Exhibit 2.1





                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                      AMONG

                          WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                           WEBSTER ACQUISITION CORP.,

                               AND DS BANCOR, INC.


                                 October 7, 1996



   





                                       E-1






                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


         AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of October 7, 1996, by and among
Webster  Financial  Corporation,  a Delaware  corporation  ("Webster"),  Webster
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Webster
("Merger Sub"), and DS Bancor, Inc., a Delaware  corporation ("DS Bancor").  (DS
Bancor and Merger Sub are herein  sometimes  collectively  referred to herein as
the "Constituent Corporations".)

         WHEREAS,  the  Boards  of  Directors  of  Webster  and DS  Bancor  have
determined  that it is in the best interests of their  respective  companies and
their shareholders to consummate the business  combination  transaction provided
for herein in which  Merger Sub will,  subject to the terms and  conditions  set
forth herein, merge (the "Merger") with and into DS Bancor, with DS Bancor being
the Surviving Corporation (as defined) and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Webster  and  immediately  following  said  Merger,  Webster  intends  that  the
Surviving  Corporation  will  merge  with  and  into  Webster  (the  "Subsidiary
Merger"); and

         WHEREAS, prior to the consummation of the Merger, Webster and DS Bancor
will  respectively  cause Webster Bank, a federal savings bank and  wholly-owned
subsidiary of Webster, and Derby Savings Bank ("Derby"), a Connecticut chartered
state savings bank and  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of DS Bancor,  to enter into a
merger  agreement,  in the form  attached  hereto as Exhibit A (the "Bank Merger
Agreement"), providing for the merger (the "Bank Merger") of Derby with and into
Webster Bank, and it is intended that the Bank Merger be consummated immediately
after consummation of the Merger and the Subsidiary Merger; and

         WHEREAS,  as an inducement to Webster to enter into this Agreement,  DS
Bancor  will  enter into an option  agreement,  in the form  attached  hereto as
Exhibit B (the "Option  Agreement"),  with  Webster  immediately  following  the
execution  of this  Agreement  pursuant  to which DS Bancor  will grant  Webster
options to purchase, under certain circumstances,  an aggregate of 564,296 newly
issued shares of common stock,  par value $1.00 per share, of DS Bancor upon the
terms and conditions therein contained; and

         WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties
and  agreements  in  connection  with the Merger and also to  prescribe  certain
conditions to the Merger.

         NOW,   THEREFORE,   in   consideration   of   the   mutual   covenants,
representations, warranties and agreements contained herein, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   THE MERGER

     1.1      The Merger.


         Subject to the terms and  conditions of this  Agreement,  in accordance
with the Delaware  General  Corporation Law (the "DGCL"),  at the Effective Time
(as defined in Section 1.2 hereof),  Merger Sub shall merge into DS Bancor, with
DS Bancor being the  surviving  corporation  (hereinafter  sometimes  called the
"Surviving Corporation") in the Merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Webster.  Upon consummation of the Merger, the separate  corporate  existence of
Merger Sub shall terminate.


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     1.2      Effective Time.

         The Merger  shall  become  effective on the Closing Date (as defined in
Section 9.1 hereof), as set forth in the certificate of merger (the "Certificate
of Merger")  which shall be filed with the  Secretary of State of Delaware  (the
"Secretary of State") on the Closing Date . The term  "Effective  Time" shall be
the date and time when the Merger becomes  effective on the Closing Date, as set
forth in the Certificate of Merger.

     1.3      Effects of the Merger.

         At and after the Effective  Time, the Merger shall have the effects set
forth in Section 259 and 261 of the DGCL.

     1.4      Conversion of DS Bancor Common Stock.

                  (a) At the Effective Time, subject to Sections 2.2(e),  1.4(b)
and 8.1(h) hereof, each share of the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of
DS Bancor (the "DS Bancor Common  Stock")  issued and  outstanding  prior to the
Effective Time shall,  by virtue of this Agreement and without any action on the
part of the holder thereof,  be converted into and  exchangeable for that number
of shares of Webster  Common  Stock,  par value $.01 per  share,  determined  by
dividing $43.00 by the Base Period Trading Price (as defined  below),  as may be
adjusted  as provided  below,  computed to five  decimal  places (the  "Exchange
Ratio");  provided,  however,  if the Base Period Trading Price shall be greater
than $38.50, the Exchange Ratio shall be 1.11688;  provided,  further,  however,
that if the Base Period  Trading  Price shall be less than $31.50,  the Exchange
Ratio shall be 1.36508.  The number of shares of Webster  Common Stock  issuable
with respect to each share of DS Bancor Common Stock, as determined as set forth
herein,  is called the "Merger  Consideration."  For purposes of this Agreement,
the term "Base Period Trading Price" shall mean the average of the daily closing
prices per share for Webster  Common Stock for the 15  consecutive  trading days
which shares of Webster  Common  Stock are  actually  traded (as reported on the
Nasdaq Stock Market  National  Market  System)  ending on the day  preceding the
receipt of the last  required  federal  bank  regulatory  approval  (such period
herein  called the "Base  Period").  All of the shares of DS Bancor Common Stock
converted  into Webster  Common Stock pursuant to this Article I shall no longer
be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist, and
each certificate (each a "Certificate")  previously representing any such shares
of DS Bancor  Common Stock shall  thereafter  represent the right to receive (i)
the  number of whole  shares of  Webster  Common  Stock and (ii) cash in lieu of
fractional shares into which the shares of DS Bancor Common Stock represented by
such Certificate have been converted pursuant to this Section 1.4(a) and Section
2.2(e) hereof.  Certificates  previously representing shares of DS Bancor Common
Stock shall be exchanged for certificates  representing  whole shares of Webster
Common  Stock and cash in lieu of  fractional  shares  issued  in  consideration
therefor upon the surrender of such  Certificates in accordance with Section 2.2
hereof,  without any interest  thereon.  If prior to the Effective  Time Webster
should  split  or  combine  its  common  stock,  or  pay  a  dividend  or  other
distribution   in  such  common  stock,   then  the  Exchange   Ratio  shall  be
appropriately  adjusted  to  reflect  such  split,   combination,   dividend  or
distribution.

                  (b) At the  Effective  Time,  all  shares of DS Bancor  Common
Stock that are owned by DS Bancor as treasury  stock and all shares of DS Bancor
Common Stock that are owned  directly or  indirectly  by Webster or DS Bancor or
any of their  respective  Subsidiaries  (other than  shares of DS Bancor  Common
Stock held directly or indirectly in trust  accounts,  managed  accounts and the
like or otherwise held in a fiduciary  capacity that are  beneficially  owned by
third  parties  (any such shares,  and shares of Webster  Common Stock which are
similarly held,  whether held directly or indirectly by Webster or DS Bancor, as
the case may be, being referred to herein as "Trust  Account  Shares") and other
than any shares of DS Bancor Common Stock held by Webster or DS Bancor or any of
their  respective  Subsidiaries in respect of a debt previously  contracted (any
such shares of DS Bancor Common Stock,  and shares of Webster Common Stock which
are similarly held, whether held directly 


                                      E-3



or indirectly by Webster or DS Bancor, being referred to herein as "DPC Shares")
shall be  canceled  and shall  cease to exist and no stock of  Webster  or other
consideration  shall be  delivered in exchange  therefor.  All shares of Webster
Common Stock that are owned by DS Bancor or any of its Subsidiaries  (other than
Trust Account Shares and DPC Shares) shall become treasury stock of Webster.

     1.5      Conversion of Merger Sub Common Stock.

         Each of the shares of the common  stock,  par value $.01 per share,  of
Merger Sub issued and outstanding  immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
become shares of the Surviving Corporation after the Merger and shall thereafter
constitute  all  of  the  issued  and   outstanding   shares  of  the  Surviving
Corporation.

     1.6      Options.

         At the  Effective  Time,  each option  granted by DS Bancor to purchase
shares  of  DS  Bancor  Common  Stock  which  is  outstanding   and  unexercised
immediately  prior  thereto shall be converted  automatically  into an option to
purchase  shares of Webster  Common Stock in an amount and at an exercise  price
determined as provided  below (and  otherwise  subject to the terms of the Derby
Savings Bank Stock Option  Plan,  as amended (the "1985 Option  Plan") or the DS
Bancor,  Inc.  1994 Stock Option Plan (the "1994 Option  Plan") (the 1985 Option
Plan and the 1994 Option Plan, collectively, "DS Bancor Stock Plans");

                  (1) The number of shares of Webster Common Stock to be subject
                  to the option  immediately  after the Effective  Time shall be
                  equal to the  product  of the  number  of  shares of DS Bancor
                  Common  Stock  subject  to the option  immediately  before the
                  effective  time,  multiplied by the Exchange  Ratio,  provided
                  that any fractional  shares of Webster Common Stock  resulting
                  from such multiplication  shall be rounded down to the nearest
                  share;

                  (2) The exercise price per share of Webster Common Stock under
                  the option immediately after the Effective Time shall be equal
                  to the  exercise  price per share of DS  Bancor  Common  Stock
                  under the option immediately before the Effective Time divided
                  by the Exchange Ratio, provided that such exercise price shall
                  be rounded to the nearest cent; and

                  (3) For purposes of the DS Bancor  Stock Plans,  service as an
                  advisory  director  of  Webster  Bank  shall be  deemed  to be
                  service.

The  adjustment  provided  herein  shall be and is  intended to be effected in a
manner which is consistent  with Section 424(a) of the Internal  Revenue Code of
1986,  as amended  (the  "Code").  The  duration  and other  terms of the option
immediately  after the  Effective  Time  shall be the same as the  corresponding
terms  in  effect  immediately  before  the  Effective  Time,  except  that  all
references  to DS Bancor in the 1994 Plan and all  references  to Derby  Savings
Bank in the 1985 Plan (and the corresponding  references in the option agreement
documenting such option) shall be deemed to be references to Webster.

     1.7      Certificate of Incorporation.

         At the Effective Time, the Certificate of  Incorporation  of DS Bancor,
as in effect at the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Surviving Corporation.

     1.8      By-Laws.

         At  the  Effective  Time,  the  By-Laws  of DS  Bancor,  as  in  effect
immediately  prior to the Effective Time,  shall be the By-Laws of the Surviving
Corporation.


                                      E-4



     1.9      Directors and Officers.

         At the  Effective  Time,  the  directors  and  officers  of Merger  Sub
immediately  prior to the Effective  Time shall be the directors and officers of
the Surviving  Corporation.  Two  directors of DS Bancor,  to be selected by the
Board of Directors of Webster,  shall be invited to serve as additional  members
of the Board of  Directors of Webster,  one of whom shall serve until  Webster's
1998 annual meeting, one of whom shall serve until Webster's 1999 annual meeting
and one of whom  shall be  renominated  when his or her  term  expires.  Webster
Bank's Board of Directors will be expanded after the Bank Merger to add such two
additional  directors.   In  addition,   the  directors  of  DS  Bancor  serving
immediately  prior to the Effective  Time,  including the two directors who will
serve on the Board of  Directors  of  Webster,  will be  invited  to serve on an
advisory  board to Webster Bank after the Bank Merger for a period of 24 months.
Such advisory  directors  will each be paid for such service up to $50,000 based
on a  quarterly  retainer of $4,750 and  quarterly  meeting  attendance  fees of
$1,500  for each  meeting  attended,  provided,  however,  that  while  any such
advisory  director also serves as a director of Webster such director  shall not
receive any compensation as an advisory director pursuant hereto.

     1.10     Tax Consequences.

         It is intended that the Merger, either alone or in conjunction with the
Subsidiary  Merger,  shall  constitute  a  reorganization  within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code, and that this Agreement shall  constitute a "plan of
reorganization" for the purposes of the Code.

                                   ARTICLE II
                               EXCHANGE OF SHARES

     2.1      Webster to Make Shares Available.

         At or prior to the  Effective  Time,  Webster shall  deposit,  or shall
cause to be deposited,  with Webster's transfer agent, American Stock Transfer &
Trust  Company,  or such other bank or trust  company as Webster may select (the
"Exchange Agent"), for the benefit of the holders of Certificates,  for exchange
in  accordance  with this Article II,  certificates  representing  the shares of
Webster  Common Stock and the cash in lieu of  fractional  shares (such cash and
certificates for shares of Webster Common Stock,  being hereinafter  referred to
as the "Exchange  Fund") to be issued  pursuant to Section 1.4 and paid pursuant
to Section 2.2(a) in exchange for outstanding shares of DS Bancor Common Stock.

     2.2      Exchange of Shares.

                  (a) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, and in no
event later than three business days  thereafter,  the Exchange Agent shall mail
to each  holder of record of a  Certificate  or  Certificates  a form  letter of
transmittal  (which shall specify that delivery  shall be effected,  and risk of
loss and  title to the  Certificates  shall  pass,  only  upon  delivery  of the
Certificates  to the Exchange Agent) and  instructions  for use in effecting the
surrender of the  Certificates  in exchange for  certificates  representing  the
shares of Webster  Common Stock and the cash in lieu of  fractional  shares into
which the shares of DS Bancor Common Stock  represented  by such  Certificate or
Certificates  shall have been converted  pursuant to this  Agreement.  DS Bancor
shall  have  the  right  to  review  both  the  letter  of  transmittal  and the
instructions.  Upon surrender of a Certificate for exchange and  cancellation to
the Exchange Agent, together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, the
holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (x)
a certificate  representing  that number of whole shares of Webster Common Stock
to which  such  holder of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  shall have  become  entitled
pursuant to the provisions of Article I hereof and (y) a check  representing the
amount of cash in lieu of fractional  shares,  if any, which such holder has the
right to  receive  in respect of the  Certificate  surrendered  pursuant  to the
provisions  of  this  Article  II,  and the  Certificate  so  surrendered  

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shall forthwith be canceled.  No interest will be paid or accrued on the cash in
lieu of  fractional  shares  and unpaid  dividends  and  distributions,  if any,
payable to holders of Certificates.

                  (b) No dividends  or other  distributions  declared  after the
Effective  Time with respect to Webster  Common Stock and payable to the holders
of record thereof shall be paid to the holder of any  unsurrendered  Certificate
until the holder  thereof shall  surrender such  Certificate in accordance  with
this Article II. After the  surrender of a Certificate  in accordance  with this
Article  II, the record  holder  thereof  shall be  entitled to receive any such
dividends  or  other   distributions,   without  any  interest  thereon,   which
theretofore  had become  payable with respect to shares of Webster  Common Stock
represented by such Certificate. No holder of an unsurrendered Certificate shall
be  entitled,  until the  surrender of such  Certificate,  to vote the shares of
Webster  Common  Stock into  which his DS Bancor  Common  Stock  shall have been
converted.

                  (c) If any certificate  representing  shares of Webster Common
Stock  is to be  issued  in a name  other  than  that in which  the  Certificate
surrendered in exchange  therefor is registered,  it shall be a condition of the
issuance thereof that the Certificate so surrendered  shall be properly endorsed
(or  accompanied  by an  appropriate  instrument  of transfer)  and otherwise in
proper form for transfer, and that the person requesting such exchange shall pay
to the Exchange  Agent in advance any transfer or other taxes required by reason
of the issuance of a certificate  representing shares of Webster Common Stock in
any  name  other  than  that  of  the  registered   holder  of  the  Certificate
surrendered,  or shall establish to the  satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that
such tax has been paid or is not payable.

                  (d) After the Effective  Time,  there shall be no transfers on
the stock  transfer  books of DS Bancor of the shares of DS Bancor  Common Stock
which were issued and outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time. If,
after the Effective Time,  Certificates  representing  such shares are presented
for transfer to the Exchange  Agent,  they shall be canceled and  exchanged  for
certificates  representing  shares of Webster  Common  Stock as provided in this
Article II.

                  (e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
no certificates or scrip representing  fractional shares of Webster Common Stock
shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates,  no dividend or
distribution  with  respect to Webster  Common Stock shall be payable on or with
respect to any fractional  share,  and such fractional share interests shall not
entitle the owner  thereof to vote or to any other  rights of a  shareholder  of
Webster. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, Webster shall pay
to each  former  shareholder  of DS Bancor who  otherwise  would be  entitled to
receive a fractional  share of Webster Common Stock an amount in cash determined
by multiplying (i) the average,  without respect to the number of shares traded,
of the high and low sales  prices of Webster  Common  Stock as  reported  on the
Nasdaq National Market (or any other securities exchange on which Webster Common
Stock is then traded) for the five trading days immediately  preceding the fifth
trading day before the Closing  Date by (ii) the  fraction of a share of Webster
Common  Stock to which  such  holder  would  otherwise  be  entitled  to receive
pursuant to Section 1.4 hereof.

