where  such  default  or
defaults,  if any,  individually  or in the aggregate will not have or could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.13  COMPLIANCE  WITH LAWS.  The  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  are in
compliance with all  Requirements of Law applicable to them and their respective
businesses,  in each case where the failure to so comply  individually or in the
aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.14 ASSETS AND PROPERTIES.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has
good and  marketable  title to all of its assets and  properties  (tangible  and
intangible,  real or personal) owned by it or a valid leasehold  interest in all
of its leased assets (except insofar as marketability may be limited by any laws
or regulations of any  Governmental  Authority  affecting such assets),  and all
such assets and property are free and clear of all Liens, except Liens permitted
under SECTION 7.3(C).  Substantially  all of the assets and properties owned by,
leased to or used by the Borrower  and/or each such  Subsidiary  of the Borrower
are in adequate operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
Neither this Agreement nor any other Transaction  Document,  nor any transaction
contemplated under any such agreement,  will affect any right, title or interest
of the Borrower or such Subsidiary in and to any of such assets in a manner that
has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.15 STATUTORY INDEBTEDNESS RESTRICTIONS.  Neither the Borrower nor any of
its  Subsidiaries  is subject to  regulation  under the Public  Utility  Holding
Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, the Interstate  Commerce Act, or the
Investment  Company  Act of 1940,  or


                                     - 54 -



any other  federal or state  statute or  regulation  which limits its ability to
incur  indebtedness or its ability to consummate the  transactions  contemplated
hereby.

      6.16 INSURANCE. The insurance policies and programs in effect with respect
to the respective properties,  assets, liabilities and business reflect coverage
that is reasonably consistent with prudent industry practice.

      6.17 LABOR MATTERS.  No attempt to organize the employees of the Borrower,
and no labor  disputes,  strikes or walkouts  affecting  the  operations  of the
Borrower  or  any  of its  Subsidiaries,  is  pending,  or,  to  the  Borrower's
knowledge, threatened, planned or contemplated, which has or could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

      6.18  SPIN-OFF AND RUGBY TRANSACTIONS.

      (a) SPIN-OFF  TRANSACTIONS.  Except as set forth in SCHEDULE  6.18 to this
Agreement,  (i) all  conditions  precedent  to, and all  consents  necessary  to
permit, the consummation of the Spin-Off Transactions have been satisfied,  (ii)
the Spin-Off  Transactions have been approved by all necessary  corporate action
of Crane's and the Borrower's Board of Directors and, if required, shareholders,
and the terms of the  Spin-Off  Transactions  have not been  amended,  waived or
modified in any material respect from those set forth in the Form 10 without the
approval  of the  Agent  and  the  Required  Lenders  (such  approval  not to be
unreasonably  withheld);  (iii) the Tax Ruling has been obtained; and (iv) other
than the initial funding hereunder for purposes of making the Crane Payment, the
Spin-Off  Transactions have been consummated in accordance with the terms of the
Form 10.

      (b) RUGBY  TRANSACTIONS.  On and after the date of any Loans to be made or
Letters of Credit to be issued in connection with the Rugby Transactions, except
as set forth in SCHEDULE 6.18 to this  Agreement,  (i) all conditions  precedent
to,  and all  consents  necessary  to  permit,  the  consummation  of the  Rugby
Transactions have been satisfied, (ii) the Rugby Transactions have been approved
by all  necessary  corporate  action  of  Crane's  and the  Borrower's  Board of
Directors  and,  if  required,  shareholders,  and  the  terms  of the  Spin-Off
Transactions  have not been amended,  waived or modified in any material respect
from those set forth in the Share Exchange Agreement without the approval of the
Agent and the Required Lenders (such approval not to be unreasonably  withheld);
(iii) the Tax Ruling has been obtained;  and (iv) other than the initial funding
hereunder in connection  therewith for purposes of making the Rugby Payment, the
Rugby  Transactions  have been  consummated in accordance  with the terms of the
Share Exchange Agreement.

      6.19  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  (A) Except as disclosed on SCHEDULE  6.19 to
this Agreement

            (i) the  operations of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  comply in
      all material respects with Environmental, Health or Safety Requirements of
      Law;


                                     - 55 -


            (ii) the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  have all material  permits,
      licenses or other authorizations  required under Environmental,  Health or
      Safety  Requirements  of Law  and are in  material  compliance  with  such
      permits;

            (iii) neither the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their
      respective present property or operations, or, to the Borrower's or any of
      its  Subsidiaries'  knowledge,  any of their  respective  past property or
      operations,  are subject to or the subject of, any investigation  known to
      the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries,  any judicial or  administrative
      proceeding,   order,  judgment,  decree,  settlement  or  other  agreement
      respecting: (A) any material violation of Environmental,  Health or Safety
      Requirements of Law; (B) any material remedial action; or (C) any material
      claims or liabilities  arising from the Release or threatened Release of a
      Contaminant into the environment;

            (iv)  there  is  not  now,  nor  to  the  Borrower's  or  any of its
      Subsidiaries'  knowledge has there ever been, on or in the property of the
      Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries any landfill,  waste pile, underground
      storage tanks, aboveground storage tanks, surface impoundment or hazardous
      waste storage facility of any kind, any  polychlorinated  biphenyls (PCBs)
      used in hydraulic oils, electric  transformers or other equipment,  or any
      asbestos  containing  material  that would result in material  remediation
      costs or material  penalties to the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries;
      and

            (v)  neither  the  Borrower  nor  any of its  Subsidiaries  has  any
      material   Contingent   Obligation  in  connection  with  any  Release  or
      threatened Release of a Contaminant into the environment.

      (B) For purposes of this SECTION 6.19 "material"  means any  noncompliance
or basis for liability which could  reasonably be likely to subject the Borrower
or any of its  Subsidiaries to liability,  individually or in the aggregate,  in
excess of $5,000,000.

      6.20 SOLVENCY.  After giving effect to (i) (a) the Loans to be made on the
Initial Funding Date and the Crane Payment, (b) the Loans to be made on the date
of the  closing of the Rugby  Transactions  and the Rugby  Payment,  or (c) such
other date as Loans requested  hereunder are made,  (ii) the other  transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the other  Transaction  Documents,  including
consummation   of  the  Spin-Off   Transactions   and,  if   applicable,   Rugby
Transactions,  and (iii) the payment and accrual of all  transaction  costs with
respect to the foregoing, the Borrower is, and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole are, Solvent.

      6.21 YEAR 2000 ISSUES.  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has made
a full and complete  assessment  of the Year 2000 Issues and has a realistic and
achievable  program for  remediating the Year 2000 Issues on a timely basis (the
"YEAR 2000 PROGRAM"). Based on such assessment and on the Year 2000 Program, the
Borrower does not reasonably  anticipate any Material Adverse Effect as a result
of Year 2000 Issues.

      6.22.  BENEFITS.  Each of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  will benefit
from the financing arrangement established by this Agreement.  The Agent and the
Lenders have stated


                                     - 56 -


and  the  Borrower  acknowledges  that,  but for  the  agreement  by each of the
Guarantors to execute and deliver the Guaranty,  the Agent and the Lenders would
not have made available the credit  facilities  established  hereby on the terms
set forth herein.


ARTICLE VII :  COVENANTS

      The  Borrower  covenants  and agrees  that so long as any  Revolving  Loan
Commitments are outstanding and thereafter  until all of the Obligations  (other
than contingent  indemnity  obligations)  shall have been fully and indefeasibly
paid and satisfied in cash,  all financing  arrangements  among the Borrower and
the Lenders shall have been terminated  (including  under Hedging  Agreements or
other agreements with respect to Hedging  Obligations) and all of the Letters of
Credit shall have  expired,  been  canceled or  terminated,  unless the Required
Lenders shall otherwise give prior written consent:

      7.1 REPORTING. The Borrower shall:

      (A) FINANCIAL REPORTING.  Furnish to the Agent (with sufficient copies for
each of the Lenders):

            (i)  QUARTERLY  REPORTS.  As soon as  practicable,  and in any event
      within  forty-five  (45) days after the end of each  fiscal  quarter,  the
      consolidated  and  consolidating  balance  sheet of the  Borrower  and its
      Subsidiaries as at the end of such period and the related consolidated and
      consolidating  statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its
      Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter and for the period from the beginning
      of the  then  current  fiscal  year  to the end of  such  fiscal  quarter,
      certified by the Chief Financial  Officer of the Borrower on behalf of the
      Borrower as fairly presenting the consolidated and consolidating financial
      position of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  as at the dates  indicated
      and the  results  of their  operations  and  cash  flows  for the  periods
      indicated in accordance with Agreement Accounting  Principles,  subject to
      normal  year-end  audit  adjustments,  together  with a comparison  of the
      statements of income and cash flows to the budget.

            (ii) ANNUAL REPORTS. As soon as practicable, and in any event within
      ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year,  (a) the  consolidated
      balance sheet of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  as at the end of such
      fiscal  year  and  the   related   consolidated   statements   of  income,
      stockholders'  equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries
      for such fiscal year, and in comparative  form the  corresponding  figures
      for the previous  fiscal year along with  consolidating  schedules in form
      and substance sufficient to calculate the financial covenants set forth in
      SECTION 7.4, (b) a schedule from the Borrower  setting forth for each item
      in CLAUSE (A) hereof,  the  corresponding  figures  from the  consolidated
      financial budget for the current fiscal year delivered pursuant to SECTION
      7.1(A)(IV),  and (c) an audit  report  on the items  listed in CLAUSE  (A)
      hereof (other than the consolidating  schedules) of independent  certified
      public  accountants of recognized  national  standing,  which audit report
      shall be unqualified and shall state that



                                     - 57 -


      such  financial   statements   fairly   present   the   consolidated   and
      consolidating  financial  position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as
      at the dates indicated and the results of their  operations and cash flows
      for the  periods   indicated  in  conformity  with  Agreement   Accounting
      Principles and that the examination by such accountants in connection with
      such consolidated and consolidating financial  statements has been made in
      accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The deliveries made
      pursuant to this CLAUSE (II) shall be accompanied by a certificate of such
      accountants that, in the course of their  examination  necessary for their
      certification of the  foregoing,  they have  obtained no  knowledge of any
      Default or Unmatured  Default, or if, in the opinion of such  accountants,
      any  Default  or  Unmatured  Default shall  exist, stating the  nature and
      status thereof.  In  addition,  the Borrower  shall  deliver to the Agent,
      promptly upon any receipt  thereof,   copies   of  any  management  letter
      prepared by the above-referenced accountants.

            (iii)  OFFICER'S  CERTIFICATE.  Together  with each  delivery of any
      financial  statement  (a) pursuant to CLAUSES (I) and (II) of this SECTION
      7.1(A),  an Officer's  Certificate of the Borrower,  substantially  in the
      form of EXHIBIT G attached hereto and made a part hereof, stating that (x)
      the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in ARTICLE VI
      hereof  shall have been true and  correct  at all times  during the period
      covered by such financial  statements and as of the date of such Officer's
      Certificate  and  (y) as of the  date  of such  Officer's  Certificate  no
      Default or  Unmatured  Default  exists,  or if any  Default  or  Unmatured
      Default exists,  stating the nature and status thereof and (b) pursuant to
      CLAUSES (I) and (II) of this SECTION  7.1(A),  a  compliance  certificate,
      substantially  in the form of  EXHIBIT H  attached  hereto and made a part
      hereof,  signed by the Borrower's Chief Financial  Officer,  setting forth
      calculations for the period which demonstrate compliance, when applicable,
      with the  provisions of SECTIONS  2.4(B),  7.3(A)  through (R) and SECTION
      7.4,  and  which  (x)  calculate  the  Leverage   Ratio  for  purposes  of
      determining   the  then  Applicable   Floating  Rate  Margin,   Applicable
      Eurodollar Margin, Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage and Applicable L/C
      Fee Percentage and (y) set forth the Borrower's determination of such then
      Applicable Floating Rate Margin,  Applicable Eurodollar Margin, Applicable
      Commitment  Fee  Percentage  and  Applicable  L/C  Fee  Percentage  (which
      determination shall be subject to review and approval by the Agent).

            (iv) BUDGETS;  BUSINESS  PLANS;  FINANCIAL  PROJECTIONS.  As soon as
      practicable  and in any event not later than thirty (30) days prior to the
      beginning of each fiscal year  commencing  with the fiscal year beginning)
      January 1, 2001,  a copy of the plan and  forecast  (including a projected
      balance  sheet,  income  statement  and a  statement  of cash flow) of the
      Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  for the  upcoming  three (3) fiscal years
      prepared in such detail as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

      (B) NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND ADVERSE  DEVELOPMENTS.  Promptly upon any of the
chief executive  officer,  chief  operating  officer,  Chief Financial  Officer,
treasurer or controller of the Borrower obtaining knowledge (i) of any condition
or event which  constitutes a Default or Unmatured  Default,  or becoming  aware
that any Lender or Agent has given any written  notice with respect to a claimed
Default or  Unmatured  Default  under this  Agreement,  (ii) that any Person has
given any written  notice to the Borrower or any  Subsidiary  of the Borrower or
taken


                                     - 58 -



any other action with respect to a claimed  default or event or condition of the
type  referred  to in  SECTION  8.1(E),  or (iii)  that any  other  development,
financial or otherwise (including, without limitation, developments with respect
to Year 2000  Issues),  which  could  reasonably  be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect has occurred specifying (a) the nature and period of existence of
any such claimed default,  Default,  Unmatured Default,  condition or event, (b)
the notice given or action taken by such Person in connection therewith, and (c)
what action the Borrower has taken,  is taking and proposes to take with respect
thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Agent be deemed to
have knowledge of any such default,  Default,  Unmatured  Default,  condition or
event  until the Agent  shall have  received  written  notice  thereof  from the
Borrower.

      (C) LAWSUITS.  (i) Promptly upon the Borrower  obtaining  knowledge of the
institution of, or written threat of, any action, suit, proceeding, governmental
investigation  or  arbitration  against or affecting  the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries  or any  property of the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  not
previously  disclosed pursuant to SECTION 6.7, which action,  suit,  proceeding,
governmental  investigation or arbitration  exposes,  or in the case of multiple
actions, suits, proceedings, governmental investigations or arbitrations arising
out of the same  general  allegations  or  circumstances  which  expose,  in the
Borrower's  reasonable  judgment,  the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  to
liability in an amount  aggregating  $5,000,000  or more,  give  written  notice
thereof to the Agent and the Lenders and provide such other  information  as may
be  reasonably  available to enable each Lender and the Agent and its counsel to
evaluate  such  matters;   (ii)  promptly  upon  the  Borrower  or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  obtaining  knowledge of any  material  adverse  developments  with
respect to any of the Disclosed  Litigation,  give written notice thereof to the
Agent and the Lenders and provide such other  information  as may be  reasonably
available  to enable each Lender and the Agent and its counsel to evaluate  such
matters,  and (iii) in addition to the requirements set forth in CLAUSES (I) and
(II) of this SECTION 7.1(C),  upon request of the Agent or the Required Lenders,
promptly give written  notice of the status of any  Disclosed  Litigation or any
action, suit, proceeding, governmental investigation or arbitration covered by a
report delivered pursuant to CLAUSE (I) above and provide such other information
as  may  be  reasonably   available  to  it  that  would  not   jeopardize   any
attorney-client privilege by disclosure to the Lenders to enable each Lender and
the Agent and its counsel to evaluate such matters.

      (D) ERISA  NOTICES.  Deliver or cause to be delivered to the Agent and the
Lenders,  at the Borrower's  expense,  the following  information and notices as
soon as reasonably possible, and in any event:

            (i) (a) within ten (10)  Business  Days after the  Borrower  obtains
      knowledge that a Termination  Event has occurred,  a written  statement of
      the Chief Financial  Officer of the Borrower  describing such  Termination
      Event and the action,  if any, which the Borrower has taken,  is taking or
      proposes to take with respect thereto, and when known, any action taken or
      threatened by the IRS, DOL or PBGC with respect thereto and (b) within ten
      (10)  Business  Days  after any  member of the  Controlled  Group  obtains
      knowledge that a Termination  Event has occurred which could reasonably be
      expected  to subject  the  Borrower to  liability  individually  or in the
      aggregate  in  excess of  $5,000,000,  a  written


                                     - 59 -


      statement of the Chief Financial  Officer of the Borrower  describing such
      Termination  Event  and  the action,  if  any,  which  the  member  of the
      Controlled Group has taken,  is taking or  proposes  to take with  respect
      thereto, and when known, any action taken or threatened by the IRS, DOL or
      PBGC with respect thereto;

            (ii) within ten (10)  Business Days after the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries  obtains knowledge that a prohibited  transaction (as defined
      in Sections 406 of ERISA or Section  4975 of the Code) has  occurred  with
      respect  to any  Plan,  or that the IRS or DOL or any  other  Governmental
      Authority  is  investigating,  or  otherwise  reviewing  whether  any such
      prohibited  transaction  might have  occurred,  a  statement  of the Chief
      Financial  Officer of the Borrower  describing  such  transaction  and the
      action  which the  Borrower  or such  Subsidiary  has taken,  is taking or
      proposes to take with respect thereto;

            (iii) within ten (10) Business  Days after the material  increase in
      the benefits of any existing Plan or the  establishment of any new Plan or
      the commencement of, or obligation to commence,  contributions to any Plan
      or  Multiemployer  Plan  to  which  the  Borrower  or  any  member  of the
      Controlled  Group was not previously  contributing,  notification  of such
      increase,  establishment,  commencement  or obligation to commence and the
      amount of such contributions;

            (iv) within ten (10)  Business Days after the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries receives notice of any unfavorable  determination letter from
      or of any  investigation or review by the IRS regarding the  qualification
      of a Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code, a copy of such letter;

            (v) within ten (10)  Business  Days after the  establishment  of any
      foreign  employee  benefit plan or the  commencement  of, or obligation to
      commence,  contributions to any foreign employee benefit plan to which the
      Borrower or any Subsidiary was not previously  contributing,  notification
      of such  establishment,  commencement  or  obligation  to commence and the
      amount of such contributions;

            (vi) within ten (10) Business Days after request by the Agent or any
      Lender  therefor,  a copy of the most  recent  annual  report  (from  5500
      series), including Schedule B thereto, as filed with the DOL, IRS or PBGC,
      a copy of such annual report;

            (vii) within ten (10)  Business  Days after  request by the Agent or
      any Lender therefor, each actuarial report received by the Borrower or any
      member  of the  Controlled  Group  with  respect  to any  Benefit  Plan or
      Multiemployer  Plan and each annual report for any  Multiemployer  Plan, a
      copy of such report;

            (viii) within ten (10) Business Days after the filing of any funding
      waiver  request  with the IRS, a copy of such funding  waiver  request and
      thereafter all communications  received by the Borrower or a member of the
      Controlled  Group with  respect to such request  within ten (10)  Business
      Days such communication is received;


                                     - 60 -



            (ix) within ten (10)  Business Days after receipt by the Borrower or
      any member of the Controlled  Group of any notice of the PBGC's  intention
      to terminate a Benefit Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer a
      Benefit Plan, a copy of such notice;

            (x) within ten (10)  Business  Days after receipt by the Borrower or
      any member of the Controlled  Group of a notice from a Multiemployer  Plan
      regarding the imposition of withdrawal liability, a copy of such notice;

            (xi) within ten (10)  Business Days after the Borrower or any member
      of the Controlled  Group fails to make an installment or any other payment
      required  under Section 412 of the Code on or before the due date for such
      installment or payment, a notification of such failure; and

            (xii) within ten (10) Business Days after the Borrower or any member
      of  the  Controlled  Group  knows  or  has  reason  to  know  that  (a)  a
      Multiemployer  Plan has been  terminated,  (b) the  administrator  or plan
      sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan intends to terminate a Multiemployer Plan,
      or (c) the PBGC has instituted or will institute proceedings under Section
      4042 of ERISA to terminate a Multiemployer  Plan, a notice describing such
      matter.

For purposes of this SECTION 7.1(D),  the Borrower,  any of its Subsidiaries and
any member of the  Controlled  Group  shall be deemed to know all facts known by
the  administrator  of any Plan of  which  the  Borrower  or any  member  of the
Controlled Group or any such Subsidiary is the plan sponsor.

      (E) LABOR MATTERS.  Notify the Agent and the Lenders in writing,  promptly
upon the Borrower's learning thereof, of (i) any material labor dispute to which
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may become a party,  including,  without
limitation,  any strikes,  lockouts or other disputes  relating to such Persons'
plants  and other  facilities  and (ii) any  Worker  Adjustment  and  Retraining
Notification Act liability  incurred with respect to the closing of any plant or
other facility of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

      (F) OTHER  INDEBTEDNESS.  Deliver to the Agent (i) a copy of each  regular
report,   notice  or  communication   regarding  potential  or  actual  defaults
(including any accompanying  officer's certificate) delivered by or on behalf of
the Borrower to the holders of funded Indebtedness,  including the Senior Notes,
pursuant  to the  terms of the  agreements  governing  such  Indebtedness,  such
delivery  to be made at the same  time and by the same  means as such  notice or
other communication is delivered to such holders, and (ii) a copy of each notice
or other  communication  received  by the  Borrower  from the  holders of funded
Indebtedness  pursuant to the terms of such  Indebtedness,  such  delivery to be
made  promptly  after such  notice or other  communication  is  received  by the
Borrower.

      (G) OTHER  REPORTS.  Deliver or cause to be delivered to the Agent and the
Lenders copies of all financial statements, reports and notices, if any, sent or
made available generally by the Borrower to its securities holders or filed with
the Commission by the Borrower,  all press


                                     - 61 -


releases  made  available  generally  by the  Borrower or any of the  Borrower's
Subsidiaries to the public concerning  material  developments in the business of
the Borrower or any such  Subsidiary  and all  notifications  received  from the
Commission  by the  Borrower  or its  Subsidiaries  pursuant  to the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules  promulgated  thereunder.  The Borrower shall
include the Agent and the  Lenders on its  standard  distribution  lists for all
press releases made available generally by the Borrower or any of the Borrower's
Subsidiaries to the public concerning  material  developments in the business of
the Borrower or any such Subsidiary.

      (H) ENVIRONMENTAL NOTICES. As soon as possible and in any event within ten
(10) days after receipt by the Borrower,  deliver to the Agent and the Lenders a
copy of (i) any notice or claim to the effect  that the  Borrower  or any of its
Subsidiaries is or may be liable to any Person as a result of the Release by the
Borrower,  any of its Subsidiaries,  or any other Person of any Contaminant into
the   environment,   and  (ii)  any  notice   alleging  any   violation  of  any
Environmental,  Health or Safety  Requirements  of Law by the Borrower or any of
its  Subsidiaries  if, in either case,  such notice or claim relates to an event
which could  reasonably  be expected  to subject  the  Borrower  and each of its
Subsidiaries  to  liability  individually  or in  the  aggregate  in  excess  of
$5,000,000.

      (I) OTHER INFORMATION. Promptly upon receiving a request therefor from the
Agent,  prepare and deliver to the Agent and the Lenders such other  information
with  respect to the  Borrower,  any of its  Subsidiaries,  or their  respective
businesses and assets, including, without limitation,  schedules identifying and
describing  any Asset Sale (and the use of the Net Cash  Proceeds  thereof),  as
from time to time may be reasonably requested by the Agent.

      7.2  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

      (A)  CORPORATE  EXISTENCE,  ETC.  Except as permitted  pursuant to SECTION
7.3(I),  the Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, at all
times maintain its existence and preserve and keep, or cause to be preserved and
kept,  in full  force and  effect its  rights  and  franchises  material  to its
businesses.

      (B) CORPORATE POWERS;  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.  The Borrower shall, and shall
cause each of its  Subsidiaries  to, qualify and remain qualified to do business
in each  jurisdiction  in which the nature of its business  requires it to be so
qualified and where the failure to be so qualified will have or could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower will, and will cause
each Subsidiary to, carry on and conduct its business in substantially  the same
manner and in fields of enterprise  substantially similar, related or incidental
to the businesses or activities  engaged in by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
on the Closing Date.

      (C) COMPLIANCE  WITH LAWS,  ETC. The Borrower  shall,  and shall cause its
Subsidiaries  to, (a) comply with all  Requirements  of Law and all  restrictive
covenants  affecting  such  Person  or  the  business,   properties,  assets  or
operations  of such Person,  and (b) obtain as needed all permits  necessary for
its  operations  and maintain  such permits in good standing  unless  failure to
comply  or obtain  such  permits  could not  reasonably  be  expected  to have a
Material Adverse Effect.


                                     - 62 -



      (D) PAYMENT OF TAXES AND CLAIMS;  TAX  CONSOLIDATION.  The Borrower  shall
pay, and cause each of its  Subsidiaries to pay, (i) all taxes,  assessments and
other governmental charges imposed upon it or on any of its properties or assets
or in respect of any of its franchises,  business, income or property before any
penalty or interest accrues  thereon,  and (ii) all claims  (including,  without
limitation,  claims for labor, services,  materials and supplies) for sums which
have  become due and  payable  and which by law have or may become a Lien (other
than a Lien  permitted  by SECTION  7.3(C)) upon any of the  Borrower's  or such
Subsidiary's  property  or  assets,  prior to the time when any  penalty or fine
shall be incurred with respect thereto;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER, that no such taxes,
assessments and  governmental  charges referred to in CLAUSE (I) above or claims
referred  to in CLAUSE (II) above (and  interest,  penalties  or fines  relating
thereto)  need  be  paid  if  being  contested  in  good  faith  by  appropriate
proceedings  diligently  instituted  and  conducted and if such reserve or other
appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required in conformity with Agreement
Accounting Principles shall have been made therefor.

      (E)   INSURANCE.   The  Borrower   shall   maintain  for  itself  and  its
Subsidiaries,  or shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain in full force
and  effect,  insurance  policies  and  programs  as  reflect  coverage  that is
reasonably  consistent with prudent industry practice. In the event the Borrower
or any of its  Subsidiaries  at any time or times hereafter shall fail to obtain
or maintain  any of the  policies  or  insurance  required  herein or to pay any
premium in whole or in part relating thereto, then the Agent, without waiving or
releasing any  obligations or resulting  Default  hereunder,  may at any time or
times thereafter (but shall be under no obligation to do so) obtain and maintain
such  policies of insurance and pay such premiums and take any other action with
respect  thereto which the Agent deems  advisable.  All sums so disbursed by the
Agent  shall  constitute  part of the  Obligations,  payable as provided in this
Agreement.

      (F) INSPECTION OF PROPERTY; BOOKS AND RECORDS;  DISCUSSIONS.  The Borrower
shall  permit  and cause each of the  Borrower's  Subsidiaries  to  permit,  any
authorized  representative(s)  designated  by either  the Agent or any Lender to
visit  and  inspect  any  of  the  properties  of  the  Borrower  or  any of its
Subsidiaries,  to  examine,  audit,  check and make  copies of their  respective
financial and accounting  records,  books,  journals,  orders,  receipts and any
correspondence  and other data  relating to their  respective  businesses or the
transactions  contemplated hereby (including,  without limitation, in connection
with  environmental  compliance,  hazard or  liability),  and to  discuss  their
affairs,  finances and accounts with their  officers and  independent  certified
public  accountants (and such  accountants are hereby  authorized to disclose to
the Agent  any and all  financial  statements  and  other  supporting  financial
documents with respect to the business,  financial  conditions and other affairs
of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries),  all upon reasonable  notice and at such
reasonable  times during normal  business  hours,  as often as may be reasonably
requested.  The  Borrower  shall  keep  and  maintain,  and  cause  each  of the
Borrower's  Subsidiaries to keep and maintain, in all material respects,  proper
books of record  and  account  in which  entries in  conformity  with  Agreement
Accounting Principles shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation
to their respective businesses and activities.  If a Default has occurred and is
continuing,  the Borrower,  upon the Agent's request,  shall turn over copies of
any such records to the Agent or its representatives.


                                     - 63 -



      (G) ERISA  COMPLIANCE.  The  Borrower  shall,  and shall cause each of the
Borrower's  Subsidiaries  to,  establish,  maintain  and  operate  all Plans and
Non-ERISA  Commitments to comply in all material respects with the provisions of
ERISA,   the  Code,  all  other   applicable   laws,  and  the  regulations  and
interpretations  thereunder  and the  respective  requirements  of the governing
documents for such Plans and Non-ERISA Commitments.

      (H) MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY. The Borrower shall cause all property used or
useful in the conduct of its  business or the business of any  Subsidiary  to be
maintained  and kept in good  condition,  repair and working  order and supplied
with all necessary  equipment and shall cause to be made all necessary  repairs,
renewals,  replacements,  betterments and  improvements  thereof,  all as in the
judgment of the Borrower  may be  necessary  so that the business  carried on in
connection therewith may be properly and advantageously  conducted at all times;
PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that  nothing in this  SECTION  7.2(H)  shall  prevent  the
Borrower from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such property
if such  discontinuance  is, in the judgment of the  Borrower,  desirable in the
conduct  of  its   business  or  the   business  of  any   Subsidiary   and  not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Agent or the Lenders.

