NCS HEALTHCARE INC
S-3, 1997-09-12
DRUG STORES AND PROPRIETARY STORES
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<PAGE>   1
   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 12, 1997
                                                    Registration No. 333-
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

           Delaware                                      34-1816187
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

   SEE "TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS" ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE FOR INFORMATION
         RELATING TO THE GUARANTORS OF THE DEBENTURES REGISTERED HEREBY

                       3201 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 220
                              Beachwood, Ohio 44122
                                 (216) 514-3350
          (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
             AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                               ------------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
                                                                                          Copy to:
                  Jon H. Outcalt                                                   Thomas F. McKee, Esq.
              Chairman of the Board                                            Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
               NCS HealthCare, Inc.                                           1400 McDonald Investment Center
        3201 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 220                                          800 Superior Avenue
              Beachwood, Ohio 44122                                                Cleveland, Ohio 44114
                  (216) 514-3350                                                       (216) 622-8200
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICES)
</TABLE>

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

                Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale
                to the public: As soon as practicable after this
                    Registration Statement becomes effective.

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

       If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

       If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [x]

       If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]_____________

       If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]___

       If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [ ]

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================================================
                                                                                                                AMOUNT OF
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                                     PROPOSED MAXIMUM         PROPOSED MAXIMUM      REGISTRATION
           SECURITIES             AMOUNT TO BE REGISTERED   OFFERING PRICE PER UNIT     AGGREGATE OFFERING         FEE
        TO BE REGISTERED                                                                       PRICE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                           <C>                  <C>                   <C>    
5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2004............         $100,000,000                  100%                 $100,000,000          $30,304
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Common Stock, $.01
 par value.....................         3,058,103(1)             Not applicable           Not applicable         $     0(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees (3).................             --                        --                        --               $     0(4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total registration fee.........             --                        --                        --               $30,304
============================================================================================================================
<FN>
(1)  Plus such additional indeterminate number of shares as may become issuable
     upon conversion of the Debentures being registered hereunder by means of
     adjustment in the conversion price.
(2)  Pursuant to Rule 457(i), there is no filing fee with respect to the shares
     of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures because
     no additional consideration will be received in connection with the
     exercise of the conversion privilege.
(3)  No separate consideration was received for the Guarantees from the Initial
     Purchasers of the Debentures.
(4)  Guarantees by certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of NCS HealthCare, Inc. of
     the obligations under the Debentures are also being registered hereby.
     Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no
     registration fee is required with respect to the Guarantees.
</TABLE>

        THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE
OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.

<PAGE>   2



                               ------------------
                         Table of Additional Registrants
                                       To
                         Form S-3 Registration Statement
                                      Under
                           The Securities Act of 1933

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           State of
Name of Additional Registrant                          FEIN No.          Incorporation
- -----------------------------                          --------          -------------
<S>                                                  <C>                  <C>          
Advanced Rx Services, Inc.                           22-3395391           New Jersey
Cheshire Long Term Care Pharmacy, Inc.               06-1330453           Connecticut
HLF Adult Home Pharmacy Corp.                        16-1342819           New York
Kinetic Services, Inc.                               95-4346189           California
Look Drug Stores, Inc.                               39-0923148           Wisconsin
Management & Network Services, Inc.                  34-1819691           Ohio
Medi Centre, Inc.                                    38-3214240           Michigan
NCS Daven Drug, Inc.                                 31-1508219           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Arkansas, Inc.                     31-1490517           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of California, Inc.                   31-1499819           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Florida, Inc.                      34-1843258           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Illinois, Inc.                     37-1354510           Illinois
NCS HealthCare of Indiana, Inc.                      35-1954599           Indiana
NCS HealthCare of Iowa, Inc.                         31-1509013           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Kansas, Inc.                       34-1839172           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Kentucky, Inc.                     31-1521217           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Maryland, Inc.                     31-1496240           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Michigan, Inc.                     34-1777940           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Modesto, Inc.                      31-1510328           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Ohio, Inc.                         31-1257307           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Oklahoma, Inc.                     73-1499934           Oklahoma
NCS HealthCare of Oregon, Inc.                       34-1836971           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Pennsylvania, Inc.                 23-2679334           Pennsylvania
Loomis Enterprises, Inc.                             05-04229829          Rhode Island
NCS HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc.               31-1508225           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Vermont, Inc.                      31-1526078           Ohio
NCS HealthCare of Washington, Inc.                   34-1844193           Ohio
NCS Quality Care Pharmacy, Inc.                      31-1504761           Ohio
NCS Services, Inc.                                   34-1837567           Ohio
Rescot Systems Group, Inc.                           23-2589308           Pennsylvania
Thrifty Medical Supply, Inc.                         73-1291927           Oklahoma
Uni-Care Health Services, Inc.                       02-0468190           New Hampshire
Uni-Care Health Services of Maine, Inc.              02-0468192           New Hampshire
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   3

INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 1997
PROSPECTUS
                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.
                           [NCS HEALTHCARE, INC. LOGO]

        $100,000,000 Principal Amount of 5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated
                               Debentures due 2004
                   Interest Payable February 15 and August 15

       3,058,103 Shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

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

         This Prospectus relates to (i) the resale of $100,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of 5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (the
"Debentures") of NCS HealthCare, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
issued to the initial purchasers of the Debentures (the "Initial Purchasers") in
a private placement consummated on August 13, 1997 (the "Debt Offering") and
(ii) the resale of up to 3,058,103 shares of the Class A Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share ("Class A Common Stock"), of the Company (and such indeterminate
number of additional shares as may be issued to anti-dilution adjustments) which
are initially issuable upon conversion of the Debentures by any holders of
Debentures that did not purchase the Debentures under the Registration Statement
(of which this Prospectus is a part). The Debentures and such shares of Class A
Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Debentures may be offered from time
to time for the accounts of holders of Debentures named herein or in supplements
to this Prospectus (the "Selling Securityholders"). See "Plan of Distribution."
Information concerning the Selling Securityholders may change from time to time
and will be set forth in supplements to this Prospectus.

     The Debentures are convertible into Class A Common Stock of the Company at
any time at or before maturity, unless previously redeemed, at a conversion
price of $32.70 per share, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Class A
Common Stock of the Company is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National
Market System under the symbol "NCSS." On September 10, 1997, the closing price
of the Class A Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq was $24.4375 per share.

     The Debentures do not provide for a sinking fund. The Debentures are not
redeemable by the Company prior to August 18, 2000. Thereafter, the Debentures
are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at the
redemption prices set forth in this Prospectus, together with accrued interest.
Upon a Repurchase Event (as defined herein), each holder of Debentures shall
have the right, at the holder's option, to require the Company to repurchase
such holder's Debentures at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued interest. See "Description of Debentures - Certain
Rights to Require Repurchase of Debentures."

     The Debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinate
to all present and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of the
Company. As of August 31, 1997, Senior Indebtedness of the Company was
approximately $1.1 million. The Indenture will not restrict the incurrence of
any other indebtedness or liabilities by the Company or its subsidiaries. Each
of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries has guaranteed, jointly and
severally, the Company's obligations under the Debentures. See "Description of
Debentures - Subordination."

     The Debentures have been designated for trading in the Private Offerings,
Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages ("PORTAL") Market. For a
description of certain income tax consequences to holders of the Debentures, see
"Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences." All of the Debentures
were issued initially pursuant to an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
provided by Section 4(2) thereof and to the Company's knowledge, were
transferred to the Selling Securityholders pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S
under the Securities Act. Debentures resold pursuant to the Registration
Statement (of which this Prospectus is a part) will no longer be eligible for
trading in the PORTAL Market.

         The Selling Securityholders, acting as principals for their own
account, directly, through agents designated from time to time, or through
brokers, dealers, agents or underwriters also to be designated, may sell all or
a portion of the Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock which may be
offered hereby by them from time to time on terms to be determined at the time
of sale. The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Securityholders from the sale of
Debentures and Class A Common Stock will be the purchase price of such
Debentures or Class A Common Stock less commissions, if any. For information
concerning indemnification agreements between the Company and the Selling
Securityholders, see "Plan of Distribution."

         The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sales of the
Debentures or the shares of Class A Common Stock by the Selling Securityholders.
The Selling Securityholders may be deemed to be "underwriters" under the
Securities Act. If any broker-dealers are used by the Selling Securityholders,
any commissions paid to broker-dealers and, if broker-dealers purchase any
Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock as principals, any profits received
by such broker-dealers on the resale of the Debentures or shares of Class A
Common Stock may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the
Securities Act. In addition, any profits realized by the Selling Securityholders
may be deemed to be underwriting commissions.


     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING AT PAGE 3 HEREIN FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.

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

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ___________, 1997


<PAGE>   4



                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         NCS HealthCare, Inc. ("NCS" or the "Company") is subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith, files reports and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") which
may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company also are
available for inspection and copying at the Commission's Regional Offices
located at: Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511; and at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New
York 10048-1102. Such material may also be accessed electronically by means of
the Commission's home page on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.


                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

         The Company hereby incorporates the following documents in this
Prospectus by reference: (a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1997; (b) the description of the Class A Common Stock
contained in the Form 8-A Registration Statement. All documents subsequently
filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior
to the termination of this offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
such documents.

         The Company will provide, without charge, to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus (not including exhibits to the information that is incorporated
by reference unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference
into the information that the Prospectus incorporates). Such request should be
directed to Kristen H. Schulz, NCS HealthCare, Inc., 3201 Enterprise Parkway,
Suite 220, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, telephone (216) 514-3350.

         Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for all purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

                                   THE COMPANY

         NCS is a leading independent provider of pharmacy services to long-term
care institutions including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living
facilities and other institutional health care settings. The Company purchases
and dispenses prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals and provides
client facilities with related management services, automated medical record
keeping, drug therapy evaluation and regulatory assistance. The Company also
provides a broad array of ancillary health care services to complement its core
pharmacy services, including infusion therapy, physical, speech and occupational
therapies, nutrition management and other services. As of June 30, 1997, NCS
provided pharmacy services to approximately 152,000 residents in 23 states.

         Based on data from industry sources, the U.S. market for pharmacy
services in long-term care facilities exceeded $3.5 billion in 1994. The Company
believes that several factors are driving market growth, including the aging of
the U.S. population, the increasing number of patients receiving care in
non-hospital settings such as long-term care institutions and the increasing
acuity levels of and additional pharmaceutical therapies available for patients
receiving care in long-term care institutions.

         The institutional pharmacy services market is highly fragmented and
consolidating. Prior to the 1970s, retail pharmacies fulfilled the pharmacy
needs of most long-term care institutions. Today, long-term care institutions
are typically served by one of three types of providers: retail pharmacies,
long-term care facility operators with captive pharmacy companies and
independent pharmacy companies like NCS. The Company believes that retail
pharmacies and, to a lesser extent, small independent pharmacy companies,
generally lack the sophistication, information technology, scale economies,
breadth of services and capital necessary to compete in an increasingly
competitive and regulated business environment. As a result, the Company
believes that the industry will continue to consolidate at the expense of these
providers.




                                       2
<PAGE>   5

         NCS's strategy is to capitalize on industry trends and Company
expertise to strengthen its position as a leading provider of high quality,
integrated pharmacy and related services to institutional clients. The Company
intends to implement this strategy by identifying and standardizing "best
practices," cross marketing its services across its customer base to generate
internal growth, utilizing its proprietary technology to deliver information,
providing a broad array of ancillary health care services to complement its core
pharmacy services and continuing its aggressive acquisition and development
program. From 1986 to June 30, 1997, NCS completed 37 acquisitions (other than
fold-in acquisitions), including 22 acquisitions since the beginning of fiscal
1997. As a result of its fiscal 1997 acquisitions, the Company expanded its
geographic presence into 16 new states. In addition, the Company completed 27
fold-in acquisitions in fiscal 1997. The Company intends to continue to expand
through acquisitions.

         Prospective investors are cautioned that the statements included and
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus that are not descriptions of
historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect
management's current views, are based on many assumptions and are subject to
risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those
currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including those described
under the caption "Risk Factors."



                                  RISK FACTORS

         In addition to the other information contained and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, prospective investors should carefully consider
the following factors in evaluating an investment in the Debentures or shares of
Class A Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus includes, in addition to
historical information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially. Factors
that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited
to, those discussed below as well as those described elsewhere in this
Prospectus (including the documents incorporated by reference herein).

IMPACT OF ACQUISITIONS

         In accordance with its strategy for growth, NCS presently is engaged in
an expansion program which incorporates an active acquisition program in the
long-term care pharmacy industry. For the years ended June 30, 1995 and 1996,
more than half, and for the year ended June 30, 1997, more than 66% of the
growth in the Company's revenues resulted from acquisitions. The success of the
Company's acquisition program and of its underlying growth strategy will depend,
among other things, on the continued availability of suitable acquisition
candidates. The Company is in various stages of discussion with potential
acquisition candidates, although no material acquisition has become the subject
of any definitive agreement, letter of intent or agreement in principle. One or
more of these potential acquisitions could be material to the Company if
completed. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete
any acquisitions on favorable terms, or at all, in the future. As a consequence
of recent acquisitions, the Company has significantly grown in size and
broadened the geographic area in which it operates. Any acquisition involves
inherent uncertainties, such as the effect on the acquired businesses of
integration into a larger organization and the availability of management
resources to oversee the operations of the acquired business. The Company's
ability to integrate the operations of acquired companies is essential to its
future success. Even though an acquired business may have enjoyed excellent
profitability and growth as an independent company prior to the acquisition,
there can be no assurance that such profitability and growth would continue
thereafter. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to integrate
new businesses successfully, that it will succeed in managing the significantly
larger operations resulting therefrom or that any acquisition will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, the Company incurred
significant amounts of goodwill in connection with recent acquisitions. At June
30, 1997, goodwill represented approximately 56.3% of total assets. In the event
that the Company determines that the carrying value of goodwill is impaired, it
would write-down such carrying value, which would result in a charge to
earnings. Any such charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial results.

DECREASE IN NUMBER OF LONG-TERM CARE COMPANIES

         There is an ongoing trend in the long-term care market to consolidate
facilities. Additionally, certain operators of long-term care facilities have
acquired their own companies to provide pharmacy products and services rather
than obtaining such products and services from independent providers like the
Company. Both of these factors may adversely affect NCS by decreasing the number
of customers for whom the Company can effectively compete.



                                       3
<PAGE>   6


COMPETITION

         Competition among providers of pharmacy services to the long-term care
industry is intense, both regionally and nationally. The Company competes with
numerous local retail pharmacies, local, regional and national institutional
pharmacies and pharmacies owned by long-term care facilities. In its program of
acquiring institutional pharmacy providers, the Company competes with several
other companies which have similar acquisition strategies. Competition for
certain acquisition targets is intense. Some of the Company's competitors have
significantly greater financial and other resources than the Company and are
often willing to pay higher prices for acquisitions. There can be no assurance
as to the Company's ability to compete or pay for acquisitions or that
competitive pressures will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO GROWTH STRATEGY

         To take advantage of the consolidation trend in the institutional
pharmacy industry and to expand the geographic area in which it operates, the
Company's strategy includes growth through acquisitions. This strategy may
require significant capital resources. Capital is needed not only for
acquisitions, but also for the effective integration, operation and expansion of
such businesses. There can be no assurance that acceptable financing for future
acquisitions or for the integration, expansion and operation of existing
businesses can be obtained.

REGULATION AND REIMBURSEMENT

         The Company's business is subject to federal, state and local
regulations, and its pharmacies are required to be licensed in the states in
which they are located. The failure to obtain or renew any required regulatory
approvals or licenses could adversely affect the continued operation of the
Company's business. In addition, the long-term care facilities that contract for
the services of NCS are also subject to federal, state and local regulations and
are required to be licensed in the states in which they are located. The failure
by these institutions to comply with such regulations or to obtain or renew any
required licenses could result in the loss of the Company's ability to provide
pharmacy services to their residents. The Company is also subject to federal and
state laws that prohibit certain direct and indirect payments between health
care providers that are intended, among other things, to induce or encourage the
referral of residents to, or the recommendation of, a particular provider of
items or services. In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is
subject to inspections, audits, inquiries and similar actions by governmental
authorities responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Violation of
these laws and regulations can result in loss of licensure, civil and criminal
penalties and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. See "Business -
Government Regulation."

         For the year ended June 30, 1997, approximately 40% of the Company's
pharmacy services billings were paid by Medicare and Medicaid and 11% were paid
by long-term care facilities which were, in turn, reimbursed by Medicare.
Medicare and Medicaid are highly regulated. The failure of NCS and/or its client
institutions to comply with applicable reimbursement regulations could adversely
affect the Company's business. Additionally, changes in such reimbursement
programs or in regulations related thereto, such as reductions in the allowable
reimbursement levels, modifications in the timing or processing of payments and
other changes intended to limit or decrease the growth of Medicare and Medicaid
expenditures, could adversely affect the Company's business. See "Business -
Reimbursement and Billing."

UNCERTAINTY DUE TO PROPOSED CHANGES IN NATIONAL AND STATE HEALTH CARE POLICIES

         The Clinton administration and members of Congress have proposed
reforms to the system of health care delivery in the United States. None of
these proposals have been adopted. The process by which the administration or
Congress will pursue additional or modified proposals for national health care
reform and the precise nature of any such proposals are unclear at this time. In
addition, several states are considering or have implemented various health care
reforms, including reforms through Medicaid managed care demonstration projects.
Several states in which the Company operates have applied for, or received,
approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") for
waivers from certain Medicaid requirements, which are generally required for
such managed care projects. Although these demonstration projects generally
exempt institutional care, including long-term care facilities and institutional
pharmacy services, no assurance can be given that these waiver projects
ultimately will not change the reimbursement system for long-term care,
including pharmacy services, from fee-for-service to managed care negotiated or
capitated rates. It is not possible to predict what reforms of the health care
system will be adopted and the effect, if any, such reforms may have on the
Company's business. See "Business - Reimbursement and Billing" and "Government
Regulation."



                                       4
<PAGE>   7


DEPENDENCE ON KEY EMPLOYEES

         The Company's operations are substantially dependent on the abilities
of its executive officers to manage the Company's business and to identify
acquisition candidates. The Company has an employment agreement with only one of
these individuals. In addition, in connection with the Company's acquisition of
certain significant subsidiaries, the Company has entered into employment
agreements with certain other key personnel. The Company's ability to operate
these subsidiaries is substantially dependent on the contribution of these
personnel to the day-to-day operation of those businesses. The loss of any of
its executive officers or other key personnel could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations.

RISK OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY; AVAILABILITY OF INSURANCE

         The Company's business exposes it to risks that are inherent in the
packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals and the provision of ancillary
services. The Company currently maintains professional liability and errors and
omissions insurance. There can be no assurance that the coverage limits of such
insurance will be adequate to protect the Company against future claims. In
addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain
professional liability insurance in the future on acceptable terms or with
adequate coverage against potential liabilities.

CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

         As of June 30, 1997, the Directors and executive officers of the
Company and their affiliates collectively owned approximately 67.3% of the
outstanding voting power of the Company. As a result, these stockholders are
able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder
approval, including the election of Directors and the approval of significant
corporate transactions. Such concentration of ownership may have the effect of
delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. See "Description of
Capital Stock."

POTENTIAL EFFECT OF ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE
LAW

         Certain provisions of Delaware law and the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws could have the effect of making it more difficult for
a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to
acquire, control of the Company. The Company's By-Laws provide for the Board of
Directors to be divided into three classes of directors serving staggered
three-year terms. Such classification of the Board of Directors lengthens the
time required to change the composition of a majority of directors and could
discourage a proxy contest or other takeover bid for the Company. The Company's
Certificate of Incorporation allows the Company to issue Preferred Stock with
rights senior to those of the Common Stock without any further vote or action by
the stockholders. The issuance of Preferred Stock could decrease the amount of
earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of Common Stock or
could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the
holders of the Common Stock. In addition, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation provides for Class B Common Stock, which has ten votes per share.
At June 30, 1997, the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represented
37.3% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding, which shares entitle the
holders thereof to 85.6% of the total voting power of the Common Stock. The
existence of the Class B Common Stock and the issuance of Preferred Stock could
have the effect of making an unsolicited acquisition of the Company more
difficult and, consequently, cause a decrease in the market price of the Class A
Common Stock. In addition, the Company is subject to the anti-takeover
provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which
prohibits the Company from engaging in a "business combination" with an
"interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the
transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the
business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. The application of
Section 203 also could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in
control of the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock - Preferred Stock" and
"- The Delaware Business Combination Act."

SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES

         The Debentures are subordinate in right of payment to all current and
future Senior Indebtedness of the Company. Senior Indebtedness includes all
secured indebtedness of the Company, whether existing on or created or incurred
after the date of the issuance of the Debentures, that is not made subordinate
to or pari passu with the Debentures by the instrument creating the
indebtedness. At August 31, 1997, the aggregate amount of the Company's Senior
Indebtedness was approximately $1.1 million. The Indenture does not limit the
amount of additional indebtedness,


                                       5
<PAGE>   8


including Senior Indebtedness, which the Company can create, incur, assume or
guarantee. Additionally, pursuant to a credit agreement entered into on August
1, 1997, among the Company and certain lending institutions, KeyBank National
Association as administrative agent, the Company is entitled to borrow up to
$135 million of Senior Indebtedness under a credit facility. By reason of such
subordination of the Debentures, in the event of insolvency, bankruptcy,
liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or winding up of the business of the
Company or upon default in payment with respect to any Senior Indebtedness of
the Company or an event of default with respect to such indebtedness resulting
in the acceleration thereof, the assets of the Company will be available to pay
the amounts due on the Debentures only after all Senior Indebtedness of the
Company has been paid in full.

RISKS RELATING TO ENFORCEABILITY OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

         The Company's payment obligations under the Debentures are jointly and
severally guaranteed by all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. To the extent that
a court were to find that (i) a guarantee was incurred by a subsidiary guarantor
with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future creditor, (ii)
the subsidiary guarantor contemplated insolvency with a design to prefer one or
more creditors to the exclusion in whole or in part of others or (iii) such
subsidiary guarantor did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent
value for issuing its guarantee and such subsidiary guarantor (w) was insolvent,
(x) was rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of such guarantee, (y) was
engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining
assets of such subsidiary guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital to
carry on its business or (z) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur,
debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they matured, the court, subject
to applicable statutes of limitations, could avoid or subordinate such guarantee
in favor of a subsidiary guarantor's creditors or take other action detrimental
to the holders of the Debentures. Among other things, a legal challenge of a
guarantee on fraudulent conveyance grounds may focus on the benefits, if any,
realized by a subsidiary guarantor as a result of the issuance by the Company of
the Debentures.

         To the extent any guarantees were avoided as a fraudulent conveyance or
held unenforceable for any other reason, holders of the Debentures would cease
to have any claim in respect of such subsidiary guarantor and would be creditors
solely of the Company and any subsidiary guarantor whose guarantee was not
avoided or held unenforceable. In such event, the claims of holders of the
Debentures against the issuer of an invalid guarantee would be subject to the
prior payment of all liabilities of such subsidiary guarantor. There can be no
assurance that, after providing for all prior claims, there would be sufficient
assets remaining to satisfy the claims of the holders of the Debentures relating
to any avoided portions of any of the guarantees. In addition, if a court were
to avoid the guarantees under fraudulent conveyance laws or other legal
principles or, by the terms of such guarantees, the obligations thereunder were
reduced as necessary to prevent such avoidance, or the guarantees were released,
the claims of other creditors of the subsidiary guarantors, including trade
creditors, would to such extent have priority as to the assets of such
subsidiary guarantors over the claims of holders of the Debentures. The
guarantees of the Debentures by any subsidiary guarantor will be released at
such time as the subsidiary guarantor is no longer a member of an affiliated
group (within the meaning of Section 279(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended) which includes the Company, including, without limitation,
upon the sale or disposition (whether by merger, stock purchase, asset sale or
otherwise) of such subsidiary guarantor. The Indenture does not impose any
limitations on the Company's ability to sell or dispose of any subsidiary
guarantor. See "Description of Debentures - Subsidiary Guarantees."

LIMITATIONS ON REPURCHASE UPON A REPURCHASE EVENT

         In the event of a Repurchase Event, which includes a Change in Control
and a Termination of Trading (each as defined herein), each holder of Debentures
will have the right, at the holder's option, to require the Company to
repurchase all or a portion of such holder's Debentures at a purchase price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest thereon to
the repurchase date. The Company's ability to repurchase the Debentures upon a
Repurchase Event may be limited by the terms of the Company's Senior
Indebtedness and the subordination provisions of the Indenture. Further, the
ability of the Company to repurchase Debentures upon a Repurchase Event will be
dependent on the availability of sufficient funds and compliance with applicable
securities laws. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to repurchase the Debentures upon a Repurchase Event. The term "Repurchase
Event" is limited to certain specified transactions and may not include other
events that might adversely affect the financial condition of the Company or
result in a downgrade of the credit rating (if any) of the Debentures nor would
the requirement that the Company offer to repurchase the Debentures upon a
Repurchase Event necessarily afford holders of the Debentures protection in the
event of a highly leveraged reorganization, merger or similar transaction
involving the Company. See "Description of Debentures."



                                       6
<PAGE>   9


ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

         There is no existing public market for the Debentures and there can be
no assurance as to the liquidity of any market that may develop for the
Debentures, the ability of the holders to sell their Debentures or the price at
which holders of the Debentures may be able to sell their Debentures. Future
trading prices of the Debentures will depend on many factors, including, among
other things, prevailing interest rates, the Company's operating results, the
price of the Class A Common Stock and the market for similar securities. The
Initial Purchasers have informed the Company that the Initial Purchasers intend
to make a market in the Debentures offered hereby; however, the Initial
Purchasers are not obligated to do so, and any such market making activity may
be terminated at any time without notice to the holders of the Debentures. See
"Description of Debentures - Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages." The
Debentures have been designated for trading in the PORTAL Market; however, the
Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Debentures on any securities
exchange. Debentures resold pursuant to the Registration Statement (of which
this Prospectus is a part) will no longer be eligible for trading in the PORTAL
Market.

POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE

         The stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and
volume fluctuations which in some circumstances have been unrelated to the
operating performance of particular companies. The market price for shares of
the Class A Common Stock may be highly volatile depending on various factors,
including, but not limited to, the state of the national economy, stock market
conditions, industry research reports, actions by governmental agencies,
litigation involving the Company, earnings and other announcements by the
Company or its competitors and general conditions in the institutional pharmacy
business.


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS


         The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the
Debentures or the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby.


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

         The Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the
periods indicated is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       1993              1994               1995              1996               1997
                  ---------------   ---------------    ---------------   ---------------    ---------------
                       <S>               <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>  
                       3.4x              5.2x               3.6x              2.6x              11.1x
</TABLE>


         For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings represent income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
include interest (expensed and capitalized), amortization of debt issuance costs
and the estimated interest component of rental expense.




                                       7
<PAGE>   10


                            DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES

         The Debentures were issued under an indenture dated as of August 13,
1997 (the "Indenture") between the Company and National City Bank, as trustee
(the "Trustee"). The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture
do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Indenture, including the
definition therein of certain terms. Wherever particular sections or defined
terms of the Indenture are referred to, such sections or defined terms are
incorporated herein by reference. For purposes of the following discussion,
"Common Stock" includes any stock of any class of the Company which has no
preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company
and which is not subject to redemption by the Company, including, without
limitation, the Company's Class B Common Stock. Copies of the Indenture are
available from the Company or the Initial Purchasers upon request.

GENERAL

         The Debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company, limited to
$100 million in aggregate principal amount and mature on August 15, 2004. The
Debentures bear interest at a rate of 5 3/4% per annum from the date of original
issuance of Debentures pursuant to the Indenture, or from the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable
semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15,
1998, to the Person in whose name the Debenture (or any predecessor Debenture)
is registered at the close of business on the preceding February 1 or August 1,
as the case may be. Interest on the Debentures will be paid on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

         Principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Debentures is
payable (i) in respect of Debentures held of record by the Depository Trust
Company ("DTC") or its nominee in same day funds on or prior to the payment
dates with respect to such amounts and (ii) in respect of Debentures held of
record by Holders other than DTC or its nominee at the corporate trust office of
the Trustee, and the Debentures may be surrendered for transfer, exchange or
conversion at the corporate trust office of the Trustee. In addition, with
respect to Debentures held of record by Holders other than DTC or its nominee,
payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to
the address of the persons entitled thereto as it appears in the Register for
the Debentures on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

         The Debentures have been issued only in registered form, without
coupons and in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. No
service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the Debentures, but
the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of
the Trustee) payable in connection therewith. The Company is not required (i) to
issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debentures during a period
beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a
notice of redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such
mailing or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Debenture selected
for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of Debentures
being redeemed in part.

         All monies paid by the Company to the Trustee or any Paying Agent for
the payment of principal of and premium and interest on any Debenture which
remain unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest become
due and payable may be repaid to the Company. Thereafter, the Holder of such
Debenture may, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment thereof.

         The Indenture does not contain any provisions that would provide
protection to Holders of the Debentures against a sudden and dramatic decline in
credit quality of the Company resulting from any takeover, recapitalization or
similar restructuring, except as described below under "Certain Rights to
Require Repurchase of Debentures."

CONVERSION RIGHTS

         The Debentures are convertible into Class A Common Stock at any time
prior to redemption or final maturity, initially at the conversion price of
$32.70 per share. The right to convert Debentures which have been called for
redemption will terminate at the close of business on the second business day
preceding the Redemption Date. See "Optional Redemption" below.

         The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
any of the following events: (i) the subdivision, combination or
reclassification of outstanding shares of Common Stock; (ii) the payment in
shares of


                                       8
<PAGE>   11


Common Stock of a dividend or distribution on any class of capital stock of the
Company; (iii) the issuance of rights or warrants to all holders of Class A
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or both entitling them to acquire shares of
Common Stock at a price per share less than the Current Market Price; (iv) the
distribution to holders of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or both
of shares of capital stock other than Common Stock, evidences of indebtedness,
cash or assets (including securities, but excluding dividends or distributions
paid exclusively in cash and dividends, distributions, rights and warrants
referred to above); (v) a distribution consisting exclusively of cash (excluding
any cash distributions referred to in (iv) above) to all holders of Class A
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or both in an aggregate amount that,
together with (A) all other cash distributions (excluding any cash distributions
referred to in (iv) above) made within the 12 months preceding such distribution
and (B) any cash and the fair market value of other consideration payable in
respect of any tender offer by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for
Common Stock consummated within the 12 months preceding such distribution,
exceeds 12.5% of the Company's market capitalization (determined as provided in
the Indenture) on the date fixed for determining the stockholders entitled to
such distribution; and (vi) the consummation of a tender offer made by the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company for Common Stock which involves an
aggregate consideration that, together with (X) any cash and other consideration
payable in respect of any tender offer by the Company or a subsidiary of the
Company for Common Stock consummated within the 12 months preceding the
consummation of such tender offer and (Y) the aggregate amount of all cash
distributions (excluding any cash distributions referred to in (iv) above) to
all holders of the Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or both within
the 12 months preceding the consummation of such tender offer, exceeds 12.5% of
the Company's market capitalization at the date of consummation of such tender
offer. No adjustment of the conversion price will be required to be made until
cumulative adjustments amount to at least one percent of the conversion price,
as last adjusted. Any adjustment that would otherwise be required to be made
shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.

         In addition to the foregoing adjustments, the Company from time to time
may, to the extent permitted by law, reduce the conversion price of the
Debentures by any amount for any period of at least 20 days, in which case the
Company shall give at least 15 days' notice of such decrease. The Company also
is permitted to reduce the conversion price as it considers to be advisable in
order that any event treated for federal income tax purposes as a dividend of
stock or stock rights will not be taxable to the holders of the Class A Common
Stock or, if that is not possible, to diminish any income taxes that are
otherwise payable because of such event. In the case of any consolidation or
merger of the Company with any other corporation (other than one in which no
change is made in the Common Stock), or any sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Holder of any Debenture then
outstanding will, with certain exceptions, have the right thereafter to convert
such Debenture only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a
holder of the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which such Debenture
might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale
or transfer; and adjustments will be provided for events subsequent thereto that
are as nearly equivalent as practical to the conversion price adjustments
described above.

         Fractional shares of Class A Common Stock will not be issued upon
conversion, but, in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based
upon the then Closing Price at the close of business on the day of conversion.
If any Debentures are surrendered for conversion during the period from the
close of business on any Regular Record Date through and including the next
succeeding Interest Payment Date (except any such Debentures called for
redemption), such Debentures when surrendered for conversion must be accompanied
by payment in next day funds of an amount equal to the interest thereon which
the registered Holder on such Regular Record Date is to receive. Except as
described in the preceding sentence, no interest will be payable by the Company
on converted Debentures with respect to any Interest Payment Date subsequent to
the date of conversion. No other payment or adjustment for interest or dividends
is to be made upon conversion.

SUBORDINATION

         The payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on
the Debentures, to the extent set forth in the Indenture, is subordinated in
right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness. If
there is a payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation,
dissolution, winding up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, marshalling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
proceedings of the Company, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness will be
entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due thereon
or provision for such payment in money or money's worth before the Holders of
the Debentures will be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Debentures. In the event of
the acceleration of the maturity of the Debentures, the holders of all Senior
Indebtedness will first be entitled to receive


                                       9
<PAGE>   12


payment in full in cash of all  amounts  due  thereon or
provision for such payment in money or money's worth before the holders of the
Debentures will be entitled to receive any payment for the principal of or
premium, if any, or interest on the Debentures. No payments on account of
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Debentures or on account of
the purchase or acquisition of Debentures may be made if there has occurred and
is continuing a default in any payment with respect to Senior Indebtedness, any
acceleration of the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness or if any judicial
proceeding is pending with respect to any such default.

         Senior Indebtedness with respect to the Company is defined in the
Indenture as (a) all secured indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed
under the Company's primary revolving credit facility and any predecessor or
successor credit facilities thereto, whether outstanding on the date of
execution of the Indenture (such as the Company's $135 million credit facility
currently in existence, any increase in the maximum principal amount thereof and
any predecessor or successor facilities thereto) or thereafter created, incurred
or assumed, (b) all other secured indebtedness of the Company for money
borrowed, whether outstanding on the date of the execution of the Indenture or
thereafter created, incurred or assumed, except any indebtedness that by the
terms of the instrument or instruments by which such indebtedness was created or
incurred expressly provides that it (i) is junior in right of payment to the
Debentures or (ii) ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Debentures, and
(c) any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications, refinancings and
refundings of any of the foregoing. The term "indebtedness for money borrowed"
when used with respect to the Company is defined to mean (i) any obligation of,
or any obligation guaranteed by, the Company for the repayment of borrowed money
(including without limitation interest, fees, penalties and other obligations in
respect thereof), whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other
written instruments, (ii) any deferred payment obligation of, or any such
obligation guaranteed by, the Company for the payment of the purchase price of
property or assets evidenced by a note or similar instrument, (iii) any
obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, the Company for the payment
of rent or other amounts under a lease of property or assets which obligation is
required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease on the
balance sheet of the Company under generally accepted accounting principles,
(iv) any obligation of, or any such obligation which is guaranteed by, the
Company for the reimbursement of any obligor of any letter of credit, banker's
acceptance or similar credit transaction, (v) any obligation of, or any such
obligation which is guaranteed by, the Company under interest rate swaps, caps,
collars, options and similar arrangements and (vi) any obligation of the Company
under any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, futures contract,
currency option contract or other foreign currency hedge. Senior Indebtedness
with respect to the Company's subsidiaries for purposes of the subsidiary
guarantees of the Debentures shall have a corresponding meaning.

         The Debentures are obligations of the Company. The operations of the
Company are currently conducted principally through subsidiaries, which are
separate and distinct legal entities. Each of the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiaries has guaranteed the Company's payment obligations under the
Debentures, so long as such subsidiary is a member of an affiliated group
(within the meaning of Section 279(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) which includes the Company. The satisfaction by the Company's
subsidiaries of their contractual guarantees, as well as the payment of
dividends and certain loans and advances to the Company by such subsidiaries,
which may be subject to certain statutory or contractual restrictions, are
contingent upon the earnings of such subsidiaries and are subject to various
business considerations. Any right of the Company to receive assets of any
subsidiary of the Company upon the liquidation or reorganization of any such
subsidiary will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's
creditors, except to the extent that the Company is itself recognized as a
creditor of such subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company would still
be subordinate to any security in the assets of such subsidiary and any
indebtedness of such subsidiary senior to that held by the Company.

         The Indenture does not limit or prohibit the incurrence of Senior
Indebtedness. At August 31, 1997, the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness of
the Company outstanding was approximately $1.1 million. The Company expects to
incur additional indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness from time to time
in the future. See "Capitalization."

SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

         Each of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries unconditionally
guarantee, jointly and severally, the Company's obligations under the
Debentures. The indebtedness represented by the guarantees is subordinated to
all Senior Indebtedness of such subsidiaries.

         At such time as a subsidiary guarantor is no longer a member of an
affiliated group (within the meaning of Section 279(g) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended) which includes the Company, including, without


                                       10
<PAGE>   13


limitation, upon the sale or disposition (whether by merger, stock purchase,
asset sale or otherwise) of such subsidiary guarantor, such subsidiary guarantor
shall be deemed to be released from all its obligations under the subsidiary
guarantee.

         The obligations of each subsidiary guarantor under its guarantee are
limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other
contingent and fixed liabilities of such subsidiary guarantor (other than
liabilities of such subsidiary guarantor under indebtedness which is
subordinated to the guarantee) and after giving effect to any collections from
or payments made by or on behalf of any other subsidiary guarantor in respect of
the obligations of such other subsidiary guarantor under its guarantee, or
pursuant to its contribution obligations under the Indenture, result in the
obligations of such subsidiary guarantor under such guarantee not constituting a
fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law. See
"Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Enforceability of Subsidiary Guarantees."

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

         The Debentures are redeemable, at the Company's option, in whole or
from time to time in part, at any time on or after August 18, 2000, upon not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice mailed to each Holder of Debentures
to be redeemed at its address appearing in the Security Register and prior to
Maturity at the Redemption Prices below (expressed as percentages of the
principal amount) plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date (subject to the
right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive
interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption
Date).

         If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning August 15, in the year
indicated (August 18, in the case of 2000), the redemption price shall be:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        REDEMPTION
                  YEAR                                                                     PRICE
                  ----                                                                     -----
                  <S>                                                                     <C>    
                  2000......................................................              103.29%
                  2001......................................................              102.46
                  2002......................................................              101.64
                  2003......................................................              100.82
</TABLE>

         No sinking fund is provided for the Debentures.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS

         The Indenture provides that the Company will not consolidate with or
merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, or permit any Person to
consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its
properties substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless (a) if
applicable, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is
merged or the Person or corporation which acquires the properties and assets of
the Company substantially as an entirety is a corporation, limited liability
company, partnership or trust organized and validly existing under the laws of
the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly
assumes payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Debentures and performance and observance of each obligation of the Company
under the Indenture, (b) after consummating such consolidation, merger, transfer
or lease, no Default or Event of Default will occur and be continuing, (c) such
consolidation, merger or acquisition does not adversely affect the validity or
enforceability of the Debentures and (d) the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that
such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with the
provisions of the Indenture.

CERTAIN RIGHTS TO REQUIRE REPURCHASE OF DEBENTURES

         In the event of any Repurchase Event (as defined below) occurring after
the date of issuance of the Debentures and on or prior to Maturity, each Holder
of Debentures will have the right, at the Holder's option, to require the
Company to repurchase all or any part of the Holder's Debentures on the date
(the "Repurchase Date") that is 30 days after the date the Company gives notice
of the Repurchase Event as described below at a price (the "Repurchase Price")
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid
interest to the Repurchase Date. On or prior to the Repurchase Date, the Company
shall deposit with the Trustee or a Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient
to pay the Repurchase Price of the Debentures which are to be repaid on the
Repurchase Date.



                                       11
<PAGE>   14


         Failure by the Company to provide timely notice of a Repurchase Event,
as provided for below, or to repurchase the Debentures when required under the
preceding paragraph will result in an Event of Default under the Indenture
whether or not such repurchase is permitted by the subordination provisions of
the Indenture.

         On or before the 15th day after the occurrence of a Repurchase Event,
the Company is obligated to mail to all Holders of Debentures a notice of the
occurrence of such Repurchase Event identifying the Repurchase Date, the date by
which the repurchase right must be exercised, the Repurchase Price for
Debentures and the procedures which the Holder must follow to exercise this
right. To exercise the repurchase right, the Holder of a Debenture must deliver,
on or before the close of business on the Repurchase Date, written notice to the
Company (or an agent designated by the Company for such purpose) and to the
Trustee of the Holder's exercise of such right, together with the certificates
evidencing the Debentures with respect to which the right is being exercised,
duly endorsed for transfer.

         A "Repurchase Event" shall have occurred upon the occurrence of a
Change in Control or a Termination of Trading (each as defined below).

         A "Change in Control" shall occur when: (i) all or substantially all of
the Company's assets are sold as an entirety to any person or related group of
persons; (ii) there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger of the
Company (A) in which the Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation
(other than a consolidation or merger with a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company in which all shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to the effectiveness thereof are changed into or exchanged for the same
consideration) or (B) pursuant to which the Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, in each
case other than a consolidation or merger of the Company in which the holders of
the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock immediately prior to the
consolidation or merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the
total voting power of all classes of capital stock entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately
after such consolidation or merger in substantially the same proportion as their
ownership of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock immediately before
such transaction; (iii) any person, or any persons acting together which would
constitute a "group" for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (in each
case other than members of the Current Control Group, as defined below),
together with any affiliates thereof, shall beneficially own (as defined in Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act) at least 50% of the total voting power of all
classes of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors of the Company; (iv) at any time during any consecutive
two-year period, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the
Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose
election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the
stockholders of the Company was approved by a vote of 66-2/3% of the directors
then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period
or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease
for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company
then in office; or (v) the Company is liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan
of liquidation or dissolution.

         "Current Control Group" means the members of the Board of Directors and
the executive officers of the Company as of August 7, 1997, their spouses,
children, parents and siblings, the trustee of any trust created for the benefit
of any such member of the Board of Directors, officer or family member, the
executor or administrator (in his or her capacity as such) of the estate of any
such member of the Board of Directors, officer or family member, and any Person
who receives Class B Common Stock under the last will and testament of, or under
the laws of descent and distribution from, any such member of the Board of
Directors, officer or family member.

         A "Termination of Trading" shall occur if the Class A Common Stock (or
other common stock into which the Debentures are then convertible) is neither
listed for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange nor approved for
trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the
United States.

         The right to require the Company to repurchase Debentures as a result
of the occurrence of a Repurchase Event could create an event of default under
Senior Indebtedness of the Company, as a result of which any repurchase could,
absent a waiver, be blocked by the subordination provisions of the Debentures.
See "Subordination." Failure by the Company to repurchase the Debentures when
required will result in an Event of Default with respect to the Debentures
whether or not such repurchase is permitted by the subordination provisions. The
Company's ability to pay cash to the Holders of Debentures upon a repurchase may
be limited by certain financial covenants contained in the Company's Senior
Indebtedness.



                                       12
<PAGE>   15


         In the event a Repurchase Event occurs and the Holders exercise their
rights to require the Company to repurchase Debentures, the Company intends to
comply with applicable tender offer rules under the Exchange Act, including
Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1, as then in effect, with respect to any such purchase.

         The foregoing provisions would not necessarily afford Holders of the
Debentures protection in the event of highly leveraged or other transactions
involving the Company that may adversely affect Holders. In addition, the
foregoing provisions may discourage open market purchases of the Class A Common
Stock or a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for such stock and,
accordingly, may limit a stockholder's ability to realize a premium over the
market price of the Class A Common Stock in connection with any such
transaction.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         The following are Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to
the Debentures: (a) default in the payment of principal of or any premium on any
Debenture when due (even if such payment is prohibited by the subordination
provisions of the Indenture), whether at maturity, upon redemption, upon
acceleration or otherwise; (b) default in the payment of any interest on any
Debenture when due, which default continues for 30 days (even if such payment is
prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture); (c) failure to
provide timely notice of a Repurchase Event as required by the Indenture; (d)
default in the payment of the Repurchase Price in respect of any Debenture on
the Repurchase Date therefor (even if such payment is prohibited by the
subordination provisions of the Indenture); (e) default in the performance of
any other covenant of the Company in the Indenture which continues for 60 days
after written notice as provided in the Indenture; (f) default under one or more
bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed
by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or under one or more mortgages,
indentures or instruments under which there may be issued or by which there may
be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or
any subsidiary of the Company, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall
hereafter be created, which default individually or in the aggregate shall
constitute a failure to pay the principal of indebtedness in excess of
$10,000,000 when due and payable after the expiration of any applicable grace
period with respect thereto or shall have resulted in indebtedness in excess of
$10,000,000 becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on
which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such indebtedness
having been discharged, or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled,
within a period of 30 days after there shall have been given to the Company by
the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures a written notice
specifying such default and requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness to
be discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled; and (g)
certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company.

         If an Event of Default with respect to the Debentures shall occur and
be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures may declare the principal of and
premium, if any, on all such Debentures to be due and payable immediately, but
if the Company cures all Events of Default (except the nonpayment of interest
on, premium, if any, and principal of any Debentures) and certain other
conditions are met, such declaration may be canceled and past defaults may be
waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding
Debentures. If an Event of Default shall occur as a result of an event of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any subsidiary of the
Company, the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures shall automatically
become due and payable. The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee
annually a statement as to the performance by the Company of certain of its
obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance. The
Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of the
Debentures of any continuing default (except in the payment of the principal of
or premium, if any, or interest on any Debentures) if the Trustee considers it
in the interest of Holders of the Debentures to do so.

MODIFICATION, AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

         The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the
Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures, to execute a
supplemental indenture to add provisions to, or change in any manner or
eliminate any provisions of, the Indenture or modify in any manner the rights of
Holders of the Debentures, provided that without the consent of each Holder of
Outstanding Debentures, no supplemental indenture may (i) change the stated
maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Debenture,
or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any
premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change the place of payment
where, or the coin or currency in which, any Debenture or any premium or
interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for
enforcement of any such payment on or after


                                       13
<PAGE>   16


the stated maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the
redemption date), (ii) adversely affect the right to convert the Debentures as
provided in the Indenture, (iii) modify the provisions of the Indenture with
respect to the subordination of the Debentures in a manner adverse to the
Holders of Debentures, (iv) impair the right of Holders of Debentures to require
the Company to repurchase Debentures upon the occurrence of a Repurchase Event
or (v) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Debentures, the
consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with certain
provisions of the Indenture or certain defaults thereunder.

         Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the
Company and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders to: (a) cause the
Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act; (b) evidence the
succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such
successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Debentures; (c) add
to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders or an additional
Event of Default, or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company;
(d) secure the Debentures; (e) make provision with respect to the conversion
rights of Holders in the event of a consolidation, merger or sale of assets
involving the Company, as required by the Indenture; (f) evidence and provide
for the acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee with respect to the
Debentures; or (g) cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision which
may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision, or make any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture
which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture, provided,
however, that no such modifications or amendment may adversely affect the
interest of Holders in any material respect.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

         The Company may discharge its obligations under the Indenture while
Debentures remain Outstanding if (a) all Outstanding Debentures will become due
and payable at their scheduled maturity within one year or (b) all Outstanding
Debentures are scheduled for redemption within one year, and in either case the
Company has deposited with the Trustee an amount sufficient to pay and discharge
all Outstanding Debentures on the date of their scheduled maturity or the
scheduled date of redemption.

FORM, DENOMINATION AND REGISTRATION

         The Debentures have been issued in fully registered form, without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 in principal amount and integral multiples
thereof.

         Global Debenture; Book-Entry Form. Debentures will be evidenced by a
global Debenture (hereinafter referred to as the "Registered Global Debenture"),
except as set forth below under "Certificated Debentures." The Registered Global
Debentures will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC and registered in the
name of Cede & Co. ("Cede") as DTC's nominee. Beneficial interests in the
Registered Global Debenture are exchangeable for definitive certificated
Debentures only in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Except as set
forth below, the Registered Global Debentures may be transferred, in whole or in
part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.

         The Holders of Debentures may hold their interests in the Registered
Global Debentures directly through DTC if such Holder is a participant in DTC,
or indirectly through organizations which are participants in DTC (the
"Participants"). Transfers between Participants will be effected in the ordinary
way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same day funds. The laws
of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery of securities
in definitive form. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests
in the Registered Global Debentures to such persons may be limited.
         The Holders of Debentures who are not Participants may beneficially own
interests in the Registered Global Debentures held by DTC only through
Participants or certain banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies and other
parties that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). So long as
Cede, as the nominee of DTC, is the registered owner of the Registered Global
Debentures, Cede for all purposes will be considered the sole holder of the
Registered Global Debentures.

         Payment of interest on and the redemption price or repurchase price
(upon redemption at the option of the Company or repurchase at the option of the
Holder upon a Repurchase Event) of the Registered Global Debentures will be made
to Cede, the nominee for DTC, as the registered owner of the Registered Global
Debentures, by wire transfer of immediately available funds on each interest
payment date or the redemption date, as the case may be. Neither the


                                       14
<PAGE>   17


Company, the Trustee nor any paying agent will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of beneficial ownership interests in the Registered Global Debentures or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial
ownership interests.

         With respect to any payment of interest on and the redemption price or
repurchase price (upon redemption at the option of the Company or repurchase at
the option of the Holder upon a Repurchase Event) of the Registered Global
Debentures, DTC's practice is to credit Participants' accounts on the payment
date therefor with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective
beneficial interests in the Debentures represented by the Registered Global
Debentures as shown on the records of DTC, unless DTC has reason to believe that
it will not receive payment on such payment date. Payments by Participants to
owners of beneficial interests in Debentures represented by the Registered
Global Debentures held through such Participants will be the responsibility of
such Participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in "street name."

         Because DTC can only act on behalf of Participants, who in turn act on
behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a person
having a beneficial interest in Debentures represented by the Registered Global
Debentures to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not
participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such
interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such
interest.

         Neither the Company nor the Trustee (or any registrar, paying agent or
conversion agent under the Indenture) will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its Participants or Indirect Participants of their
respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations.

         If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and
a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, the
Company will cause Debentures to be issued in definitive form in exchange for
the Registered Global Debentures.

         Certificated Debentures. Debentures sold (other than pursuant to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part) to investors that are
neither Qualified Institutional Buyers nor persons acquiring such Debentures in
compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act will be issued in
definitive registered form and may not be evidenced by a Global Debenture.
Qualified Institutional Buyers may request that their Debentures be issued in
definitive registered form. In addition, certificated Debentures may be issued
in exchange for Debentures represented by the Registered Global Debentures if no
successor depositary is appointed by the Company as set forth above under the
paragraph entitled "Global Debentures; Book-Entry Form."

PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST

         The Indenture requires that payments in respect of the Debentures
(including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held of record by DTC
(including Debentures evidenced by the Registered Global Debentures) be made in
same day funds. Payments in respect of the Debentures held of record by holders
other than DTC may, at the option of the Company, be made by check and mailed to
such holders of record as shown on the Register for the Debentures.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

         The Company and the Initial Purchasers entered into a Registration
Rights Agreement (the "RRA") on August 13, 1997 (the "Closing Date"). In the
RRA, the Company agreed to file with the SEC within 30 days after the Closing
Date a registration statement (the "Shelf") (of which this Prospectus forms a
part) on Form S-1 or Form S-3 to cover resales of Transfer Restricted Securities
(as defined below) by the holders thereof who satisfy the conditions referred to
below. The Company will be permitted to prohibit offers and sales of Transfer
Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf under certain circumstances and
subject to certain conditions (any period during which offers and sales are
prohibited being a "Suspension Period"). "Transfer Restricted Securities" means
each Debenture and any underlying share of Class A Common Stock until such
Debenture or share, as the case may be, (i) has been transferred pursuant to the
Shelf or another registration statement covering it which has been filed with
the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, in either case after such registration
statement has become effective under the Securities Act, (ii) has been
transferred pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or (iii) may be sold
or transferred pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act (or any similar
provisions then in force). "Transfer Restricted Securities" is also deemed to
include the guarantees of the Company's obligations under the Indenture and the
Debentures by certain subsidiaries of the Company. See "Description of
Debentures - Subsidiary Guarantees" above.



                                       15
<PAGE>   18


         If the Shelf has not been declared effective by the SEC within 90 days
after the Closing Date or is filed and declared effective but shall thereafter
cease to be effective (without being succeeded immediately by a replacement
shelf registration statement filed and declared effective) or usable for the
offer and sale of Transfer Restricted Securities for a period of time (including
any Suspension Period) which shall exceed 60 days in the aggregate in any
12-month period during the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on or
prior to the second anniversary of the Closing Date (each such event a
"Registration Default"), the Company will pay liquidated damages to each Holder
of Transfer Restricted Securities which has complied with its obligations under
the RRA. The amount of liquidated damages payable during any period in which a
Registration Default shall have occurred and be continuing is that amount which
is equal to one-quarter of one percent (25 basis points) per annum per $1,000
principal amount of $2.50 per annum per 30.581 shares of Common Stock (subject
to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock recombination, stock dividend
and the like) constituting Transfer Restricted Securities for the first 90 days
during which a Registration Default has occurred and is continuing and 50 basis
points per annum per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures or $5.00 per annum
per 30.581 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as set forth above)
constituting Transfer Restricted Securities for any additional days during which
a Registration Default has occurred and is continuing. The Company has agreed to
pay all accrued liquidated damages by wire transfer of immediately available
funds or by federal funds check on each Damages Payment Date (as defined in the
RRA). Following the cure of a Registration Default, liquidated damages will
cease to accrue with respect to such Registration Default.

         The Company has agreed to maintain the Shelf until the first to occur
of (i) the second anniversary of the Closing Date or (ii) the date on which no
security covered by the Shelf remains a Transfer Restricted Security.

         The foregoing summary of certain provisions of the RRA does not purport
to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to, the provisions of the RRA. Copies of the RRA are available from the Company
or the Initial Purchasers on request.

GOVERNING LAW

         The Indenture and Debentures are governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to such
state's conflicts of laws principles.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

         The Company and its subsidiaries maintain deposit accounts and conduct
other banking transactions with the Trustee in the ordinary course of business.
The Trustee serves as transfer agent with respect to the Class A Common Stock.
The Trustee also serves as a lender under the Company's existing credit
facility.

ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS

         The Debentures will be subject to significant restrictions on resale.
See "Notice to Investors." There is no existing public market for the Debentures
and there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any markets that may
develop for the Debentures, the ability of the Holders to sell their Debentures
or at what price Holders of the Debentures will be able to sell their
Debentures. Future trading prices of the Debentures will depend upon many
factors including, among other things, prevailing interest rates, the Company's
operating results, the price of the Class A Common Stock and the market for
similar securities. The Initial Purchasers have informed the Company that they
intend to make a market in the Debentures offered hereby; however, the Initial
Purchasers are not obligated to do so and any such market making activity may be
terminated at any time without notice to the holders of the Debentures. See "-
Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages." The Debentures have been designated
for trading in the PORTAL Market; however, the Company does not intend to apply
for listing of the Debentures on any securities exchange.


                               DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

         The Company's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate")
authorizes capital stock consisting of 50 million shares of Class A Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, 20 million shares of Class B Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share (the "Class B Common Stock"), and one million shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"). The Company
is incorporated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"Delaware GCL").



                                       16
<PAGE>   19


COMMON STOCK

         At September 2, 1997, there were 11,464,820 shares of Class A Common 
Stock and 6,742,742 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding, and
options to purchase 402,274 shares of Class A Common Stock and options to
purchase 164,557 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding. In addition,
at such date, there were an aggregate of 314,710 shares of Class A Common Stock
reserved for issuance under the Company's 1996 Long Term Incentive Plan.