                  (f) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by
the  shareholders  of DS Bancor for twelve months after the Effective Time shall
be returned to Webster.  Any  shareholders of DS Bancor who have not theretofore
complied with this Article II shall  thereafter look only to Webster for payment
of their shares of Webster Common Stock,  cash in lieu of fractional  shares and
unpaid  dividends  and  distributions  on Webster  Common Stock  deliverable  in
respect  of each  share of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  such  shareholder  holds as
determined  pursuant  to this  Agreement,  in each case,  without  any  interest
thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Webster, DS Bancor, the Exchange
Agent or any other person  shall be liable to any former  holder of shares of DS
Bancor  Common  Stock for any amount  properly  delivered  to a public  official
pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.


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                  (g) In the event any Certificate  shall have been lost, stolen
or  destroyed,  upon the  making  of an  affidavit  of that  fact by the  person
claiming such  Certificate  to be lost,  stolen or destroyed and, if required by
Webster,  the  posting by such  person of a bond in such  amount as Webster  may
reasonably  direct as indemnity  against  claim that may be made against it with
respect to such Certificate,  the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such
lost,  stolen or destroyed  Certificate  the shares of Webster  Common Stock and
cash in lieu of fractional  shares  deliverable in respect  thereof  pursuant to
this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE III
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DS BANCOR

         Except as set forth in a disclosure  schedule which is being  delivered
to Webster  concurrently  herewith  (the "DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule"),  DS
Bancor hereby represents and warrants to Webster and Merger Sub as follows:

     3.1      Corporate Organization

                  (a)  DS  Bancor  is  a  corporation  duly  organized,  validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. DS Bancor
has the corporate  power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and
assets and to carry on its  business as it is now being  conducted,  and is duly
licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of
any  material  business  conducted  by it or the  character  or  location of any
material  properties  or assets  owned or leased by it makes such  licensing  or
qualification  necessary. DS Bancor is duly registered as a bank holding company
with the Board of  Governors of the Federal  Reserve  System  ("FRB")  under the
Banking  Holding  Company Act of 1956, as amended  ("BHCA").  The Certificate of
Incorporation  and By-Laws of DS Bancor,  copies of which have  previously  been
delivered to Webster, are true, correct and complete copies of such documents as
in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

                  (b) Derby is a state  chartered  savings bank duly  organized,
validly  existing  and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of
Connecticut.  The deposit  accounts of Derby are insured by the Federal  Deposit
Insurance  Corporation  (the "FDIC") through the Bank Insurance Fund (the "BIF")
to the  fullest  extent  permitted  by law,  and all  premiums  and  assessments
required  in  connection  therewith  have been paid by Derby.  Derby is the only
subsidiary  of DS  Bancor  that is a  "Significant  Subsidiary"  as such term is
defined in Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange  Commission
(the "SEC").  Derby has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of
its  properties  and  assets  and to carry on its  business  as it is now  being
conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each  jurisdiction
in which the nature of any material business conducted by it or the character or
the  location of any material  properties  or assets owned or leased by it makes
such licensing or qualification  necessary. The Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws of Derby, copies of which have previously been delivered to Webster, are
true,  correct and complete copies of such documents as in effect as of the date
of this Agreement.

     3.2      Capitalization.

                  (a) The  authorized  capital  stock of DS Bancor  consists  of
6,000,000  shares  of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  and  2,000,000  shares of serial
preferred stock, no par value (the "DS Bancor Preferred Stock").  As of the date
hereof,  there are (x)  3,031,527  shares of DS Bancor  Common  Stock issued and
outstanding  and an additional  339,500 shares of DS Bancor Common Stock held in
DS Bancor's  treasury,  (y) no shares of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  reserved  for
issuance upon  exercise of  outstanding  stock options or otherwise,  except for
453,080 shares of DS Bancor Common Stock  reserved for issuance  pursuant to the
DS Bancor  Stock  Plans (of which  options  for  398,058  shares  are  currently
outstanding)  and (ii) 564,296  shares of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  reserved for
issuance  upon  exercise  of the option to be issued to Webster  pursuant to the
Option  Agreement,  and (z) no  shares of DS Bancor  Preferred  Stock  issued or
outstanding, held in DS Bancor's treasury or reserved for issuance upon 


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exercise  of  outstanding  stock  options  or  otherwise.  All of the issued and
outstanding  shares of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  have been duly  authorized  and
validly issued and are fully paid,  nonassessable and free of preemptive rights,
with no personal liability  attaching to the ownership  thereof.  Except for the
Option  Agreement,  DS Bancor does not have and is not bound by any  outstanding
subscriptions,  options,  warrants,  calls,  commitments  or  agreements  of any
character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of DS Bancor Common
Stock or DS Bancor  Preferred Stock or any other equity security of DS Bancor or
any  securities  representing  the right to  purchase or  otherwise  receive any
shares of DS Bancor Common Stock or any other equity security of DS Bancor.  The
names of the  optionees,  the date of each option to  purchase DS Bancor  Common
Stock granted,  the number of shares subject to each such option, the expiration
date of each  such  option,  and the  price at which  each  such  option  may be
exercised  under the DS Bancor Stock Plan are set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the
DS Bancor Disclosure Schedule.  Since December 31, 1995 DS Bancor has not issued
any  shares  of  its  capital  stock  or  any  securities  convertible  into  or
exercisable  for any shares of its  capital  stock,  other than  pursuant to the
exercise of director or employee  stock options  granted prior to June 30, 1996,
under the DS Bancor Stock Plans.

                  (b) Section 3.2(b) of the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule sets
forth a true,  correct and complete list of all  Subsidiaries of DS Bancor as of
the date of this Agreement.  DS Bancor owns, directly or indirectly,  all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries, free
and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests whatsoever,
and all of such  shares are duly  authorized  and  validly  issued and are fully
paid,  nonassessable and free of preemptive  rights,  with no personal liability
attaching to the ownership  thereof.  No DS Bancor Subsidiary has or is bound by
any  outstanding   subscriptions,   options,  warrants,  calls,  commitments  or
agreements of any  character  calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares
of  capital  stock  or any  other  equity  security  of such  Subsidiary  or any
securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of
capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.

     3.3      Authority; No Violation.

                  (a) DS  Bancor  has full  corporate  power  and  authority  to
execute and deliver this  Agreement  and the Option  Agreement and to consummate
the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the Option Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly approved by the Board
of Directors of DS Bancor. The Board of Directors of DS Bancor has directed that
this  Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby be  submitted to DS
Bancor's  shareholders  for approval at a special  meeting of such  shareholders
and,  except for the  adoption of this  Agreement  by the  requisite  vote of DS
Bancor's  shareholders,  no other corporate proceedings on the part of DS Bancor
(except for matters related to setting the date, time, place and record date for
the special  meeting)  are  necessary  to approve  this  Agreement or the Option
Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. This
Agreement has been, and the Option  Agreement will be, duly and validly executed
and  delivered  by DS Bancor and  (assuming  due  authorization,  execution  and
delivery  by  Webster  and Merger  Sub of this  Agreement  and by Webster of the
Option  Agreement) will constitute  valid and binding  obligations of DS Bancor,
enforceable  against  DS  Bancor  in  accordance  with  their  terms,  except as
enforcement may be limited by general  principles of equity whether applied in a
court of law or a court of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws
affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.

                  (b) Derby has full  corporate  power and  authority to execute
and  deliver  the Bank  Merger  Agreement  and to  consummate  the  transactions
contemplated  thereby.  The execution and delivery of the Bank Merger  Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and
validly approved by the Board of Directors of Derby and by DS Bancor as the sole
shareholder of Derby. No other  corporate  proceedings on the part of Derby will
be necessary to  consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  thereby.  The Bank
Merger Agreement, upon execution and delivery by Derby, will be duly and validly
executed and delivered by Derby and will (assuming due 

                                      E-8



authorization,  execution and delivery by Webster  Bank)  constitute a valid and
binding  obligation of Derby,  enforceable  against Derby in accordance with its
terms,  except as  enforcement  may be limited by general  principles  of equity
whether  applied  in a court  of law or a court  of  equity  and by  bankruptcy,
insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.

                  (c) Neither the execution  and delivery of this  Agreement and
the Option Agreement by DS Bancor or the Bank Merger Agreement by Derby, nor the
consummation  by DS  Bancor or  Derby,  as the case may be, of the  transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by DS Bancor or Derby with any of
the terms or provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) violate any provision of the
Certificate  of  Incorporation  or  By-Laws of DS Bancor or the  Certificate  of
Incorporation  or By-Laws  of Derby,  or (ii)  assuming  that the  consents  and
approvals  referred to in Section 3.4 hereof are duly obtained,  (x) violate any
Laws (as defined in Section 9.13)  applicable  to DS Bancor or Derby,  or any of
their respective properties or assets, or (y) violate,  conflict with, result in
a breach of any  provision  of or the loss of any benefit  under,  constitute  a
default  (or an event  which,  with  notice  or lapse  of time,  or both,  would
constitute  a  default)  under,  result  in the  termination  of or a  right  of
termination or cancellation  under,  accelerate the performance  required by, or
result in the creation of any lien, pledge,  security interest,  charge or other
encumbrance  upon any of the  respective  properties  or  assets of DS Bancor or
Derby under,  any of the terms,  conditions  or  provisions  of any note,  bond,
mortgage,   indenture,  deed  of  trust,  license,  lease,  agreement  or  other
instrument  or  obligation  to which DS Bancor or Derby is a party,  or by which
they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or affected.

     3.4      Consents and Approvals.

                  (a) Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices,  as
applicable, as to the Merger and the Bank Merger with the FRB under the BHCA and
the Office of Thrift Supervision  ("OTS") under the Home Owners Loan Act of 1933
("HOLA") and the Bank Merger Act and approval of such  applications and notices,
(ii) the filing of any required applications or notices with the FDIC and OTS as
to the  subsidiary  activities  of Derby which  become  service  corporation  or
operating  subsidiaries  of Webster Bank and approval of such  applications  and
notices,  (iii)  the  filing  of  applications  and  notices  with  the  Banking
Commissioner of the State of Connecticut (the  "Connecticut  Commissioner")  and
approval of such  applications  and notices as to the Merger and the Bank Merger
(the  "State  Banking   Approvals"),   (iv)  the  filing  with  the  Connecticut
Commissioner  of an  acquisition  statement  pursuant to Section  36a-184 of the
Banking Law of the State of  Connecticut  prior to the  acquisition of more than
10% of the DS Bancor  Common  Stock  pursuant  to the Option  Agreement,  if not
exempt,  (v) the filing with the SEC of a registration  statement on Form S-4 to
register the shares of Webster Common Stock to be issued in connection  with the
Merger (including the shares of Webster Common Stock that may be issued upon the
exercise of the options  referred to in Section 1.6 hereof),  which will include
the joint proxy statement/prospectus to be used in soliciting the approval of DS
Bancor's  shareholders  at a special  meeting to be held in connection with this
Agreement    and   the    transactions    contemplated    hereby   (the   "Proxy
Statement/Prospectus"),  (vi) the approval of this  Agreement  by the  requisite
vote of the  shareholders  of DS Bancor,  (vii) the approval for the issuance of
Webster  Common Stock  hereunder by a majority of shares of Webster Common Stock
voted at a meeting of Webster shareholders at which a quorum is present,  (viii)
the filing of the  Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State pursuant to
the DGCL,  (ix) the  filings  required  by the Bank  Merger  Agreement,  (x) the
filings   required  for  the   Subsidiary   Merger,   and  (xi)  such   filings,
authorizations  or approvals as may be set forth in Section 3.4 of the DS Bancor
Disclosure  Schedule,  no consents or approvals  of or filings or  registrations
with any  court,  administrative  agency  or  commission  or other  governmental
authority or instrumentality  (each a "Governmental  Entity"), or with any third
party are  necessary in  connection  with (1) the  execution  and delivery by DS
Bancor of this Agreement and the Option  Agreement,  (2) the  consummation by DS
Bancor of the Merger and the other  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  (3) the
execution  and  delivery  by  Derby  of  the  Bank  Merger  Agreement,  (4)  the
consummation by DS Bancor of the Option  Agreement;  and (5) the consummation by
Derby of the Bank Merger and the transactions  contemplated thereby,  

                                      E-9



except,  in each case, for such consents,  approvals or filings,  the failure of
which to  obtain  will not have a  material  adverse  effect on the  ability  of
Webster to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  (b) DS Bancor  hereby  represents  to  Webster  that it has no
knowledge  of  any  reason  why  approval  or   effectiveness   of  any  of  the
applications,  notices  or  filings  referred  to in  Section  3.4(a)  cannot be
obtained or granted on a timely basis.

     3.5      Loan Portfolio; Reports.

                  (a) As of  September  30,  1996  and  thereafter  through  and
including the date of this Agreement,  neither DS Bancor nor Derby is a party to
any written or oral loan agreement,  note or borrowing  arrangement  (including,
without limitation,  leases,  credit enhancements,  commitments,  guarantees and
interest-bearing assets) (collectively,  "Loans"), with any director, officer or
five percent or greater shareholder of DS Bancor or any of its Subsidiaries,  or
any Affiliated Person (as defined in Section 9.13) of the foregoing.

                  (b) DS  Bancor  and  Derby  have  timely  filed  all  reports,
registrations and statements,  together with any amendments  required to be made
with respect  thereto,  that they were required to file since September 30, 1996
with (i) the FRB,  (ii) the FDIC,  (iii) the  Connecticut  Commissioner  and any
other state banking commissions or any other state regulatory  authority (each a
"State Regulator"),  (iv) the SEC and (v) any other self-regulatory organization
("SRO")  (collectively  "Regulatory  Agencies").  Except for normal examinations
conducted  by a  Regulatory  Agency in the regular  course of the business of DS
Bancor  and its  Subsidiaries,  no  Governmental  Entity is  conducting,  or has
conducted, any proceeding or investigation into the business or operations of DS
Bancor or Derby since September 30, 1993.

     3.6      Financial Statements; Exchange Act Filings; Books and Records.

         DS Bancor  has  previously  delivered  to  Webster  true,  correct  and
complete copies of (a) the consolidated  statements of position of DS Bancor and
its  Subsidiaries as of December 31 for the fiscal years 1993 and 1994, and 1995
and the related  consolidated  statements of earnings,  stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the fiscal years 1992 through 1995, inclusive,  as reported in DS
Bancor's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
filed with the SEC under the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,  as amended (the
"Exchange  Act"),  in each case  accompanied  by the audit report of  Friedberg,
Smith & Co., P.C., independent public accountants with respect to DS Bancor, and
(b) the  unaudited  consolidated  statements  of  position  of DS Bancor and its
Subsidiaries  as  of  June  30,  1996  and  the  related  comparative  unaudited
consolidated  statements  of earnings,  cash flows and changes in  stockholders'
equity for the six month  periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 as reported in DS
Bancor's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q filed  with the SEC under the  Exchange
Act. The financial  statements  referred to in this Section 3.6  (including  the
related notes,  where applicable) fairly present,  and the financial  statements
referred to in Section 6.9 hereof will fairly present  (subject,  in the case of
the unaudited  statements,  to recurring audit adjustments  normal in nature and
amount), the results of the consolidated  operations and consolidated  financial
condition of DS Bancor and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal periods or
as of the respective dates therein set forth; each of such statements (including
the related  notes,  where  applicable)  comply,  and the  financial  statements
referred  to in Section  6.9 hereof  will  comply,  with  applicable  accounting
requirements  and with  the  published  rules  and  regulations  of the SEC with
respect thereto and each of such statements  (including the related notes, where
applicable)  has been, and the financial  statements  referred to in Section 6.9
hereof  will be  prepared  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles ("GAAP") consistently applied during the periods involved,  except in
each case as indicated  in such  statements  or in the notes  thereto or, in the
case of unaudited  statements,  as permitted  by Form 10-Q.  DS Bancor's  Annual
Report  on Form  10-K  for the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31,  1995 and all
subsequently  filed reports  under  Sections  13(a),  13 (c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act comply in all material  respects with the appropriate  requirements
for such reports under the Exchange Act, and DS Bancor has previously  


                                      E-10



delivered to Webster  true,  correct and complete  copies of such  reports.  The
books and records of DS Bancor and Derby have been, and are being, maintained in
all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and
accounting requirements.

     3.7      Broker's Fees.

         Neither  DS  Bancor  nor any DS  Bancor  Subsidiary  nor  any of  their
respective  officers or directors  has employed any broker or finder or incurred
any liability for any broker's fees,  commissions or finder's fees in connection
with any of the  transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement,  the Bank Merger
Agreement or the Option Agreement,  except that DS Bancor has engaged,  and will
pay a fee or commission to Alex.  Brown & Sons  Incorporated  in accordance with
the  terms  of a  letter  agreement,  as  amended,  between  Alex.  Brown & Sons
Incorporated and DS Bancor, a true,  complete and correct copy of which has been
previously delivered by DS Bancor to Webster.