      (I)  ENVIRONMENTAL  COMPLIANCE.  The Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  shall
comply with all  Environmental,  Health or Safety  Requirements  of Law,  except
where  noncompliance  will not have or is not  reasonably  likely to subject the
Borrower  or  any of  its  Subsidiaries  to  liability,  individually  or in the
aggregate, in excess of $5,000,000.

      (J) USE OF PROCEEDS.  The Borrower  shall use the proceeds of the Loans to
consummate  the  Transactions  and to provide funds for the  additional  working
capital  needs and other  general  corporate  purposes of the  Borrower  and its
Subsidiaries.

      (K)  ADDITION OF  GUARANTORS.  The  Borrower  shall cause each  Subsidiary
(including Subsidiaries existing as of the date hereof and any New Subsidiaries)
to deliver  to the Agent an  executed  supplement  to the  Guaranty  to become a
Guarantor  under the Guaranty in the form attached to EXHIBIT I attached  hereto
and appropriate corporate resolutions,  opinions and other documentation in form
and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the Agent,  such supplement and other
documentation  to be  delivered  to the Agent  (i) on the date of the  creation,
acquisition  of  capitalization  of a New  Subsidiary,  and (ii) as  promptly as
possible  but in any  event  within  thirty  (30) days of  determination  that a
Subsidiary needs to be added as a Guarantor.

      (L) YEAR 2000  ISSUES.  The  Borrower  shall,  and shall cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, take all actions reasonably necessary to successfully implement
the Year 2000  Program  and to assure  that the Year 2000 Issues will not have a
Material  Adverse  Effect.  The Borrower shall provide the Agent and each of the
Lenders  a copy of the  Borrower's  and its  Subsidiaries'  Year  2000  Program,
including updates and progress reports upon request.



                                     - 64 -


      7.3  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

      (A) INDEBTEDNESS.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries  shall
directly or  indirectly  create,  incur,  assume or  otherwise  become or remain
directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness, except:

            (i)  the Obligations;

            (ii) Permitted  Existing  Indebtedness  and  Permitted   Refinancing
Indebtedness with respect thereto;

            (iii)  Indebtedness  in respect of obligations  secured by Customary
      Permitted Liens;

            (iv) Indebtedness  constituting  Contingent Obligations permitted by
      SECTION 7.3(E);

            (v)  Indebtedness  arising from loans (a) from any Subsidiary to the
      Borrower or any  wholly-owned  Subsidiary  or (b) from the Borrower to any
      wholly-owned  Subsidiary;  provided, that if the Borrower or any Guarantor
      is the obligor on such Indebtedness,  such Indebtedness shall be expressly
      subordinate  to the  payment in full in cash of the  Obligations  on terms
      satisfactory to the Agent;

            (vi) Indebtedness in respect of Hedging Obligations  permitted under
      SECTION 7.3(O);

            (vii) secured or unsecured  purchase money  Indebtedness  (including
      Capitalized  Leases)  incurred by the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries
      after the Closing Date to finance the acquisition of fixed assets,  if (1)
      at the time of such  incurrence,  no  Default  or  Unmatured  Default  has
      occurred and is continuing or would result from such incurrence,  (2) such
      Indebtedness has a scheduled  maturity and is not due on demand,  (3) such
      Indebtedness  does not  exceed the lower of the fair  market  value or the
      cost of the  applicable  fixed  assets  on the  date  acquired,  (4)  such
      Indebtedness does not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate  principal amount
      outstanding  at any time, and (5) any Lien securing such  Indebtedness  is
      permitted under SECTION 7.3(C) (such Indebtedness being referred to herein
      as "PERMITTED PURCHASE MONEY INDEBTEDNESS");

            (viii)  Indebtedness with respect to surety,  appeal and performance
      bonds obtained by the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries in the ordinary
      course of business;

            (ix)  Indebtedness  evidenced by the Senior Notes  together with any
      Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto;

            (x)  other  Indebtedness  (other  than  working  capital  financing)
      existing  at a New  Subsidiary  at the time of the  Permitted  Acquisition
      thereof  (but  not  incurred  in  connection  or in  anticipation  of such
      Permitted  Acquisition) the outstanding  principal  balance of which (when
      combined  with any  Permitted  Purchase  Money  Indebtedness


                                     - 65 -


      incurred or assumed in connection  therewith)  does not exceed ten percent
      (10%)of the book value  of  the assets   acquired  as  a  result  of  such
      Permitted Acquisition; and

            (xi) unsecured Indebtedness in addition to that set forth in CLAUSES
      (I)  through  (X),  if,  after  giving  effect   thereto,   the  aggregate
      outstanding  principal amount of Indebtedness pursuant to this CLAUSE (XI)
      does not exceed $500,000 at any time.

      (B) SALES OF ASSETS.  Neither  the  Borrower  nor any of its  Subsidiaries
shall  sell,  assign,  transfer,  lease,  convey  or  otherwise  dispose  of any
property,  whether  now owned or  hereafter  acquired,  or any income or profits
therefrom, or enter into any agreement to do so, except:

            (i)  sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business;

            (ii) the disposition in the ordinary course of business of Equipment
      that is  obsolete,  excess or no longer  useful in the  Borrower's  or its
      Subsidiaries' businesses;

            (iii)  the  sale,  transfer,  lease or other  disposition  of assets
      having a fair market value of not greater than $5,000,000 in the aggregate
      in connection  with the  consolidation  or closure by the Borrower and its
      Subsidiaries of branch locations;

            (iv) the sale of assets for consideration after the Closing Date not
      greater than $10,000,000 in the aggregate in respect of which the Borrower
      shall  commit  to  and,  within  six  months,  in the  case  of a sale  of
      Equipment,  or twelve months,  in the case of a sale of real property,  of
      the  receipt  of the Net Cash  Proceeds  of such  sale,  use such Net Cash
      Proceeds to acquire  assets of a like nature to those sold in such sale in
      replacement thereof; and

            (v) sales,  assignments,  transfers,  leases,  conveyances  or other
      dispositions of other assets if such transaction (a) is for  consideration
      consisting at least ninety percent (90%) of cash, (b) is for not less than
      fair market value, and (c) when combined with all such other  transactions
      (each  such  transaction  being  valued  at book  value)  (i)  during  the
      immediately preceding  twelve-month period,  represents the disposition of
      not greater than ten percent (10%) of the Borrower's  Consolidated  Assets
      at the end of the fiscal  year  immediately  preceding  that in which such
      transaction  is  proposed to be entered  into,  and (ii) during the period
      from the Closing Date to the date of such proposed transaction, represents
      the disposition of not greater than twenty percent (20%) of the Borrower's
      Consolidated  Assets at the end of the fiscal year  immediately  preceding
      that in which such transaction is proposed to be entered into.

      (C) LIENS. Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall directly
or  indirectly  create,  incur,  assume  or  permit to exist any Lien on or with
respect to any of their respective property or assets except:

            (i)  Liens,  if any,  created  by the Loan  Documents  or  otherwise
      securing the Obligations and Hedging Obligations under Hedging Agreements,
      which Liens have been


                                     - 66 -


      extended for the equal and  ratable  benefit of the  holders of the Senior
      Notes to secure the Indebtedness  of the Borrower  under the Note Purchase
      Agreement  and   the   Senior   Notes   and which Liens are governed  by a
      collateral sharing  agreement, intercreditor agreement or collateral trust
      agreement executed  with the  holders of the Senior Notes or with  respect
      to the  Indebtedness  evidenced   by   the  Senior  Notes  on   terms  and
      conditions reasonably  acceptable to the Agent and  which Liens,  pursuant
      to  the  terms of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  shall  be  automatically
      released without any action on the part of any holder of the Senior Notes,
      if the Lien thereon in favor of the Agent to secure the   Obligations  and
      Hedging  Obligations shall be released;

            (ii)  Permitted Existing Liens;

            (iii)  Customary Permitted Liens;

            (iv) purchase money Liens  (including the interest of a lessor under
      a Capitalized Lease and Liens to which any property is subject at the time
      of the Borrower's  acquisition  thereof) securing Permitted Purchase Money
      Indebtedness;  PROVIDED that such Liens shall not apply to any property of
      the Borrower or its  Subsidiaries  other than that purchased or subject to
      such Capitalized Lease;

            (v) Liens with  respect to property  acquired by the Borrower or any
      of  its   Subsidiaries   after  the  Closing  Date  (and  not  created  in
      contemplation of such  acquisition)  pursuant to a Permitted  Acquisition,
      provided  that such Liens shall  extend only to the  property so acquired,
      shall not secure any working  capital  financing of the business  acquired
      and shall secure  Indebtedness  permitted pursuant to the terms of SECTION
      7.3(A); and

            (vi) other Liens  securing  Indebtedness  (other  than  subordinated
      Indebtedness)  permitted  pursuant to SECTION  7.3(A) and in an  aggregate
      amount not to exceed $5,000,000.

In addition,  neither the Borrower  nor any of its  Subsidiaries  shall become a
party to any agreement,  note, indenture or other instrument,  or take any other
action,  which would prohibit the creation of a Lien on any of its properties or
other  assets in favor of the Agent for the benefit of itself and the Holders of
Obligations,  as collateral for the  Obligations and Hedging  Obligations  under
Hedging  Agreements;  PROVIDED  that any  agreement,  note,  indenture  or other
instrument in connection with Permitted Purchase Money  Indebtedness  (including
Capitalized  Leases) may  prohibit  the creation of a Lien in favor of the Agent
for the  benefit  of  itself  and the  Holders  of  Obligations  on the items of
property   obtained  with  the  proceeds  of  such   Permitted   Purchase  Money
Indebtedness;  PROVIDED,  FURTHER that the Note Purchase Agreement in connection
with the Senior  Notes may prohibit the creation of a Lien in favor of the Agent
for the benefit of itself and the Holders of Obligations,  as collateral for the
Obligations and Hedging  Obligations under Hedging Agreements unless the holders
of the Senior


                                     - 67 -



Notes shall be  provided  with an equal and  ratable  Lien,  which Lien shall be
governed  by  a  collateral  sharing  agreement,   intercreditor   agreement  or
collateral trust agreement executed with the holders of the Senior Notes or with
respect  to the  Indebtedness  evidenced  by  the  Senior  Notes  on  terms  and
conditions  reasonably  acceptable  to the holders of the Senior Notes and which
Liens,  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  Note  Purchase  Agreement,  shall  be
automatically  released  without  any  action  on the part of any  holder of the
Senior  Notes,  if the  Lien  thereon  in  favor  of the  Agent  to  secure  the
Obligations and Hedging Obligations shall be released.

      (D) INVESTMENTS.  Except to the extent permitted pursuant to PARAGRAPH (G)
below,  neither  the  Borrower  nor any of its  Subsidiaries  shall  directly or
indirectly make or own any Investment except:

            (i)  Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

            (ii)  Permitted  Existing  Investments in an amount not greater than
      the amount thereof on the Closing Date;

            (iii)  Investments  in trade  receivables  or received in connection
      with the  bankruptcy or  reorganization  of suppliers and customers and in
      settlement  of  delinquent   obligations  of,  and  other  disputes  with,
      customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business;

            (iv) Investments  consisting of deposit  accounts  maintained by the
      Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  in the  ordinary  course of  business  in
      connection with its cash management system;

            (v) Investments  consisting of non-cash  consideration  from a sale,
      assignment,  transfer,  lease, conveyance or other disposition of property
      permitted by SECTION 7.3(B);

            (vi)  Investments  consisting  of (a)  intercompany  loans  from any
      Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  to the  Borrower  or  any  other  Subsidiary
      permitted by SECTION 7.3(A) and (b)  intercompany  loans from the Borrower
      to its Subsidiaries permitted under SECTION 7.3(A);

            (vii) Investments constituting Permitted Acquisitions;

            (viii) Investments  constituting  Indebtedness  permitted by SECTION
      7.3(A) or Contingent Obligations permitted by SECTION 7.3(E) or Restricted
      Payments permitted by SECTION 7.3(F); and

            (ix)  Investments in addition to those  permitted  elsewhere in this
      SECTION 7.3(D) in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000;

PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that the Investments  described in CLAUSE (VII) above shall
not be  permitted  to be made at a time when  either a Default  or an  Unmatured
Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom.



                                     - 68 -



      (E)  CONTINGENT   OBLIGATIONS.   Neither  the  Borrower  nor  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  shall  directly or  indirectly  create or become or be liable with
respect to any Contingent Obligation, except: (i) recourse obligations resulting
from endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course
of business; (ii) Permitted Existing Contingent Obligations;  (iii) obligations,
warranties,  and indemnities,  not relating to Indebtedness of any Person, which
have been or are  undertaken or made in the ordinary  course of business and not
for  the  benefit  of or in  favor  of an  Affiliate  of the  Borrower  or  such
Subsidiary;  (iv)  Contingent  Obligations  with  respect to surety,  appeal and
performance  bonds  obtained by the Borrower or any  Subsidiary  in the ordinary
course of  business,  (v)  Contingent  Obligations  of the  Subsidiaries  of the
Borrower  under  the  Guaranty  to  which  they  are a  party,  (vi)  Contingent
Obligations of Subsidiaries  which are Guarantors under the Guaranty  consisting
of the guaranty of the  Indebtedness  evidenced by the Senior Notes and the Note
Purchase  Agreement,  (vii)  guarantees  of  Indebtedness  permitted  by SECTION
7.3(A),  provided that to the extent such  Indebtedness  is  subordinated to the
Obligations,  each such guarantee  shall be  subordinated  to the Obligations on
terms  reasonably  acceptable  to the Agent,  and (viii)  additional  Contingent
Obligations which do not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time.

      (F)  RESTRICTED  PAYMENTS.  The  Borrower  shall not  declare  or make any
Restricted Payment, except:

            (i)  Restricted  Payments  made in connection  with the  defeasance,
      redemption or repurchase of any Indebtedness with the Net Cash Proceeds of
      Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;

            (ii)  Restricted  Payments  consisting  of the Crane Payment and, so
      long as the Rugby  Acquisition has been consummated in accordance with the
      terms hereof,  the Rugby  Payment,  provided the aggregate  amount of such
      Restricted Payments shall not exceed $100,000,000;

            (iii)  Restricted  Payments of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to the
      Borrower or to a Guarantor; and

            (iv)  other   Restricted   Payments   provided  that  prior  to  the
      declaration  or payment of such  Restricted  Payment,  the Borrower  shall
      deliver to the Agent a certificate  from one of the  Authorized  Officers,
      demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Agent that after giving effect to
      such Restricted  Payment and the incurrence of any Indebtedness  permitted
      by SECTION 7.3(A) in connection therewith, on a PRO FORMA basis, as if the
      Restricted Payment and such incurrence of Indebtedness had occurred on the
      first  day of the  twelve-month  period  ending  on  the  last  day of the
      Borrower's most recently completed fiscal quarter, the Borrower would have
      been in  compliance  with the  financial  covenants in SECTION 7.4 and not
      otherwise  in  Default;  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that  in  no  event  shall any
      Restricted  Payments  be  declared   or  made  if  either  a Default or an
      Unmatured  Default  shall have  occurred and be continuing  at the date of
      declaration  or  payment  thereof  or  would  result therefrom.



                                     - 69 -


      (G)  CONDUCT OF  BUSINESS;  NEW  SUBSIDIARIES;  ACQUISITIONS.  Neither the
Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall engage in any business other than the
businesses  engaged in by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries  and, if applicable,
Rugby  USA and  its  Subsidiaries,  on the  date  hereof  and  any  business  or
activities which are substantially  similar,  related or incidental thereto. The
Borrower  may  create,  acquire in a Permitted  Acquisition  or  capitalize  any
Subsidiary  incorporated  under the laws of any state of the  United  States and
substantially  all of the  operations of which are  conducted  within the United
States ("NEW  SUBSIDIARY")  after the date hereof if (i) no Default or Unmatured
Default shall have occurred and be  continuing or would result  therefrom;  (ii)
after such creation,  acquisition or capitalization,  all of the representations
and warranties  contained herein shall be true and correct; and (iii) after such
creation, acquisition or capitalization the Borrower shall be in compliance with
the terms of SECTION 7.2(K).

            The  Borrower  shall not make any  Acquisitions,  other than (y) the
Rugby Acquisition; provided that all conditions precedent to the consummation of
the Rugby Acquisition under the Share Exchange Agreement,  the Rugby Acquisition
has been  approved  by all  necessary  corporate  action of Rugby  PLC's and the
Borrower's Board of Directors and, if required,  shareholders,  and the terms of
the Share Exchange  Agreement  have not been amended,  waived or modified in any
material respect from those in effect as of the date hereof without the approval
of  the  Agent  (such  approval  not  to  be  unreasonably  withheld);  and  (z)
Acquisitions  meeting the following  requirements  or otherwise  approved by the
Required Lenders (each such Acquisition constituting a "PERMITTED ACQUISITION"):

            (i) no Default or  Unmatured  Default  shall  have  occurred  and be
      continuing  or would  result from such  Acquisition  (including  the Rugby
      Acquisition)   or  the  incurrence  of  any   Indebtedness  in  connection
      therewith;

            (ii)  the   purchase  is   consummated   pursuant  to  a  negotiated
      acquisition  agreement on a non-hostile  basis  pursuant to an acquisition
      agreement approved by the board of directors or other applicable governing
      body of the Seller prior to the  commencement  thereof  which  acquisition
      agreement and related  documents are reasonably  satisfactory to the Agent
      (including, without limitation, in respect of representations, indemnities
      and opinions) and results of due diligence are reasonably  satisfactory to
      the Agent;

      (iii) without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders,  the cash
      purchase  price  (including,  without  limitation  or  duplication,  cash,
      Restricted   Payments   and   Indebtedness   assumed   (net  of  any  cash
      acquired))(the  "PURCHASE  PRICE")  shall not exceed  $50,000,000  for any
      single Acquisition transaction or series of Acquisition  transactions with
      respect to Persons that are Affiliates;

            (iv) the businesses being acquired shall be  substantially  similar,
      related or  incidental to the  businesses or activities  engaged in by the
      Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date; and

            (v) prior to each such  Acquisition,  the Borrower  shall deliver to
      the Agent a certificate from one of the Authorized Officers, demonstrating
      to the  satisfaction  of the  Agent  that  after  giving  effect  to  such
      Acquisition  and the incurrence of any  Indebtedness


                                     - 70 -


      permitted by SECTION 7.3(A) in connection therewith,  on a PRO FORMA basis
      using  historical  audited  and  reviewed unaudited  financial  statements
      obtained from the seller, broken down by fiscal  quarter in the Borrower's
      reasonable  judgment,   as if  the  Acquisition  and  such  incurrence  of
      Indebtedness  had  occurred on the  first day of the  twelve-month  period
      ending on the last day of the Borrower's  most recently  completed  fiscal
      quarter,  the Borrower  would have been in compliance  with the  financial
      covenants in SECTION 7.4 and not otherwise in Default.

      (H)  TRANSACTIONS  WITH  SHAREHOLDERS  AND  AFFILIATES.   Except  for  the
transactions  set forth on SCHEDULE  7.3(H) or in connection  with the Company's
and  its  Subsidiaries'  Incentive  Arrangements  in an  amount  not  to  exceed
$10,000,000,  neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall directly or
indirectly  enter into or permit to exist any  transaction  (including,  without
limitation,  the  purchase,  sale,  lease or  exchange  of any  property  or the
rendering of any service)  with Crane,  Rugby PLC, any holder or holders of five
percent  (5%) or more of the  Equity  Interests  of the  Borrower,  or with  any
Affiliate of the Borrower  which is not its  Subsidiary,  on terms that are less
favorable to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,  as applicable, than those
that might be obtained in an arm's length  transaction  at the time from Persons
who are not such a holder or Affiliate, except for Restricted Payments permitted
by SECTION 7.3(F) and Investments permitted by SECTION 7.3(D).

      (I)  RESTRICTION ON FUNDAMENTAL  CHANGES.  Neither the Borrower nor any of
its  Subsidiaries  shall enter into any merger or  consolidation,  or liquidate,
wind-up or  dissolve  (or suffer any  liquidation  or  dissolution),  or convey,
lease,  sell,  transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or series of
transactions,   all  or  substantially   all  of  the  Borrower's  or  any  such
Subsidiary's business or property, whether now or hereafter acquired, except (i)
transactions permitted under SECTIONS 7.3(B) or 7.3(G), and (ii) a Subsidiary of
the  Borrower  may be merged  into,  liquidated  into or  consolidated  with the
Borrower (in which case the Borrower shall be the surviving  corporation) or any
wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, provided if a Guarantor is merged into,
liquidated into or  consolidated  with another  Subsidiary of the Borrower,  the
surviving Subsidiary shall also be or shall become a Guarantor.

      (J) MARGIN REGULATIONS.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries,
shall use all or any portion of the proceeds of any credit  extended  under this
Agreement to purchase or carry Margin Stock.

      (K)  ERISA.  The Borrower shall not

             (i) engage,  or permit any of its  Subsidiaries  to engage,  in any
      prohibited  transaction  described in Sections 406 of ERISA or 4975 of the
      Code for  which a  statutory  or class  exemption  is not  available  or a
      private exemption has not been previously obtained from the DOL;

            (ii) permit to exist any accumulated  funding deficiency (as defined
      in Sections 302 of ERISA and 412 of the Code), with respect to any Benefit
      Plan, whether or not waived;


                                     - 71 -



            (iii) fail,  or permit any  Controlled  Group member to fail, to pay
      timely required  contributions or annual  installments due with respect to
      any waived funding deficiency to any Benefit Plan;

            (iv) terminate,  or permit any Controlled Group member to terminate,
      any Benefit  Plan which would  result in  liability of the Borrower or any
      Controlled Group member under Title IV of ERISA;

            (v) fail to make any  contribution  or payment to any  Multiemployer
      Plan which the Borrower or any Controlled  Group member may be required to
      make under any agreement relating to such  Multiemployer  Plan, or any law
      pertaining thereto;

            (vi) fail, or permit any Controlled Group member to fail, to pay any
      required  installment  or any other payment  required under Section 412 of
      the Code on or before the due date for such  installment or other payment;
      or

            (vii) amend, or permit any Controlled  Group member to amend, a Plan
      resulting in an increase in current  liability for the plan year such that
      the  Borrower  or any  Controlled  Group  member is  required  to  provide
      security to such Plan under Section 401(a)(29) of the Code,

except  where such  transactions,  events,  circumstances,  or failures are not,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  reasonably  expected to result in liability
individually  or in the  aggregate  in excess of  $5,000,000  or have a Material
Adverse Effect.

      (L) CORPORATE DOCUMENTS.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall amend, modify or otherwise change any of the terms or provisions in any of
their  respective  constituent  documents as in effect on the date hereof in any
manner  adverse to the  interests  of the  Lenders,  without  the prior  written
consent of the Required Lenders.

      (M)  FISCAL  YEAR.  Neither  the  Borrower  nor  any of  its  consolidated
Subsidiaries  shall change its fiscal year for accounting or tax purposes from a
twelve-month period ending December 31 of each year.

      (N) SUBSIDIARY  COVENANTS.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary  to, create or otherwise  cause to become  effective  any  consensual
encumbrance  or  restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary to pay
dividends  or make any  other  distribution  on its  stock,  or make  any  other
Restricted  Payment,  pay  any  Indebtedness  or  other  Obligation  owed to the
Borrower or any other Subsidiary, make loans or advances or other Investments in
the Borrower or any other Subsidiary,  to sell, transfer or otherwise convey any
of its property to the Borrower or any other  Subsidiary  or merge,  consolidate
with or liquidate into the Borrower or any other Subsidiary.

      (O) HEDGING  OBLIGATIONS.  The Borrower shall not and shall not permit any
of its  Subsidiaries to enter into any Hedging  Arrangements  other than Hedging
Arrangements  entered


                                     - 72 -



into by the  Borrower or its  Subsidiaries  with  Lenders  pursuant to which the
Borrower  or such  Subsidiary  has  hedged  its or its  Subsidiaries  reasonably
estimated interest rate, foreign currency or commodity exposure and which are of
a non-speculative  nature. Such permitted Hedging  Arrangements  entered into by
the  Borrower  and any  Lender or any  affiliate  of any  Lender  are  sometimes
referred to herein as "HEDGING AGREEMENTS."

      (P)  ISSUANCE OF  DISQUALIFIED  STOCK.  From and after the  Closing  Date,
neither the Borrower,  nor any of its Subsidiaries  shall issue any Disqualified
Stock.  All  issued  and  outstanding  Disqualified  Stock  shall be  treated as
Indebtedness  for  borrowed  money for all  purposes of this  Agreement  (and as
funded  Indebtedness  for  purposes of SECTION  7.1(F)),  and the amount of such
deemed Indebtedness shall be the aggregate amount of the liquidation  preference
of such Disqualified Stock.

      (Q)  OTHER   INDEBTEDNESS.   The  Borrower  shall  not  amend,  modify  or
supplement,  or permit any Subsidiary to amend, modify or supplement (or consent
to any amendment,  modification  or supplement  of), any document,  agreement or
instrument  evidencing any Indebtedness  that is subordinated to the Obligations
(or any  replacements,  substitutions or renewals thereof) where such amendment,
modification  or  supplement  provides for the following or which has any of the
following effects:

            (i) increases the overall  principal amount of any such Indebtedness
      or increases the amount of any single  scheduled  installment of principal
      or interest;

            (ii) shortens or accelerates  the date upon which any installment of
      principal  or  interest  becomes  due or  adds  any  additional  mandatory
      redemption provisions;

            (iii)  shortens  the final  maturity  date of such  Indebtedness  or
      otherwise  accelerates  the  amortization  schedule  with  respect to such
      Indebtedness;

            (iv) increases the rate of interest accruing on such Indebtedness;

            (v)  provides  for the  payment  of  additional  fees  or  increases
existing fees;

            (vi) amends or modifies  any  financial  or  negative  covenant  (or
      covenant which  prohibits or restricts the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the
      Borrower from taking certain actions) in a manner which is more onerous or
      more  restrictive  in  any  material  respect  to  the  Borrower  (or  any
      Subsidiary of the Borrower) or which is otherwise  adverse to the Borrower
      and/or  the  Lenders  or, in the case of adding  covenants,  which  places
      material  additional  restrictions on the Borrower (or a Subsidiary of the
      Borrower) or which requires the Borrower or any such  Subsidiary to comply
      with more  restrictive  financial ratios or which requires the Borrower to
      better  its  financial  performance  from that set  forth in the  existing
      financial covenants;

            (vii) amends,  modifies or adds any affirmative covenant in a manner
      which,  when  taken as a whole,  is  adverse  to the  Borrower  and/or the
      Lenders; or



                                     - 73 -



            (viii) amends, modifies or supplements the subordination  provisions
thereof.

      (R) INTERCOMPANY  LOANS.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall  make any  loans to any other  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  except to the
extent any such loans shall be evidenced by either  demand  promissory  notes or
promissory  notes which  provide that (i) a Default under this  Agreement  shall
constitute  a default  under  such  promissory  note  entitling  such  Person to
accelerate the payment thereof,  and (ii) if any acceleration of the Obligations
under this Agreement  shall occur,  the  obligations  under such promissory note
shall  immediately  become due and payable without any election or action on the
part of such Person.

      7.4  FINANCIAL COVENANTS.  The Borrower shall comply with the following:

      (A) MAXIMUM  LEVERAGE RATIO.  The Borrower shall not permit the ratio (the
"LEVERAGE  RATIO") of (i) the sum of (a) all  Indebtedness  (other than  Hedging
Obligations) of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries to (ii) EBITDA at any time to
be greater than 3.00 to 1.00. The Leverage  Ratio shall be  calculated,  in each
case,  determined  as of the last day of each fiscal  quarter based upon (a) for
Indebtedness,  Indebtedness as of the last day of each such fiscal quarter;  and
(b) for EBITDA,  the actual  amount for the  four-quarter  period ending on such
day, calculated,  with respect to Permitted  Acquisitions,  on a PRO FORMA basis
using unadjusted  historical audited and reviewed unaudited financial statements
obtained  from the seller  (with the EBITDA  component  thereof  broken  down by
fiscal quarter in the Borrower's reasonable judgment).

      (B) MINIMUM  CONSOLIDATED  NET WORTH.  The  Borrower  shall not permit its
Consolidated Net Worth at any time to be less than the sum of (a) [$__________]1
PLUS (b) fifty percent  (50%) of Net Income (if positive)  earned in each fiscal
quarter calculated beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2000, PLUS
(c)  one-hundred  percent  (100%) of any positive  adjustment  to  stockholders'
equity resulting from any transaction  involving any capital contribution to the
Borrower or the issuance by the Borrower or any  Subsidiary of any Capital Stock
to the extent  such  capital  contribution  or any other cash or other  property
received by the Borrower or such  Subsidiary  from such  issuance is used by the
Borrower or any  Subsidiary to pay all or any part of the purchase  price of any
Permitted Acquisition.