         The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical in all
material respects except that (i) shares of the Class B Common Stock entitle the
holders thereof to ten votes per share on all matters and shares of the Class A
Common Stock entitle the holders thereof to one vote per share on all matters,
and (ii) the shares of Class B Common Stock are subject to certain restrictions
on transfer. The shares of Class B Common Stock are not transferable except in
certain very limited instances to family members, trusts, other holders of Class
B Common Stock, charitable organizations and entities controlled by such persons
(collectively, "Permitted Transferees"). These restrictions on transfer may be
removed by the Board of Directors if the Board determines that the restrictions
may have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, marketability or market
value of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.

         The Class B Common Stock is fully convertible at any time into shares
of Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis and will automatically be
converted into shares of Class A Common Stock upon any purported transfer to
non-Permitted Transferees. Once a share of Class B Common Stock has been
converted into a share of Class A Common Stock, such share of Class A Common
Stock cannot thereafter be reconverted into a share of Class B Common Stock.
Because the Class B Common Stock will at all times be convertible into Class A
Common Stock on a share-for-share basis, holders of Class B Common Stock will be
able to sell the equity interest represented by their Class B Common Stock to
persons who are not Permitted Transferees by converting such shares into Class A
Common Stock. As is the case with Preferred Stock and additional Class A Common
Stock, additional Class B Common Stock can be issued at the discretion of the
Board of Directors.

         Except as set forth below (and as provided by law and in the Company's
Certificate now in effect), all matters submitted to a vote of the Company's
stockholders will be voted on by holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock voting together as a single class. Holders of outstanding shares of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, respectively, vote separately as
a class with respect to amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation that
would increase the authorized number of shares of Class B Common Stock, or that
would make other amendments to the Certificate (other than increases in the
number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock) that alter or change the
designations or powers or the preferences, qualifications, limitations,
restrictions or the relative or special rights of either the Class B Common
Stock or the Class A Common Stock so as to affect them adversely.

         No cash dividend may be declared or paid on the Class B Common Stock
unless an equal or greater dividend is simultaneously declared or paid on the
Class A Common Stock. Otherwise, subject to the rights of holders of Preferred
Stock, if any, the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock rank
equally and have equal rights per share with respect to all dividends and
distributions, including distributions upon liquidation of the Company and
consideration to be received upon a merger or consolidation of the Company or a
sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets. In the case of stock
dividends or stock splits, however, only shares of Class A Common Stock can be
distributed in respect of outstanding Class A Common Stock and only shares of
Class B Common Stock can be distributed in respect of outstanding Class B Common
Stock.

         Neither shares of Class A Common Stock nor shares of Class B Common
Stock can be split, divided or combined unless all outstanding shares of the
other class are correspondingly split, divided or combined.

         Because of the restrictions on transfer of the Class B Common Stock,
over time shares of Class B Common Stock having ten votes will (unless the
Directors determine to remove such restrictions) be converted into shares of
Class A Common Stock having one vote, as holders convert their Class B Common
Stock into Class A Common Stock in order to sell their shares. Accordingly, the
holders of Class B Common Stock who continue to hold their Class B Common Stock
will realize over time an increase in their relative voting power in the
Company. The Directors and executive officers of the Company and their
affiliates collectively own approximately 67.3% of the total voting power of the
Company, prior to the conversion of any Debentures. A substantial portion of
this group's share ownership consists of Class B Common Stock. If those
individuals continue to hold their Class B Common Stock for the foreseeable
future, the degree of control of the Company by these Directors and executive
officers and their affiliates, and their percentage of the total voting power of
the Company, will increase over time.



                                       17
<PAGE>   20


         Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock do not have
any preemptive rights or rights to subscribe for additional securities of the
Company and are not subject to any further calls or assessments by the Company.
There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A
Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock. The shares of Class A Common Stock are
not convertible into any other series or class of the Company's securities.
Subject to the preferences applicable to the Preferred Stock, if any,
outstanding at the time, holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock are entitled to dividends, if, when and as declared by the Board of
Directors from funds legally available therefor and are entitled, in the event
of liquidation, to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of
liabilities and Preferred Stock preferences, if any. See "Preferred Stock."

PREFERRED STOCK

         The Company's Board of Directors is authorized, without further action
by the stockholders, to issue, from time to time, not in excess of one million
shares of Preferred Stock in one or more classes or series, and to fix or alter
the designations, powers and preferences, and relative, participating, optional
or other rights, if any, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof, including, without limitation, dividend rights (and whether dividends
are cumulative), conversion rights, if any, voting rights (including the number
of votes, if any, per share), rights and terms of redemption (including sinking
fund provisions, if any), redemption price and liquidation preferences of any
unissued shares or wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, and the number of
shares constituting any such class or series and the designation thereof, and to
increase or decrease the number of shares of any such class or series subsequent
to the issuance of shares of such class or series, but not below the amount then
outstanding. Currently, there are no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, and
the Company has no present intention to issue any Preferred Stock.

TWO-TIER BUSINESS COMBINATION PROVISIONS

         The Certificate contains a provision designed to help assure that
stockholders of the Company receive equitable treatment, beyond that presently
provided by the applicable state law, in the event of certain Business
Combinations (as defined) between the Company and another corporation or entity.
Delaware law generally requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote to approve a merger,
consolidation or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets. The Certificate raises the affirmative vote required to approve such a
business combination to at least 66-2/3% of the total voting power of the
Company's outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock,
unless a Fair Price (as described herein) is paid to each of the stockholders of
the Company,

         The Board of Directors is concerned about the partial or "two-step"
tender offer technique of accomplishing corporate takeovers. The first step in
this technique is a tender offer made by another corporation or entity seeking
control at a price that often substantially exceeds the market value of the
target corporation's stock. After acquiring a controlling number of shares, the
entity will then effectuate the second step: a business combination with the
target corporation designed to eliminate the then remaining stockholders'
interest in the corporation. The terms of the second step business combination
may not reflect arms-length bargaining and therefore may not assure proper
treatment of the stockholders remaining after the tender offer.

         The Board of Directors intends to prevent persons who might acquire a
controlling interest in the Company from imposing a business combination on
minority stockholders unless such controlling persons are able and willing to
deal fairly with minority stockholders by paying them a fair price for their
interest in the Company. The Board recognizes that this fair price requirement
might have the effect of discouraging unilateral tender offers and other
takeover proposals to acquire control of the Company, as well as unsolicited
acquisitions of the Company's outstanding shares.

         The Certificate requires, in addition to any required vote by the then
outstanding Preferred Stock, the vote of not less than 66-2/3% of the then
outstanding shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock to approve any Business Combination of the Company with any Related Person
(as defined) unless certain conditions have been met. In addition, the 66-2/3%
vote must include the affirmative vote of 51% of the outstanding shares of Class
A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock held by stockholders other than the
Related Person. Accordingly, the actual vote required to approve the Business
Combination may be greater than 66-2/3%, depending upon the number of shares
controlled by the Related Person. A Related Person is defined to include any
person or entity which is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of
shares of Common Stock representing 5% or more of the total voting power of the
Company, including any affiliate or associate of such person or entity. The term
Business Combination is defined to


                                       18
<PAGE>   21


include virtually any transaction between the Company and a Related Person,
including a merger, consolidation or sale of assets.

         The 66-2/3% requirement and the 51% requirement are not applicable,
however (and, therefore, the proposed Business Combination could be approved by
a simple majority of the stockholders unless otherwise required by Delaware
law), if the Related Person pays a Fair Price to the Company's stockholders in
the transaction or if a majority of the Board of Directors approves the
transaction. Under the terms of the Certificate, the Fair Price must be at least
equal to the greatest of (i) the highest price paid or agreed to be paid by the
Related Person to purchase any shares of the Company's common equity securities,
(ii) the highest market price of the common equity securities during the
24-month period prior to the taking of such vote, or (iii) the per share book
value of the Class A Common Stock at the end of the calendar quarter immediately
preceding the taking of such vote. In addition, the Fair Price consideration to
be received by the Company's stockholders must be of the same form and kind as
the most favorable form and kind of consideration paid by the Related Person in
acquiring any of its shares of common equity securities of the Company.

         The Certificate provides that the above provisions regarding two-tier
business combinations may not be amended, altered, changed or repealed except by
the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the shares of the common equity
securities entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders called for the
consideration of such amendment, alteration, change or repeal, and at least 51%
of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon held by stockholders who are
not Related Persons, unless such proposal shall have been proposed by a majority
of the Board of Directors.

THE DELAWARE BUSINESS COMBINATION ACT

         Section 203 of the Delaware GCL (the "Delaware Business Combination
Act") imposes a three-year moratorium on business combinations between a
Delaware corporation whose stock generally is publicly traded or held of record
by more than 2,000 stockholders and an "interested stockholder" (in general, a
stockholder owning 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting stock) or
an affiliate or associate thereof unless (a) prior to an interested stockholder
becoming such, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the
business combination or the transaction resulting in the interested stockholder
becoming such, (b) upon consummation of the transaction resulting in the
interested stockholder becoming such, the interested stockholder owns 85% of the
voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced (excluding, from
the calculation of outstanding shares, shares beneficially owned by directors
who are also officers and certain employee stock plans) or (c) on or after an
interested stockholder becomes such, the business combination is approved by (i)
the board of directors and (ii) holders of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding
shares (other than those shares beneficially owned by the interested
stockholder) at a meeting of stockholders. The term "business combination" is
defined generally to include mergers or consolidations between a Delaware
corporation and an "interested stockholder" involving the assets or stock of the
corporation or its majority-owned subsidiaries and transactions which increase
an "interested stockholder's" percentage ownership of stock.

         The Delaware Business Combination Act applies to certain corporations
incorporated in the State of Delaware unless the corporation expressly elects
not to be governed by such legislation and sets forth such election in (a) the
corporation's original certificate of incorporation, (b) an amendment to the
corporation's by-laws as adopted by the corporation's board of directors within
90 days of the effective date of such legislation or (c) an amendment to the
corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws is approved by (in
addition to any other vote required by law) a majority of the shares entitled to
vote (however, such amendment would not be effective until 12 months after the
date of its adoption and would not apply to any business combination between the
corporation and any person who became an interested stockholder on or prior to
such adoption of such amendment). The Company has not made such an election and,
upon completion of the offering, will be subject to the Delaware Business
Combination Act.

DIRECTOR LIABILITY PROVISIONS

         As permitted by the Delaware GCL, the Certificate contains a provision
which eliminates, under certain circumstances, the personal liability of
Directors (only in their capacities as Directors of the Company) to the Company
or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as
Directors. The provision in the Certificate does not change a Director's duty of
care, but it does authorize the Company to eliminate monetary liability for
certain violations of the duty, including violations based on grossly negligent
business decisions which may include decisions relating to attempts to change
control of the Company. The provision does not affect the availability of
equitable remedies for a breach of duty of care, such as an action to enjoin or
rescind a transaction involving a breach of fiduciary duty; however, in certain
circumstances equitable remedies may not be available as a practical matter. The
provision


                                       19
<PAGE>   22


in the Certificate in no way affects a Director's liability under the federal
securities laws. In addition, the Company's By-Laws and indemnity agreements
entered into with the Company's Directors and officers indemnify its past and
current Directors and officers for and provides advancements in respect of all
expense, liability and loss reasonably incurred in connection with any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, either civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she
is or was a Director or officer of the Company, including, in certain
circumstances under the indemnity agreements for settlements in derivative
actions.

CLASSIFIED BOARD

         The Certificate divides the Board of Directors into three classes. The
Directors serve staggered terms of three years, with the members of one class
being elected in any year, as follows: (i) James B. Naylor, Phyllis K. Wilson
and A. Malachi Mixon III have been designated as Class I Directors and will
serve until the 1999 annual meeting; (ii) Boake A. Sells and Kevin B. Shaw have
been designated as Class II Directors and will serve until the 1997 annual
meeting; and (iii) Richard L. Osborne and Jon H. Outcalt have been designated as
Class III Directors and will serve until the 1998 annual meeting; and in each
case until their respective successors are elected and qualified.

         A classified Board of Directors may have the effect of making it more
difficult to remove incumbent Directors, providing such Directors with enhanced
ability to retain their positions. A classified Board of Directors may also make
the acquisition of control of the Company by a third party by means of a proxy
contest more difficult. In addition, the classification may make it more
difficult to change the majority of Directors for business reasons unrelated to
a change of control.

         The Certificate provides that the above provisions regarding
classification of the Board of Directors may not be amended, altered, changed or
repealed except by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders called for the
consideration of such amendment, alteration, change or repeal, unless such
proposal shall have been proposed by a majority of the Board of Directors.

GENERAL

         It is possible that the existence of the ten vote per share Class B
Common Stock, the Company's ability to issue Preferred Stock, the increased
voting requirements with respect to a Business Combination provided for in the
Certificate, the provisions of the Delaware Business Combination Act and the
division of the Board of Directors of the Company into classes as provided in
the Certificate, may discourage other persons from making a tender offer for or
acquisitions of substantial amounts of the Company's Class A Common Stock. This
could have the incidental effect of inhibiting changes in management and may
also prevent temporary fluctuations in the market price of the Company's Class A
Common Stock which often result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. In
addition, the limited liability provisions in the Certificate with respect to
Directors and officers may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit
against Directors for breach of their fiduciary duty and may also have the
effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against Directors and
officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have
benefited the Company and its stockholders. Furthermore, a stockholder's
investment in the Company may be adversely affected to the extent that cost of
settlement and damage awards against the Company's Directors and executive
officers are paid by the Company pursuant to the indemnification provisions
contained in the Company's By-Laws and indemnity agreements described above.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

         The Company has granted from time to time, in connection with
acquisitions and otherwise, rights relating to the registration of Class A
Common Stock. Pursuant to such rights, the Company has filed and intends to
cause to be declared effective a registration statement relating to the resale
of approximately 1,070,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Additional
registration rights may be granted, and additional shares may be registered, in
the future.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

         The Company's Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock is
National City Bank, Cleveland, Ohio.




                                       20
<PAGE>   23


                             SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS


         The following table sets forth information concerning the aggregate
principal amount of Debentures beneficially owned by each Selling Securityholder
or record holders of Debentures, as of September 2, 1997, and the number of
shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures, which
may be offered from time to time pursuant to this prospectus. Other than their
ownership of the Company's Class A Common Stock, none of the Selling
Securityholders has had any material relationship with the Company within the
past three years. The table has been prepared on the basis of information
furnished to the Company by DTC, Smith Barney Inc. and or by or on behalf of the
Selling Securityholders. Any or all of the Debentures or shares of Class A
Common Stock listed below may be offered for sale by the Selling Securityholders
from time to time.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         
                                                                          UNDERLYING SHARES OF                             
                                  PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF                     CLASS A COMMON STOCK           PERCENTAGE OF     
                                       DEBENTURES        PERCENTAGE OF    OR ADDITIONAL SHARES          CLASS A COMMON     
                                   BENEFICIALLY OWNED     DEBENTURES        OF CLASS A COMMON          STOCK OUTSTANDING   
            NAME (1)                THAT MAY BE SOLD      OUTSTANDING    STOCK THAT MAY BE SOLD(2)    AFTER THE OFFERING(3)
       -----------------            ----------------      -----------    -------------------------    ---------------------
<S>                                    <C>                   <C>                 <C>                         <C>     
Bank of New York                       10,380,000            10.4%               317,431                     2.7%    

Bankers Trust                          6,490,000               6.5               198,470                      1.7    

Bear, Stearns Securities Corp.         2,500,000               2.5               76,452                        *     

Bank of America Personal Trust          390,000                  *               11,926                        *     

Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co.        22,895,000             22.9               700,152                       5.8   

Chase/Chemical Bank                     125,000                  *                3,822                        *     

Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.              150,000                  *                4,587                        *     

Citibank, N.A.                          800,000                  *               24,464                        *     

Corestates Bank, N.A.                  2,050,000               2.1               62,691                        *     

CS First Boston Corporation             400,000                  *               12,232                        *     

Custodial Trust Company                10,815,000             10.8               330,733                       2.8   

Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.          1,500,000               1.5               45,871                        *     

Fifth Third Bank                       2,000,000                 2               61,162                        *     

First National Bank of Maryland         160,000                  *                4,892                        *     

Mercantile Safe Deposit & Trust        2,360,000               2.4               72,171                        *     

Merrill Lynch Professional                                                                                           
Clearing Corp.                         3,800,000               3.8               116,207                       1     

Merrill Lynch - Debt Securities        2,000,000                 2               61,162                        *     

Norwest Bank, Denver N.A.               100,000                  *                3,058                        *     

Northern Trust Co. - Trust              525,000                  *               16,055                        *     

PNC Bank, N.A.                          400,000                  *               12,232                        *     
</TABLE>


                                       21
<PAGE>   24


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         
                                                                          UNDERLYING SHARES OF                             
                                  PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF                     CLASS A COMMON STOCK           PERCENTAGE OF     
                                       DEBENTURES        PERCENTAGE OF    OR ADDITIONAL SHARES          CLASS A COMMON     
                                   BENEFICIALLY OWNED     DEBENTURES        OF CLASS A COMMON          STOCK OUTSTANDING   
            NAME (1)                THAT MAY BE SOLD      OUTSTANDING    STOCK THAT MAY BE SOLD(2)    AFTER THE OFFERING(3)
       -----------------            ----------------      -----------    -------------------------    ---------------------
<S>                                    <C>                   <C>                 <C>                         <C>     
Republic New York Securities
Corp.                                   150,000                  *                4,587                         *    

Sanwa Bank California                   415,000                  *               12,691                         *    

SBC Dillon                              500,000                  *               15,290                         *    

Societe General Securities                                                                                           
Corporation                            2,000,000                 2               61,162                         *    

Spear, Leeds & Kellogg                  125,000                  *                3,822                         *    

SSB-- Custodian                        26,870,000             26.9               821,712                        6.7  

Union Bank                              100,000                  *                3,058                         *    

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

<FN>
* Less than 1%
(1)      The Selling Securityholders and the amount of Debentures held by them
         are set forth herein is as of September 9, 1996 and will be updated as
         required.

(2)      Assumes conversion of the full amount of Debentures held by such holder
         at the initial rate of $32.70 in principal amount of Debentures per
         share of Class A Common Stock. Under the terms of the Indenture,
         fractional shares will not be issued upon conversion of the Debentures;
         cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares, if any.

(3)      Based upon 11,464,820 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of
         September 2, 1997, treating as outstanding the total number of shares
         of Class A Common Stock shown as being issuable upon the assumed
         conversion by the named Selling Securityholder of the full amount of
         such Selling Securityholder's Debentures but not assuming the
         conversion of the Debentures of any other Selling Securityholder.
</TABLE>



                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         The Debentures, the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock and the
subsidiary guarantees are being registered to permit public secondary trading of
such securities by the holders thereof from time to time after the date of this
Prospectus. The Company and the Selling Securityholders have agreed to indemnify
each other against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act. The
Company has agreed, among other things, to bear all expenses (other than
underwriting discounts, selling commissions and fees and expenses of counsel and
other advisors to holders of the Debentures and the shares of Class A Common
Stock) in connection with the registration and sale of the securities covered by
this Prospectus.

         The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the offering of
the Debentures and the shares of Class A Common Stock by the Selling
Securityholders. The Company has been advised by the Selling Securityholders
that the Selling Securityholders may sell all or a portion of the Debentures and
shares beneficially owned by them and offered hereby from time to time on any
exchange on which the securities are listed, as applicable, on terms to be
determined at the times of such sales. The Selling Securityholders may also make
private sales directly or through a broker or brokers. Alternatively, any of the
Selling Securityholders may from time to time offer the Debentures or shares of
Class A Common Stock which may be offered hereby and beneficially owned by them
through underwriters, dealers or agents, who may receive compensation in the
form of underwriting discounts, commissions or concessions from the Selling


                                       22
<PAGE>   25


Securityholders and the purchasers of the Debentures or shares of Class A Common
Stock for whom they may act as agent. Such underwriters, dealers or agents may
include the Initial Purchasers of the Debentures, which may perform investment
banking or other services for or engage in other transactions with the Company
from time to time in the future.

         The securities offered hereby may be sold from time to time in one or
more transactions at fixed offering prices, which may be changed, or at varying
prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. Such prices will
be determined by the Selling Securityholders or by agreement between such
Selling Securityholders and underwriters or dealers who receive fees or
commissions in connection therewith.

         The Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock is listed for trading on
the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market ("Nasdaq"), and application has been
made to list the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Debentures on Nasdaq. There is no assurance as to the development or liquidity
of any trading market that may develop for the Debentures.

         In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the securities offered hereby will be sold in such jurisdictions
only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain
states the Debentures and shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby may not
be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable
state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is
available and compliance with such requirement is effected.

         The Selling Securityholders and any broker-dealers, agents or
underwriters that participate with the Selling Securityholders in the
distribution of the Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby
may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, in
which case any commissions or discounts received by such broker-dealers, agents
or underwriters any profit on the resale of the Debentures or shares of Class A
Common Stock offered hereby and purchased by them may be deemed to be
underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act....


              CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

         The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income tax considerations to Holders of the Debentures. This discussion is based
upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury
Regulations, Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rulings, and judicial decisions
now in effect, all of which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive
effect) or different interpretations.

         This discussion does not deal with all aspects of United States federal
income taxation that may be important to Holders of the Debentures or the shares
of Class A Common Stock and does not deal with tax consequences arising under
the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction. This discussion is for
general information only and does not purport to address all tax consequences
that may be important to particular purchasers in light of their personal
circumstances, or to certain types of purchasers (such as certain financial
institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, dealers in securities or
persons who hold the Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock in connection
with a straddle) that may be subject to special rules. This discussion assumes
that each Holder holds the Debentures and any shares of Class A Common Stock
received upon conversion thereof as capital assets.

         For the purpose of this discussion, a "Non-U.S. Holder" refers to any
Holder who is not a United States person. The term "United States person" means
a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation or partnership created
or organized in the United States or any state thereof, or an estate or trust,
the income of which is includible in income for United States federal income tax
purposes regardless of its source.

         PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR
PARTICIPATION IN THIS OFFERING, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE DEBENTURES,
INCLUDING CONVERSION OF THE DEBENTURES, AND THE EFFECT THAT THEIR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES MAY HAVE ON SUCH TAX CONSEQUENCES.



                                       23
<PAGE>   26


OWNERSHIP OF THE DEBENTURES

         Interest on Debentures. Interest paid on the Debentures will be taxable
to a Holder as ordinary interest income in accordance with the Holder's methods
of tax accounting at the time that such interest is accrued or (actually or
constructively) received. The Company expects that the Debentures will not be
issued with original issue discount ("OID") within the meaning of the Code.

         Constructive Dividend. Certain corporate transactions, such as
distributions of assets to holders of Class A Common Stock, may cause a deemed
distribution to the Holders of the Debentures if the conversion price or
conversion ratio of the Debentures is adjusted to reflect such corporate
transaction. Such deemed distributions will be taxable as a dividend, return of
capital, or capital gain in accordance with the earnings and profits rules
discussed under "Dividends on Shares of Class A Common Stock."

         Sale or Exchange of Debentures or Shares of Class A Common Stock. In
general, a Holder of Debentures will recognize gain or loss upon the sale,
redemption, retirement or other disposition of the Debentures measured by the
difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property
received (except to the extent attributable to the payment of accrued interest)
and the Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Debentures. A Holder's tax basis in
the Debentures generally will equal the cost of the Debentures to the Holder
increased by the amount of market discount, if any, previously taken into income
by the Holder or decreased by any bond premium theretofore amortized by the
Holder with respect to the Debentures. In general, each holder of Class A Common
Stock into which the Debentures have been converted will recognize gain or loss
upon the sale, exchange, redemption, or other disposition of the Class A Common
Stock under rules similar to those applicable to the Debentures. Special rules
may apply to redemptions, or other disposition of the Class A Common Stock under
rules similar to those applicable to the Debentures. Special rules may apply to
redemptions of the Class A Common Stock which may result in the amount paid
being treated as a dividend. Subject to the market discount rules discussed
below, the gain or loss on the disposition of the Debentures or shares of Class
A Common Stock will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term gain or loss
if the Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock have been held for more than
one year at the time of such disposition. (For the basis and holding period of
shares of Class A Common Stock, see "Conversion of Debentures.")

         Conversion of Debentures. A Holder of Debentures will not recognize
gain or loss on the conversion of the Debentures into shares of Class A Common
Stock. The Holder's tax basis in the shares of Class A Common Stock received
upon conversion of the Debentures will be equal to the Holder's aggregate basis
in the Debentures exchanged therefor (less any portion thereof allocable to cash
received in lieu of a fractional share). The holding period of the shares of
Class A Common Stock received by the Holder upon conversion of Debentures will
generally include the period during which the Holder held the Debentures prior
to the conversion.

         Cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Class A Common Stock
should be treated as a payment in exchange for such fractional share rather than
as a dividend. Gain or loss recognized on the receipt of cash paid in lieu of
such fractional shares generally will equal the difference between the amount of
cash received and the amount of tax basis allocable to the fractional shares.

         Market Discount. The resale of Debentures may be affected by the
"market discount" provisions of the Code. For this purpose, the market discount
on a Debenture will generally be equal to the amount, if any, by which the
stated redemption price at maturity of the Debenture immediately after its
acquisition exceeds the Holder's tax basis in the Debenture. Subject to a de
minimis exception, these provisions generally require a Holder of a Debenture
acquired at a market discount to treat as ordinary income any gain recognized on
the disposition of such Debenture to the extent of the "accrued market discount"
on such Debenture at the time of disposition. In general, market discount on a
Debenture will be treated as accruing on a straight-line basis over the term of
such Debenture, or, at the election of the Holder, under a constant yield
method. A Holder of a Debenture acquired at a market discount may be required to
defer the deduction of a portion of the interest on any indebtedness incurred or
maintained to purchase or carry the Debenture until the Debenture is disposed of
in a taxable transaction, unless the Holder elects to include accrued market
discount in income currently. If a Holder acquires a Debenture at a market
discount and receives shares of Class A Common Stock upon conversion of the
Debenture, the amount of accrued market discount with respect to the converted
Debenture through the date of conversion will be treated as ordinary income upon
the disposition of the Class A Common Stock.

         Dividends on Shares of Class A Common Stock. Distributions on shares of
Class A Common Stock will constitute dividends for United States federal income
tax purposes to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and


                                       24
<PAGE>   27


profits of the Company as determined under United States federal income tax
principles. Dividends paid to holders that are United States corporations may
qualify for the dividends-received deduction.

         To the extent, if any, that a holder receives distributions on shares
of Class A Common Stock that would otherwise constitute dividends for United
States federal income tax purposes but that exceed current and accumulated
earnings and profits of the Company, such distributions will be treated first as
a non-taxable return of capital reducing the holder's basis in the shares of
Class A Common Stock. Any such distributions in excess of the holder's basis in
the shares of Class A Common Stock will be treated as capital gain.

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

         Interest on Debentures. Generally, interest paid on the Debentures to a
Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax if: (i)
such interest is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business within the United States by such Non-U.S. Holder; (ii) the Non-U.S.
Holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote and is not a
controlled foreign corporation with respect to which the Company is a "related
person" within the meaning of the Code; and (iii) the beneficial owner, under
penalty of perjury, certifies that the owner is not a United States person and
provides the owner's name and address. If certain requirements are satisfied,
the certification described in clause (iii) above may be provided by a
securities clearing organization, a bank, or other financial institution that
holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business. For
this purpose, the Holder of Debentures would be deemed to own constructively the
shares of Class A Common Stock into which it could be converted. A Holder that
is not exempt from tax under these rules will be subject to United States
federal income tax withholding at a rate of 30% unless the interest is
effectively connected with the conduct of a United States trade or business, in
which case the interest will be subject to the United States federal income tax
on net income that applies to United States persons generally. Non-U.S. Holders
should consult applicable income tax treaties, which may provide different
rules.

         Sales or Exchange of Debentures or Shares of Class A Common Stock. A
Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income
tax on gain recognized upon the sale or other disposition of the Debentures or
shares of Class A Common Stock unless: (i) the gain is effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the Non-U.S.
Holder or (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is a nonresident alien
individual and holds the Class A Common Stock as a capital asset, such holder is
present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year and
certain other circumstances are present. If the Company is a "United States real
property holding corporation," a Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to federal
income tax with respect to gain realized on the disposition of such Debentures
or shares of Class A Common Stock as if it were effectively connected with a
United States trade or business and the amount realized will be subject to
withholding at the rate of 10%. The amount withheld pursuant to these rules will
be creditable against such Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income tax
liability and may entitle such Non-U.S. Holder to a refund upon furnishing the
required information to the Internal Revenue Service. Non-U.S. Holders should
consult applicable income tax treaties, which may provide different rules.

         Conversion of Debentures. A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be
subject to United States federal income tax on the conversion of a Debenture
into shares of Class A Common Stock. To the extent a Non-U.S. Holder receives
cash in lieu of a fractional share on conversion, such cash may give rise to
gain that would be subject to the rules described above with respect to the sale
or exchange of a Debenture or Class A Common Stock.

         Dividends on Shares of Class A Common Stock. Generally, any
distribution on shares of Class A Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to United States federal income tax withholding at a rate of 30% unless
the dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of trade or business
within the United States by the Non-U.S. Holders, in which case the dividend
will be subject to the United States federal income tax on net income that
applies to United States persons generally (and, with respect to corporate
holders and under certain circumstances, the branch profits tax). Non-U.S.
Holders should consult any applicable income tax treaties, which may provide for
a lower rate of withholding or other rules different from those described above.
A Non-U.S. Holder may be required to satisfy certain certification requirements
in order to claim a reduction of or exemption from withholding under the
foregoing rules.

INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING

         U.S. Holders. Information reporting and backup withholding may apply to
payments of interest or dividends on or the proceeds of the sale or other
disposition of the Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock made by the


                                       25
<PAGE>   28


Company with respect to certain non corporate U.S. holders. Such U.S. holders
generally will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 31% unless the
recipient of such payment supplies a taxpayer identification number, certified
under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information, or otherwise
establishes, in the manner prescribed by law, an exemption from backup
withholding. Any amount withheld under backup withholding is allowable as a
credit against the U.S. holder's federal income tax, upon furnishing the
required information.

         Non-U.S. Holders. Generally, information reporting and backup
withholding of United States federal income tax at a rate of 31% may apply to
payments of principal, interest and premium (if any) to Non-U.S. Holders if the
payee fails to certify that the holder is a Non-U.S. person or if the Company or
its paying agent has actual knowledge that the payee is a United States person.
The 31% backup withholding tax generally will not apply to dividends paid to
foreign holders outside the United States that are subject to 30% withholding as
discussed above or that are subject to a tax treaty that reduces such
withholding.

         The payment of the proceeds on the disposition of Debenture or shares
of Class A Common Stock to or through the United States office of a United
States or foreign broker will be subject to information reporting and backup
withholding unless the owner provides the certification described above or
otherwise establishes an exemption. The proceeds of the disposition by a
Non-U.S. Holder of Debentures or shares of Class A Common Stock to or through a
foreign office of a broker will not be subject to backup withholding. However,
if such broker is a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation for United
States tax purposes, or a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from
all sources for certain periods is from activities that are effectively
connected with a United States trade or business, information reporting will
apply unless such broker has documentary evidence in its files of the owner's
foreign status and has no actual knowledge to the contrary or unless the owner
otherwise establishes an exemption. Both backup withholding and information
reporting will apply to the proceeds from such dispositions if the broker has
actual knowledge that the payee is a U.S. Holder.


                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the Debentures and the underlying shares of Class A
Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Calfee,
Halter & Griswold LLP, Cleveland, Ohio.


                                     EXPERTS

         The consolidated financial statements of NCS HealthCare, Inc. appearing
in NCS HealthCare, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30,
1997, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth
in their report thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference.
Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.




                                       26
<PAGE>   29
=====================================================        




  No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been
authorized to give any information or to make any
representations not contained in this Prospectus and,
if given or made, such information or representations
must not be relied upon as having been authorized by
the Company. This Prospectus does not constitute an
offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy
any of the Securities offered hereby in any
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to
make such offer in such jurisdiction. Neither the
delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any
implication that information contained herein is
correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof
or that there has been no change in the affairs of
the Company since that date.
                                                             


                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                PAGE
                                                ----
<S>                                             <C>
Available Information ........................    2
Incorporation Of Certain Documents By                        
    Reference ................................    2
The Company ..................................    2  
Risk Factors .................................    3  
Use Of Proceeds ..............................    7  
Ratio Of Earnings to Fixed Charges ...........    7  
Description Of Debentures ....................    8  
Description Of Capital Stock .................   16  
Selling Securityholders ......................   21  
Plan of Distribution .........................   22  
Certain United States Federal Income Tax             
    Consequences .............................   23  
Legal Matters ................................   26  
Independent Auditors .........................   26  
</TABLE>



=====================================================        

===================================================== 
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
               $100,000,000 AGGREGATE                 
                PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF                   
                  5 3/4% CONVERTIBLE                  
              SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES                 
                      DUE 2004                        
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                3,058,103 SHARES OF                   
                CLASS A COMMON STOCK                  
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
             [NCS HEALTHCARE, INC. LOGO]
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.                  
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                 ------------------                   
                                                      
                     PROSPECTUS                       
                                                      
                  __________, 1997                    
 
                ------------------                   
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
                                          
===================================================== 
<PAGE>   30




                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

                  The following table sets forth the estimated expenses payable
by the Registrant in connection with the sale and distribution of the Debentures
and the shares of Class A Common Stock registered hereby:

<TABLE>
                  <S>                                                                     <C>    
                  SEC Registration Fee..............................................      $30,304

                  Accounting Fees ..................................................        2,500

                  Fees and Expenses of Counsel......................................       15,000

                  Miscellaneous.....................................................        2,196
                                                                                          -------
                           Total....................................................      $50,000
                                                                                          =======
</TABLE>



ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law sets forth the
conditions and limitations governing the indemnification of officers, directors
and other persons. Section 145 provides that a corporation shall have the power
to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or contemplated action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action
by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or was serving at the
request of the corporation in a similar capacity with another corporation or
other entity, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement incurred in connection therewith if he acted in good
faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of
the corporation. With respect to a suit by or in the right of the corporation,
indemnity may be provided to the foregoing persons under Section 145 on a basis
similar to that set forth above, except that no indemnity may be provided in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged
to be liable to the corporation unless and to the extent that the Delaware Court
of Chancery or the court in which such action, suit or proceeding was brought
determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is entitled to indemnity for such
expenses as the court deems proper. Moreover, Section 145 provides for mandatory
indemnification of a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation to
the extent that such person has been successful in defense of any such action,
suit or proceeding and provides that a corporation may pay the expenses of an
officer or director in defending an action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of
an undertaking to repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that such
person is not entitled to be indemnified. Section 145 establishes provisions for
determining that a given person is entitled to indemnification, and also
provides that the indemnification provided by or granted under Section 145 is
not exclusive of any rights to indemnity or advancement of expenses to which
such person may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise.

         The Registrant's By-laws provides that the Registrant shall indemnify,
to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, any Director or officer who was
or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or
proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person of he or she is the
legal representative, is or was a Director or officer of the Registrant, or is
or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, partner,
trustee, employee or agent of another entity, against all expenses, liabilities
and losses (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or
penalties or amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred by such person in
connection therewith. In addition, provisions of The Registrant's By-laws
provide for the advancement of expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by
a Director or officer of the Registrant in defending any proceeding for which
indemnification is provided under the By-laws upon receipt of an undertaking to
repay such amounts if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled
to be indemnified by the Registrant as authorized in the By-laws. In addition,
the By-laws permit the Registrant to maintain insurance, at its expense, to
protect itself and any of its Directors or officers or individuals serving at
the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee
or agent of another entity, against any expense,


                                      II-1
<PAGE>   31


liability or loss, whether or not the Registrant would have the power to
indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware
General Corporation Law.

         Section 102 (b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits
corporations to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a Director to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of the
Director's duty of care. Accordingly, the Registrant's Amended Certificate of
Incorporation provides that a Director of the Registrant shall not be personally
liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a Director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
Director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the Director derived an
improper personal benefit. The Registrant's Amended Certificate of Incorporation
further provides that any repeal, amendment or other modification of the
foregoing provisions will not affect the liability or alleged liability of any
Director of the corporation then existing with respect to any state of facts
then or theretofore existing or any action, suit or proceeding theretofore or
thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part upon any such state
of facts.

         In addition to the foregoing, the Registrant has entered into indemnity
agreements with its executive officers and Directors. The indemnity agreements
provide that such persons will be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by
law against all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, amounts
paid or incurred by them for settlement in any action or proceeding on account
of their service as a Director or officer of the Registrant or of any subsidiary
of the Registrant or of any other entity in which they are serving at the
request of the Registrant.

         The agreements bind the Registrant to provide indemnification to
Directors and officers whether or not the Registrant maintains Directors and
officers liability insurance coverage and regardless of any future changes in
the By-laws. The protection to be afforded Directors and officers by the
agreements is broader than that provided under the indemnification provisions
contained in the By-laws, in that the agreements expressly provide for the
advancement of expenses and for indemnification with respect to amounts paid in
settlements of derivative actions.

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.

         See the Exhibit Index at page E-1 of this Registration Statement.

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

         (1)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

                  (a) To file, during the period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

                           (i)      To include any prospectus required by
                                    Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
                                    1933;

                           (ii)     To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
                                    event arising after the effective date of
                                    the registration statement (or the most
                                    recent post-effective amendment thereof)
                                    which, individually or in the aggregate,
                                    represent a fundamental change in the
                                    information set forth in the registration
                                    statement;

                           (iii)    To include any material information with
                                    respect to the plan of distribution not
                                    previously disclosed in the registration
                                    statement;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (a)(i) and (a)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the information required
to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in
periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.

                  (b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.

                  (c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.



                                      II-2
<PAGE>   32


         (2) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that for the purpose
of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (3) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted for Directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such Director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.




                                      II-3
<PAGE>   33


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                       NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                       By: /s/ Jon H. Outcalt
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Jon H. Outcalt
                                           Chairman of the Board


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R.
Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12th, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Jon H. Outcalt                            Chairman of the Board of Directors
- -----------------------------------------------
Jon H. Outcalt

      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
- -----------------------------------------------      (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                                  

      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Chief Financial Officer
- -----------------------------------------------      (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                         

      /s/  Malachi Mixon III                         Director
- -----------------------------------------------
A.  Malachi Mixon III

      /s/  Boake A. Sells                            Director
- -----------------------------------------------
Boake A. Sells

      /s/  James B. Naylor                           Director
- -----------------------------------------------
James B. Naylor

      /s/  Richard L. Osborne                        Director
- -----------------------------------------------
Richard L. Osborne

      /s/  Phyllis K. Wilson                         Director
- -----------------------------------------------
Phyllis K. Wilson
</TABLE>



                                      II-4
<PAGE>   34


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                       ADVANCED Rx SERVICES, INC.

                                       By:   /s/ Kevin B. Shaw
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Advanced Rx Services, Inc., a New Jersey
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R.
Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- ---------------------------------------              (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                          


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ---------------------------------------              (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                 
</TABLE>




                                      II-5
<PAGE>   35


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                       HLF ADULT HOME PHARMACY CORP.

                                       By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Kevin B. Shaw


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of HLF Adult Home Pharmacy Corp., a New York
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R.
Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             Director
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                           


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Secretary and Treasurer
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                  
</TABLE>



                                      II-6
<PAGE>   36


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                       KINETIC SERVICES, INC.

                                       By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Kinetic Services, Inc., a California corporation,
hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Thomas F. McKee,
John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                   <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                           


      /s/  Jon H. Outcalt                            Treasurer and Secretary
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jon H. Outcalt                          
</TABLE>




                                      II-7
<PAGE>   37


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                       LOOK DRUG STORES, INC.

                                       By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                           ----------------------------------
                                           Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Look Drug Stores, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation,
hereby constitute and appoint Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F.
McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true
and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                             


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer and Secretary
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    
</TABLE>



                                      II-8
<PAGE>   38


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      LOOMIS ENTERPRISES, INC.

                                      By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Loomis Enterprises, Inc., a Rhode Island
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- --------------------------------------------         (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                               


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- --------------------------------------------         (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                      
</TABLE>



                                      II-9
<PAGE>   39


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      MANAGEMENT & NETWORK SERVICES, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Management & Network Services, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                             

      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    
</TABLE>




                                     II-10
<PAGE>   40


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                         MEDI CENTRE, INC.

                                         By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Medi Centre, Inc., a Michigan corporation, hereby
constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,
Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and each of them,
his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- --------------------------------------------         (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                               


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer and Secretary
- --------------------------------------------         (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey Steinhilber                         
</TABLE>



                                     II-11
<PAGE>   41


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS DAVEN DRUG, INC.

                                      By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          ----------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS Daven Drug, Inc., an Ohio corporation, hereby
constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,
Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and each of them,
his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                         


      /s/  Jon H. Outcalt                            Treasurer and Secretary
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jon H. Outcalt                        
</TABLE>




                                     II-12
<PAGE>   42


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF ARKANSAS, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Arkansas, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ---------------------------------------------        (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                                


      /s/ Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                     Treasurer
- ---------------------------------------------        (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                       
</TABLE>




                                     II-13
<PAGE>   43


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF CALIFORNIA, INC.

                                      By:    /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of California, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- ---------------------------------------------        (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                                


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer and Secretary
- ---------------------------------------------        (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jon H. Outcalt                               
</TABLE>



                                     II-14
<PAGE>   44


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF FLORIDA, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Florida, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                             


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    
</TABLE>




                                     II-15
<PAGE>   45


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                 NCS HEALTHCARE OF ILLINOIS, INC.

                                 By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Kevin B. Shaw, Vice President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., an Illinois
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             Vice President, Secretary and Director
- ---------------------------------------              (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                          


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ---------------------------------------              (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                 
</TABLE>




                                     II-16
<PAGE>   46



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF IOWA, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Iowa, Inc., an Ohio corporation,
hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R.
Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- --------------------------------------------         (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                               


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Vice President
- --------------------------------------------         (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                      
</TABLE>



                                     II-17
<PAGE>   47



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF KANSAS, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Kansas, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                         


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                
</TABLE>




                                     II-18
<PAGE>   48



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF KENTUCKY, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Kentucky, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                             


      /s/ Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                     Treasurer
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    


      /s/  Judith A. Bradac                          Assistant Secretary
- ------------------------------------------
Judith A. Bradac


      /s/  J. Patrick Morris                         Vice President
- ------------------------------------------
J. Patrick Morris


      /s/  Herbert L. DeBarba                        Assistant Secretary
- ------------------------------------------
Herbert L. DeBarba
</TABLE>



                                     II-19
<PAGE>   49



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF MARYLAND, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Maryland, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                       

      /s/ Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                     Treasurer
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber              

      /s/  Judith A. Bradac                          Assistant Secretary
- ------------------------------------
Judith A. Bradac

      /s/  Michael Mascali                           Vice President
- ------------------------------------
Michael Mascali
</TABLE>



                                     II-20
<PAGE>   50



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF MICHIGAN, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, Chairman of the Board
                                               and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Michigan, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             Chairman of the Board and Secretary
- -----------------------------------------            (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                            


      /s/  Phyllis K. Wilson                         President and Director
- -----------------------------------------
Phyllis K. Wilson


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Vice President and Treasurer
- -----------------------------------------            (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                   
</TABLE>



                                     II-21
<PAGE>   51



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF MODESTO, INC.

                                      By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Modesto, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                             


      /s/  Jon H. Outcalt                            Treasurer and Secretary
- ------------------------------------------           (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jon H. Outcalt                            
</TABLE>



                                     II-22
<PAGE>   52



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF OHIO, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, Chairman and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Ohio, Inc., an Ohio corporation,
hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R.
Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             Chairman of the Board and Secretary
- -----------------------------------------            (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                            


      /s/  Phyllis K. Wilson                         President and Director
- -----------------------------------------
Phyllis K. Wilson


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- -----------------------------------------            (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                   


      /s/  Norman D. Leibow                          Director
- -----------------------------------------
Norman D. Leibow
</TABLE>



                                     II-23
<PAGE>   53



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF OKLAHOMA, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Oklahoma, Inc., an Oklahoma
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                         


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                
</TABLE>




                                     II-24
<PAGE>   54



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF OREGON, INC.

                                      By:    /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Oregon, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- -------------------------------------------          (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                              


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- -------------------------------------------          (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                     
</TABLE>




                                     II-25
<PAGE>   55


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.

                                      By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          ---------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Pennsylvania, Inc., a
Pennsylvania corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B.
Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A.
Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be
done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or
any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             Secretary and Director
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                         


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- --------------------------------------               (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                
</TABLE>




                                     II-26
<PAGE>   56


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- -----------------------------------------            (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                            


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- -----------------------------------------            (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                   
</TABLE>




                                     II-27
<PAGE>   57


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF VERMONT, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Vermont, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                           


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                  
</TABLE>




                                     II-28
<PAGE>   58


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF WASHINGTON, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS HealthCare of Washington, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                           


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                  
</TABLE>




                                     II-29
<PAGE>   59


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS QUALITY CARE PHARMACY, INC.

                                      By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          ----------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS Quality Care Pharmacy, Inc., an Ohio
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- -------------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                        


      /s/  Jon H. Outcalt                            Secretary and Treasurer
- -------------------------------------                (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jon H. Outcalt                       
</TABLE>




                                     II-30
<PAGE>   60


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                        NCS SERVICES, INC.

                                        By:   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                            ---------------------------------
                                            Kevin B. Shaw, President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of NCS Services, Inc., an Ohio corporation, hereby
constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,
Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., and each of them,
his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President and Director
- ----------------------------------------             (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                           


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ----------------------------------------
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
</TABLE>





                                     II-31
<PAGE>   61


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      THRIFTY MEDICAL SUPPLY, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Thrifty Medical Supply, Inc., an Oklahoma
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- -------------------------------------------          (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                              


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- -------------------------------------------          (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                     
</TABLE>





                                     II-32
<PAGE>   62


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      UNI-CARE HEALTH SERVICES, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Uni-Care Health Services, Inc., a New Hampshire
corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw,
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski,
Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be done, as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- -------------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                        


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- -------------------------------------                (Principal Executive Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber               
</TABLE>




                                     II-33
<PAGE>   63


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      UNI-CARE HEALTH SERVICES OF MAINE, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Uni-Care Health Services of Maine, Inc., a New
Hampshire corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B.
Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A.
Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be
done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or
any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                       


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber              
</TABLE>






                                     II-34
<PAGE>   64


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      RESCOT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Uni-Care Health Services of Maine, Inc., a New
Hampshire corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B.
Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A.
Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be
done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or
any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                       


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer and Director
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber              
</TABLE>






                                     II-35
<PAGE>   65


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF INDIANA, INC.         

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Uni-Care Health Services of Maine, Inc., a New
Hampshire corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B.
Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A.
Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be
done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or
any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Marvin R. Richardson                      President and Director
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Executive Officer)
Marvin R. Richardson                


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer and Secretary
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber              

    /s/ Kevin B. Shaw                                Vice President and Director
- ------------------------------------
Kevin B. Shaw                                       
</TABLE>






                                     II-36
<PAGE>   66


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized in the City of Cleveland and State of Ohio, as of the 12th day of
September, 1997.

                                      CHESHIRE LONG TERM CARE PHARMACY, INC.

                                      By:       /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Kevin B. Shaw, President and Secretary


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned, being
Directors and/or officers of Uni-Care Health Services of Maine, Inc., a New
Hampshire corporation, hereby constitute and appoint Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B.
Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A.
Basinski, Jr., and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite, necessary or advisable to be
done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or
any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 12, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         SIGNATURE                                                     TITLE
         ---------                                                     -----
<S>                                                  <C>
      /s/  Kevin B. Shaw                             President, Secretary and Director
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Executive Officer)
Kevin B. Shaw                       


      /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    Treasurer
- ------------------------------------                 (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)
Jeffrey R. Steinhilber              
</TABLE>






                                     II-37
<PAGE>   67

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT                                          DESCRIPTION
     NO.                                            -----------
     ---
<S>            <C>                             
     1.1       Purchase Agreement, dated August 7, 1997, between the Company and
               Smith Barney Inc., William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Montgomery
               Securities and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc.

     2.1       Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 1994, by and among
               Aberdeen Group, Inc. and Calvin Hunsicker. (A)

     2.2       Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 10, 1995, by and among
               Quality Health Care NCS, Inc., Low Cost Health Care of Indiana,
               Inc., Marvin R. Richardson, Melanie A. Richardson and Richard A.
               Freese. (A)

     2.3       Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 1, 1995, by and among
               Aberdeen Group, Inc. and each of the owners of shares of, capital
               stock of Corinthian HealthCare Systems, Inc. (A)

     2.4       Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1995, by and
               between James F.J. Kane and Aberdeen Group, Inc. (A)

     2.5       Certificate of Ownership and Merger of Aberdeen Group, Inc. with
               and into the Company. (A)

     2.6       Stock Purchase Agreement, dated May 15, 1996, by and among the
               Company and the owners of capital stock of Uni-Care Health
               Services, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation and Uni-Care Health
               Services of Maine, Inc., a New Hampshire corporation. (B)

     2.7       Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1996, by and among
               the Registrant, NCS HealthCare of Oregon, Inc., an Ohio
               corporation, IPAC Pharmacy, Inc., an Oregon corporation, and
               Prestige Care, Inc., a Washington corporation. (C)

     2.8       Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 13, 1996, by and among NCS
               HealthCare of Oklahoma, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, Med-Equip
               Homecare Equipment Service, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, Gail
               Benjamin, Willis V. Smith and John Tarr. (D)

     2.9       Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 13, 1996, by and among
               Thrifty Medical of Tulsa, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability
               company, Willis V. Smith, Charles Oliver and NCS HealthCare of
               Oklahoma, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation. (D)

    2.10       Agreement of Merger, dated August 13, 1996, by and among
               Northside Pharmacy, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, Willis V.
               Smith, Charles Oliver, the Willis Vernon Smith Unitrust Dated
               August 8, 1996, NCS HealthCare of Oklahoma, Inc., an Oklahoma
               corporation, and the Company. (D)

    2.11       Stock Purchase Agreement, dated August 13, 1996, by and among the
               Willis Vernon Smith Unitrust Dated August 8, 1996, Charles
               Oliver, Willis V. Smith and the Company. (D)

     4.1       Specimen certificate of the Company's Class A Common Stock. (A)

     4.2       Specimen certificate of the Company's Class B Common Stock. (A)

     4.3       Credit Agreement, dated as of April 5, 1995, by and among
               Aberdeen Group, Inc., National City Bank, Society National Bank,
               and National City Bank, as Agent. (A)

     4.4       First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 1995,
               by and among Aberdeen Group, Inc., National City Bank, Society
               National Bank, and National City Bank, as Agent. (A)
</TABLE>

                                      E-1
<PAGE>   68


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT                                          DESCRIPTION
     NO.                                            -----------
     ---
<S>            <C>                             
     4.5       Second Amendment to Credit Agreement by and among Aberdeen Group,
               Inc., National City Bank, Society National Bank, and National
               City Bank, as Agent. (A)

     4.6       Amended and Restated Promissory Note, dated August 31, 1995. (A)

     4.7       Commercial Demand Note, dated November 1, 1995. (A)

     4.8       Form of Convertible Subordinated Debenture due September 30,
               1996. (A)

     4.9       Waiver Letter, dated as of January 25, 1996, by and among
               Aberdeen Group, Inc., National City Bank and Society National
               Bank. (A)

    4.10       Indenture, dated August 13, 1997, between the Company and
               National City Bank, as Trustee.

    4.11       Form of 5 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004
               (included in Exhibit 4.10).

    4.12       Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 13, 1997, by and
               among the Company and Smith Barney Inc., William Blair & Company,
               L.L.C., Montgomery Securities and McDonald & Company Securities,
               Inc.

     5.1       Opinion of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP as to the validity of
               the Debentures and the shares of Class A Common Stock.*

    10.1       Form of Guarantee Agreement, dated August 13, 1997, by and among
               National City Bank and the subsidiary guarantors.

    10.2       Credit Agreement, dated August 1, 1997, by and among the Company,
               the lending institutions named therein and KeyBank National
               Association, as Administrative Agent.

    11.1       Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings. (E)

    12.1       Statements re Computation of Ratios.

    23.1       Consent of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1
               of this Registration Statement).

    23.2       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

    24.1       Powers of Attorney and related certified resolutions.

<FN>

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

* To be filed by amendment.

(A)      Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the
         Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 33-80455).

(B)      Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the
         Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 15, 1996, as amended
         (File No. 0-027602).

(C)      Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the
         Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 1, 1996, as amended
         (File No. 0-027602).

(D)      Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the
         Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 13, 1996 (File No.
         0-027602).

(E)      Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the
         Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated August 8, 1997. (File No.
         0-027602).
</TABLE>

                                      E-2


<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 1.1

                                  $100,000,000

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

              5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                               ------------------

                                                                  August 7, 1997

SMITH BARNEY INC.
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY L.L.C.
MONTGOMERY SECURITIES
MCDONALD & COMPANY SECURITIES, INC.

As Initial Purchasers

C/O SMITH BARNEY INC.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013

Dear Sirs:

        NCS HealthCare, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes,
upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, to issue and sell to you, as the
initial purchasers (the "Initial Purchasers"), $100,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of its 5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (the "Firm
Debentures"). The Company also proposes, upon the terms and conditions set forth
herein, to issue and sell to the Initial Purchasers up to an additional
$15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2004 (the "Additional Debentures"). The Firm Debentures and the
Additional Debentures are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Debentures." The Debentures will be issued pursuant to the provisions of an
Indenture, to be dated as of August 13, 1997 (the "Indenture"), between the
Company and National City Bank, as Trustee (the "Trustee"). The obligations of
the Company under the Indenture and the Debentures will be guaranteed by the
wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Guarantees") of the Company (collectively, the
"Guarantors") pursuant to a Guarantee Agreement, to be dated as of August 13,
1997 and substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, between the Guarantors
and the Trustee (the "Guarantee Agreement"). The Company's Class A common stock,
$.01 par value, is hereinafter referred to as the "Common Stock".

        The Company wishes to confirm as follows its agreement with the Initial
Purchasers in connection with the purchase and resale of the Debentures.

         1. Preliminary Offering Memorandum and Offering Memorandum. The
Debentures will be offered and sold to the Initial Purchasers without
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), in
reliance on an exemption pursuant to Section 4(2) under the Act. The Company has
prepared a preliminary offering memorandum, dated July 17, 1997 (the
"Preliminary Offering Memorandum"), and an offering memorandum, dated August 7,
1997 (the "Offering Memorandum"), setting forth information regarding the
Company and the Debentures. Any references herein to the Preliminary Offering
Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum shall be deemed to include all amendments
and supplements thereto and any documents filed under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder (collectively, the "Exchange
Act") which are incorporated by reference therein. As used herein, the term
"Incorporated Documents" means the documents which at the time are incorporated
by reference in 



<PAGE>   2

the Preliminary Offering Memorandum, the Offering Memorandum or any amendment or
supplement thereto. The Company hereby confirms that it has authorized the use
of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum in connection
with the offering and resale of the Debentures by the Initial Purchasers.

        The Company understands that the Initial Purchasers propose to make
offers and sales (the "Exempt Resales") of the Debentures purchased by the
Initial Purchasers hereunder only on the terms and in the manner set forth in
the Offering Memorandum and Section 2 hereof, as soon as the Initial Purchasers
deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered, (i) to
persons whom the Initial Purchasers reasonably believe to be qualified
institutional buyers ("Qualified Institutional Buyers") as defined in Rule 144A
under the Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time ("Rule 144A"), in
transactions under Rule 144A and (ii) outside the United States to non-U.S.
persons in offshore transactions in reliance upon Regulation S (as those terms
are defined in Regulation S under the Act) ("Regulation S") under the Act (such
persons specified in clauses (i) and (ii) being referred to herein as the
"Eligible Purchasers"). As used herein the terms "offshore transactions,"
"United States" and "U.S. persons" have the meaning given them in Regulation S.

        It is understood and acknowledged that upon original issuance thereof,
and until such time as the Debentures (and all securities issued in exchange
therefor, in substitution thereof or upon conversion thereof (including the
Common Stock)) have been (i) effectively registered under the Act and disposed
of in accordance with an effective registration statement under the Act, (ii)
distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 or (ii) sold or transferred
pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Act (or any similar provisions then in force)
or otherwise, any certificate representing such securities shall bear the
following legend:

        THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS
SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD,
ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE
ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT
SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH LAWS.

        THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES NOT TO
OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE "RESALE
RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE") WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE LATER OF THE
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY
AFFILIATED PERSON OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY
PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) UNLESS SUCH OFFER, SALE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS (A)
TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO
LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A
PERSON THE HOLDER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS
DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT
OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN
THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS
AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE
MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER
AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY'S AND NATIONAL CITY BANK'S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER,
SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF
AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO
EACH OF THEM, AND IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES PROVIDED THAT A CERTIFICATE OF
TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS SECURITY IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY
THE TRANSFEROR TO NATIONAL CITY BANK AND SUBJECT TO ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES
LAWS. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST

                                       2
<PAGE>   3


OF THE THEN HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION 
DATE.

        It is also understood and acknowledged that holders (including
subsequent transferees) of the Debentures and, if such Debentures are
subsequently converted into Common Stock, the Common Stock, will have the
registration rights set forth in the registration rights agreement (the
"Registration Rights Agreement"), to be dated the date hereof, in substantially
the form of Exhibit B hereto, for so long as such Debentures and Common Stock
constitute "Transfer Restricted Securities" (as defined in the Registration
Rights Agreement). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company
will agree (i) to file with the Commission under the circumstances set forth
therein, a registration statement on the appropriate form under the Act relating
to the resale of the Debentures and the Common Stock by certain holders thereof
from time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution set forth in
such registration statement and Rule 415 under the Act (the "Shelf Registration
Statement") and (ii) to use its best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration
Statement to be declared effective. This Agreement, the Indenture, the
Registration Rights Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement are hereinafter
referred to collectively as the "Operative Documents."

        Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the respective
meanings specified therefor in the Indenture or the Offering Memorandum.

         2. Agreements to Sell, Purchase and Resell. (a) The Company hereby
agrees, subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein, to issue and
sell to each Initial Purchaser and, upon the basis of the representations,
warranties and agreements of the Company herein contained and subject to all the
terms and conditions set forth herein, each Initial Purchaser agrees to purchase
from the Company, at a purchase price of 97.25% of the principal amount thereof,
the principal amount of Firm Debentures set forth opposite the name of such
Initial Purchaser in Schedule I hereto.

        (b) The Company also agrees, subject to all the terms and conditions set
forth herein, to sell to the Initial Purchasers, and, upon the basis of the
representations, warranties and agreements of the Company herein contained and
subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Initial Purchasers
shall have the right to purchase from the Company pursuant to an option (the
"over-allotment option") which may be exercised at any time and from time to
time prior to 9:00 P.M., New York City time, on the 30th day after the date of
the Offering Memorandum (or, if such 30th day shall be a Saturday or Sunday or a
holiday, on the next business day thereafter when the New York Stock Exchange is
open for trading), up to $15,000,000 principal amount of Additional Debentures
at the same purchase price as the Firm Debentures, plus accrued interest, if
any, from the date of issuance of the Firm Debentures to the date of delivery
and payment. Upon any exercise of the over-allotment option, each Initial
Purchaser, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase that principal amount
of Additional Debentures which bears the same proportion to the aggregate
principal amount of Additional Debentures to be purchased by the Initial
Purchasers as the principal amount of Firm Debentures set forth opposite the
name of such Initial Purchaser bears to the aggregate principal amount of Firm
Debentures.

        (c) The Initial Purchasers have advised the Company that they propose to
offer the Debentures for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement and in the Offering Memorandum. Each Initial Purchaser hereby
represents and warrants to the Company that such Initial Purchaser (i) is a
Qualified Institutional Buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A and is purchasing
the Debentures pursuant to a private sale exempt from registration under the Act
and is not purchasing the Debentures with a view to or for offer or sale in
connection with any distribution that would be in violation of foreign or U.S.
federal or state securities laws, (ii) will not solicit offers for, or offer or
sell, the Debentures by means of any form of general solicitation or general
advertising or in any mariner involving a public offering within the meaning of
Section 4(2) of the Act, and (iii) has solicited and will solicit offers for the
Debentures only from, and has offered and will offer, sell or deliver the
Debentures as part of its initial offering, only to (A) persons whom the Initial
Purchasers reasonably believe to be Qualified Institutional Buyers, or if any
such person is buying for one or more institutional accounts for which such
person is acting as fiduciary or agent, only when such person has represented to
the Initial Purchaser that each such

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

account is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, to whom notice has been given that
such sale or delivery is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case, in
transactions under Rule 144A and (B) outside the United States to certain
persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S. The Initial
Purchasers have advised the Company that they will offer the Debentures to
Eligible Purchasers at a price initially equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued interest, if any, from the date of issuance of the Firm
Debentures. Such price may be changed by the Initial Purchasers at any time
thereafter without notice.

        (d) The Initial Purchasers represent and warrant that they (i) have not
offered or sold and prior to the date that is six months after the closing date
with respect to the Offering will not offer or sell any Debentures to persons in
the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in
acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent)
for the purposes of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which will
not involve an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of
the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995 (the "Regulations"); (ii) have
complied with and will comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial
Services Act of 1986 and the Regulations with respect to anything done by it in
relation to the Debentures in, from, or otherwise involving the United Kingdom;
and (iii) have only issued or passed on and will only issue or pass on to any
person in the United Kingdom any document received by it in connection with the
offer of the Debentures if that person is of a kind described in Article 11(3)
of the Financial Services Act of 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions)
Order 1996 or is a person to whom such document may otherwise lawfully be issued
or passed on.

        (e) The Initial Purchasers represent and warrant that they have offered
and sold the Debentures and agree that they will offer and sell the Debentures
(i) as part of their distribution at any time, and (ii) otherwise until 40 days
after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Debentures and the
Closing Date, only in accordance with Rule 903 of Regulation S or as otherwise
permitted pursuant to paragraph (c) above. Accordingly, the Initial Purchasers
represent and agree that none of such Initial Purchasers, their affiliates nor
any persons acting on their behalf have engaged or will engage in any directed
selling efforts (as defined in Regulation S under the Act) with respect to the
Debentures, and they have complied and will comply with the offering
restrictions requirement of Regulation S. Such Initial Purchasers agree that, at
or prior to confirmation of the sale of Debentures to non-U.S. persons (as
defined in Regulation S under the Act) other than a sale pursuant to Rule 144A,
they will have sent to each distributor, dealer or person receiving a selling
concession, fee or other remuneration that purchases Debentures from such
Initial Purchasers during the restricted period a confirmation or notice to
substantially the following effect:

         "The Securities covered hereby have not been registered under
         the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
         Act"), and may not be offered and sold within the United
         States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons
         (i) as part of their distribution at any time or (ii)
         otherwise until 40 days after the later of the commencement
         of the offering and the closing date, except in either case
         in accordance with Regulation S (or Rule 144A) under the
         Securities Act. Terms used above have the meaning given to
         them by Regulation S."

        The Initial Purchasers understand that the Company and, for purposes of
the opinions to be delivered to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Sections 7(c)
and 7(d) hereof, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Initial Purchasers,
will rely upon the accuracy and truth of the foregoing representations and
agreements and the Initial Purchasers hereby consent to such reliance.

        3. Delivery of the Debentures and Payment Therefor. Delivery to the
Initial Purchasers of and payment for the Firm Debentures shall be made at the
office of Smith Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, at 10:00
A.M., New York City time, on August 13, 1997 (the "Closing Date"). The place of
closing for the Firm Debentures and the Closing Date may be varied by agreement
between the Initial Purchasers and the Company.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

        Delivery to the Initial Purchasers of and payment for any Additional
Debentures to be purchased by the Initial Purchasers shall be made at the
aforementioned office of Smith Barney Inc. at such time on such date (the
"Option Closing Date"), which may be the same as the Closing Date but shall in
no event be earlier than the Closing Date nor earlier than two nor later than
ten business days after the giving of the notice hereinafter referred to, as
shall be specified in a written notice from the Initial Purchasers to the
Company of the Initial Purchasers' determination to purchase the principal
amount of Additional Debentures specified in such notice. The place of closing
for any Additional Debentures and the Option Closing Date for such Additional
Debentures may be varied by agreement between the Initial Purchasers and the
Company.

         The Firm Debentures and any Additional Debentures which the Initial
Purchasers may elect to purchase will be delivered to the Initial Purchasers
against payment of the purchase price therefor in immediately available funds.
Debentures being sold by the Initial Purchasers in Exempt Resales to Qualified
Institutional Buyers in reliance on Rule 144A will be initially evidenced by one
or more global securities, and will be registered in the name of Cede & Co.
("Cede") as nominee of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). Debentures being
sold by the Initial Purchasers in Exempt Resales to certain persons in offshore
transactions in reliance on Regulation S will be initially evidenced by one or
more global securities which will be deposited with, or on behalf of DTC, and
registered in the name of Cede as DTC's nominee, for the account of Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels office, as operator of the
Euroclear System and Cedel, S.A. The Debentures to be delivered to the Initial
Purchasers shall be made available to the Initial Purchasers in New York City
for inspection and packaging not later than 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on
the business day next preceding the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as
the case may be.

         4. Agreements of the Company. The Company agrees with the Initial
Purchasers as follows:

         (a) The Company will advise the Initial Purchasers promptly and, if
requested by them, will confirm such advice in writing, within the period of
time referred to in paragraph (e) below, of any material change in the Company's
condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net worth or
results of operations, or of the happening of any event which makes any
statement of a material fact made in the Offering Memorandum (as then amended or
supplemented) untrue or which requires the making of any additions to or changes
in the Offering Memorandum (as then amended or supplemented) in order to make
the statements therein not misleading, or of the necessity to amend or
supplement the Offering Memorandum (as then amended or supplemented) to comply
with any law.

         (b) The Company will furnish to the Initial Purchasers, without charge,
as of the date of the Offering Memorandum, such number of copies of the Offering
Memorandum (as then amended or supplemented) as they may reasonably request.

         (c) The Company will not make any amendment or supplement to the
Preliminary Offering Memorandum or to the Offering Memorandum of which the
Initial Purchasers shall not previously have been advised or to which they shall
reasonably object after being so advised or file any document which upon filing
becomes an Incorporated Document, without delivering a copy of such document to
the Initial Purchasers, prior to or concurrently with such filing.

         (d) Prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company
has delivered or will deliver to the Initial Purchasers, without charge, in such
quantities as the Initial Purchasers shall have requested or may hereafter
request, copies of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum. The Company consents to
the use, in accordance with the securities or Blue Sky laws of the
jurisdictions in which the Debentures are offered by the Initial Purchasers and
by dealers, prior to the date of the Offering Memorandum, of each Preliminary
Offering Memorandum so furnished by the Company. The Company consents to the use
of the Offering Memorandum (and of any amendment or supplement thereto) in
accordance with the securities or Blue Sky laws of the jurisdictions in which
the_ Debentures are offered by the Initial Purchasers and by all dealers to whom
Debentures may be sold, in connection with the offering

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

and sale of the Debentures.

         (e) If, at any time prior to completion of the distribution of the
Debentures by the Initial Purchasers to Eligible Purchasers, any event shall
occur that in the judgment of the Company or in the opinion of counsel for the
Initial Purchasers is required to be set forth in the Offering Memorandum (as
then amended or supplemented) or should be set forth in the Offering Memorandum
(as then amended or supplemented) in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if
it is necessary to supplement or amend the Offering Memorandum, or to file under
the Exchange Act any document which upon filing becomes an Incorporated
Document, to comply with any law, the Company will forthwith prepare an
appropriate supplement or amendment thereto or such document, and will
expeditiously furnish to the Initial Purchasers and dealers a reasonable number
of copies thereof. In the event that the Company and the Initial Purchasers
agree that the Offering Memorandum should be amended or supplemented, or that a
document should be filed under the Exchange Act which upon filing becomes an
Incorporated Document, the Company, if requested by the Initial Purchasers, will
promptly issue a press release announcing or disclosing the matters to be
covered by the proposed amendment or supplement or such document.

         (f) The Company will cooperate with the Initial Purchasers and with
their counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of the
Debentures and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures for
offering and sale by the Initial Purchasers and by dealers under the securities
or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Initial Purchasers may designate
and will file such consents to service of process or other documents necessary
or appropriate in order to effect such qualification; provided that in no event
shall the Company be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction
where it is not now so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to
service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering or
sale of the Debentures, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.

         (g) So long as any of the Debentures are outstanding, the Company will
furnish to the Initial Purchasers (i) as soon as reasonably practicable, a copy
of each report of the Company mailed to stockholders or filed with the
Commission and (ii) from time to time, such other information concerning the
Company as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably request.

         (h) If this Agreement shall terminate or shall be terminated after
execution and delivery pursuant to any provisions hereof (otherwise than
pursuant to Section 10 hereof or by notice given by the Initial Purchasers
terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 9 or Section 11 hereof) or if
this Agreement shall be terminated by the Initial Purchasers because of any
failure or refusal on the part of the Company to comply with the terms or
fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to reimburse
the Initial Purchasers for all out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees
and expenses of its counsel) incurred by it in connection herewith.

         (i) The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the
Debentures to be sold by it hereunder substantially in accordance with the
description set forth in the Offering Memorandum.

         (j) Except as provided in this Agreement, the Company will not sell,
offer to sell, contract to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Common
Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Common Stock, or grant any options or warrants to purchase Common Stock, for a
period of 90 days after the date of the Offering Memorandum, without the prior
written consent of Smith Barney Inc. other than (i) the issuance by the Company
in the manner and to the extent disclosed in the Offering Memorandum of shares
of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
outstanding options under the 1995 Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase
and Option Plan and the 1996 Long Term Incentive Plan, (ii) the grant to
employees in the ordinary course of business of options to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to the Company's existing option plans, provided that such options are
not exercisable during the 90-day period after the date of the Offering
Memorandum, and (iii) the issuance by the Company of Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock as consideration for acquired businesses under circumstances that
would prohibit resale of such securities during the 90-day period

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

provided for in the "lock-up" letters furnished pursuant to paragraph (k) below.

         (k) The Company has furnished or will furnish to the Initial Purchasers
"lock-up" letters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers,
signed by each of its current directors and officers.

         (l) Except as stated in this Agreement, the Preliminary Offering
Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum, the Company has not taken, nor will it
take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might reasonably he
expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the
Debentures to facilitate the sale or resale of the Debentures.

         (m) The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Debentures to be
eligible for trading on The PORTAL Market.

         (n) From and after the Closing Date, so long as any of the Debentures
are outstanding during any period in which the Company is not subject to Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company will furnish to holders of the
Debentures and prospective purchasers of Debentures designated by such holders,
upon request of such holders or such prospective purchasers, the information
required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Act to permit
compliance with Rule 144A in connection with resale of the Debentures.

         (o) The Company agrees not to sell, offer for sale or solicit offers to
buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any security (as defined in the Act)
that would be integrated with the sale of the Debentures in a mariner that would
require the registration under the Act of the sale to the Initial Purchasers or
the Eligible Purchasers of the Debentures.

         (p) The Company agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions
of the Registration Rights Agreement, and all agreements set forth in the
representation letters of the Company to DTC relating to the approval of the
Debentures by DTC for "book entry" transfer.

         (q) The Company agrees that prior to any registration of the Debentures
pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, or at such earlier time as may be
so required, the Indenture and, if required, the Guarantee Agreement shall be
qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "1939 Act"),
and will cause to be entered into any necessary supplemental indentures or such
other agreements as may be necessary in connection therewith.

         (r) The Company agrees that it will cause each of its wholly-owned
subsidiaries to enter into the Guarantee Agreement on or prior to the Closing
Date.

         5. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company
represents and warrants to the Initial Purchasers that:

         (a) The Preliminary Offering Memorandum and Offering Memorandum with
respect to the Debentures have been prepared by the Company for use by the
Initial Purchasers in connection with the Exempt Resales. No order or decree
preventing the use of the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or the Offering
Memorandum or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any order asserting that
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the registration
requirements of the Act has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has
commenced or is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, is contemplated.

         (b) The Preliminary Offering Memorandum and the Offering Memorandum as
of their respective dates and the Offering Memorandum as of the Closing Date,
did not or will not at any such times contain an untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they
are made not misleading, except that this representation and warranty does not
apply to statements in or omissions

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

from the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and Offering Memorandum made in
reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Initial
Purchasers furnished to the Company in writing by or on behalf of the Initial
Purchasers expressly for use therein.

         (c) The Incorporated Documents heretofore filed were filed in a timely
mariner and, when they were filed (or, if any amendment with respect to any such
document was filed, when such document was filed), conformed in all material
respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and did not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and
any further Incorporated Documents will, when so filed, be filed in a timely
mariner and conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange
Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading.

         (d) The Indenture has been duly and validly authorized by the Company
and, upon its execution, delivery and performance by the Company and assuming
due authorization, execution, delivery and performance by the Trustee, will be a
valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its
terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent
conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles, and
the Indenture conforms in all material respects to the description thereof in
the Offering Memorandum; and no qualification of the Indenture under the 1939
Act is required in connection with the offer and sale of the Debentures
contemplated hereby or in connection with the Exempt Resales.

         (e) The Debentures have been duly authorized by the Company and, when
executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the
Indenture and delivered to the Initial Purchasers against payment therefor in
accordance with the terms hereof, will have been validly issued and delivered,
and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the
benefits of the Indenture and enforceable in accordance with their terms, except
as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles,
and the Debentures will conform in all material respects to the description
thereof in the Offering Memorandum.

         (f) All the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have
been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable, are
free of any preemptive or similar rights and were issued and sold in compliance
with all applicable federal and state securities laws; the shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures have been duly authorized and
reserved for issuance and, when delivered upon conversion of the Debentures,
will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of any preemptive
or similar rights; and the authorized capital stock of the Company conforms to
the description thereof in the Offering Memorandum and the authorized and
outstanding capital stock of the company is as set forth under the caption
"Capitalization" in the Offering Memorandum."

         (g) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware with full corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its
business as described in the Offering Memorandum, and is duly registered and
qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its business
requires such registration or qualification, except where the failure so to
register or qualify does not have a material adverse effect on the condition
(financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net worth or results of
operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined), taken
as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect").

         (h) The subsidiaries listed on Schedule II hereto constitute all of the
Company's subsidiaries (as defined in Regulation S-X under the Act). Such
subsidiaries are referred to herein individually as a "Subsidiary" and
collectively as the "Subsidiaries." Each Subsidiary is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing in the jurisdiction of its
incorporation with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate
its properties and to conduct its business as described in the

                                        8
<PAGE>   9

Offering Memorandum and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its business
and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature of its
properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or
qualification, except where the failure so to register or qualify would not have
a Material Adverse Effect. All the outstanding shares of capital stock of each
of the Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid
and nonassessable, and are owned by the Company directly, or indirectly through
one of the other Subsidiaries, free and clear of any lien, adverse claim,
security interest, equity, or other encumbrance, except as disclosed in the
Offering Memorandum.

         (i) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened, against the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries, or to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or to which
any of their respective properties, is subject, that are not disclosed in the
Offering Memorandum which, if adversely decided, could have a Material Adverse
Effect, or materially affect the issuance of the Debentures or the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by the Operative Documents. There are no
agreements, contracts, indentures, leases or other instruments that would be
required to be described in the Offering Memorandum if it were a prospectus
included in a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Act but are not
described as would be required, or that are required to be filed as an exhibit
to any Incorporated Document that are not so filed as required. Neither the
Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is involved in any strike, job action or
labor dispute, and to the Company's knowledge no such action or dispute is
threatened.

         (j) Except as to violations or defaults which would not singularly or
in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of
the Subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its certificate or articles of
incorporation or by-laws or other organizational documents, or of any law,
ordinance, administrative or governmental rule or regulation applicable to the
Company or any of the Subsidiaries or of any decree of any court or governmental
agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries,
or (ii) in default in the performance of any obligation, agreement or condition
contained in any bond, debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or
in any material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which the
Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of
their respective properties may be bound.

         (k) Neither the issuance, offer, sale or delivery of the Debentures,
the issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of the Debentures, the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement, the Indenture or the Registration
Rights Agreement by the Company, the execution, delivery or performance of the
Guarantee Agreement by the Guarantors, nor the consummation by the Company and
the Guarantors of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (i) requires
any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or
filing with, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or other
governmental body, agency or official (except such as may be required in
connection with the registration under the Act of the Debentures, the Common
Stock and the Guarantees in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement,
the qualification of the Indenture and, if necessary, the Guarantee Agreement
under the 1939 Act and except for compliance with the securities or Blue Sky
laws of various jurisdictions) or conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes
or will constitute a breach of, or a default under, the certificate or articles
of incorporation or bylaws, or other organizational documents, of the Company or
any of the Subsidiaries or (ii) conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes
or will constitute a breach of, or a default under, any agreement, indenture,
lease or other instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a
party or by which any of them or any of their respective properties may be bound
which is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except
for any such conflict, breach or default that has been waived, or violates or
will violate any statute, law, regulation or filing or judgment, injunction,
order or decree applicable to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any of
their respective properties, or will result in the creation or imposition of any
lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of
the Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument to which
any of them is a party or by which any of them may be bound or to which any of
the property or assets of any of them is subject.

         (l) The accountants, Ernst & Young LLP and Arthur Andersen, who each
have certified or shall certify the financial statements included as part of the
Offering Memorandum (or any

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

amendment or supplement thereto), are independent public accountants under Rule
101 of the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct, and its interpretation and
rulings.

         (m) The historical financial statements, together with related
schedules and notes forming part of the Offering Memorandum, present fairly the
consolidated financial position, results of operations and changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows of the Company and the Subsidiaries on the
basis stated in the Offering Memorandum at the respective dates or for the
respective periods to which they apply; such statements and related schedules
and notes have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied throughout the periods involved, except as
disclosed therein; and the other financial and statistical information and data
set forth in the Offering Memorandum, are accurately presented in all material
respects and prepared on a basis consistent with such financial statements and
the books and records of the Company. The pro forma financial statements
(including the notes thereto) and other pro forma financial information included
or incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum present fairly the
information shown therein and have been properly computed on the basis described
therein, and the pro forma financial statements incorporated by reference in the
Offering Memorandum have been prepared in accordance with the Commission's rules
and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements (including Article
11 of Regulation S-X). The assumptions used in preparation of the pro forma
financial statements and other pro forma financial information included or
incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum are reasonable, and the
adjustments used therein are reasonably appropriate to give effect to the
transactions or circumstances referred to therein.

         (n) The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Registration
Rights Agreement; the execution and delivery of, and the performance by the
Company of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Registration Rights
Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Company, and this
Agreement has been, and the Registration Rights Agreement when executed will
have been, duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute the valid
and legally binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company
in accordance with their terms, except as the enforcement hereof and thereof may
be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and subject to the applicability of general equitable principles, and
except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder and thereunder may be
limited by Federal or state securities laws.

         (o) The Guarantors have all requisite power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform their respective obligations under the Guarantee Agreement,
the execution and delivery of, and the performance by each Guarantor of its
respective obligations under the Guarantee Agreement have been duly and validly
authorized by such Guarantor and the Guarantee Agreement, when executed, will
have been duly executed and delivered by each of the Guarantors and constitute
the valid and legally binding agreement of each such Guarantor, enforceable
against each such Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement
thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and subject to the applicability of general
equitable principles; and the Guarantees conform in all material respects to the
description thereof in the Offering Memorandum; and no qualification of the
Guarantees under the 1939 Act is required in connection with the offer and sale
of the Debentures contemplated hereby or in connection with Exempt Resales.

         (p) Except as disclosed in or contemplated by the Offering Memorandum
(or any amendment or supplement thereto), subsequent to the date as of which
such information is given in the Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or
supplement thereto), neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has
incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or entered into any
transaction, that is or would be material to the Company and the Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, and there has not been any material change in the capital
stock, or material increase in the short-term or long-term debt, of the Company
or any of the Subsidiaries, or any material adverse change, or any development
involving or which could reasonably be expected to involve a prospective
material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business,
prospects, properties, net worth or results of operations of the Company and

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         (q) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable
title to all property (real and personal) described in the Offering Memorandum
as being owned by it, free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests or
other encumbrances except such as are described in the Offering Memorandum or in
a document filed as an exhibit to an Incorporated Document, subject to such
exceptions as are not material to its respective business or do not or could not
materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property
by the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as whole, and all the property
described in the Offering Memorandum as being held under lease by the Company or
any of the Subsidiaries is held by it under valid, subsisting and enforceable
leases.

         (r) The Company has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of
(i) the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, if any, and (ii) completion of
the distribution of the Debentures, will not distribute any offering material in
connection with the offering and sale of the Debentures other than the
Preliminary Offering Memorandum and Offering Memorandum.

         (s) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has such permits,
licenses, franchises, authorizations and clearances ("Permits") of governmental
or regulatory authorities as are necessary to own, lease and operate its
properties and to conduct its business in the mariner described in the Offering
Memorandum or in an Incorporated Document, subject to such qualifications as may
be set forth in the Offering Memorandum and except where the failure to have
such Permits would not materially interfere with the ownership, lease or
operation of such properties or the conduct of such business; subject to such
qualifications as may be set forth in the Offering Memorandum, each of the
Company and the Subsidiaries has fulfilled and performed all its material
obligations with respect to the Permits, and no event has occurred which allows,
or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof
or results in any other material impairment of the rights of the holder of any
Permit, subject in each case to such qualification as may be set forth in the
Offering Memorandum. Except as described in the Offering Memorandum, none of the
Permits contains any restriction that is materially burdensome to the Company or
the Subsidiaries. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has the requisite
provider number or other authorization to bill the Medicare program and the
respective Medicaid program in the state or states in which such entity
operates. There is no action pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened
which could result in a revocation of any such provider number or authorization
or result in the Company's or any Subsidiary's exclusion from the Medicare or
any state Medicaid programs. The Company's and each Subsidiary's business
practices do not violate any applicable provisions of federal or state laws
governing Medicare or any state Medicaid programs, including, without
limitation, Sections 1320a-7a and 1320a-7b of Title 42 of the United States
Code. No individual with an ownership or control interest, as defined in 42
U.S.C. Section 1320a-3(a)(3), in the Company or any Subsidiary, or who is an
officer, director or managing employee as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section
1320a-5(h), of the Company or any Subsidiary is a person described in 42 U.S.C.
Section 1320a-7(b)(8)(B). The Company's and each Subsidiary's business
practices do not violate any federal or state laws regarding physician
ownership of (or financial relationship with) and referral to entities
providing healthcare related goods or services, or laws requiring disclosure of
financial interests held by physicians in entities to which they may refer
patients for the provisions of health care related goods or services.
        
         (t) The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain insurance of the types
and in amounts generally deemed adequate for its business and consistent with
insurance coverage maintained by similar companies and businesses, all of which
insurance is in full force and effect.

         (u) The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls
sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are executed
in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; (ii)
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to
maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in
accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the
recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at
reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any
differences.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

         (v) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the
Company's best knowledge, any employee or agent of the Company or any Subsidiary
has made any payment of funds of the Company or any Subsidiary or received or
retained any funds in violation of any law, rule or regulation, which payment,
receipt or retention of funds is of a character that would be required to be
disclosed in the Offering Memorandum if it were a prospectus included in a
registration statement.

         (w) There are no material Medicare or Medicaid recoupment or
recoupments of any third party payor being sought, requested or claimed, or to
the Company's knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries.

         (x) The property, assets and operations of the Company and the
Subsidiaries comply in all material respects with all applicable Federal, state
and local laws, rules, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, licenses,
permits and regulations relating to environmental matters (the "Environmental
Laws"), except to the extent that the lack of compliance with such Environmental
Laws would not, singularly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
To the Company's best knowledge, none of the Company's or any Subsidiary's
property, assets or operations is the subject of any federal, state or local
investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a
release of any substance into the environment regulated by or forming the basis
of liability under any Environmental Laws (a "Hazardous Material"). Neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice or claim, nor are there any
pending or, to the Company's best knowledge, threatened or reasonably
anticipated lawsuits against it with respect to violations of an Environmental
Law or in connection with the release of any Hazardous Material into the
environment. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any material contingent
liability in connection with any release of Hazardous Material into the
environment.

         (y) No holder of any security of the Company (other than holders of the
Debentures and holders of shares of Common Stock received upon conversion
thereof) has any right to have any Common Stock or other securities of the
Company included in the Shelf Registration Statement or to request or demand
registration of shares of Common Stock or any other security of the Company
because of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or the Registration Rights Agreement. Except as described in the Offering
Memorandum, no person has the right, contractual or otherwise, to cause the
Company to sell or otherwise issue to them, or to permit them to underwrite the
sale of, any of the Debentures. Except as described in or contemplated by the
Offering Memorandum, there are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights
calling for the issuance of, and, there are no commitments, plans or
arrangements to issue, any shares of capital stock of the Company or any
security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock of
the Company.

         (z) The Company and the Subsidiaries own or possess all patents,
trademarks, trademark registrations, service marks, service mark registrations,
trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and rights
described in the Offering Memorandum as being owned by any of them or necessary
for the conduct of their respective businesses, and the Company is not aware of
any claim to the contrary or any challenge by any other person to the rights of
the Company and the Subsidiaries with respect to the foregoing.

         (aa) The Company is not now, and after sale of the Debentures to be
sold by it hereunder and application of the net proceeds from such sale as
described in the Offering Memorandum under the caption "Use of Proceeds" will
not be, an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.

         (bb) Based upon the assumptions and subject to the qualifications set
forth therein, the statements made in the Offering Memorandum under the caption
"Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" accurately summarize the
material United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership,
conversion and disposition of the Debentures for United States holders who
acquire Debentures on original issue and who hold Debentures as "capital assets"
within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

         (cc) The Company and the Subsidiaries have filed all federal, state,
local and foreign tax returns and tax forms required to be filed; such returns
and forms are complete and correct in all material respects; and all taxes shown
by such returns or otherwise assessed that are due or payable have been paid,
except such taxes as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate
reserves have been provided.

         (dd) When the Debentures are issued and delivered pursuant to this
Agreement, such Debentures will not be of the same class (within the meaning of
Rule 144A(d)(3) under the Act) as any security of the Company that is listed on
a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act or
that is quoted in a United States automated interdealer quotation system.

         (ee) After giving effect to the intended use of proceeds from the
offering of the Debentures as described in the Offering Memorandum under the
caption "Use of Proceeds" the Debentures do not constitute "corporate
acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of Section 279 of the Internal
Revenue Code.

         (ff) Neither the Company nor any affiliate (as defined in Rule 501(b)
of Regulation D ("Regulation D") under the Act) of the Company has directly, or
through any agent (provided that no representation is made as to the Initial
Purchasers or any person acting on their behalf), (i) sold, offered for sale,
solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in respect of, any security (as
defined in the Act) which is or will be integrated with the offering and sale of
the Debentures in a mariner that would require the registration of the
Debentures under the Act or (ii) engaged in any form of general solicitation or
general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with the
offering of the Debentures.

         (gg) The Company is not required to deliver the information specified
in Rule 144A(d)(4) in connection with the offering and resale of the Debentures
by the Initial Purchasers.

         (hh) Assuming (i) that the representations and warranties in Section 2
hereof are true, (ii) the Initial Purchasers comply with the covenants set forth
in Section 2 hereof and (iii) that each person to whom the Initial Purchasers
offer, sell or deliver the Debentures is a Qualified Institutional Buyer or a
person other than a U.S. person outside the United States in reliance on
Regulation S under the Act, the purchase and sale of the Debentures pursuant
hereto (including the Initial Purchasers' proposed offering of the Debentures on
the terms and in the manner set forth in the Offering Memorandum and Section 2
hereof) is exempt from the registration requirements of the Act. None of the
Company, its Subsidiaries or affiliates or any person acting on its or their
behalf (provided that no representation is made as to the Initial Purchasers or
any person acting on their behalf) has engaged in any directed selling efforts
(as that term is defined in Regulation S) with respect to the Debentures and the
Company, its Subsidiaries and each person acting on their behalf (provided that
no representation is made as to the Initial Purchasers or any person acting on
their behalf) have complied with the offering restrictions requirement of
Regulation S.

         (ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the other Operative
Documents and the sale of the Debentures to the Initial Purchasers or by the
Initial Purchasers to Eligible Purchasers will not involve any prohibited
transaction within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the
Code. The representation made by the Company in the preceding sentence is made
in reliance upon and subject to the accuracy of, and compliance with, the
representations and covenants made or deemed made by the Eligible Purchasers as
set forth in the Offering Memorandum under the section entitled "Notice to
Investors."

         (jj) The Company is not required to obtain stockholder consent or
approval pursuant to the rules of the NASDAQ or any securities exchange or
trading facility in connection with the offering and sale of the Debentures.

         (kk) No class of securities of the Company is rated by any "nationally
recognized statistical rating organization," as defined for purposes of Rule
436(g) under the Act.

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

         6. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) The Company agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser and each person, if any, who
controls any Initial Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation)
arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or Offering
Memorandum or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or arising out of or based
upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arise
out of or are based upon any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission which has been made therein or omitted therefrom in
reliance upon and in conformity with the information relating to such Initial
Purchaser furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any Initial
Purchaser expressly for use in connection therewith; provided, however, that the
indemnification contained in this paragraph (a) with respect to the Preliminary
Offering Memorandum shall not inure to the benefit of any Initial Purchaser (or
to the benefit of any person controlling any Initial Purchaser) on account of
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense arising from the sale of the
Debentures by such Initial Purchaser to any person if the untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of a material fact
contained in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum was corrected in the Offering
Memorandum and such Initial Purchaser sold Debentures to that person without
sending or giving at or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy
of the Offering Memorandum (as then amended or supplemented) if the Company has
previously furnished sufficient copies thereof to the several Initial
Purchasers. The foregoing indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any
liability which the Company may otherwise have.

         (b) If any action, suit or proceeding shall be brought against any
Initial Purchaser or any person controlling any Initial Purchaser in respect of
which indemnity may be sought against the Company, such Initial Purchaser or
such controlling person shall promptly notify the Company and the Company shall
assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel and payment of
all fees and expenses; provided, however, that the omission so to notify the
Company shall not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to any
Initial Purchaser (except to the extent that the Company is materially
prejudiced or otherwise forfeits substantive rights or defenses by reason of
such failure). Such Initial Purchaser or any such controlling person shall have
the right to employ separate counsel in any such action, suit or proceeding and
to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel
shall be at the expense of such Initial Purchaser or such controlling person
unless (i) the Company has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii)
the Company has failed to assume the defense and employ counsel, or (iii) the
named parties to any such action, suit or proceeding (including any impleaded
parties) include both such Initial Purchaser or such controlling person and the
Company and representation of the Company by the same counsel would be
inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct (whether or not
such representation by the same counsel has been proposed) due to actual or
potential differing interests between them (in which case the Company shall not
have the right to assume the defense of such action, suit or proceeding on
behalf of such Initial Purchaser or such controlling person). It is understood,
however, that the Company shall, in connection with any one such action, suit or
proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related actions, suits or
proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations
or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of only one
separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for
all such Initial Purchasers and controlling persons not having actual or
potential differing interests with the Initial Purchasers or among themselves,
which firm shall be designated in writing by Smith Barney Inc., and that all
such reasonable fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. The
Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action, suit or
proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such
written consent, or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such
action, suit or proceeding, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
any Initial Purchaser, to the extent provided in paragraph (a), and any such
controlling person from and against any loss, claim, damage, liability or
expense by reason of such settlement or judgment.

         (c) - Each Initial Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, and

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

         its directors and officers, and any person who controls the Company
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to
the same extent as the indemnity from the Company to each Initial Purchaser set
forth in paragraph (a) hereof, but only with respect to information relating to
such Initial Purchaser furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Initial
Purchaser expressly for use in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum or Offering
Memorandum or any amendment or supplement thereto. If any action, suit or
proceeding shall be brought against the Company, any of its directors or
officers, or any such controlling person based on the Preliminary Offering
Memorandum or Offering Memorandum, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and
in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Initial Purchaser
pursuant to this paragraph (c), such Initial Purchaser shall have the rights and
duties given to the Company by paragraph (b) above (except that if the Company
shall have assumed the defense thereof such Initial Purchaser shall not be
required to do so, but may employ separate counsel therein and participate in
the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at such
Initial Purchaser's expense), and the Company, its directors and officers, and
any such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to the
Initial Purchasers by paragraph (b) above. The foregoing indemnity agreement
shall be in addition to any liability which the Initial Purchasers may otherwise
have.

         (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 6 is
unavailable to an indemnified party under paragraphs (a) or (c) hereof in
respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to
therein, then an indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified
party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party
as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the
Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other hand from the
offering of the Debentures, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i)
above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate
to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but
also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Initial
Purchasers on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that
resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as
any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by
the Company on the one hand and the Initial Purchasers on the other shall be
deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering
(before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total discounts
and commissions received by the Initial Purchasers, in each case as set forth in
the table on the cover page of the Offering Memorandum; provided that, in the
event that the Initial Purchasers shall have purchased any Additional Debentures
hereunder, any determination of the relative benefits received by the Company or
the Initial Purchasers from the offering of the Debentures shall include the net
proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, and the discounts
and commissions received by the Initial Purchasers, from the sale of such
Additional Debentures, in each case computed on the basis of the respective
amounts set forth in the notes to the table on the cover page of the Offering
Memorandum. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Initial
Purchasers on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by the Company on the one hand or by the Initial Purchasers on the
other hand and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

         (e) The Company and the Initial Purchasers agree that it would not be
just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 6 were determined by
a pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take
account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The
amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to in paragraph (d) above
shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any
legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with investigating any claim or defending any such action, suit or
proceeding. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6, no Initial
Purchaser shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which the total price of the Debentures sold by it to Eligible Purchasers
exceeds the amount of any damages which such Initial Purchaser has otherwise
been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation. The Initial Purchasers' obligations to contribute pursuant to

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

this Section 6 are several in proportion to the respective numbers of Firm
Debentures set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto and not joint.

         (f) No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of
the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened
action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could
have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such
indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of
such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter
of such action, suit or proceeding.

         (g) Any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses for which an
indemnified party is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this
Section 6 shall be paid by the indemnifying party to the indemnified party as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are incurred. The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 6 and the
representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement shall
remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Initial Purchaser or any person
controlling any Initial Purchaser, the Company, its directors or officers or any
person controlling the Company, (ii) acceptance of any Debentures and payment
therefor hereunder, and (iii) any termination of this Agreement. A successor to
any Initial Purchaser or any person controlling any Initial Purchaser, or to the
Company, its directors or officers or any person controlling the Company, shall
be entitled to the benefits of the indemnity, contribution and reimbursement
agreements contained in this Section 6.

         7. Conditions of the Initial Purchasers' Obligations. The several
obligations of the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Firm Debentures hereunder
are subject to the following conditions:

         (a) At the time of execution of this Agreement and on the Closing Date,
no order or decree preventing the use of the Offering Memorandum or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or any order asserting that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the registration requirements of
the Act shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have
been commenced or shall be pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, be
contemplated. No stop order suspending the sale of the Debentures in any
jurisdiction designated by the Initial Purchasers shall have been issued and no
proceedings for that purpose shall have been commenced or shall be pending or,
to the knowledge of the Company, shall be contemplated.

         (b) Subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement, there shall not
have occurred (i) any change, or any development involving a prospective change,
in or affecting the condition (financial or other), business, prospects,
properties, net worth or results of operations of the Company or the
Subsidiaries not contemplated by the Offering Memorandum, which in the opinion
of the Initial Purchasers, would materially adversely affect the market for the
Debentures, or (ii) any event or development relating to or involving the
Company or any officer or director of the Company which makes any statement made
in the Offering Memorandum untrue or which, in the opinion of the Company and
its counsel or the Initial Purchasers and their counsel, requires the making of
any addition to or change in the Offering Memorandum in order to state a
material fact required by any law to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein not misleading, if amending or supplementing the
Offering Memorandum to reflect such event or development would, in the opinion
of the Initial Purchasers, materially adversely affect the market for the
Debentures.

         (c) The Initial Purchasers shall have received on the Closing Date an
opinion of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, counsel for the Company, dated the
Closing Date and addressed to the Initial Purchasers, to the effect that:

             (i) The Incorporated Documents (except for the financial statements
and the notes thereto and the schedules and other financial and statistical data
included therein, as to which such counsel need not express any opinion), at the
time they were filed, complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the Exchange Act;

                                       16
<PAGE>   17


             (ii) The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and validly
existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware with full
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to
conduct its business as described in the Offering Memorandum (and any amendment
or supplement thereto), and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature
of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or
qualification, except where the failure to so register or qualify does not have
a Material Adverse Effect;

             (iii) Each Material Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) is a
corporation duly incorporated and validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full corporate power and
authority to own, lease, and operate its properties and to conduct its business
as described in the Offering Memorandum (and any amendment or supplement
thereto); each Material Subsidiary is duly registered and qualified to conduct
its business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its
business requires such registration or qualification, except where the failure
so to register or qualify or to be in good standing would not have a Material
Adverse Effect; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the
Material Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully
paid and nonassessable, and are owned of record by the Company directly, or
indirectly through one of the other Material Subsidiaries, free and clear of any
perfected security interest or, to such counsel's knowledge, any other lien,
adverse claim, equity or other encumbrance, except as disclosed in, or
contemplated by, the Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement
thereto);

             (iv) The Company has all necessary corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and to
issue, sell and deliver the Debentures to be sold by it to the Initial
Purchasers as provided herein, and this Agreement and the Registration Rights
Agreement have each been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company
and each constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable
in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement of rights to indemnity and
contribution under each agreement may be limited by Federal or state securities
laws or principles of public policy and except to the extent that enforceability
of each agreement is subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, fraudulent
conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or
hereafter in effect affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) general
principles of equity;

             (v) The Indenture has been duly and validly authorized, executed
and delivered by the Company and, assuming due authorization, execution and
delivery by the Trustee, is a valid and binding agreement of the Company,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that
enforceability thereof is subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, fraudulent
conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or
hereafter in effect affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) general
principles of equity;

             (vi) The Debentures have been duly and validly authorized by the
Company and when executed by the Company in accordance with the Indenture and,
assuming due authentication of the Debentures by the Trustee, upon delivery to
the Initial Purchasers against payment therefor in accordance with the terms
hereof, will have been validly issued and delivered, and will constitute valid
and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the
Indenture, except to the extent that enforceability thereof is subject to (i)
applicable bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect affecting creditors'
rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity;

             (vii) The shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the
Debentures have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance and, when issued
and delivered upon conversion of the Debentures, in accordance with the terms
thereof, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will be free
of any (A) preemptive rights under the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company or the Delaware General Corporation Law or (B) to
the best knowledge of such counsel after reasonable inquiry, similar rights;

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

             (viii) The authorized capital stock of the Company is as set forth
under the caption "Capitalization" in the Offering Memorandum; and the
authorized capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects as to
legal matters to the description thereof contained in the Offering Memorandum
under the caption "Description of Capital Stock";

             (ix) All the shares of capital stock of the Company outstanding
prior to the issuance of the Debentures to be issued and sold by the Company
hereunder have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable and were issued and sold in compliance with all applicable Federal
and state securities laws;

             (x) No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or
registration or filing with, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency
or other governmental body, agency, or official is required on the part of the
Company or any Subsidiary (except such as may be required under state securities
or Blue Sky laws governing the purchase and distribution of the Debentures, or
such as may be required to qualify the Indenture and, if necessary, the
Guarantees under the 1939 Act, and such as may be required in connection with
the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Registration Rights
Agreement, as to which counsel need not express any opinion) for the valid
issuance and sale of the Debentures to the Initial Purchasers as contemplated by
this Agreement;

             (xi) Neither the offer, sale or delivery of the Debentures, nor the
issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of the Debentures in accordance with
the terms of the Debentures, nor the execution, delivery or performance by the
Company of this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement or the Indenture,
the execution, delivery or performance of the Guarantee Agreement by the
Guarantors, nor compliance by the Company and the Guarantors with the provisions
hereof or thereof, nor consummation by the Company and the Guarantors of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, conflicts or will conflict with or
constitutes or will constitute a breach of, or a default under the certificate
or articles of incorporation or bylaws or other organizational documents of the
Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any agreement, indenture, lease or other
instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by
which any of them or any of their respective properties is bound which is
material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and that is an
exhibit to any Incorporated Document, or to the knowledge of such counsel will
result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any
property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, nor will any such
action result in any violation of any existing law, or any regulation, ruling
(assuming compliance with all applicable state securities and Blue Sky laws
and, in the case of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Act, the Exchange Act
and the 1939 Act), judgment, injunction, order or decree known to such counsel,
and applicable to the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of their respective
properties;

             (xii) To the knowledge of such counsel, (A) there are no legal or
governmental proceedings pending or threatened against the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries, or to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or any of
their property, are subject, which are of the type that would be required to be
described in the Offering Memorandum if it were a prospectus included in a
registration statement on Form S-3 under the Act or in any of the Incorporated
Documents but are not so described as required and (B) there are no agreements,
contracts, indentures, leases or other instruments, that are of the type that
would be required to be described in the Offering Memorandum if it were a
prospectus included in a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Act or in
any of the Incorporated Documents but are not so described as required, or that
are required to be filed as an exhibit to any of the Incorporated Documents that
are not so filed as required;

             (xiii) No registration of the Debentures under the Act nor
qualification of the Indenture or the Guarantees under the 1939 Act is required
for the sale of the Debentures to the Initial Purchasers as contemplated in this
Agreement or for the Exempt Resales (assuming (A) that all representations and
warranties made by the Initial Purchasers and the Company in this Agreement and
in the Offering Memorandum are true, correct and accurate (including but not
limited to the representations by the Initial Purchasers and the Company
regarding the absence of general solicitation in connection with the

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

Exempt Resales and regarding offers and sales outside the United States in
reliance on Regulation S), (B) the Initial Purchasers comply with all of the
covenants set forth in this Agreement (including but not limited to the
covenants set forth in Section 2 hereof), (C) none of the Company, its
Subsidiaries and each person acting on its or their behalf have complied with
the offering restrictions requirements of Regulation S, (D) that each person to
whom the Initial Purchasers offer, sell or deliver the Debentures in the Exempt
Resales is (x) a Qualified Institutional Buyer or (y) a person other than a U.S.
person outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Act, and
(E) that the representations made by each person to whom Debentures are sold in
reliance on Rule 144A or Regulation S are true. correct and accurate);

             (xiv) To the knowledge of such counsel, neither the Company nor any
of the Subsidiaries is in violation of any law, ordinance, administrative or
governmental rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any of the
Subsidiaries, the violation of which would have a Material Adverse Effect or of
any decree of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over
the Company or any of the Subsidiaries;

             (xv) The statements m: (A) the Offering Memorandum under the
captions "Risk Factors -- Regulation and Reimbursement," "Risk Factors --
Uncertainty Due to Proposed Changes in National and State Health Care Policies,"
"Risk Factors -- Potential Effect of Anti-Takeover Provisions and Certain
Provisions of Delaware Laws," "Risk Factors -- Subordination of Debentures,"
"Risk Factors -- Risks Relating to Enforceability of Subsidiary Guarantees,"
"Risk Factors -- Limitations Upon a Repurchase Event," "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources," "Business -- Reimbursement and Billing," "Business --
Government Regulation," "Description of Debentures," "Description of Capital
Stock," "Plan of Distribution" (other than the ninth paragraph thereunder, as
to which no opinion need be expressed by such counsel) and "Notice to
Investors"; (B) the Company's 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996 under the
captions "Business -- Reimbursement and Billing" and "Business -- Government
Regulation"; (C) the Company's 8-K dated August 1, 1996 under the caption
"Acquisition or Disposition of Assets"; (D) the Company's 8-K dated August 13,
1996 under the caption "Acquisition or Disposition of Assets"; (E) the Company's
8-K dated November 1, 1996 under the caption "Other Events"; and (F) the
Company's Proxy Statement dated October 18, 1996 under the captions "Executive
Compensation" and "Certain Transactions," insofar as such statements are
descriptions of contracts, agreements or other legal documents, or refer to
statements of law or legal conclusions, are accurate and present fairly the
information shown;

             (xvi) Except as disclosed in the Offering Memorandum, such counsel
does not know of any outstanding option, warrant or other right calling for the
issuance of, and such counsel does not know of any commitment, plan or
arrangement to issue, any share of capital stock of the Company or any security
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock of the
Company; and such counsel does not know of any holder of any security of the
Company (except for holders of the Debentures and the Common Stock issuable upon
conversion thereof) or any other person who has the right, contractual or
otherwise, to cause the Company to sell or otherwise issue to them, or to permit
them to underwrite the sale of, any of the Debentures or the right to have any
Common Stock or other securities of the Company included in the Shelf
Registration Statement or the right, as a result of the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Operative Documents, to require registration
under the Act of any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company;

             (xvii) To the knowledge of such counsel, neither the Company nor
any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of its respective certificate or
articles of incorporation or bylaws, or other organizational documents, or is in
default in the performance of any material obligation, agreement or condition
contained in any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness made an
exhibit to any Incorporated Document;

             (xviii) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has full corporate
power and authority and all necessary Permits (except where the failure to so
have any such Permits, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
Material Adverse Effect) to own its properties and to conduct its business as
now being conducted as described in the Offering Memorandum;

                                       19

<PAGE>   20

             (xix) When the Debentures are issued and delivered pursuant to this
Agreement, such Debentures will not be of the same class (within the meaning of
Rule 144A(d)(3) under the Act) as any security of the Company that is listed on
a national securities exchange registered under Section 6 of the Exchange Act or
that is quoted in a United States automated interdealer quotation system;

             (xx) The Company is not required to deliver the information
specified in Rule 144A(d)(4) in connection with the offering and resale of the
Debentures by the Initial Purchasers;

             (xxi) Based upon the assumptions and subject to the qualifications
set forth therein, the statements made in the Offering Memorandum under the
caption "Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences" accurately
summarize the material United States federal income tax consequences of the
ownership, conversion and disposition of the Debentures for United States
holders who acquire Debentures on original issue and who hold Debentures as
"capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended;

             (xxii) The Company is not required to obtain stockholder consent or
approval pursuant to the rules of Nasdaq in connection with the issuance,
offering and resale of the Debentures;

             (xxiii) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is an
"investment company or a person "controlled" by an "investment company" within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and

             (xxiv) Each Guarantor has all necessary corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver the Guarantee Agreement, and the Guarantee
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each Guarantor.

         In addition, such counsel shall state that, although such counsel has
not undertaken, except as otherwise indicated in their opinion, to determine
independently, and does not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy,
completeness or fairness of the statements in the Offering Memorandum, such
counsel has participated in the preparation of the Offering Memorandum,
including review and discussion of the content thereof, and nothing has come to
the attention of such counsel that has caused it to believe that the Offering
Memorandum, as of its date, and as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing
Date, as the case may be, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading or that any amendment or supplement to the Offering
Memorandum, as of its date, and as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing
Date, as the case may be, contained or contains an untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no
opinion with respect to the financial statements and the notes thereto and the
schedules and other financial and statistical data included or incorporated by
reference in the Offering Memorandum).

         In rendering their opinion as aforesaid, counsel may rely upon an
opinion or opinions, each dated the Closing Date, of other counsel retained by
them or the Company as to laws of any jurisdiction other than the federal laws
of the United States or the State of Ohio or the corporation law of the State of
Delaware, provided that (l) each such local counsel is acceptable to the Initial
Purchasers, (2) such reliance is expressly authorized by each opinion so relied
upon and a copy of each such opinion is delivered to the Initial Purchasers and
is, in form and substance, satisfactory to them and counsel for the Initial
Purchasers and (3) counsel shall state in their opinion that they believe that
they and the Initial Purchasers are justified in relying thereon. For purposes
of the opinion of such counsel rendered pursuant to clause (iii) of this
paragraph (c), "Material Subsidiary" shall mean each Subsidiary other than those
Subsidiaries which would not, when considered in the aggregate, constitute a
"significant subsidiary" as defined in Regulation S-X under the Act. The
Material Subsidiaries shall be identified in an exhibit to such counsel's
opinion.

                                       20
<PAGE>   21

         (d) The Initial Purchasers shall have received on the Closing Date an
opinion of Dewey Ballantine, counsel for the Initial Purchasers, dated the
Closing Date, and addressed to the Initial Purchasers, with respect to the
matters referred to in clauses (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) (other than subclause (B)
thereof) and (xiii) of the foregoing paragraph (c), and the penultimate
paragraph of the foregoing paragraph (c) and such other related matters as the
Initial Purchasers may request.

         (e) The Initial Purchasers shall have received letters addressed to the
Initial Purchasers, and dated the date hereof and the Closing Date, from Ernst &
Young LLP, independent certified public accountants, substantially in the forms
heretofore approved by the Initial Purchasers.

         (f)(i) There shall not have been any material change in the capital
stock of the Company nor any material increase in the short-term or long-term
debt of the Company from that set forth or contemplated in the Offering
Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto); (ii) there shall not have
been, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the
Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto), except as may
otherwise be stated in the Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement
thereto), any material adverse change in the condition (financial or other),
business, prospects, properties, net worth or results of operations of the
Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (iii) the Company and the
Subsidiaries shall not have any liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent
(whether or not in the ordinary course of business), that are material to the
Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than those reflected in
the Offering Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto); and (iv) all
the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof
and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date, and
the Initial Purchasers shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date
and signed by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the
Company (or such other officers as are acceptable to the Initial Purchasers), to
the effect set forth in this Section 7(f) and in Section 7(g) hereof.

         (g) The Company shall not have failed at or prior to the Closing Date
to have performed or complied with any of its agreements herein contained and
required to be performed or complied with by it hereunder at or prior to the
Closing Date.

         (h) You shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date signed
by the chief accounting officer of the Company substantially in the form
heretofore approved by you, respecting the Company's compliance with the
financial covenants contained in credit agreements to which the Company is a
party.

         (i) The Debentures shall have been designated for trading on PORTAL.

         (j) The Company and the Initial Purchasers shall have executed and
delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.

         (k) The Company and the Trustee shall have executed and delivered the
Indenture.

         (l) Each wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the Trustee shall
have executed and delivered the Guarantee Agreement.

         (m) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the
Initial Purchasers such further certificates and documents as the Initial
Purchasers shall have reasonably requested.

         All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be in
compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably satisfactory
in form and substance to the Initial Purchasers and counsel for the Initial
Purchasers.

         Any certificate or document signed by any officer of the Company and
delivered to the initial Purchasers, or to counsel for the Initial Purchasers,
shall be deemed a representation and warranty by

                                       21
<PAGE>   22

the Company to the Initial Purchasers as to the statements made therein.

         The obligations of the Initial Purchasers to purchase any Additional
Debentures hereunder are subject to the satisfaction on and as of any Option
Closing Date of the conditions set forth in this Section 7, except that, if any
Option Closing Date is other than the Closing Date, the certificates, opinions
and letters referred to in paragraphs (c) through (f) and paragraphs (a) and (m)
shall be dated the Option Closing Date in question and the opinion called for by
paragraphs (c) and (d) shall be revised to reflect the sale of Additional
Debentures.

         8. Expenses. The Company agrees to pay the following costs and expenses
and all other costs and expenses incident to the performance by it of its
obligations hereunder: (i) the preparation, printing or reproduction of the
Offering Memorandum (including financial statements thereto), and each amendment
or supplement thereto; (ii) the printing (or reproduction) and delivery
(including postage, air freight charges and charges for counting and packaging)
of such copies of the Offering Memorandum, the Preliminary Offering Memorandum,
the Incorporated Documents, and all amendments or supplements to any of them as
may be reasonably requested for use in connection with the offering and sale of
the Debentures; (iii) the preparation, printing, authentication, issuance and
delivery of certificates for the Debentures, including any stamp taxes in
connection with the original issuance and sale of the Debentures; (iv) the
printing (or reproduction) and delivery of this Agreement, Blue Sky Memoranda
and all other agreements or documents printed (or reproduced) and delivered in
connection with the offering of the Debentures; (v) the application for
designation of the Debentures on PORTAL; (vi) the registration of the Common
Stock and the listing of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
the Debentures on the NASDAQ; (vii) the qualification of the Debentures and the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures for offer and
sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of the several states as provided in
Section 4(f) hereof (including the reasonable fees and expenses and
disbursements of counsel for the Initial Purchasers relating to the preparation,
printing or reproduction, and delivery of Blue Sky Memoranda and such
qualification); (viii) the transportation and other expenses incurred by or on
behalf of Company representatives in connection with presentations to
prospective purchasers of the Debentures; (ix) the performance by the Company of
its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement; (x) the fees and
expenses of the Trustee and (xi) the fees and expenses of the Company's
accountants and the fees and expenses of counsel (including local and special
counsel) for the Company.