     3.8      Absence of Certain Changes or Events.

                  (a) Except as disclosed in DS Bancor's  Annual  Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, or in any Current or Quarterly
Report of DS Bancor  on Form 8-K or Form  10-Q  filed  prior to the date of this
Agreement,  since  December  31,  1995  (i)  neither  DS  Bancor  nor any of its
Subsidiaries has incurred any material liability,  except as contemplated by the
Agreement or in the ordinary course of their business consistent with their past
practices,  and (ii) no event has occurred  which has had, or is likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate,  a Material Adverse Effect (as defined Section
9.13) on DS Bancor.

                  (b) Since  December  31,  1995 DS Bancor and its  Subsidiaries
have  carried on their  respective  businesses  in the ordinary and usual course
consistent with their past practices.

     3.9      Legal Proceedings.

                  (a) Neither DS Bancor nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party
to  any,  and  there  are  no  pending  or  threatened,  legal,  administrative,
arbitration or other proceedings,  claims, actions or governmental or regulatory
investigations  of any nature  against DS Bancor or any of its  Subsidiaries  in
which there is a  reasonable  probability  of any material  recovery  against or
other  material  effect  upon DS  Bancor  or any of its  Subsidiaries  or  which
challenge  the validity or propriety of the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement,  the Bank Merger  Agreement or the Option Agreement as to which there
is a reasonable probability of success.

                  (b)  There  is no  injunction,  order,  judgment,  decree,  or
regulatory  restriction  imposed upon DS Bancor,  any of its Subsidiaries or the
assets of DS Bancor or any of its Subsidiaries.

     3.10     Taxes and Tax Returns.

         Each of DS Bancor and its  Subsidiaries  has duly filed all Federal and
state tax returns required to be filed by it on or prior to the date hereof (all
such returns being accurate and complete in all material  respects) and has duly
paid  or made  provisions  for the  payment  of all  material  taxes  and  other
governmental  charges  which have been  incurred or are due or claimed to be due
from it by Federal and state taxing  authorities  on or prior to the date hereof
other than taxes or other  charges (a) which (x) are not yet  delinquent  or (y)
are being contested in good faith and set forth in Section 3.10 of the DS Bancor
Disclosure  Schedule  and (b)  which  have  not  been  finally  determined.  All
liability  with  respect  to  the  income  tax  returns  of DS  Bancor  and  its
Subsidiaries  has been  satisfied  for all  years  to and  including  1995.  The
Internal  Revenue  Service  ("IRS") has not  notified DS Bancor of, or otherwise
asserted,  that there are any material  deficiencies  with respect to the income
tax returns of DS Bancor  subsequent  to 1993.  There are no  material  disputes
pending,  or claims asserted for, Taxes or assessments  upon DS Bancor or any of
its Subsidiaries, nor has DS Bancor or any of its Subsidiaries been requested to
give  

                                      E-11



any currently  effective  waivers  extending the statutory  period of limitation
applicable  to any  Federal  or state  income  tax  return  for any  period.  In
addition,  Federal and state  returns  which are  accurate  and  complete in all
material  respects  have been  filed by DS Bancor and its  Subsidiaries  for all
periods  for which  returns  were due with  respect to income  tax  withholding,
Social Security and unemployment taxes and the amounts shown on such Federal and
state returns to be due and payable have been paid in full or adequate provision
therefor has been included by DS Bancor in its consolidated financial statements
as of December 31, 1995.

     3.11     Employee Plans.

                  (a) Section  3.11 of the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule  sets
forth a true and complete list of each employee benefit plan (within the meaning
of Section  3(3) of the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act of 1974,  as
amended  ("ERISA")),  arrangement or agreement that is maintained as of the date
of this Agreement (the "Plans") by DS Bancor or any of its Subsidiaries,  all of
which  together  with DS Bancor would be deemed a "single  employer"  within the
meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA or Code Sections 414(b), (c) or (m)).

                  (b) DS  Bancor  has  heretofore  delivered  to  Webster  true,
correct  and  complete  copies of each of the Plans and all  related  documents,
including  but not  limited  to (i) the  actuarial  report  for  such  Plan  (if
applicable) for each of the last five years, (ii) the most recent  determination
letter from the Internal  Revenue Service (if  applicable) for such Plan,  (iii)
the current summary plan description and any summaries of material modification,
(iv) all annual reports (Form 5500 series) for each Plan filed for the preceding
five plan years,  (v) all  agreements  with  fiduciaries  and service  providers
relating to the Plan, and (vi) all  substantive  correspondence  relating to any
such Plan  addressed  to or received  from the  Internal  Revenue  Service,  the
Department  of Labor,  the Pension  Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation  or any other
governmental agency.

                  (c)  (i)  Each  of the  Plans  has  been  operated  and in all
material respects administered in compliance with applicable Laws, including but
not  limited  to ERISA and the  Code,  (ii)  each of the  Plans  intended  to be
"qualified"  within the meaning of Section  401(a) of the Code is so  qualified,
(iii) with  respect  to each Plan  which is  subject  to Title IV of ERISA,  the
present  value of accrued  benefits  under such Plan,  based upon the  actuarial
assumptions  used for  funding  purposes  in the most  recent  actuarial  report
prepared by such Plan's  actuary with  respect to such Plan,  did not, as of its
latest valuation date,  exceed the then current value of the assets of such Plan
allocable to such accrued benefits,  (iv) no Plan provides  benefits,  including
without  limitation  death or medical  benefits  (whether or not insured),  with
respect to current or former employees of DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary
beyond their retirement or other termination of service, other than (w) coverage
mandated by applicable Law, (x) death benefits or retirement  benefits under any
"employee  pension plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA,  (y)
deferred  compensation benefits accrued as liabilities on the books of DS Bancor
or any DS Bancor Subsidiary,  or (z) benefits the full cost of which is borne by
the current or former employee (or his beneficiary),  (v) no liability under the
Title IV of ERISA has been  incurred  by DS  Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary
that has not been  satisfied in full,  and no condition  exists that  presents a
material  risk to DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  incurring  a  material
liability  thereunder,  (vi) no Plan is a "multi employer pension plan," as such
term is defined  in Section  3(37) of ERISA,  (vii) all  contributions  or other
amounts  payable by DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  as of the  Effective
Time with  respect  to each Plan in  respect of current or prior plan years have
been paid or accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting  practices
and  Section  412 of the  Code,  (viii)  neither  DS  Bancor  nor any DS  Bancor
Subsidiary  has engaged in a transaction  in connection  with which DS Bancor or
any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  could be subject to either a civil  penalty  assessed
pursuant to Section 409 or 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed  pursuant to Section
4975 or 4976 of the  Code,  (ix) to the  knowledge  of DS  Bancor,  there are no
pending,  threatened  or  anticipated  claims  (other  than  routine  claims for
benefits)  by, on behalf of or against  any of the plans or any  trusts  related
thereto,  and (x) all Plans  (other  than  Plans  providing  for the  payment of
benefits from the general assets of DS Bancor or any DS Bancor Subsidiary) could
be terminated as of the Effective Time without 
                                      E-12



material  liability;  (xi) no Plan,  program,  agreement  or other  arrangement,
either  individually or  collectively,  provides for any payment by DS Bancor or
any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  that  would not be  deductible  under  Code  Sections
162(a)(1)  or 404 or that would  constitute  a  "parachute  payment"  within the
meaning of Code Section  280G;  (xii) no  "accumulated  funding  deficiency"  as
defined in Section 302(a)(2) of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, whether or not
waived,  and no "unfunded current  liability" as determined under Section 412(l)
of the Code exists with respect to any Plan; and (xiii) no Plan has  experienced
a "reportable  event" (as such term is defined in Section 4043(b) of ERISA) that
is not subject to an  administrative  or  statutory  waiver  from the  reporting
requirement.


     3.12     Certain Contracts.

                  (a) Neither DS Bancor nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party
to or bound by any contract,  arrangement  or commitment (i) with respect to the
employment of any directors,  officers,  employees or  consultants,  (ii) which,
upon the consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement or the
Bank  Merger  Agreement  will  (either  alone  or  upon  the  occurrence  of any
additional  acts or events)  result in any payment  (whether of severance pay or
otherwise)  becoming  due  from  Webster,   DS  Bancor,   Derby,  the  Surviving
Corporation,  Webster  Bank  or  any of  their  respective  Subsidiaries  to any
director,  officer or employee  thereof,  (iii) which  materially  restricts the
conduct of any line of business  by DS Bancor or Derby,  (iv) with or to a labor
union or guild (including any collective bargaining agreement) or (v) (including
any stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan,  restricted stock plan or
stock  purchase  plan) any of the  benefits of which will be  increased,  or the
vesting of the benefits of which will be  accelerated,  by the occurrence of any
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Bank Merger Agreement,
or the value of any of the benefits of which will be  calculated on the basis of
any of the  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement  or the  Bank  Merger
Agreement.  DS Bancor has  previously  delivered  to Webster  true,  correct and
complete  copies  of  all  employment,   consulting  and  deferred  compensation
agreements  to which DS Bancor or any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party.  Section
3.12(a) of the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule sets forth a list of all material
contracts (as defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation  S-K) of DS Bancor.  Each
contract,  arrangement  or  commitment  of the type  described  in this  Section
3.12(a), whether or not set forth in Section 3.12(a) of the DS Bancor Disclosure
Schedule, is referred to herein as a "DS Bancor Contract," and neither DS Bancor
nor  any of its  Subsidiaries  has  received  notice  of,  nor do any  executive
officers of such entities know of, any violation of any DS Bancor Contract.

                  (b) (i) Each DS Bancor  Contract  is valid and  binding and in
full force and effect,  (ii) DS Bancor and each of its  Subsidiaries  has in all
material  respects  performed all obligations  required to be performed by it to
date under each DS Bancor Contract, and (iii) no event or condition exists which
constitutes  or,  after  notice or lapse of time or both,  would  constitute,  a
material default on the part of DS Bancor or any of its  Subsidiaries  under any
such DS Bancor Contract.

     3.13     Agreements with Regulatory Agencies.

         Neither DS Bancor nor Derby is subject to any cease-and-desist or other
order issued by, or is a party to any written  agreement,  consent  agreement or
memorandum of  understanding  with, or has adopted any board  resolutions at the
request  of (each,  whether  or not set forth on  Section  3.13 of the DS Bancor
Disclosure  Schedule,  a "Regulatory  Agreement"),  any Governmental Entity that
restricts  the  conduct of its  business  or that in any  manner  relates to its
capital adequacy,  its credit policies,  its management or its business, nor has
DS  Bancor  or  Derby  been  advised  by  any  Governmental  Entity  that  it is
considering issuing or requesting any Regulatory Agreement.

     3.14     State Takeover Laws.

         The Board of  Directors  of DS Bancor has approved the offer of Webster
to enter into this Agreement,  this Agreement, the Bank Merger Agreement and the
Option  Agreement such that the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL Article 10
Subsection  4  and  Article  12  Subsection  1 of  DS  


                                      E-13



Bancor's  Certificate of  Incorporation  will not,  assuming the accuracy of the
representations  contained  in Section 4.8  hereof,  apply to the offer to enter
into this  Agreement,  this Agreement,  the Bank Merger  Agreement or the Option
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.


     3.15     Environmental Matters.

                  (a) Each of DS  Bancor  and the DS Bancor  Subsidiaries  is in
compliance in all material  respects with all applicable  federal and state laws
and  regulations   relating  to  pollution  or  protection  of  the  environment
(including  without  limitation,  laws and  regulations  relating to  emissions,
discharges,   releases  and  threatened   releases  of  Hazardous  Material  (as
hereinafter  defined),  or otherwise  relating to the  manufacture,  processing,
distribution,  use,  treatment,  storage,  disposal,  transport  or  handling of
Hazardous Materials;

                  (b) There is no suit, claim, action, proceeding, investigation
or notice  pending or to the  knowledge  of DS Bancor and Derby  Savings  Bank's
executive  officers or of such other officers who such  executive  officers deem
appropriate  as set forth on the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule  threatened (or
past or present  actions  or events  that could form the basis of any such suit,
claim, action,  proceeding,  investigation or notice), in which DS Bancor or any
DS Bancor  Subsidiary  has been or, with respect to  threatened  suits,  claims,
actions, proceedings, investigations or notices may be, named as a defendant (x)
for alleged  material  noncompliance  (including by any  predecessor),  with any
environmental law, rule or regulation or (y) relating to any material release or
threatened  release into the environment of any Hazardous  Material,  whether or
not  occurring at or on a site owned,  leased or operated by DS Bancor or any DS
Bancor Subsidiary;

                  (c) To the  knowledge  of DS Bancor and Derby  Savings  Bank's
executive  officers or of such other officers who such  executive  officers deem
appropriate as set forth on the DS Bancor Disclosure Schedule, during the period
of DS Bancor's or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary's  ownership  or operation of any of
its properties,  there has not been any material release of Hazardous  Materials
in, on, under or affecting any such property.

                  (d) To the  knowledge  of DS Bancor and Derby  Savings  Bank's
executive  officers or of such other officers who such  executive  officers deem
appropriate as set forth on the DS Bancor Disclosure Schedule, neither DS Bancor
nor any DS Bancor  Subsidiary has made or participated in any loan to any person
who is subject to any suit, claim, action, proceeding,  investigation or notice,
pending or threatened, with respect to (i) any alleged material noncompliance as
to any  property  securing  such  loan  with  any  environmental  law,  rule  or
regulation,  or (ii) the release or the threatened  release into the environment
of any Hazardous Material at a site owned,  leased or operated by such person on
any property securing such loan.

                  (e) For purposes of this  section  3.15,  the term  "Hazardous
Material"  means  any  hazardous  waste,   petroleum  product,   polychlorinated
biphenyl, chemical, pollutant, contaminant, pesticide, radioactive substance, or
other toxic material,  or other material or substance (in each such case,  other
than small quantities of such substances in retail  containers)  regulated under
any applicable  environmental or public health statute, law, ordinance,  rule or
regulation.

     3.16     Reserves for Losses.

         All reserves or other  allowances for possible  losses  reflected in DS
Bancor's most recent  financial  statements  referred to in Section 3.6 complied
with all Laws and are adequate under GAAP.  Neither DS Bancor nor Derby has been
notified  by the OTS,  the FDIC,  the  Connecticut  Commissioner  or DS Bancor's
independent auditor, in writing or otherwise,  that such reserves are inadequate
or that the  practices and policies of DS Bancor or Derby in  establishing  such
reserves and in accounting for delinquent and classified  assets  generally fail
to comply with  applicable  accounting or regulatory  requirements,  or that the
OTS, the FDIC, the Connecticut  Commissioner or DS Bancor's  independent 

                                      E-14



auditor  believes  such  reserves  to be  inadequate  or  inconsistent  with the
historical  loss  experience  of DS Bancor or Derby.  DS Bancor  has  previously
furnished  Webster with a complete  list of all  extensions  of credit and other
real  estate  owned  ("OREO")  that have been  classified  by any bank  examiner
(regulatory or internal) as other loans specially  mentioned,  special  mention,
substandard,  doubtful,  loss,  classified  or  criticized,  credit risk assets,
concerned loans or words of similar import. DS Bancor agrees to update such list
no less  frequently  than  monthly  after the date of this  Agreement  until the
earlier of the Closing  Date or the date that this  Agreement is  terminated  in
accordance  with  Section  8.1.  All OREO  held by DS  Bancor  or Derby is being
carried net of reserves at the lower of cost or net realizable value.


     3.17     Properties and Assets.

         Section 3.17 of the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule  lists (i) all real
property  owned by DS  Bancor  and each DS  Bancor  Subsidiary;  (ii)  each real
property lease,  sublease or installment purchase arrangement to which DS Bancor
or any DS Bancor Subsidiary is a party; (iii) a description of each contract for
the purchase,  sale, or  development of real estate to which DS Bancor or any DS
Bancor Subsidiary is a party; and (iv) all items of DS Bancor's or any DS Bancor
Subsidiary's  tangible  personal  property  and  equipment  with a book value of
$50,000 or more or having any annual  lease  payment of $25,000 or more.  Except
for (a) items reflected in DS Bancor's  consolidated  financial statements as of
December 31, 1995  referred to in Section 3.6 hereof,  (b)  exceptions  to title
that do not interfere  materially with DS Bancor's or any DS Bancor Subsidiary's
use and enjoyment of owned or leased real property (other than OREO),  (c) liens
for current real estate  taxes not yet  delinquent,  or being  contested in good
faith,  properly  reserved  against (and  reflected on the financial  statements
referred to in Section 3.6 above), (d) properties and assets sold or transferred
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices since December
31,  1995,  and (e) items  listed in  Section  3.17 of the DS Bancor  Disclosure
Schedule,  DS Bancor and each DS Bancor  Subsidiary  have good and,  as to owned
real  property,  marketable  and  insurable  title to all their  properties  and
assets,  reflected in its consolidated  financial  statements of DS Bancor as of
December  31,  1995,  free and clear of all  liens,  claims,  charges  and other
encumbrances.  DS Bancor and each DS Bancor  Subsidiary,  as  lessees,  have the
right under valid and subsisting leases to occupy,  use and possess all property
leased by them,  and there has not  occurred  under any such lease any  material
breach,  violation  or default by DS Bancor or Derby,  and neither DS Bancor nor
any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  has  experienced  any  material  uninsured  damage or
destruction  with  respect to such  properties  since  December  31,  1995.  All
properties  and assets  used by DS Bancor and each DS Bancor  Subsidiary  are in
good operating condition and repair suitable for the purposes for which they are
currently  utilized and comply in all material  respects  with all Laws relating
thereto now in effect or scheduled  to come into  effect.  DS Bancor and each DS
Bancor Subsidiary enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases for
the use of all  property  under  which they are the  lessees,  and all leases to
which DS  Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  is a party are valid and  binding
obligations in accordance  with the terms thereof.  Neither DS Bancor nor any DS
Bancor  Subsidiary  is in material  default with respect to any such lease,  and
there has  occurred  no  default  by DS Bancor or Derby or event  which with the
lapse of time or the  giving of notice,  or both,  would  constitute  a material
default under any such lease. There are no Laws,  conditions of record, or other
impediments  which interfere with the intended use by DS Bancor or any DS Bancor
Subsidiary of any of the property owned, leased, or occupied by them.