      (C) INTEREST  EXPENSE  COVERAGE RATIO. The Borrower shall maintain a ratio
(the "INTEREST EXPENSE COVERAGE RATIO") for any applicable period of (i) the sum
of (a) EBIT for such period PLUS (b) Rentals paid during such period to (ii) the
sum of (a)  Interest  Expense for such period PLUS (b) Rentals  paid during such
period of at least:

            (i) 1.75 to 1.00 for each fiscal  quarter for the period  commencing
      with the fiscal  quarter  ending March 31, 2000 through the fiscal quarter
      ending December 31, 2000; and

            (ii) 2.00 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter.

- -----------------------
1N.B.: This amount will equal 85% of consolidated net worth at closing.


                                     - 74 -



The Interest  Expense  Coverage  Ratio shall be calculated as of the last day of
each fiscal quarter for the four-quarter period ending on such day, in each such
case calculated,  with respect to Permitted  Acquisitions,  on a PRO FORMA basis
using unadjusted  historical audited and reviewed unaudited financial statements
obtained from the seller (with the EBIT and Rentals  components  thereof  broken
down by fiscal quarter in the Borrower's reasonable judgment).


ARTICLE VIII:  DEFAULTS

      8.1 DEFAULTS. Each of the following occurrences shall constitute a Default
under this Agreement:

      (A) FAILURE TO MAKE PAYMENTS WHEN DUE. The Borrower  shall (i) fail to pay
when due any of the  Obligations  consisting  of  principal  with respect to the
Loans or (ii) shall fail to pay within three (3) Business  Days of the date when
due  any of the  other  Obligations  under  this  Agreement  or the  other  Loan
Documents.

      (B)  BREACH  OF  CERTAIN  COVENANTS.  The  Borrower  shall  fail  duly and
punctually to perform or observe any agreement,  covenant or obligation  binding
on the Borrower or there shall otherwise be a breach of any covenant under:

            (i) SECTIONS  7.1 or 7.2 and such  failure or breach shall  continue
      unremedied for fifteen days; or

            (ii) SECTIONS 7.3 or 7.4.

      (C) BREACH OF REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY.  Any  representation or warranty
made or deemed made by the Borrower to the Agent or any Lender  herein or by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in any of the other Loan Documents or in any
statement or certificate at any time given by any such Person pursuant to any of
the Loan Documents  shall be false or misleading in any material  respect on the
date as of which made (or deemed made).

      (D) OTHER  DEFAULTS.  The Borrower shall default in the  performance of or
compliance  with any term contained in this Agreement  (other than as covered by
PARAGRAPHS  (A) or (B) of  this  SECTION  8.1),  or the  Borrower  or any of its
Subsidiaries  shall default in the  performance  of or compliance  with any term
contained in any of the other Loan  Documents,  and such default shall  continue
for thirty (30) days after the occurrence thereof.

      (E)  DEFAULT  AS TO  OTHER  INDEBTEDNESS.  The  Borrower  or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  shall fail to make any  payment  when due  (whether  by  scheduled
maturity, required prepayment,  acceleration,  demand or otherwise) with respect
to any  Indebtedness  (other  than  (i)  Indebtedness  hereunder  and  (ii)  the
intercompany  Indebtedness owed to Rugby USA by Rugby Building Products, Inc. in
the aggregate principal amount of up to $123,622,000,  so long as any default in
respect  thereof  shall  have been  waived or cured on or before  the  thirtieth
(30th)  day  after  the  Closing  Date,  but  including,   without   limitation,
Disqualified  Stock),  beyond any period of grace


                                     - 75 -


provided with respect  thereto,  which  individually or together with other such
Indebtedness  as to which any such failure  exists has an aggregate  outstanding
principal amount equal to or greater than $5,000,000;  or any breach, default or
event of default  shall  occur,  or any other  condition  shall  exist under any
instrument,  agreement or indenture  pertaining to any such Indebtedness  having
such aggregate outstanding principal amount, beyond any period of grace, if any,
provided  with  respect   thereto,   if  the  effect  thereof  is  to  cause  an
acceleration,  mandatory  redemption,  a requirement  that the Borrower offer to
purchase such Indebtedness or other required repurchase of such Indebtedness, or
permit the holder(s) of such Indebtedness to accelerate the maturity of any such
Indebtedness or require a redemption or other  repurchase of such  Indebtedness;
or any such Indebtedness  shall be otherwise  declared to be due and payable (by
acceleration  or  otherwise)  or required to be prepaid,  redeemed or  otherwise
repurchased  by  the  Borrower  or  any of its  Subsidiaries  (other  than  by a
regularly scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof.

      (F) INVOLUNTARY BANKRUPTCY; APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER, ETC.

            (i) An involuntary  case shall be commenced  against the Borrower or
      any  of  the  Borrower's  Subsidiaries  and  the  petition  shall  not  be
      dismissed,  stayed,  bonded or  discharged  within  sixty  (60) days after
      commencement  of the case; or a court having  jurisdiction in the premises
      shall enter a decree or order for relief in respect of the Borrower or any
      of  the  Borrower's   Subsidiaries  in  an  involuntary  case,  under  any
      applicable bankruptcy,  insolvency or other similar law now or hereinafter
      in  effect;  or any  other  similar  relief  shall be  granted  under  any
      applicable federal, state, local or foreign law.

            (ii) A  decree  or  order  of a  court  having  jurisdiction  in the
      premises  for the  appointment  of a receiver,  liquidator,  sequestrator,
      trustee,  custodian  or  other  officer  having  similar  powers  over the
      Borrower  or  any  of  the  Borrower's  Subsidiaries  or  over  all  or  a
      substantial  part of the property of the Borrower or any of the Borrower's
      Subsidiaries  shall be entered;  or an interim receiver,  trustee or other
      custodian of the Borrower or any of the Borrower's  Subsidiaries or of all
      or a  substantial  part  of the  property  of the  Borrower  or any of the
      Borrower's  Subsidiaries  shall be appointed  or a warrant of  attachment,
      execution or similar process against any substantial  part of the property
      of the Borrower or any of the Borrower's  Subsidiaries shall be issued and
      any such event shall not be stayed, dismissed, bonded or discharged within
      sixty (60) days after entry, appointment or issuance.

      (G) VOLUNTARY  BANKRUPTCY;  APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER,  ETC. The Borrower or
any of the Borrower's Subsidiaries shall (i) commence a voluntary case under any
applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency  or other  similar law now or  hereafter  in
effect, (ii) consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case,
or to the conversion of an involuntary  case to a voluntary case, under any such
law,  (iii) consent to the  appointment  of or taking  possession by a receiver,
trustee or other custodian for all or a substantial  part of its property,  (iv)
make any assignment for the benefit of creditors,  (v) take any corporate action
to authorize any of the foregoing or (vi) is generally not paying,  or admits in
writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due.



                                     - 76 -



      (H) JUDGMENTS AND ATTACHMENTS.  Any money judgment(s)  (other than a money
judgment  covered  by  insurance  as to  which  the  insurance  company  has not
disclaimed  or  reserved  the right to  disclaim  coverage),  writ or warrant of
attachment,  or similar process against the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries
or any of  their  respective  assets  involving  in any  single  case  or in the
aggregate an amount in excess of  $5,000,000  is or are entered and shall remain
undischarged, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days or
in any event later than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of any proposed sale
thereunder.

      (I)  DISSOLUTION.  Any order,  judgment or decree shall be entered against
the Borrower  decreeing its  involuntary  dissolution or split up and such order
shall  remain  undischarged  and  unstayed  for a period in excess of sixty (60)
days;  or the  Borrower  shall  otherwise  dissolve or cease to exist  except as
specifically permitted by this Agreement.

      (J) LOAN  DOCUMENTS.  At any time, for any reason,  any Loan Document as a
whole that materially affects the ability of the Agent, or any of the Lenders to
enforce the Obligations ceases to be in full force and effect or the Borrower or
any  of the  Borrower's  Subsidiaries  party  thereto  seeks  to  repudiate  its
obligations under any Loan Document.

      (K) TERMINATION  EVENT.  Any  Termination  Event occurs which the Required
Lenders  believe is  reasonably  likely to subject  either the  Borrower  or any
Controlled Group member to liability  individually or in the aggregate in excess
of $2,000,000.

      (L) WAIVER OF MINIMUM FUNDING STANDARD.  If the plan  administrator of any
Plan  applies  under  Section  412(d)  of the Code for a waiver  of the  minimum
funding  standards  of Section  412(a) of the Code and any Lender  believes  the
substantial business hardship upon which the application for the waiver is based
could  reasonably be expected to subject  either the Borrower or any  Controlled
Group  member  to  liability  individually  or in the  aggregate  in  excess  of
$2,000,000.

      (M) CHANGE OF CONTROL. A Change of Control shall occur.

      (N) HEDGING AGREEMENTS. Nonpayment by the Borrower of any obligation under
any Hedging  Agreement or the breach by the  Borrower of any term,  provision or
condition contained in any such Hedging Agreement.

      (O) ENVIRONMENTAL  MATTERS.  The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall
be the subject of any proceeding or investigation  pertaining to (i) the Release
by the  Borrower  or  any  of its  Subsidiaries  of  any  Contaminant  into  the
environment,  (ii) the  liability  of the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries
arising  from the  Release  by any  other  Person  of any  Contaminant  into the
environment,  or (iii)  any  violation  of any  Environmental,  Health or Safety
Requirements of Law which by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,  which, in
any case,  has or is  reasonably  likely to subject  either the  Borrower or its
Subsidiaries  to  liability  individually  or in  the  aggregate  in  excess  of
$5,000,000.


                                     - 77 -




      (P) GUARANTOR REVOCATION. Any guarantor of the Obligations shall terminate
or revoke any of its  obligations  under the applicable  guarantee  agreement or
breach any of the material terms of such guarantee agreement.

      A Default  shall be deemed  "continuing"  until  cured or until  waived in
writing in accordance with SECTION 9.3.


ARTICLE IX:  ACCELERATION, DEFAULTING LENDERS; WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES

      9.1  TERMINATION  OF  REVOLVING  LOAN  COMMITMENTS;  ACCELERATION.  If any
Default  described  in  SECTION  8.1(F) or 8.1(G)  occurs  with  respect  to the
Borrower,  the  obligations  of the  Lenders  to make  Loans  hereunder  and the
obligation  of the  Issuing  Bank to issue  Letters  of Credit  hereunder  shall
automatically  terminate and the Obligations  shall  immediately  become due and
payable  without any  election or action on the part of the Agent or any Lender.
If any other Default occurs,  the Required  Lenders may terminate or suspend the
obligations  of the Lenders to make Loans  hereunder  and the  obligation of the
Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, or declare the Obligations to
be due and payable, or both,  whereupon the Obligations shall become immediately
due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all
of which the Borrower expressly waives.

      9.2 DEFAULTING  LENDER. In the event that any Lender fails to fund its Pro
Rata Share of any Advance  requested or deemed  requested by the Borrower (or an
Advance  to repay  Swing  Line  Loans to the Swing  Line  Bank or  Reimbursement
Obligations to the Issuing  Bank),  which such Lender is obligated to fund under
the  terms  of  this  Agreement  (the  funded  portion  of  such  Advance  being
hereinafter  referred  to as a "NON PRO RATA  LOAN"),  until the earlier of such
Lender's  cure of  such  failure  and  the  termination  of the  Revolving  Loan
Commitments,  the proceeds of all amounts  thereafter repaid to the Agent by the
Borrower  and  otherwise  required to be applied to such  Lender's  share of all
other  Obligations  pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be advanced to
the Borrower by the Agent on behalf of such Lender to cure,  in full or in part,
such failure by such Lender,  but shall nevertheless be deemed to have been paid
to such  Lender  in  satisfaction  of such  other  Obligations.  Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary:

            (i) the  foregoing  provisions  of this SECTION 9.2 shall apply only
      with  respect to the  proceeds of payments  of  Obligations  and shall not
      affect the conversion or continuation of Loans pursuant to SECTION 2.9;

            (ii) any such  Lender  shall be deemed to have cured its  failure to
      fund its Pro Rata Share, of any Advance at such time as an amount equal to
      such Lender's  original Pro Rata Share of the requested  principal portion
      of such  Advance is fully  funded to the  Borrower,  whether  made by such
      Lender  itself or by  operation  of the  terms of this  SECTION  9.2,  and
      whether or not the Non Pro Rata Loan with respect thereto has been repaid,
      converted or continued;



                                     - 78 -



            (iii) amounts  advanced to the Borrower to cure, in full or in part,
      any such Lender's failure to fund its Pro Rata Share of any Advance ("CURE
      LOANS") shall bear interest at the rate  applicable to Floating Rate Loans
      in effect from time to time,  and for all other purposes of this Agreement
      shall be treated as if they were Floating Rate Loans;

            (iv)  regardless  of whether  or not a Default  has  occurred  or is
      continuing, and notwithstanding the instructions of the Borrower as to its
      desired application, all repayments of principal which, in accordance with
      the other  terms of this  Agreement,  would be applied to the  outstanding
      Floating Rate Loans shall be applied  FIRST,  ratably to all Floating Rate
      Loans  constituting Non Pro Rata Loans,  SECOND,  ratably to Floating Rate
      Loans other than those  constituting Non Pro Rata Loans or Cure Loans and,
      THIRD, ratably to Floating Rate Loans constituting Cure Loans;

            (v) for so long as and until the earlier of any such  Lender's  cure
      of the  failure  to  fund  its  Pro  Rata  Share  of any  Advance  and the
      termination of the Revolving Loan Commitments, the term "Required Lenders"
      for purposes of this Agreement  shall mean Lenders  (excluding all Lenders
      whose failure to fund their respective Pro Rata Share of such Advance have
      not been so cured)  whose Pro Rata  Shares  represent  at least  fifty-one
      percent (51%) of the aggregate Pro Rata Shares of such Lenders; and

            (vi) for so long as and until any such Lender's  failure to fund its
      Pro Rata Share of any Advance is cured in accordance with SECTION 9.2(II),
      (A) such Lender shall not be entitled to any Commitment  fees with respect
      to its Revolving Loan Commitment and (B) such Lender shall not be entitled
      to any letter of credit fees,  which  Commitment fees and letter of credit
      fees  shall  accrue  in favor  of the  Lenders  which  have  funded  their
      respective  Pro Rata Share of such requested  Advance,  shall be allocated
      among such performing  Lenders ratably based upon their relative Revolving
      Loan Commitments, and shall be calculated based upon the average amount by
      which the aggregate  Revolving Loan Commitments of such performing Lenders
      exceeds the sum of (I) the outstanding principal amount of the Loans owing
      to such  performing  Lenders,  plus  (II)  the  outstanding  Reimbursement
      Obligations  owing to such  performing  Lenders,  PLUS (III) the aggregate
      participation  interests of such performing  Lenders  arising  pursuant to
      SECTION 3.6 with respect to undrawn and outstanding Letters of Credit.

      9.3 AMENDMENTS. Subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE IX, the Required
Lenders (or the Agent with the consent in writing of the  Required  Lenders) and
the Borrower may enter into  agreements  supplemental  hereto for the purpose of
adding or  modifying  any  provisions  to the Loan  Documents or changing in any
manner  the rights of the  Lenders  or the  Borrower  hereunder  or waiving  any
Default hereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such supplemental agreement shall,
without the consent of each Lender affected thereby:


                                     - 79 -




            (i) Postpone or extend the Revolving  Loan  Termination  Date or any
      other date fixed for any  payment of  principal  of, or  interest  on, the
      Loans, the Reimbursement  Obligations or any fees or other amounts payable
      to such Lender (other than any modifications of the provisions relating to
      amounts,  timing  or  application  of  prepayments  of the Loans and other
      Obligations,  which  modifications  shall require the approval only of the
      Required Lenders)

            (ii) Reduce the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Obligations, or
      reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest or fees  thereon
      (other than a waiver of the  application  of the default  rate of interest
      pursuant  to  SECTION  2.10  hereof);  PROVIDED,  that any  change  in the
      definition  of  Leverage  Ratio or any of the  components  thereof  or the
      method of  calculation  thereof  solely  for the  purpose  of  calculating
      compliance with the financial  covenants set forth in SECTION 7.4 shall be
      permitted with the consent of the Agent and the Required Lenders.

            (iii) Reduce the percentage  specified in the definition of Required
      Lenders or any other percentage of Lenders  specified to be the applicable
      percentage  in this  Agreement  to act on  specified  matters or amend the
      definitions of "Required Lenders" or "Pro Rata Share".

            (iv)  Increase the amount of the Revolving  Loan  Commitment of such
      Lender hereunder or increase such Lender's Pro Rata Share.

            (v) Permit the Borrower to assign its rights under this Agreement.

            (vi) Other than pursuant to a transaction  permitted by the terms of
      this  Agreement,  release any  guarantor  from its  obligations  under the
      Guaranty.

            (vii) Amend this SECTION 9.3.

No amendment of any provision of this Agreement  relating to (a) the Agent shall
be  effective  without  the written  consent of the Agent,  (b) Swing Line Loans
shall be  effective  without the written  consent of the Swing Line Bank and (c)
the Issuing Bank shall be effective  without the written  consent of the Issuing
Bank.  The Agent may waive  payment of the fee required  under  SECTION  13.3(B)
without obtaining the consent of any of the Lenders.

      9.4  PRESERVATION  OF RIGHTS.  No delay or  omission of the Lenders or the
Agent to exercise any right under the Loan Documents  shall impair such right or
be construed to be a waiver of any Default or an acquiescence  therein,  and the
making  of a Loan or the  issuance  of a Letter of  Credit  notwithstanding  the
existence  of a  Default  or  the  inability  of the  Borrower  to  satisfy  the
conditions precedent to such Loan or issuance of such Letter of Credit shall not
constitute  any waiver or  acquiescence.  Any single or partial  exercise of any
such right shall not preclude other or further  exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right,  and no waiver,  amendment or other  variation of the terms,
conditions  or  provisions   of   the  Loan Documents  whatsoever shall be valid



                                     - 80 -


unless in writing signed by the requisite number of Lenders required pursuant to
SECTION 9.3, and then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth.
All  remedies  contained  in the  Loan  Documents  or by law  afforded  shall be
cumulative  and all shall be available to the Agent and the Lenders until all of
the Obligations  (other than contingent  indemnity  obligations) shall have been
fully and  indefeasibly  paid and satisfied in cash, all financing  arrangements
among the Borrower and the Lenders shall have been terminated  (including  under
Hedging Agreements or other agreements with respect to Hedging  Obligations) and
all of the Letters of Credit shall have expired, been canceled or terminated.


ARTICLE X:  GENERAL PROVISIONS

      10.1 SURVIVAL OF  REPRESENTATIONS.  All  representations and warranties of
the  Borrower  contained  in  this  Agreement  shall  survive  delivery  of this
Agreement and the making of the Loans herein contemplated.
      10.2 GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION.  Anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary  notwithstanding,  no Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the
Borrower  in  violation  of  any  limitation  or  prohibition  provided  by  any
applicable statute or regulation.

      10.3  PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS.  The Borrower agrees that the Agent may,
but shall have no obligation to (i) at any time, pay or discharge taxes,  liens,
security  interests  or other  encumbrances  levied or  placed on or  threatened
against the  collateral,  if any, and (ii),  after the occurrence and during the
continuance of a Default,  to make any other payment or perform any act required
of the Borrower under any Loan Document or take any other action which the Agent
in its  discretion  deems  necessary  or  desirable  to protect or preserve  the
collateral,  if any.  The Agent  shall use its  reasonable  efforts  to give the
Borrower  notice of any action taken under this SECTION 10.3 prior to the taking
of such action or promptly  thereafter  provided the failure to give such notice
shall not affect the  Borrower's  obligations in respect  thereof.  The Borrower
agrees to pay the Agent, upon demand, the principal amount of all funds advanced
by the Agent under this SECTION 10.3, together with interest thereon at the rate
from  time to time  applicable  to  Floating  Rate  Loans  from the date of such
advance until the outstanding  principal balance thereof is paid in full. If the
Borrower fails to make payment in respect of any such advance under this SECTION
10.3 within one (1) Business Day after the date the  Borrower  receives  written
demand therefor from the Agent,  the Agent shall promptly notify each Lender and
each Lender  agrees that it shall  thereupon  make  available  to the Agent,  in
Dollars in immediately  available  funds,  the amount equal to such Lender's Pro
Rata Share of such advance. If such funds are not made available to the Agent by
such Lender within one (1) Business Day after the Agent's demand  therefor,  the
Agent will be entitled to recover any such amount from such Lender together with
interest  thereon at the Federal  Funds  Effective  Rate for each day during the
period  commencing on the date of such demand and ending on the date such amount
is  received.  The failure of any Lender to make  available to the Agent its Pro
Rata  Share of any such  unreimbursed  advance  under  this  SECTION  10.3 shall
neither  relieve any other Lender of its obligation  hereunder to make available
to the Agent such other Lender's Pro Rata Share of such advance on the date such
payment is to be made nor  increase the  obligation  of any other Lender to make
such  payment to the Agent.  All


                                     - 81 -


outstanding principal of, and interest on, advances made under this SECTION 10.3
shall constitute  Obligations  subject to the terms of this Agreement until paid
in full by the Borrower.

      10.4 HEADINGS.  Section headings in the Loan Documents are for convenience
of  reference  only,  and  shall not  govern  the  interpretation  of any of the
provisions of the Loan Documents.

      10.5 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  The Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and
understanding  among the  Borrower,  the Agent and the Lenders and supersede all
prior  agreements  and  understandings  among  the  Borrower,  the Agent and the
Lenders relating to the subject matter thereof.

      10.6  SEVERAL  OBLIGATIONS;  BENEFITS OF THIS  AGREEMENT.  The  respective
obligations  of the  Lenders  hereunder  are several and not joint and no Lender
shall be the partner or agent of any other Lender (except to the extent to which
the Agent is  authorized  to act as such).  The failure of any Lender to perform
any of its obligations  hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of
its obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall not be construed so as to confer
any right or benefit  upon any Person  other than the parties to this  Agreement
and their respective successors and assigns.

      10.7  EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.

      (A) EXPENSES.  The Borrower shall reimburse the Agent and the Arranger for
any reasonable  costs,  internal charges and out-of-pocket  expenses  (including
reasonable  attorneys'  and  paralegals'  fees and time charges of attorneys and
paralegals for the Agent, which attorneys and paralegals may be employees of the
Agent)  paid or incurred by the Agent or the  Arranger  in  connection  with the
preparation,  negotiation,  execution, delivery, syndication, review, amendment,
modification, and administration of the Loan Documents. The Borrower also agrees
to reimburse the Agent and the Arranger and the Lenders for any costs,  internal
charges and out-of-pocket  expenses  (including  attorneys' and paralegals' fees
and time charges of attorneys and  paralegals for the Agent and the Arranger and
the Lenders, which attorneys and paralegals may be employees of the Agent or the
Arranger or the  Lenders)  paid or incurred by the Agent or the  Arranger or any
Lender in connection  with the collection of the  Obligations and enforcement of
the Loan Documents. In addition to expenses set forth above, the Borrower agrees
to reimburse the Agent,  promptly after the Agent's request  therefor,  for each
audit, or other business analysis performed by or for the benefit of the Lenders
in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in an amount equal
to the Agent's then customary  charges for each person  employed to perform such
audit or analysis,  plus all costs and expenses  (including without  limitation,
travel  expenses)  incurred  by the Agent in the  performance  of such  audit or
analysis.  Agent shall  provide the  Borrower  with a detailed  statement of all
reimbursements requested under this SECTION 10.7(A).

      (B) INDEMNITY. The Borrower further agrees to defend, protect,  indemnify,
and hold  harmless  the Agent,  the Arranger and each and all of the Lenders and
each of  their  respective  Affiliates,  and each of such  Agent's,  Arranger's,
Lender's, or Affiliate's respective officers,


                                     - 82 -


directors,   trustees,  employees,  attorneys  and  agents  (including,  without
limitation,  those  retained in connection  with the  satisfaction  or attempted
satisfaction of any of the conditions set forth in ARTICLE V) (collectively, the
"INDEMNITEES")  from and against any and all liabilities,  obligations,  losses,
damages,  penalties,  actions,  judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses of any
kind  or  nature  whatsoever  (including,   without  limitation,  the  fees  and
disbursements   of  counsel  for  such   Indemnitees  in  connection   with  any
investigative,  administrative  or  judicial  proceeding,  whether  or not  such
Indemnitees  shall be designated a party  thereto),  imposed on, incurred by, or
asserted against such Indemnitees in any manner relating to or arising out of:

            (i)  this  Agreement,  the  other  Loan  Documents  or  any  of  the
      Transaction  Documents,  or any  act,  event  or  transaction  related  or
      attendant thereto or to the Transactions, the making of the Loans, and the
      issuance  of  and  participation  in  Letters  of  Credit  hereunder,  the
      management of such Loans or Letters of Credit,  the use or intended use of
      the  proceeds of the Loans or Letters of Credit  hereunder,  or any of the
      other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents; or

            (ii)  any  liabilities,   obligations,   responsibilities,   losses,
      damages,  personal injury,  death,  punitive  damages,  economic  damages,
      consequential  damages,  treble  damages,  intentional,  willful or wanton
      injury,  damage or threat to the environment,  natural resources or public
      health or welfare,  costs and  expenses  (including,  without  limitation,
      attorney,   expert  and  consulting  fees  and  costs  of   investigation,
      feasibility or remedial  action  studies),  fines,  penalties and monetary
      sanctions,  interest,  direct or indirect,  known or unknown,  absolute or
      contingent,   past,  present  or  future  relating  to  violation  of  any
      Environmental,  Health or Safety  Requirements  of Law arising  from or in
      connection  with the past,  present or future  operations of the Borrower,
      its Subsidiaries or any of their respective  predecessors in interest, or,
      the past, present or future  environmental,  health or safety condition of
      any respective property of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries,  the presence
      of  asbestos-containing  materials  at  any  respective  property  of  the
      Borrower or its  Subsidiaries or the Release or threatened  Release of any
      Contaminant   into  the  environment   (collectively,   the   "INDEMNIFIED
      MATTERS");

PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  the  Borrower  shall have no  obligation  to an  Indemnitee
hereunder  with respect to  Indemnified  Matters caused by or resulting from the
willful  misconduct or Gross  Negligence of such  Indemnitee with respect to the
Loan Documents,  as determined by the final non-appealed  judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction.  If the undertaking to indemnify,  pay and hold harmless
set forth in the preceding sentence may be unenforceable because it is violative
of any law or public policy,  the Borrower shall  contribute the maximum portion
which it is permitted to pay and satisfy  under  applicable  law, to the payment
and satisfaction of all Indemnified Matters incurred by the Indemnitees.

      (C) WAIVER OF CERTAIN CLAIMS;  SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS.  The Borrower further
agrees  to assert  no claim  against  any of the  Indemnitees  on any  theory of
liability  seeking  consequential,  special,  indirect,  exemplary  or  punitive
damages.  No  settlement  shall be entered  into by the  Borrower  or any of its
Subsidiaries  with  respect  to any  claim,  litigation,  arbitration  or  other
proceeding  relating to or arising  out of the  transactions  evidenced  by this
Agreement,  the other


                                     - 83 -


Loan Documents or in connection with the Transactions  (whether or not the Agent
or any Lender or any  Indemnitee  is a party  thereto)  unless  such  settlement
releases all Indemnitees from any and all liability with respect thereto.

      (D) SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENTS. The obligations and agreements of the Borrower
under this SECTION 10.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

      10.8 NUMBERS OF DOCUMENTS. All statements, notices, closing documents, and
requests hereunder shall be furnished to the Agent with sufficient  counterparts
so that the Agent may furnish one to each of the Lenders.


      10.9 ACCOUNTING. Except as provided to the contrary herein, all accounting
terms  used  herein  shall  be  interpreted  and all  accounting  determinations
hereunder shall be made in accordance with Agreement Accounting  Principles.  If
any changes in generally accepted  accounting  principles are hereafter required
or permitted and are adopted by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with the
agreement  of its  independent  certified  public  accountants  and such changes
result  in a  change  in the  method  of  calculation  of  any of the  financial
covenants, tests, restrictions or standards herein or in the related definitions
or terms used therein ("ACCOUNTING  CHANGES"),  the parties hereto agree, at the
Borrower's request, to enter into negotiations, in good faith, in order to amend
such  provisions  in a credit  neutral  manner so as to reflect  equitably  such
changes with the desired  result that the criteria for evaluating the Borrower's
and its Subsidiaries'  financial  condition shall be the same after such changes
as if such changes had not been made; PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  until such provisions
are amended in a manner  reasonably  satisfactory  to the Agent and the Required
Lenders, no Accounting Change shall be given effect in such calculations and all
financial  statements and reports  required to be delivered  hereunder  shall be
prepared in accordance with Agreement Accounting  Principles without taking into
account such  Accounting  Changes.  In the event such amendment is entered into,
all references in this Agreement to Agreement  Accounting  Principles shall mean
generally accepted accounting principles as of the date of such amendment.