         9. Effective Date of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective
upon the execution and delivery hereof by all the parties hereto. Until such
time as this Agreement shall have become effective, it may be terminated by the
Company, by notifying the Initial Purchasers, or by the Initial Purchasers, by
notifying the Company.

         Any notice under this Section 9 may be given by telegram, telecopy or
telephone but shall be subsequently confirmed by letter.

         10. Default by an Initial Purchaser. If any one or more of the Initial
Purchasers shall fail or refuse to purchase the Debentures which it is obligated
to purchase on the Closing Date, and arrangements satisfactory to the
non-defaulting Initial Purchasers or by another party or parties satisfactory to
the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers and the Company for the purchase of such
Debentures by the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers and the Company are not made
within thirty-six (36) hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate
without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers or the
Company. In any such case which does not result in termination of this
Agreement, either the non-defaulting Initial Purchasers or the Company shall
have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than
seven (7) days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Offering
Memorandum or any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Any action
taken under this paragraph shall not relieve the defaulting Initial Purchasers
from liability in respect of such default under this Agreement. The term
"Initial Purchaser" as used in this Agreement includes, for all purposes of this
Agreement, any party not identified in this Agreement who purchases Debentures
which a defaulting Initial Purchaser is obligated, but fails or refuses to
purchase.

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

         11. Termination of Agreement. This Agreement shall be subject to
termination in the absolute discretion of the Initial Purchasers, without
liability on the part of the Initial Purchasers to the Company, by notice to the
Company, if prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date (if different
from the Closing Date and then only as to the Additional Debentures), as the
case may be, (i) trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange,
American Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market shall have
been suspended or materially limited, (ii) a general moratorium on commercial
banking activities in New York shall have been declared by either federal or
state authorities, or (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation
of hostilities or other international or domestic calamity, crisis or change in
political, financial or economic conditions, the effect of which on the
financial markets of the United States is such as to make it, in the judgment of
the Initial Purchasers, impracticable or inadvisable to commence or continue the
offering of the Debentures on the terms set forth on the cover page of the
Offering Memorandum or to enforce contracts for the resale of the Debentures by
the Initial Purchasers. Notice of such termination may be given to the Company
by telegram, telecopy or telephone and shall be subsequently confirmed by
letter.

         12. Information Furnished by the Initial Purchasers. The statements set
forth in the last paragraph on the cover page, the stabilization legend on page
2 and in the first, third, fourth, sixth and ninth paragraphs under the caption
"Plan of Distribution" in the Preliminary Offering Memorandum and Offering
Memorandum, constitute the only information furnished by or on behalf of the
Initial Purchasers, as such information is referred to in Sections 5(b) and 6
hereof.

         13. Miscellaneous. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 4, 9 and 11
hereof, notice given pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be delivered (i) if to the Company, at the office of the
Company at 3201 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 220, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, Attention:
J.H. Outcalt, Chairman of the Board, with a copy to Calfee, Halter & Griswold
LLP, 1400 McDonald Investment Center, 800 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
44114, Attention: Thomas F. McKee, Esq. or (ii) if to the Initial Purchasers, to
Smith Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, Attention: Manager,
Investment Banking Division, with a copy to Dewey Ballantine, 1301 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Frederick W. Kanner, Esq.

         This Agreement has been and is made solely for the benefit of the
Initial Purchasers, the Company, its directors, its officers and the controlling
persons referred to in Section 6 hereof and their respective successors and
assigns, to the extent provided herein, and no other person shall acquire or
have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. Neither the term
"successor" nor the term "successors and assigns" as used in this Agreement
shall include a purchaser from the Initial Purchasers of any of the Debentures
in his status as such purchaser.

         14. Applicable Law; Counterparts. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to
contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York without giving
effect to the choice of laws or conflict of laws principles thereof.

         This Agreement may be signed in various counterparts which together
constitute one and the same instrument. If signed in counterparts, this
Agreement shall not become effective unless at least one counterpart hereof
shall have been executed and delivered on behalf of each party hereto.

                                       23
<PAGE>   24

         Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement
between the Company and the Initial Purchasers.

                              Very truly yours,

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                              By: /s/ Jon H. Outcalt
                                --------------------------

Confirmed as of the date first 
above mentioned.

SMITH BARNEY INC.
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY, L.L.C.
MONTGOMERY SECURITIES
MCDONALD & COMPANY SECURITIES, INC.

By: SMITH BARNEY INC.


By: /s/ Ben Lorello
   -----------------------------------

                                       24


<PAGE>   25


                                   SCHEDULE I

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           Principal Amount
Initial Purchaser                         of Firm Debentures
- -----------------                         ------------------

<S>                                         <C>         
Smith Barney Inc .....................       $60,000,000

William Blair & Company, L.L.C. ......        20,000,000

Montgomery Securities ................        15,000.000

McDonald & Company Securities, Inc ...         5,000,000

                                               ---------
        Total ........................      $100,000,000
                                            ============
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.10







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



                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                       and

                               NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                   as Trustee



                                   ----------

                                    INDENTURE

                           Dated as of August 13, 1997

                                   ----------

                                  $115,000,000


               5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004




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




<PAGE>   2



                 Certain Sections of this Indenture relating to
                         Sections 310 through 318 of the
                          Trust Indenture Act of 1939:


Section 310         (a)(1) .................................          609
        (a)(2)      ........................................          609
        (a)(3)      ........................................    Not Applicable
        (a)(4)      ........................................    Not Applicable
        (a)(5)      ........................................          609
        (b)         ........................................          608
Section 311         (a).....................................          613
         (b)        ........................................          613
Section 312         (a).....................................          701
                    ........................................          702(a)
        (b)         ........................................          702(b)
        (c)         ........................................          702(c)
Section 313         (a).....................................          703(a)
        (b)         ........................................          703(a)
        (c)         ........................................          703(a)
        (d)         ........................................          703(b)
Section 314         (a).....................................          704
        (a)(4)      ........................................          1005
        (b)         ........................................    Not Applicable
        (c)(1)      ........................................          102
        (c)(2)      ........................................          102
        (c)(3)      ........................................    Not Applicable
        (d)         ........................................    Not Applicable
        (e)         ........................................          102
Section 315         (a).....................................          601
        (b)         ........................................          602
        (c)         ........................................          601
        (d)         ........................................          601
        (e)         ........................................          514
Section 316         (a)(1)..................................          502
        (a)(1)(A)   ........................................          512
        (a)(1)(B)   ........................................          513
        (a)(2)      ........................................    Not Applicable
        (b)         ........................................          508
        (c)         ........................................          104(c)
Section 317   (a)(1)........................................          503
        (a)(2)      ........................................          504
        (b)         ........................................          1004
Section 318         (a).....................................          107

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

    Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to
be a part of the Indenture.

                                        i


<PAGE>   3



                               TABLE OF CONTENTS*

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----


Parties...................................................................  1
Recitals of the Company...................................................  1

                                   ARTICLE ONE

                          Definitions and Other Provisions
                               of General Application.....................  1

         SECTION 101.             DEFINITIONS.............................  1
                  "Act"...................................................  2
                  "Affiliate".............................................  2
                  "Authenticating Agent"..................................  2
                  "Beneficial Owner"......................................  2
                  "Board of Directors"....................................  2
                  "Board Resolution"......................................  2
                  "Business Day"..........................................  2
                  "Cedel".................................................  2
                  "Change in Control".....................................  2
                  "Class A Common Stock"..................................  3
                  "Class B Common Stock"..................................  3
                  "Commission"............................................  3
                  "Common Stock"..........................................  3
                  "Company"...............................................  3
                  "Company Request" or "Company Order"....................  3
                  "Corporate Trust Office"................................  3
                  "Corporation"...........................................  4
                  "Current Market Price"..................................  4
                  "DTC"...................................................  4
                  "Defaulted Interest"....................................  4
                  "Definitive Security"...................................  4
                  "Depositary"............................................  4
                  "Euroclear".............................................  4
                  "Event of Default"......................................  4
                  "Exchange Act"..........................................  4
                  "Global Security".......................................  4
                  "Guarantee".............................................  4
                  "Guarantee Agreement"...................................  4
- --------
*Note:   This table of contents shall not, for any purposes, be deemed to be a
         part of the Indenture.





                                       ii


<PAGE>   4



                  "Guarantor".............................................  4
                  "Holder"................................................  4
                  "Indenture".............................................  4
                  "Initial Purchasers"....................................  5
                  "Interest Payment Date".................................  5
                  "Maturity"..............................................  5
                  "Officers' Certificate".................................  5
                  "144A Global Security"..................................  5
                  "Opinion of Counsel"....................................  5
                  "Outstanding"...........................................  5
                  "Paying Agent"..........................................  6
                  "Person"................................................  6
                  "Predecessor Security"..................................  6
                  "Purchase Agreement"....................................  6
                  "Record Date"...........................................  6
                  "Redemption Date".......................................  6
                  "Redemption Price"......................................  6
                  "Registration Rights Agreement".........................  7
                  "Regular Record Date"...................................  7
                  "Regulation S"..........................................  7
                  "Regulation S Global Security"..........................  7
                  "Repurchase Date".......................................  7
                  "Repurchase Event"......................................  7
                  "Repurchase Price"......................................  7
                  "Resale Restriction Termination Date"...................  7
                  "Responsible Officer"...................................  7
                  "Securities Custodian"..................................  7
                  "Security Register" and "Security Registrar"............  7
                  "Senior Indebtedness"...................................  7
                  "Shelf Registration Statement"..........................  8
                  "Special Record Date"...................................  8
                  "Stated Maturity".......................................  8
                  "Subsidiary"............................................  8
                  "Termination of Trading"................................  9
                  "Transfer Restricted Securities"........................  9
                  "Trust Indenture Act"...................................  9
                  "Trustee"...............................................  9
                  "Vice President"........................................  9
                  "Wholly-owned Subsidiary"...............................  9
         SECTION 102.     COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS............  9
         SECTION 103.     FORM OF DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO TRUSTEE.......... 10
         SECTION 104.     ACTS OF HOLDERS; RECORD DATES................... 10
         SECTION 105.     NOTICES, ETC., TO TRUSTEE AND COMPANY........... 11
         SECTION 106.     NOTICE TO HOLDERS; WAIVER....................... 12
         SECTION 107.     CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT............... 13
         SECTION 108.     EFFECT OF HEADINGS AND TABLE OF CONTENTS........ 13
                                                                            




                                       iii


<PAGE>   5


<TABLE>

         <S>              <C>                                                   <C>
         SECTION 109.     SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS............................... 13
         SECTION 110.     SEPARABILITY CLAUSE.................................. 13
         SECTION 111.     BENEFITS OF INDENTURE................................ 13
         SECTION 112.     GOVERNING LAW........................................ 13
         SECTION 113.     LEGAL HOLIDAYS....................................... 13
         SECTION 114.     NO SECURITY INTEREST CREATED......................... 14
         SECTION 115.     LIMITATION ON INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY................... 14

                                        ARTICLE TWO

                                      Security Forms........................... 14

         SECTION 201.     FORMS GENERALLY...................................... 15
         SECTION 202.     FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY............................. 16
         SECTION 203.     FORM OF REVERSE OF GLOBAL SECURITIES AND DEFINITIVE
                          SECURITY............................................. 20
         SECTION 204.     FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION...... 28

                                       ARTICLE THREE

                                      The Securities........................... 29

         SECTION 301.     TITLE AND TERMS...................................... 29
         SECTION 302.     DENOMINATIONS........................................ 30
         SECTION 303.     EXECUTION, AUTHENTICATION, DELIVERY AND DATING....... 30
         SECTION 304.     TEMPORARY SECURITIES................................. 30
         SECTION 305.     REGISTRATION, REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND
                          EXCHANGE............................................. 31
         SECTION 306.     MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST AND STOLEN SECURITIES..... 40
         SECTION 307.     PAYMENT OF INTEREST; INTEREST RIGHTS PRESERVED....... 41
         SECTION 308.     PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS................................ 43
         SECTION 309.     CANCELLATION......................................... 43
         SECTION 310.     COMPUTATION OF INTEREST.............................. 43

                                       ARTICLE FOUR

                                Satisfaction and Discharge..................... 43

         SECTION 401.     SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE.............. 43
         SECTION 402.     APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEY........................... 45
         SECTION 403.     REINSTATEMENT........................................ 45

                                       ARTICLE FIVE

                                         Remedies.............................. 45


</TABLE>




                                           iv


<PAGE>   6

<TABLE>

         <S>              <C>                                                   <C>

         SECTION 501.     EVENTS OF DEFAULT.................................... 45
         SECTION 502.     ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION AND
                          ANNULMENT............................................ 48
         SECTION 503.     COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT
                          BY TRUSTEE........................................... 49
         SECTION 504.     TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM..................... 50
         SECTION 505.     TRUSTEE MAY ENFORCE CLAIMS WITHOUT POSSESSION OF
                          SECURITIES........................................... 50
         SECTION 506.     APPLICATION OF MONEY COLLECTED....................... 51
         SECTION 507.     LIMITATION ON SUITS.................................. 51
         SECTION 508.     UNCONDITIONAL RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO RECEIVE PRINCIPAL,
                          PREMIUM AND INTEREST AND TO CONVERT.................. 52
         SECTION 509.     RESTORATION OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES................... 52
         SECTION 510.     RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE....................... 52
         SECTION 511.     DELAY OR OMISSION NOT WAIVER......................... 53
         SECTION 512.     CONTROL BY HOLDERS................................... 53
         SECTION 513.     WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.............................. 53
         SECTION 514.     UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS................................ 54

                                        ARTICLE SIX

                                        The Trustee............................ 54

         SECTION 601.     CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.................. 54
         SECTION 602.     NOTICE OF DEFAULTS................................... 55
         SECTION 603.     CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE............................ 55
         SECTION 604.     NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF
                          SECURITIES........................................... 57
         SECTION 605.     MAY HOLD SECURITIES.................................. 57
         SECTION 606.     MONEY HELD IN TRUST.................................. 57
         SECTION 607.     COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT....................... 57
         SECTION 608.     DISQUALIFICATION; CONFLICTING INTERESTS.............. 58
         SECTION 609.     CORPORATE TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY.............. 59
         SECTION 610.     RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF
                          SUCCESSOR............................................ 59
         SECTION 611.     ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR............... 60
         SECTION 612.     MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO
                          BUSINESS............................................. 61
         SECTION 613.     PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANY.... 61
         SECTION 614.     APPOINTMENT OF AUTHENTICATING AGENT.................. 61

                                       ARTICLE SEVEN

                          Holders' Lists and Reports by Trustee and Company.... 64



</TABLE>



                                                   v


<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>


         <S>              <C>                                                   <C>
         SECTION 701.     COMPANY TO FURNISH TRUSTEE NAMES AND ADDRESSES
                          OF HOLDERS........................................... 64
         SECTION 702.     PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION; COMMUNICATION TO
                          HOLDERS.............................................. 64
         SECTION 703.     REPORTS BY TRUSTEE................................... 64
         SECTION 704.     REPORTS BY COMPANY................................... 65
         SECTION 705.     RULE 144A INFORMATION REQUIREMENT.................... 65

                                       ARTICLE EIGHT

                          Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease. 65

         SECTION 801.     COMPANY MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC., ONLY ON CERTAIN
                          TERMS................................................ 65
         SECTION 802.     SUCCESSOR SUBSTITUTED................................ 66

                                       ARTICLE NINE

                                  Supplemental Indentures...................... 67

         SECTION 901.     SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITHOUT CONSENT OF
                          HOLDERS.............................................. 67
         SECTION 902.     SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS...... 67
         SECTION 903.     EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES................. 68
         SECTION 904.     EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.................... 69
         SECTION 905.     CONFORMITY WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.................. 69
         SECTION 906.     REFERENCE IN SECURITIES TO SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES... 69
         SECTION 907.     NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE..................... 69

                                        ARTICLE TEN

                                         Covenants............................. 69

         SECTION 1001.    PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST........... 69
         SECTION 1002.    GUARANTEES OF SUBSIDIARIES........................... 70
         SECTION 1003.    MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY...................... 70
         SECTION 1004.    MONEY FOR SECURITY PAYMENTS TO BE HELD IN TRUST...... 70
         SECTION 1005.    STATEMENT BY OFFICERS AS TO DEFAULT.................. 71
         SECTION 1006.    EXISTENCE............................................ 72
         SECTION 1007.    WAIVER OF CERTAIN COVENANTS.......................... 72

                                      ARTICLE ELEVEN

                                 Redemption of Securities...................... 72

         SECTION 1101.    RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.................................. 72

</TABLE>




                                           vi


<PAGE>   8

<TABLE>


         <S>              <C>                                                   <C>
         SECTION 1102.    APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE............................. 72
         SECTION 1103.    ELECTION TO REDEEM; NOTICE TO TRUSTEE................ 72
         SECTION 1104.    SELECTION BY TRUSTEE OF SECURITIES TO BE REDEEMED.... 73
         SECTION 1105.    NOTICE OF REDEMPTION................................. 73
         SECTION 1106.    DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE.......................... 74
         SECTION 1107.    SECURITIES PAYABLE ON REDEMPTION DATE................ 74
         SECTION 1108.    SECURITIES REDEEMED IN PART.......................... 75

                                      ARTICLE TWELVE

                                Subordination of Securities.................... 75

         SECTION 1201.    SECURITIES SUBORDINATED TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS....... 75
         SECTION 1202.    PAYMENT OVER OF PROCEEDS UPON DISSOLUTION, ETC....... 75
         SECTION 1203.    PRIOR PAYMENT TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS UPON
                          ACCELERATION OF SECURITIES........................... 77
         SECTION 1204.    NO PAYMENT WHEN SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS IN DEFAULT....... 77
         SECTION 1205.    PAYMENT PERMITTED IF NO DEFAULT...................... 78
         SECTION 1206.    SUBROGATION TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SENIOR
                          INDEBTEDNESS......................................... 78
         SECTION 1207.    PROVISIONS SOLELY TO DEFINE RELATIVE RIGHTS.......... 78
         SECTION 1208.    TRUSTEE TO EFFECTUATE SUBORDINATION.................. 79
         SECTION 1209.    NO WAIVER OF SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS................ 79
         SECTION 1210.    NOTICE TO TRUSTEE.................................... 79
         SECTION 1211.    RELIANCE ON JUDICIAL ORDER OR CERTIFICATE OF
                          LIQUIDATING AGENT.................................... 80
         SECTION 1212.    TRUSTEE NOT FIDUCIARY FOR HOLDERS OF SENIOR
                          INDEBTEDNESS......................................... 81
         SECTION 1213.    RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE AS HOLDER OF SENIOR 
                          INDEBTEDNESS; PRESERVATION OF TRUSTEE'S RIGHTS....... 81
         SECTION 1214.    ARTICLE APPLICABLE TO PAYING AGENTS.................. 81
         SECTION 1215.    CERTAIN CONVERSIONS DEEMED PAYMENT................... 81
         SECTION 1216.    NO SUSPENSION OF REMEDIES............................ 82

                                     ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                                 Conversion of Securities...................... 82

         SECTION 1301.    CONVERSION PRIVILEGE AND CONVERSION PRICE............ 82
         SECTION 1302.    EXERCISE OF CONVERSION PRIVILEGE..................... 82
         SECTION 1303.    FRACTIONS OF SHARES.................................. 83
         SECTION 1304.    ADJUSTMENT OF CONVERSION PRICE....................... 84
         SECTION 1305.    NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENTS OF CONVERSION PRICE............ 90
         SECTION 1306.    NOTICE OF CERTAIN CORPORATE ACTION................... 90
         SECTION 1307.    COMPANY TO RESERVE CLASS A COMMON STOCK.............. 91
         SECTION 1308.    TAXES ON CONVERSIONS................................. 92

</TABLE>



                                           vii


<PAGE>   9
<TABLE>

         <S>              <C>                                                   <C>
         SECTION 1309.    COVENANT AS TO CLASS A COMMON STOCK.................. 92
         SECTION 1310.    CANCELLATION OF CONVERTED SECURITIES................. 92
         SECTION 1311.    PROVISIONS OF CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF
                          ASSETS............................................... 92
         SECTION 1312.    TRUSTEE'S DISCLAIMER................................. 93

                                     ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                                Right to Require Repurchase.................... 93

         SECTION 1401.    RIGHT TO REQUIRE REPURCHASE.......................... 93
         SECTION 1402.    NOTICE; METHOD OF EXERCISING REPURCHASE RIGHT........ 93
         SECTION 1403.    DEPOSIT OF REPURCHASE PRICE.......................... 95
         SECTION 1404.    SECURITIES NOT REPURCHASED ON REPURCHASE DATE........ 95
         SECTION 1405.    SECURITIES REPURCHASED IN PART....................... 95
         SECTION 1406.    CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.................................. 95

                                      ARTICLE FIFTEEN

                                        Guarantees............................. 97

         SECTION 1501.    UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEES............................. 97
         SECTION 1502.    ADDITION OF GUARANTORS............................... 97
         SECTION 1503.    SUBORDINATION OF GUARANTEES.......................... 97

</TABLE>





                                           viii


<PAGE>   10




                  INDENTURE, dated as of August 13, 1997 between NCS HEALTHCARE,
INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware (herein called the "Company"), having its principal executive offices
at 3201 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 220, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, and National City
Bank, a national banking association, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").

                             RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

                  The Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of
its 5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (herein called the
"Securities") of substantially the tenor and amount hereinafter set forth, and
to provide therefor the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery
of this Indenture.

                  All things necessary to make the Securities, when executed by
the Company and authenticated and delivered hereunder and duly issued by the
Company, the valid obligations of the Company, and to make this Indenture a
valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with their and its terms, have
been done.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

                  For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of
the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and
proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as follows:


                                   ARTICLE ONE

                        Definitions and Other Provisions
                             of General Application

SECTION 101. Definitions.
             -----------

                  For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise
expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

                  (1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings
         assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the
         singular;

                  (2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust
         Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the
         meanings assigned to them therein;

                  (3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
         meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly
         provided, the term






<PAGE>   11



         "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any
         computation required and permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting
         principles as are generally accepted and accepted and adopted by the
         Company at the date of this Indenture; and

                  (4) the words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other
         words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to
         any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

                  Certain terms used in Articles Twelve, Thirteen and Fourteen
are defined in such Articles.

                  "Act," when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning
specified in Section 104.

                  "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the possession,
directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of
such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings
correlative to the foregoing.

                  "Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the
Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate
Securities.

                  The term "Beneficial Owner" is determined in accordance with
Rule 13d- 3, promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act.

                  "Board of Directors" means either the Board of Directors of
the Company or any duly authorized committee of that Board.

                  "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted
by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof and to be in
full force and effect on the date of such certification and delivered to the
Trustee.

                  "Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in Cleveland, Ohio
or New York, New York are authorized or obligated to close by law or executive
order.

                  "Cedel" means Cedel Bank societe anonyme.

                  "Change in Control" has the meaning specified in Section 1406.






                                        2


<PAGE>   12



                  "Class A Common Stock" means that class of capital stock of
the Company designated as Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

                  "Class B Common Stock" means that class of capital stock of
the Company designated as Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

                  "Closing Date" means August 13, 1997.

                  "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission as
from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any
time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and
performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the
body performing such duties at such time.

                  "Common Stock" includes any stock of any class of the Company
which has no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the
event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
the Company and which is not subject to redemption by the Company, including,
without limitation, the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the
Company. However, subject to the provisions of Section 1311, shares issuable on
conversion of Securities shall include only shares of the class designated as
Class A Common Stock of the Company at the date of this Indenture or shares of
any class or classes resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications
thereof and which have no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts
payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of the Company and which are not subject to redemption by the
Company; PROVIDED, that if at any time there shall be more than one such
resulting class, the shares of each such class then so issuable shall be
substantially in the proportion which the total number of shares of such class
resulting from all such reclassifications bears to the total number of shares of
all such classes resulting from all such reclassifications.

                  "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first
paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Company" shall mean such successor Person.

                  "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request
or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its
President or a Vice President, and by its Chief Financial Officer, Controller,
Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the
Trustee.

                  "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee in
Cleveland, Ohio, which initially shall be 629 Euclid Avenue, Suite 635,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-3484, at which at any particular time its corporate trust
business shall principally be administered.






                                        3


<PAGE>   13



                  "Corporation" means a corporation, association, company,
joint-stock company or business trust.

                  "Current Market Price" has the meaning specified in Section
1304.

                  "DTC" has the meaning specified in Section 305.

                  "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.

                  "Definitive Security" means a Security or Securities that are
in the form of the Security set forth in Sections 202 and 203 hereof, containing
the legend specified for a Definitive Security and not including the additional
language referred to in footnote 1 or the additional schedule referred to in
footnote 2.

                  "Depositary" has the meaning specified in Section 305.

                  "Euroclear" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
Brussels office, as operator of the Euroclear System.

                  "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.

                  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

                  "Global Security" means a Security or Securities in the form
of the Security set forth in Sections 202, 203 and 204 hereof containing the
legend specified for a Global Security, the additional language referred to in
footnote 1 and the additional schedule referred to in footnote 2.

                  "Guarantee" means each of the guarantees of the Securities by
the Guarantors made pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement.

                  "Guarantee Agreement" means that certain Guarantee Agreement
dated as of August 13, 1997 between the Trustee and the Guarantors.

                  "Guarantor" means each of the entities set forth on Schedule I
hereto and each other Person that hereafter becomes a Wholly Owned Subsidiary
(and in each case any successor thereto) until it is no longer a member of an
affiliated group (within the meaning of Section 279(g) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended) which includes the Company, including, without
limitation, upon the sale or disposition (whether by merger, stock purchase,
asset sale or otherwise) of such Guarantor.

                  "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered
in the Security Register.

                  "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as
it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto





                                        4


<PAGE>   14



entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all
purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions
of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this
instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively.

                  "Initial Purchasers" means Smith Barney Inc., William Blair &
Company, L.L.C., Montgomery Securities and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc..

                  "Interest Payment Date" means the Stated Maturity of an
instalment of interest on the Securities.

                  "Maturity," when used with respect to any Security, means the
date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein
or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity thereof or by declaration of
acceleration, redemption or otherwise.

                  "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate, in form
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, signed by the Chairman of the Board, the
Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Chief
Financial Officer, Controller, Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers
signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 1005 shall be the
principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.

                  "144A Global Security" has the meaning specified in Section
201.

                  "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion, in form
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, of counsel, who may be counsel for or an
employee of the Company, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

                  "Outstanding," when used with respect to Securities, means, as
of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture, except:

                          (i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or
         delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

                          (ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for the payment
         or redemption of which moneys in the necessary amount have been
         theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than
         the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the
         Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the
         Holders of such Securities; provided, that if such Securities, or
         portions thereof, are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has
         been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor
         satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and






                                        5
                                                                   


<PAGE>   15



                          (iii) Securities which have been paid pursuant to
         Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities
         have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other
         than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been
         presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities
         are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are
         valid obligations of the Company;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned
by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the
Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be
Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected
in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent or waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so owned shall
be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may
be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the
Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that
the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any
Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

                  "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to
pay the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any Securities on
behalf of the Company.

                  "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

                  "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every
previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced
by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any
Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in
lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to
evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

                  "Purchase Agreement" means that certain Purchase Agreement
dated August 7, 1997 between the Company and the Initial Purchasers.

                  "Record Date" means either a Regular Record Date or a Special
Record Date, as applicable.

                  "Redemption Date," when used with respect to any Security to
be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this
Indenture.

                  "Redemption Price," when used with respect to any Security to
be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this
Indenture on the applicable Redemption Date.





                                        6
                                                                              


<PAGE>   16




                  "Registration Rights Agreement" means that certain
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 13, 1997 between the Company
and the Initial Purchasers.

                  "Regular Record Date," for the interest payable on any
Interest Payment Date means the February 1 or August 1 (whether or not a
Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

                  "Regulation S" means Regulation S under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.

                  "Regulation S Global Security" has the meaning specified in
Section 201.

                  "Repurchase Date" has the meaning specified in Section 1401.

                  "Repurchase Event" has the meaning specified in Section 1406.

                  "Repurchase Price" has the meaning specified in Section 1401.

                  "Resale Restriction Termination Date" means, with respect to
any Security, the date which is two years after the later of (i) the original
issue date of such Security and (ii) the last date on which the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company was the owner of such Security (or any Predecessor
Security).

                  "Responsible Officer" means, when used with respect to the
Trustee, the chairman of the Board of Directors, any vice chairman of the Board
of Directors, the chairman of the trust committee, the chairman of the executive
committee, any vice chairman of the executive committee, the president, any vice
president (whether or not designated by numbers or words added before or after
the title "vice president"), the cashier, the secretary, the treasurer, any
trust officer, any assistant trust officer, any assistant cashier, any assistant
secretary, any assistant treasurer, or any other officer or assistant officer of
the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by the
Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and
familiarity with the particular subject.

                  "Securities Custodian" means the Trustee, as custodian with
respect to the Securities in global form, or any successor entity thereto.

                  "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the
respective meanings specified in Section 305.

                  "Senior Indebtedness" means (a) all secured indebtedness of
the Company for money borrowed under the Company's primary revolving credit
facility and any predecessor or successor credit facilities thereto, whether
outstanding on the date of execution of the Indenture (including, without
limitation, the Company's proposed $150 million credit facility currently being
negotiated, any increase in the maximum principal





                                        7
                                                                   


<PAGE>   17



amount thereof and any predecessor or successor facilities thereto) or
thereafter created, incurred or assumed, (b) all other secured indebtedness of
the Company for money borrowed, whether outstanding on the date of the execution
of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, except any
indebtedness that by the terms of the instrument or instruments by which such
indebtedness was created or incurred expressly provides that it (i) is junior in
right of payment to the Debentures or (ii) ranks pari passu in right of payment
with the Debentures, and (c) any amendments, renewals, extensions,
modifications, refinancings and refundings of the foregoing. For the purposes of
this definition, "indebtedness for money borrowed" when used with respect to the
Company means (i) any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, the
Company for the repayment of borrowed money (including, without limitation,
interest, fees, penalties or other obligations in respect thereof), whether or
not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, (ii) any
deferred payment obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, the
Company for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets evidenced by
a note or similar instrument, (iii) any obligation of, or any such obligation
guaranteed by, the Company for the payment of rent or other amounts under a
lease of property or assets which obligation is required to be classified and
accounted for as a capitalized lease on the balance sheet of the Company under
generally accepted accounting principles, (iv) any obligation of, or any such
obligation which is guaranteed by, the Company for the reimbursement of any
obligor of any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit
transaction, (v) any obligation of, or any such obligation which is guaranteed
by, the Company under interest rate swaps, caps, collars, options and similar
arrangements and (vi) any obligation of the Company under any foreign exchange
contract, currency swap agreement, futures contract, currency option contract or
other foreign currency hedge. For purposes of this definition, "secured
indebtedness" includes, without limitation, indebtedness of the Company for
money borrowed that is secured by a lien on the outstanding capital stock or
other equity interests in all or a substantial portion of the Company's
Wholly-owned Subsidiaries. For purposes of the Guarantees of the Securities
under the Guarantee Agreement, Senior Indebtedness shall have the meaning given
to such term in the Guarantee Agreement.

                  "Shelf Registration Statement" means the Registration
Statement with respect to the Debentures and the Common Stock the Issuer is
required to file pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

                  "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted
Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

                  "Stated Maturity," when used with respect to any Security or
any instalment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as
the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such instalment of
interest is due and payable.

                  "Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the
outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries or by the Company and one or more
other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means
stock which ordinarily has voting power for the





                                        8
                                                                          


<PAGE>   18



election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class
of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

                  "Termination of Trading" has the meaning specified in Section
1406.

                  "Transfer Restricted Securities" means Securities that bear or
are required to bear the legend set forth in Section 305 hereof.

                  "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as
in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided,
however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such
date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment,
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

                  "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first
paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Trustee" shall mean such successor Trustee.

                  "Vice President," when used with respect to the Company means
any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words
added before or after the title "vice president".

                  "Wholly-owned Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary all the capital
stock of which (other than director's qualifying shares) is owned directly by
the Company.

SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
             ------------------------------------

                  Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee
to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall
furnish to the Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under
the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the
form of an Officers' Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company,
or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the
requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirement set forth in
this Indenture.

                  Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

                  (1) a statement that each individual or firm signing such
         certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the
         definitions herein relating thereto;

                  (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
         examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions
         contained in such certificate or opinion are based;





                                        9
                                                                         


<PAGE>   19




                  (3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual
         or such firm, he has or they have made such examination or
         investigation as is necessary to enable him or them to express an
         informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has
         been complied with; and

                  (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
         individual or such firm, such condition or covenant has been complied
         with.

SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
             --------------------------------------

                  In any case where several matters are required to be certified
by or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that
all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any Person may certify to
give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

                  Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be
based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certification or opinion
of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the
exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or
opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may
be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate of public
officials or upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer
or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such
factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows,
or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or
opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

                  Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or
more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or
other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated
and form one instrument.

SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.
             -----------------------------

                  (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken
by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly
appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of
a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose





                                       10
                                                                            


<PAGE>   20



of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the
Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

                  (b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any
such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such
execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual
capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof
of his authority.

                  (c) The Company may, in the circumstances permitted by the
Trust Indenture Act, fix any day as the record date for the purpose of
determining the Holders entitled to give or take any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, or to vote on
any action, authorized or permitted to be given or taken by Holders. If not set
by the Company prior to the first solicitation of a Holder made by any Person in
respect of any such action, or, in the case of any such vote, prior to such
vote, the record date for any such action or vote shall be the 30th day (or, if
later, the date of the most recent list of Holders required to be provided
pursuant to Section 701) prior to such first solicitation or vote, as the case
may be. With regard to any record date, only the Holders on such date (or their
duly designated proxies) shall be entitled to give or take, or vote on, the
relevant action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not set a
record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with
respect to, any Act by the Holders pursuant to Section 501, 502 or 512.

                  (d) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the
Security Register.

                  (e) Any Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every
future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon
the registration of transfer therefor or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof
in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or
the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made
upon such Security.

                  (f) Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled
hereunder to give or take any action hereunder with regard to any particular
Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of
such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so
pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any different part of such
principal amount.

SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
             -------------------------------------

                  Any Act of Holders or other documents provided or permitted by
this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,






                                       11
                                                                               


<PAGE>   21



                  (1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be
         sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or
         filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office,
         Attention: Corporate Trust Department, or at any other address
         previously furnished in writing to the Holders and the Company by the
         Trustee; or

                  (2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be
         sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein
         expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, registered or certified
         with postage prepaid, to the Company, addressed to it at the address of
         its principal executive offices specified in the first paragraph of
         this instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing
         to the Trustee by the Company.

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at
the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after
being deposited in the mail, registered or certified with postage prepaid, if
mailed; when answered back if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied;
and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by
nationally recognized overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
             -------------------------

                  Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any
event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein
expressly provided) if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to each Holder
affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register,
not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date
(if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. Where this Indenture
provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the
Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and
such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders
shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition
precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver. All
such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the
time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being
deposited in the mail, registered or certified with postage prepaid, if mailed;
when answered back if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the
next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by nationally
recognized overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

                  In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or
by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by
mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee
shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.






                                       12
                                                                               


<PAGE>   22



SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
             ---------------------------------

                  If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a
provision of the Trust Indenture Act or another provision that would be required
or deemed under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture if this
Indenture were subject thereto, the latter provision shall control. If any
provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust
Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be
deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case
may be.

SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
             ----------------------------------------

                  The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of
Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns.
             ----------------------

                  All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company
and the Trustee shall bind each of their respective successors and assigns,
whether so expressed or not.

SECTION 110. Separability Clause.
             -------------------

                  In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture.
             ---------------------

                  Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or
implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their
successors hereunder, the Holders of Securities and, with respect to Article
Twelve, the holders of Senior Indebtedness, any benefit or any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

SECTION 112. Governing Law.
             -------------

                  This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, but without
regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.
             --------------

                  In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date
or Stated Maturity of any Security or the last date on which a Holder has the
right to convert his Securities shall not be a Business Day, then
(notwithstanding any other provision of this





                                       13
                                                                           


<PAGE>   23



Indenture or of the Securities) payment of interest or principal and premium if
any, or conversion of the Securities need not be made on such date, but may be
made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if
made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity,
or on such last day for conversion; PROVIDED, that no interest shall accrue for
the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated
Maturity, as the case may be, to the next succeeding Business Day.

SECTION 114. No Security Interest Created.
             ----------------------------

                  Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or
implied, shall be construed as having granted to the Trustee or any Holder any
security interest in any property or assets of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries under the Uniform Commercial Code or similar legislation, as now or
hereafter enacted and in effect in any jurisdiction where property of the
Company or its Subsidiaries is or may be located.

SECTION 115. Limitation on Individual Liability.
             ----------------------------------

                  No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or
agreement contained in this Indenture or in any Security, or for any claim based
thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any incorporator,
shareholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the
Company or of any successor Person, either directly or through the Company,
whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the
enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly
understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely
corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach
to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, shareholders, officers or
directors, as such, of the Company or of any successor Person, or any of them,
because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by
reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture
or in any Security or implied therefrom; and that any and all such personal
liability of every name and nature, either at common law or in equity or by
constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims against,
every such incorporator, shareholder, officer or director, as such, because of
the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the
obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any
Security or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a
condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and
the issuance of such Security.







                                       14
                                                                        


<PAGE>   24



                                   ARTICLE TWO

                                 Security Forms

SECTION 201. Forms Generally.
             ---------------

                  The Securities and the Trustee's certificate of authentication
shall be in substantially the forms set forth in this Article, with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are
required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or
other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as
may be required to comply with any organizational document, any applicable law
or with the rules of any securities exchange on which the Securities are listed
or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such
Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities.

                  The Securities issued in definitive form shall be
substantially in the form set forth in Section 202 hereof.

                  Unless issued in definitive form, Securities issued and sold
in reliance on Rule 144A shall be issued in the form of one or more global
securities (the "144A Global Security"), the face of which shall be
substantially in the form set forth in Section 202 hereof and the reverse of
which shall be substantially in the form set forth in Section 203 hereof, which
144A Global Security shall be deposited on behalf of the holders of the
Securities represented thereby with the Trustee, as custodian for the
Depositary, and registered in the name of the nominee of the Depositary, duly
executed by the Company and authenticated as provided for herein.

                  Securities offered and sold outside the United States in
reliance on Regulation S shall be issued in the form of one or more global
securities (the "Regulation S Global Security"), the face of which shall be
substantially in the form set forth in Section 202 hereof and the reverse of
which shall be substantially in the form set forth in Section 203 hereof, which
Regulation S Global Security shall be deposited on behalf of the holders of the
Securities represented thereby with the Trustee, as custodian for the
Depositary, and registered in the name of a nominee of the Depositary, duly
executed by the Company and authenticated as provided herein, for credit to the
accounts of the respective depositaries for Euroclear and Cedel (or such other
accounts as they may direct). Prior to or on the 40th day after the later of the
commencement of the offering of the Securities and the Closing Date (the
"Restricted Period"), beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Security
may only be held through Chase Manhattan Bank or Citibank, N.A., as operators of
Euroclear or Cedel, respectively, or an agent acting for and on behalf of them,
unless delivery is made though the 144A Global Security in accordance with the
certification requirements hereof. During the Restricted Period, interests in
the Regulation S Global Security may be exchanged for interests in the Rule 144A
Global Security or for Definitive Securities only in accordance with the
certification requirements described in Section 305 below.






                                       15
                                                                           


<PAGE>   25



                  Each Global Security shall represent such of the Outstanding
Securities as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall
represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities from time to time
endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities
represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as
appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global
Security to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of
Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the
Securities Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with
instructions given by the Holder thereof.

                  The Definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or
engraved or produced by any combination of these methods or may be produced in
any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the
Securities may be listed or by the Depositary, all as determined by the officers
executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security.
             ------------------------

LEGENDS FOR GLOBAL SECURITY:

                  UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR
SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A
WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE
DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE
DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH
SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK) ("DTC"), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER,
EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND
ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR
VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED
OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

                  THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED,
SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE
ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS





                                       16
                                                                           


<PAGE>   26



SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH 
LAWS.

                  THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES
NOT TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE
"RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE") WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE LATER OF THE
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY
AFFILIATED PERSON OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY
PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) UNLESS SUCH OFFER, SALE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS (A)
TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO
LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A
PERSON THE HOLDER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS
DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT
OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN
THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS
AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE
MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER
AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY'S AND NATIONAL CITY BANK'S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER,
SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF
AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO
EACH OF THEM, AND IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES PROVIDED THAT A CERTIFICATE OF
TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS SECURITY IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY
THE TRANSFEROR TO NATIONAL CITY BANK AND SUBJECT TO ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES
LAWS. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE THEN HOLDER OF THIS
SECURITY AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

LEGENDS FOR DEFINITIVE SECURITY:

                  THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED,
SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE
ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT
SUBJECT TO, REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH LAWS.





                                       17
                                                                          


<PAGE>   27




                  THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES
NOT TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE
"RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE") WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE LATER OF THE
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY
AFFILIATED PERSON OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY
PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) UNLESS SUCH OFFER, SALE OR OTHER TRANSFER IS (A)
TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO
LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A
PERSON THE HOLDER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS
DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT
OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN
THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS
AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE
MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER
AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY'S AND NATIONAL CITY BANK'S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER,
SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF
AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO
EACH OF THEM, AND IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES PROVIDED THAT A CERTIFICATE OF
TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS SECURITY IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY
THE TRANSFEROR TO NATIONAL CITY BANK AND SUBJECT TO ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES
LAWS. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE THEN HOLDER OF THIS
SECURITY AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

               5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004

No. ________                                                       $___________

                  NCS HealthCare, Inc., a corporation duly organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein called the "Company,"
which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
__________________________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of
________________ Dollars [or such greater or lesser amount as indicated on the





                                       18
                                                                       


<PAGE>   28



Schedule of Exchanges of Securities on the reverse hereof]1 on August 15, 2004,
and to pay interest thereon from the date of original issuance of Securities
pursuant to the Indenture or from and including the most recent Interest Payment
Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on
February 15 and August 15 in each year, commencing February 15, 1998 at the rate
of 5-3/4% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for
payment and promises to pay any liquidated damages which may be payable pursuant
to Section 4 of the Registration Rights Agreement on the Interest Payment Dates.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any
Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person
in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest, which shall be the February 1 or August 1 (whether or not a Business
Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such
interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be
payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of
such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee or be paid at any time in any
other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities
exchange on which the Securities may be listed and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. Notice
of a Special Record Date shall be given to Holders of Securities not less than
10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Payment of the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on this Security will be made (i) in respect of
Securities held of record by the Depositary or its nominee in same day funds on
or prior to the respective payment dates and (ii) in respect of Securities held
of record by Holders other than the Depositary or its nominee at the office or
agency of the Company maintained for that purpose pursuant to Section 1003 of
the Indenture, in each case in such coin or currency of the United States of
America as of the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that at the option of the Company payment of
interest in respect of Securities held of record by Holders other than the
Depositary or its nominee may be made by check mailed to the address of the
Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

                  Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this
Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all
purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

- --------
(1) This phrase should be included only if the Security is issued in global 
    form.





                                       19
                                                                         


<PAGE>   29



                  Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been
executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature,
this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to
be duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated: _________________                             NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.


                                                     By _______________________

Attest:


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


SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Global Securities and Definitive Security.
             ------------------------------------------------------------

                  This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities
of the Company designated as its 5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
2004 (herein called the "Securities"), limited in aggregate principal amount to
$115,000,000 (including Securities issuable pursuant to the Initial Purchasers'
over-allotment option, as provided for in the Purchase Agreement dated August 7,
1997 between the Company and the Initial Purchasers), issued and to be issued
under an Indenture, dated as of August 13, 1997 (herein called the "Indenture"),
between the Company and National City Bank, as Trustee (herein called the
"Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to
which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and
immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee, the holders of Senior
Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the
Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.

                  Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of the
Indenture, the Holder of this Security is entitled, at his option, at any time
pursuant to the Indenture and on or before the close of business on August 15,
2004 or in case this Security or a portion hereof is called for redemption, then
in respect of this Security or such portion hereof until and including, but
(unless the Company defaults in making the payment due upon redemption) not
after, the close of business on the second business day preceding the Redemption
Date, to convert this Security (or any portion of the principal amount hereof
which is $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof), at the principal amount
hereof, or of such portion, into fully paid and non-assessable shares
(calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100th of a share) of Class A
Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $32.70 principal amount for each
share of Class A Common Stock (or at





                                       20
                                                                            


<PAGE>   30



the current adjusted conversion price if an adjustment has been made as provided
in the Indenture) by surrender of this Security, duly endorsed or assigned to
the Company or in blank, to the Company at its office or agency maintained for
that purpose pursuant to Section 1003 of the Indenture, accompanied by written
notice to the Company and the Trustee in the form provided in this Security (or
such other notice as is acceptable to the Company) that the Holder hereof elects
to convert this Security, or if less than the entire principal amount hereof is
to be converted, the portion hereof to be converted, and, in case such surrender
shall be made during the period from the opening of business on any Regular
Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the close of business on
such Interest Payment Date (unless this Security or the portion thereof being
converted has been called for redemption), also accompanied by payment in New
York Clearing House funds, or other funds acceptable to the Company of an amount
equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date on the principal
amount of this Security then being converted. Subject to the aforesaid
requirement for payment and, in the case of a conversion after the Regular
Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date and on or before such
Interest Payment Date, to the right of the Holder of this Security (or any
Predecessor Security) of record at such Regular Record Date to receive an
instalment of interest (with certain exceptions provided in the Indenture), no
payment or adjustment is to be made upon conversion on account of any interest
accrued hereon or on account of any dividends on the Class A Common Stock issued
upon conversion. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractions of shares
will be issued on conversion, but instead of any fractional share the Company
shall pay a cash adjustment as provided in the Indenture. The conversion price
is subject to adjustment as provided in the Indenture. In addition, the
Indenture provides that in case of certain consolidations or mergers to which
the Company is a party or the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company, the Indenture shall be amended, without the consent
of any Holders of Securities, so that this Security, if then outstanding, will
be convertible thereafter, during the period this Security shall be convertible
as specified above, only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon the consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder
of the number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which this Security might
have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer (assuming such holder of Class A Common Stock failed to exercise any
rights of election and received per share the kind and amount received per share
by a plurality of non-electing shares).

                  The Securities are subject to redemption upon not less than 30
and not more than 60 days' notice by mail, at any time on or after August 18,
2000, as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption
Prices set forth below (expressed as percentages of the principal amount), plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of
Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on
an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date).

                  If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning August 15, in
the year indicated (August 18, in the case of 2000), the redemption price shall
be:






                                       21
                                                                           


<PAGE>   31



                                                 Redemption
                           Year                     Price
                           ----                     -----
                    
                    2000...............            103.29%
                    2001...............            102.46%
                    2002...............            101.64%
                    2003...............            100.82%


                  In certain circumstances involving the occurrence of a
Repurchase Event (as defined in the Indenture), the Holder hereof shall have the
right to require the Company to repurchase this Security at 100% of the
principal amount hereof, together with accrued interest to the Repurchase Date,
but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such
Repurchase Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or
more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant
Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.

                  In the event of redemption or conversion of this Security in
part only, a new Security or Securities for the unredeemed or unconverted
portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the
cancellation hereof.

                  The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, in all
respects, subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in
full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Security is issued subject to the
provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of this Security,
by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b)
authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be
necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided, and (c)
appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

                  If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
principal of all the Securities may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

                  The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein
provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and
obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities under
the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding, and, under certain limited circumstances, by
the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders. The Indenture
also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in
aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding, on behalf
of the Holders of all the Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with
certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all
future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or





                                       22
                                                                           


<PAGE>   32



in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon
this Security.

                  No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and
in the coin or currency, herein prescribed or to convert this Security as
provided in the Indenture.

                  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain
limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in
the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal
of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by,
or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his
attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities,
of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be
issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

                  The Securities are issuable only in fully registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
Securities are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities
of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering
the same.

                  No service charge shall be made for any such registration of
transfer or exchange except as provided in the Indenture, and the Company may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge payable in connection therewith.

                  Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner
hereof for all purposes, except as provided in this Security, whether or not
this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such
agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                  Each of the Company's Wholly-owned Subsidiaries have
unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, the Company's obligations
under the Debentures pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement. The indebtedness
represented by such guarantees is subordinate and subject in right of payment to
the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the
Guarantee Agreement) of such Subsidiaries.

                  All terms used in this Security which are defined in the
Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. The Company
will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the
Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement.





                                       23
                                                                                


<PAGE>   33





                           [FORM OF CONVERSION NOTICE]

TO NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                  The undersigned registered owner of this Security hereby
irrevocably exercises the option to convert this Security, or the portion hereof
(which is $1,000 or a multiple thereof) designated below, into shares of Class A
Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Indenture referred to in this
Security, and directs that the shares issuable and deliverable upon the
conversion, together with any check in payment for a fractional share and any
Security representing any unconverted principal amount hereof, be issued and
delivered to the registered owner hereof unless a different name has been
provided below. If this Notice is being delivered on a date after the close of
business on a Regular Record Date and prior to the close of business on the
related Interest Payment Date, this Notice is accompanied by payment in New York
Clearing House funds, or other funds acceptable to the Company, of an amount
equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date on the principal of
this Security to be converted (unless this Security has been called for
redemption). If shares or any portion of this Security not converted are to be
issued in the name of a person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will
pay all transfer taxes payable with respect thereto. Any amount required to be
paid by the undersigned on account of interest accompanies this Security.

Dated:                                     -------------------------

                                           -------------------------
                                                  Signature(s)

Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" that is a
bank, stockbroker, savings and loan association or credit union meeting the
requirements of the Trustee or agent responsible for conversion, which
requirements include the membership or participation in the Securities Transfer
Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such "signature guarantee program" as may
be determined by the Trustee in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all
in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if shares of
Class A Common Stock are to be delivered, or Securities are to be issued, other
than to and in the name of the registered owner.

- ------------------------------
      Signature Guarantee







                                       24
                                                                         


<PAGE>   34



Fill in for registration of shares of Class A Common Stock if they are to be
delivered, or Securities if they are to be issued, other than to and in the name
of the registered owner:

- ------------------------------
            (Name)

- ------------------------------
      (Street Address)

- ------------------------------
 (City, State and zip code)


(Please print name and address)

Register:    _____ Class A Common Stock
             _____ Securities

(Check appropriate line(s)).



                                      Principal amount to be converted (if less 
                                      than all):
                                              $__________,000


                                      ---------------------------
                                      Social Security or other Taxpayer
                                      Identification Number of owner






                                       25
                                                                         


<PAGE>   35





                                [ASSIGNMENT FORM]





If you the holder want to assign this Security, fill in the form below and have
your signature guaranteed:

I or we assign and transfer this Security to

________________________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee's social security or tax ID number) ___________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code) and irrevocably appoint

________________________________________________________________________________

agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company.  The agent may 
substitute  another to act for him.

________________________________________________________________________________


Date:__________________ Your signature: ________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on the
                                       face of this Security)

Signature Guarantee:
                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                     Signature must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor
                     institution" that is a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan
                     association or credit union meeting the requirements of the
                     Trustee, which requirements include the membership or
                     participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
                     Program ("STAMP") or such "signature guarantee program" as
                     may be determined by the Trustee in addition to, or in
                     substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the
                     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.





                                       26
                                                                     


<PAGE>   36





                      [OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE]





                  If you wish to have this Security purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 1401 of the Indenture, check the Box: [ ]

                  If you wish to have a portion of this Security (which is
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 1401 of the Indenture, state the amount you wish to have purchased:


                                   $__________________

Date:  ___________________         Your Signature(s):  
                                                           --------------------

                                   Tax Identification No.:
                                                           --------------------

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Security)

Signature Guarantee: 
                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                     Signature must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor
                     institution" that is a bank, stockbroker, savings and loan
                     association or credit union meeting the requirements of the
                     Trustee, which requirements include the membership or
                     participation in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
                     Program ("STAMP") or such "signature guarantee program" as
                     may be determined by the Trustee in addition to, or in
                     substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the
                     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.





                                       27
                                                                          


<PAGE>   37



           [FORM OF SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF DEFINITIVE SECURITIES(2)]

                  The following exchanges of a part of this Global Security for
Definitive Securities have been made:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 Amount of                 Amount of                 Principal               Signature of
                                decrease in               increase in             Amount of this              authorized
                                 Principal                 Principal              Global Security            signatory of
                              Amount of this            Amount of this            following such              Trustee or
        Date of                   Global                    Global                 decrease (or               Securities
       Exchange                  Security                  Security                  increase)                Custodian
       --------                  --------                  --------                  ---------                ---------

<S>    <C>                    <C>                       <C>                        <C>                        <C> 

1.


2.


3.


4.

5.
</TABLE>


SECTION 204. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
             -----------------------------------------------

                  The Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be in
substantially the following form:

                  This is one of the Securities referred to in the
within-mentioned Indenture.

                               NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                   as Trustee

                               By 
                                  ----------------------------
                                      Authorized Signatory


- --------
(2) This Schedule should be included only if the Security is issued in global
form.





                                       28
                                                                          


<PAGE>   38



                                  ARTICLE THREE

                                 The Securities

SECTION 301. Title and Terms.
             ---------------

                  The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is limited to $115,000,000
(including $15,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be sold
to the Initial Purchasers by the Company upon exercise of the over-allotment
option granted pursuant to the Purchase Agreement), except for Securities
authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange
for, or in lieu of, other Securities pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906,
1108, 1302 or 1405.

                  The Securities shall be known and designated as the "5-3/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004" of the Company. Their Stated
Maturity shall be August 15, 2004 and they shall bear interest at the rate of
5-3/4% per annum, from the date of original issuance of Securities pursuant to
this Indenture or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest
has been paid or duly provided for, as the case may be, payable semi-annually on
February 15 and August 15, commencing February 15, 1998, until the principal
thereof is paid or made available for payment.

                  The principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities shall be payable (i) in respect of Securities held of record by the
Depositary or its nominee in same day funds on or prior to the respective
payment dates and (ii) in respect of Securities held of record by Holders other
than the Depositary or its nominee at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 1003; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that,
at the option of the Company, payment of interest to Holders of record other
than the Depositary may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person
entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

                  The Securities shall be subject to the transfer restrictions
set forth in Section 305.

                  The Securities shall be redeemable as provided in Article
Eleven.

                  The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to
Senior Indebtedness as provided in Article Twelve.

                  The Securities shall be convertible as provided in Article
Thirteen.

                  The Securities shall be subject to repurchase at the option of
the Holder as provided in Article Fourteen.

                  The Securities shall be guaranteed by the Company's
Wholly-owned Subsidiaries as provided in Article Fifteen.





                                       29
                                                                        


<PAGE>   39




SECTION 302. Denominations.
             -------------

                  The Securities shall be issuable only in fully registered form
without coupons and only in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof.

SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
             ----------------------------------------------

                  The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by
its Chairman of the Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, its Chief
Financial Officer or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal or a
facsimile thereof reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its
Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities
may be manual or facsimile.

                  Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of
individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind
the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to
hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or
did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

                  At any time and from time to time after the execution and
delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities executed by the
Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities; and the Trustee in accordance
with such Company Order shall either at one time or from time to time pursuant
to such instructions as may be described therein authenticate and deliver such
Securities as in this Indenture provided and not otherwise. Such Company Order
shall specify the amount of Securities to be authenticated and the date on which
the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated, and shall certify that
all conditions precedent to the issuance of such Securities contained in this
Indenture have been complied with. The aggregate principal amount of Securities
Outstanding at any time may not exceed the amount set forth above except as
provided in Section 306.