     3.18     Insurance.

         Section  3.18 of the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule  contains  a true,
correct and complete a list of all insurance policies and bonds maintained by DS
Bancor and any DS Bancor  Subsidiary,  including  the name of the  insurer,  the
policy number, the type of policy and any applicable  deductibles,  and all such
insurance  policies and bonds (or other insurance  policies and bonds that have,
from time to time,  in respect of the nature of the risks  insured  against  and
amount of coverage provided,  been  substantially  similar in kind and amount to
that customarily  carried by parties  similarly  situated who own properties and
engage in  businesses  substantially  similar  to that of DS  Bancor  and any DS
Bancor  

                                      E-15



Subsidiary) are in full force and effect and have been in full force and effect.
As of the date  hereof,  neither  DS  Bancor  nor any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  has
received any notice of  cancellation  or amendment of any such policy or bond or
is in default  under any such policy or bond,  no coverage  thereunder  is being
disputed and all material claims thereunder have been filed in a timely fashion.
The existing  insurance  carried by DS Bancor and DS Bancor  Subsidiaries is and
will continue to be, in respect of the nature of the risks  insured  against and
the amount of  coverage  provided,  substantially  similar in kind and amount to
that customarily  carried by parties  similarly  situated who own properties and
engage in  businesses  substantially  similar  to that of DS  Bancor  and the DS
Bancor  Subsidiaries,  and is sufficient  for compliance by DS Bancor and the DS
Bancor  Subsidiaries  with all  requirements  of Law and  agreements to which DS
Bancor or any of the DS  Bancor  Subsidiaries  is  subject  or is  party.  True,
correct and complete  copies of all such policies and bonds reflected at Section
3.18 of the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Statement,  as in effect on the date  hereof,
have been delivered to Webster.

     3.19     Liquidation Account. 

         The  liquidation  account  established by Derby in connection  with its
conversion  from the mutual to stock form has been  eliminated as provided under
Connecticut law.

     3.20     Compliance with Applicable Laws.

         Each of DS Bancor  and any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  has  complied  in all
material  respects  with all Laws  applicable  to it or to the  operation of its
business. Neither DS Bancor nor any DS Bancor Subsidiary has received any notice
of any material alleged or threatened claim,  violation,  or liability under any
such Laws that has not heretofore been cured and for which there is no remaining
liability.

     3.21     Loans.  

         As of the date hereof:

                  (a) All loans owned by DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary,
or in which DS Bancor or any DS Bancor Subsidiary has an interest, comply in all
material respects with all Laws, including, but not limited to, applicable usury
statutes,  underwriting and recordkeeping  requirements and the Truth in Lending
Act, the Equal Credit  Opportunity Act, and the Real Estate  Procedures Act, and
other applicable consumer protection statutes and the regulations thereunder.

                  (b) All loans owned by DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary,
or in which DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  has an  interest,  have been
made or acquired by DS Bancor in accordance with board of director-approved loan
policies and all of such loans are  collectible,  except to the extent  reserves
have  been  made  against  such  loans  in DS  Bancor's  consolidated  financial
statements at June 30, 1996 referred to in Section 3.6 hereof. Each of DS Bancor
and each DS Bancor  Subsidiary  holds mortgages  contained in its loan portfolio
for its own benefit to the extent of its interest shown therein;  such mortgages
evidence liens having the priority indicated by their terms,  subject, as of the
date of recordation or filing of applicable security  instruments,  only to such
exceptions as are discussed in attorneys'  opinions  regarding title or in title
insurance  policies in the mortgage  files relating to the loans secured by real
property or are not  material as to the  collectability  of such loans;  and all
loans owned by DS Bancor and each DS Bancor Subsidiary are with full recourse to
the borrowers,  and each of DS Bancor and any DS Bancor  Subsidiary has taken no
action  which  would  result in a waiver or  negation  of any rights or remedies
available against the borrower or guarantor, if any, on any loan. All applicable
remedies  against all borrowers and guarantors are enforceable  except as may be
limited by  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  moratorium or other similar laws affecting
creditors'  rights  and except as may be limited  by the  exercise  of  judicial
discretion in applying  principles of equity.  All loans purchased or originated
by DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary and subsequently  sold by DS Bancor or
any DS Bancor  Subsidiary have been sold without recourse to DS Bancor or any DS
Bancor  Subsidiary  and without any  liability  under any yield  maintenance  or
similar  obligation.  True,  

                                      E-16



correct and complete  copies of loan  delinquency  reports as of August 31, 1996
prepared by DS Bancor and each DS Bancor  Subsidiary,  which reports include all
loans delinquent or otherwise in default, have been furnished to Webster.  True,
correct and complete  copies of the  currently  effective  lending  policies and
practices of DS Bancor and each DS Bancor Subsidiary also have been furnished to
Webster.


                  (c) Each outstanding loan  participation  sold by DS Bancor or
any DS Bancor  Subsidiary  was sold with the risk of  non-payment  of all or any
portion of that underlying loan to be shared by each  participant  (including DS
Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary)  proportionately  to the share of such loan
represented by such  participation  without any recourse of such other lender or
participant  to DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary for payment or repurchase
of the amount of such loan  represented by the  participation or liability under
any  yield  maintenance  or  similar  obligation.  DS  Bancor  and any DS Bancor
Subsidiary  have  properly  fulfilled in all material  respects its  contractual
responsibilities  and duties in any loan in which it acts as the lead  lender or
servicer and has complied in all material  respects  with its duties as required
under applicable regulatory requirements.

                  (d) DS Bancor  and each DS  Bancor  Subsidiary  have  properly
perfected or caused to be properly perfected all security  interests,  liens, or
other interests in any collateral securing any loans made by it.

     3.22     Affiliates; Certain Executive Officers.

         Each director and 5% or greater shareholder and any other person who is
an  "affiliate"  (for  purposes  of Rule 145  under the  Securities  Act and for
purposes  of  qualifying  the  Merger  for   "pooling-of-interests"   accounting
treatment)  of DS  Bancor  has  delivered  to  Webster,  concurrently  with  the
execution of this Agreement,  a shareholders  agreement in the form of Exhibit C
hereto (the "Stockholders Agreement").  The Stockholders Agreement has been duly
and validly  executed  and  delivered  by each  person  that is a party  thereto
(assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Webster and/or DS Bancor,
as applicable) and constitutes the valid and binding  obligation of such person,
enforceable  against  such  person in  accordance  with their  terms,  except as
enforcement may be limited by general  principles of equity whether applied in a
court of law or a court of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws
affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.

     3.23     Ownership of Webster Common Stock.

         Neither DS Bancor nor any of its direct or  indirect  subsidiaries  (i)
beneficially own,  directly or indirectly,  or (ii) is a party to any agreement,
arrangement or  understanding  for the purpose of acquiring,  holding or voting,
any shares of outstanding capital stock of Webster.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WEBSTER

     Webster hereby represents and warrants to DS Bancor as follows:

     4.1      Corporate Organization.

                  (a) Webster is a corporation duly organized,  validly existing
and in good  standing  under the laws of the State of Delaware.  Webster has the
corporate  power and authority to own or lease all of its  properties and assets
and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted,  and is duly licensed
or  qualified  to do  business in each  jurisdiction  in which the nature of the
business  conducted  by it or the  character or location of the  properties  and
assets owned or leased by it makes such  licensing or  qualification  necessary.
Webster is duly  registered  as a savings and loan holding  company with the OTS
under HOLA. The Certificate of Incorporation  and By-Laws of Webster,  copies 

                                      E-17



of which have previously been made available to DS Bancor, are true, correct and
complete copies of such documents as in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

                  (b)  Merger  Sub  is a  corporation  duly  organized,  validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

                  (c) Webster Bank is a federal  savings  bank  chartered by the
OTS under the laws of the  United  States  with its main  office in the State of
Connecticut.  Webster Bank has the corporate power and authority to own or lease
all of its  properties  and  assets  and to carry on  business  as is now  being
conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction
in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location
of the  properties  and  assets  owned or leased by it makes such  licensing  or
qualification  necessary.  The Charter and  By-Laws of Webster  Bank,  copies of
which have  previously been made available to DS Bancor,  are true,  correct and
complete copies of such documents as in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

     4.2      Capitalization.

                  (a) The  authorized  capital  stock  of  Webster  consists  of
14,000,000  shares of Webster  Common  Stock,  of which  8,108,472  shares  were
outstanding (net of 394,424 treasury shares) at September 30, 1996 and 3,000,000
shares of serial preferred  stock, par value $.01 per share ("Webster  Preferred
Stock"),  of which 150,869 shares of Series B Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred
Stock (the "Series B Stock") were  outstanding  at September  30, 1996.  At such
date,  there were  options  outstanding  to purchase  596,940  shares of Webster
Common Stock.  All of the issued and outstanding  shares of Webster Common Stock
and Series B Stock have been duly  authorized  and validly  issued and are fully
paid,  nonassessable and free of preemptive  rights,  with no personal liability
attaching to the ownership thereof. As of the date of this Agreement,  except as
set  forth  above,  Webster  does not have and is not  bound by any  outstanding
subscriptions,  options,  warrants,  calls,  commitments  or  agreements  of any
character  calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of Webster  Common
Stock or Webster  Preferred  Stock or any other equity  securities of Webster or
any securities  presenting the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares
of Webster  Common  Stock or Webster  Preferred  Stock,  other than a warrant to
purchase  300,000 shares of Webster Common Stock issued to Fleet Financial Group
and a contingent payment  arrangement with Fleet Financial Group as described in
the Form 8-K filed by Webster with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission for
such  event.  The shares of Webster  Common  Stock to be issued  pursuant to the
Merger are  authorized  and,  at the  Effective  Time,  all such  shares will be
validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no
personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof.

                  (b) The  authorized  capital  stock of Merger Sub  consists of
1,000 shares of common stock,  par value $.01 per share, all of which are issued
and  outstanding  and owned by  Webster  free and clear of all  liens,  charges,
encumbrances and security interests whatsoever,  and all of such shares are duly
authorized  and  validly  issued  and  fully  paid,  nonassessable  and  free of
preemptive rights, with no personal liability attaching to ownership thereof.

                  (c) The  authorized  capital stock of Webster Bank consists of
1,000 shares of common stock,  par value $.01 per share, all of which are issued
and  outstanding.  The  outstanding  shares of common  stock of Webster Bank are
owned by Webster free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances and security
interests  whatsoever,  and all of such shares are duly  authorized  and validly
issued and fully paid,  nonassessable  and free of  preemptive  rights,  with no
personal liability attaching to ownership thereof.

     4.3      Authority; No Violation.

                  (a) Webster has full corporate  power and authority to execute
and deliver  this  Agreement  and the Option  Agreement  and to  consummate  the
transactions contemplated hereby and 
                                      E-18



thereby.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Option  Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby have been duly and
validly  approved  by the Board of  Directors  of  Webster.  No other  corporate
proceedings on the part of Webster are necessary to consummate the  transactions
contemplated hereby,  except for the approval of this Agreement by a majority of
shares of Webster Common Stock voted at a meeting of Webster's  shareholders  at
which a quorum is present.  This  Agreement has been,  and the Option  Agreement
will be, duly and validly  executed and  delivered by Webster and  (assuming due
authorization,  execution and delivery by DS Bancor) will  constitute  valid and
binding  obligations of Webster,  enforceable against Webster in accordance with
their  terms,  except as  enforcement  may be limited by general  principles  of
equity whether applied in a court of law or a court of equity and by bankruptcy,
insolvency and similar law affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.


                  (b)  Merger  Sub has full  corporate  power and  authority  to
execute  and  deliver  this  Agreement  and  to  consummate   the   transactions
contemplated  hereby.  The  execution  and  delivery of this  Agreement  and the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
approved  by the Board of  Directors  of Merger  Sub and by  Webster as the sole
shareholder of Merger Sub. No other corporate  proceedings on the part of Merger
Sub will be necessary to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby. This
Agreement,  upon  execution and delivery by Merger Sub, will be duly and validly
executed  and  delivered  by Merger Sub and will  (assuming  due  authorization,
execution and delivery by DS Bancor)  constitute a valid and binding  obligation
of Merger Sub,  enforceable  against  Merger Sub in  accordance  with its terms,
except as  enforcement  may be limited by general  principles of equity  whether
applied in a court of law or a court of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.

                  (c) Webster  Bank has full  corporate  power and  authority to
execute and deliver the Bank Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated  thereby.  The execution and delivery of the Bank Merger  Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  thereby will be duly and
validly approved by the Board of Directors of Webster Bank and by Webster as the
sole  shareholder  of Webster Bank prior to the  Effective  Time.  All corporate
proceedings on the part of Webster Bank necessary to consummate the transactions
contemplated  thereby will have been taken prior to the Effective Time. The Bank
Merger Agreement,  upon execution and delivery by Webster Bank, will be duly and
validly   executed  and  delivered  by  Webster  Bank  and  will  (assuming  due
authorization,  execution and delivery by Derby)  constitute a valid and binding
obligation of Webster Bank,  enforceable against Webster Bank in accordance with
its terms,  except as enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity
whether  applied  in a court  of law or a court  of  equity  and by  bankruptcy,
insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.

                  (d)  Except as set forth in Section  4.3(d) of the  disclosure
schedule which is being delivered by Webster to DS Bancor concurrently  herewith
(the "Webster Disclosure Schedule"),  neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Webster or Merger Sub, the Option  Agreement by Webster or the Bank
Merger Agreement by Webster Bank, nor the consummation by Webster, Merger Sub or
Webster Bank,  as the case may be, of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby or
thereby,  nor compliance by Webster,  Merger Sub or Webster Bank with any of the
terms or  provisions  hereof or thereof,  will (i) violate any  provision of the
Certificate  of  Incorporation   or  ByLaws  of  Webster,   the  Certificate  of
Incorporation  or  By-Laws  of Merger  Sub or the  Charter or By-Laws of Webster
Bank,  as the case may be, or (ii)  assuming  that the  consents  and  approvals
referred to in Section 4.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate any Laws applicable to
Webster,  Merger Sub,  Webster  Bank or any of their  respective  properties  or
assets, or (y) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or
the loss of any benefit  under,  constitute a default (or an event  which,  with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would  constitute a default) under,  result in
the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation  under,  accelerate
the  performance  required  by, or result in the  creation of any lien,  pledge,
security  interest,  charge  or other  encumbrance  upon  any of the  respective
properties  or assets of  Webster,  Webster  Bank or Merger Sub under any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage,  indenture, deed of
trust,  license,  lease,  agreement or other  instrument  or obligation to which

                                      E-19



Webster, Webster Bank or Merger Sub is a party, or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected.