      10.10 SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS.  Any provision in any Loan Document that
is held to be inoperative,  unenforceable, or invalid in any jurisdiction shall,
as to that  jurisdiction,  be  inoperative,  unenforceable,  or invalid  without
affecting  the  remaining  provisions  in that  jurisdiction  or the  operation,
enforceability,  or validity of that provision in any other jurisdiction, and to
this end the provisions of all Loan Documents are declared to be severable.

      10.11 NONLIABILITY OF LENDERS.  The relationship  between the Borrower and
the Lenders and the Agent shall be solely that of borrower  and lender.  Neither
the  Agent nor any  Lender  shall  have any  fiduciary  responsibilities  to the
Borrower.  Neither the Agent nor any Lender undertakes any responsibility to the
Borrower to review or inform the Borrower of any matter in  connection  with any
phase of the Borrower's business or operations.

      10.12 GOVERNING LAW. THE AGENT ACCEPTS THIS AGREEMENT, ON BEHALF OF ITSELF
AND THE LENDERS, AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS BY


                                     - 84 -


ACKNOWLEDGING AND AGREEING TO IT THERE. ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THE BORROWER AND THE
AGENT,  ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER HOLDER OF OBLIGATIONS  ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED
WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP  ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THEM IN
CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS,  AND WHETHER
ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS (INCLUDING 735 ILCS 105/5-1 ET SEQ. BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT
REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PROVISIONS) OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

      10.13  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; JURY TRIAL.

      (A) EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (B), EACH OF
THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT ALL DISPUTES AMONG THEM ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED
WITH,  RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP  ESTABLISHED  AMONG THEM IN
CONNECTION  WITH,  THIS  AGREEMENT  OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN  DOCUMENTS  WHETHER
ARISING IN CONTRACT,  TORT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE,  SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY
BY STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS, BUT THE PARTIES HERETO
ACKNOWLEDGE  THAT ANY APPEALS  FROM THOSE COURTS MAY HAVE TO BE HEARD BY A COURT
LOCATED OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES IN ALL
DISPUTES  BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (A) ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY HAVE
TO THE LOCATION OF THE COURT CONSIDERING THE DISPUTE.

      (B) OTHER JURISDICTIONS. THE BORROWER AGREES THAT THE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR
ANY OTHER  HOLDER OF  OBLIGATIONS  SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROCEED  AGAINST  THE
BORROWER OR ITS PROPERTY IN A COURT IN ANY LOCATION TO ENABLE SUCH PERSON TO (1)
OBTAIN  PERSONAL  JURISDICTION  OVER THE  BORROWER  OR (2) IN ORDER TO ENFORCE A
JUDGMENT OR OTHER  COURT ORDER  ENTERED IN FAVOR OF SUCH  PERSON.  THE  BORROWER
AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT ANY  PERMISSIVE  COUNTERCLAIMS  IN ANY PROCEEDING
BROUGHT BY SUCH PERSON (1) TO REALIZE ON ANY SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS OR (2)
TO ENFORCE A JUDGMENT OR OTHER COURT  ORDER IN FAVOR OF SUCH  PERSON,  BUT SHALL
ONLY BE  PERMITTED  TO BRING ANY SUCH  PERMISSIVE  COUNTERCLAIM  IN A PROCEEDING
BROUGHT  PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (A). THE BORROWER  WAIVES ANY OBJECTION  THAT IT MAY
HAVE TO THE  LOCATION  OF THE  COURT  IN  WHICH  SUCH  PERSON  HAS  COMMENCED  A
PROCEEDING DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION (B).

      (C) VENUE.  THE  BORROWER  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES ANY  OBJECTION  (INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION OF THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS
OF FORUM NON  CONVENIENS)  WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF
ANY SUCH  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING


                                     - 85 -


WITH RESPECT TO THIS  AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER  INSTRUMENT,  DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT
EXECUTED OR  DELIVERED  IN  CONNECTION  HEREWITH IN ANY  JURISDICTION  SET FORTH
ABOVE.

      (D) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES
ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE,  WHETHER SOUNDING
IN CONTRACT,  TORT, OR OTHERWISE,  ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO OR
INCIDENTAL TO THE  RELATIONSHIP  ESTABLISHED  AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT,  DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT  EXECUTED OR DELIVERED
IN CONNECTION HEREWITH.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY
SUCH CLAIM,  DEMAND,  ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION  SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL
WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL  COUNTERPART  OR A
COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN  EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE
PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

      (E) ADVICE OF COUNSEL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES  REPRESENT TO EACH OTHER PARTY
HERETO THAT IT HAS DISCUSSED THIS AGREEMENT AND, SPECIFICALLY, THE PROVISIONS OF
SECTION 10.7 AND THIS SECTION 10.13, WITH ITS COUNSEL.

      10.14 SUBORDINATION OF INTERCOMPANY INDEBTEDNESS. The Borrower agrees that
any and all claims of the  Borrower  against any of its  Subsidiaries  that is a
Guarantor  with  respect  to any  "Intercompany  Indebtedness"  (as  hereinafter
defined), any endorser, obligor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the
Obligations,  or against any of its properties  shall be subordinate and subject
in  right  of  payment  to the  prior  payment,  in  full  and in  cash,  of all
Obligations and Hedging Obligations under Hedging Agreements; PROVIDED that, and
not in contravention of the foregoing, so long as no Default has occurred and is
continuing  the Borrower may make loans to and receive  payments in the ordinary
course with respect to such  Intercompany  Indebtedness from each such Guarantor
to the  extent  permitted  by the terms of this  Agreement  and the  other  Loan
Documents.  Notwithstanding  any right of the Borrower to ask, demand,  sue for,
take or receive any payment from any Guarantor,  all rights,  liens and security
interests  of the  Borrower,  whether now or  hereafter  arising  and  howsoever
existing,  in any assets of any Guarantor  shall be and are  subordinated to the
rights of the holders of the Obligations and the Agent, if any, in those assets.
The Borrower shall have no right to possession of any such asset or to foreclose
upon any such asset,  whether by judicial action or otherwise,  unless and until
all of the Obligations  (other than contingent  indemnity  obligations)  and the
Hedging  Obligations  under  Hedging  Agreements  shall have been fully paid and
satisfied (in cash) and all financing arrangements pursuant to any Loan Document
or Hedging  Agreement  among the Borrower and the holders of the Obligations (or
any affiliate thereof) have been terminated. If all or any part of the assets of
any  Guarantor,  or the  proceeds  thereof,  are  subject  to any  distribution,
division or application to the creditors of such  Guarantor,  whether partial or
complete,  voluntary  or  involuntary,  and  whether  by reason of  liquidation,
bankruptcy, arrangement,  receivership,



                                     - 86 -


assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other action or proceeding, or if
the business of any such Guarantor is dissolved or if  substantially  all of the
assets of any such Guarantor are sold,  then, and in any such event (such events
being herein referred to as an "INSOLVENCY  EVENT"), any payment or distribution
of any kind or character,  either in cash,  securities or other property,  which
shall be payable or deliverable  upon or with respect to any indebtedness of any
Guarantor  to the  Borrower  ("INTERCOMPANY  INDEBTEDNESS")  shall  be  paid  or
delivered  directly to the Agent for  application on any of the  Obligations and
Hedging  Obligations under the Hedging  Agreements,  due or to become due, until
such  Obligations  and  Hedging  Obligations  (other than  contingent  indemnity
obligations)  shall have first been fully paid and satisfied  (in cash).  Should
any  payment,  distribution,  security  or  instrument  or  proceeds  thereof be
received by the Borrower upon or with respect to the  Intercompany  Indebtedness
after an Insolvency  Event prior to the  satisfaction  of all of the Obligations
(other than contingent  indemnity  obligations)  and Hedging  Obligations  under
Hedging Agreements and the termination of all financing arrangements pursuant to
any Loan Document and or Hedging Agreement among the Borrower and the holders of
Obligations (and their affiliates), the Borrower shall receive and hold the same
in trust, as trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations and such
Hedging  Obligations and shall forthwith  deliver the same to the Agent, for the
benefit  of such  Persons,  in  precisely  the  form  received  (except  for the
endorsement or assignment of the Borrower where  necessary),  for application to
any of the Obligations and such Hedging Obligations,  due or not due, and, until
so delivered, the same shall be held in trust by the Borrower as the property of
the holders of the  Obligations  and such Hedging  Obligations.  If the Borrower
fails to make any such  endorsement or assignment to the Agent, the Agent or any
of its officers or employees are  irrevocably  authorized to make the same.  The
Borrower agrees that until the Obligations (other than the contingent  indemnity
obligations)  and such Hedging  Obligations have been paid in full (in cash) and
satisfied  and all  financing  arrangements  pursuant  to any Loan  Document  or
Hedging  Agreement  among the Borrower and the holders of the  Obligations  (and
their affiliates) have been terminated, the Borrower will not assign or transfer
to any Person  (other  than the Agent)  any claim the  Borrower  has or may have
against any Guarantor.

      10.15 LENDER'S NOT UTILIZING PLAN ASSETS.  None of the consideration  used
by any of the Lenders to make its Loans  constitute  for any purpose of ERISA or
Section  4975 of the Code  assets of any "plan" as  defined  in Section  3(3) of
ERISA or Section  4975 of the Code and the rights and  interests  of each of the
Lenders in and under the Loan Documents  shall not constitute such "plan assets"
under ERISA.


ARTICLE XI:  THE AGENT

      11.1  APPOINTMENT;  NATURE OF  RELATIONSHIP.  Bank  One,  NA,  having  its
principal  office in Chicago,  Illinois is appointed by the Lenders as the Agent
hereunder  and  under  each  other  Loan  Document,  and  each  of  the  Lenders
irrevocably  authorizes the Agent to act as the  contractual  representative  of
such Lender  with the rights and duties  expressly  set forth  herein and in the
other Loan Documents. The Agent agrees to act as such contractual representative
upon the express conditions  contained in this ARTICLE XI.  Notwithstanding  the
use of the defined term "Agent," it is expressly  understood and agreed that the
Agent shall not have any fiduciary responsibilities to


                                     - 87 -


any  Holder of  Obligations  by reason of this  Agreement  and that the Agent is
merely acting as the representative of the Lenders with only those duties as are
expressly  set forth in this  Agreement  and the other  Loan  Documents.  In its
capacity  as the  Lenders'  contractual  representative,  the Agent (i) does not
assume any  fiduciary  duties to any of the  Holders of  Obligations,  (ii) is a
"representative"  of the  Holders of  Obligations  within the meaning of Section
9-105 of the  Uniform  Commercial  Code and (iii) is  acting  as an  independent
contractor,  the rights and duties of which are limited to those  expressly  set
forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  Each of the Lenders,  for
itself and on behalf of its  affiliates  as Holders  of  Obligations,  agrees to
assert no claim  against the Agent on any agency  theory or any other  theory of
liability  for breach of  fiduciary  duty,  all of which  claims  each Holder of
Obligations waives.

      11.2 POWERS.  The Agent shall have and may exercise  such powers under the
Loan Documents as are  specifically  delegated to the Agent by the terms of each
thereof,  together with such powers as are reasonably  incidental  thereto.  The
Agent shall have no implied  duties or fiduciary  duties to the Lenders,  or any
obligation to the Lenders to take any action hereunder or under any of the other
Loan  Documents  except any action  specifically  provided by the Loan Documents
required to be taken by the Agent.

      11.3  GENERAL  IMMUNITY.  Neither  the  Agent  nor  any of its  directors,
officers,  agents or employees  shall be liable to the Borrower,  the Lenders or
any Lender for any action  taken or omitted to be taken by it or them  hereunder
or under any other Loan Document or in connection  herewith or therewith  except
to the extent such action or inaction is found in a final judgment by a court of
competent  jurisdiction  to have  arisen  from the Gross  Negligence  or willful
misconduct of such Person.

      11.4 NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOANS, CREDITWORTHINESS, RECITALS, ETC. Neither
the 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 any Loan Document
or any borrowing  hereunder;  (ii) the  performance  or observance of any of the
covenants  or  agreements  of any  obligor  under any Loan  Document;  (iii) the
satisfaction  of any condition  specified in ARTICLE V, except  receipt of items
required to be  delivered  solely to the Agent;  (iv) the  existence or possible
existence of any Default or (v) the validity,  effectiveness  or  genuineness of
any Loan  Document or any other  instrument  or writing  furnished in connection
therewith.  The Agent shall not be  responsible  to any Lender for any recitals,
statements,  representations  or  warranties  herein or in any of the other Loan
Documents, for the perfection or priority of the Liens on collateral, if any, or
for   the   execution,    effectiveness,    genuineness,   validity,   legality,
enforceability,  collectibility,  or sufficiency of this Agreement or any of the
other  Loan  Documents  or the  transactions  contemplated  thereby,  or for the
financial  condition  of any  guarantor  of any or all of the  Obligations,  the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

      11.5 ACTION ON  INSTRUCTIONS  OF LENDERS.  The Agent shall in all cases be
fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder and under any
other Loan  Document  in  accordance  with  written  instructions  signed by the
Required Lenders (or all of the Lenders in the event that and to the extent that
this Agreement  expressly  requires such), and such  instructions and any action
taken or failure to act pursuant  thereto shall be binding on all of the Lenders
and on all

                                     - 88 -


owners of Loans and on all Holders of Obligations. The Agent shall be
fully  justified in failing or refusing to take any action  hereunder  and under
any other Loan Document unless it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction
by the Lenders pro rata against any and all liability,  cost and expense that it
may incur by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.

      11.6  EMPLOYMENT  OF AGENTS AND COUNSEL.  The Agent may execute any of its
duties as the Agent  hereunder  and under any other Loan  Document by or through
employees,  agents,  and  attorney-in-fact  and shall not be  answerable  to the
Lenders,  except  as to money or  securities  received  by it or its  authorized
agents,  for the default or misconduct  of any such agents or  attorneys-in-fact
selected by it with  reasonable  care.  The Agent shall be entitled to advice of
counsel concerning the contractual arrangement between the Agent and the Lenders
and all matters  pertaining to the Agent's duties  hereunder and under any other
Loan Document.

      11.7 RELIANCE ON DOCUMENTS;  COUNSEL.  The Agent shall be entitled to rely
upon any notice, consent,  certificate,  affidavit, letter, telegram, statement,
paper or  document  believed  by it to be genuine  and  correct and to have been
signed or sent by the  proper  person  or  persons,  and,  in  respect  to legal
matters, upon the opinion of counsel selected by the Agent, which counsel may be
employees of the Agent.

      11.8 THE AGENT'S  REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNIFICATION.  The Lenders agree to
reimburse and indemnify the Agent ratably in proportion to their  respective Pro
Rata Shares (i) for any amounts not  reimbursed  by the  Borrower  for which the
Agent is entitled to  reimbursement  by the Borrower  under the Loan  Documents,
(ii) for any other expenses  incurred by the Agent on behalf of the Lenders,  in
connection  with  the  preparation,   execution,  delivery,  administration  and
enforcement  of the Loan Documents and (iii) for any  liabilities,  obligations,
losses,  damages,  penalties,  actions,  judgments,  suits,  costs,  expenses or
disbursements  of any  kind and  nature  whatsoever  which  may be  imposed  on,
incurred by or asserted  against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out
of the Loan Documents or any other document delivered in connection therewith or
the transactions  contemplated  thereby,  or the enforcement of any of the terms
thereof or of any such other documents,  provided that no Lender shall be liable
for any of the  foregoing to the extent any of the foregoing is found in a final
non-  appealable  judgment by a court of competent  jurisdiction  to have arisen
solely from the Gross Negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent.

      11.9 RIGHTS AS A LENDER.  With respect to its Revolving  Loan  Commitment,
Loans made by it, and  Letters of Credit  issued by it, the Agent shall have the
same rights and powers hereunder and under any other Loan Document as any Lender
or the Issuing  Bank and may  exercise the same as though it were not the Agent,
and the term  "Lender" or "Lenders" or "Issuing  Bank"shall,  unless the context
otherwise indicates, include the Agent in its individual capacity. The Agent may
accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally  engage in any kind of trust,
debt,  equity or other  transaction,  in addition to those  contemplated by this
Agreement  or  any  other  Loan  Document,  with  the  Borrower  or  any  of its
Subsidiaries  in which such Person is not  prohibited  hereby from engaging with
any other Person.



                                     - 89 -



      11.10  LENDER  CREDIT  DECISION.  Each  Lender  acknowledges  that it has,
independently  and without  reliance  upon the Agent,  the Arranger or any other
Lender and based on the financial  statements  prepared by the Borrower and such
other  documents  and  information  as it has deemed  appropriate,  made its own
credit  analysis  and decision to enter into this  Agreement  and the other Loan
Documents. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without
reliance  upon the Agent,  the  Arranger  or any other  Lender and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,  continue to
make its own  credit  decisions  in  taking  or not  taking  action  under  this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

      11.11 SUCCESSOR  AGENT. The Agent may resign at any time by giving written
notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower.  Upon any such resignation,  the
Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint,  on behalf of the Borrower and
the  Lenders,  a  successor  Agent.  If no  successor  Agent  shall have been so
appointed  by the  Required  Lenders and shall have  accepted  such  appointment
within thirty days after the retiring Agent's giving notice of resignation, then
the  retiring  Agent may appoint,  on behalf of the Borrower and the Lenders,  a
successor Agent.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, so long as no
Default has  occurred  and is  continuing,  each such  successor  Agent shall be
subject to approval by the Borrower,  which approval  shall not be  unreasonably
withheld.  Such  successor  Agent shall be a commercial  bank having capital and
retained  earnings  of  at  least  $500,000,000.  Upon  the  acceptance  of  any
appointment as the Agent  hereunder by a successor  Agent,  such successor Agent
shall  thereupon  succeed  to and become  vested  with all the  rights,  powers,
privileges  and duties of the retiring  Agent,  and the retiring  Agent shall be
discharged  from its duties and  obligations  hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents.  After any  retiring  Agent's  resignation  hereunder  as Agent,  the
provisions  of this  ARTICLE  XI shall  continue  in effect  for its  benefit in
respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as
the Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.

ARTICLE XII:  SETOFF; RATABLE PAYMENTS

      12.1 SETOFF. In addition to, and without  limitation of, any rights of the
Lenders  under  applicable  law, if any Default  occurs and is  continuing,  any
indebtedness  from any Lender to the Borrower  (including all account  balances,
whether  provisional  or final and whether or not collected or available) may be
offset and applied toward the payment of the  Obligations  owing to such Lender,
whether or not the Obligations, or any part hereof, shall then be due.

      12.2 RATABLE PAYMENTS. If any Lender, whether by setoff or otherwise,  has
payment  made to it upon its Loans  (other than  payments  received  pursuant to
SECTIONS  4.1,  4.2 or 4.4) in a greater  proportion  than that  received by any
other Lender, such Lender agrees, promptly upon demand, to purchase a portion of
the Loans held by the other Lenders so that after such purchase each Lender will
hold its ratable proportion of Loans. If any Lender,  whether in connection with
setoff or  amounts  which  might be  subject  to setoff or  otherwise,  receives
collateral or other  protection  for its Obligation or such amounts which may be
subject to setoff, such Lender agrees, promptly upon demand, to take such action
necessary such that all Lenders share in the benefits of such collateral ratably
in    proportion    to   the    obligations  owing  to  them.  In  case any such


                                     - 90 -


payment  is  disturbed  by legal  process,  or  otherwise,  appropriate  further
adjustments shall be made.

      12.3  APPLICATION  OF PAYMENTS.  Subject to the provisions of SECTION 9.2,
the Agent shall,  unless  otherwise  specified at the  direction of the Required
Lenders  which  direction  shall be  consistent  with the last  sentence of this
SECTION 12.3,  apply all payments and  prepayments in respect of any Obligations
received  after the  occurrence  and  during  the  continuance  of a Default  or
Unmatured Default in the following order:

            (A) first,  to pay interest on and then  principal of any portion of
      the Loans  which the Agent may have  advanced  on behalf of any Lender for
      which  the  Agent  has not then  been  reimbursed  by such  Lender  or the
      Borrower;

            (B) second,  to pay  interest on and then  principal  of any advance
      made under  SECTION 10.3 for which the Agent has not then been paid by the
      Borrower or reimbursed by the Lenders;

            (C) third,  to pay  Obligations  in  respect of any fees,  expenses,
      reimbursements or indemnities then due to the Agent;

            (D) fourth,  to pay  Obligations  in respect of any fees,  expenses,
      reimbursements or indemnities then due to the Lenders and the issuer(s) of
      Letters of Credit;

            (E) fifth, to pay interest due in respect of Swing Line Loans;

            (F) sixth, to pay interest due in respect of Loans (other than Swing
      Line Loans) and L/C Obligations;

            (G)  seventh,  to the ratable  payment or  prepayment  of  principal
      outstanding on Swing Line Loans;

            (H)  eighth,  to the  ratable  payment or  prepayment  of  principal
      outstanding  on  Loans  (other  than  Swing  Line  Loans),   Reimbursement
      Obligations and Hedging Obligations under Hedging Agreements in such order
      as the Agent may determine in its sole discretion;
            (I) ninth, to provide required cash collateral, if required pursuant
      to SECTION 3.11 and

            (J) tenth, to the ratable payment of all other Obligations.

Unless otherwise designated (which designation shall only be applicable prior to
the occurrence of a Default) by the Borrower,  all principal payments in respect
of Loans  (other  than Swing  Line  Loans)  shall be applied to the  outstanding
Revolving Loans first,  to repay  outstanding  Floating Rate Loans,  and THEN to
repay  outstanding  Eurodollar Rate Loans with those Eurodollar Rate Loans which
have earlier  expiring  Interest  Periods being repaid prior to those which have
later


                                     - 91 -




expiring Interest Periods.  The order of priority set forth in this SECTION 12.3
and the related  provisions of this  Agreement are set forth solely to determine
the rights and priorities of the Agent, the Lenders, the Swing Line Bank and the
issuer(s)  of Letters of Credit as among  themselves.  The order of priority set
forth in CLAUSES (D) through (J) of this  SECTION  12.3 may at any time and from
time to time be changed by the Required  Lenders without  necessity of notice to
or consent of or approval by the Borrower, or any other Person;  PROVIDED,  that
the order of  priority of payments in respect of Swing Line Loans may be changed
only  with the  prior  written  consent  of the Swing  Line  Bank.  The order of
priority  set forth in  CLAUSES  (A)  through  (C) of this  SECTION  12.3 may be
changed only with the prior written consent of the Agent.

      12.4  RELATIONS AMONG LENDERS.

      (A) Except with respect to the exercise of set-off rights of any Lender in
accordance  with SECTION  12.1,  the proceeds of which are applied in accordance
with this  Agreement,  and except as set forth in the following  sentence,  each
Lender  agrees that it will not take any action,  nor  institute  any actions or
proceedings, against the Borrower or any other obligor hereunder or with respect
to any Loan Document,  without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders
or, as may be provided in this  Agreement  or the other Loan  Documents,  at the
direction of the Agent.

      (B) The Lenders are not partners or  co-venturers,  and no Lender shall be
liable for the acts or omissions of, or (except as otherwise set forth herein in
case of the Agent) authorized to act for, any other Lender. The Agent shall have
the  exclusive  right on behalf of the  Lenders to enforce on the payment of the
principal of and interest on any Loan after the date such  principal or interest
has become due and payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

      12.5  REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS AMONG LENDERS.  Each Lender represents
and  covenants  for the  benefit  of all other  Lenders  and the Agent that such
Lender is not satisfying and shall not satisfy any of its  obligations  pursuant
to this  Agreement  with any  assets  considered  for any  purposes  of ERISA or
Section  4975 of the Code to be assets of or on behalf of any  "plan" as defined
in section  3(3) of ERISA or  section  4975 of the Code,  regardless  of whether
subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.


ARTICLE XIII:  BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS

      13.1  SUCCESSORS  AND  ASSIGNS.  The  terms  and  provisions  of the  Loan
Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the
Lenders  and  their  respective  successors  and  assigns,  except  that (i) the
Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights or obligations  under the
Loan  Documents  without  the  consent  of all  of the  Lenders,  and  any  such
assignment in violation of this SECTION 13.1(I) shall be null and void, and (ii)
any  assignment  by any Lender  must be made in  compliance  with  SECTION  13.3
hereof.  Notwithstanding  CLAUSE (II) of this SECTION 13.1 or SECTION 13.3,  (i)
any Lender may at any time,  without the  consent of the  Borrower or the Agent,
assign  all or any  portion  of its rights  under  this  Agreement  to a Federal
Reserve  Bank and  (ii) any  Lender  which  is a fund or  commingled  investment
vehicle that invests in commercial  loans in the ordinary course of its business
may at any time,  without  the consent



                                     - 92 -



of the  Borrower  or the  Agent,  pledge or assign all or any part of its rights
under  this  Agreement  to a  trustee  or other  representative  of  holders  of
obligations  owed or  securities  issued by such Lender as  collateral to secure
such obligations or securities;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that no such assignment or
pledge shall release the transferor Lender from its obligations  hereunder.  The
Agent may treat  each  Lender  as the  owner of the  Loans  made by such  Lender
hereunder  for all purposes  hereof  unless and until such Lender  complies with
SECTION 13.3 hereof in the case of an assignment  thereof or, in the case of any
other  transfer,  a written notice of the transfer is filed with the Agent.  Any
assignee or transferee of a Loan, Revolving Loan Commitment, L/C Interest or any
other interest of a lender under the Loan Documents agrees by acceptance thereof
to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents.  Any request,
authority  or consent of any Person,  who at the time of making such  request or
giving such  authority or consent is the owner of any Loan,  shall be conclusive
and binding on any subsequent owner, transferee or assignee of such Loan.

      13.2  PARTICIPATIONS.

      (A) PERMITTED PARTICIPANTS; EFFECT. Subject to the terms set forth in this
SECTION  13.2,  any Lender may, in the  ordinary  course of its  business and in
accordance  with  applicable law, at any time sell to one or more banks or other
entities  ("PARTICIPANTS")  participating  interests  in any Loan  owing to such
Lender,  any Revolving Loan Commitment of such Lender,  any L/C Interest of such
Lender or any other  interest of such Lender  under the Loan  Documents on a pro
rata or non-pro rata basis. Notice of such participation to the Borrower and the
Agent shall be  required  prior to any  participation  becoming  effective  with
respect to a  Participant  which is not a Lender or an Affiliate  thereof.  Upon
receiving said notice,  the Agent shall record the participation in the Register
it maintains.  Moreover,  notwithstanding  such recordation,  such participation
shall not be considered an assignment  under SECTION 13.3 of this  Agreement and
such Participant shall not be considered a Lender. In the event of any such sale
by  a  Lender  of  participating  interests  to  a  Participant,  such  Lender's
obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain  unchanged,  such Lender shall
remain solely  responsible  to the other parties  hereto for the  performance of
such obligations, such Lender shall remain the owner of all Loans made by it for
all purposes under the Loan Documents, all amounts payable by the Borrower under
this  Agreement  shall  be  determined  as if  such  Lender  had not  sold  such
participating  interests,  and the Borrower and the Agent shall continue to deal
solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and
obligations  under the Loan  Documents  except that,  for purposes of ARTICLE IV
hereof,  the  Participants  shall be entitled to the same rights as if they were
Lenders.
      (B) VOTING  RIGHTS.  Each Lender  shall  retain the sole right to approve,
without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, modification or waiver of
any provision of the Loan Documents  other than any amendment,  modification  or
waiver with respect to any Loan,  Letter of Credit or Revolving Loan  Commitment
in which such Participant has an interest which forgives principal,  interest or
fees or reduces the interest rate or fees payable  pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement with respect to any such Loan or Revolving Loan Commitment,  postpones
any date fixed for any  regularly-scheduled  payment  (but not  prepayments)  of
principal  of,  or  interest  or  fees  on,  any  such  Loan or  Revolving  Loan
Commitment,  or releases all or  substantially  all of the  collateral,  if any,
securing any such Loan or Letter of Credit.