                  Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

                  No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this
Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such
Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for
herein duly executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate
upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such
Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to
the benefits of the Indenture. The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent
pursuant to the terms of Section 614.

SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.
             ---------------------

                  Pending the preparation of Definitive Securities, the Company
may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,
temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed
or otherwise





                                       30
                                                                          


<PAGE>   40



produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the
Definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate
insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers
executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such
Securities. Every such temporary Security shall be executed by the Company and
shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee upon the same conditions and
in substantially the same manner, and with the same effect, as the Definitive
Security or Securities in lieu of which it is issued.

                  If temporary Securities are issued, the Company will cause
Definitive Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the
preparation of Definitive Securities, the temporary Securities shall be
exchangeable for Definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary
Securities at any office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section
1003, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one
or more temporary Securities the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more Definitive Securities
of a like principal amount of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the
temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Indenture as Definitive Securities.

SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
             ---------------------------------------------------

                  (a) The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in
any other office or agency designated pursuant to Section 1003 being herein
sometimes collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject
to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide
for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee
is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering
Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided. At all reasonable
times the Security Register shall be open for inspection by the Company.

                  The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company
("DTC") to act as depositary (the "Depositary") with respect to the Global
Security(ies).

                  The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as
Securities Custodian with respect to the Global Security(ies).

                  (b) With respect to the transfer and exchange of Definitive
Securities, when Definitive Securities are presented to the Security Registrar
with the request (x) to register the transfer of the Definitive Securities or
(y) to exchange such Definitive Securities for an equal principal amount of
Definitive Securities of other authorized denominations, the Security Registrar
shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its
requirements for such transactions are met; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Definitive Securities presented or surrendered for register of transfer or
exchange:

                                  (i) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a
                  written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the
                  Security Registrar duly





                                       31
                                                                 


<PAGE>   41



                  executed by the Holder thereof or by its attorney, duly
                  authorized in writing; and

                                 (ii) shall, in the case of Transfer Restricted
                  Securities that are Definitive Securities, be accompanied by
                  the following additional information and documents, as
                  applicable:

                                    (A) if such Transfer Restricted Security is
                            being delivered to the Security Registrar by a
                            Holder for registration in the name of such Holder,
                            without transfer, a certification from such Holder
                            to that effect (in substantially the form of Exhibit
                            A hereto); or

                                    (B) if such Transfer Restricted Security is
                            being transferred to a "qualified institutional
                            buyer" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities
                            Act) in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities
                            Act or pursuant to an exemption from registration in
                            accordance with Rule 144 or Regulation S under the
                            Securities Act or pursuant to an effective
                            registration statement under the Securities Act, a
                            certification to that effect (in substantially the
                            form of Exhibit A hereto) and, in the case of a
                            transfer in accordance with Rule 144A, Rule 144 or
                            Regulation S under the Securities Act, an Opinion of
                            Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company and to
                            the Security Registrar to the effect that such
                            transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act;
                            or

                                    (C) if such Transfer Restricted Security is
                            being transferred in reliance on another exemption
                            from the registration requirements of the Securities
                            Act, a certification to that effect (in
                            substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto) and an
                            Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the
                            Company and to the Security Registrar to the effect
                            that such transfer is in compliance with the
                            Securities Act.

                  (c) The following restrictions apply to any transfer of a
Definitive Security for a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Security. A
Definitive Security may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a 144A
Global Security except until and upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth
below. Upon receipt by the Trustee of a Definitive Security, duly endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the
Trustee, together with:

                                  (i) if such Definitive Security is a Transfer
                  Restricted Security, certification, substantially in the form
                  of Exhibit A hereto, that such Definitive Security is being
                  transferred to a "qualified institutional buyer" (as defined
                  in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in accordance with Rule
                  144A and an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the





                                       32
                                                                       


<PAGE>   42



                  Company and to the Security Registrar to the effect that such
                  transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act; and

                                 (ii) whether or not such Definitive Security is
                  a Transfer Restricted Security, written instructions directing
                  the Trustee to make, or to direct the Securities Custodian to
                  make, an endorsement on the 144A Global Security to reflect an
                  increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Securities
                  represented by the 144A Global Security,

then the Trustee shall cancel such Definitive Security and cause, or direct the
Securities Custodian to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and
procedures existing between the Depositary and the Securities Custodian, the
aggregate principal amount of Securities represented by the 144A Global Security
to be increased accordingly. If no 144A Global Securities are then outstanding,
the Company shall execute and, upon receipt of an authentication order in the
form of a Company Order in accordance with Section 303, the Trustee shall
authenticate a new 144A Global Security in the appropriate principal amount.

                  (d) The following restrictions apply to any transfer of a
Definitive Security for a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Security.
A Definitive Security may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a
Regulation S Global Security except until and upon satisfaction of the
requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Trustee of a Definitive
Security, duly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer,
in form satisfactory to the Trustee, together with:

                                  (i) if such Definitive Security is a Transfer
                  Restricted Security, certification, substantially in the form
                  of Exhibit A hereto, that such Definitive Security is being
                  transferred in accordance with Regulation S and an Opinion of
                  Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Company and to the
                  Security Registrar to the effect that such transfer is in
                  compliance with the Securities Act; and

                                 (ii) whether or not such Definitive Security is
                  a Transfer Restricted Security, written instructions directing
                  the Trustee to make, or to direct the Securities Custodian to
                  make, an endorsement on the Regulation S Global Security to
                  reflect an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the
                  Securities represented by the Regulation S Global Security,

then the Trustee shall cancel such Definitive Security and cause, or direct the
Securities Custodian to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and
procedures existing between the Depositary and the Securities Custodian, the
aggregate principal amount of Securities represented by the Regulation S Global
Security to be increased accordingly. If no Regulation S Global Securities are
then outstanding, the Company shall execute and, upon receipt of an
authentication order in the form of a Company Order in





                                       33
                                                                          


<PAGE>   43



accordance with Section 303, the Trustee shall authenticate a new Regulation S
Global Security in the appropriate principal amount.

                  (e) The transfer and exchange of Global Securities or
beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depositary, in
accordance with this Indenture (including the restrictions on transfer set forth
herein) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.

                  (f) With respect to the transfer of a beneficial interest in a
144A Global Security or a Regulation S Global Security for a Definitive
Security:

                                  (i) Any person having a beneficial interest in
                  a 144A Global Security or a Regulation S Global Security may
                  upon request exchange such beneficial interest for a
                  Definitive Security. Upon receipt by the Trustee of written
                  instructions or such other form of instructions as is
                  customary for the Depositary or its nominee on behalf of any
                  person having a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Security
                  or a Regulation S Global Security constituting a Transfer
                  Restricted Security only, and receipt by the Trustee of the
                  following additional information and documents (all of which
                  may be submitted by facsimile):

                                    (A) if such beneficial interest is being
                            transferred to the person designated by the
                            Depositary as being the beneficial owner, a
                            certification from such person to that effect (in
                            substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto); or

                                    (B) if such beneficial interest is being
                            transferred to a "qualified institutional buyer" (as
                            defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in
                            accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act
                            or pursuant to an exemption from registration in
                            accordance with Rule 144 or Regulation S under the
                            Securities Act or pursuant to an effective
                            registration statement under the Securities Act, a
                            certification to that effect from the transferor (in
                            substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto) and, in
                            the case of a transfer in accordance with Rule 144A,
                            Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act,
                            an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the
                            Company and to the Security Registrar to the effect
                            that such transfer is in compliance with the
                            Securities Act; or

                                    (C) if such beneficial interest is being
                            transferred in reliance on another exemption from
                            the registration requirements of the Securities Act,
                            a certification to that effect from the transferee
                            or transferor (in substantially the form of Exhibit
                            A hereto) and an Opinion of Counsel from the
                            transferee or transferor reasonably acceptable to
                            the Company and to the





                                       34
                                                                         


<PAGE>   44



                           Security Registrar to the effect that such transfer
                           is in compliance with the Securities Act,

then the Trustee or the Securities Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee,
will cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing
between the Depositary and the Securities Custodian, the aggregate principal
amount of the Global Security to be reduced and, following such reduction, the
Company will execute and, upon receipt of an authentication order in the form of
a Company Order in accordance with Section 303, the Trustee will authenticate
and deliver to the transferee a Definitive Security.

                                 (ii) Definitive Securities issued in exchange
                  for a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Security or a
                  Regulation S Global Security pursuant to this Section 305
                  shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
                  denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from
                  its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall
                  instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such
                  Definitive Securities to the persons in whose names such
                  Securities are so registered.

                  (g) With respect to the transfer of a beneficial interest in a
Regulation S Global Security for a beneficial interest in a 144A Global
Security, any person having a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global
Security may upon request exchange such beneficial interest for an interest in a
144A Global Security. Upon receipt by the Trustee of written instructions or
such other form of instructions as is customary for the Depositary or its
nominee on behalf of any person having a beneficial interest in a Regulation S
Global Security constituting a Transfer Restricted Security only, and receipt by
the Trustee of the following additional information and documents (all of which
may be submitted by facsimile):

                            (i) instructions given in accordance with the
                  procedures of Euroclear or Cedel, the Depositary and the
                  Securities Custodian, as the case may be, from or on behalf of
                  a beneficial owner of an interest in the Regulations S Global
                  Security directing the Trustee, as transfer agent, to credit
                  or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in the 144A
                  Global Security in an amount equal to the beneficial interest
                  in the Regulation S Global Security to be exchanged or
                  transferred,

                            (ii) a written order given in accordance with the
                  procedures of Euroclear or Cedel, the Depositary and the
                  Securities Custodian, as the case may be, containing
                  information regarding the account with the Depositary to be
                  credited with such increase and the name of such account, and

                            (iii) a certification from the transferor (in
                  substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto) to the effect that
                  such beneficial interest is being transferred to a "qualified
                  institutional buyer" (as defined in Rule 144A





                                       35
                                                                          


<PAGE>   45



                  under the Securities Act) in accordance with Rule 144A under
                  the Securities Act and an Opinion of Counsel reasonably
                  acceptable to the Company and to the Security Registrar to the
                  effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities
                  Act,

then the Trustee, as transfer agent, shall promptly deliver appropriate
instructions to the Depositary, its nominee, or the custodian for the
Depositary, as the case may be, to reduce or reflect on its records a reduction
of the Regulation S Global Security by the aggregate principal amount of the
beneficial interest in such Regulation S Global Security to be exchanged or
transferred, and the Trustee, as transfer agent, shall promptly deliver
appropriate instructions to the Depositary, its nominee, or the custodian for
the Depositary, as the case may be, concurrently with such reduction, increase
or reflect on its records an increase of the principal amount of the 144A Global
Security by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial interest in the
Regulation S Global Security to be so exchanged or transferred, and to credit or
cause to be credited to the account of the person specified in such instructions
a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Security equal to the reduction in the
principal amount of the Regulation S Global Security.

                  (h) With respect to the transfer of a beneficial interest in a
144A Global Security for a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global
Security, any person having a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Security may
upon request exchange such beneficial interest for an interest in a Regulation S
Global Security. Upon receipt by the Trustee of written instructions or such
other form of instructions as is customary for the Depositary or its nominee on
behalf of any person having a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Security
constituting a Transfer Restricted Security only, and receipt by the Trustee of
the following additional information and documents (all of which may be
submitted by facsimile):

                            (i) instructions given in accordance with the
                  procedures of the Depositary and the Securities Custodian, as
                  the case may be, from or on behalf of a holder of a beneficial
                  interest in the 144A Global Security, directing the Trustee,
                  as transfer agent, to credit or cause to be credited a
                  beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security in an
                  amount equal to the beneficial interest in the 144A Global
                  Security to be exchanged or transferred,

                            (ii) a written order given in accordance with the
                  procedures of the Depositary and the Securities Custodian, as
                  the case may be, containing information regarding the
                  Euroclear or Cedel account to be credited with such increase
                  and the name of such account, and

                            (iii) a certification from the transferor (in
                  substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto) to the effect that
                  such beneficial interest is being transferred in accordance
                  with Regulation S and an Opinion of Counsel reasonably
                  acceptable to the Company and to the Security Registrar to the
                  effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities
                  Act,





                                       36
                                                                           


<PAGE>   46




then the Trustee, as transfer agent, shall promptly deliver appropriate
instructions to the Depositary, its nominee, or the custodian for the
Depositary, as the case may be, to reduce or reflect on its records a reduction
of the 144A Global Security by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial
interest in such 144A Global Security to be so exchanged or transferred from the
relevant participant, and the Trustee, as transfer agent, shall promptly deliver
appropriate instructions to the Depositary, its nominee, or the custodian for
the Depositary, as the case may be, concurrently with such reduction, to
increase or reflect on its records an increase of the principal amount of such
Regulation S Global Security by the aggregate principal amount of the beneficial
interest in such 144A Global Security to be so exchanged or transferred, and to
credit or cause to be credited to the account of the person specified in such
instructions (who shall be Euroclear or Cedel or an agent acting for and on
behalf of them) a beneficial interest in such Regulation S Global Security equal
to the reduction in the principal amount of such 144A Global Security.

                  (i) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture
(other than the provisions set forth in subsection (j) of this Section 305), a
Global Security may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a
nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or
another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a
successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

                  (j) The following relates to the authentication of Definitive
Securities in absence of the Depositary. If at any time: (i) the Depositary for
the Securities notifies the Company that the Depositary is unwilling or unable
to continue as Depositary for the Global Securities and a successor Depositary
for the Global Securities is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after
delivery of such notice; or (ii) the Company, at its sole discretion, notifies
the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Definitive
Securities under this Indenture, then the Company will execute, and the Trustee,
upon receipt of a Company Order in accordance with Section 303 requesting the
authentication and delivery of Definitive Securities, will authenticate and
deliver Definitive Securities, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Global Securities, in exchange for such Global
Securities.

                  (k) (i) Except as permitted by the following paragraph (ii),
each Security certificate evidencing the Global Securities and the Definitive
Securities (and all Securities issued in exchange therefor or substitution
thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

         THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
         AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
         NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE
         REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR
         OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH





                                       37
                                                                     


<PAGE>   47



         REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT
         TO, REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH LAWS.

         THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES NOT TO
         OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE
         "RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE") WHICH IS TWO YEARS AFTER THE
         LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE
         COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATED PERSON OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS
         SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) UNLESS SUCH OFFER, SALE
         OR OTHER TRANSFER IS (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, (B)
         PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE
         UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE
         ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A, TO A PERSON THE HOLDER
         REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS DEFINED IN
         RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT
         OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS
         GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D)
         PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE
         UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES
         ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE
         REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT SUBJECT TO THE
         COMPANY'S AND NATIONAL CITY BANK'S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE
         OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY
         OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION
         SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES
         PROVIDED THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS
         SECURITY IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO NATIONAL CITY
         BANK AND SUBJECT TO ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS LEGEND WILL BE
         REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE THEN HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY AFTER THE
         RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

                                 (ii) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer
                  Restricted Security (including any Transfer Restricted
                  Security represented by a Global Security) pursuant to Rule
                  144 under the Securities Act or an effective registration
                  statement under the Securities Act (including the Shelf
                  Registration Statement):

                                    (A) in the case of any Transfer Restricted
                            Security that is a Definitive Security, the Security
                            Registrar shall permit the





                                       38
                                                                       


<PAGE>   48



                            Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted
                            Security for a Definitive Security that does not
                            bear the legend set forth above and rescind any
                            restriction on the transfer of such Transfer
                            Restricted Security; provided, however, that with
                            respect to a transfer made in reliance upon Rule 144
                            or an effective registration statement, the Holders
                            thereof shall certify in writing to the Security
                            Registrar that such request is being made pursuant
                            to Rule 144 or an effective registration statement
                            (such Certification to be substantially in the form
                            of Exhibit A hereto) and, in the case of a transfer
                            made in reliance upon Rule 144, shall be accompanied
                            by an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to
                            the Company and to the Security Registrar to the
                            effect that such transfer is in compliance with the
                            Securities Act; and

                                    (B) any such Transfer Restricted Security
                            represented by a Global Security shall not be
                            subject to the provisions set forth in (i) above
                            (such sales or transfers being subject only to the
                            provisions of Section 305(e) hereof); PROVIDED,
                            HOWEVER, that with respect to any request for an
                            exchange of a Transfer Restricted Security that is
                            represented by a Global Security for a Definitive
                            Security that does not bear a legend, which request
                            is made in reliance upon Rule 144 or an effective
                            registration statement, the Holder thereof shall
                            certify in writing to the Security Registrar that
                            such request is being made pursuant to Rule 144 or
                            an effective registration statement (such
                            certification to be substantially in the form of
                            Exhibit A hereto) and, in the case of a transfer
                            made in reliance upon Rule 144, shall be accompanied
                            by an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to
                            the Company and to the Security Registrar to the
                            effect that such transfer is in compliance with the
                            Securities Act.

                  (l) At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global
Security have either been exchanged for Definitive Securities, redeemed,
repurchased or cancelled, such Global Security shall be returned to or retained
and cancelled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any
beneficial interest in a Global Security is exchanged for Definitive Securities,
redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, the principal amount of Securities
represented by such Global Security shall be reduced and an endorsement shall be
made on such Global Security, by the Trustee or the Securities Custodian, at the
direction of the Trustee, to reflect such reduction.

                  (m) All Definitive Securities and Global Securities issued
upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Definitive Securities or Global
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Definitive
Securities or Global Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer
or exchange.





                                       39
                                                                        


<PAGE>   49




                  To permit registrations of transfer and exchanges, the Company
shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Securities and
Global Securities at the Security Registrar's request.

                  No service charge to a Holder shall be made for any
registration of transfer or exchange of Securities except as provided in Section
306. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges
pursuant to Section 304, 906, 1108 or 1302 not involving any transfer.

                  The Company or the Security Registrar shall not be required
(i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security during a period
beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a
notice of redemption of Securities selected for redemption under Section 1104
and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, (ii) to register
the transfer of or exchange any Definitive Security or beneficial interest in
any Global Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the
unredeemed portion of any Definitive Security being redeemed in part or (iii) to
register the transfer or exchange of any Definitive Security or beneficial
interest in any Global Security surrendered for conversion pursuant to Article
Thirteen or repurchase pursuant to Article Fourteen.

SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
             ------------------------------------------------

                  If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange
therefor a new Security of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number
not contemporaneously outstanding.

                  If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i)
evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security
and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of
them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to
the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide
purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security
of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously
outstanding. The Trustee may charge the Company for the Trustee's expenses in
replacing such Security.

                  In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security
has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion
may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

                  Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental





                                       40
                                                                        


<PAGE>   50



charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including
the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

                  Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of
any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional
contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or
stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be
entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with
any and all other Securities duly issued hereunder.

                  The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to
the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
             ----------------------------------------------

                  Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually
paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the
Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest. Payment of interest will be made (i) in respect of Securities held by
the Depositary or its nominee, in same day funds on or prior to the respective
Interest Payment Dates and (ii) in respect of Securities held of record by
Holders other than the Depositary or its nominee, at the Corporate Trust Office
of the Trustee or at such other office or agency of the Company as it shall
maintain for that purpose pursuant to Section 1003; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, at
the option of the Company, interest on any Security held of record by Holders
other than the Depositary or its nominee may be paid by mailing checks to the
addresses of the Holders thereof as such addresses appear in the Securities
Register.

                  Any interest on any Security which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein
called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder
on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and
such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each
case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

                  (1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted
         Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their
         respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of
         business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted
         Interest which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company
         shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest
         proposed to be paid on each Security and the date of the proposed
         payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the
         Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be
         paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements
         satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the
         proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the
         benefit of the Persons entitled





                                       41
                                                                          


<PAGE>   51



         to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the
         Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such
         Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less
         than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less
         than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the
         proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such
         Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company,
         shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest
         and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage
         prepaid, to each Holder at his address as it appears in the Security
         Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date.
         Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the
         Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted
         Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or
         their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of
         business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable
         pursuant to the following Clause (2).

                  (2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in
         any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
         securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon
         such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given
         by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this
         Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the
         Trustee.

                  Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each
Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in
exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest
accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

                  In the case of any Security which is converted after any
Regular Record Date and on or prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment Date
(other than any Security whose Maturity is prior to such Interest Payment Date),
interest whose Stated Maturity is on such Interest Payment Date shall be payable
on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding such conversion, and such interest
(whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall be paid to the
Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that Securities so surrendered for conversion shall (except in the case
of Securities or portions thereof called for redemption) be accompanied by
payment in New York Clearing House funds or other funds acceptable to the
Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date
on the principal amount being surrendered for conversion. Except as otherwise
expressly provided in the immediately preceding sentence, in the case of any
Security which is converted, interest whose Stated Maturity is after the date of
conversion of such Security shall not be payable.






                                       42
                                                                          


<PAGE>   52



SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.
             ---------------------

                  Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of
such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and premium,
if any, and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security and for all other
purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

SECTION 309. Cancellation.
             ------------

                  All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption,
registration of transfer, exchange or conversion shall, if surrendered to any
Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly
canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder
which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities
so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be
authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided
in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled
Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of as directed by a Company
Order.

SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
             -----------------------

                  Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.


                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                           Satisfaction and Discharge

SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
             ---------------------------------------

                  This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of
further effect (except as expressly provided for in this Article Four), and the
Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments
acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

                  (1)       either

                            (A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and
                  delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been
                  destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid
                  as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities for whose
                  payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or





                                       43
                                                                        


<PAGE>   53



                  segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter
                  repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as
                  provided in Section 1004) have been delivered to the Trustee
                  for cancellation; or

                            (B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to
                  the Trustee for cancellation

                                 (i) have become due and payable, or

                                 (ii) will become due and payable at their
                  Stated Maturity within one year, or

                                 (iii) are to be called for redemption within
                  one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for
                  the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name,
                  and at the expense, of the Company, or

                                 (iv) are delivered to the Trustee for
                  Conversion in accordance with Article Thirteen,

                  and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv)
                  above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited
                  with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an
                  amount in cash sufficient (without consideration of any
                  investment of such cash) to pay and discharge the entire
                  indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to
                  the Trustee for cancellation for principal and premium, if
                  any, and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of
                  Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated
                  Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be; PROVIDED that
                  the Trustee shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply
                  such amount to said payments with respect to the Securities;

                  (2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums
         payable hereunder by the Company; and

                  (3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
         Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
         precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and
         discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

                  Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture, the following rights or obligations under the Securities and this
Indenture shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a)
Article Thirteen, Article Fourteen and the Company's obligations under Sections
304, 305, 306, 1002, 1003 and 1004, in each case with respect to any Securities
described in subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, (b) this Article Four,
(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder,
including the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under





                                       44
                                                                       


<PAGE>   54



Section 607, and the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent
under Section 614 and (d) if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section, the rights of Holders
of any Securities described in subclause (B) of Clause (1) of this Section to
receive, solely from the trust fund described in such subclause (B), payments in
respect of the principal of, and premium (if any) and interest on, such
Securities when such payment are due.

SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.
             --------------------------

                  Subject to the provisions of Section 506 and the last
paragraph of Section 1004, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to
Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the
provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly
or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying
Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the
principal and premium, if any, and interest for whose payment such money has
been deposited with the Trustee. All moneys deposited with the Trustee pursuant
to Section 401 (and held by it or any Paying Agent) for the payment of
Securities subsequently converted shall be returned to the Company upon Company
Request.

SECTION 403. Reinstatement.
             -------------

                  If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any
money in accordance with this Article Four by reason of any order or judgment of
any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise
prohibiting such application, then the Company's obligations under this
Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no
deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article Four until such time as the
Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust with
respect to the Securities; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Company makes any
payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any Security following the
reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights
of the Holders of the Securities to receive such payment from the money so held
in trust.


                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                                    Remedies

SECTION 501. Events of Default.
             -----------------

                  "Event of Default," wherever used herein, means any one of the
following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it
shall be occasioned by the provisions of Article Twelve or be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment,
decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body);






                                       45
                                                                           


<PAGE>   55



                  (1) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if
         any, on any Security at its Maturity, whether or not such payment is
         prohibited by the provisions of Article Twelve; or

                  (2) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security
         when it becomes due and payable, whether or not such payment is
         prohibited by the provisions of Article Twelve, and continuance of such
         default for a period of 30 days; or

                  (3) default in the payment of the Redemption Price in respect
         of any Security on the Redemption Date therefor in accordance with the
         provisions of Article Eleven, whether or not such payment is prohibited
         by the provisions of Article Twelve; or

                  (4) failure to provide timely notice of a Repurchase Event as
         required in accordance with the provisions of Article Fourteen; or

                  (5) default in the payment of the Repurchase Price in respect
         of any Security on the Repurchase Date therefor in accordance with the
         provisions of Article Fourteen, whether or not such payment is
         prohibited by the provisions of Article Twelve; or

                  (6) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
         warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or
         warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in
         this Section specifically dealt with), and continuance of such default
         or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by
         registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the
         Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal
         amount of the Outstanding Securities a written notice specifying such
         default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such
         notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

                  (7) default under one or more bonds, debentures, notes or
         other evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or
         any Subsidiary or under one or more mortgages, indentures or
         instruments under which there may be issued or by which there may be
         secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company
         or any Subsidiary, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall
         hereafter be created, which default individually or in the aggregate
         shall constitute a failure to pay the principal of indebtedness in
         excess of $10,000,000 when due and payable after the expiration of any
         applicable grace period with respect thereto or shall have resulted in
         indebtedness in excess of $10,000,000 becoming or being declared due
         and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become
         due and payable, without such indebtedness having been discharged, or
         such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, within a period of
         30 days after there shall have been given, by registered or certified
         mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company





                                       46
                                                                         


<PAGE>   56



         and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
         the Outstanding Securities a written notice specifying such default and
         requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness to be discharged or
         cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled and stating that
         such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

                  (8) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises
         of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or any
         Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable
         Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other
         similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company or any
         Subsidiary a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a
         petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition
         of or in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary under any applicable
         Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator,
         assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the
         Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property,
         or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the
         continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other
         decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive
         days; or

                  (9) the commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary of a
         voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any
         other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or
         the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in
         respect of the Company or any Subsidiary in an involuntary case or
         proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy,
         insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement
         of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the
         filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization
         or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by
         it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking
         possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
         sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary
         or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of a
         general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it
         in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become
         due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company or any Subsidiary
         in furtherance of any such action.

                  Upon receipt by the Trustee of any Notice of Default pursuant
to this Section 501, a record date shall automatically and without any other
action by any Person be set for the purpose of determining the Holders of
Outstanding Securities entitled to join in such Notice of Default, which record
date shall be the close of business on the Business Day the Trustee receives
such Notice of Default. The Holders of Outstanding Securities on such record
date (or their duly appointed agents), and only such Persons, shall be entitled
to join in such Notice of Default, whether or not such Holders remain Holders
after such record date; PROVIDED, that unless such Notice of Default shall have
become effective by virtue of the Holders of the requisite principal amount of





                                       47
                                                                      
<PAGE>   57
Outstanding Securities on such record date (or their duly appointed agents)
having joined therein on or prior to the 90th day after such record date, such
Notice of Default shall automatically and without any action by any Person be
canceled and of no further force or effect.

SECTION 502.   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
               ---------------------------------------------------

          If an Event of Default (other than as specified in subparagraph (8) or
(9) of Section 501) occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities may declare the principal of all the Securities to be due
and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the
Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal plus
any interest accrued on the securities to the date of declaration shall become
immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in subparagraph
(8) or (9) of Section 501 occurs and is continuing, then the principal of,
premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the
Securities shall IPSO FACTO become and be immediately due and payable without
any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of
Securities.

          At any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been made and
before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by
the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by written notice to the
Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its
consequences if

          (1)  the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
     sufficient to pay

               (A) all overdue interest on all Securities,

               (B) the principal of and premium, if any, on any Securities which
          have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and
          interest thereon at the rate borne by the Securities,

               (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful,
          interest upon overdue interest at the rate borne by the Securities,
          and

               (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee and each predecessor
          Trustee, their respective agents and counsel hereunder and the
          reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
          Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, their respective agents and
          counsel;

               and

          (2) all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal
     of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities that has become due
     solely by



                                       48
<PAGE>   58

     such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in
     Section 513.

No such rescission and waiver shall affect any subsequent default or impair any
right consequent thereon.

          Upon receipt by the Trustee of any declaration of acceleration, or any
rescission and annulment of any such declaration, pursuant to this Section 502,
a record date shall automatically and without any other action by any Person be
set for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities
entitled to join in such declaration, or rescission and annulment, as the case
may be, which record date shall be the close of business on the Business Day the
Trustee receives such declaration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may
be. The Holders of Outstanding Securities on such record date (or their duly
appointed agents), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to join in such
declaration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, whether or not
such Holders remain Holders after such record date; PROVIDED, that unless such
declaration, or rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall have become
effective by virtue of Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding
Securities on such record date (or their duly appointed agents) having joined
therein on or prior to the 90th day after such record date, such declaration, or
rescission and annulment, as the case may be, shall automatically and without
any action by any Person be canceled and of no further force or effect.

SECTION 503.   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
               ---------------------------------------------------------------

          The Company covenants that if

          (1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security
     when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a
     period of 30 days, or

          (2) default is made in the payment of the principal of or premium, if
     any, on any Security at the Maturity thereof,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such
Securities for principal and premium, if any, and interest, and, to the extent
that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any
overdue principal and premium, if any, and on any overdue interest, at the rate
borne by the Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall
be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and
each predecessor Trustee, their respective agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 607.

          If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand,
the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
judicial


                                       49
<PAGE>   59

proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid and may prosecute
any such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same
against the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities) and collect the
moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of
the property of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), wherever
situated.

          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may, in
its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the
Holders by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most
effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific
enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the
exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

SECTION 504.   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
               --------------------------------

          In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any
other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee
shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or
otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act
in order to have the claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such
proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and
receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims
and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee,
liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial
proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the
Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such
payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it and
each predecessor Trustee for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and their
respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under
Section 607.

          No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the
Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder
any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the
Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to
vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election
of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and may be a member of the
Creditors' Committee.

SECTION 505.   Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
               -----------------------------------------------------------

          All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities
may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of
the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and
any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name
as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee and each predecessor


                                       50
<PAGE>   60

Trustee and their respective agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of
the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been
recovered.

SECTION 506.   Application of Money Collected.
               ------------------------------

          Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be
applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and,
in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or premium, if
any, or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon
of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

          FIRST: Subject to Article Twelve, to the holders of Senior
     Indebtedness;

          SECOND: To payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607;

          THIRD: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal
     of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities in respect of which
     or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without
     preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and
     payable on such Securities for principal and premium, if any, and interest,
     respectively; and

          FOURTH: The balance, if any, to the Company for the benefit of the
     Company or any other Person or Persons determined to be entitled thereto.

SECTION 507.   Limitation on Suits.
               -------------------

          No Holder of any Security shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

          (1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of
     a continuing Event of Default;

          (2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
     Outstanding Securities shall have made written request to the Trustee to
     institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name
     as Trustee hereunder;

          (3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable
     indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to
     be incurred in compliance with such request;

          (4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request
     and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and


                                       51
<PAGE>   61

          (5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given
     to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in
     principal amount of the Outstanding Securities;

it being understood and intended that no one or more holders shall have any
right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of
this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders,
or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Holders
or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein
provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all the Holders.

SECTION 508.   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium
               and Interest and to Convert.
               ------------------------------------------------------------

          Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of
any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to
receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Section
307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in
such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date or, in the
case of a repurchase pursuant to Article Fourteen, on the Repurchase Date) and
to convert such Security in accordance with Article Thirteen and to institute
suit for the enforcement of any such payment and right to convert, and such
rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

SECTION 509.   Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
               ----------------------------------

          If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce
any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been
discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to
the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any
determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall
be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and
thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue
as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

SECTION 510.   Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
               ------------------------------

          Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or
payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in Section 306, no
right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the
Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every
right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in
addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.


                                       52
<PAGE>   62

SECTION 511.   Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
               ----------------------------

          No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security
to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair
any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or
an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law
to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as
often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case
may be.

SECTION 512.   Control by Holders.
               ------------------

          The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee; PROVIDED, that

          (1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or
     with this Indenture; and

          (2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee
     which is not inconsistent with such direction; and

          (3) subject to the provisions of Section 601, the Trustee shall have
     the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good
     faith shall determine that the action so directed would involve the Trustee
     in personal liability or would be unduly prejudicial to Holders not joining
     in such direction.

          Upon receipt by the Trustee of any such direction, a record date shall
automatically and without any other action by any Person be set for the purpose
of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities entitled to join in such
direction, which record date shall be the close of business on the day the
Trustee receives such direction. The Holders of Outstanding Securities on such
record date (or their duly appointed agents), and only such Persons, shall be
entitled to join in such direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders
after such record date; PROVIDED, that unless such direction shall have become
effective by virtue of Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding
Securities on such record date (or their duly appointed agents) having joined
therein on or prior to the 90th day after such record date, such direction shall
automatically and without any action by any Person be canceled and of no further
force or effect.

SECTION 513.   Waiver of Past Defaults.
               -----------------------

          The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities waive
any past default hereunder and its consequences, except a default


                                       53
<PAGE>   63

          (1) in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest
     on any Security, or

          (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article
     Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of
     each Outstanding Security affected.

          Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event
of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every
purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 514.  Undertaking for Costs.
              ---------------------

          In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this
Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or
omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to
file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs against
any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust
Indenture Act; PROVIDED, that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act
shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make
such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company, in any suit instituted
by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 508, or a suit by a
Holder or Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the outstanding
Securities.

                                   ARTICLE SIX

                                   The Trustee

SECTION 601.   Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
               ----------------------------------

          The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by
this Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for securities issued pursuant to
indentures qualified thereunder. Except as otherwise provided herein,
notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial
liability or risk in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the
exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for
believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity satisfactory to it
against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not
therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the
conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee
shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. The Trustee shall not be
liable (x) for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer
or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts or (y) with respect to
any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good


                                       54
<PAGE>   64

faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding
relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding or any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon
the Trustee, under this Indenture. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of
Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have
occurred: (i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall be determined
solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and in the Trust Indenture
Act, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such
duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and in
the Trust Indenture Act, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read
in to this Indenture against the Trustee; and (ii) in the absence of bad faith
on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth
of the statements and the correctness of the opinions therein, upon any
statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to
the requirements of this Indenture and believed by the Trustee to be genuine and
to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties; but in the case
of any such statements, certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof
are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be
under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform on
their face to the requirements of this Indenture. If a default or an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights
and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and
skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would exercise or use under
the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

SECTION 602.   Notice of Defaults.
               ------------------

          The Trustee shall give the Holders notice of any default hereunder
known to it as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section
501(6), no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after
the occurrence thereof; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that, except in the case of a
default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any
Securities, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its
Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in
the interests of the Holders of Securities. For the purpose of this Section, the
term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or
both would become, an Event of Default.

SECTION 603.   Certain Rights of Trustee.
               -------------------------

          Subject to the provisions of Section 601:

          (a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
     refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
     instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order,
     bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
     document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented
     by the proper party or parties;


                                       55
<PAGE>   65

          (b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be
     sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any
     resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a
     Board Resolution;

          (c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall
     deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking,
     suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other
     evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad
     faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;

          (d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of
     such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete
     authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or
     omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

          (e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
     rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction
     of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall
     have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory
     to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred
     by it in compliance with such request or direction;

          (f) before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting with respect to
     any matter contemplated by this Indenture, it may require an Officers'
     Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, which shall conform to the provisions
     of Section 102, and the Trustee shall be protected and shall not be liable
     for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith and without gross
     negligence in reliance on such certificate or opinion;

          (g) the Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in
     respect of the performance of its power and duties hereunder;

          (h) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
     facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
     instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order,
     bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
     document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry
     or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the
     Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it
     shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the
     Company, personally or by agent or attorney; and

          (i) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
     perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
     attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
     negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by
     it hereunder.



                                       56
<PAGE>   66

SECTION 604.   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
               ------------------------------------------------------

          The statements and recitals contained herein and in the Securities and
in any other document in connection with the sale of the Securities, except the
Trustee's certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the
Company, and the Trustee and any Authenticating Agent assume no responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. The Trustee and any
Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the
Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

SECTION 605.   May Hold Securities.
               -------------------

          The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security
Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections
608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company
with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent,
Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

SECTION 606.   Money Held in Trust.
               -------------------

          Money held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust hereunder need
not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The
Trustee or any Paying Agent shall be under no liability for interest on any
money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.

SECTION 607.   Compensation and Reimbursement.
               ------------------------------

          The Company agrees:

          (1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation
     for all services rendered by it hereunder (including its services as
     Security Registrar or Paying Agent, if so appointed by the Company) as may
     be mutually agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Trustee (which
     compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the
     compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

          (2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the
     Trustee and each predecessor Trustee promptly upon its request for all
     reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by or on
     behalf of it in connection with the performance of its duties under any
     provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the
     expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel and all other persons
     not regularly in its employ) except to the extent any such expense,
     disbursement or advance may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith;
     and


                                       57
<PAGE>   67

          (3) to indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee (each an
     "indemnitee") for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or
     expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out
     of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture
     or the trusts hereunder and its duties hereunder (including its services as
     Security Registrar or Paying Agent, if so appointed by the Company),
     including enforcement of this Indenture (including Section 607) and
     including the costs and expenses of defending itself against or
     investigating any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
     performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The Company shall
     defend any claim or threatened claim asserted against an indemnitee for
     which it may seek indemnity, and the indemnitee shall cooperate in the
     defense unless, in the reasonable opinion of the indemnitee's counsel, the
     indemnitee has an interest adverse to the Issuer or a potential conflict of
     interest exists between the indemnitee and the Company, in which case the
     indemnitee may have separate counsel and the Company shall pay the
     reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel; PROVIDED that the Company
     shall only be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of one law
     firm (in addition to local counsel) in any one action or separate
     substantially similar actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the
     same general allegations or circumstances, such law firm to be designated
     by the indemnitee.

          As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company
under this Section 607, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities
upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except
funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities, and
the Securities are hereby subordinated to such prior lien. The obligations of
the Company under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and any
predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and any predecessor
Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances, and any other amounts due the
Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 607, shall constitute an
additional obligation hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge
of this Indenture.

          When the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee incurs expenses or renders
services in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder
(including its services as Security Registrar or Paying Agent, if so appointed
by the Company) after an Event of Default specified in Section 501(8) or (9)
occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to
constitute expenses of administration under ny applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar federal or state law to the extent provided in Section
503(b)(5) of Title 11 of the United States Code, as now or hereafter in effect.

SECTION 608.   Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.
               ---------------------------------------

          If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the
meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such
interest or resign, to


                                       58
<PAGE>   68

the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the
Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture.

SECTION 609.   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
               ---------------------------------------

          There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a
Person that (i) is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such
and (ii) has (or, in the case of a corporation included in a bank holding
company system, whose related bank holding company has) a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000. If such Person publishes reports of conditions
at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of a Federal or state
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the
combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined
capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so
published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance
with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner
and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

SECTION 610.   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
               -------------------------------------------------

          (a)  No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a
successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Section 611.

          (b)  The Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Company. If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee
required by Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the resigning Trustee
within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning
Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of
a successor Trustee.

          (c)  The Trustee may be removed at any time by an Act of the Holders 
of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities delivered to the
Trustee and to the Company.

          (d)  If at any time:

               (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after
          written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been
          a bona fide Holder of a Security for the last six months, or

               (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and
          shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or
          by any such Holder, or

               (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be
          adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of
          its


                                       59
<PAGE>   69

          property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or
          control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose
          of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee, or (ii) subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide
Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all
others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

          (e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, the
Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee and
such successor Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section
611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the
occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee shall be appointed by Act of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so
appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance
with the applicable requirements of Section 611 become the successor Trustee and
supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor
Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted
appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a
bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself
and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction
for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

          (f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal
of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all Holders in the
manner provided in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the
successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 611.   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
               --------------------------------------

          Every successor Trustee appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge
and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting
such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring
Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further
act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts
and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the
successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges,
execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the
rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder. Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the
Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly
vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and
trusts.


                                       60
<PAGE>   70

          No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time
of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under
this Article.

SECTION 612.   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
               -----------------------------------------------------------

          Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such
corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated,
but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger,
conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect
as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

SECTION 613.   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
               -------------------------------------------------

          If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company
(or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against
the Company (or any such other obligor).

SECTION 614.   Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
               -----------------------------------

          The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents acceptable
to and at the expense of the Company which shall be authorized to act on behalf
of the Trustee to authenticate Securities issued upon original issue and upon
exchange, registration of transfer, partial conversion or partial redemption or
pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to
the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all
purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is
made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the
Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be
deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be
acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a Person organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or
the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and
subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such
Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant
to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then
for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as
set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at


                                       61
<PAGE>   71

any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with
the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign
immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

          Any Person into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any
merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be
a party, or any Person succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust
business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating
Agent, provided such Person shall be otherwise eligible under this Section,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

          An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written
notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time
terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof
to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of
resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating
Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail notice of such
appointment by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders as their names
and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any successor Authenticating
Agent upon acceptance of its appointment under this Section shall become vested
with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like
effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor
Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible to act as such under the
provisions of this Section.

          Any Authenticating Agent by the acceptance of its appointment shall be
deemed to have represented to the Trustee that it is eligible for appointment as
Authenticating Agent under this Section and to have agreed with the Trustee
that: it will perform and carry out the duties of an Authenticating Agent as
herein set forth, including among other things the duties to authenticate
Securities when presented to it in connection with the original issuance and
with exchanges, registrations of transfer or redemptions or conversions thereof
or pursuant to Section 306; it will keep and maintain, and furnish to the
Trustee from time to time as requested by the Trustee, appropriate records of
all transactions carried out by it as Authenticating Agent and will furnish the
Trustee such other information and reports as the Trustee may reasonably
require; and it will notify the Trustee promptly if it shall cease to be
eligible to act as Authenticating Agent in accordance with the provisions of
this Section. Any Authenticating Agent by the acceptance of its appointment
shall be deemed to have agreed with the Trustee to indemnify the Trustee against
any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee and to defend any claim
asserted against the Trustee by reason of any acts or failures to act of such
Authenticating Agent, but such Authenticating Agent shall have no liability for
any action taken by it in accordance with the specific written direction of the
Trustee.


                                       62
<PAGE>   72

          The Trustee shall not be liable for any act or any failure of the
Authenticating Agent to perform any duty either required herein or authorized
herein to be performed by such person in accordance with this Indenture.

          The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to
time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.

          If an appointment is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities may
have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of
authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following
form:

          This is one of the Securities described in the within-mentioned
Indenture.

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK

                                        -------------------------------------,
                                                          As Trustee

                                        By ________________________________
                                                    As Authenticating Agent

                                        By _____________________________
                                                    Authorized Officer


                                       63
<PAGE>   73

                                  ARTICLE SEVEN

                Holders' Lists and Reports by Trustee and Company

SECTION 701.   Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
               ----------------------------------------------------------

          The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

          (a) semi-annually, not more than 15 days after each Regular Record
     Date, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the
     names and addresses of the Holders as of such Regular Record Date, and

          (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within
     30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of
     similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the
     time such list is furnished.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the Trustee is the Security Registrar,
no such list shall be required to be furnished.

SECTION 702.   Preservation of Information; Communication to Holders.
               ------------------------------------------------------

          (a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
     practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most
     recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the
     names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as
     Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as
     provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

          (b) The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with
     respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and
     the corresponding rights and duties of the Trustee, shall be as provided by
     the Trust Indenture Act.

          (c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same,
     agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the
     Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason
     of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made
     pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act or otherwise in accordance with this
     Indenture.


                                       64
<PAGE>   74

SECTION 703.   Reports by Trustee.
               ------------------

          (a) Not later than 60 days following each May 15, the Trustee shall
     transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions
     under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act
     at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

          (b) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission
     to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which the
     Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The
     Company will notify the Trustee when the Securities are listed on any stock
     exchange.

SECTION 704.   Reports by Company.
               ------------------

          The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and
transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such
summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the
times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; PROVIDED, that any such
information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the
Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the
Commission.

SECTION 705.   Rule 144A Information Requirement.
               ---------------------------------

          If at any time prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date the
Company is no longer subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
Company will furnish to the Holders or beneficial holders of the Securities and
prospective purchasers of the Securities designated by the Holders of the
Securities, upon their request, information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act until the earlier of (i) the date on
which the Securities and the underlying Common Stock are registered under the
Securities Act or (ii) the Resale Restriction Termination Date.

                                  ARTICLE EIGHT

              Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease

SECTION 801.   Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
               -----------------------------------------------------

          The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person
or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to
consolidate with or merge into the Company, unless:


                                       65
<PAGE>   75

          (1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another
     Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its
     properties and assets to any Person, the Person formed by such
     consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which
     acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, all or substantially
     all of the properties and assets of the Company shall be a corporation,
     limited liability company, partnership or trust, shall be organized and
     validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State
     thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an
     indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in
     form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment
     of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all the Securities
     and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on
     the part of the Company to be performed or observed and shall have provided
     for conversion rights in accordance with Section 1311;

          (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of
     Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
     become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing;

          (3) such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease does not
     adversely affect the validity or enforceability of the Securities; and

          (4) the Company or the successor Person has delivered to the Trustee
     an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
     consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental
     indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such
     supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions
     precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been
     complied with.

SECTION 802.   Successor Substituted.
               ---------------------

          Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company
into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company in accordance with
Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor
Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case
of a transfer by lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all
obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.


                                       66
<PAGE>   76

                                  ARTICLE NINE

                             Supplemental Indentures

SECTION 901.   Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
               --------------------------------------------------

          Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a
Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter
into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the
Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

          (1) to cause this Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture
     Act; or

          (2) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and
     the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein
     and in the Securities; or

          (3) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the
     Holders or an additional Event of Default, or to surrender any right or
     power conferred herein or in the Securities upon the Company; or

          (4) to secure the Securities; or

          (5) to make provision with respect to the conversion rights of Holders
     pursuant to the requirements of Section 1311; or

          (6) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
     hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities; or

          (7) to reflect the release of any Guarantor from its Guarantee, or the
     addition of any Wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company as a Guarantor, in
     the manner provided by this Indenture and the Guarantee Agreement;

          (8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision
     herein or in the Securities which may be defective or inconsistent with any
     other provision herein or in the Securities, or to make any other
     provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this
     Indenture which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this
     Indenture; PROVIDED, that such action pursuant to this Clause (8) shall not
     adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect and
     the Trustee may rely upon an Opinion of Counsel to that effect.

SECTION 902.   Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.
               -----------------------------------------------

          With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by Act of said Holders delivered
to the Company


                                       67
<PAGE>   77

and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the
Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the
purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any
of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of
the Holders under this Indenture; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such supplemental
indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security
affected thereby,

          (1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment
     of interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the
     rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption
     thereof, or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in
     which, any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or
     impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment
     on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on
     or after the Redemption Date), or adversely affect the right to convert any
     Security as provided in Article Thirteen (except as permitted by Section
     901(5)), or modify the provisions of Article Fourteen, or the provisions of
     this Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Securities, in a
     manner adverse to the Holders, or

          (2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
     Securities, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such
     supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any
     waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain
     defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture,
     or

          (3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or
     Section 1007, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that
     certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived
     without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected
     thereby; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this Clause shall not be deemed to require
     the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to "the
     Trustee" and concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1007, or the
     deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Section
     901(6).

          It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to
approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall
be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

SECTION 903.   Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
               ------------------------------------

          In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of
the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive,
and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of
such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The
Trustee may, but shall not be obligated


                                       68
<PAGE>   78

to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which adversely affects the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

SECTION 904.   Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
               ---------------------------------

          Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article,
this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental
indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder
of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall be bound thereby.

SECTION 905.   Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
               -----------------------------------

          Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall
conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 906.   Reference In Securities To Supplemental Indentures.
               --------------------------------------------------

          Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by
the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Securities so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the
Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the
Company and (at the specific direction of the Company) authenticated and
delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities.

SECTION 907.   Notice of Supplemental Indenture.
               --------------------------------

          Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 902, the Company shall transmit to
the Holders a notice setting forth the substance of such supplemental indenture.

                                   ARTICLE TEN

                                    Covenants

SECTION 1001.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
               ------------------------------------------

          The Company will duly and punctually pay the principal of and premium,
if any, and interest on the Securities in accordance with the terms of the
Securities and this Indenture.


                                       69
<PAGE>   79

SECTION 1002.  Guarantees of Subsidiaries.
               ---------------------------

          The Company will cause each Wholly-owned Subsidiary to enter into the
Guarantee Agreement, in accordance with Article Fifteen of this Indenture.

SECTION 1003.  Maintenance of Office or Agency.
               --------------------------------

          The Company will maintain an office or agency where Securities may be
presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities may be surrendered for
registration of transfer, where Securities may be surrendered for exchange or
conversion and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of
the Securities and this Indenture may be served, which office shall initially be
the office of the Trustee located at 629 Euclid Avenue, Suite 635, Cleveland,
Ohio 44114-3484. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of
the location, and any change in the location, of any such office or agency. If
at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or
agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the
Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and
demands.

          The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any
or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations. The
Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation
or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or
agency.

SECTION 1004.  Money for Security Payments to be Held in Trust.
               -----------------------------------------------

          If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent, it will,
on or before each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest
on any of the Securities, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the
Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and premium, if
any, or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons
or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee
of its action or failure so to act.

          Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it will, on
or prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on each due date of the principal of
and premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent
a sum in same day funds sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and
interest so becoming due, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust Indenture
Act, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly
notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

          The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee or the
Company to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying
Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section,
that such Paying


                                       70
<PAGE>   80

Agent will (i) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act and this
Indenture applicable to it as a Paying Agent and hold all sums held by it for
the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on the Securities in
trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be
paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided; (ii) give the
Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the
Securities) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities; and (iii)
at any time during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other
obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any payment in respect of the
Securities, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the
Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of
the Securities, and account for any funds disbursed.

          The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.

          Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held
by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of and premium, if
any, or interest on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after
such principal and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall
be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company)
shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall
thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with
respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Trustee or such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in
the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general
circulation in New York, New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and
that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from
the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining
will be repaid to the Company.

SECTION 1005.  Statement by Officers as to Default.
               -----------------------------------

          The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end
of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers'
Certificate stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof
the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms,
provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of
grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be
in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of
which they may have knowledge.


                                       71
<PAGE>   81

SECTION 1006.  Existence.
               ---------

          Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence,
rights (charter and statutory) and franchises and the existence, rights (charter
and statutory) and franchises of each Subsidiary; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the
Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer
desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss
thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 1007.  Waiver of Certain Covenants.
               ---------------------------

          The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any
covenant or condition set forth in Section 1006, if before the time for such
compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such
compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or
condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or
condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall
become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee
in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and
effect.

                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            Redemption of Securities

SECTION 1101.  Right of Redemption.
               -------------------

          The Securities may be redeemed at the election of the Company, in
whole or from time to time in part, at any time on or after August 18, 2000, at
the Redemption Prices specified in the form of Security hereinbefore set forth,
together with accrued interest, to the Redemption Date.

SECTION 1102.  Applicability of Article.
               ------------------------

          Redemption of Securities at the election of the Company as permitted
by any provision of this Indenture shall be made in accordance with such
provision and this Article.

SECTION 1103.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
               -------------------------------------

          The election of the Company to redeem any Securities pursuant to
Section 1101 shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption
at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities, the Company
shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company
(unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the
Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the


                                       72
<PAGE>   82

principal amount of Securities to be redeemed. In case of any redemption at the
election of the Company of all of the Securities, the Company shall, at least 45
days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter period
shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption
Date.

SECTION 1104.  Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.
               -------------------------------------------------

          If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the particular
Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities not previously
called for redemption, by lot or pro rata or by such other method as the Trustee
shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for
redemption of portions (equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof) of the
principal amount of Securities of a denomination larger than $1,000.

          If any Security selected for partial redemption is converted in part
before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion of the
Security so selected, the converted portion of such Security shall be deemed (so
far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities which have
been converted during a selection of Securities to be redeemed shall be treated
by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such selection. In any case
where more than one Security is registered in the same name, the Trustee in its
discretion may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were
represented by one Security.

          The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and each Security
Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case
of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof
to be redeemed.

          For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate,
in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the
portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be
redeemed.

SECTION 1105.  Notice of Redemption.
               --------------------

          Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption
Date, to the Trustee and to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his
address appearing in the Security Register.

          All notices of redemption shall state:

          (a) the Redemption Date,

          (b) the Redemption Price,


                                       73
<PAGE>   83

          (c) if less than all the Outstanding Securities are to be redeemed,
     the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any
     Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be
     redeemed,

          (d) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due
     and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and that (unless the
     Company shall default in payment of the Redemption Price) interest thereon
     will cease to accrue on and after said date,

          (e) the conversion price, the date on which the right to convert the
     Securities to be redeemed will terminate and the place or places where such
     Securities may be surrendered for conversion, and

          (f) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered
     for payment of the Redemption Price.

          Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of
the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request received
by the Trustee at least 40 days prior to the Redemption Date, by the Trustee in
the name and at the expense of the Company.

SECTION 1106.  Deposit of Redemption Price.
               ---------------------------

          At or prior to 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on any Redemption Date,
the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the
Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as
provided in Section 1004) an amount of money in same day funds sufficient to pay
the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest
Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof which
are to be redeemed on that date other than any Securities called for redemption
on that date which have been converted prior to the date of such deposit.

          If any Security called for redemption is converted, any money
deposited with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent or so segregated and held in
trust for the redemption of such Security shall (subject to any right of the
Holder of such Security or any Predecessor Security to receive interest as
provided in the last paragraph of Section 307) be paid to the Company upon
Company Request or, if then held by the Company, shall be discharged from such
trust.

SECTION 1107.  Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
               -------------------------------------

          Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so
to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the
Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued
interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any
such Security for redemption in accordance with


                                       74
<PAGE>   84

said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price,
together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
installments of interest whose Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date
shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor
Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record
Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

          If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon
surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and premium, if any, shall,
until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the
Security.

SECTION 1108.  Securities Redeemed in Part.
               ---------------------------

          Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered
at an office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose pursuant to
Section 1003 (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement
by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and
the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate
and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new
Security or Securities, of any authorized denomination as requested by such
Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the
unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                           Subordination of Securities

SECTION 1201.  Securities Subordinated to Senior Indebtedness.
               ----------------------------------------------

          The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by
his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, at all times and in
all respects, the indebtedness represented by the Securities and the payment of
the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on each and all of the
Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment
to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness.

SECTION 1202.  Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.
               ----------------------------------------------

          In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding,
or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or
proceeding, relative to the Company or to its creditors, as such, or to a
substantial part of its assets, or (b) any proceeding for the liquidation,
dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary
and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any general
assignment for the benefits of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and
liabilities of the Company, then and in any such event the holders of Senior


                                       75
<PAGE>   85

Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or
to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness; or provision shall be
made for such payment in money or money's worth, before the Holders of the
Securities are entitled to receive any payment or distribution of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities, on account of principal of
or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, and to that end the holders
of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive, for application to the
payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether
in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution
which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other
indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities,
which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the Securities in any such
case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up or event.

          In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
Section, the Trustee or the Holder of any Security shall have received any
payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or
distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any
other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the
Securities, before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full or payment thereof
provided for, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment or
distribution, have been made known to the Trustee or such Holder, as the case
may be, then and in such event such payment or distribution shall be paid over
or delivered forthwith to the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating
trustee, custodian, assignee, agent or other Person making payment or
distribution of assets of the Company for application to the payment of all
Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior
Indebtedness in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution to or for the holders of Senior Indebtedness.