     4.4      Regulatory Approvals.

                  (a) Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices,  as
applicable, as to the Merger and the Bank Merger with the FRB under the BHCA and
the OTS under HOLA and the Bank Merger Act and approval of such applications and
notices,  (ii) the filing of any required  applications or notices with the FDIC
and  OTS  as  to  the  subsidiary  activities  of  Derby  which  become  service
corporation  or  operating  subsidiaries  of Webster  Bank and  approval of such
applications  and notices,  (iii) the State Banking  Approvals,  (iv) the filing
with the  Connecticut  Commissioner  of an  acquisition  statement  pursuant  to
Section  36a-184 of the  Banking  Law of the State of  Connecticut  prior to the
acquisition  of more  than 10% of the DS Bancor  Common  Stock  pursuant  to the
Option Agreement,  if not exempt,  (v) the filing with the SEC of a registration
statement  on Form S-4 to  register  the  shares of Webster  Common  Stock to be
issued in connection  with the Merger  (including  the shares of Webster  Common
Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of the options referred to in Section
1.6  hereof),  which  will  include  the  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  (vi) the
approval of this  Agreement  by the  requisite  vote of the  shareholders  of DS
Bancor, (vii) the approval for the issuance of Webster Common Stock hereunder by
a majority of shares of Webster  Common  Stock  voted at a meeting of  Webster's
shareholders at which a quorum is present,  (viii) the filing of the Certificate
of Merger with the  Secretary  of State  pursuant to the DGCL,  (ix) the filings
required  by the  Bank  Merger  Agreement,  (x)  the  filings  required  for the
Subsidiary  Merger,  and (xi) such  filings and  approvals as are required to be
made or obtained  under the  securities or "Blue Sky" laws of various  states or
with Nasdaq (or such other exchange as may be applicable) in connection with the
issuance of the shares of Webster  Common Stock pursuant to this  Agreement,  no
consents  or  approvals  of or filings or  registrations  with any  Governmental
Entity are  necessary  in  connection  with (1) the  execution  and  delivery by
Webster  and Merger Sub of this  Agreement  and the  Option  Agreement,  (2) the
consummation by Webster and Merger Sub of the Merger and the other  transactions
contemplated  hereby, (3) the execution and delivery by Webster Bank of the Bank
Merger  Agreement,  and (4) the consummation by Webster Bank of the transactions
contemplated by the Bank Merger Agreement except for such consents, approvals or
filings the failure of which to obtain will not have a material  adverse  effect
on the ability of DS Bancor,  Inc. to consummate the  transactions  contemplated
thereby.

                  (b)  Webster  hereby  represents  to DS Bancor  that it has no
knowledge  of  any  reason  why  approval  or   effectiveness   of  any  of  the
applications,  notices  or  filings  referred  to in  Section  4.4(a)  cannot be
obtained or granted on a timely basis.

                  (c)  Webster  and  Webster   Bank  have  filed  all   reports,
registrations and statements,  together with any amendments  required to be made
with respect thereto,  that they were required to file since June 30, 1995, with
(i)  OTS,  (ii)  the  Connecticut  Commissioner  and  any  other  state  banking
commissions or any other state regulatory  authority (each a "State Regulator"),
(iii)  the  SEC  and  (iv)  any  other   self-regulatory   organization  ("SRO")
(collectively  "Regulatory Agencies").  Except for normal examinations conducted
by a Regulatory  Agency in the regular course of the business of Webster and its
Subsidiaries,  no  Governmental  Entity is  conducting,  or has  conducted,  any
proceeding  or  investigation  into the business or  operations of Webster since
September 30, 1993.

     4.5      Financial Statements; Exchange Act Filings; Books and Records. 

         Webster  has  previously  delivered  to DS  Bancor  true,  correct  and
complete  copies  of (a) the  consolidated  balance  sheets of  Webster  and its
Subsidiaries  as of  December  31 for the  fiscal  years  1994  and 1995 and the
related consolidated  statements of income,  changes in shareholders' equity and
cash flows for the fiscal years 1993  through  1995,  inclusive,  as reported in
Webster's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, in each case accompanied by the audit
report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,  independent public accountants 

                                      E-20



with respect to Webster,  and (b) the  unaudited  consolidated  balance sheet of
Webster and its  Subsidiaries  as of June 30,  1996 and the related  comparative
unaudited consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and
cash flows for the three month  periods  then ended June 30, 1996 and 1995.  The
financial  statements  referred to in this  Section 4.5  (including  the related
notes, where applicable) fairly present,  and the financial  statements referred
to in Section  6.9  hereof  will  fairly  present  (subject,  in the case of the
unaudited  statements,  to  recurring  audit  adjustments  normal in nature  and
amount), the results of the consolidated  operations and consolidated  financial
condition of Webster and its Subsidiaries  for the respective  fiscal periods or
as of the respective dates therein set forth; each of such statements (including
the related  notes,  where  applicable)  comply,  and the  financial  statements
referred  to in Section  6.9 hereof  will  comply,  with  applicable  accounting
requirements  and with  the  published  rules  and  regulations  of the SEC with
respect thereto; and each of such statements (including the related notes, where
applicable)  has been, and the financial  statements  referred to in Section 6.9
hereof will be, prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the
periods  involved,  except as indicated in the notes  thereto or, in the case of
unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q. Webster's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal  year ended  December  31, 1995 and all  subsequently  filed
reports under Sections  13(a),  13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act comply in
all material  respects with the appropriate  requirements for such reports under
the  Exchange  Act,  and Webster has  previously  delivered  to DS Bancor  true,
correct and complete  copies of such  reports.  The books and records of Webster
and First Federal have been, and are being,  maintained in all material respects
in  accordance  with  GAAP  and  any  other   applicable  legal  and  accounting
requirements and reflect only actual transactions.

     4.6      Absence of Certain Changes or Events.

         Except as may be set forth in  Section  4.6 of the  Webster  Disclosure
Schedule, or as disclosed in Webster's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995,  true,  correct and complete  copies of which have
previously  been  delivered to DS Bancor,  since December 31, 1995, no event has
occurred which has had,  individually  or in the aggregate,  a Material  Adverse
Effect on Webster.

     4.7      Compliance with Applicable Law.

         Except as set forth in Section 4.7 of the Webster Disclosure  Schedule,
Webster and each Webster  Subsidiary has complied in all material  respects with
all Laws  applicable to it or to the  operation of its  business.  Except as set
forth in Section 4.7 of the Webster Disclosure Schedule, neither Webster nor any
Webster  Subsidiary has received any notice of any alleged or, threatened claim,
violation of or liability or potential  responsibility  under any such Laws that
has not heretofore been cured and for which there is no remaining liability.

     4.8      Ownership of DS Bancor Common Stock; Affiliates and Associates

                  (a) Neither  Webster nor any of its  affiliates  or associates
(as such terms are  defined  under the  Exchange  Act),  (i)  beneficially  own,
directly or  indirectly,  or (ii) is a party to any  agreement,  arrangement  or
understanding for the purpose of acquiring,  holding, voting or disposing of, in
each case, more than five percent of the outstanding capital stock of DS Bancor,
excluding the shares of DS Bancor Common Stock  issuable  pursuant to the Option
Agreement to be executed subsequent to the execution of the Agreement.

                  (b)  Neither  Webster  nor  any  of  its  Subsidiaries  is  an
"affiliate"  (as such term is defined in DGCL  ss.203(c)  (1)) or an "associate"
(as such term is defined in DGCL ss.203(c) (2)) of DS Bancor.

                                      E-21


     4.9      Employee Benefit Plans.

         Except as set forth in Section 4.9 of the Webster Disclosure  Schedule,
Webster's proxy statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders sets forth
a true and complete  description  of each employee  benefit plan  arrangement or
agreement  that is  maintained  as of the date of this  Agreement  (the "Webster
Plans")  by  Webster  or any of its  Subsidiaries,  all of which  together  with
Webster would be deemed a "single  employer"  within the meaning of Section 4001
of ERISA. Webster has heretofore made available for inspection, or delivered (if
requested) to DS Bancor true, correct and complete copies of each of the Webster
Plans. No "accumulated  funding  deficiency" as defined in Section  302(a)(2) of
ERISA or  Section  412 of the Code,  whether  or not  waived,  and no  "unfunded
current  liability" as determined  under Section  412(l) of the Code exists with
respect to any Webster Plan. The Webster Plans are in compliance in all material
respects with the applicable requirements of ERISA and the Code.

     4.10     Agreements with Regulatory Agencies.

         Except as set forth in Section 4.10 of the Webster Disclosure Schedule,
neither Webster nor any of its affiliates is subject to any  cease-and-desist or
other order issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement
or memorandum of understanding with, or has adopted any board resolutions at the
request of any Governmental Entity that restricts the conduct of its business or
that in any manner relates to its capital  adequacy,  its credit  policies,  its
management  or its business,  nor has Webster,  nor Webster Bank been advised by
any  Governmental  Entity  that it is  considering  issuing  or  requesting  any
Regulatory Agreement.

     4.11     Reserves for Losses.

         All  reserves or other  allowances  for  possible  losses  reflected in
Webster's most recent financial  statements  referred to in Section 4.5 complied
with all  Laws,  and  Webster  has not  been  notified  by the OTS or  Webster's
independent auditor, in writing or otherwise,  that such reserves are inadequate
or that the practices and policies of Webster in establishing  such reserves and
in accounting for delinquent and classified assets generally fail to comply with
applicable accounting or regulatory  requirements,  or that the OTS or Webster's
independent auditor believes such reserves to be inadequate or inconsistent with
the historical loss experience of Webster.

     4.12     Legal Proceedings.

         Except as set forth in Section 4.12 of the Webster Disclosure Schedule,
neither Webster nor any of its  Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no
pending or threatened,  legal,  administrative  proceedings,  claims, actions or
governmental  or  regulatory  investigations  against  Webster  or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  which  challenge  the validity or  propriety  of the  transactions
contemplated  by  this  Agreement,  the  Bank  Merger  Agreement  or the  Option
Agreement as to which there is a reasonable probability of success.

                                    ARTICLE V
                    COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

     5.1      Covenants of DS Bancor.

         During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing  until
the  Effective  Time,  except as  expressly  contemplated  or  permitted by this
Agreement,  the Bank Merger  Agreement or the Option Agreement or with the prior
written consent of Webster,  DS Bancor and each DS Bancor Subsidiary shall carry
on their  respective  businesses  in the ordinary  course  consistent  with past
practices and consistent with prudent banking practices.  DS Bancor will use its
reasonable efforts to (x) preserve its business organization and that of each DS
Bancor Subsidiary  intact,  (y) keep available 
                                      E-22




to itself and  Webster the present  services of the  employees  of DS Bancor and
each DS Bancor  Subsidiary  and (z) preserve for itself and Webster the goodwill
of the customers of DS Bancor and each DS Bancor Subsidiary and others with whom
business  relationships exist. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
and except as set forth in the DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule  or as  otherwise
contemplated by this Agreement or consented to by Webster in writing,  DS Bancor
shall not, and shall not permit any DS Bancor Subsidiary to:


                  (a)   declare  or  pay  any   dividends   on,  or  make  other
distributions in respect of, any of its capital stock (except for the payment of
regular quarterly cash dividends by DS Bancor of $.06 per share on the DS Bancor
Common Stock with  declaration,  record and payment dates  corresponding  to the
quarterly  dividends paid by DS Bancor during its fiscal year ended December 31,
1995 and except that any DS Bancor  Subsidiary may declare and pay dividends and
distributions to DS Bancor);

                  (b) (i) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital
stock or issue,  authorize  or propose the issuance of any other  securities  in
respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock except
upon the  exercise  or  fulfillment  of rights  or  options  issued or  existing
pursuant to the DS Bancor Stock Plan in accordance with their present terms, all
to the extent  outstanding and in existence on the date of this  Agreement,  and
except pursuant to the Option Agreement, or (ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire (except for the  acquisition of Trust Account Shares and DPC Shares,  as
such terms are  defined in Section  1.4(c)  hereof),  any shares of the  capital
stock of DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary,  or any securities  convertible
into or  exercisable  for any shares of the capital stock of DS Bancor or any DS
Bancor Subsidiary;

                  (c)  issue,  deliver or sell,  or  authorize  or  propose  the
issuance, delivery or sale of, any shares of its capital stock or any securities
convertible  into or  exercisable  for,  or any  rights,  warrants or options to
acquire, any such shares, or enter into any agreement with respect to any of the
foregoing,  other than (i) the issuance of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  pursuant to
stock  options or  similar  rights to acquire  DS Bancor  Common  Stock  granted
pursuant to the DS Bancor Stock Plan and  outstanding  prior to the date of this
Agreement, in each case in accordance with their present terms and (ii) pursuant
to the Option Agreement;

                  (d) amend its Certificate of  Incorporation,  By-Laws or other
similar governing documents;

                  (e)  authorize  or  permit  any  of its  officers,  directors,
employees or agents to, directly or indirectly,  solicit,  initiate or encourage
any inquiries  relating to, or the making of any proposal from, hold substantive
discussions  or  negotiations  with or provide any  information  to, any person,
entity or group (other than Webster) concerning any Acquisition  Transaction (as
defined below) (an "Acquisition Transaction"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, DS
Bancor may enter into  discussions  or  negotiations  or provide  information in
connection with a possible Acquisition  Transaction if the Board of Directors of
DS Bancor, following receipt of written advice of counsel, reasonably determines
in the exercise of its  fiduciary  duty that such  discussions  or  negotiations
should be  commenced  or such  information  must be  furnished.  DS Bancor shall
promptly  communicate  to Webster the material  terms of any  proposal,  whether
written  or oral,  which  it may  receive  in  respect  of any such  Acquisition
Transaction and the fact that it is having  discussions or  negotiations  with a
third party about an Acquisition Transaction.  DS Bancor will promptly cease and
cause to be terminated  any existing  activities,  discussions  or  negotiations
previously  conducted with any parties other than Webster with respect to any of
the foregoing. As used in this Agreement, Acquisition Transaction shall mean any
offer, proposal or expression of interest relating to (i) any tender or exchange
offer,  (ii) merger,  consolidation or other business  combination  involving DS
Bancor or any DS Bancor Subsidiary,  or (iii) the acquisition in any manner of a
substantial  equity interest in, or a substantial  portion of the assets, out of
the  ordinary  course  of  business,  of,  DS  Bancor  or Derby  other  than the
transactions  contemplated  or  permitted  by this  Agreement,  the Bank  Merger
Agreement and the Option Agreement:

                                      E-23


                  (f)  make  capital  expenditures   aggregating  in  excess  of
$100,000,  except for capital  expenditures  specified in DS Bancor's budget for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996 (the "DS Bancor 1996 Budget"),  a true,
complete  and correct  copy of which has been  provided to Webster  prior to the
date hereof;

                  (g)      enter into any new line of business;

                  (h) acquire or agree to acquire,  by merging or  consolidating
with, or by  purchasing an equity  interest in or the assets of, or by any other
manner,  any  business or any  corporation,  partnership,  association  or other
business organization or division thereof or otherwise acquire any assets, other
than in connection  with  foreclosures,  settlements  in lieu of  foreclosure or
troubled  loan or debt  restructurings,  or in the  ordinary  course of business
consistent with prudent banking practices;

                  (i) take any action  that is  intended  or may  reasonably  be
expected to result in any of its  representations  and  warranties  set forth in
this  Agreement  being or  becoming  untrue or in any of the  conditions  to the
Merger set forth in Article VII not being  satisfied,  or in a violation  of any
provision of this Agreement or the Bank Merger Agreement, except, in every case,
as may be required by applicable law;

                  (j) change its methods of accounting in effect at December 31,
1995 except as required by changes in GAAP or regulatory  accounting  principles
as concurred to by DS Bancor's independent auditors;

                  (k) (i) except as  required by  applicable  law or to maintain
qualification pursuant to the Code, adopt, amend, renew or terminate any Plan or
any  agreement,  arrangement,  plan or policy between DS Bancor or any DS Bancor
Subsidiary  and one or more of its  current or former  directors  or officers or
(ii)  except  for annual  increases  in the  compensation  of  employees  in the
ordinary  course of business  consistent  with past practices (or in the case of
Messrs.  DiAdamo,  Santoro  and  Wells  annual  increases  consistent  with past
practices  and not to exceed 6%) or except as required by  applicable  law,  (A)
increase in any manner the  compensation  of any employee or director or pay any
benefit not required by any plan or agreement as in effect as of the date hereof
(including,   without   limitation,   the  granting  of  stock  options,   stock
appreciation  rights,  restricted  stock,  restricted stock units or performance
units or shares), (B) except for arrangements related to legal services provided
by Hoyle &  Sponheimer,  enter into,  modify or renew any  contract,  agreement,
commitment or arrangement providing for the payment to any director,  officer or
employee of  compensation  or  benefits,  (C) hire any new employee at an annual
compensation  in  excess  of  $50,000,  (D)  pay  expenses  of any  non-employee
directors for attending  conventions or similar  meetings  which  conventions or
meetings  are held  after the date  hereof,  or (E) pay any  retention  or other
bonuses to any employees other than (i) the nineteen  persons  identified on the
DS Bancor  Disclosure  Schedule,  in the aggregate  and not to exceed  $516,000,
which  retention  bonuses  shall  be  conditioned  on  such  persons  continuing
employment  with Webster Bank for a period of 120 days  following  the Effective
Time or (ii) as otherwise mutually agreed upon by Webster;

         (l) except for  short-term  borrowings  with a maturity  of one year or
less by Derby in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices,
incur any  indebtedness  for  borrowed  money,  assume,  guarantee,  endorse  or
otherwise as an  accommodation  become  responsible  for the  obligations of any
other individual, corporation or other entity;

         (m) sell,  purchase,  enter into a lease,  relocate,  open or close any
banking or other office,  or file an application  pertaining to such action with
any Governmental Entity;

         (n) make any equity investment or commitment to make such an investment
in  real  estate  or in any  real  estate  development  project,  other  than in
connection with  foreclosure,  settlements in lieu 

                                      E-24



of foreclosure,  or troubled loan or debt restructuring,  in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past banking practices;

         (o) make any new loans to, modify the terms of any existing loan to, or
engage in any other transactions (other than routine banking transactions) with,
any Affiliated Person of DS Bancor or any DS Bancor Subsidiary;

         (p) make any investment,  or incur deposit  liabilities,  other than in
the  ordinary  course of  business  consistent  with past  practices,  including
deposit  pricing,  and which would not change the risk profile of Derby based on
its existing  deposit and primarily 1-4 family  residential  lending policies or
make any equity investments;

         (q)  purchase any loans or sell,  purchase or lease any real  property,
except for the sale of real  estate  that is the  subject of a casualty  loss or
condemnation or the sale of OREO on a basis consistent with past practices;

         (r) originate (i) any loans except in  accordance  with existing  Derby
lending  policies,  (ii) unsecured  consumer  loans in excess of $10,000,  (iii)
commercial real estate first mortgage loans in excess of $250,000 as to any loan
or $500,000 in the aggregate as to related loans,  or loans to related  persons,
or (iv) land acquisition  loans to borrowers who intend to construct a residence
on such land in excess of the lesser of 75% of the appraised  value of such land
or $100,000,  except in each case for loans for which written  applications have
been received by Derby.;

         (s) make any  investments  in  derivative  securities  or engage in any
forward commitment, futures transaction,  financial options transaction, hedging
or arbitrage transaction or covered asset trading activities;

         (t)      sell or purchase any mortgage loan servicing rights; or

         (u)  agree or commit  to do any of the  actions  set forth in (a) - (t)
above.