                                     - 93 -




      (C) BENEFIT OF SETOFF.  The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be
deemed to have the right of setoff provided in SECTION 12.1 hereof in respect to
its participating interest in amounts owing under the Loan Documents to the same
extent as if the amount of its participating  interest were owing directly to it
as a Lender under the Loan Documents, PROVIDED that each Lender shall retain the
right of setoff  provided in SECTION  12.1 hereof with  respect to the amount of
participating  interests  sold to each  Participant  except to the  extent  such
Participant  exercises its right of setoff. The Lenders agree to share with each
Participant, and each Participant, by exercising the right of setoff provided in
SECTION  12.1  hereof,  agrees to share with each  Lender,  any amount  received
pursuant to the  exercise of its right of setoff,  such  amounts to be shared in
accordance with SECTION 12.2 as if each Participant were a Lender.

      13.3  ASSIGNMENTS.

      (A) PERMITTED  ASSIGNMENTS.  Any Lender may, in the ordinary course of its
business and in  accordance  with  applicable  law, at any time assign to one or
more banks or other entities  ("PURCHASERS")  all or a portion of its rights and
obligations under this Agreement (including,  without limitation,  its Revolving
Loan Commitment,  all Loans owing to it, all of its  participation  interests in
existing  Letters of Credit,  and its  obligation to  participate  in additional
Letters of Credit  hereunder) in accordance  with the provisions of this SECTION
13.3.  Each  assignment  shall  be of a  constant,  and not a  varying,  ratable
percentage of all of the assigning  Lender's rights and  obligations  under this
Agreement.  Such  assignment  shall be  substantially  in the form of  EXHIBIT D
hereto and shall not be permitted hereunder unless such assignment is either for
all of such Lender's rights and obligations under the Loan Documents or, without
the prior written  consent of the Agent,  involves  loans and  commitments in an
aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 (which minimum amount shall not apply to
any assignment between Lenders,  or to an Affiliate of any Lender).  The consent
of the Agent,  and, prior to the occurrence of a Default,  and only with respect
to any assignment other than to another Lender, the Borrower (which consent,  in
each such case, shall not be unreasonably withheld),  shall be required prior to
an  assignment  becoming  effective  with respect to a Purchaser  which is not a
Lender or an  Affiliate  of such  Lender;  PROVIDED,  no consent of the Borrower
shall be required in connection  with any  assignment  by the Agent  consummated
after consultation with the Borrower during the Syndication Period.

      (B) EFFECT;  EFFECTIVE DATE. Upon (i) delivery to the Agent of a notice of
assignment, substantially in the form attached as APPENDIX I to EXHIBIT D hereto
(a  "NOTICE OF  ASSIGNMENT"),  together  with any  consent  required  by SECTION
13.3(A) hereof, (ii) payment of a $3,500 fee by the assignee or the assignor (as
agreed) to the Agent for processing such assignment, and (iii) the completion of
the recording  requirements in SECTION  13.3(C),  such  assignment  shall become
effective on the later of such date when the  requirements  in CLAUSE (I),  (II)
and (III) are met or the effective  date specified in such Notice of Assignment.
The Notice of Assignment shall contain a representation  by the Purchaser to the
effect that none of the consideration used to make the purchase of the Revolving
Loan  Commitment,  Loans and L/C  Obligations  under the  applicable  assignment
agreement constitute for any purpose of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code assets
of any "plan" as defined  in Section  3(3) of ERISA or Section  4975 of the Code
and that the  rights  and  interests  of the  Purchaser  in and  under  the Loan
Documents  will not constitute  such "plan



                                     - 94 -



assets". On and after the effective date of such assignment,  such Purchaser, if
not already a Lender, shall for all purposes be a Lender party to this Agreement
and any other Loan  Documents  executed  by the  Lenders  and shall have all the
rights and obligations of a Lender under the Loan Documents,  to the same extent
as if it were an original party hereto,  and no further consent or action by the
Borrower,  the Lenders or the Agent shall be required to release the  transferor
Lender  with  respect  to  the  percentage  of  the  Aggregate   Revolving  Loan
Commitment,  Loans  and  Letter of Credit  and  Swing  Line Loan  participations
assigned  to such  Purchaser.  Upon  the  consummation  of any  assignment  to a
Purchaser pursuant to this SECTION 13.3(B), the transferor Lender, the Agent and
the Borrower shall make  appropriate  arrangements  so that, to the extent notes
have been issued to evidence any of the transferred Loans, replacement notes are
issued to such transferor  Lender and new notes or, as appropriate,  replacement
notes,  are  issued  to such  Purchaser,  in  each  case  in  principal  amounts
reflecting  their  Revolving  Loan  Commitment,  as  adjusted  pursuant  to such
assignment.

      (C)  THE  REGISTER.  Notwithstanding  anything  to the  contrary  in  this
Agreement,  the Borrower  hereby  designates  the Agent,  and the Agent,  hereby
accepts such designation,  to serve as the Borrower's contractual representative
solely for purposes of this SECTION 13.3(C). In this connection, the Agent shall
maintain at its address  referred to in SECTION  14.1 a copy of each  assignment
delivered  to and  accepted by it pursuant to this  SECTION  13.3 and a register
(the  "REGISTER")  for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders
and the Revolving Loan Commitment of and principal amount of the Loans owing to,
each Lender from time to time and whether  such Lender is an original  Lender or
the  assignee of another  Lender  pursuant to an  assignment  under this SECTION
13.3.  The  entries in the  Register  shall be  conclusive  and  binding for all
purposes,  absent manifest error, and the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries,
the Agent and the Lenders  may treat each  Person  whose name is recorded in the
Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register
shall  be  available  for  inspection  by  the  Borrower  or any  Lender  at any
reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

      13.4  CONFIDENTIALITY.  Subject to SECTION 13.5, the Agent and the Lenders
and  their  respective  representatives  shall  hold all  nonpublic  information
obtained  pursuant to the  requirements of this Agreement and identified as such
by the  Borrower in  accordance  with such  Person's  customary  procedures  for
handling confidential information of this nature and in accordance with safe and
sound  commercial  lending  or  investment  practices  and in any event may make
disclosure  reasonably  required by a prospective  Transferee in connection with
the contemplated participation or assignment, or as required or requested by any
Governmental  Authority or any  securities  exchange or similar  self-regulatory
organization or representative  thereof, or pursuant to a regulatory examination
or legal process  (including,  without  limitation,  any action or proceeding to
enforce the Loan  Documents  against the Borrower or any  Guarantor),  or to any
direct  or  indirect  contractual   counterparty  in  swap  agreements  or  such
contractual  counterparty's  professional  advisor,  and shall  require any such
Transferee to agree (and require any of its Transferees to agree) to comply with
this  SECTION  13.4.  In no event shall the Agent or any Lender be  obligated or
required to return any materials furnished by the Borrower;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,
each  prospective  Transferee  shall be  required  to agree  that if it does not
become a


                                     - 95 -



participant  or assignee it shall return all materials  furnished to it by or on
behalf of the Borrower in connection with this Agreement.

      13.5 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.  The Borrower authorizes each Lender to
disclose to any  Participant  or  Purchaser  or any other  Person  acquiring  an
interest in the Loan Documents by operation of law (each a "TRANSFEREE") and any
prospective  Transferee  any and all  information  in such  Lender's  possession
concerning  the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries;  PROVIDED that prior to any such
disclosure,  such  prospective  Transferee shall agree to preserve in accordance
with SECTION 13.4 the confidentiality of any confidential  information described
therein.


ARTICLE XIV:  NOTICES

      14.1 GIVING  NOTICE.  Except as  otherwise  permitted by SECTION 2.13 with
respect to  Borrowing/Election  Notices,  all notices  and other  communications
provided to any party  hereto under this  Agreement or any other Loan  Documents
shall be in writing or by telex or by  facsimile  and  addressed or delivered to
such party at its address set forth below its signature  hereto or at such other
address as may be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties. Any
notice, if mailed and properly  addressed with postage prepaid,  shall be deemed
given three (3) Business Days after mailed;  any notice, if transmitted by telex
or facsimile,  shall be deemed given when transmitted  (answerback  confirmed in
the case of  telexes);  or, any  notice,  if  transmitted  by  courier,  one (1)
Business Day after deposit with a reputable overnight carrier services, with all
charges paid.

      14.2 CHANGE OF ADDRESS.  The  Borrower,  the Agent and any Lender may each
change the  address  for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the
other parties hereto.


ARTICLE XV:  COUNTERPARTS

      This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which
taken together shall constitute one agreement, and any of the parties hereto may
execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart.  This Agreement shall be
effective  when it has been executed by the Borrower,  the Agent and the Lenders
and each party has notified the Agent by telex or  telephone,  that it has taken
such action.


                  [Remainder of This Page Intentionally Blank]


                                     - 96 -


      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower,  the Lenders and the Agent have executed
this Agreement as of the date first above written.


                             HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC., as the Borrower



                             By:  /s/ Gregory Lambert
                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                Name:   Gregory Lambert
                                Title:  Vice President - Administration and
                                        Chief Financial Officer

                                Address:
                                14500 South Outer Forty Road
                                Chesterfield, MO 63017-5741
                                Attention: Greg Lambert, Chief Financial Officer
                                Phone: (314) 216-2657
                                Fax:   (314) 216-2601
                                E-Mail: glambert@huttig.com

                                BANK ONE, NA, as Agent, the Issuing Lender,  the
                                Swing Line Bank  and as a Lender



                             By:  /s/ Patricia S. Carpen
                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                Name:   Patricia S. Carpen
                                Title:  Vice President

                                Address:
                                1 Bank One Plaza
                                Suite IL1-0173
                                Chicago, Illinois  60670
                                Attention: Nathan L. Bloch
                                Telephone No.: (312) 732-2243
                                Facsimile No.: (312) 732-1117
                                E-Mail: Nathan_Bloch@em.fcnbd.com





                              THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as a Lender



                              By:  /s/ Alan J. Aria
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name:   Alan J. Aria
                                 Title:  Vice President

                                 Address:
                                         999 Broad Street
                                         Bridgeport, CT  06604
                                 Phone:  203/382-5304
                                 Fax:    203/382-6314
                                 E-Mail: alan.aria@chase.com






                              COMERICA BANK, as a Lender



                              By:  /s/ Timothy O'Rourke
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name:    Timothy O'Rourke
                                 Title:   Vice President

                                 Address:
                                          500 Woodward Ave.
                                          MC 3269
                                          Detroit, MI 48226
                                          Attention: Timothy O'Rourke
                                 Phone:   313/222-7044
                                 Fax:     313/222-9516
                                 E-Mail:  timothy_h_o'rourke@comerica.com






                              MERCANTILE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender



                              By:  /s/ David E. Higdon
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name:    David E. Higdon
                                 Title:   Vice President

                                 Address:
                                          One Mercantile Center
                                          Tram (12-3)
                                          St. Louis, MO 63101
                                 Phone:   314/418-8247
                                 Fax:     314/418-2203
                                 E-Mail:  gerald.s.kirk@mercbcp.com






                              FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as a Lender



                              By:  /s/ Gerald P. Hollinger
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name:   Gerald P. Hollinger
                                 Title:  Vice President

                                 Address:
                                          One First Union Center
                                          Charlotte, NC  28288-0600
                                 Phone:   704/383-6440
                                 Fax:     704/383-3300
                                 E-Mail:  gerald.hullinger@capmark.funb.com






                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender



                              By:  /s/ Bruce C. Miller
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name:    Bruce C. Miller
                                 Title:   Senior Vice President

                                 Address:
                                          One Wall Street, 19th Floor
                                          New York, NY  10286
                                          Attention:  Jason Bilanin
                                 Phone:   212/635-8202
                                 Fax:     212/685-1208
                                 E-Mail:  jbilanin@bankofny.com






                              THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LTD., as a Lender



                              By:  /s/ Nelson Y. Chang
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                 Name:    Nelson Y. Chang
                                 Title:   Assistant Vice President

                                 Address:
                                          1 World Trade Center
                                          48th Floor
                                          New York, NY 10048
                                          Attention: Nelson Chang
                                  Phone:  212/432-8341
                                  Fax:    312/912-1879
                                  E-Mail: nchang@dkb.com








                                    EXHIBIT A
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                           REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENTS




- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
             LENDER                       REVOLVING LOAN COMMITMENT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             
Bank One, NA                                     $30,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Chase Manhattan Bank                         $20,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comerica Bank                                    $20,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercantile Bank National                         $15,000,000
Association
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Union National Association                 $15,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bank of New York                             $15,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd.                   $10,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                           $125,000,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------







                                    EXHIBIT B
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                        FORM OF BORROWING/ELECTION NOTICE

TO:   Bank One,  NA (having  its  principal  office in  Chicago,  Illinois),  as
      contractual   representative  (the  "AGENT")  under  that  certain  Credit
      Agreement  dated as of December 16, 1999 (the "CREDIT  AGREEMENT")  by and
      among Huttig  Building  Products,  Inc.  (the  "BORROWER"),  the financial
      institutions  from time to time parties thereto and the Agent (such Credit
      Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise
      modified from time to time, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT")

            The Borrower hereby gives to the Agent a  Borrowing/Election  Notice
pursuant to [SECTION 2.7] [SECTION  2.9] of the Credit  Agreement,  and Borrower
hereby requests to borrow on            ,     (the "BORROWING DATE"):
                             -------- -- ----

            (a) from the Lenders with Revolving  Loan  Commitments on a pro rata
            basis an aggregate principal amount of $          in Revolving Loans
            as a                                    ---------

                     Floating Rate Advance
                  ---
                     Eurodollar Rate Advance
                  ---
                  o        Applicable Interest Period of       month(s).
                                                         -----
            (b) from the Swing Line  Bank  a Swing  Line Loan in  the  principal
            amount of $            as a Floating Rate Advance.
                       -----------
            The undersigned hereby certifies,  in its corporate capacity, to the
Agents  and the  Lenders  that (i) the  representations  and  warranties  of the
undersigned  contained  in ARTICLE VI of the Credit  Agreement  are and shall be
true and  correct in all  material  respects on and as of the date hereof and on
and as of the Borrowing Date; (ii) no Default or Unmatured  Default has occurred
and is  continuing  on the date hereof or on the  Borrowing  Date or will result
from the making of the proposed  Loans;  and (iii) the  conditions  set forth in
SECTION 5.2 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

      Unless  otherwise  defined herein,  terms defined in the Credit  Agreement
shall have the same meanings in this Borrowing/Election Notice.

Dated:            ,                         HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.
       -------- --  ----

                                            By:
                                                ---------------------------
                                            Its:
                                                ---------------------------



                                    EXHIBIT C
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                      FORM OF REQUEST FOR LETTER OF CREDIT


TO:   Bank One, NA, as Issuing Bank under that certain Credit Agreement dated as
      of December 16, 1999 (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") by and among Huttig Building
      Products,  Inc. (the "BORROWER"),  the financial institutions from time to
      time  parties  thereto and Bank One, NA (having  its  principal  office in
      Chicago,  Illinois),  as  contractual  representative  (the "AGENT") (such
      Credit Agreement,  as the same may be amended,  restated,  supplemented or
      otherwise modified from time to time, the "CREDIT Agreement")
One Bank One Plaza, Suite IL1-0173
Chicago, IL 60670-0173
Attn: Nathan Bloch
Telecopier:  312-732-5161
Confirmation:  312-732-2243

      Pursuant to SECTION 3.4 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby gives
to the Issuing  Bank a request  for  issuance of a Letter of Credit on behalf of
Borrower for the benefit of           1, in the amount of $           , with  an
                            ----------                     -----------
effective date of                 ,       (the "Effective Date") and  an  expiry
                  -------- ------- ----
date of                      ,    .  [Insert instructions and /or conditions].
        ------------------ -- ----

      The undersigned hereby certifies,  in its corporate capacity, that (i) the
representations and warranties of the undersigned contained in Article VI of the
Credit  Agreement are and shall be true and correct in all material  respects on
and as of the date hereof and on and as of the Effective  Date;  (ii) no Default
or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof or on the
Effective  Date or will  result  from the  issuance  of the  proposed  Letter of
Credit; and (iii) the conditions set forth in SECTIONS 3.4 and 5.2 of the Credit
Agreement have been satisfied.

      Unless  otherwise  defined herein,  terms defined in the Credit  Agreement
shall have the same meanings in this Request for Letter of Credit.


                                               Dated:                   ,
                                                      --------------- --  ----

                                               HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.


                                               By:
                                                   ----------------------------
                                               Its:
                                                   ----------------------------

- ------------------------
1  Insert name of beneficiary



                                    EXHIBIT D
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                          FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

                              ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

This Assignment Agreement (this "ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT") between
                                                                ----------------
(the  "ASSIGNOR") and             (the "ASSIGNEE")  is  dated  as  of          ,
                      ------------                                    ---------
    .  The parties hereto agree as follows:
- ----

1.  PRELIMINARY STATEMENT. The Assignor is a party to a Credit Agreement (which,
as it may be amended, modified, supplemented, restated, renewed or extended from
time to time is herein  called (the "CREDIT  AGREEMENT")  described in Item 1 of
Schedule 1 attached hereto ("SCHEDULE 1"). Capitalized terms used herein and not
otherwise  defined  herein  shall have the  meanings  attributed  to them in the
Credit Agreement.

2.  ASSIGNMENT  AND  ASSUMPTION.  The  Assignor  hereby sells and assigns to the
Assignee,  and the Assignee hereby  purchases and assumes from the Assignor,  an
interest  in and to the  Assignor's  rights  and  obligations  under the  Credit
Agreement  such that after giving effect to such  assignment  the Assignee shall
have purchased  pursuant to this  Assignment  Agreement the percentage  interest
specified  in Item 3 of  Schedule 1 of all  outstanding  rights and  obligations
under  the  Credit  Agreement  relating  to the  facilities  listed in Item 3 of
Schedule 1 and the other Loan Documents.  The aggregate Commitment (or Loans, if
the  applicable  Commitment  has  been  terminated)  purchased  by the  Assignee
hereunder is set forth in Item 4 of Schedule 1.

3.  EFFECTIVE  DATE.  The  effective  date of  this  Assignment  Agreement  (the
"EFFECTIVE Date") shall be the later of the date specified in Section 13.3(B) of
the  Credit  Agreement  and the date  specified  in Item 5 of  Schedule 1 or two
Business Days (or such shorter  period agreed to by the Agent) after a Notice of
Assignment  substantially  in the form of  Exhibit I  attached  hereto  has been
delivered  to the Agent.  Such Notice of  Assignment  must  include any consents
required  to be  delivered  to the  Agent  by  SECTION  13.3(A)  of  the  Credit
Agreement. In no event will the Effective Date occur if the payments required to
be made by the Assignee to the Assignor on the Effective  Date under  Sections 4
and 5 hereof are not made on the proposed  Effective  Date.  The  Assignor  will
notify the  Assignee of the proposed  Effective  Date no later than the Business
Day prior to the proposed  Effective  Date.  As of the Effective  Date,  (i) the
Assignee  shall  have the  rights  and  obligations  of a Lender  under the Loan
Documents  with respect to the rights and  obligations  assigned to the Assignee
hereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall relinquish its rights and be released from
its  corresponding  obligations  under the Loan  Documents  with  respect to the
rights and obligations assigned to the Assignee hereunder.



4.   PAYMENTS  OBLIGATIONS.  On  and  after  the  Effective  Date,  the Assignee
shall be entitled to receive from the Agent all payments of principal,  interest
and fees with  respect to the  interest  assigned  hereby.  The  Assignee  shall
advance funds directly to the Agent with respect to all Loans and  reimbursement
payments  made on or after the  Effective  Date  with  respect  to the  interest
assigned  hereby.  [In  consideration  for the  sale  and  assignment  of  Loans
hereunder,  (i) the Assignee shall pay the Assignor,  on the Effective  Date, an
amount equal to the  principal  amount of the portion of all Floating Rate Loans
assigned to the Assignee hereunder and (ii) with respect to each Eurodollar Rate
Loan made by the  Assignor  and  assigned  to the  Assignee  hereunder  which is
outstanding on the Effective  Date,  (a) on the last day of the Interest  Period
therefor or (b) on such  earlier date agreed to by the Assignor and the Assignee
or (c) on the date on which any such Eurodollar Rate Loan either becomes due (by
acceleration or otherwise) or is prepaid (the date as described in the foregoing
clauses (a), (b) or (c) being  hereinafter  referred to as the "PAYMENT  DATE"),
the Assignee  shall pay the Assignor an amount equal to the principal  amount of
the  portion of such  Eurodollar  Rate Loan  assigned to the  Assignee  which is
outstanding on the Payment Date. If the Assignor and the Assignee agree that the
Payment Date for such  Eurodollar  Rate Loan shall be the Effective  Date,  they
shall agree to the interest rate applicable to the portion of such Loan assigned
hereunder  for the period  from the  Effective  Date to the end of the  existing
Interest Period  applicable to such  Eurodollar Rate Loan (the "AGREED  INTEREST
RATE")  and any  interest  received  by the  Assignee  in excess  of the  Agreed
Interest Rate shall be remitted to the Assignor.  In the event  interest for the
period from the Effective Date to but not including the Payment Date is not paid
by the Borrower with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan sold by the Assignor to
the Assignee hereunder, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor interest for such
period on the portion of such  Eurodollar  Rate Loan sold by the Assignor to the
Assignee  hereunder at the applicable rate provided by the Credit Agreement.  In
the event a  prepayment  of any  Eurodollar  Rate Loan which is  existing on the
Payment Date and assigned by the Assignor to the Assignee hereunder occurs after
the Payment Date but before the end of the Interest  Period  applicable  to such
Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Assignee shall remit to the Assignor the excess of the
prepayment penalty paid with respect to the portion of such Eurodollar Rate Loan
assigned to the Assignee hereunder over the amount which would have been paid if
such  prepayment  penalty was calculated  based on the Agreed Interest Rate. The
Assignee  will also promptly  remit to the Assignor (i) any  principal  payments
received  from the Agent with  respect  to  Eurodollar  Rate Loans  prior to the
Payment  Date and (ii) any amounts of interest on Loans and fees  received  from
the Agent  which  relate to the portion of the Loans  assigned  to the  Assignee
hereunder for periods prior to the Effective  Date, in the case of Floating Rate
Loans,  or the Payment  Date,  in the case of  Eurodollar  Rate  Loans,  and not
previously  paid by the  Assignee  to the  Assignor.]2  In the event that either
party  hereto  receives  any payment to which the other party hereto is entitled
under this  Assignment  Agreement,  then the party  receiving  such amount shall
promptly remit it to the other party hereto.

5. FEES PAYABLE BY THE ASSIGNEE.  [The Assignee  shall pay to the Assignor a fee
on each day on which a payment of interest or commitment  fees is made under the
Credit Agreement with respect to the amounts assigned to the Assignee  hereunder
(other than a payment of interest or commitment fees for the period prior to the
Effective Date or, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Payment Date, which
the  Assignee  is  obligated  to deliver to the


- -----------------------
2  Each Assignor  may insert its standard payment  provisions  in  lieu  of  the
payment terms included in this Exhibit.



Assignor  pursuant  to  Section 4  hereof).  The amount of such fee shall be the
difference between (i) the interest or fee, as applicable,  paid with respect to
the amounts assigned to the Assignee  hereunder and (ii) the interest or fee, as
applicable,  which would have been paid with respect to the amounts  assigned to
the Assignee hereunder if each interest rate was    of 1% less than the interest
                                                 --
rate paid  by  the Borrower or if the commitment fee was     of 1% less than the
                                                         ---
commitment  fee  paid by the  Borrower,  as  applicable.  In  addition,]3  [t]he
Assignee agrees to pay   % of the recordation fee  required  to  be  paid to the
                       --
Agent  pursuant to SECTION  13.3(B) of the Credit  Agreement in connection  with
this Assignment Agreement.

      6.  REPRESENTATIONS  OF  THE  ASSIGNOR;   LIMITATIONS  ON  THE  ASSIGNOR'S
LIABILITY.  The  Assignor  represents  and  warrants  that it is the  legal  and
beneficial  owner of the interest  being  assigned by it hereunder and that such
interest is free and clear of any adverse  claim  created by the  Assignor.  The
Assignor  represents  and warrants that it has the power and authority and legal
right to execute  and  deliver  this  Assignment  Agreement  and to perform  its
obligations  hereunder.  The  execution  and  delivery  by the  Assignor of this
Assignment Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have
been duly authorized by proper proceedings. It is understood and agreed that the
assignment  and assumption  hereunder are made without  recourse to the Assignor
and that the Assignor makes no other  representation  or warranty of any kind to
the  Assignee.  Neither  the  Assignor  nor  any  of  its  officers,  directors,
employees,  agents or attorneys  shall be responsible for (i) the due execution,
legality, validity, enforceability,  genuineness,  sufficiency or collectability
of any Loan  Document,  including  without  limitation,  documents  granting the
Assignor and the other Lenders a security  interest in assets of the Borrower or
any  guarantor,  (ii) any  representation,  warranty or statement  made in or in
connection  with any of the Loan  Documents,  (iii) the  financial  condition or
creditworthiness  of the Borrower or any guarantor,  (iv) the  performance of or
compliance with any of the terms or provisions of any of the Loan Documents, (v)
inspecting  any of the  property,  books or  records of the  Borrower,  (vi) the
validity, enforceability,  perfection, priority, condition, value or sufficiency
of any  collateral  securing  or  purporting  to  secure  the Loans or (vii) any
mistake, error of judgment, or action taken or omitted to be taken in connection
with the Loans or the Loan Documents.

7. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ASSIGNEE. The Assignee represents and warrants that it
has the  power and  authority  and  legal  right to  execute  and  deliver  this
Assignment Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and
delivery by the Assignee of this Assignment  Agreement and the performance by it
of its obligations  hereunder have been duly  authorized by proper  proceedings.
The Assignee (i) confirms  that it has received a copy of the Credit  Agreement,
together with copies of the financial  statements  requested by the Assignee and
such other  documents and  information as it has deemed  appropriate to make its
own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment  Agreement,  (ii)
agrees that it will,  independently  and without  reliance  upon the Agent,  the
Assignor or any other Lender and based on such  documents and  information at it
shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in
taking  or not  taking  action  under the Loan  Documents,  (iii)  appoints  and
authorizes the Agent to take such action as its  contractual  representative  on
its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated
to the Agent by the terms


- ----------------------
3  The  Assignor  and   Assignee  may  delete  the  bracketed  language  if  not
   applicable.



thereof,  together with such powers as are reasonably  incidental thereto,  (iv)
agrees  that  it  will  perform  in  accordance  with  their  terms  all  of the
obligations  which  by the  terms  of the  Loan  Documents  are  required  to be
performed by it as a Lender, (v) agrees that its payment instructions and notice
instructions  are as set forth in the  attachment  to Schedule 1, (vi)  confirms
that none of the funds, monies, assets or other consideration being used to make
the purchase and  assumption  hereunder are "plan assets" as defined under ERISA
and that its rights, benefits and interests in and under the Loan Documents will
not be "plan assets" under ERISA,  [and (viii) attaches the forms  prescribed by
the Internal  Revenue Service of the United States  certifying that the Assignee
is entitled to receive  payments under the Loan Documents  without  deduction or
withholding of any United States federal income taxes].4

8. INDEMNITY.  The Assignee  agrees to indemnify and hold the Assignor  harmless
against any and all losses, costs and expenses  (including,  without limitation,
reasonable  attorneys'  fees)  and  liabilities  incurred  by  the  Assignor  in
connection with or arising in any manner from the Assignee's  non-performance of
the obligations assumed under this Assignment Agreement.

9. SUBSEQUENT ASSIGNMENTS. After the Effective Date, the Assignee shall have the
right pursuant to SECTION  13.3(A) of the Credit  Agreement to assign the rights
which are assigned to the Assignee  hereunder to any entity or person,  provided
that (i) any such  subsequent  assignment  does not violate any of the terms and
conditions of the Loan  Documents or any law,  rule,  regulation,  order,  writ,
judgment,  injunction or decree and that any consent required under the terms of
the Loan  Documents has been obtained and (ii) unless the prior written  consent
of the  Assignor is  obtained,  the  Assignee is not thereby  released  from its
obligations to the Assignor  hereunder,  if any remain  unsatisfied,  including,
without limitation, its obligations under SECTIONS 4, 5 and 8 hereof.

10.  REDUCTIONS  OF AGGREGATE  COMMITMENT.  If any  reduction  in the  Aggregate
Revolving Loan Commitment  occurs between the date of this Assignment  Agreement
and the Effective Date, the percentage  interest specified in Item 3 of Schedule
1 shall remain the same, but the dollar amount  purchased  shall be recalculated
based on the reduced Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment.

11. ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  This  Assignment  Agreement  and the attached  Notice of
Assignment  embody the entire  agreement and  understanding  between the parties
hereto and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties
hereto relating to the subject matter hereof.

12.  GOVERNING LAW. This Assignment  Agreement shall be governed by the internal
laws  (including,  without  limitation,  735 ILCS  Section  105/5-1 et seq,  but
otherwise  without  regard to the conflict of laws  provisions)  of the State of
Illinois.