          For purposes of this Article only, the words "cash, property or
securities" shall not be deemed to include securities of the Company as
reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation
provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment, which are subordinated
in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness which may at the time be
outstanding to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than,
the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article. The
consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company into, another
Person or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company following the conveyance
or transfer of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another
Person upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article Eight shall not be
deemed a dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, general
assignment for the benefit of creditors or marshalling of assets and liabilities
of the Company for the purposes of this Section if the Person formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company is merged or which acquires by
conveyance or transfer such properties and assets substantially as an entirety,
as the case may be, shall, as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance
or transfer, comply with the conditions set forth in Article Eight.


                                       76
<PAGE>   86

SECTION 1203.  Prior Payment to Senior Indebtedness upon Acceleration of
               ---------------------------------------------------------
               Securities.
               ----------

          In the event that any Securities are declared due and payable before
their Stated Maturity, then and in such event the holders of Senior Indebtedness
outstanding at the time such Securities so become due and payable shall be
entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on or in respect of such
Senior Indebtedness, or provision shall be made for such payment in money or
money's worth, before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any
payment (including any payment which may be payable by reason of the payment of
any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the
Securities) by the Company on account of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of
Securities.

          In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall
make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the
foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the
time of such payment, have been made known to the Trustee or such Holder, as the
case may be, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over the
delivered forthwith to the Company.

          The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any payment with
respect to which Section 1202 would be applicable.

SECTION 1204.  No Payment When Senior Indebtedness in Default.
               ----------------------------------------------

          (a) In the event and during the continuation of any default in the
payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Senior
Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period with respect thereto, or in the
event that any event of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness shall
have occurred and be continuing and shall have resulted in such Senior
Indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on
which it would otherwise have become due and payable, unless and until such
event of default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist
and such acceleration shall have been rescinded or annulled, or (b) in the event
any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default in
payment or event of default, then no payment (including any payment which may be
payable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being
subordinated to the payment of the Securities) shall be made by the Company on
account of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities or
on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities.

          In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall
make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the
foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the
time of such payment, have been made known to the Trustee or such Holder, as the
case may be, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over and
delivered forthwith to the Company.


                                       77
<PAGE>   87

          The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any payment with
respect to which Section 1202 would be applicable.

SECTION 1205.  Payment Permitted If No Default.
               -------------------------------

          Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in
any of the Securities shall prevent (a) the Company, at any time except during
the pendency of any case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding
up, general assignment for the benefit of creditors or other marshalling of
assets and liabilities of the Company referred to in Section 1202 or under the
conditions described in Section 1203 or 1204, from making payments at any time
of principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, or (b) the
application by the Trustee of any money deposited with it hereunder to the
payment of or on account of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on
the Securities or the retention of such payment by the Holders, if, at the time
of such application by the Trustee, it did not have knowledge that such payment
would have been prohibited by the provisions of this Article.

SECTION 1206.  Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
               -------------------------------------------------------

          Subject to the payment in full of all amounts due on or in respect of
Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to the
extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of this Article (equally and ratably
with the holders of all indebtedness of the Company which by its express terms
is subordinated to other indebtedness of the Company to substantially the same
extent as the Securities are subordinated and is entitled to like rights of
subrogation) to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive
payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the
Senior Indebtedness until the principal of and premium, if any, and Interest on
the Securities shall be paid in full. For purposes of such subrogation, no
payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of any cash,
property or securities to which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee
would otherwise be entitled except for the provisions of this Article, and no
payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness by Holders of the Securities or the Trustee, shall, as among
the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the
Holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the
Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness.

SECTION 1207.  Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.
               -------------------------------------------

          The provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the
purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities on the
one hand and the holders of Senior Indebtedness on the other hand. Nothing
contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is
intended to or shall (a) impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than
holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities, the obligation
of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders of
the Securities the principal of and premium, if


                                       78
<PAGE>   88

any, and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and
payable in accordance with their terms; or (b) affect the relative rights
against the Company or the Holders of the Securities and creditors of the
Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness; or (c) prevent the
Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies otherwise
permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the
rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to
receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the
Trustee or such Holder.

SECTION 1208.  Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
               -----------------------------------

          Each holder of a Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and
directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or
appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article and
appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

SECTION 1209.  No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.
               -------------------------------------

          No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to
enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be
prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company
or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any
noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this
Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be
otherwise charged with.

          Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph,
the holders of Senior Indebtedness may, at any time and from time to time,
without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the
Securities, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Securities
and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or
the obligations hereunder of the Holders of the Securities to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner,
place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter,
Senior Indebtedness, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior
Indebtedness or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which
Senior Indebtedness is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise
deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior
Indebtedness; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection
of Senior Indebtedness; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights
against the Company and any other Person.

SECTION 1210.  Notice to Trustee.
               -----------------

          The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any
fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or
by the Trustee in respect of the Securities. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this Article or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be
charged with knowledge of the


                                       79
<PAGE>   89

existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by
the Trustee in respect of the Securities, unless and until the Trustee shall
have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder of Senior
Indebtedness or from any trustee therefor; and, prior to the receipt of any such
written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601, shall be
entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this
Section at least four Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms
hereof any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without
limitation, the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on
any Security), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to
apply the same to the purpose for which such money was received and shall not be
affected by any notice to the contrary which may be received by it within four
Business Days prior to such date.

          Subject to the provisions of Section 601, the Trustee shall be
entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person
representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee
therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior
Indebtedness (or a trustee therefor). In the event that the Trustee determines
in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any
Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or
distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to
furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount
of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is
entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts
pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence
is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending
judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

SECTION 1211.  Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
               --------------------------------------------------------------

                  Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company
referred to in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section
601, and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order
or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such
insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution,
winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the
trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for
the benefit of creditors, agent or other person making such payment or
distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities, for the
purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or
distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of
the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid
or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article.


                                       80
<PAGE>   90

SECTION 1212.  Trustee Not Fiduciary For Holders Of Senior Indebtedness.
               --------------------------------------------------------

          The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the
holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders if it
shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities
or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which
holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or
otherwise. With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee
undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations
as are specifically set forth in this Article, and no implied covenants or
obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be read
into this Article against the Trustee.

SECTION 1213.  Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness; Preservation
               ----------------------------------------------------------------
               of Trustee's Rights.
               --------------------

          The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the
rights set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which
may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior
Indebtedness, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of
its rights as such holder.

          Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the
Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.

SECTION 1214.  Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
               -----------------------------------

          In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have
been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee"
as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise
requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within
its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were
named in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that Section 1213 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of
the Company if it or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.

SECTION 1215.  Certain Conversions Deemed Payment.
               ----------------------------------

          For the purposes of this Article only, (1) the issuance and delivery
of junior securities upon conversion of Securities in accordance with Article
Thirteen shall not be deemed to constitute a payment or distribution on account
of the principal of or premium or interest on Securities or on account of the
purchase or other acquisition of Securities, and (2) the payment, issuance or
delivery of cash, property or securities (other than junior securities) upon
conversion of a Security shall be deemed to constitute payment on account of the
principal of such Security. For the purposes of this Section, the term "junior
securities" means (a) shares of any class of capital stock of the Company and
(b) securities of the Company which are subordinated in right of payment to all
Senior Indebtedness which may be outstanding at the time of issuance or delivery
of such securities to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent
than, the Securities


                                       81
<PAGE>   91

are so subordinated as provided in this Article. Nothing contained in this
Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or
shall impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior
Indebtedness and the Holders of the Securities, the right, which is absolute and
unconditional, of the Holder of any Security to convert such Security in
accordance with Article Thirteen.

SECTION 1216.  No Suspension of Remedies.
               -------------------------

          Nothing contained in this Article shall limit the right of the Trustee
or the Holders of the Securities to take any action to accelerate the maturity
of the Securities pursuant to the provisions described under Article Five and as
set forth in this Indenture or to pursue any rights or remedies hereunder or
under applicable law, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article of the
holders, from time to time, of Senior Indebtedness to receive the cash, property
or securities receivable upon the exercise of such rights or remedies.

                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                            Conversion of Securities

SECTION 1301.  Conversion Privilege and Conversion Price.
               -----------------------------------------

          Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Article, at
the option of the Holder thereof, any Security or any portion of the principal
amount thereof which equals $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof may be
converted at any time at the principal amount thereof, or of such portion
thereof, into fully paid and nonassessable shares (calculated as to each
conversion to the nearest 1/100 of a share) of Class A Common Stock, at the
conversion price, determined as hereinafter provided, in effect at the time of
conversion. Such conversion right shall expire at the close of business on
August 15, 2004. In case a Security or portion thereof is called for redemption,
such conversion right in respect of the Security or portion so called shall
expire at the close of business on the second business day preceding the
applicable Redemption Date, unless the Company defaults in making the payment
due upon redemption.

          The price at which shares of Class A Common Stock shall be delivered
upon conversion (herein called the "conversion price") shall be initially $32.70
per share of Class A Common Stock. The conversion price shall be adjusted in
certain instances as provided in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (i)
of Section 1304.

SECTION 1302.  Exercise of Conversion Privilege.
               --------------------------------

          In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the Holder of any
Security shall surrender such Security, duly endorsed or assigned to the Company
or in blank, at any office or agency of the Company maintained pursuant to
Section 1003, accompanied by written notice to the Company in the form provided
in the Security (or such other


                                       82
<PAGE>   92

notice as is acceptable to the Company) at such office or agency that the Holder
elects to convert such Security or, if less than the entire principal amount
thereof is to be converted, the portion thereof to be converted. Securities
surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any
Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the close of
business on such Interest Payment Date shall (except in the case of Securities
or portions thereof which have been called for redemption) be accompanied by
payment in New York Clearing House funds or other funds acceptable to the
Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date
on the principal amount being surrendered for conversion. Except as provided in
the immediately preceding sentence and subject to the fourth paragraph of
Section 307, no payment or adjustment shall be made upon any conversion on
account of any interest accrued on the Securities surrendered for conversion or
on account of any dividends on the Class A Common Stock issued upon conversion.

          Securities shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to
the close of business on the day of surrender of such Securities for conversion
in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and at such time the rights of the
Holders of such Securities as Holders shall cease, and the Person or Persons
entitled to receive the Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion shall be
treated for all purposes of the record holder or holders of such Common Stock as
and after such time. As promptly as practicable on or after the conversion date,
the Company shall issue and shall deliver at such office or agency a certificate
or certificates for the number of full shares of Class A Common Stock issuable
upon conversion, together with payment in lieu of any fraction of a share, as
provided in Section 1303.

          In the case of any Security which is converted in part only, upon such
conversion the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver to the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or
Securities of authorized denominations in aggregate principal amount equal to
the unconverted portion of the principal amount of such Security.

SECTION 1303.  Fractions of Shares.
               -------------------

          No fractional share of Class A Common Stock shall be issued upon
conversion of Securities. If more than one Security shall be surrendered for
conversion at one time by the same Holder, the number of full shares which shall
be issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the
aggregate principal amount of the Securities (or specified portions thereof) so
surrendered. Instead of any fractional share of such Common Stock which would
otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Security or Securities (or
specified portions thereof), the Company shall pay a cash adjustment in respect
of such fraction in an amount equal to the same fraction of the Closing Price
(as hereinafter defined) at the close of business on the day of conversion (or,
if such day is not a Trading Day (as hereafter defined), on the Trading Day
immediately preceding such day).


                                       83
<PAGE>   93

SECTION 1304.  Adjustment of Conversion Price.
               ------------------------------

          (a) In case the Company shall pay or make a dividend or other
distribution on Common Stock exclusively in Common Stock or shall pay or make a
dividend or other distribution on any other class of capital stock of the
Company which dividend or distribution includes Common Stock, the conversion
price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed
for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such dividend or other
distribution shall be reduced by multiplying such conversion price by a fraction
of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and the
denominator shall be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of
shares constituting such dividend or other distribution, such reduction to
become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following
the date fixed for such determination. For the purpose of this paragraph (a),
the number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include
shares held in the treasury of the Company. The Company shall not pay any
dividend or make any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in the treasury
of the Company.

          (b) Subject to paragraph (g) of this Section, in case the Company
shall pay or make a dividend or other distribution on Common Stock consisting
exclusively of, or shall otherwise issue to all holders of any class of Common
Stock, rights or warrants entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or
purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the Current
Market Price (determined as provided in paragraph (h) of this Section) on the
date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights
or warrants, the conversion price in effect at the opening of business on the
day following the date fixed for such determination shall be reduced by
multiplying such conversion price by a fraction of which the numerator shall be
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the
date fixed for such determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock
which the aggregate of the offering price of the total number of shares of
Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase would purchase at such
Current Market Price and the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such
determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock so offered for
subscription or purchase, such reduction to become effective immediately after
the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such
determination. For the purposes of this paragraph (b), the number of shares of
Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the
treasury of the Company. The Company shall not issue any rights or warrants in
respect of shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.

          (c) In case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided
into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the conversion price in effect
at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which such
subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, and, conversely,
in case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be combined into a smaller
number of shares of Common Stock, the conversion price in effect at the opening
of business on the day following the day


                                       84
<PAGE>   94

upon which such combination becomes effective shall be proportionately
increased, such reduction or increase, as the case may be, to become effective
immediately after the opening of business on the day following the day upon
which subdivision or combination becomes effective.

          (d) Subject to the last sentence of this paragraph (d) and to
paragraph (g) of this Section, in case the Company shall, by dividend or
otherwise, distribute to all holders of any class of Common Stock evidences of
its indebtedness, shares of any class of its capital stock, cash or other assets
(including securities, but excluding any rights or warrants referred to in
paragraph (b) of this Section, excluding any dividend or distribution paid
exclusively in cash and excluding any dividend or distribution referred to in
paragraph (a) of this Section), the conversion price shall be reduced by
multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the close of
business on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to
such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the Current
Market Price (determined as provided in paragraph (h) of this Section) on such
date less the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose
determination shall be conclusive and described in a Board Resolution) on such
date of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital stock,
cash and other assets to be distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock
and the denominator shall be such Current Market Price, such reduction to become
effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following such
date. If the Board of Directors determines the fair market value of any
distribution for purposes of this paragraph (d) by reference to the actual or
when-issued trading market for any securities comprising part or all of such
distribution, it must in doing so consider the prices in such market over the
same period used in computing the Current Market Price pursuant to paragraph (h)
of this Section, to the extent possible. For purposes of this paragraph (d), any
dividend or distribution that includes shares of Common Stock, rights or
warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to
be (x) a dividend or distribution of the evidences of indebtedness, cash, assets
or shares of capital stock other than such shares of Common Stock, such rights
or warrants or such convertible or exchangeable securities (making any
conversion price reduction required by this paragraph (d)) immediately followed
by (y) in the case of such shares of Common Stock or such rights or warrants, a
dividend or distribution thereof (making any further conversion price reduction
required by paragraph (a) and (b) of this Section, except any shares of Common
Stock included in such dividend or distribution shall not be deemed "outstanding
at the close of business on the date fixed for such determination" within the
meaning of paragraph (a) of this Section), or (z) in the case of such
convertible or exchangeable securities, a dividend or distribution of the number
of shares of Common Stock as would then be issuable upon the conversion or
exchange thereof, whether or not the conversion or exchange of such securities
is subject to any conditions (making any further conversion price reduction
required by paragraph (a) of this Section, except the shares deemed to
constitute such dividend or distribution shall not be deemed "outstanding at the
close of business on the date fixed for such determination" within the meaning
of paragraph (a) of this Section).


                                       85
<PAGE>   95

          (e) In case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, at any time
distribute to all holders of any class of Common Stock cash (excluding any cash
that is distributed as part of a distribution referred to in paragraph (d) of
this Section or in connection with a transaction to which Section 1311 applies)
in an aggregate amount that, together with (A) the aggregate amount of any other
distributions to all holders of any class of Common Stock made exclusively in
cash within the 12 months preceding the date fixed for the determination of
shareholders entitled to such distribution and in respect of which no conversion
price adjustment pursuant to this paragraph (e) has been made previously and (B)
the aggregate of any cash plus the fair market value (as determined by the Board
of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive and described in a Board
Resolution) as of such date of determination of consideration payable in respect
of any tender offer by the Company or a Subsidiary for all or any portion of
Common Stock consummated within the 12 months preceding such date of
determination and in respect of which no conversion price adjustment pursuant to
paragraph (f) of this Section has been made previously, exceeds the greater of
(I) 12.5% of the product of the Current Market Price (determined as provided in
paragraph (h) of this Section) on such date of determination times the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date or (II) the Company's retained
earnings on the date fixed for determining the stockholders entitled to such
distribution, the conversion price shall be reduced by multiplying the
conversion price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on such
date of determination by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the Current
Market Price (determined as provided in paragraph (h) of this Section) on such
date less the amount of cash to be distributed at such time applicable to one
share of Common Stock and the denominator shall be such Current Market Price,
such reduction to become effective immediately prior to the opening of business
on the day after such date.

          (f) In case a tender offer made by the Company or any Subsidiary for
all or any portion of Common Stock shall be consummated and such tender offer
shall involve an aggregate consideration having a fair market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive
and described in a Board Resolution) as of the last time (the "Expiration Time")
that tenders may be made pursuant to such tender offer (as it shall have been
amended) that, together with (A) the aggregate of the cash plus the fair market
value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be
conclusive and described in a Board Resolution) as of the Expiration Time of the
other consideration paid in respect of any other tender offer by the Company or
a Subsidiary for all or any portion of Common Stock consummated within the 12
months preceding the Expiration Time and in respect of which no conversion price
adjustment pursuant to this paragraph (f) has been made previously and (B) the
aggregate amount of any distributions to all holders of any class of Common
Stock made exclusively in cash within the 12 months preceding the Expiration
Time and in respect of which no conversion price adjustment pursuant to
paragraph (e) of this Section has been made previously, exceeds the greater of
(I) 12.5% of the product of the Current Market Price (determined as provided in
paragraph (h) of this Section) immediately prior to the Expiration Time times
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (including any tendered shares)
at the Expiration Time or (II) the Company's retained earnings as of the
Expiration Time, the conversion price shall


                                       86
<PAGE>   96

be reduced by multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to
the Expiration Time by a fraction of which the numerator shall be (x) the
product of the Current Market Price (determined as provided in paragraph (h) of
this Section) immediately prior to the Expiration Time times the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding (including any tendered shares at the
Expiration Time minus (y) the fair market value (determined as aforesaid) of the
aggregate consideration payable to shareholders upon consummation of such tender
offer and the denominator shall be the product of (A) such Current Market Price
times (B) such number of outstanding shares at the Expiration Time minus the
number of shares accepted for payment in such tender offer (the "Purchased
Shares"), such reduction to become effective immediately prior to the opening of
business on the day following the Expiration Time; PROVIDED, that if the number
of Purchased Shares or the aggregate consideration payable therefor have not
been finally determined by such opening of business, the adjustment required by
this paragraph (f) shall, pending such final determination, be made based upon
the preliminarily announced results of such tender offer, and, after such final
determination shall have been made, the adjustment required by this paragraph
(f) shall be made based upon the number of Purchased Shares and the aggregate
consideration payable therefor as so finally determined.

          (g) The reclassification of any class of Common Stock into securities
which include securities other than Common Stock (other than any
reclassification upon a consolidation or merger to which Section 1311 applies)
shall be deemed to involve (i) a distribution of such securities other than
Common Stock to all holders of such class of Common Stock (and the effective
date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be "the date fixed for the
determination of shareholders entitled to such distribution" within the meaning
of paragraph (d) of this Section), and (ii) a subdivision or combination, as the
case may be, of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such reclassification into the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately thereafter (and the effective date of such
reclassification shall be deemed to be "the day upon which such subdivision
becomes effective" or "the day upon which such combination becomes effective,"
as the case may be, and "the day upon which such subdivision or combination
becomes effective" within the meaning of paragraph (c) of this Section).

          Rights or warrants issued by the Company to all holders of any class
of Common Stock entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase
shares of Common Stock (either initially or under certain circumstances), which
rights or warrants (i) are deemed to be transferred with such shares of Common
Stock, (ii) are not exercisable and (iii) are also issued in respect of future
issuances of Common Stock, in each case in clauses (i) through (iii) until the
occurrence of a specified event or events ("Trigger Event"), shall for purposes
of this Section 1304 not be deemed issued until the occurrence of the earliest
Trigger Event. If any such rights or warrants, including any such existing
rights or warrants distributed prior to the date of this Indenture are subject
to subsequent events, upon the occurrence of each of which such rights or
warrants shall become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of
indebtedness or other assets, then the occurrence of each such event shall be
deemed to be such date of


                                       87
<PAGE>   97

issuance and record date with respect to new rights or warrants (and a
termination or expiration of the existing rights or warrants without exercise by
the holder thereof). In addition, in the event of any distribution (or deemed
distribution) of rights or warrants, or any Trigger Event with respect thereto,
that was counted for purposes of calculating a distribution amount for which an
adjustment to the Conversion Price under this Section 1304 was made, (1) in the
case of any such rights or warrant which shall all have been redeemed or
repurchased without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall
be readjusted upon such final redemption or repurchase to give effect to such
distribution or Trigger Event, as the case may be, as though it were a cash
distribution, equal to the per share redemption or repurchase price received by
a holder or holders of Common Stock with respect to such rights or warrants
(assuming such holder had retained such rights or warrants), made to all holders
of Common Stock as of the date of such redemption or repurchase, and (2) in the
case of such rights or warrants which shall have expired or been terminated
without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Price shall be
readjusted as if such rights and warrants had not been issued.

          (h) For the purpose of any computation under this paragraph and
paragraphs (b), (d) and (e) of this Section, the current market price per share
of Common Stock (the "Current Market Price") on any date shall be deemed to be
the average of the daily Closing Prices for the 5 consecutive Trading Days
selected by the Company commencing not more than 20 Trading Days before, and
ending not later than, the date in question; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) if the
"ex" date for any event (other than the issuance or distribution requiring such
computation) that requires an adjustment to the conversion price pursuant to
paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) above occurs on or after the 20th
Trading Day prior to the date in question and prior to the "ex" date for the
issuance or distribution requiring such computation, the Closing Price for each
Trading Day prior to the "ex" date for such other event shall be adjusted by
multiplying such Closing Price by the same fraction by which the conversion
price is so required to be adjusted as a result of such other event, (ii) if the
"ex" date for any event (other than the issuance or distribution requiring such
computation) that requires an adjustment to the conversion price pursuant to
paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) above occurs on or after the "ex" date
for the issuance or distribution requiring such computation and on or prior to
the date in question, the Closing Price for each Trading Day on and after the
"ex" date for such other event shall be adjusted by multiplying such Closing
Price by the reciprocal of the fraction by which the conversion price is so
required to be adjusted as a result of such other event, and (iii) if the "ex"
date for the issuance or distribution requiring such computation is on or prior
to the date in question, after taking into account any adjustment required
pursuant to clause (ii) of this proviso, the Closing Price for each Trading Day
on or after such "ex" date shall be adjusted by adding thereto the amount of any
cash and the fair market value on the date in question (as determined by the
Board of Directors in a manner consistent with any determination of such value
for purposes of paragraph (d) or (e) of this Section, whose determination shall
be conclusive and described in a Board Resolution) of the evidences of
indebtedness, shares of capital stock or assets being distributed applicable to
one share of Common Stock as of the close of business on the day before such
"ex" date. For the purpose of any computation under paragraph (f) of this
Section, the Current Market Price on any date shall be deemed to


                                       88
<PAGE>   98

be the average of the daily Closing Prices for the 5 consecutive Trading Days
selected by the Company commencing on or after the latest (the "Commencement
Date") of (i) the date 20 Trading Days before the date in question, (ii) the
date of commencement of the tender offer requiring such computation and (iii)
the date of the last amendment, if any, of such tender offer involving a change
in the maximum number of shares for which tenders are sought or a change in the
consideration offered, and ending not later than the Expiration Time of such
tender offer; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the "ex" date for any event (other than
the tender offer requiring such computation) that requires an adjustment to the
conversion price pursuant to paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) above
occurs on or after the Commencement Date and prior to the Expiration Time for
the tender offer requiring such computation, the Closing Price for each Trading
Day prior to the "ex" date for such other event shall be adjusted by multiplying
such Closing Price by the same fraction by which the conversion price is so
required to be adjusted as a result of such other event. The closing price for
any Trading Day (the "Closing Price") shall be the last reported sales price
regular way or, in case no such reported sale takes place on such day, the
average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular way, in either case
on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted
to trading on such exchange, on the principal national securities exchange on
which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, on the Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange or quoted on such National Market,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter market
as furnished by any New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to
time by the Company for that purpose. For purposes of this paragraph, the term
"Trading Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, other
than any day on which securities are generally not traded on the applicable
securities exchange or in the applicable securities market and the term "'ex'
date," (i) when used with respect to any issuance or distribution, means the
first date on which the Common Stock trades regular way on the relevant exchange
or in the relevant market from which the Closing Prices were obtained without
the right to receive such issuance or distribution, (ii) when used with respect
to any subdivision or combination of shares of Common Stock, means the first
date on which the Common Stock trades regular way on such exchange or in such
market after the time at which such subdivision or combination becomes
effective, and (iii) when used with respect to any tender offer means the first
date on which the Common Stock trades regular way on such exchange or in such
market after the last time that tenders may be made pursuant to such tender
offer (as it shall have been amended).

          (i) The Company may make such reductions in the conversion price, in
addition to those required by paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this
Section, (i) to the extent permitted by law, by any amount for any period of at
least 20 days or (ii) as it considers to be advisable (as evidenced by a Board
Resolution) in order that any event treated for federal income tax purposes as a
dividend of stock or stock rights shall not be taxable to the recipients or, if
that is not possible, to diminish any income taxes that are otherwise payable
because of such event.


                                       89
<PAGE>   99

          (j) No adjustment in the conversion price shall be required unless
such adjustment (plus any other adjustments not previously made by reason of
this paragraph (j)) would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in the
conversion price; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any adjustments which by reason of
this paragraph (j) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and
taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.

          (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 1304, no
adjustment to the conversion price shall reduce the conversion price below the
then par value per share of the Class A Common Stock, and any such purported
adjustment shall instead reduce the conversion price to such par value. The
Company hereby covenants not to take any action to increase the par value per
share of the Class A Common Stock.

SECTION 1305.  Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Price.
               -----------------------------------------

          Whenever the conversion price is adjusted as herein provided:

          (a) the Company shall compute the adjusted conversion price in
     accordance with Section 1304 and shall prepare an Officers' Certificate
     signed by the Treasurer of the Company setting forth the adjusted
     conversion price and showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such
     adjustment is based, and such certificate shall forthwith be filed (with a
     copy to the Trustee) at each office or agency maintained for the purpose of
     conversion of Securities pursuant to Section 1003; and

          (b) a notice stating that the conversion price has been adjusted and
     setting forth the adjusted conversion price shall forthwith be prepared,
     and as soon as practicable after it is prepared, such notice shall be
     mailed by the Company to all Holders at their last addresses as they shall
     appear in the Security Register. In the case of any adjustment pursuant to
     Section 1304(i)(i), such notice shall be mailed at least 15 days before the
     date the reduced conversion price shall take effect and shall state the
     reduced conversion price and the period it will be in effect.

SECTION 1306.  Notice of Certain Corporate Action.
               ----------------------------------

          In case:

          (a) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution)
     on Common Stock payable (i) otherwise than exclusively in cash or (ii)
     exclusively in cash in an amount that would require a conversion price
     adjustment pursuant to paragraph (e) of Section 1304; or

          (b) the Company shall authorize the granting to the holders of any
     class of Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any
     shares of capital stock of any class or of any other rights (excluding
     shares of capital


                                       90
<PAGE>   100

     stock or option for capital stock issued pursuant to a benefit plan for
     employees, officers or directors of the Company); or

          (c) of any reclassification of Common Stock (other than a subdivision
     or combination of the outstanding shares of Common Stock), or of any
     consolidation, merger or share exchange to which the Company is a party and
     for which approval of any stockholders of the Company is required, or of
     the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the
     Company; or

          (d) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
     winding up of the Company; or

          (e) the Company or any Subsidiary shall commence a tender offer for
     all or a portion of outstanding shares of Common Stock (or shall amend any
     such tender offer to change the maximum number of shares being sought or
     the amount or type of consideration being offered therefor);

then the Company shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained
pursuant to Section 1003, and shall cause to be mailed to all Holders at their
last addresses as they shall appear in the Security Register, at least 21 days
(or 11 days in any case specified in clause (a), (b) or (e) above) prior to the
applicable record, effective or expiration date hereinafter specified, a notice
stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such
dividend, distribution or granting of rights or warrants, or, if a record is not
to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record who will
be entitled to such dividend, distribution, rights or warrants are to be
determined, (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger,
share exchange, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up is
expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that
holders of Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of
Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such
reclassification, consolidation, merger, share exchange, sale, transfer,
dissolution, liquidation or winding up, or (z) the date on which such tender
offer commenced, the date on which such tender offer is scheduled to expire
unless extended, the consideration offered and the other material terms thereof
(or the material terms of any amendment thereto). Neither the failure to give
any such notice nor any defect therein shall affect the legality or validity of
any action described in clauses (a) through (e) of this Section 1306.

SECTION 1307.  Company to Reserve Class A Common Stock.
               ---------------------------------------

          The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from
preemptive rights, out of the authorized but unissued Class A Common Stock or
out of the Class A Common Stock held in treasury, for the purpose of effecting
the conversion of Securities, the full number of shares of Class A Common Stock
then issuable upon the conversion of all outstanding Securities. Shares of Class
A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding Securities shall be
issued out of the Class A Common Stock held in Treasury to the extent available.


                                       91
<PAGE>   101

SECTION 1308.  Taxes on Conversions.
               --------------------

          The Company will pay any and all taxes that may be payable in respect
of the issue or delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock on conversion of
Securities pursuant hereto. The Company shall not, however, be required to pay
any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issue
and delivery of shares of Class A Common Stock in a name other than that of the
Holder of the Security or Securities to be converted, and no such issue or
delivery shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issue has
paid to the Company the amount of any such tax, or has established to the
satisfaction of the Company that such tax has been paid.

SECTION 1309.  Covenant as to Class A Common Stock.
               -----------------------------------

          The Company covenants that all shares of Class A Common Stock which
may be issued upon conversion of Securities will upon issue be fully paid and
nonassessable and, except as provided in Section 1308, the Company will pay all
taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue thereof.

SECTION 1310.  Cancellation of Converted Securities.
               ------------------------------------

          All Securities delivered for conversion shall be delivered to the
Trustee to be canceled by or at the direction of the Trustee, which shall
dispose of the same as provided in Section 309.

SECTION 1311.  Provisions of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets.
               -----------------------------------------------------

          In case of any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the
Company into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into the Company
(other than a merger which does not result in any reclassification, conversion,
exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of Common Stock) or any sale or
transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the Person
formed by such consolidation or resulting from such merger or which acquires
such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a
supplemental indenture providing that the Holder of each Security then
Outstanding shall have the right thereafter, during the period such Security
shall be convertible as specified in Section 1301, to convert such Security only
into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property, if any,
receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of the
number of shares of Class A Common Stock into which such Security might have
been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer, assuming such holder of Class A Common Stock (i) is not a Person with
which the Company consolidated or into which the Company merged or which merged
into the Company or to which such sale or transfer was made, as the case may be
(a "Constituent Person"), or an Affiliate of a Constituent Person and (ii)
failed to exercise his rights of election, if any, as to the kind or amount of
securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger,
sale or transfer (provided that if the kind or amount of securities, cash and
other property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer is
not the same for


                                       92
<PAGE>   102

each share of Class A Common Stock held immediately prior to such consolidation,
merger, sale or transfer by other than a Constituent Person or an Affiliate
thereof and in respect of which such rights of election shall not have been
exercised ("nonelecting share"), then for the purpose of this Section the kind
and amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such
consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by each nonelecting share shall be
deemed to be the kind and amount so receivable per share by a plurality of the
nonelecting shares). Such supplemental indenture shall provide for adjustments
which, for events subsequent to the effective date of such supplemental
indenture, shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the
adjustments provided for in this Article. The above provisions of this Section
shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.

SECTION 1312.  Trustee's Disclaimer.
               --------------------

          The Trustee has no duty to determine when an adjustment under this
Article Thirteen should be made, how it should be made or what such adjustment
should be, but may accept as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such
adjustment, and shall be protected in relying upon, the Officers' Certificate
with respect thereto which the Company is obligated to file with the Trustee
pursuant to Section 1305. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity
or value of any securities or assets issued upon conversion of Securities, and
the Trustee shall not be responsible for the Company's failure to comply with
any provisions of this Article Thirteen.

          The Trustee shall not be under any responsibility to determine the
correctness of any provisions contained in any supplemental indenture executed
pursuant to Section 1311, but may accept as conclusive evidence of the
correctness thereof, and shall be protected in relying upon, the Officers'
Certificate with respect thereto which the Company is obligated to file with the
Trustee pursuant to Section 1311.

                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                           Right to Require Repurchase

SECTION 1401.  Right to Require Repurchase.
               ---------------------------

          In the event that there shall occur a Repurchase Event (as defined in
Section 1406), then each Holder shall have the right, at such Holder's option,
to require the Company to purchase, and upon the exercise of such right, the
Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 1203, purchase, all or any
part of such Holder's Securities on the date (the "Repurchase Date") that is 30
days after the date the Company gives notice of the Repurchase Event as
contemplated in Section 1402(a) at a price (the "Repurchase Price") equal to
100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest
to the Repurchase Date.

SECTION 1402.  Notice; Method of Exercising Repurchase Right.
               ---------------------------------------------


                                       93
<PAGE>   103

          (a) On or before the 15th day after the occurrence of a Repurchase
Event, the Company, or at the request of the Company received by the Trustee at
least 40 days prior to the Repurchase Date, the Trustee (in the name and at the
expense of the Company), shall give notice of the occurrence of the Repurchase
Event and of the repurchase right set forth herein arising as a result thereof
by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Trustee and to each Holder of the
Securities at such Holder's address appearing in the Security Register. The
Company shall also deliver a copy of such notice of a repurchase right to the
Trustee.

          Each notice of a repurchase right shall state:

          (1)  the event constituting the Repurchase Event and the date thereof,

          (2)  the Repurchase Date,

          (3)  the date by which the repurchase right must be exercised,

          (4)  the Repurchase Price, and

          (5)  the instructions a Holder must follow to exercise a repurchase
               right.

          No failure of the Company to give the foregoing notice shall limit any
Holder's right to exercise a repurchase right. The Trustee shall have no
affirmative obligation to determine if there shall have occurred a Repurchase
Event.

          (b) To exercise a repurchase right, a Holder shall deliver to the
Company (or an agent designated by the Company for such purpose in the notice
referred to in (a) above) and to the Trustee on or before the close of business
on the Repurchase Date (i) written notice of the Holder's exercise of such
right, which notice shall set forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount
of the Security or Securities (or portion of a Security) to be repurchased, and
a statement that an election to exercise the repurchased right is being made
thereby, and (ii) the Security or Securities with respect to which the
repurchase right is being exercised, duly endorsed for transfer to the Company.
Such written notice shall be irrevocable. If the Repurchase Date falls between
any Regular Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date,
Securities to be repurchased must be accompanied by payment from the Holder of
an amount equal to the interest thereon which the registered Holder thereof is
to receive on such Interest Payment Date.

          In the event a repurchase right shall be exercised in accordance with
the terms hereof, the Company shall on the Repurchase Date pay or cause to be
paid in cash to the Holder thereof the Repurchase Price of the Security or
Securities as to which the repurchase right had been exercised. In the event
that a repurchase right is exercised with respect to less than the entire
principal amount of a surrendered Security, the Company shall execute and
deliver to the Trustee and the Trustee shall


                                       94
<PAGE>   104

authenticate for issuance in the name of the Holder a new Security or Securities
in the aggregate principal amount of the unrepurchased portion of such
surrendered security.

SECTION 1403.  Deposit of Repurchase Price.
               ---------------------------

          On or prior to the Repurchase Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying
Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1004) an amount of
money in same day funds sufficient to pay the Repurchase Price of the Securities
which are to be repaid on the Repurchase Date.

SECTION 1404.  Securities not Repurchased on Repurchase Date.
               ---------------------------------------------

          If any Security surrendered for repurchase shall not be so paid on the
Repurchase Date, the principal shall, until paid, bear interest to the extent
permitted by applicable law from the Repurchase Date at the rate per annum borne
by such Security.

SECTION 1405.  Securities Repurchased in Part.
               ------------------------------

          Any Security which is to be repurchased only in part shall be
surrendered at any office or agency of the Company designated for that purpose
pursuant to Section 1003 (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement by, or written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney
duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service
charge, a new Security or Securities of any authorized denomination as requested
by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the
unrepurchased portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

SECTION 1406.  Certain Definitions.
               --------------------

          For purposes of this Article:

     (a)  A "Repurchase Event" shall have occurred upon the occurrence of a
Change in Control or Termination of Trading after the date of this Indenture and
on or prior to August 15, 2004.

     (b)  A "Change in Control" shall occur when:

               (i) all or substantially all of the Company's assets are
     sold as an entirety to any person or related group of persons;

               (ii) there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger
     of the Company (A) in which the Company is not the continuing or
     surviving corporation (other than a consolidation or merger with a
     Wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company in which all shares of Class A
     Common Stock


                                       95
<PAGE>   105

     outstanding immediately prior to the effectiveness thereof are changed
     into or exchanged for the same consideration) or (B) pursuant to which
     Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities or other
     property, in each case, other than a consolidation or merger of the
     Company in which the holders of Common Stock immediately prior to the
     consolidation or merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a
     majority of the total voting power of all classes of capital stock
     entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the
     continuing or surviving corporation immediately after such
     consolidation or merger in substantially the same proportion as their
     ownership of Common Stock immediately before such transaction;

               (iii) any person, or any persons acting together which would
     constitute a "group" for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act
     (a "Group") (in each case other than members of the Current Control
     Group), together with any Affiliates thereof, shall beneficially own
     (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) at least 50% of the
     total voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company
     entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the
     Company;

               (iv) at any time during any consecutive two-year period,
     individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board
     of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose
     election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election
     by the stockholders of the Company was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of
     the directors then still in office who were either directors at the
     beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election
     was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a
     majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office; or

               (v) the Company is liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan
     of liquidation or dissolution.

     (c) "Current Control Group" means the members of the Board of Directors and
the executive officers of the Company as of the date of the Purchase Agreement,
their spouses, children, parents and siblings, the trustee of any trust created
for the benefit of any such member of the Board of Directors, officer or family
member, the executor or administrator (in his or her capacity as such) of the
estate of any such member of the Board of Directors, officer or family member,
and any Permitted Transferee, as defined in the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation as in effect as of the date of the Purchase
Agreement, who receives Class B Common Stock under the last will and testament
of, or under the laws of descent and distribution from, any such member of the
Board of Directors, officer or family member.

     (d) A "Termination of Trading" shall occur if the Class A Common Stock (or
other common stock into which the Securities are then convertible) is neither
listed for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange nor approved for
trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the
United States.


                                       96
<PAGE>   106

                                 ARTICLE FIFTEEN

                                   Guarantees
                                   ----------

          SECTION 1501. UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEES. The Company shall cause each
Wholly-owned Subsidiary to enter the Guarantee Agreement (which Guarantee
Agreement shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B).

          SECTION 1502. ADDITION OF GUARANTORS. (a) For as long as any
Guarantees are required to remain in effect pursuant to the terms of this
Indenture, promptly but in no event later than 30 days following the acquisition
or creation of any Wholly-owned Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, the
Company shall cause such Subsidiary to execute and deliver a Guarantee
evidencing its provision of a guarantee in accordance with clause (b) below.

          (b) Any Person that was not a Guarantor on the date of the execution
of the Indenture may become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the
Trustee a Guarantee (such Guarantee to be effected by means of an amendment to
the Guarantee Agreement).

          SECTION 1503. SUBORDINATION OF GUARANTEES. Each Holder of a Security,
by his acceptance thereof, covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the
manner set forth in the Guarantee Agreement, the payment of the principal of
(and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities as guaranteed by each
Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee is hereby expressly made subordinate and
subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness (as defined in the Guarantee Agreement) of such Guarantor.

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

          This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.


                                       97
<PAGE>   107

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be
hereunto affixed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.

                                   NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                   By /s/ Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                      _____________________________

                                      Name: Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                      Title: Senior Vice President and
                                      Chief Financial Officer

Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasser
______________________

                                   NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                     as Trustee


                                   By /s/ Marla Clark
                                      ________________________________
                                      Name: Marla Clark
                                      Title: Assistant Vice President

Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
___________________


<PAGE>   108

                                        )
                                        )      ss.
                                        )

          On the         day of                        , 1997, before me 
personally came               , to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did 
depose and say that he is               of NCS HealthCare, Inc., one of the 
corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is
such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of
Directors of said corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like
authority.


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





                                        )
                                        )      ss.
                                        )

          On the         day of                        , 1997, before me 
personally came               , to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did 
depose and say that he is               of National City Bank, a_______________
________, described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is
such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of
Directors of said corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like
authority.


                                               --------------------------------
<PAGE>   109



                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                                                                       ---------

[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER
OF SECURITIES]

                      CERTIFICATE FOR EXCHANGE OR TRANSFER

Re:  5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004

          This Certificate relates to $_________ principal amount of Securities
held in *____________ book-entry or *____________ definitive form by _________
(the "Transferor").

The Transferor*:

     -    has requested the Trustee by written order to deliver in exchange
for its beneficial interest in a Global Security held by the Depositary a
Security or Securities in definitive, registered form of authorized
denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest
in such Global Security (or the portion thereof indicated above); or

     -    has requested the Trustee by written order to deliver in exchange
for its Security or Securities a beneficial interest in a Global Security held
by the Depositary in a principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount
of such Security or Securities; or

     -    has requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register
the transfer of a Security or Securities.

          In connection with such request and in respect of each such security,
the Transferor does hereby certify to the Company and the Trustee that
Transferor is familiar with the Indenture relating to the above captioned
Debentures and, as provided in Section 305 of such Indenture, the transfer of
this Security does not require registration under the Securities Act (as defined
below) because*:

     -    Such Security is being acquired for the Transferor's own account,
without transfer (in satisfaction of Section 305(b)(ii)(A) or Section
305(f)(i)(A) of the Indenture).

     -    Such Security is being transferred to a "qualified institutional
buyer" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act")) in reliance on Rule 144A or pursuant to an exemption
from registration in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act (in
satisfaction of Section 305(b)(ii)(B), Section 305(c)(i), Section 305(d)(i),
Section 305(f)(i)(B), Section 305(g)(iii) or Section 305(h)(iii) of the
Indenture). An opinion of counsel to the effect that such transfer does not
require registration under the Securities Act accompanies this Certificate (in
satisfaction of Section 305(b)(ii)(B), Section 305(c)(i), Section 305(d)(i),
Section 305(f)(i)(B), Section 305(g)(iii) or Section 305(h)(iii) of the
Indenture).

- --------------------------
*  Check applicable box.

<PAGE>   110

     -    Such Security is being transferred in accordance with Rule 144 under
the Securities Act, or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act (in satisfaction of Section 305(b)(ii)(B), Section 305(f)(i)(B)
or Section 305(k)(ii) of the Indenture). If such Security is being transferred
in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, an opinion of counsel to
the effect that such transfer does not require registration under the Securities
Act accompanies this Certificate (in satisfaction of Section 305(b)(ii)(B),
Section 305(f)(i)(B) or Section 305(k)(ii) of the Indenture).

     -    Such Security is being transferred in reliance on and in compliance
with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act,
other than Rule 144A, 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act. An opinion
of counsel to the effect that such transfer does not require registration under
the Securities Act accompanies this Certificate (in satisfaction of Section
305(b)(ii)(C) or Section 305(f)(i)(C) of the Indenture).

          You are entitled to rely upon this certificate and you are irrevocably
authorized to produce this certificate or a copy hereof to any interested party
in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to
the matters covered hereby.


                                               _________________________________
                                               [INSERT NAME OF TRANSFEROR]

                                               By: _____________________________

Date: ________________



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.12

================================================================================

                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                          Dated as of August 13, 1997

                               relating to up to

                   $115,000,000 in Aggregate Principal Amount
                   of 5-3/4% Convertible Senior Subordinated

                              Debentures due 2004

                                 by and between

                              NCS HealthCare, Inc.

                                      and

                               Smith Barney Inc.,
                        William Blair & Company L.L.C.,

                             Montgomery Securities
                                      and

                      McDonald & Company Securities, Inc.
                             as Initial Purchasers

================================================================================
<PAGE>   2

            This Registration Rights Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of August 13, 1997, by and between NCS HealthCare, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Smith Barney Inc., William Blair &
Company L.L.C., Montgomery Securities and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc.
(the "Initial Purchasers"), who will purchase up to $115,000,000 in aggregate
principal amount of 5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (the
"Debentures") of the Company (including up to an additional $15,000,000
aggregate principal that may be purchased by the Initial Purchasers pursuant to
their over-allotment option) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated August 7,
1997 (the "Purchase Agreement"), between the Company and the Initial Purchasers.
In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement,
the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this
Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the
obligations of the Initial Purchasers set forth in the Purchase Agreement. All
defined terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in the Indenture (as defined herein).

            The parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS

            As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall
have the following meanings:

            Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

            Closing Date: The date on which all the Debentures are first sold by
the Company to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

            Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission.

            Common Stock: The Class A Common Stock, par value $.O1 per share, of
the Company.

            Damages Payment Date: With respect to the Debentures or the Common
Stock, as applicable, each Interest Payment Date as defined in the Indenture.

            Effectiveness Target Dale: As defined in Section 4.

            Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

            Holders: As defined in Section 2(b) hereof.

            Indenture: The Indenture, to be dated as of August 13, 1997, among
the Company and National City Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee"), pursuant to
which the Debentures are to be issued, as such Indenture is amended or
supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

            Interest Payment Date: As defined in the Indenture.

            NASD: National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

            Person: An individual, partnership, corporation, trust or
unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision
thereof.

            Preliminary Prospectus: As defined in Section 3(g).

            Prospectus: The prospectus included in the Shelf Registration
Statement, as amended or supplemented by any Prospectus Supplement with respect
to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Transfer Restricted
Securities (as defined herein) covered by the Shelf Registration Statement and
by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including
post-effective amendments, and all material which may be incorporated by
reference into such prospectus.

                                       1
<PAGE>   3

            Prospectus Supplement: As defined in Section 5(b).

            Record Holder: (i) With respect to any Damages Payment Date relating
to the Debentures, each Person who is registered on the books of the Registrar
as the holder of Debentures on the record date with respect to the Interest
Payment Date on which such Damages Payment Date shall occur and (ii) with
respect to any Damages Payment Date relating to the Common Stock, each Person
who is a holder of record of such Common Stock fifteen days prior to the Damages
Payment Date.

            Registration Expenses: As defined in Section 6(a).

            Shelf Registration Statement: As defined in Section 3(a) hereof.

            TIA: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. Section
77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture.

            Transfer Restricted Securities: Each Debenture and share of Common
Stock of the Company issuable upon conversion of a Debenture, until each such
Debenture or share (i) has been effectively registered under the Securities Act
and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement covering it,
(ii) is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 or (iii) may be sold or
transferred pursuant to Rule 144(k) (or any similar provisions then in force)
under the Securities Act or otherwise. "Transfer Restricted Securities" shall be
deemed to include the guarantees of the Company's obligations under the
Indenture and the Debentures by certain subsidiaries of the Company pursuant to
that certain Guarantee Agreement dated as of August 13, 1997.

            Underwriter: Any underwriter, placement agent, selling broker.
dealer manager, qualified independent underwriter or similar securities industry
professional.

            Underwritten Registration or Underwritten Offering: An offering in
which securities of the Company are sold to an Underwriter or with the
assistance of such Underwriter for reoffering to the public on a firm commitment
or best efforts basis. 

SECTION 2.  SECURITIES SUBJECT TO THIS AGREEMENT

            (a) Transfer Restricted Securities. The securities entitled to the
benefits of this Agreement are the Transfer Restricted Securities.

            (b) Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities. A Person is deemed to
be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (each, a "Holder") whenever such
Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.

SECTION 3.  SHELF REGISTRATION

            (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 5 hereof, the Company shall
cause to be filed with the Commission on or prior to 30 days after the Closing
Date, a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act (as may
then be amended) (the "Shelf Registration Statement") on Form S-i or Form S-3,
if the use of such form is then available and as determined by the Company, to
cover resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders thereof who
satisfy certain conditions relating to the provision of information in
connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. In order for their Transfer
Restricted Securities to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement, the
Holders of such Transfer Restricted Securities shall have provided the
representations required pursuant to Section 3(g) hereof. The Company shall use
its reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be
declared effective by the Commission on or prior to 90 days after the Closing
Date. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep such Shelf
Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending two years from
the Closing Date or such shorter period that will terminate when each of the
Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement shall
cease to be a Transfer Restricted


                                       2
<PAGE>   4

Security. The Company further agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to
prevent the happening of any event that would cause the Shelf Registration
Statement to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading or to be not effective and usable for resale of the
Transfer Restricted Securities during the period that such Shelf Registration
Statement is required to be effective and usable.

            Upon the occurrence of any event that would cause the Shelf
Registration Statement (i) to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading or (ii) to be not effective and usable for
resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period that such Shelf
Registration Statement is required to be effective and usable, the Company shall
as promptly as practicable file an amendment to the Shelf Registration
Statement, in the case of clause (i), correcting any such misstatement or
omission, and in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), use its best efforts to
cause such amendment to be declared effective and such Shelf Registration
Statement to become usable as soon as practicable thereafter.

            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3, subject
to compliance with Sections 4 and 5(0), if applicable, the Company may prohibit
offers and sales of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf
Registration Statement at any time if (A) (i) it is in possession of material
non-public information, (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company determines
(based on advice of counsel) that such prohibition is necessary in order to
avoid a requirement to disclose such material non-public information and (iii)
the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith that disclosure
of such material non-public information would not be in the best interests of
the Company and its shareholders or (B) the Company has made a public
announcement relating to an acquisition or business combination transaction
including the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries (i) that is
material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole and (ii) the Board
of Directors of the Company determines in good faith that offers and sales of
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement
prior to the consummation of such transaction (or such earlier date as the Board
of Directors shall determine) is not in the best interests of the Company and
its shareholders (the period during which any such prohibition of offers and
sales of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration
Statement is in effect pursuant to clause (A) or (B) of this subparagraph (a) is
referred to herein as a "Suspension Period"). A Suspension Period shall commence
on and include the date on which the Company provides written notice to Holders
of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement
that offers and sales of Transfer Restricted Securities cannot be made
thereunder in accordance with this Section 3 and shall end on the date on which
each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration
Statement either receives copies of a Prospectus Supplement contemplated by
Section 5(0) or is advised in writing by the Company that offers and sales of
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement and
use of the Prospectus may be resumed.

            (b) None of the Company nor any of its security holders (other than
the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities in such capacity) shall have the
right to include any of the Company's securities in the Shelf Registration
Statement. None of the holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall have the
right to include any Transfer Restricted Securities in any other Registration
Statement filed by the Company in connection with any sale of securities by the
Company for its own account or on behalf of any other holders of the Company's
securities.

            (c) If the Holders of a majority of the outstanding Transfer
Restricted Securities so elect (with holders of Common Stock constituting
Transfer Restricted Securities being deemed to be Holders of the aggregate
principal amount of Debentures converted into such Common Stock for purposes of
such calculation), an offering of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the
Shelf Registration Statement may be effected in the form of an Underwritten
Offering. The Holders of the Transfer Restricted Securities to be registered
shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions of such Underwriters.

            (d) If any of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the
Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an Underwritten Offering, the
Underwriter(s) that will administer the offering will be selected by the Holders
of a majority of the outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities (with holders of
Common Stock constituting Transfer Restricted Securities being deemed to be
Holders of the aggregate


                                       3
<PAGE>   5

principal amount of Debentures converted into such Common Stock for purposes
of such calculation); provided, however, that such Underwriter(s) shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

            (e) Each Holder whose Transfer Restricted Securities are covered by
a Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 3 agrees, upon the
request of the Underwriter(s) in any Underwritten Offering, not to effect any
sale or distribution of securities of the Company of the same class as the
securities included in such Shelf Registration Statement, for a period of up to
90 days beginning on the date any such Underwritten Offering made pursuant to
such Shelf Registration Statement commences, to the extent timely notified in
writing by such Underwriter(s).

            (f) The Company agrees not to effect any public or private offer,
sale or distribution of Securities of the same quality and nature as the
Transfer Restricted Securities to be registered in an Underwritten Offering
during the 90-day period beginning on the date any such Underwritten Offering
made pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement commences, to the extent
timely notified in writing by the Underwriter(s) (except as part of such
registration, if permitted, or pursuant to registrations on Forms SA or S-8 or
any successor form to such Forms), unless the Underwriter(s) shall consent in
writing to a shorter period of time.

            (g) No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may include any of
its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant
to this Agreement unless such Holder furnishes to the Company in writing, within
10 business days after receipt of a request therefor, such information as the
Company may reasonably request for use in connection with any Shelf Registration
Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus (a "Preliminary Prospectus")
included therein.

SECTION 4.  LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

            (a) If (i) the Shelf Registration Statement is not filed with the
Commission on or prior to 30 days after the Closing Date, (ii) the Shelf
Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the Commission within
90 days after the Closing Date (the "Effectiveness Target Date"), or (iii) the
Shelf Registration Statement is filed and declared effective but shall
thereafter cease to be effective (without being succeeded immediately by an
additional registration statement filed and declared effective) or useable for
resale for a period of time (including any Suspension Period) which shall exceed
60 days in the aggregate in any 12-month period during the period beginning on
the Closing Date and ending on or prior to the second anniversary of the Closing
Date (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iii), a "Registration
Default"), the Company will pay liquidated damages to each Holder of Transfer
Restricted Securities who has complied with such Holder's obligations under this
Agreement. The amount of liquidated damages payable during any period during
which a Registration Default shall have occurred and be continuing is that
amount which is equal to one-quarter of one percent (25 basis points) per annum
per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures or $2.50 per annum per 30.581 shares
of Common Stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock
recombinations, stock dividends and the like) constituting Transfer Restricted
Securities for the first 90-days during which a Registration Default has
occurred and is continuing and 50 basis points per annum per $1,000 principal
amount of Debentures or $5.00 per annum per 30.581 shares (subject to adjustment
as set forth above) of Common Stock constituting Transfer Restricted Securities
for all additional days during which a Registration Default has occurred and is
continuing. The Company shall notify the Trustee and the Initial Purchasers
within three business days after each and every date on which a Registration
Default occurs. All accrued liquidated damages shall be paid to Record Holders
by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by federal funds check by the
Company on each Damages Payment Date. Following the cure of all Registration
Defaults, liquidated damages will cease to accrue with respect to such
Registration Default.

            All of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of
liquidated damages set forth in the preceding paragraph which are outstanding
with respect to any Transfer Restricted Security at the time such security
ceases to be a Transfer Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all
such liquidated damages with respect to such security shall have been paid in
full.



                                       4
<PAGE>   6

            The parties hereto agree that the liquidated damages provided in
this Section 4 constitute a reasonable estimate of the damages that will be
incurred by Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities by reason of the failure
of the Shelf Registration Statement to be filed, declared effective or to remain
effective, as the case may be.