The  consent of  Webster to any action by DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary
that is not permitted by any of the preceding paragraphs shall be evidenced by a
writing signed by the President or any Executive Vice President of Webster.

     5.2      Covenants of Webster. 

         During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing  until
the  Effective  Time,  except as  expressly  contemplated  or  permitted by this
Agreement or with DS Bancor's prior written consent,  Webster,  and Webster Bank
shall carry on their  respective  businesses in the ordinary  course and use all
reasonable  efforts to preserve intact their present business  organizations and
relationships.  Without  limiting the  generality of the foregoing and except as
set forth on Section 5.2 of the  Webster  Disclosure  Schedule  or as  otherwise
contemplated by this Agreement or consented to in writing by DS Bancor,  Webster
shall not, and shall not permit Webster Bank to:

                  (a) declare or pay any  extraordinary or special  dividends on
or make any other  extraordinary  or special  distributions in respect of any of
its capital stock (except that Webster Bank may declare and pay extraordinary or
special  dividends  and  distributions  to Webster and except  that  Webster may
increase the quarterly cash dividend rate on the Webster Common Stock);

                  (b) take any action that will  result in (i) any of  Webster's
representations  and warranties  set forth in this  Agreement  being or becoming
untrue,  unless the failure of such  representations  or  warranties  to be true
would not,  individually or in the aggregate,  have a Material Adverse Effect on
Webster,  or (ii) any of the  conditions  to the Merger set forth in Article VII
not being  

                                      E-25



satisfied  or in a violation  of any  provision  of this  Agreement  or the Bank
Merger Agreement, except, in every case, as may be required by applicable law;

                  (c) change its  methods of  accounting  in effect at  December
31,1995,  except in  accordance  with changes in GAAP or  regulatory  accounting
principles as concurred to by Webster's independent auditors;

                  (d) take any other  action  that  would  materially  adversely
affect or  materially  delay the  ability of  Webster  to obtain  the  Requisite
Regulatory  Approvals or otherwise  materially  adversely  affect  Webster's and
Webster  Bank's  ability to consummate  the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement;

                  (e) purchase or acquire,  directly or indirectly,  a number of
shares of DS Bancor  equal to or greater  than 5% of the issued and  outstanding
number of such shares of DS Bancor Common Stock; or

                  (f) agree or commit to do any of the  actions set forth in (a)
- - (e) above.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     6.1      Regulatory Matters. 

                  (a) Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Webster
and DS Bancor (as to information to be included therein pertaining to DS Bancor)
shall  promptly  cause to be  prepared  and  filed  with the SEC a  registration
statement of Webster on Form S-4, including the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus (the
"Registration  Statement")  for the purpose of  registering  the Webster  Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger (including the Webster Common Stock that may be
issued upon exercise of the options referred to in Section 1.6 hereof),  and for
soliciting the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the  shareholders of
DS Bancor and for soliciting the approval by the shareholders of Webster for the
issuance of the Webster Common Stock to DS Bancor's  shareholders as part of the
Merger.  Webster  and DS  Bancor  shall  use  their  best  efforts  to have  the
Registration  Statement  declared effective by the SEC as soon as possible after
the  filing.  DS Bancor  shall  cooperate  with  Webster  in  responding  to and
considering  any  questions  or  comments  from  the  SEC  staff  regarding  the
information contained in the Registration  Statement concerning DS Bancor. If at
any time after the  Registration  Statement  is filed with the SEC, and prior to
the Closing  Date,  any event  relating to DS Bancor is discovered by DS Bancor,
which  should  be  set  forth  in an  amendment  of,  or a  supplement  to,  the
Registration  Statement,  including the  Prospectus/Proxy  Statement,  DS Bancor
shall promptly so inform  Webster,  and shall furnish Webster with all necessary
information  relating  to such  event.  If at any time  after  the  Registration
Statement  is filed  with the SEC,  and  prior to the  Closing  Date,  any event
relating to Webster is  discovered  by Webster,  which should be set forth in an
amendment  of, or a supplement  to, the  Registration  Statement,  including the
Prospectus/Proxy   Statement,   Webster  shall  promptly  cause  an  appropriate
amendment to the Registration  Statement to be filed with the SEC. Webster shall
thereupon  cause an appropriate  amendment to the  Registration  Statement to be
filed with the SEC. Upon the  effectiveness of the amendment to the Registration
Statement  with the SEC,  DS Bancor  (if  prior to the  meeting  of DS  Bancor's
shareholders  pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof) will take all necessary  action as
promptly as practicable  to permit an appropriate  amendment or supplement to be
transmitted  to DS  Bancor's  shareholders  entitled  to vote  at such  meeting.
Webster  shall also use all  reasonable  efforts to obtain all  necessary  state
securities  law or "Blue Sky"  permits and  approvals  required to carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Bank Merger Agreement and DS
Bancor shall furnish all information  concerning DS Bancor and the holders of DS
Bancor Common Stock as may be reasonably  requested in connection  with any such
action.

                                      E-26


                  (b) The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other and use
their best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation,  to
effect  all  applications,  notices,  petitions  and  filings,  and to obtain as
promptly as practicable all permits,  consents,  approvals and authorizations of
all third parties and Governmental  Entities which are necessary or advisable to
consummate the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement  (including  without
limitation the Merger and the Bank Merger). DS Bancor and Webster shall have the
right to review in advance,  and to the extent practicable each will consult the
other on, in each case subject to  applicable  laws  relating to the exchange of
information,  all the information  relating to DS Bancor or Webster, as the case
may be, which appear in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to,
any third party or any  Governmental  Entity in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing contained herein
shall be deemed to provide  either party with a right to review any  information
provided to any Governmental  Entity on a confidential  basis in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby. In exercising the foregoing right, each of
the parties  hereto shall act  reasonably  and as promptly as  practicable.  The
parties  hereto agree that they will consult with each other with respect to the
obtaining of all permits,  consents,  approvals and  authorizations of all third
parties and  Governmental  Entities  necessary or advisable  to  consummate  the
transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement and each party will keep the other
apprised of the status of matters  relating to contemplation of the transactions
contemplated herein.

                  (c) DS Bancor shall,  upon request,  furnish  Webster with all
information concerning DS Bancor and its Subsidiaries,  directors,  officers and
shareholders and such other matters as may be reasonably  necessary or advisable
in connection with the Registration  Statement or any other  statement,  filing,
notice or  application  made by or on behalf of Webster  or Webster  Bank to any
Governmental  Entity in connection with the Merger, the Bank Merger or the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (d) Webster  and DS Bancor  shall  promptly  advise each other
upon receiving any communication  from any Governmental  Entity whose consent or
approval is required for consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement  which  causes  such  party to  believe  that  there  is a  reasonable
likelihood that any Requisite  Regulatory  Approval will not be obtained or that
the receipt of any such approval will be materially delayed.

     6.2      Access to Information.

                  (a) Upon  reasonable  notice and  subject to  applicable  Laws
relating to the exchange of information,  DS Bancor shall,  and shall cause each
DS Bancor Subsidiary to, afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel
and other  representatives  of Webster,  access,  during normal  business  hours
during the period prior to the  Effective  Time, to all its  properties,  books,
contracts, commitments and records and, during such period, DS Bancor shall, and
shall cause each DS Bancor  Subsidiary  to, make available to Webster (i) a copy
of each report,  schedule,  registration  statement and other  document filed or
received  by it during  such  period  pursuant  to the  requirements  of Federal
securities laws or Federal or state banking laws and (ii) all other  information
concerning  its business,  properties  and  personnel as Webster may  reasonably
request.  Two designated  representatives  of Webster shall be invited to attend
all meetings of the boards of directors (except for the portion of such meetings
which relate to the Merger or an  Acquisition  Transaction or such other matters
deemed  confidential  by the Boards of Directors of DS Bancor or Derby) and such
meetings of committees  of the boards of directors  and  management of DS Bancor
and each DS Bancor Subsidiary which pertains to ALCO and loan approvals. Webster
will hold all such  information in confidence to the extent  required by, and in
accordance with, the provisions of the  confidentiality  agreement which Webster
entered into with DS Bancor.

                  (b) Upon  reasonable  notice and  subject to  applicable  Laws
relating to the exchange of information,  Webster shall, and shall cause Webster
Bank to,  afford to the  officers,  employees,  accountants,  counsel  and other
representatives  of DS Bancor,  access,  during normal business hours 

                                      E-27



during the period prior to the  Effective  Time, to such  information  regarding
Webster  and  Webster  Bank as shall be  reasonably  necessary  for DS Bancor to
fulfill its  obligations  pursuant to this  Agreement or which may be reasonably
necessary for DS Bancor to confirm that the  representations  and  warranties of
Webster  contained herein are true and correct and that the covenants of Webster
contained herein have been performed in all material respects. During the period
from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, Webster will cause one or
more of its designated representatives to confer monthly with representatives of
DS Bancor and to report the general status of the ongoing operations of Webster,
Webster  Bank,  and DS  Bancor.  DS  Bancor  will hold all such  information  in
confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance  with, the provisions of
the confidentially agreement which DS Bancor entered into with Webster.


                  (c) No  investigation  by  either  of  the  parties  or  their
respective  representatives  shall affect the  representations and warranties of
the other set forth herein.

                  (d) DS Bancor shall  provide  Webster  with true,  correct and
complete copies of all financial and other information  provided to directors of
DS Bancor in  connection  with  meetings of its Board of Directors or committees
thereof,  which information  shall be provided to Webster  concurrently with its
provision to directors of DS Bancor.

     6.3      Shareholder Meetings.

         DS Bancor shall take all steps  necessary to duly call, give notice of,
convene  and  hold a  meeting  of its  shareholders  within  35 days  after  the
Registration  Statement  becomes  effective  for the  purpose of voting upon the
approval of this  Agreement and the Merger (the "Special  Meeting").  Management
and  the  Board  of  Directors  of DS  Bancor  shall  recommend  to DS  Bancor's
shareholders  approval  of  this  Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated
hereby,  together with any matters incident thereto,  and shall oppose any third
party proposal or other action that is  inconsistent  with this Agreement or the
consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  unless  the  Board of
Directors of DS Bancor, following receipt of written advice of DS Bancor's legal
counsel,  reasonably  determines that such recommendation or opposition,  as the
case may be, would  constitute a breach of the exercise of its  fiduciary  duty.
Webster shall take all steps necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and
hold a  meeting  of its  shareholders  within  35 days  after  the  Registration
Statement becomes effective for the purpose of voting to approve the issuance of
the Webster Common Stock  pursuant to this  Agreement and,  through its Board of
Directors,  shall recommend to its  shareholders  approval of such issuance.  DS
Bancor and Webster shall  coordinate and cooperate with respect to the foregoing
matters.

     6.4      Legal Conditions to Merger.

         Each of Webster and DS Bancor shall use their  reasonable  best efforts
(a) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to
comply promptly with all legal  requirements  which may be imposed on such party
with respect to the Merger or the Bank Merger and, subject to the conditions set
forth in Article VII hereof, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement  and (b) to obtain (and to  cooperate  with the other party to obtain)
any  consent,  authorization,  order or approval  of, or any  exemption  by, any
Governmental  Entity and any other  third party which is required to be obtained
by DS Bancor or Webster in  connection  with the Merger and the Bank  Merger and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

     6.5      Publication of Combined Financial Results.

         Webster  shall use its best  efforts to publish as soon as possible but
no later  than 30  business  days  after  the end of the first  month  after the
Effective  Time in which  there  are at least  30 days of  post-Merger  combined
operations  (which month may be the month in which the  Effective  Time occurs),
combined sales and net income figures as  contemplated by and in accordance with
the terms of SEC Accounting Series Release No. 135.

                                      E-28



     6.6      Stock Exchange Listing. 

         Webster shall cause the shares of Webster  Common Stock to be issued in
the Merger  and  pursuant  to  options  referred  to herein to be  approved  for
quotation on the Nasdaq National Market (or such other exchange on the which the
Webster Common Stock has become listed,  or approved for listing) prior to or at
the Effective Time.

     6.7      Employee Plans.

                  (a) To the extent permissible under the applicable  provisions
of the Code and  ERISA,  for  purposes  of  crediting  periods  of  service  for
eligibility to participate and vesting,  but not for benefit  accrual  purposes,
under employee  pension benefit plans (within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(2))
maintained  by Webster or Webster  Bank, as  applicable,  (other than  Webster's
employee stock  ownership  plan),  individuals who are employees of DS Bancor or
Derby at the  Effective  Time will be credited  with  periods of service with DS
Bancor or Derby  before  the  Effective  Time as if such  service  had been with
Webster or Webster Bank, as  applicable.  Similar  credit shall also be given by
Webster or Webster  Bank in  calculating  other  retirement  plan,  vacation and
similar benefits for such employees of DS Bancor or Derby after the Merger.

                  (b)  Webster  and  Webster  Bank will follow the DS Bancor and
Derby severance policy as to employees of DS Bancor or Derby whose employment is
terminated in connection  with the Merger either because an employee's  position
is eliminated or an employee is not offered  comparable  employment  (i.e.,  not
offered  employment  for a position  of  generally  similar job  description  or
responsibilities)  within six months of the Effective Time of the Merger (except
for such employees who have existing employment or severance agreements or whose
employment is terminated for  non-performance,  cause or like reason).  Payments
under  such  policy  will be based on one  week of base  salary  (or one week of
average  weekly  hourly  wages,  calculated  on a weekly  average  basis for the
quarter ended June 30, 1996 in the case of hourly  employees) for each full year
of  employment  with DS Bancor or Derby with a minimum of four  weeks,  up to an
aggregate of 39 weeks for  employees  with the rank of vice  president or above,
and up to an aggregate of 26 weeks for all other employees,  with payments to be
made upon employment termination.

                  (c) It is the intent of Webster and Webster Bank in connection
with reviewing  applicants for employment  positions to give DS Bancor,  Inc. or
Derby Saving Bank employees who are not offered  positions at the Effective Time
the same consideration as is afforded Webster or Webster Bank employees for such
position in accordance with existing formal or informal policies.

     6.8      Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance.