13.  NOTICES.  Notices  shall be given under this  Assignment  Agreement  in the
manner set forth in the Credit Agreement.  For the purpose hereof, the addresses
of the  parties  hereto  (until  notice of a change is  delivered)  shall be the
address set forth in the attachment to Schedule 1.


- ----------------------
4  To be  inserted  if the  Assignee  is not incorporated  under the laws of the
United States, or a state thereof.




      IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have  executed  this  Assignment
Agreement by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

                              [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]


                              By:
                              Title:


                              [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]


                              By:
                              Title:













                                    EXHIBIT I
                             to Assignment Agreement

                                     NOTICE
                                  OF ASSIGNMENT


                                                     ,
                                          -----------  ----



To:   HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.8
      14500 South Outer Forty Road
      Chesterfield, MO  63017-5741
      Telecopy:  314-216-2601
      Confirmation:  314-216-2657

      BANK ONE, NA (having its principal office in Chicago, Illinois),
           AS AGENT
      One Bank One Plaza
      Suite IL1-0173
      Chicago, IL 60670-0173
      Attn: Nathan Bloch
      Telecopier:  312-732-5161
      Confirmation:  312-732-2243

From: [NAME OF ASSIGNOR] (the "Assignor")

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE] (the "Assignee")


      1. We refer to that Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") described in
Item 1 of Schedule 1 attached  hereto  ("Schedule  1").  Capitalized  terms used
herein and not otherwise  defined  herein shall have the meanings  attributed to
them in the Credit Agreement.

      2. This Notice of  Assignment  (this  "Notice") is given and  delivered to
[the  Borrower  and]  the  Agent  pursuant  to  SECTION  13.3(B)  of the  Credit
Agreement.

      3.  The  Assignor  and  the  Assignee  have  entered  into  an  Assignment
Agreement, dated as of         ,   (the "Assignment"), pursuant to which,  among
                       -------- --
other things, the Assignor has sold, assigned,  delegated and transferred to the
Assignee, and the Assignee has purchased, accepted and assumed from the Assignor
the percentage  interest  specified in Item 3 of Schedule 1 of all outstandings,
rights and  obligations  under the Credit  Agreement  relating to the facilities
listed in Item 3 of Schedule 1. The Effective  Date of the  Assignment  shall be
the later of the date specified in Section  13.3(B) of the Credit  Agreement and
the date specified in Item 5 of Schedule 1

- ----------------------
8  To be included only if consent must be obtained from the Borrower pursuant to
SECTION 13.3(A) of the Credit Agreement.



or two Business  Days (or such  shorter  period as agreed to by the Agent) after
this Notice of Assignment and any consents and fees required by SECTION 13.3 (A)
AND (B) of the Credit Agreement have been delivered to the Agent,  provided that
the Effective Date shall not occur if any condition  precedent  agreed to by the
Assignor and the Assignee has not been satisfied.

      4. The Assignor and the Assignee hereby give to the Borrower and the Agent
notice of the assignment and  delegation  referred to herein.  The Assignor will
confer  with the Agent  before  the date  specified  in Item 5 of  Schedule 1 to
determine  if the  Assignment  Agreement  will  become  effective  on such  date
pursuant to Section 3 hereof,  and will confer with the Agent to  determine  the
Effective  Date  pursuant  to  Section  3 hereof if it  occurs  thereafter.  The
Assignor  shall  notify the Agent if the  Assignment  Agreement  does not become
effective on any proposed  Effective  Date as a result of the failure to satisfy
the  conditions  precedent  agreed to by the Assignor and the  Assignee.  At the
request of the Agent,  the Assignor will give the Agent written  confirmation of
the satisfaction of the conditions precedent.

      5. The  Assignor or the  Assignee  shall pay to the Agent on or before the
Effective Date the processing fee of $3,500  required by SECTION 13.3 (B) of the
Credit Agreement.

      6. If notes are  outstanding  on the Effective  Date, the Assignor and the
Assignee  request  and direct that the Agent  prepare and cause the  Borrower to
execute and deliver new notes or, as  appropriate,  replacements  notes,  to the
Assignor and the Assignee.  The Assignor and the Assignee,  as applicable,  each
agree to deliver to the Agent the original note received by it from the Borrower
upon its receipt of a new note in the appropriate amount.

      7. The Assignee advises the Agent that notice and payment instructions are
set forth in the attachment to Schedule 1.

      8. The Assignee  hereby  represents  and warrants  that none of the funds,
monies,  assets or other  consideration being used to make the purchase pursuant
to the  Assignment are "plan assets" as defined under ERISA and that its rights,
benefits,  and  interests  in and  under  the Loan  Documents  will not be "plan
assets" under ERISA.






      9.  The  Assignee   authorizes  the  Agent  to  act  as  its   contractual
representative  under the Loan  Documents in accordance  with the terms thereof.
The Assignee  acknowledges that the Agent has no duty to supply information with
respect to the Borrower or the Loan Documents to the Assignee until the Assignee
becomes a party to the Credit Agreement.9

NAME OF ASSIGNOR                       NAME OF ASSIGNEE

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


ACKNOWLEDGED [AND CONSENTED            ACKNOWLEDGED [AND CONSENTED
TO] BY BANK ONE, NA, AS AGENT          TO] BY HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.

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


                 [Attach photocopy of Schedule 1 to Assignment]












- ----------------------
9  May be eliminated if Assignee is a party to the Credit Agreement prior to the
Effective Date.





                                    EXHIBIT E
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                      FORM OF BORROWER'S COUNSEL'S OPINION

                                    Attached










To the Persons Listed on Annex 1 hereto

      Re:   HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.
            ------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      We have acted as special  counsel to Huttig  Building  Products,  Inc.,  a
Delaware  corporation  (the "Company),  and each of the  Subsidiaries  listed on
Annex 2  hereto  (the "  Subsidiaries"),  and  together  with the  Company,  the
"Obligors",  and  individually,  an  "Obligor"),  in  connection  with  (i)  the
execution  and  delivery  by the  Company  of the Credit  Agreement  dated as of
December 16, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement") between the Company, Bank One, NA, as
Agent (the  "Agent")  and the  Institutions  parties  thereto  as  Lenders  (the
"Lenders"),  (ii) the execution  and delivery by each  Subsidiary of a Guaranty,
dated as of December 16, 1999  (collectively,  the "Guaranties"),  and (iii) the
execution  and delivery by the Company of (a) a Revolving  Loan Note in favor of
First Union  National Bank dated  December 16, 1999 in the  principal  amount of
Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000),  (b) a Revolving Loan Note in favor of The
Dai-Ichi  Kangyo Bank,  Ltd. dated December 16, 1999 in the principal  amount of
Ten Million  Dollars  ($10,000,000),  (c) a Revolving  Loan Note in favor of The
Bank of New York dated  December  16,  1999 in the  principal  amount of Fifteen
Million  Dollars  ($15,000,000)  and  (d) a  Revolving  Loan  Note in  favor  of
Mercantile  Bank National  Association  dated December 16, 1999 in the principal
amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) (the "Notes"). We are delivering
this opinion letter to you at the Company's  request  pursuant to Section 5.1(5)
of the Credit  Agreement.  This opinion  letter has been  prepared and should be
understood in accordance with the Legal Opinion  Principles of the ABA Committee
on Legal Opinions  (1998).  Capitalized  terms used in this opinion that are not
otherwise  defined  herein shall have the  respective  meanings set forth in the
Credit Agreement.

      The  following  documents  are  referred to  collectively  in this opinion
letter as the "Financing Documents":

      1.    the Credit Agreement;
      2.    the Notes; and
      3.    the Guaranties.

      In  connection  with  rendering  the  opinions  set forth  below,  we have
examined  the  Financing   Documents,   the  Company's  and  each   Subsidiary's
certificate  or  articles  of  incorporation  and  bylaws  (the  "Organizational
Documents"),  and we have  made  such  other





investigation as we have deemed appropriate. We have also examined and relied as
to  matters  of fact on  certificates  of public  officials  and,  as to certain
matters of fact which are  material to our  opinion,  we have also  examined and
relied upon a certificate of an officer of the Company and each Subsidiary (each
a "Fact Certificate" and collectively the "Fact  Certificates").  A copy of each
Fact Certificate is attached to this opinion letter.

      We have also made the assumptions that are customary in opinion letters of
this kind as expressed in the Legal  Opinion  Principles of the ABA Committee on
Legal Opinions (1998), including the assumptions that each document submitted to
us is accurate  and  complete,  that each such  document  that is an original is
authentic,  that each such  document  that is a copy  conforms  to an  authentic
original,  that  each  document  has been  executed  and  delivered  by the duly
authorized  representative  of each party  thereto  (other  than the Company and
Rugby  Building  Products,  Inc.  ("Rugby")),  that all  signatures on each such
document are genuine, and that no material changes in the facts certified in any
of the Fact  Certificates have occurred or will occur after the date of the Fact
Certificate.

      The opinions  expressed in this opinion  letter are limited to the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,  federal laws of the United States of America,
and, with respect to the opinion in numbered  paragraphs  1, 3 and 4 below,  the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.  We are not opining on, and we
assume no responsibility  with respect to, the applicability to or effect on any
of the matters  covered  herein of the laws of any other  jurisdiction.  We note
that  the  Financing  Documents  provide  that  they are to be  governed  by and
construed in accordance  with the laws of the State of Illinois.  Our opinion is
given,  however, as if the Financing Documents were governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,  without regard to
its conflict of interest  provisions.  References in this opinion  letter to our
knowledge  mean a conscious  awareness of facts by lawyers  currently  with this
Firm who have given substantive attention to legal representation of the Company
or the Subsidiary,  as applicable, in matters relating directly to the Financing
Documents.

      Based on the  foregoing  and such  other  inquiry as to fact and law as we
have  deemed  necessary,  and  subject  to  the  foregoing  and  the  additional
qualifications and other matters set forth below, it is our opinion that:

      1.  Each  of  the  Company  and  each  Subsidiary  is a  corporation  duly
incorporated,  validly  existing in good standing under the laws of the state of
its  incorporation.  Each of the Borrower and Rugby has all requisite  corporate
power and authority to own and operate its properties,  to carry on its business
as now conducted and as currently proposed,  to our knowledge,  to be conducted,
and, in the case of the Company,  to enter into and perform the Credit Agreement
and the Notes,  and, in the case of Rugby,  to execute,  deliver and perform its
Guaranty.





      2.  Each of the Company and each Subsidiary is duly  qualified and in good
standing as a foreign corporation authorized to do business in each jurisdiction
where the nature of its business or the character of its  properties  makes such
qualification necessary,  except where failure to be so qualified would not have
a Material Adverse Effect.

      3.  The execution  and  delivery  of, and  performance  of its  respective
obligations  under, each of the Financing  Documents has been duly authorized by
proper  corporate  action on the part of the Company and Rugby,  as  applicable,
each of the  Financing  Documents  has been duly  executed  and  delivered by an
authorized officer of the Company and Rugby, as applicable,  and constitutes the
legal,  valid and binding  obligations of the Company and Rugby,  as applicable,
enforceable  in  accordance  with  their  terms,   except  to  the  extent  that
enforcement  thereof  may  be  limited  by  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,
fraudulent transaction, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or similar laws
of general  application  relating  to or  affecting  the rights and  remedies of
creditors or by  equitable  principles,  regardless  of whether  enforcement  is
sought in a proceeding in equity or at law and the effect of judicial discretion
on  the   availability  of  remedies  and  realization  of  benefits  under  and
enforceability of the Financing Documents in all respects as written,  including
but not limited to the recovery of attorneys'  fees and the granting of specific
performance or injunctive or other relief. With respect to Rugby's Guaranty,  we
note that  guaranties  are subject to  particularly  close  scrutiny  and strict
construction,  may be  revocable at any time as to loans not yet made and not be
enforceable as to any obligations other than those specifically  contemplated by
the Agent and the  Lenders,  the  Company  and the  Subsidiaries  to be incurred
pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

      4.  The execution and delivery by the Company and each Subsidiary  of, and
the performance by the Company and each Subsidiary of its respective obligations
under,  the  Financing  Documents  to  which it is a party  do not  require  any
approval by or filing with any governmental  authority under any statute,  rule,
or  regulation  of the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania  or, with  respect to the
Company and Rugby, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,  or the
United States of America.

      5.  The  execution, delivery  and performance of  the Credit Agreement and
the Notes by the Company and the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  of the
Guaranties by the  Subsidiaries  do not result in any breach or violation of any
of the provisions of, or constitute a default under,  require the consent of any
Person  under,  or  result  in the  creation  or  imposition  of any Lien on the
property of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to, the provisions of (i) the
certificate  or  articles  of  incorporation  or  bylaws of the  Company  or any
Subsidiary  (or  require  any  approval  of the  shareholders  of the Company or
Rugby),  (ii) any loan agreement or evidence of  Indebtedness  identified on any
Fact  Certificate  to which the Company or any  Subsidiary is a party,  or other
material  agreement  identified on any Fact  Certificate to which the Company or
any  Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them or their property is bound or
may be affected, (iii) any law, or





regulation applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary, or (iv) to our knowledge
any order,  writ,  injunction or decree of any court or  Governmental  Authority
applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary identified on any Fact Certificate.

      This opinion is being furnished to you and your respective  successors and
assigns,  (the  "Addressees") in connection with the closing of the transactions
contemplated by the Financing  Documents and for no other purpose and may not be
used by,  disclosed to or relied upon by any other  person or by the  Addressees
for any other purpose  without our specific  prior written  consent  except that
each of the Addressees may furnish  copies thereof to its  independent  auditors
and  lawyers,  to any state,  federal or national  authority  having  regulatory
jurisdiction  over it,  pursuant  to any order or legal  process of any court or
governmental  agency  and in  connection  with any legal  action to which it may
become a party arising out of the Financing Documents.

      The  foregoing  opinions are  rendered as of the date of this  letter.  We
assume no obligation to update or supplement  any of our opinions to reflect any
changes of law or fact that may occur.


                                    Yours truly,









                                     ANNEX 1
                                   Addressees


Bank One, NA, as Agent and as a Lender

The Chase Manhattan Bank, as a Lender

Comerica Bank, as a Lender

Mercantile Bank National Association, as a Lender

First Union National Bank, as a Lender

The Bank of New York, as a Lender

The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd., as a Lender





                                     ANNEX 2
                                  Subsidiaries

Rugby USA, Inc., a Georgia corporation
Rugby Building Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation
CIPCO Inc., an Illinois corporation
Rondel's Inc., a Washington corporation




                            FORM OF FACT CERTIFICATE
                            ------------------------

            This  Certificate  is delivered by HUTTIG  BUILDING  PRODUCTS,  INC.
("Company") to KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART LLP ("K&L") in connection  with an opinion
to be  rendered  by K&L in  connection  with the  Credit  Agreement  dated as of
December 16, 1999 among the Company , the Institutions from time to time Parties
thereto as Lenders and Bank One, NA, as Agent (the "Credit Agreement").  Defined
terms as used  herein  shall  have the  meanings  given such terms in the Credit
Agreement.

            The undersigned  acknowledges that K&L will rely on this Certificate
in rendering its opinion.

            1.    To  the  undersigned's  knowledge,   except  as  described  on
                  Schedule 1 attached  hereto and made a part hereof,  there are
                  no  orders,  writs,  injunctions  or  decrees  of any court or
                  Governmental Authority applicable to the Company.

            2.    Schedule 2 attached  hereto and made a part hereof  identifies
                  all loan  agreements or evidence of  Indebtedness to which the
                  Company  is a party,  and all  other  material  agreements  or
                  instruments  to which the Company is a party or by which it or
                  any of its property is bound or may be affected.

            3.    Schedule 3 attached  hereto and made a part hereof  identifies
                  all  locations  where  the  Company  and its  subsidiaries  as
                  qualified to do business as a foreign corporation.


            Witness the due execution hereof on December  , 1999
                                                        --


                                          HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.



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






                            FORM OF FACT CERTIFICATE
                            ------------------------

            This  Certificate  is delivered  by RUGBY  BUILDING  PRODUCTS,  INC.
("Company") to KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART LLP ("K&L") in connection  with an opinion
to be  rendered  by K&L in  connection  with the  Credit  Agreement  dated as of
December 16, 1999 among the Company,  the Institutions from time to time Parties
thereto as Lenders and Bank One, NA, as Agent and various  lenders party thereto
(the "Credit  Agreement").  Defined terms as used herein shall have the meanings
given such terms in the Credit Agreement.

            The undersigned  acknowledges that K&L will rely on this Certificate
in rendering its opinion.

            1.    To  the  undersigned's  knowledge,   except  as  described  on
                  Schedule 1 attached  hereto and made a part hereof,  there are
                  no  orders,  writs,  injunctions  or  decrees  of any court or
                  Governmental Authority applicable to the Company.

            2.    Schedule 2 attached  hereto and made a part hereof  identifies
                  all loan  agreements or evidence of  Indebtedness to which the
                  Company or Rugby USA, Inc. is a party,  and all other material
                  agreements or  instruments  to which the Company or Rugby USA,
                  Inc. is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound
                  or may be affected.

            3.    Schedule 3 attached  hereto and made a part hereof  identifies
                  all  locations  where the  Company  and Rugby  USA,  Inc.  are
                  qualified to do business as a foreign corporation.

            4.    Neither the Company or Rugby USA, Inc. Is engaged nor proposes
                  t engage in the  business of  investing,  reinvesting  owning,
                  holding or trading securities,  and does not own or propose to
                  acquire investment  securities having a value exceeding 40% of
                  the  Company's or Rugby USA, Inc.  Total assets  (exclusive of
                  government  securities  and cash  items) on an  unconsolidated
                  basis.

            Witness the due execution hereof on December   , 1999
                                                         --


                                      RUGBY BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.



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













To the Persons Listed on Annex 1 hereto

      Re:   HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      We have acted as special  Missouri  counsel to Huttig  Building  Products,
Inc.,  a Delaware  corporation  (the  "Company"),  and each of the  Subsidiaries
listed on Annex 2 hereto (the  "Subsidiaries"),  and together  with the Company,
the  "Obligors",  and  individually,  an "Obligor"),  in connection with (i) the
execution  and  delivery  by the  Company  of the Credit  Agreement  dated as of
December 16, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement") between the Company, Bank One, NA, as
Agent (the  "Agent")  and the  Institutions  parties  thereto  as  Lenders  (the
"Lenders"),  (ii) the execution  and delivery by each  Subsidiary of a Guaranty,
dated as of December 16, 1999  (collectively,  the "Guaranties"),  and (iii) the
execution  and delivery by the Company of (a) a Revolving  Loan Note in favor of
First Union  National Bank dated  December 16, 1999 in the  principal  amount of
Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000),  (b) a Revolving Loan Note in favor of The
Dai-Ichi  Kangyo Bank,  Ltd. dated December 16, 1999 in the principal  amount of
Ten Million  Dollars  ($10,000,000),  (c) a Revolving  Loan Note in favor of The
Bank of New York dated  December  16,  1999 in the  principal  amount of Fifteen
Million  Dollars  ($15,000,000)  and  (d) a  Revolving  Loan  Note in  favor  of
Mercantile Bank National  Association  dated December 16, 1999, in the principal
amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) (the "Notes"). We are delivering
this  opinion  letter to you at the  Company's  request  pursuant  to the Credit
Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this opinion that are not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

      The  following  documents  are  referred to  collectively  in this opinion
letter as the "Financing Documents":

      1.    the Credit Agreement;
      2.    the Notes; and
      3.    the Guaranties.

      In  connection  with  rendering  the  opinions  set forth  below,  we have
examined  drafts  of the  Financing  Documents,  and we  have  made  such  other
investigation as we have deemed appropriate.

      In rendering  the following  opinions,  we have further  assumed,  without
independent investigation but with your permission, that: (a) all parties to the
Financing  Documents are duly organized,  validly  existing and in good standing
under the laws of their  respective  jurisdictions of organization and have full
right,  power,  and  authority to enter into the  Financing  Documents;  (b) the
execution and delivery of







the Financing  Documents have been duly  authorized by all necessary  action and
proceedings on the part of all parties thereto; (c) the Financing Documents have
been duly  executed and  delivered  by all parties  thereto;  (d) the  Financing
Documents  constitute  the legal,  valid and binding  obligations of each of the
parties thereto,  enforceable  against such parties in accordance with its terms
under the laws of the State of  Illinois;  and (e) all parties to the  Financing
Documents have obtained any and all consents,  permits and approvals required by
or from any and all governmental and regulatory agencies, bodies and authorities
in  connection  with  the  transactions  contemplated  thereby,  to  the  extent
necessary for the legality,  validity,  binding effect or  enforceability of the
Financing Documents.

      The opinions  expressed in this opinion  letter are limited to the laws of
the State of  Missouri in effect as of the date  hereof.  We are not opining on,
and we assume no responsibility  with respect to, the applicability to or effect
on any of the matters covered herein of the laws of any other  jurisdiction.  We
note that the  Financing  Documents  provide that they are to be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

      Based on the  foregoing  and such  other  inquiry as to fact and law as we
have  deemed  necessary,  and  subject  to  the  foregoing  and  the  additional
qualifications  and other matters set forth below, it is our opinion that: 1. If
the Financing  Documents  were governed by the laws of the State of Missouri (as
opposed  to the laws of the  State of  Illinois  as set  forth in the  Financing
Documents),  the  Financing  Documents  would  constitute  the legal,  valid and
binding obligation of the Obligors and would be enforceable against the Obligors
in accordance with their respective terms, (a) except as such enforceability may
be limited by (i)  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  fraudulent  conveyance,
fraudulent  transfer,  redemption,  moratorium,  reorganization  or similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors'  rights  generally,  including,  without
limitation,  (A) the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, and thus
comprehends,  among  others,  matters of  turn-over,  automatic  stay,  avoiding
powers, fraudulent transfer, preference, discharge, conversion of a non-recourse
obligation into a recourse claim,  limitations on ipso facto and anti-assignment
clauses and the coverage of  pre-petition  security  agreements  and other liens
with  respect to  property  acquired  after a petition  is filed,  (B) all other
Federal, state and foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership,
moratorium,  arrangement  and  assignment for the benefit of creditors laws that
affect the rights and  remedies of  creditors  generally,  (C) state and foreign
fraudulent  transfer and conveyance laws and (D) judicially  developed doctrines
relevant to any of the foregoing  laws,  such as  substantive  consolidation  of
entities  and (ii)  general  principles  of equity  (regardless  of whether such
enforceability  is considered  in a proceeding in equity or at law),  including,
without  limitation,  principles  (A)  governing  the  availability  of specific
performance,  injunctive  relief or other  equitable  remedies,  which generally
place  the  award  of such  remedies,  subject  to  certain  guidelines,  in the
discretion  of the  court to which  application  for such  relief  is made,  (B)
affording equitable defenses (e.g., waiver, laches and estoppel) against a party
seeking  enforcement,   (C)  requiring  good  faith  and  fair  dealing  in  the
performance and enforcement of a contract by the party seeking its  enforcement,
(D) requiring  reasonableness in the performance and enforcement of an agreement
by the party seeking enforcement of the contract, (E) requiring consideration of
the  materiality  of a breach  and the  consequences  of the breach to the party
seeking  enforcement,  (F) requiring  consideration of the  impracticability  or
impossibility  of  performance  at the  time of  attempted  enforcement  and (G)
affording  defenses based upon the  unconscionability  of the enforcing  party's







conduct  after the parties have entered into the contract and (b) subject to the
fact that certain  covenants,  provisions,  rights and remedies contained in the
Financing Documents may be rendered ineffective or limited by applicable laws or
judicial  decisions  governing  such  provisions,  but such  laws  and  judicial
decisions  do not in and of  themselves,  in our  opinion,  make  the  Financing
Documents inadequate for the practical  realization of the benefits and security
intended  to be  provided  by the  Financing  Documents.  2. We  believe  that a
Missouri court,  or a Federal court sitting in Missouri,  would honor the choice
of Illinois law to govern the Financing Documents,  thereby giving effect to the
choice of law terms  contained in the  Financing  Documents  providing  that the
Financing  Documents will be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.  Our
opinion is based  upon our  belief  that such  court  would  apply the  standard
followed  by the courts in Hansen v.  Duvall,  333 Mo. 59, 62 S.W.2d 732 (1933),
Merchants' &  Manufacturers'  Securities  Co. v. Johnson,  69 F.2d 940 (8th Cir.
1934),  cert.  denied,  293 U.S. 569 (1934);  and Nelson v. Aetna Life Insurance
Co., 359 F. Supp. 271 (W.D.  Mo. 1973),  which provide that generally the choice
of law made by parties to a contract will be honored if the chosen  jurisdiction
bears a reasonable  relationship to the transaction.  We have also  specifically
assumed  that  (a) (i) the  issuance  of the  Notes  pursuant  to the  Financing
Documents  will  take  place in the  State of  Illinois;  and (ii) the Notes are
initially  payable in the State of Illinois;  (b) that a court would  determine,
based on such facts,  that the choice of law bears a reasonable  relationship to
the transaction(s) contemplated by the Financing Documents; (c) the parties have
acted in good faith in  selecting  the choice of law and not for the  purpose of
evading the law of a jurisdiction which might otherwise be deemed the real situs
of the  contract;  and  (d) the  agreement  as to the  choice  of law  does  not
contravene the public policy of Missouri or of the forum.

      The opinion set forth above is subject to the qualification and limitation
that we are members of the bar of the State of Missouri and our  examination  of
laws relevant to matters herein is consequently  limited to the laws of Missouri
in effect as of the date  hereof.  Accordingly,  we  express  no  opinion  as to
matters governed by federal law or the laws of any other state or jurisdiction.

      This opinion is being furnished to you and your respective  successors and
assigns,  (the  "Addressees") in connection with the closing of the transactions
contemplated by the Financing  Documents and for no other purpose and may not be
used by,  disclosed to or relied upon by any other  person or by the  Addressees
for any other purpose  without our specific  prior written  consent  except that
each of the Addressees may furnish  copies thereof to its  independent  auditors
and  lawyers,  to any state,  federal or national  authority  having  regulatory
jurisdiction  over it,  pursuant  to any order or legal  process of any court or
governmental  agency  and in  connection  with any legal  action to which it may
become a party arising out of the Financing Documents.

      The  foregoing  opinions are  rendered as of the date of this  letter.  We
assume no obligation to update or supplement  any of our opinions to reflect any
changes of law or fact that may occur.

                                          Very truly yours,









                                     ANNEX 1

                                   ADDRESSEES


Bank One, NA, as Agent and as a Lender

The Chase Manhattan Bank, as a Lender

Comerica Bank, as a Lender

Mercantile Bank National Association, as Lender

First Union National Bank, as a Lender

The Bank of New York, as a Lender

The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd., as a Lender





                                     ANNEX 2

                                  SUBSIDIARIES


Rugby USA, Inc., a Georgia corporation
Rugby Building Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation
CIPCO Inc., an Illinois corporation
Rondel's Inc., a Washington corporation













                                    EXHIBIT F
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                            LIST OF CLOSING DOCUMENTS

                                    Attached




                                  $125,000,000
                                 CREDIT FACILITY
                                       TO
                         HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.


                           LIST OF CLOSING DOCUMENTS1


                                A. LOAN DOCUMENTS

o  Credit  Agreement  (the  "CREDIT  AGREEMENT")  by and among  Huttig  Building
Products,  Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "BORROWER"),  the institutions from
time to time parties  thereto as Lenders (the  "LENDERS"),  Bank One, NA (having
its principal office in Chicago,  Illinois), in its capacity as Agent for itself
and the other Lenders (the "AGENT"),  and Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. as lead
arranger  and  sole  bookrunner  (the  "ARRANGER"),  evidencing  a  $125,000,000
revolving credit facility.

                                    EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A         --    Revolving Loan Commitments (Definitions)
EXHIBIT B         --    Form of Borrowing/Election Notice
                        (Sections 2.2, 2.7 and 2.9)
EXHIBIT C         --    Form of Request for Letter of Credit (Section 3.4)
EXHIBIT D         --    Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement
                        (Sections 2.19 and 13.3)
EXHIBIT E         --    FORM OF BORROWER'S COUNSELS' OPINION (Section 5.1)
EXHIBIT F         --    List of Closing Documents (Section 5.1)
EXHIBIT G         --    Form  of  Officer's  Certificate (Sections 5.2 and
                        7.1(A)(iii))
EXHIBIT H         --    Form  of  Compliance Certificate (Sections 5.2 and
                        7.1(A)(iii))
EXHIBIT I         --    Form of Guaranty (Definitions)

                                    SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1.1.1    --    PERMITTED EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS (DEFINITIONS)
SCHEDULE 1.1.2    --    PERMITTED EXISTING INVESTMENTS (DEFINITIONS)
SCHEDULE 1.1.3    --    PERMITTED EXISTING LIENS (DEFINITIONS)
SCHEDULE 1.1.4    --    PERMITTED EXISTING CONTINGENT OBLIGATIONS (DEFINITIONS)
SCHEDULE 3.2      --    TRANSITIONAL LETTERS OF CREDIT (SECTION 3.2)


- --------------
1 Capitalized  terms used herein and not defined  herein shall have the meanings
assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.  BOLD/ITALICIZED documents shall
be prepared and/or provided by the Borrower and/or Borrower's Counsel



SCHEDULE 5.1      --    TERMINATED INDEBTEDNESS (SECTION 5.1)
SCHEDULE 6.3      --    CONFLICTS; GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS (SECTION 6.3)
SCHEDULE 6.4      --    PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (SECTION 6.4(A))
SCHEDULE 6.7      --    LITIGATION; LOSS CONTINGENCIES (SECTION 6.7)
SCHEDULE 6.8      --    SUBSIDIARIES (SECTION 6.8)
SCHEDULE 6.9      --    ERISA (SECTION 6.9)
SCHEDULE 6.18     --    SPIN-OFF TRANSACTIONS AND RUGBY ACQUISITION CONDITIONS
                        (SECTION 6.18)
SCHEDULE 6.19     --    ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (SECTION 6.19)

o     Guaranty executed by  each Subsidiary of the Borrower listed on APPENDIX A
attached hereto in favor of the Agent.