SECTION 5.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

            In connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company
will use its best efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the
Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method
or methods of distribution or disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the
Company will as expeditiously as possible after the Closing Date:

            (a) on or prior to the date 30 days after the Closing Date, prepare
and file with the Commission a Shelf Registration Statement relating to the
registration on Form S-I or Form S-3, if the use of such form is then available
and as determined by the Company, for the sale of the Transfer Restricted
Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution
thereof and shall include all financial statements required to be included or
incorporated by reference therein; cooperate and assist in any filings required
to be made with the NASD and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf
Registration Statement to become effective and approved by such governmental
agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the selling Holders to
consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities; provided,
however, that before filing a Shelf Registration Statement or any Prospectus, or
any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company will furnish to the Initial
Purchasers, the Holders and the Underwriter(s), if any, copies of all such
documents proposed to be filed (except that the Company shall not be required to
furnish any exhibits to such documents, including those incorporated by
reference, unless so requested by an Initial Purchaser, Holder or Underwriter in
writing), and the Company will not file any Shelf Registration Statement or
amendment thereto or any Prospectus or any supplement thereto to which (i) the
Initial Purchasers or the Underwriter(s), if any, shall reasonably object or
(ii) if there are no Underwriters, the Initial Purchasers or the Holders of a
majority of the outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities shall reasonably
object (with holders of Common Stock constituting Transfer Restricted Securities
being deemed to be Holders of the aggregate principal amount of Debentures
converted into such Common Stock for purposes of such calculation), in each such
case within five business days after the receipt thereof. An Initial Purchaser,
Holder or Underwriter, if any, shall be deemed to have reasonably objected to
such filing if the Shelf Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or
supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed contains any untrue statement
of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading which
misstatement or omission is specifically identified to the Company in writing
within such five business days;

            (b) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
post-effective amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement as may be
necessary to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective for the applicable
period set forth in Section 3(a) hereof; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented
by any required supplement thereto (a "Prospectus Supplement"), and as so
supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and to comply fully
with the applicable provisions of Rules 424 and 430A under the Act in a timely
manner; and comply with the provisions of the Act with respect to the
disposition of all securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement
during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods
of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Shelf Registration
Statement, Prospectus or Prospectus Supplement;

            (c) if requested by the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities,
or if the Transfer Restricted Securities are being sold in an Underwritten
Offering, the Underwriter(s) of such Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate
m the Prospectus, any Prospectus Supplement or post-effective amendment to the
Shelf Registration Statement such information as the Underwriters and/or the
Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold agree should be included
therein relating to the plan of distribution of the Transfer Restricted
Securities, including, without limitation, information with respect to the
principal amount of Debentures and/or the number of shares of Common Stock being
sold to such Underwriter(s), the purchase price being paid therefor and any
other terms with respect to the offering of the Transfer Restricted Securities
to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings of such Prospectus,
Prospectus
                                       5
<PAGE>   7

Supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after die Company
is notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus, Prospectus
Supplement or post-effective amendment;

            (d) advise the Initial Purchasers, the Underwriter(s), if any, and
selling Holders promptly and, if requested by such Persons, to confirm such
advice in writing, (i) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement or
post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement has been filed,
and, with respect to the Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective
amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (ii) of any request by
the Commission for amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement or amendments
or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto,
(iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement under the Act or of the
suspension by any state securities commission of the qualification of the
Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the
initiation of any proceeding for any of the preceding purposes, (iv) if at any
time the representations and warranties of the Company contemplated by paragraph
(l)(i) below cease to be true and correct, and (v) of the existence of any fact
and the happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made
in the Shelf Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement
thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that
requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Shelf Registration
Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not
misleading. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, or any state securities
commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the
qualification or exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted
Securities under state securities or Blue Sky laws, the Company shall use their
reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the
earliest possible time;

            (e) furnish to each Initial Purchaser, each Holder and each of the
Underwriter(s), if any, without charge, at least one copy of the Shelf
Registration Statement, as first filed with the Commission, and of each
amendment thereto (excluding documents incorporated by reference therein and
exhibits thereto unless requested by such Initial Purchaser, Holder or
Underwriter);

            (f) deliver to each Initial Purchaser, each selling Holder and each
of the Underwriter(s), if any, without charge, as many copies of any Preliminary
Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto as such
Persons may reasonably request; the Company consents to the use of any
Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
thereto by each of the selling Holders and each of the Underwriter(s), if any,
in connection with the public offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted
Securities covered by any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto;

            (g) prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities,
cooperate with the selling Holders, the Underwriter(s), if any, and their
respective counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of the
Transfer Restricted Securities under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such
jurisdictions as the selling Holders or Underwriter(s) may request and do any
and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in
such jurisdiction of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf
Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
required (i) to register or qualify as a foreign corporation where it is not now
so qualified or (ii) to take any action that would subject it to the service of
process in suits, other than as to matters and transactions relating to the
Shelf Registration Statement, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so
subject;

            (h) cooperate with the selling Holders and the Underwriter(s), if
any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates
representing Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any
restrictive legends; and enable such Transfer Restricted Securities to be in
such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders or the
Underwriter(s), if any, may request at least two business days prior to any sale
of Transfer Restricted Securities;

            (i) use its best efforts to cause the Transfer Restricted Securities
covered by the Shelf Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by
such other United States federal or state governmental agencies or authorities
as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the


                                       6
<PAGE>   8

Underwriter(s), if any, to consummate the disposition of such Transfer
Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in clause (g) above;

            (j) if any fact or event contemplated by clause (d)(v) above shall
exist or have occurred, prepare a post-effective amendment or supplement to the
Shelf Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated
therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter
delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus
will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

            (k) provide a CUSIP number for all Transfer Restricted Securities
not later than the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement and
provide the Trustee under the Indenture and/or the transfer agent for the Common
Stock with certificates for the Transfer Restricted Securities which are in a
form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company;

            (l) enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement)
and take all such other actions in connection therewith as may reasonably be
required in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Transfer
Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Agreement, m connection
with an Underwritten Registration, and (i) make such representations and
warranties to the Holders and the Underwriter(s), in form, substance and scope
as they may reasonably request and as are customarily made by issuers to
Underwriters in primary Underwritten Offerings and covering matters including,
but not limited to, those set forth in the Purchase Agreement; (ii) obtain
opinions of counsel for the Company and updates thereof in customary form and
covering matters reasonably requested by the Underwriter(s) of the type
customarily covered in legal opinions to Underwriters in connection with primary
Underwritten Offerings addressed to each selling Holder and the Underwriter
requesting the same and covering the matters as may be reasonably requested by
such Holders and Underwriters; (iii) obtain "cold comfort" letters and updates
thereof from the Company's independent certified public accountants addressed to
the selling Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities and the Underwriters
requesting the same, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters
of the type customarily covered in "cold comfort" letters to Underwriters in
connection with primary Underwritten Offerings; (iv) set forth in full or
incorporate by reference in the underwriting agreement the indemnification
provisions and procedures of Section 7 hereof with respect to all parties to be
indemnified pursuant to said Section; and (v) deliver such documents and
certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Holders of the Transfer
Restricted Securities being sold or the Underwriter(s) of such Underwritten
Offering to evidence compliance with clause (i) above and with any customary
conditions contained in the underwriting agreement entered into by the Company
pursuant to this clause (1). The above shall be done at or prior to each closing
under such underwriting agreement, as and to the extent required thereunder;

            (m) make available at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner
for inspection by a representative of the Holders of the Transfer Restricted
Securities, any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such
Shelf Registration Statement, and any attorney or accountant retained by such
selling Holders or any of the Underwriters, all financial and other records,
pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and cause the
Company's officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably
requested by any such Holder, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection
with such Shelf Registration Statement prior to its effectiveness, provided,
however, that such representatives, attorneys or accountants shall agree to keep
confidential (which agreement shall be confirmed in writing in advance to the
Company if the Company shall so request) all information, records or documents
made available to such persons which are not otherwise available to the general
public unless disclosure of such records. information or documents is required
by court or administrative order (of which the Company shall have been given
prior notice and an opportunity to defend) after the exhaustion of all appeals
therefrom, and to use such information obtained pursuant to this provision only
in connection with the transaction for which such information was obtained, and
not for any other purpose;

            (n) otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all
applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available
to its security holders, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earnings
statement, which consolidated earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of
Section 


                                       7
<PAGE>   9

11(a) of the Act, for the twelve-month period (i) commencing at the end of any
fiscal quarter in which Transfer Restricted Securities are sold to Underwriters
in a firm commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering or (ii) if not sold
to Underwriters in such an offering, beginning with the first month of the
Company's first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the Shelf
Registration Statement;

            (o) cause the Indenture and, if necessary, the Guarantee Agreement,
to be qualified under the TIA, and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the
Trustee and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture and, if
necessary, the Guarantee Agreement, as may be required for such Indenture and,
if necessary, the Guarantee Agreement to be so qualified in accordance with the
terms of the TIA; and execute and use its best efforts to cause the Trustee to
execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes and all other
forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such
Indenture and, if necessary, the Guarantee Agreement, to be so qualified in a
timely manner;

            (p) make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of any
order suspending the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement at the
earliest possible moment;

            (q) cause all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf
Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange or quotation
system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed if
requested by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding Transfer Restricted
Securities (with holders of Common Stock constituting Transfer Restricted
Securities being deemed to be Holders of the aggregate principal amount of
Debentures converted into such Common Stock for purposes of such calculation) or
the Underwriters, if any; and cause the Debentures covered by the Shelf
Registration Statement to be rated with the appropriate rating agencies, if so
requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such
Debentures or the Underwriters; and

            (r) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the
NASD and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any
Underwriter (including any "qualified independent Underwriter" that is required
to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NASD).

            Each Holder as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being
effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to
be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the
Company by such Holder not materially misleading or necessary to cause such
Shelf Registration Statement not to omit a material fact with respect to such
Holder necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. Each
Holder agrees that the information furnished by such Holder specifically for
inclusion in any Shelf Registration Statement will not contain any misstatement
of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make
such information not misleading.

            Each Holder agrees by acquisition of such Transfer Restricted
Securities that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the existence of
any fact of the kind described in Section 5(d)(v) hereof, such Holder will
forthwith discontinue disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities until such
Holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus
contemplated by Section 5(j) hereof, or until it is advised in writing (the
"Advice") by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has
received copies of any additional or supplemental filings with respect to the
Prospectus. If so directed by the Company, each Holder will deliver to the
Company (at the Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies
then in such Holder's possession, of the Prospectus covering such Transfer
Restricted Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the
event Company shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the
effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement set forth in Section 3(a)
hereof shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and
including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 5(d)(v)
hereof to and including the date when each selling Holder covered by such Shelf
Registration Statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or
amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 5(j) hereof or shall have received
the Advice.


                                       8
<PAGE>   10

SECTION 6.  REGISTRATION EXPENSES

            (a) All expenses incident to the Company's performance of or
compliance with this Agreement (the "Registration Expenses") will be borne by
the Company, regardless of whether a Shelf Registration Statement becomes
effective, including without limitation:

               (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses (including any
          filings made with the NASD);

               (ii) fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities or
          state blue sky laws;

               (iii) expenses of printing (including, without limitation,
          expenses of printing or engraving certificates for the Transfer
          Restricted Securities in a form eligible for deposit with Depository
          Trust Company and of printing the Prospectus and any Preliminary
          Prospectus), messenger and delivery services and telephone;

               (iv) reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company
          and for the Holders of the Transfer Restricted Securities (subject to
          the provisions of Section 6(0) hereof);

               (v) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public
          accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special
          audit and "cold comfort" letters required by or incidental to the
          preparation and filing of a Shelf Registration Statement and
          Prospectus and the disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities);

               (vi) fees and expenses associated with any NASD filing required
          to be made in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement,
          including, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any "qualified
          independent Underwriter" (and its counsel) that is required to be
          retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NASD; and

               (vii) fees and expenses of listing the Transfer Restricted
          Securities on any securities exchange or quotation system in
          accordance with Section 5(q) hereof.

            The Company will, in any event, bear its internal expenses
(including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and
employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual
audit, rating agency fees and the fees and expenses of any Person, including
special experts, retained by the Company. The Holders of Transfer Restricted
Securities shall bear the expense of any broker's commission or Underwriter's
discount or commission.

            (b) In connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company
will reimburse the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities being registered
pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement for the reasonable fees and
disbursements of not more than one counsel chosen by the Holders of a majority
of the outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities (with holders of Common Stock
constituting Transfer Restricted Securities being deemed to be Holders of the
aggregate principal amount of Debentures converted into such Common Stock for
purposes of such calculation).

            Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6(0), each Holder of
Transfer Restricted Securities shall pay all Registration Expenses to the extent
required by applicable law.

SECTION 7.  INDEMNIFICATION

            (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each of
the Initial Purchasers, (ii) each Holder, (iii) each person, if any, who
controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange Act) any of the Initial Purchasers or any Holder (any of the persons
referred to in this clause (iii) being hereinafter referred to as a "controlling
person") and (iv) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees,
representatives and agents of any of the Initial Purchasers or any Holder or any
controlling person (any person referred to in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv)
may hereinafter be 


                                       9
<PAGE>   11

referred to as a "Non-Company Indemnitee"), to the fullest extent lawful, from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments
caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in the Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus or Preliminary
Prospectus (or any amendments or supplements thereto), including any document
incorporated by reference therein, or caused by any omission or alleged omission
to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading, except, with respect to any Non-
Company Indemnitee, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments (I) are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged
untrue statement or omission based upon information furnished in writing to the
Company by such Non-Company Indemnitee expressly for use therein or (2) with
respect to any Preliminary Prospectus, result from the fact that such
Non-Company Indemnity sold Transfer Restricted Securities to a person to whom
there was not sent or given, at or prior to the written confirmation of such
sale, a copy of the final Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if the Company
shall have previously furnished copies thereof to such Non-Company Indemnitee in
accordance with this Agreement and the final Prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, would have corrected such untrue statement or omission.

            (b) In case any action shall be brought against any Non-Company
Indemnitee, based upon the Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus, or
Preliminary Prospectus (or any amendments or supplements thereto), and with
respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Company, such Non-Company
Indemnitee shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company shall
assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel and payment of
all fees and expenses; provided, however, that the omission so to notify the
Company shall not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have to any
Non-Company Indemnitee (except to the extent that the Company is materially
prejudiced or otherwise forfeits substantive rights or defenses by reason of
such failure). Such Non-Company Indemnitee shall have the right to employ
separate counsel in any such action and participate in the defense thereof, but
the fees and expenses of counsel shall be paid by such Non-Company Indemnitee,
unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been specifically
authorized in writing by the Company, (ii) the Company shall have failed to
assume the defense and employ counsel or (iii) the named parties to any such
action (including any impleaded parties) include both such Non-Company
Indemnitee and the Company and it would be inappropriate for the same counsel to
represent such Non-Company Indemnitee and the Company (in which case the Company
shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such
Non-Company Indemnitee, it being understood, however, that the Company shall
not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially
similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same
general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of
more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for
the Non-Company Indemnitees, which firm shall be designated in writing by the
Non-Company Indemnitees and whose fees and expenses reasonably incurred shall be
reimbursed as they are incurred). The Company shall not be liable for any
settlement of any such action effected without the written consent of the
Company, but if settled with the written consent of the Company, the Company
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Non-Company Indemnitee from and
against any amounts payable pursuant to such written consent m connection with
such settlement. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if in any
case where the fees and expenses of counsel are at the expense of the Company
and a Non-Company Indemnitee shall have requested the Company to reimburse such
Non-Company Indemnitee for such fees and expenses of counsel as incurred, the
Company agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any action effected
without its written consent if (i) each settlement is entered into more than 30
business days after the receipt by the Company of the aforesaid request and (ii)
the Company shall have failed to reimburse such Non-Company Indemnitee in
accordance with such request for reimbursement prior to the date of such
settlement. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of such
Non-Company Indemnitee, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened
proceeding in respect of which such Non-Company Indemnitee is or could have been
a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Non-Company
Indemnitee, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such
Non-Company Indemnitee from all liability on claims that are the subject matter
of such proceeding.

            (c) Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless (i) the Company, (ii) each of the Initial
Purchasers, (iii) each other Holder, (iv) any person controlling (within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Company,
any of the Initial Purchasers and each other Holder and (v) the respective
officers, directors, partners, 


                                       10
<PAGE>   12

employees, representatives and agents of each of the parties referred to in
clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity
from the Company to each of the Non-Company Indemnitees, but only with respect
to information relating to such Holder that was furnished in writing by such
Holder expressly for use in the Shelf Registration Statement (or any amendment
or supplement thereto). In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder
hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received
by such Holder upon the sales of the Transfer Restricted Securities giving rise
to such indemnification obligation.

            (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is
unavailable to an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or judgments referred to herein, then each indemnifying party, in
lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid
or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and judgments in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and the
indemnified party, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative
fault of the indemnifying party, on the one hand, and the indemnified party, on
the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the
indemnifying party, on the one hand, or the indemnified party, on the other
hand, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

            The Company, each of the Initial Purchasers and each Holder of
Transfer Restricted Securities agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
The losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments of an indemnified party
referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include,
subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating
or defending any such action or claim prior to the indemnifying party's
assumption of the defense thereof or subsequent thereto to the extent permitted
by the second sentence of Section 7(b) hereof. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this Section 7, none of the Holders shall be required to contribute, in the
aggregate, any amount m excess of the amount by which the total amount received
by such Holder with respect to the sale of Transfer Restricted Securities
exceeds the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required
to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the
meaning of Section 11(1) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any
person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders'
obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7(d) are several in
proportion to the respective principal amount of Notes held by each of the
Holders hereunder and not joint. 

SECTION 8.  RULE 144A

            The Company hereby agrees with each Holder, for so long as any of
the Debentures or shares of Common Stock that are Transfer Restricted Securities
remain outstanding and during any such period in which the Company is not
subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to make available to any
Initial Purchaser or any beneficial owner of the Debentures or shares of such
Common Stock in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser
of such Debentures or Common Stock from such Initial Purchaser or beneficial
owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Act in order to
permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A.


                                       11
<PAGE>   13

SECTION 9.  PARTICIPATION IN Underwritten REGISTRATIONS

            No Holder may participate in any Underwritten Offering hereunder
unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder's Transfer Restricted
Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by
the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements, (b) completes and
executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting
agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting
arrangements and (c) furnishes the Company in writing information in accordance
with Section 3(g) and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its
directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and any person
controlling the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section
20 of the Exchange Act to the extent contemplated by Section 7(c).

SECTION 10. SELECTION OF UNDERWRITERS

            The Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf
Registration Statement who desire to do so may sell such Transfer Restricted
Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the
Underwriter(s) that will administer the offering will be selected by the Holders
of the Transfer Restricted Securities included in such offering in the manner
specified in Section 3(c); provided, however, that such Underwriters must be
reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS

            (a) REMEDIES. Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, in
addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein, and as
provided in the Purchase Agreement and granted by law, including recovery of
damages, will be entitled to specific performance of such Holder's rights under
this Agreement. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate
compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions
of this Agreement and hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for
specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

            (b) NO INCONSISTENT AGREEMENTS. The Company will not on or after the
date of this Agreement enter into any agreement with respect to its securities
that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Transfer
Restricted Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the
provisions hereof. The rights granted to the Holders of Transfer Restricted
Securities hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent
with the rights granted to the holders of the Company's securities under any
other agreements.

            (c) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. The provisions of this Agreement,
including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or
supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof
may not be given unless the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders
of a majority of the outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities affected by such
amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or departure (with holders of Common
Stock constituting Transfer Restricted Securities being deemed to be Holders of
the aggregate principal amount of Debentures converted into such Common Stock
for purposes of such calculation). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or
consent to departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the
rights of Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities whose securities are being
sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement and that does not directly or
indirectly affect the rights of other Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities
shall be valid only with the written consent of Holders of at least 66-2/3% of
the Transfer Restricted Securities being sold, in each case calculated in
accordance with the provisions of Section 3(c).

            (d) NOTICES. All notices and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail
(registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier, or air
courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

               (i) if to a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, at the
          address set forth on the records of the Registrar under the Indenture,
          with a copy to the Registrar; and


                                       12
<PAGE>   14

               (ii) if to the Company or an Initial Purchaser, initially at its
          address set forth in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such
          other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the
          provisions of this Section.

            All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been
duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five
business days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed;
when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on
the next business day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing
overnight delivery.

            Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be
concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee under the
Indenture at the address specified in the Indenture.

            (e) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the
parties, including without limitation and without the need for an express
assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided,
however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding
upon a successor or assign of a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities unless
and to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted
Securities from such Holder; and provided further that nothing herein shall be
deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or any disposition of Transfer
Restricted Securities in violation of the terms of the Purchase Agreement. If
any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Transfer Restricted Securities, in
any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Transfer Restricted
Securities shall be held subject to all of the terms of this Agreement and by
taking and holding such Transfer Restricted Securities such person shall be
conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the
terms and provisions of this Agreement and such Person shall be entitled to
receive the benefits hereof.

            (f) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

            (g) HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

            (h) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
CONFLICTS OF LAW RULES THEREOF.

            (i) SEVERABILITY. In the event that any one or more of the
provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is
held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining
provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

            (j) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement together with the other
Operative Documents (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) is intended by the
parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete
and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto
in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions,
promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to
herein with respect to the registration rights granted by the Company with
respect to the securities sold pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties
with respect to such subject matter.



                                       13
<PAGE>   15

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                             NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                             By: /s/ Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                                 ____________________________
                                               Name: Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                               Title: Senior Vice President
                                               and Chief Financial Officer

SMITH BARNEY INC.
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY L.L.C.
MONTGOMERY SECURITIES
MCDONALD & COMPANY SECURITIES, INC.

BY: SMITH BARNEY INC.





By: /s/ Ben Lorello
   ___________________
  Name: Ben Lorello
  Title: Managing Director


                                       14

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                              GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

          GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, dated as of August 13, 1997, among the entities
listed on Annex A attached hereto (collectively, the "Guarantors") and National
City Bank (the "Trustee").

          WHEREAS NCS HealthCare, Inc. (the "Company") and the Trustee, have
entered into an Indenture dated as of August 13, 1997 regarding up to
$115,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5-3/4% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2004 of the Company (the "Securities");

          NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 10 of the Indenture and for
value received, each of the undersigned Guarantors jointly and severally
guarantee to the Trustee and to the holders of the Securities (the "Holders")
the punctual payment of the obligations of the Company under the Indenture, as
the direct and primary obligation of the undersigned, waiving all demands and
suretyship defenses.

          Any term used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meaning assigned to such term in the Indenture.

                                   ARTICLE I

                                 The Guarantees
                                 --------------

          SECTION 101. UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEES. (a) For value received, the
Guarantors, jointly and severally, hereby fully, unconditionally and absolutely
guarantee (the "Guarantees") to the Holders and to the Trustee the complete and
punctual payment and performance by the Company of the obligations of the
Company under the Indenture (the "Obligations"), and further agree to pay any
and all reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, all fees and
disbursements of counsel) which may be paid or incurred by the Trustee or the
Holders in enforcing their rights under the Guarantees.

          (b) Failing payment or performance by the Company when due of any
Obligation guaranteed pursuant to the Guarantees, for whatever reason, the
Guarantors, jointly and severally, will be obligated to pay or perform the same
immediately. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder
shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity or
enforceability of the Securities, the Guarantees or the Indenture, the absence
of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with
respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, any release of any other
Guarantor, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to
enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a
legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor. Each of the Guarantors
hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of, or
premium, if any, or interest on the
<PAGE>   2

Securities, whether at the stated maturity or by declaration of acceleration,
call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the
Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 508 of the Indenture,   
by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture,
directly against each of the Guarantors to enforce the Guarantees without first
proceeding against the Company.

          (c) The obligations of each Guarantor herein shall be as aforesaid
full, unconditional and absolute and shall not be impaired, modified, released
or limited by any occurrence or condition whatsoever, including, without
limitation, (i) any compromise, settlement, release, waiver, renewal, extension,
indulgence or modification of, or any change in, any of the obligations and
liabilities of the Company or any Guarantor contained in the Securities or the
Indenture, (ii) any impairment, modification, release or limitation of the
liability of the Company, any Guarantor or any of their estates in bankruptcy,
or any remedy for the enforcement thereof, resulting from the operation of any
present or future provision of title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal or
state law for the relief of debtors, as amended, or other statute or from the
decision of any court, (iii) the assertion or exercise by the Company, any
Guarantor or the Trustee of any rights or remedies, (iv) the assignment or the
purported assignment of any property as security for the Securities, including
all or any part of the rights of the Company or any Guarantor under the
Indenture, (v) the extension of the time for payment by the Company or any
Guarantor of any payments or other sums or any part thereof owing or payable
under any of the terms and provisions of the Securities or the Indenture or of
the time for performance by the Company or any Guarantor of any other
obligations under or arising out of any such terms and provisions or the
extension of the renewal of any thereof, (vi) the modification or amendment
(whether material or otherwise) of any duty, agreement or obligation of the
Company or any Guarantor set forth herein or in the Indenture or (vii) the
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets, marshalling of assets and liabilities,
receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors,
reorganization of, or other similar proceeding affecting, the Company or any of
the Guarantors or any of their respective assets.

          (d) The Guarantors each hereby (i) waives diligence, presentment,
demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger,
insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or a Guarantor, and all demands
whatsoever, (ii) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document
evidencing the Guarantees may be transferred and that the benefit of its
obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument
or document evidencing the Guarantees without notice to them and (iii) covenants
that its Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the
Guarantees or upon payment, performance and satisfaction in full by the Company
of its obligations under the Indenture. Each Guarantor further agrees that if at
any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any person to any
Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reasons whatsoever,
including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of
the Company or any Guarantor, such Guarantee, as the case may be, shall, to the
extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have
continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and the Guarantees
shall continue to be effective or be reinstated as though such application had
not been made.



                                       2
<PAGE>   3

          (e) Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders
and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by such
Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
no Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out
of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities and the
Guarantees shall have been paid in full or discharged.

            SECTION 102. LIMITATION OF GUARANTOR'S LIABILITY. Each Guarantor and
by its acceptance hereof each Holder confirms that it is the intention of all
such parties that the guarantee by such Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee not
constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any federal,
state or foreign law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders and
each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Guarantor
under its Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving
effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and after
giving effect to any collections from payments made by or on behalf of any other
Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its
Guarantee or pursuant to Section 103, result in the obligations of such
Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or
fraudulent transfer under federal, state or foreign law.

          SECTION 103. CONTRIBUTION. In order to provide for just and equitable
contribution among the Guarantors, the Guarantors agree, INTER SE that, in the
event any payment or distribution is made by any Guarantor (a "Funding
Guarantor") under its Guarantee, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a
contribution from each other Guarantor in a pro rata amount based on the
Adjusted Net Assets (defined below) of each Guarantor (including the Funding
Guarantor) for all payments, damages and expenses incurred by the Funding
Guarantor in discharging the Company's obligations with respect to the
Securities or any other Guarantor's obligations with respect to its Guarantee.
For purposes of this Section, Adjusted Net Assets of a Guarantor at any date
shall mean the lesser of: (x) the amount by which the fair value of the property
of such Guarantor at such date exceeds the total amount of liabilities,
including, without limitation, the probable amount of contingent liabilities
(after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities incurred or
assumed on such date) of such Guarantor at such date, but excluding liabilities
under the Guarantee of such Guarantor, and (y) the amount by which the present
fair saleable value of the assets of such Guarantor at such date exceeds the
amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Guarantor on
its debts (after giving effect to all fixed and contingent liabilities incurred
or assumed on such date), excluding debt in respect of the Guarantee of such
Guarantor, as they become absolute and matured.

          SECTION 104. ADDITION OF GUARANTORS. For as long as any Guarantees are
required to remain in effect pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, promptly
but in no event later than 30 days following the acquisition or creation of any
Wholly Owned Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture, this Guaranty Agreement
shall be amended to add such Subsidiary as a Guarantor.

          SECTION 105. RELEASE OF GUARANTEE. Notwithstanding anything to



                                       3
<PAGE>   4

the contrary contained in this Article 1, in the event that any of the
undersigned entities (i) shall no longer be a member of an affiliated group
(within the meaning of Section 279(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) which includes the Company, or (ii) shall no longer be obligated to
guarantee any Obligations under the Indenture for any other reason, such entity
shall be released from all liability hereunder and the Guarantee of such entity
shall be of no further force or effect.

                                   ARTICLE II

                          Subordination of Guarantees
                          ---------------------------

          SECTION 201. GUARANTEES SUBORDINATE TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS.

          Each Guarantor covenants and agrees, and pursuant to the Indenture
each Holder, by his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to
the extent and in the manner hereafter set forth in this Article, the payment of
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities as
guaranteed by each Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee are hereby expressly made
subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness (as hereinafter defined) of such Guarantor. For purposes of
this Article, "Senior Indebtedness" with respect to any Guarantor means (a) all
secured Indebtedness for Money Borrowed (as hereinafter defined) of such
Guarantor under such Guarantor's primary credit facility and any predecessor or
successor credit facilities thereto, whether outstanding on the date of
execution of this Guarantee Agreement or thereafter created, incurred or
assumed, (b) all other secured Indebtedness for Money Borrowed of such
Guarantor, whether outstanding on the date of execution of this Guarantee
Agreement or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, except any indebtedness
that by the terms of the instrument or instruments by which such indebtedness
was created or incurred expressly provides that it (i) is junior in right of
payment to the Guarantee or (ii) ranks pari passu in right of payment with the
Guarantee, and (c) any amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications,
refinancings and refundings of any of the foregoing. The term "Indebtedness for
Money Borrowed" when used with respect to any Guarantor, for purposes of this
Article means (i) any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, such
Guarantor for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets evidenced
by a note or similar instrument, (ii) any deferred payment obligation of, or any
such obligation guaranteed by, such Guarantor for the payment of the purchase
price of property or assets evidenced by a note or similar instrument, (iii) any
obligation of or any such obligation guaranteed by, such Guarantor for the
payment of rent or other amounts under a lease of property or assets which
obligation is required to be classified or accounted for as a capitalized lease
on the balance sheet of such Guarantor under generally accepted accounting
principles, (iv) any obligation of, or any such obligation guaranteed by, such
Guarantor for the reimbursement of any obligor of any letter of credit, banker's
acceptance or similar credit transaction, (v) any obligation of, or any such
obligation which is guaranteed by, such Guarantor under interest rate swaps,
caps, collars, options and similar arrangements and (vi) and obligation of such
Guarantor under any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, futures
contract, currency option contract or other foreign currency hedge.



                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                  ARTICLE III

                              Trust Indenture Act
                              -------------------

          SECTION 301. TRUST INDENTURE ACT; APPLICATION. This Guarantee
Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are
required to be part of this Guarantee Agreement and shall, to the extent
applicable, be governed by such provisions; and if and to the extent that any
provision of this Guarantee Agreement limits, qualifies or conflicts with the
duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act,
such imposed duties shall control.

          SECTION 302. LIST OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES. (a) The Guarantors shall
provide or shall cause to be provided to the Trustee (unless the Trustee is
otherwise the registrar of the Securities) a list, in such form as the Trustee
may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of the
Securities ("List of Holders"), (i) semi-annually, not more than 15 days after
each Regular Record Date, as of such Regular Record Date, and (ii) at any other
time within 30 days of receipt by the Guarantors of a written request for a List
of Holders as of a date no more than 15 days before such List of Holders is
given to the Trustee; provided, that the Guarantors shall not be obligated to
provide such List of Holders at any time the List of Holders does not differ
from the most recent List of Holders given to the Trustee by the Guarantors or
the Company.

          (b) The Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Sections
311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

          SECTION 303. REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE. Within 60 days after May 15 of
each year, the Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the Securities such
reports as are required by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in
the form and in the manner provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act.
The Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313(d) of the
Trust Indenture Act.

          SECTION 304. PERIODIC REPORTS TO TRUSTEE. The Guarantors shall provide
or shall cause to be provided to the Trustee such documents, reports and
information as required by Section 314 (if any) and the compliance certificate
required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner
and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Delivery of
such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational
purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute
constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from
information contained therein, including the Guarantors' compliance with any of
their covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely
exclusively on Officers' Certificates).

          SECTION 305. EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. The
Guarantors shall provide to the Trustee such evidence of compliance with any
conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee Agreement that
relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture
Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to
Section 314(c)(l) may be given in


                                       5
<PAGE>   6

the form of an Officers' Certificate.

          SECTION 306. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; WAIVER. The Holders of not less than a
majority in principal amount of Outstanding Securities may, on behalf of the
Holders of all of the Securities, waive any past default hereunder and its
consequences. Upon such waiver, any such default shall cease to exist, and any
default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose
of the Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

          SECTION 307. EVENT OF DEFAULT; NOTICE. The Trustee shall give the
Holders notice of any default hereunder known to it as and to the extent
provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, that, except in the case of
default in any payment pursuant to the Guarantees, the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a committee of
Responsible Officers in good faith determines that the withholding of such
notice is in the interests of the holders of the Securities.

          SECTION 308. CONFLICTING INTERESTS. If the Trustee has or shall
acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act,
the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in
the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture
Act and the Indenture.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

          SECTION 401. CONDITIONS OF EFFECTIVENESS. This Guarantee Agreement
shall become effective as of the date of this Guarantee Agreement when and if
this Guarantee Agreement has been duly executed by each of the Guarantors and
the Trustee.

          SECTION 402. REFERENCE TO AND EFFECT ON THE INDENTURE. The execution,
delivery and effectiveness of this Guarantee Agreement shall not operate as a
waiver of any right, power or remedy of the Trustee under the Indenture, nor
constitute a waiver of any provision of the Indenture, and the Indenture shall
remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

          SECTION 403. GOVERNING LAW. This Guarantee Agreement shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, but
without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.

          SECTION 404. HEADINGS. Section headings in this Guarantee Agreement
are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute
a part of this Guarantee Agreement for any other purpose.

          SECTION 405. COUNTERPARTS. This Guarantee Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one



                                       6
<PAGE>   7

and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Guarantee
Agreement by signing any such counterpart.

          SECTION 406. NOTICES. Any notice or communication shall be in writing
and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail addressed as follows: 

                    if to any Guarantor or all Guarantors:

                       c/o    NCS HealthCare, Inc.
                              3201 Enterprise Parkway, Suite 220
                              Beachwood, Ohio 44122

                              Attention: Chief Financial Officer 

                    if to the Trustee:

                              National City Bank
                              Corporate Trust Administration
                              629 Euclid Avenue, Room 635
                              Cleveland, Ohio 44114

                              Attention: Janet A. Schwartz

          SECTION 407. RIGHTS OF HOLDERS. The Guarantors expressly acknowledge
that any Holder may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor
to enforce its rights under this Guarantee Agreement, without first instituting
a legal proceeding against the Company or any other Person.

          SECTION 408. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. The provisions of this Guarantee
Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented by the Trustee and the
Guarantors, provided that, without the consent of each Holder, no amendment,
modification or supplement to this Guarantee Agreement shall be made which
adversely affects the rights of the Holders hereunder in any material respect.
The foregoing notwithstanding, no consent of any Holders shall be required to
(i) reflect the release of any Guarantor from its Guarantee, or the addition of
any Wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company as a Guarantor, in the manner
provided by the Indenture and this Guarantee Agreement or (ii) cure any
ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective
or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions
with respect to matters or questions arising under this Guarantee Agreement
which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Guarantee Agreement,
provided that such action pursuant to this clause (ii) shall not adversely
affect the rights of Holders hereunder in any material respect.

          SECTION 409. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any one or more of the
provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is
held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining
provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.



                                       7
<PAGE>   8

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

                                        ADVANCED RX SERVICES, INC.
                 

                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   9

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

                                        HLF ADULT HOME PHARMACY CORP.

                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   10

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

                                        KINETIC SERVICES, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jon H. Outcalt
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jon H. Outcalt,
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   11

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

                                        LOOK DRUG STORES, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   12


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

                                        LOOMIS ENTERPRISES, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   13

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

                                        MANAGEMENT & NETWORK
                                        SERVICES, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   14

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

                                        MEDI CENTRE, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   15

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

                                        NCS DAVEN DRUG, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jon H. Outcalt
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jon H. Outcalt,
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   16

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

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF ARKANSAS, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   17
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF
                                        CALIFORNIA, INC.




                                        By: /s/Jon H. Outcalt
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jon H. Outcalt,
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   18


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

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF FLORIDA, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   19
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF ILLINOIS, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   20
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF INDIANA, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Secretary and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   21
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF IOWA, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Vice President



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   22

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written:

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF KANSAS, INC.




                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   23

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written:

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF KENTUCKY, INC.




                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   24


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written:

                                        RESCOT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.




                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   25


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Guarantee
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written:

                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF MARYLAND, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   26


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF
                                        MICHIGAN, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Vice President and Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   27


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF
                                        MODESTO, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jon H. Outcalt
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jon H. Outcalt,
                                            Secretary and Treasurer






Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   28


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF OHIO, INC.




                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   29


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF
                                        OKLAHOMA, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   30


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF OREGON, INC.

                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   31


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF
                                        PENNSYLVANIA, INC.

                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   32


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF
                                        SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.

                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   33


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF VERMONT, INC


                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   34


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


                                        NCS HEALTHCARE
                                        OF WASHINGTON, INC.

                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer and Assistant Secretary



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   35


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


                                        NCS QUALITY CARE PHARMACY, INC.


                                        By: /s/Jon H. Outcalt
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jon H. Outcalt,
                                            Secretary and Treasurer






Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   36


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


                                        NCS SERVICES, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   37


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


                                        THRIFTY MEDICAL SUPPLY, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   38


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


                                        UNI-CARE HEALTH SERVICES, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   39


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


                                        UNI-CARE HEALTH SERVICES
                                        OF MAINE, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   40


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


                                        CHESHIRE LONG TERM
                                        CARE PHARMACY, INC.



                                        By: /s/Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,  
                                            Treasurer



Attest:

/s/ Judith B. Wasen
- ----------------------

                                        NATIONAL CITY BANK,
                                        as Trustee


                                        By: /s/ Marla Clark
                                            -----------------------------------
Attest:

/s/ Holly Retina
- ----------------------


<PAGE>   41


                                   SCHEDULE I

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 Exhibit 10.2


================================================================================

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                   DATED AS OF
                                 AUGUST 1, 1997

                                      AMONG

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.
                                   AS BORROWER

                     THE LENDING INSTITUTIONS NAMED THEREIN
                                   AS LENDERS

                          KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                             AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                    NBD BANK
                                   AS CO-AGENT

===============================================================================
<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                               Page

<S>      <C>                                                                                                      <C>
SECTION 1.        DEFINITIONS AND TERMS.........................................................................  1
         1.1.     Certain Defined Terms.........................................................................  1
         1.2.     Computation of Time Periods................................................................... 17
         1.3.     Accounting Terms.............................................................................. 17
         1.4.     Terms Generally............................................................................... 17

SECTION 2.        AMOUNT AND TERMS OF LOANS..................................................................... 18
         2.1.     Commitments for Loans......................................................................... 18
         2.2.     Minimum Borrowing Amounts, etc.; Pro Rata Borrowings.......................................... 18
         2.3.     Notice of Borrowing........................................................................... 19
         2.4.     Disbursement of Funds......................................................................... 20
         2.5.     Refunding of, or Participation in, Swing Line Revolving Loans................................. 20
         2.6.     Notes......................................................................................... 21
         2.7.     Conversions of General Revolving Loans........................................................ 22
         2.8.     Interest...................................................................................... 22
         2.9.     Interest Periods.............................................................................. 25
         2.10.    Increased Costs, Illegality, etc.............................................................. 26
         2.11.    Compensation.................................................................................. 27
         2.12.    Change of Lending Office; Replacement of Lenders.............................................. 28

SECTION 3.        LETTERS OF CREDIT............................................................................. 28
         3.1.     Letters of Credit............................................................................. 28
         3.2.     Letter of Credit Requests: Notices of Issuance................................................ 29
         3.3.     Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings.................................................. 30
         3.4.     Letter of Credit Participations............................................................... 30
         3.5.     Increased Costs............................................................................... 32
         3.6.     Guaranty of Subsidiary Letter of Credit Obligations........................................... 32

SECTION 4.        FEES; COMMITMENTS............................................................................. 34
         4.1.     Fees.......................................................................................... 34
         4.2.     Voluntary Reduction of Commitments............................................................ 35
         4.3.     Mandatory Adjustments of Commitments, etc..................................................... 35
         4.4.     Extension of Maturity Date.................................................................... 35

SECTION 5.        PAYMENTS...................................................................................... 35
         5.1.     Voluntary Prepayments......................................................................... 35
         5.2.     Mandatory Prepayments......................................................................... 36
         5.3.     Method and Place of Payment................................................................... 37
         5.4.     Net Payments.................................................................................. 38

SECTION 6.        CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.......................................................................... 39
         6.1.     Conditions Precedent at Closing Date.......................................................... 39
         6.2.     Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events..................................................... 40

SECTION 7.        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................................................ 40
         7.1.     Corporate Status, etc......................................................................... 40
         7.2.     Subsidiaries.................................................................................. 40
         7.3.     Corporate Power and Authority, etc............................................................ 40
         7.4.     No Violation.................................................................................. 41

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                               Page
<S>      <C>                                                                                                     <C>
         7.5.     Governmental Approvals........................................................................ 41
         7.6.     Litigation.................................................................................... 41
         7.7.     Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations........................................................... 41
         7.8.     Financial Statements, etc..................................................................... 41
         7.9.     No Material Adverse Change.................................................................... 42
         7.10.    Tax Returns and Payments...................................................................... 42
         7.11.    Title to Properties, etc...................................................................... 42
         7.12.    Lawful Operations, etc........................................................................ 43
         7.13.    Environmental Matters......................................................................... 43
         7.14.    Compliance with ERISA......................................................................... 43
         7.15.    Intellectual Property, etc.................................................................... 44
         7.16.    Investment Company............................................................................ 44
         7.17.    Burdensome Contracts; Labor Relations......................................................... 44
         7.18.    Existing Indebtedness......................................................................... 44
         7.19.    True and Complete Disclosure.................................................................. 44

SECTION 8.        AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS......................................................................... 45
         8.1.     Reporting Requirements........................................................................ 45
         8.2.     Books, Records and Inspections................................................................ 48
         8.3.     Insurance..................................................................................... 48
         8.4.     Payment of Taxes and Claims................................................................... 48
         8.5.     Corporate Franchises.......................................................................... 48
         8.6.     Good Repair................................................................................... 48
         8.7.     Compliance with Statutes, etc................................................................. 49
         8.8.     Compliance with Environmental Laws............................................................ 49
         8.9.     Fiscal Years, Fiscal Quarters................................................................. 49
         8.10.    Certain Subsidiaries to Join in Subsidiary Guaranty........................................... 50
         8.11.    Pledge of Additional Stock; Release of Collateral............................................. 50
         8.12.    Most Favored Covenant Status.................................................................. 51
         8.13.    Senior Debt................................................................................... 51

SECTION 9.        NEGATIVE COVENANTS............................................................................ 51
         9.1.     Changes in Business........................................................................... 51
         9.2.     Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets, etc.................................................. 51
         9.3.     Liens......................................................................................... 53
         9.4.     Indebtedness.................................................................................. 54
         9.5.     Advances, Investments, Loans and Guaranty Obligations......................................... 55
         9.6.     Total Net Indebtedness/Consolidated EBITDA Ratio.............................................. 57
         9.7.     Total Senior Indebtedness/Consolidated EBITDA Ratio........................................... 57
         9.8.     Interest Coverage Ratio....................................................................... 57
         9.9.     Minimum Consolidated Net Worth................................................................ 57
         9.10.    Prepayments and Refinancings of Subordinated Debt, etc........................................ 57
         9.11.    Transactions with Affiliates.................................................................. 57
         9.12.    Limitation on Certain Restrictive Agreements.................................................. 58
         9.13.    Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions................................................ 58
         9.14.    Plan Terminations, Minimum Funding, etc....................................................... 58

SECTION 10.       EVENTS OF DEFAULT............................................................................. 59
         10.1.    Events of Default............................................................................. 59
         10.2.    Acceleration, etc............................................................................. 60
         10.3.    Application of Liquidation Proceeds........................................................... 61
</TABLE>

                                       ii


<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>

                                                                                                               Page
<S>      <C>                                                                                                     <C>
SECTION 11.       THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT...................................................................... 61
         11.1.    Appointment................................................................................... 61
         11.2.    Delegation of Duties.......................................................................... 62
         11.3.    Exculpatory Provisions........................................................................ 62
         11.4.    Reliance by Administrative Agent.............................................................. 62
         11.5.    Notice of Default............................................................................. 62
         11.6.    Non-Reliance.................................................................................. 63
         11.7.    Indemnification............................................................................... 63
         11.8.    The Administrative Agent in Individual Capacity............................................... 63
         11.9.    Successor Administrative Agent................................................................ 63
         11.10.   Other Agents.................................................................................. 64

SECTION 12.       MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................. 64
         12.1.    Payment of Expenses etc....................................................................... 64
         12.2.    Right of Setoff............................................................................... 65
         12.3.    Notices....................................................................................... 65
         12.4.    Benefit of Agreement.......................................................................... 65
         12.5.    No Waiver: Remedies Cumulative................................................................ 67
         12.6.    Payments Pro Rata............................................................................. 67
         12.7.    Calculations: Computations.................................................................... 67
         12.8.    Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial........................ 68
         12.9.    Counterparts.................................................................................. 68
         12.10.   Effectiveness................................................................................. 68
         12.11.   Headings Descriptive.......................................................................... 68
         12.12.   Amendment or Waiver........................................................................... 68
         12.13.   Survival...................................................................................... 69
         12.14.   Domicile of Loans............................................................................. 69
         12.15.   Confidentiality............................................................................... 69
         12.16.   Lender Register............................................................................... 69
         12.17.   Limitations on Liability of the Letter of Credit Issuers...................................... 70
         12.18.   General Limitation of Liability............................................................... 70
         12.19.   No Duty....................................................................................... 70
         12.20.   Lenders and Agent Not Fiduciary to Borrower, etc.............................................. 71
         12.21.   Margin Stock.................................................................................. 71
         12.22.   Survival of Representations and Warranties.................................................... 71
</TABLE>



                                       iii


<PAGE>   5

ANNEX I       -        INFORMATION AS TO LENDERS
ANNEX II      -        INFORMATION AS TO SUBSIDIARIES
ANNEX III     -        DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS
ANNEX IV      -        DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING LIENS
ANNEX V       -        DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ADVANCES, LOANS,
                       INVESTMENTS AND GUARANTEES
ANNEX VI      -        DESCRIPTION OF LETTERS OF CREDIT DEEMED ISSUED UNDER THE
                       CREDIT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT A-1   -        FORM OF GENERAL REVOLVING NOTE
EXHIBIT A-2   -        FORM OF SWING LINE REVOLVING NOTE
EXHIBIT B-1   -        FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING
EXHIBIT B-2   -        FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION
EXHIBIT B-3   -        FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST
EXHIBIT C-1   -        FORM OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY
EXHIBIT C-2   -        FORM OF PLEDGE AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT D     -        FORM OF OPINION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL TO THE BORROWER
EXHIBIT E     -        FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT F     -        FORM OF SECTION 5.4(b)(ii) CERTIFICATE


                                       iv


<PAGE>   6

         CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of August 1, 1997, among the following:

                  (i) NCS HEALTHCARE, INC., a Delaware corporation (herein,
         together with its successors and assigns, the "BORROWER");

                  (ii) the lending institutions listed in Annex I hereto (each a
         "LENDER" and collectively, the "LENDERS");

                  (iii) KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking
         association, as administrative agent (the "ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT"); and

                  (iv) NBD BANK, a Michigan bank, as Co-Agent:

         PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS:

         (1) Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein
and defined in section 1 are used herein as so defined.

         (2) The Borrower has applied to the Lenders for credit facilities in
order to refinance certain indebtedness of the Borrower and in order to provide
working capital and funds for other lawful purposes.

         (3) The Borrower has requested that the credit facilities be secured by
the Pledge Agreement, covering only the stock presently owned by the Borrower in
its directly owned Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, subject to the right of the
Borrower, as provided herein, to obtain the release of all Collateral covered by
the Pledge Agreement.

         (4) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, the
Lenders are willing to make available to the Borrower the credit facilities
provided for herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:

         SECTION 1.        DEFINITIONS AND TERMS.

         1.1. CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS. As used herein, the following terms shall
have the meanings herein specified unless the context otherwise requires:

         "ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT" shall have the meaning provided in the first
paragraph of this Agreement and shall include any successor to the
Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to section 11.9.

         "AFFILIATE" shall mean, with respect to any person, any other person
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under direct or indirect
common control with such person. A person shall be deemed to control a second
person if such first person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power (i) to
vote 10% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election
of directors or managers of such second person or (ii) to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such second person, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a director, officer or employee of a person shall not, solely by
reason of such status, be considered an Affiliate of such person.


<PAGE>   7

         "AGREEMENT" shall mean this Credit Agreement, as the same may be from
time to time further modified, amended and/or supplemented.

         "APPLICABLE EURODOLLAR MARGIN" shall have the meaning provided in
section 2.8(g).

         "APPLICABLE FACILITY FEE RATE" shall have the meaning provided in
section 4.1(a).

         "APPLICABLE LENDING OFFICE" shall mean, with respect to each Lender,
(i) such Lender's Domestic Lending Office in the case of Borrowings consisting
of Prime Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Borrowings of Swing Line Revolving
Loans consisting of Money Market Rate Loans), and (ii) such Lender's Eurodollar
Lending Office in the case of Borrowings consisting of Eurodollar Loans.

         "ASSET SALE" shall mean the sale, transfer or other disposition
(including by means of mergers, consolidations, and liquidations of a
corporation, partnership or limited liability company of the interests therein
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary) by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to any
person other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any of their respective
assets (other than sales, transfers or other dispositions of obsolete or excess
furniture, fixtures, equipment or other property, tangible or intangible, in the
ordinary course of business).

         "ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT" shall mean an Assignment Agreement substantially
in the form of Exhibit E hereto.

         "AUTHORIZED OFFICER" shall mean any officer or employee of the Borrower
designated as such in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Chief Financial
Officer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower.

         "AVAILABLE COMMITMENT AMOUNT" shall mean at any time an amount which is
the lesser of

                  (i) the Total General Revolving Commitment at such time,
         and

                  (ii) an amount equal to (A) three times the sum of (1) the
         Borrower's Consolidated EBITDA for its two consecutive fiscal quarters
         most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered
         pursuant to section 8.1(b), annualized to a full period of four fiscal
         quarters, and (2) to the extent not included pursuant to the preceding
         clause (1), the aggregate earnings before interest, income taxes,
         depreciation and amortization of all Permitted Acquisitions which have
         been or are being contemporaneously completed for their respective most
         recently completed fiscal year for which annual audited financial
         statements (or unaudited financial statements, if such unaudited
         financial statements are also included in other consolidated or
         combined audited financial statements) are available and have been
         delivered to the Administrative Agent; REDUCED BY (B) the aggregate
         principal amount of Total Senior Indebtedness (other than the Notes) at
         such time.

         "BANKRUPTCY CODE" shall have the meaning provided in section 10.1(h).

         "BORROWER" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of
this Agreement.

         "BORROWING" shall mean the incurrence of Loans consisting of one Type
of Loan, by the Borrower from all of the Lenders having Commitments in respect
thereof on a PRO RATA basis on a given date (or resulting from conversions on a
given date), having in the case of Eurodollar Loans the same Interest Period.

         "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean (i) for all purposes other than as covered by
clause (ii) below, any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be
in the city in which the Payment Office is located a legal holiday or a day on
which banking institutions are authorized by law or other governmental actions
to close and (ii) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection
with, and payments of principal and interest on,


                                        2

<PAGE>   8

Eurodollar Loans, any day which is a Business Day described in clause (i) and
which is also a day for trading by and between banks in U.S. dollar deposits in
the interbank Eurodollar market.

         "CAPITAL LEASE" as applied to any person shall mean any lease of any
property (whether real, personal or mixed) by that person as lessee which, in
conformity with GAAP, is accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet
of that person.

         "CAPITALIZED LEASE OBLIGATIONS" shall mean all obligations under
Capital Leases of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in each case taken at
the amount thereof accounted for as liabilities identified as "capital lease
obligations" (or any similar words) on a consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.

         "CASH EQUIVALENTS" shall mean (i) securities issued or directly and
fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (PROVIDED that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more
than one year from the date of acquisition, (ii) U.S. dollar denominated time
deposits, certificates of deposit, money market deposits and bankers'
acceptances of (x) any Lender or (y) any bank whose short-term commercial paper
rating from S&P is at least A-2 or the equivalent thereof or from Moody's is at
least P-2 or the equivalent thereof (any such bank, an "APPROVED LENDER"), in
each case with maturities of not more than two years from the date of
acquisition, (iii) repurchase obligations with a term not more than 30 days for
underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) entered into with any
Lender or Approved Lender, (iv) commercial paper issued by any Lender or
Approved Lender or by the parent company of any Lender or Approved Lender and
commercial paper issued by, or guaranteed by, any industrial or financial
company with a short-term commercial paper rating of at least A-2 or the
equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-2 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's,
or guaranteed by any industrial company with a long term unsecured and
unsupported debt rating of at least A or A2, or the equivalent of each thereof,
from S&P or Moody's, as the case may be, and in each case maturing within 270
days after the date of acquisition, PROVIDED that the aggregate principal amount
of commercial paper so acquired which is issued by any single issuer shall not
exceed $25,000,000, (v) securities with maturities of one year or less from the
date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or
territory of the United States of America, or by any polictical subdivision or
taxing authority thereof, and rated at least A by S&P or A by Moody's, (vi)
investments in money market funds substantially all the assets of which are
comprised of securities of the types described in clauses (i) through (v) above,
and (vii) investments in money market funds utilized by a Lender or an Approved
Lender in conjunction with "sweep" accounts maintained for commercial customers.

         "CASH PROCEEDS" shall mean, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
aggregate cash payments (including any cash received by way of deferred payment
pursuant to a note receivable issued in connection with such Asset Sale, other
than the portion of such deferred payment constituting interest, but only as and
when so received) received by the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary from such Asset
Sale.

         "CERCLA" shall mean the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as the same may be amended from time to
time, 42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 ET SEQ.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall mean and include any of the following:

                  (i) during any period of two consecutive calendar years,
         individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the
         Borrower's Board of Directors (together with any new directors whose
         election by the Borrower's Board of Directors or whose nomination for
         election by the Borrower's shareholders was approved by a vote of at
         least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were
         directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or
         nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any
         reason to constitute a majority of the directors then in office,

                  (ii) any person or group (as such term is defined in section
         13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act), other than the Current Control Group, shall
         acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership (within the


                                        3

<PAGE>   9

         meaning of Rule 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the 1934 Act) of more than 30%, on a
         fully diluted basis, of the voting interest in the Borrower's capital
         stock,

                  (iii) the Current Control Group shall, for any reason, cease
         to have, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership (within the
         meaning of Rule 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the 1934 Act) of at least 30%, on a
         fully diluted basis, of the voting interest in the Borrower's capital
         stock,

                  (iv) the full time active employment of Kevin B. Shaw as chief
         executive officer of the Borrower shall be voluntarily terminated by
         the Borrower or Mr. Shaw (other than by reason of death or disability),
         unless a successor acceptable to the Required Lenders shall have been
         appointed or elected and actually taken office within six months
         following any such termination, in which case the name of such
         successor shall be substituted for the name of the person he or she
         replaces for purposes of this clause (iv),

                  (v) the shareholders of the Borrower approve (A) a merger or
         consolidation of the Borrower with any other person, other than a
         merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of
         the Borrower outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to
         represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted or
         exchanged for voting securities of the surviving or resulting entity)
         more than 75% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of
         the Borrower or such surviving or resulting entity outstanding after
         such merger or consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected
         to implement a recapitalization of the Borrower (or similar
         transaction), other than any such transaction in which no person or
         group (as hereinabove defined) not excepted from the provisions of
         clause (ii) above acquires more than 30% of the combined voting power,
         on a fully diluted basis, of the Borrower's then outstanding voting
         securities,

                  (vi) the shareholders of the Borrower approve a plan of
         complete liquidation of the Borrower or an agreement or agreements for
         the sale or disposition by the Borrower of all or substantially all of
         the Borrower's assets, and/or

                  (vii) any "Change of Control" or similar term as defined in
         any other agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness
         of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

As used herein, the term "CURRENT CONTROL GROUP" shall mean the members of the
Board of Directors and the executive officers of the Borrower as of the
Effective Date, their spouses, children, parents and siblings, the trustee of
any trust created for the benefit of any such member of the Board of Directors,
officer or family member, the executor or administrator (in his or her capacity
as such) of the estate of any such member of the Board of Directors, officer or
family member, and any person who receives Class B Common Stock of the Borrower
under the last will and testament of, or under the laws of descent and
distribution from, any such member of the Board of Directors, officer or family
member.