                  (a) In the event of any  threatened or actual  claim,  action,
suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, in
which any person  who is now,  or has been at any time prior to the date of this
Agreement,  or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, a director or officer or
employee of DS Bancor or any of its Subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties") is,
or is threatened to be, made a party based in whole or in part on, or arising in
whole  or in part out of,  or  pertaining  to (i) the  fact  that he is or was a
director, officer or employee of DS Bancor, any of the DS Bancor Subsidiaries or
any of  their  respective  predecessors  or (ii)  this  Agreement  or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, whether in any case asserted or arising before
or after the Effective Time, the parties hereto agree to cooperate and use their
best efforts to defend  against and respond  thereto to the extent  permitted by
the DGCL and the Certificate of  Incorporation  and By-Laws of DS Bancor.  It is
understood and agreed that after the Effective Time, Webster shall indemnify and
hold  harmless,  as and to the  fullest  extent  permitted  by the  DGCL and the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of Webster, each such Indemnified Party
against any losses,  claims,  damages,  liabilities,  costs, expenses (including
reasonable  attorney's fees and expenses in advance of the final  disposition of
any claim,  suit,  proceeding or investigation to each Indemnified  Party to the
fullest permitted by law upon 

                                      E-29



receipt of any undertaking  required by applicable  law),  judgments,  fines and
amounts paid in  settlement  in  connection  with any such  threatened or actual
claim, action, suit,  proceeding or investigation,  and in the event of any such
threatened or actual claim, action, suit,  proceeding or investigation  (whether
asserted or arising before or after the Effective Time), the Indemnified Parties
may retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to Webster;  provided,  however, that
(1)  Webster  shall have the right to assume the  defense  thereof and upon such
assumption  Webster shall not be liable to any  Indemnified  Party for any legal
expenses of other  counsel or any other  expenses  subsequently  incurred by any
Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof, except that if Webster
elects  not to assume  such  defense  or  counsel  for the  Indemnified  Parties
reasonably  advises the  Indemnified  Parties  that there are issues which raise
conflicts  of  interest  between  Webster  and  the  Indemnified   Parties,  the
Indemnified Parties may retain counsel reasonably  satisfactory to Webster,  and
Webster  shall pay the  reasonable  fees and  expenses  of such  counsel for the
Indemnified  Parties,  (2) Webster shall be obligated pursuant to this paragraph
to pay for only one firm of counsel for each Indemnified  Party, and (3) Webster
shall  not be liable  for any  settlement  effected  without  its prior  written
consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld or delayed).  Webster
shall have no  obligation  to advance  expenses  incurred in  connection  with a
threatened or pending action,  suit or preceding in advance of final disposition
of such action,  suit or  proceeding,  unless (i) Webster  would be permitted to
advance  such  expenses  pursuant  to the  DGCL  and  Webster's  Certificate  of
Incorporation  or  By-Laws,  and (ii)  Webster  receives an  undertaking  by the
Indemnified  Party to repay such amount if it is  determined  that such party is
not entitled to be  indemnified  by Webster  pursuant to the DGCL and  Webster's
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws.  Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim
Indemnification under this Section 6.8, upon learning of any such claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation,  shall notify Webster thereof,  provided that
the failure to so notify shall not affect the  obligations of Webster under this
Section 6.8 except to the extent such  failure to notify  materially  prejudices
Webster. Webster's obligations under this Section 6.8 continue in full force and
effect for a period of twelve years from the Effective Time; provided,  however,
that all rights to  indemnification in respect of any claim (a "Claim") asserted
or made within such period shall  continue  until the final  disposition of such
Claim.

                  (b)  Webster  shall  use best  efforts  to cause  the  persons
serving  as  officers  and  directors  of DS  Bancor  immediately  prior  to the
Effective Time to be covered by the directors' and officers' liability insurance
policy ("DS Bancor  Tail  Insurance")  maintained  by DS Bancor  (provided  that
Webster may substitute  therefor policies of substantially the same coverage and
amounts   containing   terms  and  conditions   which  are  generally  not  less
advantageous than such policy) with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior
to the  Effective  Time which were  committed by such  officers and directors in
their  capacity  as such for an  aggregate  premium  cost for the DS Bancor Tail
Insurance  of $200,000  and for a period not  greater  than four years but in no
event (even if the premium cost exceeds $200,000) less than two years.

                  (c) In the event  Webster or any of its  successors or assigns
(i)  consolidates  with or  merges  into any other  person  and shall not be the
continuing or surviving  corporation or entity of such  consolidation or merger,
or (ii)  transfers or conveys all or  substantially  all of its  properties  and
assets to any  person,  then,  and in each such case,  to the extent  necessary,
proper  provision  shall be made so that the  successors  and assigns of Webster
assume the obligations set forth in this section.

                  (d) The  provisions of this Section 6.8 are intended to be for
the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each  Indemnified  Party and his or
her heirs and representatives after the Effective Time.

     6.9      Subsequent Interim and Annual Financial Statements.

         As soon as  reasonably  available,  but in no event  more  than 45 days
after the end of each fiscal  quarter  (other than the fourth  fiscal  quarter),
Webster will  deliver to DS Bancor and DS Bancor will  deliver to Webster  their
respective  Quarterly  Reports  on Form  10-Q,  as filed  with the SEC under the
Exchange Act. Each party shall deliver to the other any Current  Reports on Form
8-K  promptly  after  

                                      E-30



filing such reports  with the SEC. As soon as  reasonably  available,  but in no
event  later than March 31, 1997 (if this  Agreement  is still in effect and the
Merger has not been consummated by that date), DS Bancor will deliver to Webster
and  Webster  will  deliver to DS Bancor its Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ending  December 31, 1996,  as filed with the SEC under the Exchange
Act.

     6.10     Additional Agreements.

         In case at any time  after the  Effective  Time any  further  action is
necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement,  or the Bank
Merger Agreement, or to vest the Surviving Corporation or Webster Bank with full
title to all properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and franchises of
any of the parties to the Merger or the Bank  Merger,  the proper  officers  and
directors  or each party to this  Agreement  and their  respective  Subsidiaries
shall take all such necessary  action as may be reasonably  requested by, and at
the sole expense of, Webster.

     6.11     Advice of Changes. 

         Webster  and DS Bancor  shall  promptly  advise the other  party of any
change  or  event  that,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  has or  would  be
reasonably  likely  to have a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on it or to  cause  or
constitute  a  material  breach  of any of its  representations,  warranties  or
covenants  contained herein. From time to time prior to the Effective Time, each
party will promptly  supplement or amend the Disclosure  Schedules  delivered in
connection  with the execution of this Agreement to reflect any matter which, if
existing,  occurring  or known at the date of this  Agreement,  would  have been
required to be set forth or described in such  Disclosure  Schedules or which is
necessary to correct any information in such Disclosure Schedules which has been
rendered  inaccurate  thereby.  No  supplement  or amendment to such  Disclosure
Schedules  shall have any effect for the purpose of determining  satisfaction of
the  conditions set forth in Sections  7.2(a) or 7.3(a) hereof,  as the case may
be, or the  compliance  by DS Bancor or  Webster,  as the case may be,  with the
respective covenants set forth in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof.

     6.12     Current Information.

         During  the period  from the date of this  Agreement  to the  Effective
Time,  DS Bancor  will cause one or more of its  designated  representatives  to
confer  on  a  regular  and  frequent   basis  (not  less  than   monthly)  with
representatives  of Webster  and to report  the  general  status of the  ongoing
operations of DS Bancor and each DS Bancor  Subsidiary.  DS Bancor will promptly
notify Webster of any material change in the normal course of business or in the
operation of the properties of DS Bancor or any DS Bancor  Subsidiary and of any
governmental   complaints,   investigations   or  hearings  (or   communications
indicating that the same may be contemplated),  or the institution or the threat
of significant  litigation involving DS Bancor or any DS Bancor Subsidiary,  and
will keep Webster fully informed of such events.

     6.13     Execution and Authorization of Bank Merger Agreement.

         Prior to the Effective  Time,  (a) Webster shall (i) cause the Board of
Directors of Webster Bank to approve the Bank Merger  Agreement,  and (ii) cause
Webster Bank to execute and deliver the Bank Merger Agreement, and (iii) approve
the Bank Merger  Agreement as the sole  stockholder  of Webster Bank, and (b) DS
Bancor  shall  (i) cause the Board of  Directors  of Derby to  approve  the Bank
Merger  Agreement,  (ii) cause  Derby to execute  and  deliver  the Bank  Merger
Agreement,  and (iii) approve the Bank Merger  Agreement as the sole shareholder
of Derby.

     6.14     Change in Structure.

         In the event that  Webster  elects to change the  structure of the Bank
Merger,  the parties  agree to modify this  Agreement  and the various  exhibits
hereto to reflect such revised structure. Such revised structure may include but
is not  limited  to  providing  (i) for Derby or  Webster  Bank to  convert
                                      E-31



its charter, or (ii) for Derby or Webster to change insurance funds covering its
deposits  from or to BIF or SAIF,  or (iii) for Derby to merge into Webster Bank
with either as the surviving bank. Webster may also change the corporate name of
Webster Bank to such other name as the Board of Directors of Webster may select.
Webster may elect to modify the structure of the  transactions  contemplated  by
this  Agreement  as noted  herein so long as (i) there are no  material  adverse
federal income tax  consequences  to the DS Bancor  shareholders  as a result of
such  modification,  (ii)  the  consideration  to  be  paid  to  the  DS  Bancor
shareholders  under this Agreement is not thereby  changed or reduced in amount,
and (iii) such modification will not be reasonably likely to delay materially or
jeopardize receipt of any required regulatory approvals. In such events, Webster
shall prepare  appropriate  amendments to this Agreement and the exhibits hereto
for  execution by the parties  hereto.  Webster and DS Bancor agree to cooperate
fully with each other to effect such amendments.


                                   ARTICLE VII
                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     7.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation To Effect the Merger.

         The  respective  obligation of each party to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the  satisfaction  at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:

                  (a)    Shareholder Approvals.

                  This  Agreement  and the Merger  shall have been  approved and
adopted by the  affirmative  vote of the holders of at least  two-thirds  of the
outstanding  shares of DS Bancor  Common  Stock  entitled to vote  thereon.  The
issuance of the Webster  Common Stock in the Merger shall have been  approved by
the affirmative  vote of a majority of shares of Webster Common Stock voted at a
meeting where a quorum is present.

                  (b)    Stock Exchange Listing. 
  
                  The shares of Webster  Common  Stock  which shall be issued in
the Merger  (including the Webster Common Stock that may be issued upon exercise
of the  options  referred to in Section 1.6  hereof)  upon  consummation  of the
Merger shall have been  authorized for quotation on the Nasdaq  National  Market
(or such other exchange on which the Webster Common Stock may become listed).

                  (c)    Other Approvals.

                  All   regulatory   approvals   required  to   consummate   the
transactions  contemplated  hereby  (including  the Merger and the Bank  Merger)
shall  have been  obtained  and shall  remain in full  force and  effect and all
statutory  waiting  periods in respect  thereof  shall  have  expired  (all such
approvals  and the  expiration  of all such waiting  periods  being  referred to
herein  as  the  "Requisite  Regulatory  Approvals").  No  Requisite  Regulatory
Approval shall contain a non-customary  condition that is reasonably  determined
by the parties hereto to be burdensome.

                  (d)    Registration Statement.

                  The  Registration  Statement shall have become effective under
the  Securities  Act,  and no stop order  suspending  the  effectiveness  of the
Registration  Statement  shall  have been  issued  and no  proceedings  for that
purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC.

                  (e)    No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality.

                  No order,  injunction  or decree issued by any court or agency
of  competent   jurisdiction   or  other  legal  restraint  or  prohibition  (an
"Injunction")  preventing the consummation of the Merger, the 

                                      E-32



Bank Merger or any of the other  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement or
the Bank Merger  Agreement  shall be in effect.  No statute,  rule,  regulation,
order,  injunction or decree shall have been enacted,  entered,  promulgated  or
enforced by any Governmental Entity which prohibits,  restricts or makes illegal
consummation of the Merger or the Bank Merger.


                  (f)    Federal Tax Opinion. 

                  Webster and DS Bancor shall have received  from Mintz,  Levin,
Cohn, Ferris,  Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. and from Fried, Frank, Harris,  Shriver &
Jacobson  (a  partnership  including  professional  corporations),  DS  Bancor's
special tax counsel,  respectively, an opinion, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Webster and DS Bancor,  respectively,  dated as of the Effective
Time,  substantially to the effect that on the basis of facts,  representations,
and  assumptions  set forth in such opinions which are consistent with the state
of  facts  existing  at the  Effective  Time,  the  Merger  (either  above or in
conjunction with the Subsidiary  Merger) and the Bank Merger will be treated for
Federal income tax purposes as reorganizations within the meaning of Section 368
of the Code.  In rendering  such  opinion,  such counsel may require and, to the
extent  such   counsel   deems   necessary   or   appropriate,   may  rely  upon
representations made in certificates of officers of DS Bancor,  Webster,  Merger
Sub, their respective affiliates and others.

     7.2      Conditions to Obligations of Webster and Merger Sub.

         The  obligation  of Webster and Merger Sub to effect the Merger is also
subject to the  satisfaction  or waiver by Webster at or prior to the  Effective
Time of the following conditions:

                  (a)    Representations and Warranties.

                  The  representations  and warranties of DS Bancor set forth in
this  Agreement  shall be true and correct as of the date of this  Agreement and
(except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier
date) as of the  Closing  Date as  though  made on and as of the  Closing  Date;
provided,  however,  that, for purposes of this paragraph,  such representations
and  warranties  shall be deemed to be true and  correct,  unless the failure or
failures  of such  representations  and  warranties  to be so true and  correct,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  would have a Material  Adverse Effect on DS
Bancor. Such determination of aggregate Material Adverse Effect shall be made as
if  there  were  no  materiality  qualifications  in  such  representations  and
warranties.  Webster shall have  received a  certificate  signed on behalf of DS
Bancor by the Chief  Executive  Officer  and the Chief  Financial  Officer of DS
Bancor to the foregoing effect.

                  (b)     Performance of Covenants and Agreements of DS Bancor.

                  DS Bancor shall have  performed  in all material  respects all
covenants and agreements  required to be performed by it under this Agreement at
or prior to the Closing Date.  Webster shall have received a certificate  signed
on behalf of DS Bancor by the Chief  Executive  Officer and the Chief  Financial
Officer of DS Bancor to such effect.

                  (c)     Consents Under Agreements.

                  The consent, approval or waiver of each person (other than the
Governmental  Entities  referred to in Section 7.1(c)) whose consent or approval
shall be required in order to permit the succession by the Surviving Corporation
or Webster Bank  pursuant to the Merger or the Bank Merger,  as the case may be,
to any obligation, right or interest of DS Bancor or any Subsidiary of DS Bancor
under any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, license or
other  agreement or instrument  shall have been obtained  except for those,  the
failure of which to obtain,  will not result in a Material Adverse Effect on the
Surviving Corporation.

                                      E-33



                  (d)    No Pending Governmental Actions. 

                  No proceeding  initiated by any Governmental Entity seeking an
Injunction shall be pending.

                  (e)    Legal Opinion. 

                  Webster  shall have  received  the opinions of Hogan & Hartson
L.L.P. (as to federal banking and securities laws, and Delaware  corporate law),
and Hoyle & Sponheimer (as to Connecticut law), counsel to DS Bancor,  dated the
Closing Date, as to such matters as Webster may  reasonably  request.  As to any
matter in such opinion  which  involves  matters of fact,  such counsel may rely
upon the  certificates  of officers and  directors  of DS Bancor,  and of public
officials reasonably acceptable to Webster.

                  (f)    Accountant's Comfort Letter.

                  DS Bancor shall have caused to be delivered on the  respective
dates thereof to Webster "comfort letters" from DS Bancor's  independent  public
accountants dated the date on which the Registration Statement or last amendment
thereto shall become effective, and dated the date of the Closing, and addressed
to Webster and DS Bancor,  with respect to DS Bancor's  financial data presented
in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus,  which letters shall be based upon Statements
on Auditing Standards Nos. 72 and 76.

                  (g)    Pooling of Interests.

                  Webster  shall have  promptly  received  opinions of KPMG Peat
Marwick  LLP,  independent  accountants,  dated (i) within two weeks of the date
hereof  and  (ii)  not less  than 20 days  nor  more  than 40 days  prior to the
Effective  Time to the effect that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling
of interests and such opinion shall not have been withdrawn. The foregoing shall
not  apply  in  the  event  that  Webster  prior  to  the  effectiveness  of the
Registration Statement advises DS Bancor that as a result of actions taken or to
be taken by Webster  subsequent to the date hereof the Merger is to be accounted
for as a purchase.

     7.3      Conditions to Obligations of DS Bancor.

         The obligation of DS Bancor to effect the Merger is also subject to the
satisfaction  or waiver by DS  Bancor at or prior to the  Effective  Time of the
following conditions:

                  (a)    Representations and Warranties.

                  The  representations  and  warranties  of Webster set forth in
this  Agreement  shall be true and correct as of the date of this  Agreement and
(except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier
date) as of the  Closing  Date as  though  made on and as of the  Closing  Date;
provided, however, that for purposes of this paragraph, such representations and
warranties  shall be  deemed  to be true and  correct,  unless  the  failure  or
failures  of such  representations  and  warranties  to be so true and  correct,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  would  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect on
Webster.  Such  determination of aggregate Material Adverse Effect shall be made
as if there  were no  materiality  qualifications  in such  representations  and
warranties.  DS Bancor  shall have  received a  certificate  signed on behalf of
Webster  by the Chief  Executive  Officer  and the Chief  Financial  Officer  of
Webster to the foregoing effect.

                                      E-34



                  (b)    Performance of Obligations of Webster. 

                  Webster  and  Merger  Sub  shall  have each  performed  in all
material  respects  all  obligations  required to be  performed by it under this
Agreement  at or prior to the  Closing  Date.  DS Bancor  shall have  received a
certificate  signed on behalf of Webster by the Chief Executive  Officer and the
Chief Financial Officer of Webster to such effect.