                             B. CORPORATE DOCUMENTS

o     CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE BORROWER CERTIFYING (I) RESOLUTIONS OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BORROWER (A) APPROVING THE ACQUISITION (THE "RUGBY
ACQUISITION")  OF CERTAIN  ASSETS AND  LIABILITIES OF RUGBY USA, INC., A GEORGIA
CORPORATION  ("RUGBY  USA") AND (B)  AUTHORIZING  THE  EXECUTION,  DELIVERY  AND
PERFORMANCE  OF EACH DOCUMENT TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY,  (II) THAT THERE HAVE BEEN
NO CHANGES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE BORROWER SINCE THE DATE OF
THE MOST RECENT CERTIFICATION  THEREOF BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF DELAWARE (AN
ORIGINAL OF WHICH IS ATTACHED  THERETO),  (III) THE NAMES AND TRUE SIGNATURES OF
THE INCUMBENT OFFICERS OF THE BORROWER AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH
IT IS A PARTY AND AUTHORIZED TO REQUEST  BORROWINGS UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENTS,
AND (IV) THE BY-LAWS (ATTACHED THERETO) OF THE BORROWER AS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE
OF SUCH CERTIFICATION.

o     CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE BORROWER CERTIFIED BY THE SECRETARY OF
STATE OF DELAWARE.

o     GOOD  STANDING  CERTIFICATE  FOR  THE  BORROWER  FROM  THE  OFFICE  OF THE
SECRETARY OF STATE OF DELAWARE.

o     CERTIFICATE  OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  EACH SUBSIDIARY  LISTED ON APPENDIX A
ATTACHED  HERETO,  CERTIFYING (I)  RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EACH
SUCH  SUBSIDIARY   APPROVING  AND   AUTHORIZING  THE  EXECUTION,   DELIVERY  AND
PERFORMANCE  OF EACH DOCUMENT TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY,  (II) THAT THERE HAVE BEEN
NO CHANGES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF  INCORPORATION OF ANY SUCH SUBSIDIARY SINCE THE
DATE OF THE MOST RECENT  CERTIFICATION  THEREOF BY THE APPROPRIATE  GOVERNMENTAL
AUTHORITY,  AS INDICATED ON APPENDIX A ATTACHED HERETO,  (ORIGINALS OF WHICH ARE
ATTACHED THERETO), (III) THE NAMES AND TRUE SIGNATURES OF THE INCUMBENT OFFICERS
OF EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY,
AND (IV) THE BY-LAWS (ATTACHED  THERETO) OF EACH SUCH SUBSIDIARY AS IN EFFECT ON
THE DATE OF SUCH CERTIFICATION.

o     CERTIFICATES OF INCORPORATION OF EACH SUBSIDIARY IDENTIFIED ON  APPENDIX A
ATTACHED  HERETO,  CERTIFIED  BY  THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE  OF  ITS  RESPECTIVE
JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION.



o     GOOD STANDING  CERTIFICATES  FOR EACH  SUBSIDIARY  FROM THE OFFICES OF THE
APPROPRIATE SECRETARY OF STATE OF ITS RESPECTIVE  JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION,
AS INDICATED ON APPENDIX A AND ATTACHED HERETO.


                            C. SPIN-OFF DOCUMENTATION

o     FORM 10 GENERAL FORM FOR THE REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES, AS AMENDED, FILED
BY THE BORROWER (FILE NO.  1-15313) WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION
IN  CONNECTION  WITH THE  SPIN-OFF,  TOGETHER  WITH ALL EXHIBITS  AND  SCHEDULES
THERETO.


                          D. ACQUISITION DOCUMENTATION

o     SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, AS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 19, 1999, TOGETHER  WITH
ALL SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO.

o     COPIES OF ALL CONSENTS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO  SECTIONS 3.6  AND 4.6 OF  THE
SHARE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT.

o     THE  REGISTRATION  RIGHTS  AGREEMENT,  AS  IN EFFECT ON DECEMBER 16, 1999,
TOGETHER WITH ALL SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO.

o     THE TRANSITION  SERVICES  AGREEMENT,  AS  IN  EFFECT ON DECEMBER 16, 1999,
TOGETHER WITH ALL SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO.

o     EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY  TO  THE  ADMINISTRATIVE  AGENT OF U.S. GOVERNMENTAL
APPROVAL  OF  THE  RUGBY  ACQUISITION  UNDER  THE  HART-SCOTT-RODINO   ANTITRUST
IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1976, AS AMENDED.


                             E. PAYOFF DOCUMENTATION

o     PAYOFF LETTERS TO THE AGENT EVIDENCING THE  PAYMENT OF ALL  PRINCIPAL  AND
INTEREST  ON ANY  LOANS  OUTSTANDING  UNDER  ALL  OUTSTANDING  DEBT  AND  CREDIT
FACILITIES OF THE BORROWER AND EACH OF ITS  SUBSIDIARIES  IDENTIFIED ON SCHEDULE
5.1 TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.





                                   F. OPINIONS

o     OPINION  OF SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR THE BORROWER  AND  THE  SUBSIDIARIES  WITH
RESPECT TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT

                  A.    KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART , LLP
                  B.    THOMPSON COBURN LLP


                    G. CLOSING CERTIFICATES AND MISCELLANEOUS

o     OFFICER'S  NO-DEFAULT  CERTIFICATE FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE
BORROWER.

o     CLOSING  CERTIFICATE  ADDRESSING  CERTAIN  CLOSING CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN
SECTION 5.1 OF THE CREDIT  AGREEMENT,  EXECUTED BY AN AUTHORIZED  OFFICER OF THE
BORROWER.

o     FUNDS FLOW  MEMORANDUM  AND DISBURSEMENT  DIRECTION LETTER EXECUTED BY THE
BORROWER AND ADDRESSED TO THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS.

o     NOTICE OF BORROWING. (See Exhibit B to Credit Agreement)

o     Financial  Condition  Certificate  delivered   by   the  Borrower's  chief
financial officer with appropriate supporting  information attached,  including,
without  limitation,  (A)  PRO  FORMA  OPENING  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS;  AND  (B)
BORROWER'S PROJECTIONS FOR THE SIX (6) YEARS FOLLOWING CLOSING.

o     AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE BORROWER.

o     AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF RUGBY USA.

o     PRO FORMA OPENING CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE BORROWER AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES.

o     Summary of Environmental Issues AND ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION REPORTS.

o     AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS LETTER.

o     Revolving Notes executed by the Borrower in favor of First Union  National
Bank, The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd. and The Bank of New York (collectively, the
"REQUESTING  REVOLVING  LENDERS")  in the  aggregate  principal  amount  of each
Requesting  Revolving  Lender's  respective  Revolving Loan Commitment under the
Credit Agreement.







                              H. POST-CLOSING ITEMS

o     NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BORROWER AND CERTAIN PURCHASERS OF THE
SENIOR NOTES.

o     SENIOR NOTES IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $75,000,000 ISSUED
BY THE BORROWER PURSUANT TO THE NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.









                                                                      APPENDIX A

                             SUBSIDIARIES OF HUTTIG


      SUBSIDIARY NAME                           STATE OF INCORPORATION
      ----------------------------------------------------------------

      Rondel's Inc.                             Washington
      CIPCO Inc.                                Illinois
      Rugby USA, Inc.                           Georgia
      Rugby Building Products, Inc.             Delaware








                                    EXHIBIT G
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                          FORM OF OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE

                              OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE


      I, the  undersigned,  hereby  certify that I am the                     of
                                                           ------------------
Huttig Building Products,  Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of  Delaware  (the  "Borrower").  Capitalized  terms  used
herein and not otherwise  defined  herein are as defined in that certain  Credit
Agreement  dated as of December  16, 1999,  among the  Borrower,  the  financial
institutions  from time to time  parties  thereto  and Bank One,  NA (having its
principal  office in  Chicago,  Illinois),  as  contractual  representative  (as
amended,  restated,  supplemented  or  modified  from time to time,  the "Credit
Agreement").

      I further certify that,  pursuant to [SECTION 5.2] [SECTION 7.1(A)] of the
Credit Agreement, as of the date hereof:

      1. No  Default or  Unmatured  Default  exists  [other  than the  following
(describe  the  nature  of the  Default  or  Unmatured  Default  and the  status
thereof)].

      2. The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in ARTICLE
VI of the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects.

      IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  I hereby subscribe my name on behalf of the Borrower
on this      day of            ,     .
        ----        -----------  ----



                                      ----------------------------
                                          [Insert Name of Officer]




                                    EXHIBIT H
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE


      Pursuant to [SECTION 5.2] [SECTION  7.1(A)(III)]  of the Credit  Agreement
(as amended,  modified,  restated or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit
Agreement"),  dated as of December 16, 1999 among Huttig Building Products, Inc.
(the "Borrower"),  the financial  institutions  parties thereto (the "Lenders"),
Bank One, NA (having its principal  office in Chicago,  Illinois),  individually
and as agent  (the  "Agent")  on behalf  of the  Lenders,  and Banc One  Capital
Markets,  Inc.,  as (the "Lead  Arranger and Sole Book Runner") on behalf of the
Lenders, the Borrower, through its                            ,  hereby delivers
                                   ---------------------------
to the Agent[,  together with the financial  statements  being  delivered to the
Agent  pursuant  to SECTION  7.1(A) of the Credit  Agreement,]  this  Compliance
Certificate (the  "Certificate")  [for the accounting period from              ,
                                                                  -------------
19  /20   to            ,  20   (the "Accounting  Period")].  Capitalized  terms
  --   --    -----------     --
used  herein  shall  have  the  meanings  set  forth  in the  Credit  Agreement.
Subsection references herein relate to subsections of the Credit Agreement.

THE  UNDERSIGNED,  SOLELY IN HIS OR HER  CAPACITY AS AN OFFICER OF THE  BORROWER
(AND NOT INDIVIDUALLY) HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:

1.  I am the duly elected                  of the Borrower;
                          ----------------

2.  I have  made, or have  caused to be made  under my  supervision,  a detailed
review  of the  terms  of the  Credit  Agreement  and  of the  transactions  and
conditions of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  during the  Accounting  Period
covered by the attached financial statements;

3. The  examinations  described in paragraph 2 did not disclose the existence of
any condition or event which  constitutes a Default or Unmatured  Default during
or at  the  end of the  Accounting  Period  covered  by the  attached  financial
statements  or as of the date of this  Certificate  [except as set forth below];
and

4.  Schedule  I  attached  hereto  sets forth  financial  data and  computations
evidencing  the  Borrower's  compliance  with  certain  covenants  of the Credit
Agreement, all of which data and computations are true, complete and correct.

The  foregoing  certifications,  together  with the  computations  set  forth in
Schedule I hereto and the financial  statements  delivered with this Certificate
in support hereof, are made and delivered this     day of         , 20  .
                                               ---        --------    --




                                   SCHEDULE I
                            to COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

I.  SECTION 2.14:  PRICING CALCULATIONS

      LEVERAGE RATIO (SECTION 2.14(D))

      1.   All Indebtedness (other than Hedging Obligations)
           (as defined) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries      $
                                                                   -------------
      2.   EBITDA (EBIT (as defined below) + depreciation
           + amortization  + other non-cash charges
           classified as long-term deferrals + other
           extraordinary  non-cash charges other
           extraordinary non-cash credits + any non-
           recurring after-tax losses - any non-
           recurring after-tax gains                              $
                                                                   -------------

      3.   "Leverage Ratio"
           (Ratio of (1) to (2))                                      TO 1.0
                                                                  ----


II.  SECTION 7.4:  FINANCIAL COVENANTS


A.    MAXIMUM LEVERAGE RATIO (SECTION 7.4(A))

      1.   "Leverage Ratio" (See SECTION I.3 ABOVE)
                (Maximum Ratio:  3.00 to 1.00 for each
                four fiscal quarter period)          TO 1.0
                                                 ---

B.    MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH (SECTION 7.4(B))

      1.   Consolidated Net Worth of Company
           and its Subsidiaries as of the last day
           of the fiscal quarter ending
           on            ,                                        $
              -----------  ----                                    -------------

      2.   $            PLUS fifty  percent (50%) of
            -----------
           Net Income (if positive) earned in each
           fiscal quarter calculated beginning with
           the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2000
           PLUS 100% of any positive adjustment to
           stockholders' equity resulting from any
           transaction  involving any capital
           contribution to the Borrower or the
           issuance by the  Borrower or any  Subsidiary
           of Capital  Stock to the extent such capital
           contribution  or any other cash or other
           property  received by the Borrower or such
           Subsidiary from such  issuance is used by
           the Borrower or any



           Subsidiary to pay all or  part  of the
           purchase  price  of any  Permitted
           Acquisition                                            $
                                                                   -------------

      3.   State whether (1) is less than (2)                YES/NO
                                                             ------


C.    MINIMUM INTEREST EXPENSE COVERAGE RATIO (SECTION 7.4(C))

      1.   EBIT (Net  Income +  Interest
           Expense + taxes + other non-cash
           charges classified as long-term
           deferrals + other extraordinary
           non-cash  credits - other
           extraordinary non-cash credits + any
           non-recurring after-tax losses - any
           non-recurring  after-tax gains for the
           period from         to                                 $
                       -------    --------                         -------------

      2.   Rentals for the period from                            $
                     to                                            -------------
           ---------    ------------

      3.   Interest Expense for the period
           from          to                                       $
                --------    ----------                             -------------

      4.   "Interest Expense Coverage Ratio"
           (Ratio of (1) PLUS (2) to (3))                               TO 1.0
                                                                   ----
                (Minimum Ratio: 1.75 to 1.00 for each
                four fiscal quarter  period  through
                the quarter ending  December 31, 2000,
                and 2.00 to 1.00 for each four fiscal
                quarter period thereafter)


III.  OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

A.    INDEBTEDNESS (Section 7.3(A))

      1.   Aggregate Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness      $
                (Maximum:  $5,000,000)                           ---------------

      2.   Maximum additional unsecured Indebtedness not
           otherwise permitted under Sections 7.3(A)(i)
           to (x)                                               $
                (Maximum:  $500,000)                             ---------------

B.    ASSET SALES (Section 7.3(B))

      1.   10% of Consolidated Assets at the end of the
           immediately preceding fiscal year                    $
                                                                 ---------------



      2.   Aggregate amount of all assets sold during
           the immediately preceding 12 month period            $
                                                                 ---------------

      3.   20% of Consolidated Assets at the end of
           the immediately preceding fiscal year                $
                                                                 ---------------

      4.   Aggregate amount of all assets sold since
           the Closing  Date                                    $
                                                                 ---------------

C.    INVESTMENTS (Section 7.3(D))

      1.   Maximum additional Investments not otherwise
           permitted under Sections 7.3(D)(i) to (viii)         $
                (Maximum:  $1,000,000)                           ---------------


D.    CONTINGENT OBLIGATIONS (Section 7.3(E))

      1.   Maximum additional Contingent Obligations
           not otherwise permitted under Sections
           7.3(E)(i) to (viii)                                  $
                (Maximum:  $10,000,000)                          ---------------


E.    RESTRICTED PAYMENTS (Section 7.3(F))

      1.   State whether any Restricted Payments have
           occurred during the Accounting Period.               YES/NO

      2.   If the answer to (a) is yes, set forth on
           Schedule  A  hereto a description of the
           Restricted Payments and a calculation of the
           covenant compliance.

F.    PERMITTED ACQUISITIONS (Section 7.3(G))

      1.   State whether any Permitted Acquisition has
           occurred during the Accounting period.               YES/NO

      2.   If the answer to (a) is yes, set forth on
           Schedule A hereto a description of such
           Permitted  Acquisition(s) and the calculations
           necessary to show compliance with the
           requirements of Section 7.3(G).





                The Borrower hereby  certifies,  through its                   ,
                                                              -----------------
           that the  information  set  forth  above  is   accurate   as  of
                         ,    , to the best of such  officer's  knowledge, after
           -------------  ---
           after diligent inquiry,  and  that the financial statements delivered
           herewith present fairly the financial  position of  the  Borrower and
           its Subsidiaries at the dates indicated  and  the  results  of  their
           operations and changes  in  their  financial position for the periods
           indicated  in  conformity   with  Agreement   Accounting  Principles,
           consistently applied.


Dated:             ,
       ------------  ----

                                       HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.


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







                                    EXHIBIT I
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                FORM OF GUARANTY


                                   [Attached].







                                FORM OF GUARANTY


      THIS GUARANTY  (this  "GUARANTY")  is made as of the      day of December,
                                                           ----
1999,  by and among  Rondel's  Inc., a Washington  corporation;  CIPCO Inc.,  an
Illinois corporation; Rugby USA, Inc., a Georgia corporation; and Rugby Building
Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation  (collectively,  the "INITIAL GUARANTORS"
and along with any additional  Subsidiaries of he Company,  which become parties
to this  Guaranty by executing an Addendum  hereto in the form attached as Annex
I, the  "GUARANTORS")  in favor of the  Agent,  for the  ratable  benefit of the
Holders of Obligations,  under (and as defined in) the Credit Agreement referred
to below;

                                   WITNESSETH:

      WHEREAS,  HUTTIG  BUILDING  PRODUCTS,  INC., a Delaware  corporation  (the
"BORROWER"),  the institutions from time to time parties hereto as Lenders, BANK
ONE, NA, a national banking  association having its principal office in Chicago,
Illinois, in its capacity as contractual representative (the "AGENT") for itself
and the other Lenders, and BANC ONE CAPITAL MARKETS,  INC., as Lead Arranger and
Sole Bookrunner (the  "ARRANGER")  have entered into a certain Credit  Agreement
dated  as  of  December  13,  1999  (as  the  same  may  be  amended,  modified,
supplemented  and/or  restated,  and as in effect from time to time, the "CREDIT
AGREEMENT"),  providing,  subject  to the  terms  and  conditions  thereof,  for
extensions  of  credit  and  other  financial  accommodations  to be made by the
Lenders to the Borrower;

      WHEREAS,  it is a condition  precedent to the initial extensions of credit
by  the  Lenders  under  the  Credit  Agreement  that  each  of  the  Guarantors
(constituting  all of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower  required to execute this
Guaranty pursuant to SECTION 7.2(K) of the Credit Agreement) execute and deliver
this Guaranty,  whereby each of the Guarantors  shall guarantee the payment when
due of all  "Obligations"  (as  defined  in the  Credit  Agreement),  principal,
interest,  letter of credit  reimbursement  obligations  and other  amounts that
shall be at any time payable by the Borrower under the Credit  Agreement and the
other Loan Documents; and

      WHEREAS,  in consideration of the direct and indirect  financial and other
support that the Borrower has provided,  and such direct and indirect  financial
and other support as the Borrower may in the future provide,  to the Guarantors,
and in order to  induce  the  Lenders  and the  Agent to enter  into the  Credit
Agreement, each of the Guarantors is willing to guarantee the obligations of the
Borrower under the Credit  Agreement and the  obligations of the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries under any of the other Loan Documents;

      NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and other  good and
valuable  consideration,  the  receipt  and  sufficiency  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:




      SECTION l.  DEFINITIONS.  Terms  defined  in  the Credit Agreement and not
otherwise defined herein have, as used herein, the respective  meanings provided
for therein.

      SECTION  2.  REPRESENTATIONS,   WARRANTIES  AND  COVENANTS.  Each  of  the
Guarantors  represents and warrants (which  representations and warranties shall
be  deemed  to have  been  renewed  at the  time of the  making,  conversion  or
continuation of any Loan or issuance of any Letter of Credit) that:

            (a) It is a corporation,  limited liability company,  partnership or
other  commercial  entity duly  incorporated or formed,  validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its  jurisdiction of  incorporation or formation
and has all requisite  authority to conduct its business as a foreign  Person in
each  jurisdiction in which its business is conducted,  except where the failure
to have such requisite authority would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (b) It has the power and  authority  and legal  right to execute and
deliver this Guaranty and to perform its  obligations  hereunder.  The execution
and delivery by it of this Guaranty and the performance by it of its obligations
hereunder  have been duly  authorized by proper  proceedings,  and this Guaranty
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable
against such Guarantor in accordance  with its terms,  except as  enforceability
may  be  limited  by  bankruptcy,  insolvency  or  similar  laws  affecting  the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

            (c) Neither the execution and delivery by it of this  Guaranty,  nor
the consummation by it of the transactions herein  contemplated,  nor compliance
by it with the  terms  and  provisions  hereof,  will  violate  any  law,  rule,
regulation, order, writ, judgment,  injunction, decree or award binding on it or
its  certificate  or articles of  incorporation  or by-laws,  limited  liability
company or  partnership  agreement  (as  applicable)  or the  provisions  of any
indenture,  instrument  or  material  agreement  to  which  it is a party  or is
subject,  or by which  it,  or its  property,  is  bound,  or  conflict  with or
constitute a default thereunder,  or result in the creation or imposition of any
Lien in, of or on its  property  pursuant  to the  terms of any such  indenture,
instrument  or  material  agreement.  No  order,  consent,  approval,   license,
authorization,  or validation of, or filing,  recording or registration with, or
exemption  by, any  Governmental  Authority,  is  required to  authorize,  or is
required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by it of, or
the legality,  validity,  binding effect or  enforceability  against it of, this
Guaranty.

            In addition to the foregoing, each of the Guarantors covenants that,
so long as any Lender has any Revolving Loan  Commitment  outstanding  under the
Credit  Agreement or any amount payable under the Credit  Agreement or any other
Obligations  shall remain unpaid,  it will,  and, if necessary,  will enable the
Borrower to, fully comply with those  covenants  and  agreements of the Borrower
applicable to such Guarantor set forth in the Credit Agreement.

      SECTION 3. THE GUARANTY.  Each of the  Guarantors  hereby  unconditionally
guarantees,  jointly  with the  other  Guarantors  and  severally,  the full and
punctual  payment when due (whether at stated  maturity,  upon  acceleration  or
otherwise) of the Obligations,  including, without



limitation,  (i) the  principal  of and  interest  on each  Advance  made to the
Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, (ii) any Reimbursement Obligations of
the Borrower and (iii) all other  amounts  payable by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents (all of the
foregoing being referred to collectively as the "GUARANTEED OBLIGATIONS").  Upon
failure by the Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates, as applicable, to
pay  punctually  any such amount,  each of the  Guarantors  agrees that it shall
forthwith on demand pay such amount at the place and in the manner  specified in
the Credit Agreement or the relevant Loan Document,  as the case may be. Each of
the Guarantors hereby agrees that this Guaranty is an absolute,  irrevocable and
unconditional guaranty of payment and is not a guaranty of collection.

      SECTION  4.  GUARANTY  UNCONDITIONAL.  The  obligations  of  each  of  the
Guarantors  hereunder shall be unconditional  and absolute and, without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, shall not be released,  discharged or otherwise
affected by:

      (i) any extension, renewal, settlement,  indulgence, compromise, waiver or
      release  of or with  respect  to the  Guaranteed  Obligations  or any part
      thereof  or  any  agreement  relating  thereto,  or  with  respect  to any
      obligation of any other  guarantor of any of the  Guaranteed  Obligations,
      whether  (in any  such  case) by  operation  of law or  otherwise,  or any
      failure or omission to enforce any right,  power or remedy with respect to
      the Guaranteed  Obligations or any part thereof or any agreement  relating
      thereto,  or with respect to any obligation of any other  guarantor of any
      of the Guaranteed Obligations;

      (ii)  any  modification  or  amendment  of or  supplement  to  the  Credit
      Agreement or any other Loan Document,  including,  without limitation, any
      such amendment which may increase the amount of the Obligations guaranteed
      hereby;

      (iii)   any   release,   surrender,   compromise,    settlement,   waiver,
      subordination  or  modification,  with or  without  consideration,  of any
      collateral  securing the Guaranteed  Obligations or any part thereof,  any
      other  guaranties  with respect to the Guaranteed  Obligations or any part
      thereof,  or any other  obligation of any person or entity with respect to
      the Guaranteed  Obligations or any part thereof,  or any  nonperfection or
      invalidity  of  any  direct  or  indirect   security  for  the  Guaranteed
      Obligations;

      (iv)  any  change  in  the  corporate,  partnership  or  other  existence,
      structure or  ownership  of the Borrower or any other  guarantor of any of
      the Guaranteed Obligations, or any insolvency, bankruptcy,  reorganization
      or other similar proceeding  affecting the Borrower or any other guarantor
      of the Guaranteed  Obligations,  or any of their respective  assets or any
      resulting  release or discharge of any  obligation  of the Borrower or any
      other guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations;

      (v)  the  existence  of any  claim,  setoff  or  other  rights  which  the
      Guarantors may have at any time against the Borrower,  any other guarantor
      of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Agent, any Holder of Obligations
      or any other Person,  whether in connection herewith or in connection with
      any unrelated transactions, PROVIDED that



      nothing herein shall  prevent the  assertion of any such claim by separate
      suit or compulsory counterclaim;

      (vi) the  enforceability or validity of the Guaranteed  Obligations or any
      part  thereof  or  the  genuineness,  enforceability  or  validity  of any
      agreement relating thereto or with respect to any collateral  securing the
      Guaranteed  Obligations  or any part thereof,  or any other  invalidity or
      unenforceability  relating  to  or  against  the  Borrower  or  any  other
      guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations,  for any reason related to
      the  Credit  Agreement,  any other  Loan  Document,  or any  provision  of
      applicable  law or  regulation  purporting  to prohibit the payment by the
      Borrower or any other guarantor of the Guaranteed  Obligations,  of any of
      the Guaranteed Obligations;

      (vii) the failure of the Agent to take any steps to perfect  and  maintain
      any  security  interest  in, or to preserve any rights to, any security or
      collateral for the Guaranteed Obligations, if any;

      (viii) the election by, or on behalf of, any one or more of the Holders of
      Obligations,  in any proceeding instituted under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of
      the United States Code (11 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) (the "Bankruptcy Code"), of
      the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code;

      (ix) any  borrowing or grant of a security  interest by the  Borrower,  as
      debtor-in-possession, under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code;

      (x) the disallowance,  under Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code, of all or
      any  portion of the claims of any of the  Holders  of  Obligations  or the
      Agent for repayment of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations;

      (xi) the failure of any other  Guarantor  to sign or become  party to this
      Guaranty or any amendment, change, or reaffirmation hereof; or

      (xii)  any  other  act or  omission  to act or  delay  of any  kind by the
      Borrower,  any other guarantor of the Guaranteed  Obligations,  the Agent,
      any Holder of  Obligations  or any other Person or any other  circumstance
      whatsoever  which  might,  but  for the  provisions  of  this  SECTION  4,
      constitute a legal or equitable  discharge of any Guarantor's  obligations
      hereunder.

      SECTION 5. DISCHARGE ONLY UPON PAYMENT IN FULL:  REINSTATEMENT  IN CERTAIN
CIRCUMSTANCES.  Each of the  Guarantors'  obligations  hereunder shall remain in
full force and effect until all Guaranteed  Obligations  shall have been paid in
full in cash and the Revolving Loan Commitments and all Letters of Credit issued
under the Credit Agreement shall have terminated or expired.  If at any time any
payment of the  principal  of or  interest  on any  Advance,  any  Reimbursement
Obligation or any other amount  payable by the Borrower or any other party under
the  Credit  Agreement,  or any other  Loan  Document  is  rescinded  or must be
otherwise restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization
of the Borrower or



otherwise,  each of the Guarantors'  obligations  hereunder with respect to such
payment  shall be reinstated as though such payment had been due but not made at
such time.

      SECTION 6. GENERAL  WAIVERS.  Each of the  Guarantors  irrevocably  waives
acceptance hereof,  presentment,  demand or action on delinquency,  protest, the
benefit of any statutes of limitations  and, to the fullest extent  permitted by
law, any notice not provided for herein,  as well as any requirement that at any
time any action be taken by any Person against the Borrower, any other guarantor
of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other Person.