                  (c)    Consents Under Agreements.

                  The  consent  or  approval  of each  person  (other  than  the
Governmental  Entities  referred to in Section 7.1(c)) whose consent or approval
shall be required in connection with the transactions  contemplated hereby under
any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease, license or other
agreement  or  instrument  to which  Webster  or  Webster  Bank is a party or is
otherwise bound shall have been obtained.

                  (d)    No Pending Governmental Actions. 

                  No proceeding  initiated by any Governmental Entity seeking an
Injunction shall be pending.

                  (e)    Legal Opinion. 

                  DS Bancor  shall have  received  the opinion of Mintz,  Levin,
Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C., counsel to Webster, dated the Closing Date,
as to such matters as DS Bancor may reasonably request. As to any matter in such
opinion which involves  matters of fact or matters  relating to laws (other than
Federal banking and securities law and Delaware corporate law), such counsel may
rely upon the  certificates  of officers and  directors of Webster and of public
officials and opinions of local counsel, reasonably acceptable to DS Bancor.

                  (f)    Fairness Opinion. 

                  DS Bancor shall have  received an opinion  from Alex.  Brown &
Sons Incorporated  that the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement and the
consideration  to be received by holders of DS Bancor Common Stock are fair from
a  financial  point of view to the  holders  of DS Bancor  Common  Stock,  which
opinion  shall  be  dated  as of  the  date  of  this  Agreement  and  delivered
concurrently  with its  execution.  In the event that Webster shall exercise its
option to treat the Merger as a purchase  rather than  pooling of  interest  for
accounting purposes, DS Bancor shall have received a fairness opinion from Alex.
Brown & Sons  Incorporated  with respect to such purchase  transaction not later
than the date of the proxy statement transmitted to DS Bancor stockholders which
includes such opinion.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                            TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

     8.1      Termination.

         This  Agreement  may be  terminated  at any time prior to the Effective
Time,  whether before or after  approval of the matters  presented in connection
with the Merger by the shareholders of DS Bancor or Webster, if applicable:

                  (a) by mutual  consent of  Webster  and DS Bancor in a written
instrument,  if the  Board of  Directors  of each so  determines  by a vote of a
majority of the members of its entire Board;

                  (b) by either  Webster or DS Bancor upon written notice to the
other party (i) 30 days after the date on which any request or application for a
Requisite Regulatory Approval shall have 

                                      E-35




been denied or withdrawn at the request or  recommendation  of the  Governmental
Entity which must grant such Requisite  Regulatory  Approval,  unless within the
30-day period following such denial or withdrawal the parties agree to file, and
have filed with the applicable  Governmental Entity, a petition for rehearing or
an amended application, provided, however, that no party shall have the right to
terminate  this  Agreement  pursuant to this Section  8.1(b),  if such denial or
request or  recommendation  for  withdrawal  shall be due to the  failure of the
party  seeking to terminate  this  Agreement to perform or observe the covenants
and agreements of such party set forth herein;

                  (c) by either  Webster  or DS Bancor if the  Merger  shall not
have been  consummated  on or before  June 30,  1997,  unless the failure of the
Closing to occur by such date shall be due to the  failure of the party  seeking
to terminate  this  Agreement to perform or observe the covenants and agreements
of such party set forth herein;

                  (d)  by  either  Webster  or  DS  Bancor  (provided  that  the
terminating  party is not in breach of its obligations under Section 6.3) if the
approval of the shareholders of DS Bancor or any approval of the shareholders of
Webster required for the consummation of the Merger shall not have been obtained
by reason of the failure to obtain the  required  vote at a duly held meeting of
shareholders or at any adjournment or postponement thereof;

                  (e)  by  either  Webster  or  DS  Bancor  (provided  that  the
terminating  party  is not  then  in  breach  of any  representation,  warranty,
covenant  or other  agreement  contained  herein  that,  individually  or in the
aggregate,  would give the other party the right to terminate this Agreement) if
there shall have been a breach of any of the  representations  or warranties set
forth  in  this  Agreement  on the  part of the  other  party,  if such  breach,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  has had or is  likely  to  have a  Material
Adverse Effect on the breaching party, and such breach shall not have been cured
within 30 days  following  receipt by the breaching  party of written  notice of
such breach from the other party hereto or such breach, by its nature, cannot be
cured prior to the Closing;

                  (f)  by  either  Webster  or  DS  Bancor  (provided  that  the
terminating  party  is not  then in  breach  of any  representations,  warranty,
covenant  or other  agreement  contained  herein  that,  individually  or in the
aggregate,  would give the other party the right to terminate this Agreement) if
there shall have been a material  breach of any of the  covenants or  agreements
set forth in this  Agreement  on the part of the other  party,  and such  breach
shall not have been cured  within 30 days  following  receipt  by the  breaching
party of  written  notice of such  breach  from the other  party  hereto or such
breach, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the Closing; and

                  (g) by Webster, if the management of DS Bancor or its Board of
Directors,  for any  reason,  (i)  fails to call and hold  within 35 days of the
effectiveness  of the  Registration  Statement a special  meeting of DS Bancor's
shareholders  to  consider  and  approve  this  Agreement  and the  transactions
contemplated  hereby,  (ii) fails to recommend to  shareholders  the approval of
this Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  unless the Board of
Directors of DS Bancor, following receipt of written advice of DS Bancor's legal
counsel,  reasonably  determines  that said  recommendation  would  constitute a
breach of the exercise of its  fiduciary  duty,  (iii) fails to oppose any third
party proposal that is inconsistent  with the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement,  unless the Board of  Directors  of DS Bancor,  following  receipt of
written  advice of DS Bancor's legal counsel,  reasonably  determines  that such
opposition  would  constitute a breach of the exercise of its fiduciary  duty or
(iv) violates  Section 5.1(e) of this  Agreement or would have violated  Section
5.1(e) but for the fiduciary duty exception.

                  (h) by DS Bancor, upon written notice delivered to Webster, if
the Base Period  Trading Price shall be less than $28.00 unless  Webster  elects
(by written instrument delivered to DS Bancor within two (2) calendar days after
receipt  of  notice  from DS  Bancor  that DS Bancor  elects  to  terminate  the
Agreement  pursuant to this Subsection  8.1(h)) that the Exchange Ratio shall be
equal the number resulting from dividing $38.22 by the Base Trading Price.

                                      E-36



     8.2      Effect of Termination.

         In the event of  termination  of this Agreement by either Webster or DS
Bancor as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement  shall  forthwith  become void
and have no effect except (i) the last  sentences of Sections  6.2(a) and 6.2(b)
and  Sections,  8.2,  8.3,  9.2 and 9.3 shall  survive any  termination  of this
Agreement,  and (ii) notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement,  no party  shall be  relieved or  released  from any  liabilities  or
damages  arising out of its willful or  intentional  breach of any  provision of
this Agreement.

     8.3      Amendment.

         Subject to  compliance  with  applicable  law,  this  Agreement  may be
amended by the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective
Board  of  Directors,  at any  time  before  or after  approval  of the  matters
presented  in  connection  with the Merger by the  shareholders  of DS Bancor or
Webster  (if  required);  provided,  however,  that  after any  approval  of the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement by DS Bancor's shareholders,  there
may not be, without further approval of such shareholders, any amendment of this
Agreement which reduces the amount or changes the form of the  consideration  to
be delivered to DS Bancor  shareholders  hereunder other than as contemplated by
this  Agreement.  This  Agreement may not be amended  except by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

     8.4      Extension; Waiver.

         At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto,  by action
taken or authorized by their respective  Board of Directors,  may, to the extent
legally  allowed,  (a)  extend  the  time  for  the  performance  of  any of the
obligations  or  other  acts  of  the  other  parties  hereto,   (b)  waive  any
inaccuracies in the  representations  and warranties  contained herein or in any
document  delivered  pursuant  hereto,  and (c) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions  contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party
hereto to any such  extension  or waiver  shall be valid  only if set forth in a
written  instrument signed on behalf of such party, but such extension or waiver
or  failure  to  insist  on  strict  compliance  with an  obligation,  covenant,
agreement  or  condition  shall not  operate  as a waiver of, or  estoppel  with
respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

     9.1      Closing. 

         Subject to the terms and  conditions  of this  Agreement and the Merger
Agreement,  the closing of the Merger (the  "Closing")  will take place at 10:00
a.m.  at the main  offices  of  Webster  on (i) the  fifth  day  after  the last
Requisite  Regulatory  Approval is received and all applicable  waiting  periods
have expired,  (ii) if elected by Webster, the last business day of the month in
which the date specified in the immediately  preceding  clause occurs  (provided
such  Closing  occurs  not more  than 15 days  after the date  specified  in the
immediately  preceding clause),  or (iii) such other date, place and time as the
parties may agree (the "Closing Date").

     9.2      Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

         None of the  representations,  warranties,  covenants and agreements in
this Agreement or in any instrument  delivered pursuant to this Agreement (other
than pursuant to the Option Agreement,  which shall terminate in accordance with
its terms) shall  survive the  Effective  Time,  except for those  covenants and
agreements  contained  herein and therein which by their terms apply in whole or
in part after the Effective Time.


                                      E-37



     9.3      Expenses; Breakup Fee.

         All costs and expenses  incurred in connection  with this Agreement and
the transactions  contemplated  hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such
expense, except (i) as otherwise provided in this paragraph,  (ii) the costs and
expenses of printing the Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  shall be shared equally by
the parties,  and (iii) all filing and other fees paid to the SEC in  connection
with this Agreement shall be borne by Webster.  In the event that this Agreement
is  terminated  by either  Webster or DS Bancor by reason of a  material  breach
pursuant  to  Section  8.1(e) or (f) hereof or by  Webster  pursuant  to Section
8.1(g) hereof,  the other party shall pay all documented,  reasonable  costs and
expenses up to $500,000  incurred by the  terminating  party in connection  with
this Agreement and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby plus a breakup fee of
$250,000. In the event that this Agreement is terminated by either Webster or DS
Bancor under  Section  8.1(d) by reason of the other  party's  shareholders  not
having given any required  approval,  such other party shall pay all documented,
reasonable costs and expenses up to $500,000  incurred by the terminating  party
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

     9.4      Notices. 

         All notices and other communications  hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be deemed given if delivered  personally,  telecopied (with confirmation),
mailed by registered or certified mail (return  receipt  requested) or delivered
by an express  courier  (with  confirmation)  to the  parties  at the  following
addresses  (or at such other  address for a party as shall be  specified by like
notice):

                  (a)      if to Webster, to:

                           Webster Plaza
                           145 Bank Street
                           Waterbury, Connecticut 06702
                           Attn:    James C. Smith
                                    Chairman, President and Chief Executive 
                                    Officer

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C.
                           One Financial Center
                           Boston, MA  02111
                           Attn:  Stanford N. Goldman, Jr., Esq.

                  and

                  (b)      if to DS Bancor, to:

                           DS Bancor
                           33 Elizabeth Street
                           Derby, CT 06418
                           Attn:    Harry P. DiAdamo, Jr.
                                    President, Treasurer, and Chief Executive 
                                    Officer

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                                      E-38




                           Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
                           555 Thirteenth Street, N.W.
                           Washington, DC 20004
                           Attn:  Stuart Stein, Esq.

     9.5      Interpretation.

         When a reference is made in this  Agreement  to  Sections,  Exhibits or
Schedules,  such  reference  shall be to a Section of or Exhibit or  Schedule to
this Agreement  unless otherwise  indicated.  The table of contents and headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation  of this Agreement.  Whenever the words
"include",  "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement,  they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation".

     9.6      Counterparts.

         This Agreement may be executed in  counterparts,  all of which shall be
considered  one  and  the  same  agreement  and  shall  become   effective  when
counterparts  have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other
parties,   it  being  understood  that  all  parties  need  not  sign  the  same
counterpart.

     9.7      Entire Agreement.

         This Agreement (including the disclosure  schedules,  documents and the
instruments  referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes
all prior  agreements  and  understandings,  both  written  and oral,  among the
parties   with   respect  to  the  subject   matter   hereof,   other  than  the
confidentiality  agreement dated August 7, 1996,  entered into between DS Bancor
and Webster, the Bank Merger Agreement, the Option Agreement and the Stockholder
Agreement.

     9.8      Governing Law.

         This Agreement  shall be governed and construed in accordance  with the
laws of the State of Delaware,  without  regard to any  applicable  conflicts of
law.

     9.9      Enforcement of Agreement.

         The parties  hereto  agree that  irreparable  damage would occur in the
event that the  provisions  of this  Agreement  were not performed in accordance
with its specific terms or was otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that
the  parties  shall be  entitled  to an  injunction  or  injunctions  to prevent
breaches of this Agreement and to enforce  specifically the terms and provisions
thereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this
being in  addition to any other  remedy to which they are  entitled at law or in
equity.

     9.10     Severability.

         Any  term  or  provision  of  this   Agreement   which  is  invalid  or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or  unenforceability  without rendering invalid
or  unenforceable  the  remaining  terms and  provisions  of this  Agreement  or
affecting  the validity or  enforceability  of any of the terms or provisions of
this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.  If any provision of this Agreement is
so broad as to be  unenforceable,  the provision shall be interpreted to be only
so broad as is enforceable.

                                      E-39



     9.11     Publicity.

         Except as  otherwise  required  by law or the rules of Nasdaq  National
Market (or such other  exchange  on which the  Webster  Common  Stock may become
listed),  so long as this Agreement is in effect,  neither Webster nor DS Bancor
shall,  or  shall  permit  any  of its  Subsidiaries  to,  issue  or  cause  the
publication of any press release or other public  announcement  with respect to,
or otherwise make any public statement concerning, the transactions contemplated
by this  Agreement,  the Bank  Merger  Agreement,  the Option  Agreement  or the
Stockholder  Agreement  without the consent of the other  party,  which  consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

     9.12     Assignment; Limitation of Benefits.

         Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,  interests or obligations
hereunder  shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto  (whether by operation
of law or  otherwise)  without the prior written  consent of the other  parties.
Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to
the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors
and assigns.  Except as otherwise  specifically  provided in Section 6.8 hereof,
this Agreement  (including the documents and instruments  referred to herein) is
not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties  hereto any rights
or remedies  hereunder,  and the covenants,  undertakings and agreements set out
herein shall be solely for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable only by, the
parties hereto and their permitted assigns.

     9.13     Additional Definitions.

         In addition to any other definitions  contained in this Agreement,  the
following words,  terms and phrases shall have the following  meanings when used
in this Agreement.

         "Affiliated   Person":   any   director,   officer  or  5%  or  greater
shareholder,  spouse  or  other  person  living  in the same  household  of such
director, officer or shareholder, or any company,  partnership or trust in which
any of the foregoing persons is an officer, 5% or greater  shareholder,  general
partner or 5% or greater trust beneficiary.

         "Laws": any and all statutes,  laws,  ordinances,  rules,  regulations,
orders, permits,  judgments,  injunctions,  decrees, case law and other rules of
law enacted, promulgated or issued by any Governmental Entity.

         "Material Adverse Effect":  with respect to Webster or DS Bancor, means
a condition,  event,  change or occurrence  that is reasonably  likely to have a
material adverse effect upon (A) the financial condition, results of operations,
business or properties of Webster or DS Bancor and its respective  Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole  (other than as a result of (i) changes in laws or  regulations
or accounting rules of general applicability or interpretations thereof, or (ii)
decreases in capital under Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 115 attributable
to general  increases  in interest  rates),  or (B) the ability of Webster or DS
Bancor to perform its  obligations  under,  and to consummate  the  transactions
contemplated  by,  this  Agreement  and,  in the case of DS  Bancor,  the Option
Agreement.

         "Subsidiary":   with  respect  to  any  party  means  any  corporation,
partnership or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, which
is consolidated with such party for financial reporting purposes.

                                      E-40





         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Webster, Merger Sub and DS Bancor have caused this
Agreement to be executed and delivered by their  respective  officers  thereunto
duly authorized as of the date first above written.

                                                WEBSTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

ATTEST:

By:    /s/ Lee A. Gagnon                        By:   /s/ James C. Smith
       ------------------------------                 --------------------------
       Lee A. Gagnon                                  James C. Smith
       Secretary                                      Chairman, President and
                                                      Chief Executive Officer




                                                WEBSTER ACQUISITION CORP.

ATTEST:

By:    /s/ Lee A. Gagnon                        By:   /s/ James C. Smith
       ------------------------------                 --------------------------
       Lee A. Gagnon                                  James C. Smith
       Secretary                                      Chairman, President and
                                                      Chief Executive Officer




                                                DS BANCOR

ATTEST:

By:    /s/ Ann Mester                           By:   /s/ Harry P. DiAdamo, Jr.
       ------------------------------                 --------------------------
       Ann Mester                                     Harry P. DiAdamo, Jr.
       Secretary                                      President, Treasurer, and
                                                      Chief Executive Officer



                                      E-41