      SECTION 7. SUBORDINATION OF SUBROGATION.  Until the Guaranteed Obligations
have been  indefeasibly  paid in full in cash,  the Guarantors (i) shall have no
right of subrogation with respect to such Guaranteed  Obligations and (ii) waive
any right to enforce any remedy which the Holders of Obligations,  Issuing Banks
or the Agent now have or may hereafter  have against the Borrower,  any endorser
or any guarantor of all or any part of the  Guaranteed  Obligations or any other
Person,  and the  Guarantors  waive any benefit of, and any right to participate
in, any security or collateral given to the Holders of Obligations,  the Issuing
Banks and the Agent to secure the payment or  performance  of all or any part of
the Guaranteed Obligations or any other liability of the Borrower to the Holders
of  Obligations  or  Issuing  Banks.   Should  any  Guarantor  have  the  right,
notwithstanding  the  foregoing,   to  exercise  its  subrogation  rights,  each
Guarantor  hereby  expressly and irrevocably (A) subordinates any and all rights
at law or in equity to subrogation,  reimbursement,  exoneration,  contribution,
indemnification  or set off that  the  Guarantor  may  have to the  indefeasible
payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations and (B) waives any and all
defenses available to a surety,  guarantor or accommodation co-obligor until the
Guaranteed  Obligations  are  indefeasibly  paid in full in cash. Each Guarantor
acknowledges and agrees that this subordination is intended to benefit the Agent
and the  Holders of  Obligations  and shall not limit or  otherwise  affect such
Guarantor's liability hereunder or the enforceability of this Guaranty, and that
the Agent,  the  Holders of  Obligations  and their  respective  successors  and
assigns are intended third party beneficiaries of the waivers and agreements set
forth in this SECTION 7.

      SECTION 8.  CONTRIBUTION WITH RESPECT TO GUARANTEED OBLIGATIONS.

            (a) To the extent that any Guarantor shall make a payment under this
Guaranty (a "Guarantor  Payment") which, taking into account all other Guarantor
Payments then previously or concurrently  made by any other  Guarantor,  exceeds
the  amount  which  otherwise  would have been paid by or  attributable  to such
Guarantor  if each  Guarantor  had paid  the  aggregate  Guaranteed  Obligations
satisfied by such Guarantor  Payment in the same proportion as such  Guarantor's
"Allocable  Amount" (as defined below) (as determined  immediately prior to such
Guarantor  Payment)  bore  to the  aggregate  Allocable  Amounts  of each of the
Guarantors  as  determined  immediately  prior to the  making of such  Guarantor
Payment,  THEN, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed
Obligations  and  termination of the Credit  Agreement,  such Guarantor shall be
entitled to receive  contribution  and  indemnification  payments  from,  and be
reimbursed  by, each other  Guarantor  for the amount of such  excess,  PRO RATA
based upon their respective  Allocable  Amounts in effect  immediately  prior to
such Guarantor Payment.



            (b) As of any date of determination,  the "Allocable  Amount" of any
Guarantor  shall be equal to the maximum amount of the claim which could then be
recovered from such Guarantor under this Guaranty  without  rendering such claim
voidable or avoidable  under Section 548 of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or
under any applicable state Uniform  Fraudulent  Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent
Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law.

            (c) This SECTION 8 is intended only to define the relative rights of
the Guarantors,  and nothing set forth in this SECTION 8 is intended to or shall
impair the  obligations of the  Guarantors,  jointly and  severally,  to pay any
amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the
terms of this Guaranty.

            (d) The parties hereto  acknowledge  that the rights of contribution
and indemnification  hereunder shall constitute assets of the Guarantor to which
such contribution and indemnification is owing.

            (e)  The  rights  of  the  indemnifying   Guarantors  against  other
Guarantors  under  this  SECTION  8 shall  be  exercisable  upon  the  full  and
indefeasible  payment of the Guaranteed  Obligations in cash and the termination
of the Credit Agreement.

      SECTION 9. STAY OF  ACCELERATION.  If acceleration of the time for payment
of any amount  payable by the Borrower  under the Credit  Agreement or any other
Loan Document is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the
Borrower,  all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of
the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document shall  nonetheless be payable by
each of the Guarantors hereunder forthwith on demand by the Agent.

      SECTION 10. NOTICES. All notices, requests and other communications to any
party  hereunder  shall be given in the manner  prescribed in ARTICLE XIV of the
Credit  Agreement  with respect to the Agent at its notice  address  therein and
with  respect to any  Guarantor  at the  address  set forth  below or such other
address or telecopy number as such party may hereafter  specify for such purpose
by notice to the Agent in accordance with the provisions of such ARTICLE XIV.

                  Notice Address for Guarantors:
                  c/o Huttig Building Products, Inc.
                  14500 South Outer Forty Road
                  Chesterfield, MO  63017-5741
                  Attn:  Chief Financial Officer
                  Phone: (314) 216-2657
                  Fax: (314) 216-2601



            with a copy to:

                  Kirkpatrick & Lockhart
                  Henry W. Oliver Building



                  535 Smithfield Street
                  Pittsburgh, PA  15222-2312
                  Attn:  Kathy Hendrickson
                  Phone: (412) 355-8648
                  Fax: (412) 355-6501


      SECTION 11. NO WAIVERS.  No failure or delay by the Agent or any Holder of
Obligations in exercising any right, power or privilege  hereunder 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  provided in this  Guaranty,  the Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents  shall be cumulative and not exclusive of
any rights or remedies provided by law.

      SECTION 12.  SUCCESSORS  AND ASSIGNS.  This Guaranty is for the benefit of
the Agent and the Holders of  Obligations  and their  respective  successors and
permitted  assigns,  PROVIDED,  that no Guarantor shall have any right to assign
its rights or obligations  hereunder  without the consent of all of the Lenders,
and any such  assignment in violation of this SECTION 12 shall be null and void;
and in the event of an  assignment  of any  amounts  payable  under  the  Credit
Agreement or the other Loan Documents in accordance  with the  respective  terms
thereof,  the rights hereunder,  to the extent applicable to the indebtedness so
assigned,  may be  transferred  with such  indebtedness.  This Guaranty shall be
binding upon each of the Guarantors and their respective successors and assigns.

      SECTION 13. CHANGES IN WRITING. Other than in connection with the addition
of additional Subsidiaries, which become parties hereto by executing an Addendum
hereto in the form  attached as Annex I, neither this Guaranty nor any provision
hereof may be changed,  waived,  discharged  or terminated  orally,  but only in
writing  signed by each of the  Guarantors and the Agent with the consent of the
Required  Lenders under the Credit  Agreement (or all of the Lenders if required
pursuant to the terms of SECTION 9.3 of the Credit Agreement).
      SECTION 14. GOVERNING LAW. ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN ANY GUARANTOR AND THE AGENT
OR ANY LENDER,  OR ANY OTHER  HOLDER OF  OBLIGATIONS  ARISING OUT OF,  CONNECTED
WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP  ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THEM IN
CONNECTION  WITH, THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS,  AND WHETHER
ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE, SHALL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS (INCLUDING,  WITHOUT LIMITATION, 735 ILCS SECTION 105/5-1
ET SEQ., BUT OTHERWISE  WITHOUT  REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS  PROVISIONS) OF
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.



      SECTION 15.  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; JURY TRIAL.




      (A) EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (B), EACH OF
THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT ALL DISPUTES AMONG THEM ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED
WITH,  RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP  ESTABLISHED  AMONG THEM IN
CONNECTION  WITH,  THIS  GUARANTY  OR ANY OF THE OTHER  LOAN  DOCUMENTS  WHETHER
ARISING IN CONTRACT,  TORT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE,  SHALL BE RESOLVED EXCLUSIVELY
BY STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS, BUT THE PARTIES HERETO
ACKNOWLEDGE  THAT ANY APPEALS  FROM THOSE COURTS MAY HAVE TO BE HEARD BY A COURT
LOCATED OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVES IN ALL
DISPUTES  BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (A) ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY HAVE
TO THE LOCATION OF THE COURT CONSIDERING THE DISPUTE.

      (B) OTHER JURISDICTIONS. EACH OF THE GUARANTORS AGREES THAT THE AGENT, ANY
LENDER OR ANY HOLDER OF OBLIGATIONS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROCEED AGAINST SUCH
GUARANTOR  OR ITS  PROPERTY IN A COURT IN ANY  LOCATION TO ENABLE SUCH PERSON TO
(1) OBTAIN PERSONAL  JURISDICTION  OVER SUCH GUARANTOR OR (2) ENFORCE A JUDGMENT
OR OTHER COURT ORDER  ENTERED IN FAVOR OF SUCH  PERSON.  EACH OF THE  GUARANTORS
AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT ANY  PERMISSIVE  COUNTERCLAIMS  IN ANY PROCEEDING
BROUGHT BY SUCH  PERSON TO ENFORCE A JUDGMENT  OR OTHER  COURT ORDER IN FAVOR OF
SUCH PERSON. EACH OF THE GUARANTORS WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY HAVE TO THE
LOCATION OF THE COURT IN WHICH SUCH PERSON HAS COMMENCED A PROCEEDING  DESCRIBED
IN THIS SUBSECTION (B).

      (C) SERVICE OF PROCESS.  EACH OF THE GUARANTORS WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF
ANY PROCESS  UPON IT AND  IRREVOCABLY  CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OF ANY
WRITS,  PROCESS OR SUMMONSES IN ANY SUIT,  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  BY THE MAILING
THEREOF BY THE AGENT OR THE HOLDERS OF  OBLIGATIONS  BY  REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED
MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID,  TO THE GUARANTORS IN CARE OF THE BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS
PROVIDED FOR NOTICES TO THE BORROWER UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.  NOTHING HEREIN
SHALL IN ANY WAY BE DEEMED TO LIMIT THE  ABILITY OF THE AGENT OR THE  HOLDERS OF
OBLIGATIONS  TO SERVE ANY SUCH WRITS,  PROCESS OR  SUMMONSES IN ANY OTHER MANNER
PERMITTED BY  APPLICABLE  LAW.  EACH OF THE  GUARANTORS  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES ANY
OBJECTION (INCLUDING,  WITHOUT LIMITATION,  ANY OBJECTION OF THE LAYING OF VENUE
OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON  CONVENIENS)  WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER
HAVE TO THE  BRINGING  OF ANY SUCH  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  WITH  RESPECT TO THIS
GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN
CONNECTION HEREWITH IN ANY JURISDICTION SET FORTH ABOVE.



      (D) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES
ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE,  WHETHER SOUNDING
IN CONTRACT,  TORT, OR OTHERWISE,  ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED TO OR
INCIDENTAL TO THE  RELATIONSHIP  ESTABLISHED  AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN
CONNECTION  HEREWITH.  EACH OF THE PARTIES  HERETO  AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY
SUCH CLAIM,  DEMAND,  ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION  SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL
WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT ANY PARTY HERETO MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL  COUNTERPART  OR A
COPY OF THIS GUARANTY  WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN  EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE
PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

      (E) WAIVER OF BOND. EACH OF THE GUARANTORS  WAIVES THE POSTING OF ANY BOND
OTHERWISE  REQUIRED OF ANY PARTY HERETO IN CONNECTION WITH ANY JUDICIAL  PROCESS
OR  PROCEEDING  TO ENFORCE ANY JUDGMENT OR OTHER COURT ORDER ENTERED IN FAVOR OF
SUCH PARTY, OR TO ENFORCE BY SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE,  TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER,
PRELIMINARY OR PERMANENT INJUNCTION, THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT.

      (F) ADVICE OF COUNSEL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES REPRESENTS TO EACH OTHER PARTY
HERETO THAT IT HAS DISCUSSED THIS GUARANTY AND, SPECIFICALLY,  THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS SECTION 15, WITH ITS COUNSEL.

      SECTION 16. NO STRICT  CONSTRUCTION.  The parties hereto have participated
jointly  in the  negotiation  and  drafting  of this  Guaranty.  In the event an
ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Guaranty shall be
construed  as if drafted  jointly by the parties  hereto and no  presumption  or
burden of proof shall arise favoring or  disfavoring  any party by virtue of the
authorship of any provisions of this Guaranty.

      SECTION 17. TAXES, EXPENSES OF ENFORCEMENT, ETC. Subject to the exceptions
in the Credit  Agreement,  (A) (i) any and all payments by any of the Guarantors
hereunder (whether in respect of principal,  interest,  fees or otherwise) shall
be made free and  clear of and  without  deduction  for any and all  present  or
future  taxes,  levies,  imposts,  deductions,  charges or  withholdings  or any
interest, penalties and liabilities with respect thereto including those arising
after the date  hereof as a result of the  adoption of or any change in any law,
treaty, rule, regulation, guideline or determination of a Governmental Authority
or any change in the  interpretation  or  application  thereof by a Governmental
Authority but  excluding,  in the case of each Lender and the Agent,  such taxes
(including income taxes, franchise taxes and branch profit taxes) as are imposed
on or measured by such  Lender's or the Agent's,  as the case may be, net income
by  the  United  States  of  America  or  any  Governmental   Authority  of  the
jurisdiction  under the laws of which such Lender or the Agent,  as the case may
be, is organized (all such  non-excluded  taxes,  levies,  imposts,  deductions,
charges, withholdings, and liabilities which the Agent or a Lender determines to
be applicable to this  Guaranty,  the other Loan  Documents,  the




Revolving Loan Commitments, the Loans or the Letters of Credit being hereinafter
referred to as "TAXES").  If any Guarantor shall be required by law to deduct or
withhold any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder to any Holder
of  Obligations,  (i) the sum payable  shall be increased as may be necessary so
that after making all required deductions or withholdings  (including deductions
applicable to additional  sums payable under this SECTION  17(A)) such Lender or
Agent (as the case may be)  receives  an amount  equal to the sum it would  have
received had no such deductions or  withholdings  been made, (ii) the applicable
Guarantor shall make such deductions or  withholdings,  and (iii) the applicable
Guarantor  shall  pay the full  amount  deducted  or  withheld  to the  relevant
taxation  authority or other  authority in accordance  with applicable law. If a
withholding  tax of the  United  States of  America  or any  other  Governmental
Authority shall be or become applicable (y) after the date of this Guaranty,  to
such payments by the applicable  Guarantor made to the Lending  Installation  or
any other  office  that a Lender may claim as its Lending  Installation,  or (z)
after such Lender's selection and designation of any other Lending Installation,
to such payments made to such other Lending Installation,  such Lender shall use
reasonable efforts to make, fund and maintain the affected Loans through another
Lending  Installation of such Lender in another jurisdiction so as to reduce the
applicable   Guarantor's  liability  hereunder,   if  the  making,   funding  or
maintenance of such Loans through such other Lending Installation of such Lender
does not, in the judgment of such Lender, otherwise adversely affect such Loans,
or obligations under the Revolving Loan Commitments of such Lender.

            (ii) In addition,  each of the Guarantors  agrees to pay any present
      or  future  stamp or  documentary  taxes or any other  excise or  property
      taxes,  charges,  or similar  levies  which  arise from any  payment  made
      hereunder,  or  from  the  execution,  delivery  or  registration  of,  or
      otherwise with respect to, this Guaranty,  the other Loan  Documents,  the
      Revolving   Loan   Commitments,   the  Loans  or  the  Letters  of  Credit
      (hereinafter referred to as "OTHER TAXES").

            (iii) Subject to the exceptions in the Credit Agreement, each of the
      Guarantors  indemnifies  each  Lender and the Agent for the full amount of
      Taxes and Other Taxes (including,  without limitation,  any Taxes or Other
      Taxes imposed by any Governmental  Authority on amounts payable under this
      SECTION  17(A))  paid by such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) and
      any  liability  (including  penalties,  interest,  and  expenses)  arising
      therefrom  or with  respect  thereto,  whether  or not such Taxes or Other
      Taxes were correctly or legally asserted.  This  indemnification  shall be
      made  within  thirty (30) days after the date such Lender or the Agent (as
      the case may be)  makes  written  demand  therefor.  If the Taxes or Other
      Taxes with respect to which any Guarantor has made either a direct payment
      to the taxation or other authority or an indemnification payment hereunder
      are  subsequently  refunded to any Lender,  such Lender will return to the
      applicable  Guarantor an amount equal to the lesser of the indemnification
      payment or the refunded amount. A certificate as to any additional  amount
      payable to any Lender or the Agent under this SECTION  17(A)  submitted to
      the  applicable  Guarantor and the Agent (if a Lender is so submitting) by
      such  Lender or the Agent  shall  show in  reasonable  detail  the  amount
      payable  and the  calculations  used to  determine  such amount and shall,
      absent manifest error, be deemed  presumptively  correct.  With respect to
      such  deduction  or



      withholding  for  or  on account of any Taxes and to confirm that all such
      Taxes  have been paid to the  appropriate  Governmental  Authorities,  the
      applicable  Guarantor or Guarantors  shall  promptly (and in any event not
      later than thirty (30) days after receipt)  furnish to each Lender and the
      Agent such  certificates,  receipts and other documents as may be required
      (in the reasonable  judgment of such Lender or the Agent) to establish any
      tax credit to which such Lender or the Agent may be entitled.

            (iv) Within  thirty (30) days after the date of any payment of Taxes
      or Other Taxes by any Guarantor, the applicable Guarantor shall furnish to
      the Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment
      thereof.

            (v) Without  prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the
      Guarantors  hereunder,  the agreements  and  obligations of the Guarantors
      contained in this SECTION  17(A) shall  survive the payment in full of all
      Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Guaranty.

            (vi) Each Lender  (including  any  Replacement  Lender or Purchaser)
      that is not created or  organized  under the laws of the United  States of
      America or a political  subdivision  thereof  (each a  "NON-U.S.  LENDER")
      shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent on or before the Closing Date,
      or, if later,  the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender  pursuant to
      SECTION  13.3 of the Credit  Agreement  (and from time to time  thereafter
      upon the  request of the  Borrower  or the Agent,  but only for so long as
      such Non-U.S.  Lender is legally entitled to do so), either (1)(x) two (2)
      duly  completed  copies of either (A) IRS Form W-8BEN (or, if delivered on
      or before  December 31, 1999, IRS Form 1001),  or (B) IRS Form W-8ECI (or,
      if delivered on or before  December 31, 1999, IRS Form 4224), or in either
      case an applicable successor form, and (y) for periods prior to January 1,
      2000, a duly completed copy of IRS Form W-8 or W-9 or applicable successor
      form; or (2) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender that is not legally entitled
      to deliver either form listed in CLAUSE (VI)(1)(X), (x) a certificate of a
      duly  authorized  officer of such Non-U.S.  Lender to the effect that such
      Non-U.S.  Lender  is not  (A) a  "bank"  within  the  meaning  of  Section
      881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a "10 percent  shareholder" of any Guarantor
      within  the  meaning  of  Section  881(c)(3)(B)  of  the  Code,  or  (C) a
      controlled  foreign  corporation  receiving interest from a related person
      within the meaning of Section  881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (such certificate,
      an "EXEMPTION  CERTIFICATE")  and (y) two (2) duly completed copies of IRS
      Form W-8BEN or applicable  successor form. Each such Lender further agrees
      to  deliver  to the  Borrower  and the Agent  from time to time a true and
      accurate certificate executed in duplicate by a duly authorized officer of
      such Lender in a form  satisfactory to the Borrower and the Agent,  before
      or promptly  upon the  occurrence  of any event  requiring a change in the
      most recent certificate previously delivered by it to the Borrower and the
      Agent pursuant to this SECTION 17(A).  Further, each Lender which delivers
      a form or certificate pursuant to this CLAUSE (vi) covenants and agrees to
      deliver to the Borrower  and the Agent  within  fifteen (15) days prior to
      the  expiration  of such form,  for so long as this  Guaranty  is still in
      effect,  another  such  certificate  and/or two (2)  accurate and complete
      original newly-signed copies of the



      applicable form (or any successor form or forms required under the Code or
      the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder).

            Each Lender  shall  promptly  furnish to the  Borrower and the Agent
      such additional  documents as may be reasonably  required by any Guarantor
      or the Agent to establish any exemption  from or reduction of any Taxes or
      Other Taxes  required to be deducted or withheld and which may be obtained
      without undue expense to such Lender.  Notwithstanding any other provision
      of this SECTION  17(A),  no  Guarantor  shall be obligated to gross up any
      payments to any Lender pursuant to SECTION  17(A)(I),  or to indemnify any
      Lender pursuant to SECTION 17(A)(III), in respect of United States federal
      withholding  taxes to the extent imposed as a result of (x) the failure of
      such  Lender  to  deliver  to the  Borrower  the form or forms  and/or  an
      Exemption Certificate,  as applicable to such Lender,  pursuant to SECTION
      17(A)(VI),  (y)  such  form or  forms  and/or  Exemption  Certificate  not
      establishing a complete exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax or the
      information or  certifications  made therein by the Lender being untrue or
      inaccurate  on the date  delivered  in any  material  respect,  or (z) the
      Lender designating a successor Lending  Installation at which it maintains
      its Loans which has the effect of causing such Lender to become  obligated
      for tax  payments in excess of those in effect  immediately  prior to such
      designation;  provided,  HOWEVER,  that the applicable  Guarantor shall be
      obligated to gross up any payments to any such Lender  pursuant to SECTION
      17(A)(I), and to indemnify any such Lender pursuant to SECTION 17(A)(III),
      in  respect of United  States  federal  withholding  taxes if (x) any such
      failure  to  deliver a form or forms or an  Exemption  Certificate  or the
      failure of such form or forms or  exemption  certificate  to  establish  a
      complete  exemption  from U.S.  federal  withholding  tax or inaccuracy or
      untruth  contained  therein  resulted  from a  change  in  any  applicable
      statute, treaty,  regulation or other applicable law or any interpretation
      of any of the  foregoing  occurring  after the date  hereof,  which change
      rendered  such Lender no longer  legally  entitled to deliver such form or
      forms or  Exemption  Certificate  or otherwise  ineligible  for a complete
      exemption from U.S.  federal  withholding tax, or rendered the information
      or the certifications made in such form or forms or Exemption  Certificate
      untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (y) the redesignation of the
      Lender's  Lending  Installation was made at the request of the Borrower or
      (z) the  obligation  to gross up payments  to any such Lender  pursuant to
      SECTION  17(A)(I),  or to  indemnify  any such Lender  pursuant to SECTION
      17(A)(III),  is with respect to a Purchaser  that becomes a Purchaser as a
      result of an assignment made at the request of the Borrower.

            (vii) Upon the  request,  and at the expense of the  Borrower,  each
      Lender to which any  Guarantor  is required to pay any  additional  amount
      pursuant to this SECTION  17(A),  shall  reasonably  afford the applicable
      Guarantor the opportunity to contest,  and shall reasonably cooperate with
      the applicable  Guarantor in contesting,  the imposition of any Tax giving
      rise to such payment; PROVIDED, that (i) such Lender shall not be required
      to afford the  applicable  Guarantor the  opportunity to so contest unless
      the  applicable  Guarantor  shall have confirmed in writing to such Lender
      its obligation to pay such amounts pursuant to this Guaranty; and (ii) the
      Borrower shall  reimburse  such Lender for its  reasonable  attorneys' and
      accountants'  fees and  disbursements  incurred in so




      cooperating with the applicable  Guarantor in contesting the imposition of
      such Tax; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender
      shall be required to afford any Guarantor the  opportunity to contest,  or
      cooperate with the applicable  Guarantor in contesting,  the imposition of
      any Taxes,  if such  Lender in good faith  determines  that to do so would
      have an adverse effect on it.

            (B) EXPENSES OF ENFORCEMENT, ETC. Subject to the terms of the Credit
Agreement,  after the  occurrence of a Default under the Credit  Agreement,  the
Lenders  shall  have the  right  at any time to  direct  the  Agent to  commence
enforcement  proceedings  with  respect  to  the  Guaranteed  Obligations.   The
Guarantors  agree to reimburse the Agent and the Holders of Obligations  for any
reasonable  costs,  internal  charges  and  out-of-pocket   expenses  (including
reasonable  attorneys'  fees and time charges of attorneys for the Agent and the
Holders of  Obligations,  which  attorneys  may be employees of the Agent or the
Holders  of  Obligations)  paid or  incurred  by the  Agent  or any  Holders  of
Obligation in connection  with the  collection  and  enforcement  of amounts due
under the Loan Documents,  including without limitation this Guaranty. The Agent
agrees to distribute  payments received from any of the Guarantors  hereunder to
the Holders of  Obligations  on a pro rata basis for  application  in accordance
with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

      SECTION 18.  SETOFF.  At any time after all or any part of the  Guaranteed
Obligations  have become due and payable (by  acceleration  or otherwise),  each
Holder of  Obligations  and the Agent may,  without  notice to any Guarantor and
regardless  of the  acceptance  of any  security or  collateral  for the payment
hereof,  appropriate  and apply  toward  the  payment  of all or any part of the
Guaranteed  Obligations  then due (i) any indebtedness due or to become due from
such Holder of Obligations  or the Agent to any Guarantor,  and (ii) any moneys,
credits or other  property  belonging to any  Guarantor,  at any time held by or
coming into the  possession of such Holder of Obligations or the Agent or any of
their respective affiliates.

      SECTION  19.   FINANCIAL   INFORMATION.   Each  Guarantor  hereby  assumes
responsibility  for keeping  itself  informed of the financial  condition of the
Borrower and any and all endorsers and/or other Guarantors of all or any part of
the Guaranteed Obligations, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk
of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations,  or any part thereof, that diligent
inquiry would reveal,  and each Guarantor hereby agrees that none of the Holders
of  Obligations  or the Agent  shall have any duty to advise such  Guarantor  of
information  known  to  any  of  them  regarding  such  condition  or  any  such
circumstances.  In the event any Holder of Obligations or the Agent, in its sole
discretion,  undertakes  at any time or from  time to time to  provide  any such
information  to a Guarantor,  such Holder of  Obligations or such Agent shall be
under no obligation (i) to undertake any investigation not a part of its regular
business  routine,  (ii) to  disclose  any  information  which  such  Holder  of
Obligations or such Agent, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance
or banking practices, wishes to maintain confidential or (iii) to make any other
or future  disclosures  of such  information  or any other  information  to such
Guarantor.

      SECTION  20.  SEVERABILITY.  Wherever  possible,  each  provision  of this
Guaranty  shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable  law, but if any provision



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

      SECTION 21. MERGER.  This Guaranty  represents the final agreement of each
of the Guarantors  with respect to the matters  contained  herein and may not be
contradicted by evidence of prior or contemporaneous  agreements,  or subsequent
oral  agreements,  between the  Guarantor and any Holder of  Obligations  or the
Agent.

      SECTION  22.   HEADINGS.   Section  headings  in  this  Guaranty  are  for
convenience  of reference  only and shall not govern the  interpretation  of any
provision of this Guaranty.




      IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  each of the Guarantors has caused this Guaranty to be
duly  executed  by its  authorized  officer as of the day and year  first  above
written.

                        RONDEL'S INC.

                        By:
                             -------------------------------
                        Its:
                             -------------------------------


                        CIPCO INC.

                        By:
                             -------------------------------
                        Its:
                             -------------------------------


                        RUGBY USA, INC.

                        By:
                             -------------------------------
                        Its:
                             -------------------------------


                        RUGBY BUILDING PRODUCTS, INC.

                        By:
                             -------------------------------
                        Its:
                             -------------------------------











                               ANNEX I TO GUARANTY

      Reference is hereby made to the Guaranty (the  "Guaranty")  made as of the
13th day of December,  1999 by Rondel's  Inc., a Washington  corporation,  CIPCO
Inc., an Illinois corporation, Rugby USA, Inc., a Georgia corporation, and Rugby
Building  Products,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation  (collectively,  the "Initial
Guarantors"  and along with any other  Subsidiaries,  which have become  parties
thereto and together with the  undersigned,  the  "Guarantors")  in favor of the
Agent,  for the ratable benefit of the Holders of Obligations,  under the Credit
Agreement.  Capitalized  terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Guaranty.  By its execution below, the undersigned
[NAME  OF NEW  GUARANTOR],  a  [corporation]  [partnership]  [limited  liability
company],  agrees to become,  and does  hereby  become,  a  Guarantor  under the
Guaranty  and  agrees  to be bound by such  Guaranty  as if  originally  a party
thereto.  By its execution below, the undersigned  represents and warrants as to
itself that all of the representations and warranties  contained in SECTION 2 of
the Guaranty are true and correct in all respects as of the date hereof.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, [NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR], a [corporation] [partnership]
[limited  liability company] has executed and delivered this Annex I counterpart
to the Guaranty as of this            day of          ,     .
                           ----------        ---------  ----


                              [NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR]


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