         "CLOSING DATE" shall mean the date, on or after the Effective Date,
upon which the conditions specified in section 6.1 are satisfied.

         "CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time, and the regulations promulgated and the rulings issued thereunder.
Section references to the Code are to the Code, as in effect at the Effective
Date and any subsequent provisions of the Code, amendatory thereof, supplemental
thereto or substituted therefor.

         "COLLATERAL" shall mean any collateral covered by any Security
Document.

         "COLLATERAL AGENT" shall mean the Administrative Agent acting as
Collateral Agent for the Lenders pursuant to the Security Documents.


                                        4

<PAGE>   10

         "COMMITMENT" shall mean with respect to each Lender its General
Revolving Commitment or its Swing Line Revolving Commitment, as the case may be.

         "CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" shall mean, for any period, the
aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities
and including in all events amounts expended or capitalized under Capital Leases
but excluding any amount representing capitalized interest) by the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries during that period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are
required to be included in the property, plant or equipment reflected in the
consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

         "CONSOLIDATED EBIT" shall mean, for any period,

                  (A) Consolidated Net Income for such period; PLUS

                  (B) the sum of the amounts for such period included in
         determining such Consolidated Net Income of (i) Total Interest Expense,
         (ii) Total Income Tax Expense, (iii) amortization or write-off of
         deferred financing costs, and (iv) extraordinary (and other one-time)
         non-cash losses and charges; LESS

                  (C) gains on sales of assets (excluding sales in the ordinary
         course of business) and other extraordinary gains and other one-time
         non-cash gains; all as determined for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
         on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;

PROVIDED that Consolidated EBIT for any period shall include the appropriate
financial items for any person or business which has been acquired by the
Borrower for any portion of such period prior to the date of acquisition which
are covered by audited financial statements of such person or business unit (or
unaudited financial statements, if such unaudited financial statements are
included in other audited consolidated or combined financial statements) which
have been delivered to the Administrative Agent, except that if any portion of
such period is not so covered by such audited (or unaudited, as aforesaid)
financial statements, the most recent corresponding period which is so covered
by audited (or unaudited, as aforesaid) financial statements so delivered shall
be used.

         "CONSOLIDATED EBITDA" shall mean, for any period, the sum of the
amounts for such period of (i) Consolidated EBIT, (ii) Total Depreciation
Expense, and (iii) Total Amortization Expense, all as determined for the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;
PROVIDED that Consolidated EBITDA for any period shall include the appropriate
financial items for any person or business which has been acquired by the
Borrower for any portion of such period prior to the date of acquisition which
are covered by audited financial statements of such person or business unit (or
unaudited financial statements, if such unaudited financial statements are
included in other audited consolidated or combined financial statements) which
have been delivered to the Administrative Agent, except that if any portion of
such period is not so covered by such audited (or unaudited, as aforesaid)
financial statements, the most recent corresponding period which is so covered
by audited (or unaudited, as aforesaid) financial statements so delivered shall
be used.

         "CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME" shall mean for any period, the net income (or
loss), without deduction for minority interests, of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period taken as a single
accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP, PROVIDED that there shall
be excluded therefrom (i) the income, (or loss) of any entity (other than
Subsidiaries of the Borrower) in which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other
distributions actually paid to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries during
such period, (ii) the income (or loss) of any entity accrued prior to the date
it becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or is merged into or consolidated with
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or on which its assets are acquired by
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) the income of any Subsidiary
of the Borrower to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or
similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that income is not at the time
permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument,
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to
that Subsidiary.


                                        5

<PAGE>   11

         "CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" shall mean at any time for the determination
thereof all amounts which, in conformity with GAAP, would be included under the
caption "total stockholders' equity" (or any like caption) on a consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower as at such date.

         "CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES DUE 2004" shall mean the
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 issued by the Borrower as
contemplated by the Preliminary Offering Memorandum dated July 17, 1997, in the
same or a lesser (but not less than $100 million) or a greater aggregate
principal amount (and any convertible debt securities having the same or
substantially the same terms which may be issued in exchange therefor or in
replacement thereof).

         "CREDIT DOCUMENTS" shall mean this Agreement, the Notes, the Subsidiary
Guaranty and any Letter of Credit Document.

         "CREDIT EVENT" shall mean the making of any Loans and/or the issuance
of any Letter of Credit.

         "CREDIT PARTY" shall mean the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
which is a party to any Credit Document.

         "DEFAULT" shall mean any event, act or condition which with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

         "DEFAULTING LENDER" shall mean any Lender with, respect to which a
Lender Default is in effect.

         "DESIGNATED HEDGE AGREEMENT" shall mean any Hedge Agreement to which
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party which, pursuant to a written
instrument signed by the Required Lenders, has been designated as a Designated
Hedge Agreement so that the Borrower's or Subsidiaries's counterparty's credit
exposure thereunder will be entitled to share in the benefits of the Subsidiary
Guaranty and the Security Documents to the extent such Subsidiary Guaranty or
Security Documents provide guarantees or collateral for creditors of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary under Designated Hedge Agreements. The Required
Lenders may impose as a condition to any designation of a Designated Hedge
Agreement a requirement that the counterparty enter into an intercreditor or
similar agreement with the Administrative Agent under which recoveries from the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to such Designated Hedge Agreement
will be shared in a manner consistent with the provisions of section 10.3
hereof.

         "DOLLARS", "U.S. DOLLARS", "DOLLARS" and the sign "$" each means lawful
money of the United States.

         "DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE" shall mean, with respect to any Lender, the
office of such Lender specified as its Domestic Lending Office in Annex I or in
the Assignment Agreement pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other
office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

         "EFFECTIVE DATE" shall have the meaning provided in section 12.10.

         "ELIGIBLE TRANSFEREE" shall mean and include a commercial bank,
financial institution or other "accredited investor" (as defined in SEC
Regulation D), in each case which (i) is not disapproved in writing by the
Borrower in a notice given to a requesting Lender and the Administrative Agent,
specifying the reasons for such disapproval, within five Business Days following
the giving of notice to the Borrower of the identity of any proposed transferee
(any such disapproval by the Borrower must be reasonable, it being understood
that increased costs under section 2.10 hereof shall be deemed a reasonable
basis for disapproval), PROVIDED that the Borrower shall not be entitled to
exercise the foregoing right of disapproval if and so long as any Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (ii) is not a direct
competitor of the Borrower or engaged in the same or similar business as the
Borrower, or any of its respective Subsidiaries or is not an Affiliate of any
such competitors of the Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries.


                                        6

<PAGE>   12

         "ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS" shall mean any and all administrative,
regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens,
notices of non-compliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating
in any way to any Environmental Law or any permit issued under any such law
(hereafter "CLAIMS"), including, without limitation, (a) any and all Claims by
governmental or regulatory authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal,
response, remedial or other actions or damages pursuant to any applicable
Environmental Law, and (b) any and all Claims by any third party seeking
damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or
injunctive relief resulting from the storage, treatment or Release (as defined
in CERCLA) of any Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat
of injury to health, safety or the environment.

         "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" shall mean any applicable Federal, state, foreign
or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, binding and
enforceable guideline, binding and enforceable written policy and rule of common
law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, and any binding and
enforceable judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any
judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment issued to or
rendered against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries relating to the
environment, employee health and safety or Hazardous Materials, including,
without limitation, CERCLA; RCRA; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33
U.S.C. section 2601 ET SEQ.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. section 7401 ET SEQ.;
the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. section 3803 ET SEQ.; the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. section 2701 ET SEQ.; the Emergency Planning and the
Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. section 11001 ET SEQ., the
Hazardous Material Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. section 1801 ET SEQ. and the
Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. section 651 ET SEQ. (to the extent
it regulates occupational exposure to Hazardous Materials); and any state and
local or foreign counterparts or equivalents, in each case as amended from time
to time.

         "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued
thereunder. Section references to ERISA are to ERISA, as in effect at the
Effective Date and any subsequent provisions of ERISA, amendatory thereof,
supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

         "ERISA AFFILIATE" shall mean each person (as defined in section 3(9) of
ERISA) which together with the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower would be
deemed to be a "single employer" (i) within the meaning of section 414(b),(c),
(m) or (o) of the Code or (ii) as a result of the Borrower or a Subsidiary of
the Borrower being or having been a general partner of such person.

         "EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE" shall mean, with respect to any Lender, the
office of such Lender specified as its Eurodollar Lending Office in Annex I or
in the Assignment Agreement pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other
office or offices for Eurodollar Loans of such Lender as such Lender may from
time to time specify to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

         "EURODOLLAR LOANS" shall mean each Loan bearing interest at the rates
provided in section 2.8(a)(ii).

         "EURODOLLAR RATE" shall mean with respect to each Interest Period for a
Eurodollar Loan, (A) either (i) the rate per annum for deposits in Dollars of
amounts in same day funds comparable to the outstanding principal amount of the
Eurodollar Loan for which an interest rate is then being determined for a
maturity most nearly comparable to such Interest Period which appears on page
3750 of the Dow Jones Telerate Screen as of 11:00 A.M. (local time at the Notice
Office) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the commencement of such
Interest Period, or (ii) if such a rate does not appear on such page, an
interest rate per annum equal to the average (rounded upward to the nearest
whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple)
of the rate per annum at which deposits in Dollars are offered to each of the
Reference Banks by prime banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market for
deposits of amounts in Dollars in same day funds comparable to the outstanding
principal amount of the Eurodollar Loan for which an interest rate is then being
determined with maturities comparable to the Interest Period to be applicable to
such Eurodollar Loan, determined as of 11:00 A.M. (London time) on the date
which is two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, in
each case divided (and rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16th of
1%) by (B) a percentage equal to 100% minus the then stated maximum rate of all
reserve requirements (including, without limitation, any marginal, emergency,
supplemental, special or other reserves and without


                                        7

<PAGE>   13

benefit of credits for proration, exceptions or offsets which may be available
from time to time) applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System
in respect of Eurocurrency liabilities as defined in Regulation D (or any
successor category of liabilities under Regulation D).

         "EVENT OF DEFAULT" shall have the meaning provided in section 10.1.

         "EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS" shall have the meaning provided in section
7.18.

         "EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS AGREEMENTS" shall have the meaning provided in
section 7.18.

         "EXISTING LETTER OF CREDIT" shall have the meaning provided in section
3.1(d).

         "FACILITY" shall mean the General Revolving Facility or the Swing Line
Revolving Facility, as applicable.

         "FACILITY FEE" shall have the meaning provided in section 4.1(a).

         "FACING FEE" shall have the meaning provided in section 4.1(c).

         "FEDERAL FUNDS EFFECTIVE RATE" shall mean, for any period, a
fluctuating interest rate equal for each day during such period to the weighted
average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the
Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers, as published for such
day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day)
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published
for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day
on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal
Funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.

         "FEES" shall mean all amounts payable pursuant to, or referred to in,
section 4.1.

         "FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any Subsidiary (i) which is not
incorporated in the United States and substantially all of whose assets and
properties are located, or substantially all of whose business is carried on,
outside the United States, or (ii) substantially all of whose assets consist of
Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiaries as defined in clause (i) of this
definition.

         "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America as in effect from time to time; it being understood and
agreed that determinations in accordance with GAAP for purposes of section 9,
including defined terms as used therein, are subject (to the extent provided
therein) to section 12.7(a).

         "GENERAL REVOLVING COMMITMENT" shall mean, with respect to each Lender,
the amount, if any, set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex I as its
"General Revolving Commitment" as the same may be reduced from time to time
pursuant to section 4.2, 4.3 and/or 10 or adjusted from time to time as a result
of assignments to or from such Lender pursuant to section 12.4.

         "GENERAL REVOLVING FACILITY" shall mean the facility evidenced by the
Total General Revolving Commitment.

         "GENERAL REVOLVING FACILITY PERCENTAGE" shall mean at any time for any
Lender with a General Revolving Commitment, the percentage obtained by dividing
such Lender's General Revolving Commitment by the Total General Revolving
Commitment, PROVIDED, that if the Total General Revolving Commitment has been
terminated, the General Revolving Facility Percentage for each Lender with a
General Revolving Commitment shall be determined by dividing such Lender's
General Revolving Commitment immediately prior to such termination by the Total
General Revolving Commitment immediately prior to such termination.


                                       8

<PAGE>   14

         "GENERAL REVOLVING LOAN" shall have the meaning provided in section
2.1(a).

         "GENERAL REVOLVING NOTE" shall have the meaning provided in section
2.6(a)(i).

         "GUARANTY OBLIGATIONS" shall mean as to any person (without
duplication) any obligation of such person guaranteeing any Indebtedness
("PRIMARY INDEBTEDNESS") of any other person (the "PRIMARY OBLIGOR") in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any
obligation of such person, whether or not contingent, (a) to purchase any such
primary Indebtedness or any property constituting direct or indirect security
therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any
such primary Indebtedness or (ii) to maintain working capital or equity capital
of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the
primary obligor, (c) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for
the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary Indebtedness of the
ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary Indebtedness, or
(d) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of such primary Indebtedness
against loss in respect thereof, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the term Guaranty
Obligation shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or
collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Guaranty
Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable
amount of the primary Indebtedness in respect of which such Guaranty Obligation
is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated
liability in respect thereof (assuming such person is required to perform
thereunder) as determined by such person in good faith.

         "HEDGE AGREEMENT" shall mean (i) any interest rate swap agreement, any
interest rate cap agreement, any interest rate collar agreement or other similar
agreement or arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in interest
rates, and (ii) any currency swap agreement, forward currency purchase agreement
or similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in
currency exchange rates.

         "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" shall mean (i) any petrochemical or petroleum
products, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become
friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers or other equipment that
contain dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, and
radon gas; and (ii) any chemicals, materials or substances defined as or
included in the definition of "hazardous substances", "hazardous wastes",
"hazardous materials", "restricted hazardous materials", "extremely hazardous
wastes", "restrictive hazardous wastes", "toxic substances", "toxic pollutants",
"contaminants" or "pollutants", or words of similar meaning and regulatory
effect, under any applicable Environmental Law.

         "INDEBTEDNESS" of any person shall mean without duplication:

                  (i) all indebtedness of such person for borrowed money,

                  (ii) all bonds, notes, debentures and similar debt securities
         of such person,

                  (iii) the deferred purchase price of capital assets or
         services which in accordance with GAAP would be shown on the liability
         side of the balance sheet of such person,

                  (iv) the face amount of all letters of credit issued for the
         account of such person and, without duplication, all drafts drawn
         thereunder,

                  (v) all Indebtedness of a second person secured by any Lien on
         any property owned by such first person, whether or not such
         Indebtedness has been assumed, up to the greater of (A) the portion of
         such Indebtedness equivalent to the fair value of such property, and
         (B) if such Indebtedness has been assumed by such first person, the
         amount thereof so assumed,

                  (vi) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such person,


                                        9

<PAGE>   15

                  (vii) the present value, determined on the basis of the
         implicit interest rate, of all basic rental obligations under all
         "synthetic" leases (i.e. leases accounted for by the lessee as
         operating leases under which the lessee is the "owner" of the leased
         property for Federal income tax purposes,

                  (viii) all obligations of such person to pay a specified
         purchase price for goods or services whether or not delivered or
         accepted, I.E., take-or-pay and similar obligations,

                  (ix) all net obligations of such person under Hedge Agreements
         and

                  (x) the full outstanding balance of trade receivables, notes
         or other instruments sold with full or limited recourse, other than
         solely for purposes of collection of delinquent accounts, and

                  (xi) all Guaranty Obligations of such person,

PROVIDED that neither trade payables and accrued expenses, in each case arising
in the ordinary course of business, nor obligations in respect of insurance
policies or performance or surety bonds which themselves are not guarantees of
Indebtedness (nor drafts, acceptances or similar instruments evidencing the same
nor obligations in respect of letters of credit supporting the payment of the
same), shall constitute Indebtedness.

         "INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO" shall mean, for any Testing Period, the ratio
of (i) Consolidated EBIT to (ii) Total Interest Expense, in each case on a
consolidated basis for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Testing
Period.

         "INTEREST PERIOD" with respect to any Eurodollar Loan shall mean the
interest period applicable thereto, as determined pursuant to section 2.9.

         "KEYBANK" shall mean KeyBank National Association, a national banking
association, together with its successors and assigns.

         "LEASEHOLDS" of any person means all the right, title and interest of
such person as lessee or licensee in, to and under leases or licenses of land,
improvements and/or fixtures.

         "LENDER" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

         "LENDER DEFAULT" shall mean (i) the refusal (which has not been
retracted) of a Lender in violation of the requirements of this Agreement to
make available its portion of any incurrence of Loans or to fund its portion of
any unreimbursed payment under section 3.4(c) or (ii) a Lender having notified
the Administrative Agent and/or the Borrower that it does not intend to comply
with the obligations under section 2.1 and/or section 3.4(c), in the case of
either (i) or (ii) as a result of the appointment of a receiver or conservator
with respect to such Lender at the direction or request of any regulatory agency
or authority.

         "LENDER REGISTER" shall have the meaning provided in section 12.16.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT" shall have the meaning provided in section 3.1(a).

         "LETTER OF CREDIT DOCUMENTS" shall have the meaning specified in
section 3.2(a).

         "LETTER OF CREDIT FEE" shall have the meaning provided in section
4.1(b).

         "LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUER" shall mean (i) in respect of each Existing
Letter of Credit, the Lender that has issued same as of the Effective Date; and
(ii) in respect of any other Letter of Credit, (1) KeyBank, and/or (2) such
other Lender that is requested, and agrees, to so act by the Borrower, and is
approved by the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed between the
Borrower and KeyBank, KeyBank will be the only Letter of Credit Issuer.


                                       10

<PAGE>   16

         "LETTER OF CREDIT OUTSTANDINGS" shall mean, at any time, the sum,
without duplication, of (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding
Letters of Credit and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST" shall have the meaning provided in section
3.2(a).

         "LIEN" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance,
lien or charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the
foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or any lease
in the nature thereof).

         "LOAN" shall have the meaning provided in section 2.1.

         "MARGIN STOCK" shall have the meaning provided in Regulation U.

         "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" shall mean a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, property, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or
otherwise) or prospects of, when used with reference to the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or when
used with reference to any other person, such person and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, as the case may be.

         "MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY" shall mean, at any time, with reference to any
person, any Subsidiary of such person that (x) has assets at such time
comprising 5% or more of the consolidated assets of such person and its
Subsidiaries or (y) had net income in the most recently ended fiscal year of
such person comprising 5% or more of the consolidated net income of such person
and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year.

         "MATURITY DATE" shall mean July 31, 2000, unless earlier terminated, or
extended in accordance with section 4.4.

         "MINIMUM BORROWING AMOUNT" shall mean (i) for General Revolving Loans
which are (A) Prime Rate Loans, $3,000,000, with minimum increments thereafter
of $1,000,000 and (B) Eurodollar Loans, $3,000,000, with minimum increments
thereafter of $1,000,000; and (ii) for Swing Line Revolving Loans, $250,000,
with minimum increments thereafter of $100,000.

         "MONEY MARKET RATE LOAN" shall mean each Swing Line Revolving Loan
bearing interest at a rate provided in section 2.8(b)(ii).

         "MOODY'S" shall mean Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its
successors.

         "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" shall mean a multiemployer plan, as defined in
section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is
making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within any of the
preceding three plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

         "MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN" shall mean an employee benefit plan, other
than a Multiemployer Plan, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, and one
or more employers other than the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate, is making or
accruing an obligation to make contributions or, in the event that any such plan
has been terminated, to which the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate made or accrued
an obligation to make contributions during any of the five plan years preceding
the date of termination of such plan.

         "NET CASH PROCEEDS" shall mean, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
Cash Proceeds resulting therefrom net of (i) reasonable and customary expenses
of sale incurred in connection with such Asset Sale, and other reasonable and
customary fees and expenses incurred, and all state, and local taxes paid or
reasonably estimated to be payable by such person, as a consequence of such
Asset Sale and the payment of principal, premium and interest of Indebtedness
secured by the asset which is the subject of the Asset Sale and required to be,
and which is, repaid under the terms thereof as a result of such Asset Sale,
(ii) amounts of any distributions payable to


                                       11

<PAGE>   17

holders of minority interests in the relevant person or in the relevant property
or assets and (iii) incremental income taxes paid or payable as a result
thereof.

         "1934 ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

         "NON-DEFAULTING LENDER" shall mean each Lender other than a Defaulting
Lender.

         "NOTE" shall mean a General Revolving Note or a Swing Line Revolving
Note, as the case may be.

         "NOTICE OF BORROWING" shall have the meaning provided in section
2.3(a).

         "NOTICE OF CONVERSION" shall have the meaning provided in section 2.7.

         "NOTICE OFFICE" shall mean the principal office of the Administrative
Agent. Such office is presently at Key Center, 127 Public Square, Cleveland,
Ohio 44114, Attention: Large Corporate Group (facsimile: (216) 689- 4981). If
the Administrative Agent changes its principal office, or a successor
Administrative Agent is appointed as provided herein, the Notice Office will be
such other principal office, located in a city in the United States Eastern Time
Zone, as the Administrative Agent may designate to the Borrower.

         "OBLIGATIONS" shall mean all amounts, direct or indirect, contingent or
absolute, of every type or description, and at any time existing, owing by the
Borrower or any other Credit Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

         "PARTICIPANT" shall have the meaning provided in section 3.4(a).

         "PAYMENT OFFICE" shall mean the principal office of the Administrative
Agent. Such office is presently at Key Center, 127 Public Square, Cleveland,
Ohio 44114, Attention: Large Corporate Group (telephone: (216) 689- 4448;
facsimile: (216) 689-4981). If the Administrative Agent changes its principal
office, or a successor Administrative Agent is appointed as provided herein, the
Payment Office will be such other principal office, located in a city in the
United States Eastern Time Zone, as the Administrative Agent may designate to
the Borrower.

         "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established
pursuant to Section 4002 of ERISA, or any successor thereto.

         "PERCENTAGE" shall mean the General Revolving Facility Percentage or
the Swing Line Revolving Facility Percentage, as applicable.

         "PERMITTED ACQUISITION" shall mean and include (i) any acquisition on a
going concern basis (whether by purchase, lease or otherwise) of facilities and
businesses operated by persons who are not Subsidiaries of the Borrower, and
(ii) acquisitions of equity or other similar interests in such persons (whether
by merger, stock purchase or otherwise); PROVIDED, that no such transaction
shall be considered a Permitted Acquisition if

                  (A) such transaction is actively opposed by the Board of
         Directors (or similar governing body) of the selling person or the
         person whose equity interests are to be acquired, UNLESS all of the
         Lenders consent to such transaction;

                  (B) both (1) at the time thereof and after giving effect
         thereto, the ratio of the Borrower's Total Net Indebtedness to
         Consolidated EBITDA for any Testing Period would exceed 3.00 to 1.00,
         and (2) the aggregate consideration for such transaction (including the
         principal amount of any assumed Indebtedness and (without duplication)
         any Indebtedness of any acquired person or persons), would exceed an
         amount equal to 10% of the Borrower's Total Assets as of the end of its
         most recently completed fiscal period for which financial statements
         have been delivered hereunder, UNLESS the


                                       12

<PAGE>   18

         Required Lenders, in the exercise of reasonable and prudent business
         judgment, giving due consideration for the Borrower's continued
         compliance with section 9.6, consent to such transaction (which consent
         shall be presumed in the case of any Lender if within five Business
         Days after such Lender received written notification from the Borrower
         or the Administrative Agent describing in reasonable detail such
         transaction, such Lender fails to notify the Administrative Agent and
         the Borrower in writing that such Lender does not intend to consent to
         such transaction); or

                  (C) as a result thereof the Borrower or any Subsidiary
         acquires any equity interest in any person and such person does not by
         virtue of such transaction become a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Permitted Acquisition specifically
excludes expenditures (including the purchase of adjacent land) to expand then
existing facilities owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary on the Effective
Date or acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition, and any loans, advances or
investments otherwise permitted pursuant to section 9.5.

         "PERMITTED LIENS" shall mean Liens described in section 9.3.

         "PERSON" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture, firm,
corporation, limited liability company, association, trust or other enterprise
or any government or political subdivision or any agency, department or
instrumentality thereof.

         "PLAN" shall mean any multiemployer or single-employer plan as defined
in section 4001 of ERISA, which is maintained or contributed to by (or to which
there is an obligation to contribute by) the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the
Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate, and each such plan for the five year period
immediately following the latest date on which the Borrower, or a Subsidiary of
the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate maintained, contributed to or had an
obligation to contribute to such plan.

         "PLEDGE AGREEMENT" shall have the meaning provided in section 6.1(c).

         "PRIME RATE" shall mean, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate
per annum as shall be in effect from time to time which rate per annum shall at
all times be equal to the greater of (i) the rate of interest established by
KeyBank in Cleveland, Ohio, from time to time, as its prime rate, whether or not
publicly announced, which interest rate may or may not be the lowest rate
charged by it for commercial loans or other extensions of credit; and (ii) the
Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect from time to time PLUS 1/2 of 1% per
annum.

         "PRIME RATE LOAN" shall mean each Loan bearing interest at the rate
provided in section 2.8(a)(i) or 2.8(b)(i).

         "PROHIBITED TRANSACTION" shall mean a transaction with respect to a
Plan that is prohibited under section 4975 of the Code or section 406 of ERISA
and not exempt under section 4975 of the Code or section 408 of ERISA.

         "QUOTED RATE" shall have the meaning provided in section 2.3(b).

         "RCRA" shall mean the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as the
same may be amended from time to time, 42 U.S.C. ss. 6901 ET SEQ.

         "REAL PROPERTY" of any person shall mean all of the right, title and
interest of such person in and to land, improvements and fixtures, including
Leaseholds.

         "REFERENCE BANKS" shall mean (i) KeyBank and NBD Bank, and (ii) any
other Lender or Lenders selected as a Reference Bank by the Administrative Agent
and the Required Lenders, PROVIDED, that if any of such Reference Banks is no
longer a Lender, such other Lender or Lenders as may be selected by the
Administrative Agent acting on instructions from the Required Lenders.


                                       13

<PAGE>   19

         "REGULATION D" shall mean Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing reserve requirements.

         "REGULATION U" shall mean Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

         "REPORTABLE EVENT" shall mean an event described in section 4043(c) of
ERISA with respect to a Plan other than those events as to which the 30-day
notice period is waived under subsection .13, .14, .16, .18, .19 or .20 of PBGC
Regulation section 2615.

         "REQUIRED LENDERS" shall mean Non-Defaulting Lenders whose outstanding
General Revolving Loans and Unutilized General Revolving Commitments constitute
at least 66+2/3% of the sum of the total outstanding General Revolving Loans and
Unutilized General Revolving Commitments of Non-Defaulting Lenders (PROVIDED
that, for purposes hereof, neither the Borrower, nor any of its Affiliates,
shall be included in (i) the Lenders holding such amount of the General
Revolving Loans or having such amount of the Unutilized General Revolving
Commitments, or (ii) determining the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the
General Revolving Loans or Unutilized General Revolving Commitments).

         "SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTION" shall mean any arrangement with any
person providing for the leasing by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower of any property (except for temporary leases for a term, including any
renewal thereof, of not more than one year and except for leases between the
Borrower and a Subsidiary or between Subsidiaries), which property has been or
is to be sold or transferred by the Borrower or such Subsidiary to such person.

         "S&P" shall mean Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of McGraw
Hill, Inc., and its successors.

         "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "SEC REGULATION D" shall mean Regulation D as promulgated under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the same may be in effect from time to
time.

         "SECTION 5.4(b)(ii) CERTIFICATE" shall have the meaning provided in
section 5.4(b)(ii).

         "SECURITY DOCUMENTS" shall mean the Pledge Agreement and each other
document pursuant to which any Lien or security interest is granted by any
Credit Party to the Collateral Agent as security for any of the Obligations.

         "STATED AMOUNT" of each Letter of Credit shall mean the maximum
available to be drawn thereunder (regardless of whether any conditions or other
requirements for drawing could then be met, but taking into account any drawings
which have already been made thereunder).

         "SUBSIDIARY" of any person shall mean and include (i) any corporation
more than 50% of whose stock of any class or classes having by the terms thereof
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation
(irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any class or classes of
such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the
happening of any contingency) is at the time owned by such person directly or
indirectly through Subsidiaries and (ii) any partnership, association, joint
venture or other entity in which such person directly or indirectly through
Subsidiaries, has more than a 50% equity interest at the time. Unless otherwise
expressly provided, all references herein to "Subsidiary" shall mean a
Subsidiary of the Borrower.

         "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR" shall mean any Subsidiary which is a party to
the Subsidiary Guaranty.

         "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY" shall have the meaning provided in section
6.1(c).


                                       14

<PAGE>   20

         "SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean (i) the Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 2004, and (ii) any other Indebtedness which has been subordinated
to the Obligations in such manner and to such extent as the Administrative Agent
(acting on instructions from the Required Lenders) may require.

         "SWING LINE REVOLVING COMMITMENT" shall mean, with respect to each
Lender, the amount, if any, set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex I as
its "Swing Line Revolving Commitment" as the same may be reduced from time to
time pursuant to section 4.2, 4.3 and/or 10 or adjusted from time to time as a
result of assignments to or from such Lender pursuant to section 12.4.

         "SWING LINE REVOLVING FACILITY" shall mean the facility evidenced by
the Total Swing Line Revolving Commitment.

         "SWING LINE REVOLVING FACILITY PERCENTAGE" shall mean at any time for
any Lender with a Swing Line Revolving Commitment, the percentage obtained by
dividing such Lender's Swing Line Revolving Commitment by the Total Swing Line
Revolving Commitment, PROVIDED, that if the Total Swing Line Revolving
Commitment has been terminated, the Swing Line Revolving Facility Percentage for
each Lender with a Swing Line Revolving Commitment shall be determined by
dividing such Lender's Swing Line Revolving Commitment immediately prior to such
termination by the Total Swing Line Revolving Commitment immediately prior to
such termination.

         "SWING LINE REVOLVING LOAN" shall have the meaning provided in section
2.1(b).

         "SWING LINE REVOLVING NOTE" shall have the meaning provided in section
2.6(a)(ii).

         "TESTING PERIOD" shall mean for any determination a single period
consisting of the four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower then last
ended (whether or not such quarters are all within the same fiscal year).

         "TOTAL AMORTIZATION EXPENSE" shall mean, for any period, all
amortization expenses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, all as determined
for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP.

         "TOTAL ASSETS" shall mean at any time the total assets, net of
depreciation, reserves and other adjustments, which would appear on a
consolidated balance sheet, prepared in accordance with GAAP, of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries at such time.

         "TOTAL COMMITMENT" shall mean the sum of the Commitments of the
Lenders.

         "TOTAL DEPRECIATION EXPENSE" shall mean, for any period, all
depreciation expenses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, all as determined
for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP.

         "TOTAL GENERAL REVOLVING COMMITMENT" shall mean the sum of the General
Revolving Commitments of the Lenders.

         "TOTAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE" shall mean, for any period, all provisions
for taxes based on the net income of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
(including, without limitation, any additions to such taxes, and any penalties
and interest with respect thereto), and all franchise taxes of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries, all as determined for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

         "TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean the sum (without duplication) of the
following, for the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries, all as determined on
a consolidated basis of:

                  (i) all indebtedness for borrowed money,


                                       15

<PAGE>   21

                  (ii) all bonds, notes, debentures and similar debt securities,

                  (iii) the deferred purchase price of capital assets or
         services which in accordance with GAAP would be shown on the liability
         side of a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
         Subsidiaries,

                  (iv) all Indebtedness of a second person secured by any Lien
         on any property owned by such first person, whether or not such
         Indebtedness has been assumed, up to the greater of (A) the portion of
         such Indebtedness equivalent to the fair value of such property, and
         (B) if such Indebtedness has been assumed by such first person, the
         amount thereof so assumed,

                  (v) all Capitalized Lease Obligations,

                  (vi) the present value, determined on the basis of the
         implicit interest rate, of all basic rental obligations under all
         "synthetic" leases (i.e. leases accounted for by the lessee as
         operating leases under which the lessee is the "owner" of the leased
         property for Federal income tax purposes, and

                  (vii) the full outstanding balance of trade receivables sold
         with full or limited recourse, other than solely for purposes of
         collection of delinquent accounts, PROVIDED that if the structure of
         any receivables sales program provides for "over-collateralization",
         the outstanding balance of the trade receivables attributable to the
         "over-collateralization" may be excluded,

PROVIDED that neither trade payables and accrued expenses, in each case arising
in the ordinary course of business, nor obligations in respect of insurance
policies or performance or surety bonds which themselves are not guarantees of
Indebtedness, shall be included.

         "TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE" shall mean, for any period, total interest
expense (including that which is capitalized and that which is attributable to
Capital Leases, in accordance with GAAP) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on
a consolidated basis with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries including, without limitation, all commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and
net costs under Hedge Agreements, but excluding, however, any amortization of
deferred financing costs, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.

         "TOTAL NET INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean at any time (i) Total Indebtedness
at such time, LESS (ii) the excess at such time, if any, of the cash and Cash
Equivalents of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, over
$5,000,000.

         "TOTAL SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean at any time (i) Total
Indebtedness at such time, LESS (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of
the Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004.

         "TOTAL SWING LINE REVOLVING COMMITMENT" shall mean the sum of the Swing
Line Revolving Commitments of the Lenders.

         "TYPE" shall mean any type of Loan determined with respect to the
interest option applicable thereto, I.E., a Prime Rate Loan, Eurodollar Loan or
Money Market Rate Loan.

         "UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code.

         "UNFUNDED CURRENT LIABILITY" of any Plan shall mean the amount, if any,
by which the actuarial present value of the accumulated plan benefits under the
Plan as of the close of its most recent plan year exceeds the fair market value
of the assets allocable thereto, each determined in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, based upon the actuarial assumptions used
by the Plan's actuary in the most recent annual valuation of the Plan.


                                       16

<PAGE>   22

         "UNITED STATES" and "U.S." each means United States of America.

         "UNPAID DRAWING" shall have the meaning provided in section 3.3(a).

         "UNUTILIZED GENERAL REVOLVING COMMITMENT" for any Lender at any time
shall mean the excess of (i) such Lender's General Revolving Commitment at such
time over (ii) the sum of the principal amount of General Revolving Loans made
by such Lender and outstanding at such time and (y) such Lender's General
Revolving Facility Percentage of Letter of Credit Outstandings at such time.

         "UNUTILIZED TOTAL GENERAL REVOLVING COMMITMENT" shall mean, at any
time, the excess of (i) the Total General Revolving Commitment at such time over
(ii) the sum of (x) the aggregate principal amount of all General Revolving
Loans then outstanding plus (y) the aggregate Letter of Credit Outstandings at
such time.

         "VALUE" shall mean, with respect to a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction,
as of any particular time, the amount equal to the greater of (i) the net
proceeds of the sale or transfer of the property leased pursuant to such Sale
and Lease-Back Transaction or (ii) the fair value in the opinion of the
Borrower, acting in good faith, of such property at the time of entering into
such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.

         "WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY" shall mean each Subsidiary of the Borrower at
least 95% of whose capital stock, equity interests and partnership interests,
other than director's qualifying shares or similar interests, are owned directly
or indirectly by the Borrower.

         "WRITTEN", "WRITTEN" or "IN WRITING" shall mean any form of written
communication or a communication by means of telex, facsimile transmission,
telegraph or cable.

         1.2. COMPUTATION OF TIME PERIODS. In this Agreement in the computation
of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word
"from" means "from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each means "to
but excluding".

         1.3. ACCOUNTING TERMS. Except as otherwise specifically provided
herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in
accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; PROVIDED that, if the
Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an
amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change
occurring after the Effective Date in GAAP or in the application thereof to such
provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the
Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such
purposes), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such
change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be
interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before
such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been
withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance with the requirements of this
Agreement.

         1.4. TERMS GENERALLY. The definitions of terms herein shall apply
equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the
context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine,
feminine and neuter forms. The words "include", "includes" and "including" shall
be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation". The word "will"
shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall".
Unless the context requires otherwise, (a) any definition of or reference to any
agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring
to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such
amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference
herein to any person shall be construed to include such person's successors and
assigns, (c) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder", and words of similar
import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to
any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to sections, Annexes
and Exhibits shall be construed to refer to sections of, and Annexes and
Exhibits to, this Agreement, and (e) the words "asset" and "property" shall be
construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all real
property, tangible and


                                       17

<PAGE>   23

intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and
contract rights, and interests in any of the foregoing.

         SECTION 2. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF LOANS.

         2.1. COMMITMENTS FOR LOANS. Subject to and upon the terms and
conditions herein set forth, each Lender severally agrees to make a loan or
loans (each a "LOAN" and, collectively, the "LOANS") to the Borrower, and the
Borrower shall be entitled to obtain Loans from the Lenders, which Loans shall
be drawn, to the extent such Lender has a Commitment under a Facility for the
Borrower, under the applicable Facility, as set forth below:

                  (a) GENERAL REVOLVING FACILITY. Loans to the Borrower under
         the General Revolving Facility (each a "GENERAL REVOLVING LOAN" and,
         collectively, the "GENERAL REVOLVING LOANS") (i) may be made at any
         time and from time to time on and after the Closing Date and prior to
         the Maturity Date; (ii) shall be made only in U.S. Dollars; (iii)
         except as otherwise provided, may, at the option of the Borrower, be
         incurred and maintained as, or converted into, General Revolving Loans
         which are either Prime Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans, PROVIDED that
         all General Revolving Loans made as part of the same Borrowing shall,
         unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist of General
         Revolving Loans of the same Type; (iv) may be repaid or prepaid and
         reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof; (v) may only be
         made if after giving effect thereto the aggregate outstanding General
         Revolving Loans and Swing Line Revolving Loans do not exceed the
         Available Commitment Amount as of the end of the fiscal quarter most
         recently ended prior thereto for which financial statements have been
         delivered pursuant to section 8.1(a) or (b) hereof; (vi) may only be
         made if after giving effect thereto the Unutilized Total General
         Revolving Commitment exceeds the outstanding Swing Line Revolving
         Loans; and (vii) shall not exceed for any Lender at any time
         outstanding that aggregate principal amount which, when added to the
         product at such time of (A) such Lender's General Revolving Facility
         Percentage, TIMES (B) the aggregate Letter of Credit Outstandings,
         equals the General Revolving Commitment of such Lender at such time.

                  (b) SWING LINE REVOLVING FACILITY. Loans to the Borrower under
         the Swing Line Revolving Facility (each a "SWING LINE REVOLVING LOAN"
         and, collectively, the "SWING LINE REVOLVING LOANS") (i) may be made at
         any time and from time to time on and after the Closing Date and prior
         to the Maturity Date; (ii) shall be made only in U.S. Dollars; (iii)
         shall have a maturity of 7 days or less; (iv) except as otherwise
         provided, may, at the option of the Borrower, be incurred as Swing Line
         Revolving Loans which are either Prime Rate Loans or Money Market Rate
         Loans, PROVIDED that all Swing Line Revolving Loans made as part of the
         same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein,
         consist of Swing Line Revolving Loans of the same Type; (v) may be
         repaid or prepaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions
         hereof; (vi) may only be made if after giving effect thereto the
         aggregate outstanding General Revolving Loans and Swing Line Revolving
         Loans do not exceed the Available Commitment Amount as of the end of
         the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior thereto for which
         financial statements have been delivered pursuant to section 8.1(a) or
         (b) hereof; and (vii) shall not exceed for any Lender at any time
         outstanding such Lender's Swing Line Revolving Commitment at such time.

         2.2. MINIMUM BORROWING AMOUNTS, ETC.; PRO RATA BORROWINGS. (a) The
aggregate principal amount of each Borrowing by the Borrower shall not be less
than the Minimum Borrowing Amount. More than one Borrowing may be incurred by
the Borrower on any day, PROVIDED that (i) if there are two or more Borrowings
on a single day under the same Facility which consist of Eurodollar Loans, each
such Borrowing shall have a different initial Interest Period, and at no time
shall there be more than 15 Borrowings under the General Revolving Facility
which are Eurodollar Loans outstanding hereunder.

         (b) All Borrowings under a Facility shall be made by the Lenders PRO
RATA on the basis of their respective Commitments under such Facility. It is
understood that no Lender shall be responsible for any default


                                       18

<PAGE>   24

by any other Lender in its obligation to make Loans hereunder and that each
Lender shall be obligated to make the Loans provided to be made by it hereunder,
regardless of the failure of any other Lender to fulfill its Commitment
hereunder.

         2.3. NOTICE OF BORROWING. (a) Whenever the Borrower desires to incur
Loans, it shall give the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office,

                  (A) in the case of any Borrowing under the General Revolving
         Facility of Eurodollar Loans to be made hereunder, prior to 11:00 A.M.
         (local time at its Notice Office), at least three Business Days' prior
         written or telephonic notice thereof (in the case of telephonic notice,
         promptly confirmed in writing if so requested by the Administrative
         Agent),

                  (B) in the case of any Borrowing under the General Revolving
         Facility of Prime Rate Loans to be made hereunder, prior to 11:00 A.M.
         (local time at its Notice Office) on the proposed date thereof written
         or telephonic notice thereof (in the case of telephonic notice,
         promptly confirmed in writing if so requested by the Administrative
         Agent), or

                  (C) in the case of any Borrowing under the Swing Line
         Revolving Facility of any Loans to be made hereunder, prior to 2:00
         P.M. (local time at its Notice Office) on the proposed date thereof
         (which shall in the case of any Money Market Rate Loans be within such
         period as the Administrative Agent shall have specified for the Quoted
         Rate for such Money Market Rate Loans) written or telephonic notice
         thereof (in the case of telephonic notice, promptly confirmed in
         writing if so requested by the Administrative Agent).

Each such notice (each such notice, a "NOTICE OF BORROWING") shall (if requested
by the Administrative Agent to be confirmed in writing), be substantially in the
form of Exhibit B-1, and in any event shall be irrevocable and shall specify:
(i) the Facility under which the Borrowing is to be incurred; (ii) the aggregate
principal amount of the Loans to be made pursuant to such Borrowing; (iii) the
date of the Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day); (iv) whether the
Borrowing shall consist of Prime Rate Loans, Eurodollar Loans or Money Market
Rate Loans; (v) if the Borrowing consists of Swing Line Revolving Loans, the
maturity date thereof (which shall not be more than 7 days), and if such Swing
Line Revolving Loans are Money Market Rate Loans, the Quoted Rate therefor; and
(vi) if the requested Borrowing consists of Eurodollar Loans, the Interest
Period to be initially applicable thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify in a
Notice of Borrowing the maturity date of any Swing Line Revolving Loans, such
maturity date shall be deemed to be 7 days. The Administrative Agent shall
promptly give each Lender which has a Commitment under any applicable Facility
written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each
proposed Borrowing under the applicable Facility, of such Lender's proportionate
share thereof and of the other matters covered by the Notice of Borrowing
relating thereto.

         (b) Whenever the Borrower proposes to submit a Notice of Borrowing with
respect to Swing Line Revolving Loans which will be Money Market Rate Loans, it
will prior to submitting such Notice of Borrowing notify the Administrative
Agent of its intention and request the Administrative Agent to quote a fixed or
floating interest rate (the "QUOTED RATE") to be applicable thereto prior to the
proposed maturity thereof. The Administrative Agent will immediately so notify
the Lenders with Commitments under the Swing Line Revolving Facility, and if all
of such Lenders are agreeable to a particular interest rate for the proposed
maturity of such Money Market Rate Loans if such Loans are made on or prior to a
specified date, the Administrative Agent shall quote such interest rate to the
Borrower as the Quoted Rate applicable to such proposed Money Market Rate Loans
if made on or before such specified date for a maturity as so proposed by the
Borrower. The Lenders with Commitments under the Swing Line Revolving Facility
contemplate that any Quoted Rate will be a rate of interest which reflects a
margin corresponding to (or greater than) the Applicable Eurodollar Margin in
effect at the time of quotation of any Quoted Rate, over the then prevailing
Federal Funds Effective Rate, or a commercial paper, call money, overnite
repurchase or other commonly quoted interest rate, in each case as selected by
such Lenders. Nothing herein shall obligate any Lender to approve or agree to a
Quoted Rate.


                                       19

<PAGE>   25

         (c) Without in any way limiting the obligation of the Borrower to
confirm in writing any telephonic notice permitted to be given hereunder, the
Administrative Agent may act prior to receipt of written confirmation without
liability upon the basis of such telephonic notice believed by the
Administrative Agent in good faith to be from an Authorized Officer of the
Borrower entitled to give telephonic notices under this Agreement on behalf of
the Borrower. In each such case, the Administrative Agent's record of the terms
of such telephonic notice shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

         2.4. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS. (a) No later than (x) 2:00 P.M. (local time
at the Payment Office) on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing
relating to General Revolving Loans, or (y) 2:30 P.M. (local time at the Payment
Office) on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing relating to Swing Line
Revolving Loans, each Lender with a Commitment under the Facility under which
any Borrowing pursuant to such Notice of Borrowing is to be made will make
available its PRO RATA share, if any, of each Borrowing under such Facility
requested to be made on such date in the manner provided below. All amounts
shall be made available to the Administrative Agent in U.S. dollars and
immediately available funds at the Payment Office and the Administrative Agent
promptly will make available to the Borrower by depositing to its account at the
Payment Office the aggregate of the amounts so made available in the type of
funds received. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any
Lender prior to the date of Borrowing that such Lender does not intend to make
available to the Administrative Agent its portion of the Borrowing or Borrowings
to be made on such date, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender
has made such amount available to the Administrative Agent on such date of
Borrowing, and the Administrative Agent, in reliance upon such assumption, may
(in its sole discretion and without any obligation to do so) make available to
the Borrower a corresponding amount. If such corresponding amount is not in fact
made available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender and the Administrative
Agent has made available same to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall be
entitled to recover such corresponding amount from such Lender. If such Lender
does not pay such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent's
demand therefor, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower,
and the Borrower shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to the
Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover
from such Lender or the Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such
corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such corresponding
amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the
date such corresponding amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent, at a
rate per annum equal to (x) if paid by such Lender, the overnight Federal Funds
Effective Rate or (y) if paid by the Borrower, the then applicable rate of
interest, calculated in accordance with section 2.8, for the respective Loans
(but without any requirement to pay any amounts in respect thereof pursuant to
section 2.11).

         (b) Nothing herein and no subsequent termination of the Commitments
pursuant to section 4.2 or 4.3 shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its
obligation to fulfill its commitments hereunder and in existence from time to
time or to prejudice any rights which the Borrower may have against any Lender
as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.

         2.5. REFUNDING OF, OR PARTICIPATION IN, SWING LINE REVOLVING LOANS. (a)
If any Event of Default exists, any Lender which has Swing Line Revolving Loans
owing to it (a "SWING LINE LENDER") may, in its sole and absolute discretion,
direct that the Swing Line Revolving Loans owing to it be refunded by delivering
a notice to such effect to the Administrative Agent, specifying the aggregate
principal amount thereof (a "NOTICE OF SWING LINE REFUNDING"). Promptly upon
receipt of a Notice of Swing Line Refunding, the Administrative Agent shall give
notice of the contents thereof to the Lenders with General Revolving Commitments
and, unless an Event of Default specified in section 10.1(h) in respect of the
Borrower has occurred, the Borrower. Each such Notice of Swing Line Refunding
shall be deemed to constitute delivery by the Borrower of a Notice of Borrowing
requesting General Revolving Loans consisting of Prime Rate Loans in the amount
of the Swing Line Revolving Loans to which it relates. Each Lender with a
General Revolving Commitment (including the Swing Line Lender giving the Notice
of Swing Line Refunding) hereby unconditionally agrees (notwithstanding that any
of the conditions specified in section 6.2 hereof or elsewhere in this Agreement
shall not have been satisfied, but subject to the provisions of paragraph (b)
below) to make a General Revolving Loan to the Borrower in an amount equal to
such Lender's General Revolving Facility Percentage of the aggregate amount of
the Swing Line Revolving Loans to which such Notice of Swing Line Refunding
relates. Each such Lender shall make the


                                       20

<PAGE>   26

amount of such General Revolving Loan available to the Administrative Agent in
immediately available funds at the Payment Office not later than 2:00 P.M.
(local time at the Payment Office), if such notice is received by such Lender
prior to 10:30 A.M. (local time at its Domestic Lending Office), or not later
than 2:00 P.M. (local time at the Payment Office) on the next Business Day, if
such notice is received by such Lender after such time. The proceeds of such
General Revolving Loans shall be made immediately available to the Swing Line
Lender giving such Notice of Swing Line Refunding and applied by it to repay the
principal amount of the Swing Line Revolving Loans to which such Notice of Swing
Line Refunding related. The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally agrees
that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement,
General Revolving Loans made as herein provided in response to a Notice of Swing
Line Refunding shall constitute General Revolving Loans hereunder consisting of
Prime Rate Loans.

         (b) If prior to the time a General Revolving Loan would otherwise have
been made as provided above as a consequence of a Notice of Swing Line
Refunding, any of the events specified in section 10.1(h) shall have occurred in
respect of the Borrower or one or more of the Lenders with General Revolving
Commitments shall determine that it is legally prohibited from making a General
Revolving Loan under such circumstances, each Lender (other than the Swing Line
Lender giving the Notice of Swing Line Refunding), or each Lender (other than
such Swing Line Lender) so prohibited, as the case may be, shall, on the date
such General Revolving Loan would have been made by it (the "PURCHASE DATE"),
purchase an undivided participating interest in the outstanding Swing Line
Revolving Loans to which such Notice of Swing Line Refunding related, in an
amount (the "SWING LINE PARTICIPATION AMOUNT") equal to such Lender's General
Revolving Facility Percentage of such Swing Line Revolving Loans. On the
Purchase Date, each such Lender or each such Lender so prohibited, as the case
may be, shall pay to the Swing Line Lender, in immediately available funds, such
Lender's Swing Line Participation Amount, and promptly upon receipt thereof the
Swing Line Lender shall, if requested by such other Lender, deliver to such
Lender a participation certificate, dated the date of the Swing Line Lender's
receipt of the funds from, and evidencing such Lender's participating interest
in such Swing Line Revolving Loans and its Swing Line Participation Amount in
respect thereof. If any amount required to be paid by a Lender to the Swing Line
Lender pursuant to the above provisions in respect of any Swing Line
Participation Amount is not paid on the date such payment is due, such Lender
shall pay to the Swing Line Lender on demand interest on the amount not so paid
at the overnight Federal Funds Effective Rate from the due date until such
amount is paid in full.

         (c) Whenever, at any time after the Swing Line Lender has received from
any other Lender such Lender's Swing Line Participation Amount, the Swing Line
Lender receives any payment from or on behalf of the Borrower on account of the
related Swing Line Revolving Loans, the Swing Line Lender will promptly
distribute to such Lender its General Revolving Facility Percentage of such
payment on account of its Swing Line Participation Amount (appropriately
adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during
which such Lender's participating interest was outstanding and funded);
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the event such payment received by the Swing Line
Lender is required to be returned, such Lender will return to the Swing Line
Lender any portion thereof previously distributed to it by the Swing Line
Lender.

         (d) Each Lender's obligation to make General Revolving Loans and/or to
purchase participations in connection with a Notice of Swing Line Refunding
shall be absolute and unconditional, shall be solely for the benefit of the
Swing Line Lender which gives such Notice of Swing Line Refunding, and shall not
be affected by any circumstance, including, without limitation, (i) any set-off,
counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have
against any other Lender, any Credit Party, or any other person, or any Credit
Party may have against any Lender or other person, as the case may be, for any
reason whatsoever; (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or Event of
Default; (iii) any event or circumstance involving a Material Adverse Effect
upon the Borrower, (iv) any breach of any Credit Document by any party thereto;
or (v) any other circumstance, happening or event, whether or not similar to any
of the foregoing.

         2.6. NOTES. (a) The Borrower's obligation to pay the principal of, and
interest on, the Loans made to it by each Lender shall be evidenced (i) if
General Revolving Loans, by a promissory note substantially in the form of
Exhibit A-1 with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each a
"GENERAL REVOLVING NOTE" and, collectively, the "GENERAL REVOLVING NOTES"), and
(ii) if Swing Line Revolving Loans, by a promissory note


                                       21

<PAGE>   27

substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 with blanks appropriately completed in
conformity herewith (each a "SWING LINE REVOLVING NOTE" and, collectively, the
"SWING LINE REVOLVING NOTES").

         (b) The General Revolving Note issued to a Lender with a General
Revolving Commitment shall: (i) be executed by the Borrower; (ii) be payable to
the order of such Lender and be dated on or prior to the date the first Loan
evidenced thereby is made; (iii) be in a stated principal amount equal to the
General Revolving Commitment of such Lender and be payable in the principal
amount of General Revolving Loans evidenced thereby; (iv) mature on the Maturity
Date; (v) bear interest as provided in section 2.8 in respect of the Prime Rate
Loans and Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be, evidenced thereby; (vi) be
subject to mandatory prepayment as provided in section 5.2: and (vii) be
entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

         (c) The Swing Line Revolving Note issued to a Lender with a Swing Line
Revolving Commitment shall: (i) be executed by the Borrower; (ii) be payable to
the order of such Lender and be dated on or prior to the date the first Loan
evidenced thereby is made; (iii) be in a stated principal amount equal to the
Swing Line Revolving Commitment of such Lender and be payable in the principal
amount of Swing Line Revolving Loans evidenced thereby; (iv) mature as to any
Swing Line Revolving Loan evidenced thereby on the maturity date, not later than
the 7th day following the date such Swing Line Revolving Loan was made,
specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing; (v) bear interest as provided
in section 2.8 in respect of the Prime Rate Loans or Money Market Rate Loans, as
the case may be, evidenced thereby; (vi) be subject to mandatory prepayment as
provided in section 5.2; and (vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement
and the other Credit Documents.

         (d) Each Lender will note on its internal records the amount of each
Loan made by it and each payment in respect thereof and will, prior to any
transfer of any Note, endorse on the reverse side thereof or the grid attached
thereto the outstanding principal amount of Loans evidenced thereby. Failure to
make any such notation or any error in any such notation shall not affect the
Borrower's obligations in respect of such Loans.

         2.7. CONVERSIONS OF GENERAL REVOLVING LOANS. The Borrower shall have
the option to convert on any Business Day all or a portion at least equal to the
applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount of the outstanding principal amount of the
outstanding Loans comprising a Borrowing under the General Revolving Facility
into a Borrowing or Borrowings under the same Facility of the other Type of Loan
which can be made pursuant to such Facility, PROVIDED that: (i) no partial
conversion of a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans shall reduce the outstanding
principal amount of the Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to less
than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto; (ii) any conversion of
Eurodollar Loans into Prime Rate Loans shall be made on, and only on, the last
day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Loans; (iii) Prime Rate Loans may
only be converted into Eurodollar Loans if no Default under section 10.1(a) or
Event of Default is in existence on the date of the conversion unless the
Required Lenders otherwise agree; and (iv) Borrowings of Eurodollar Loans
resulting from this section 2.7 shall conform to the requirements of section
2.2. Each such conversion shall be effected by the Borrower giving the
Administrative Agent at its Notice Office, prior to 11:00 A.M. (local time at
such Notice Office), at least three Business Days' (or prior to 11:00 A.M.
(local time at such Notice Office) same Business Day's, in the case of a
conversion into Prime Rate Loans) prior written notice (or telephonic notice
promptly confirmed in writing if so requested by the Administrative Agent) (each
a "NOTICE OF CONVERSION"), substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2, specifying
the Loans to be so converted, the Type of Loans to be converted into and, if to
be converted into a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, the Interest Period to be
initially applicable thereto. The Administrative Agent shall give each Lender
prompt notice of any such proposed conversion affecting any of its Loans. For
the avoidance of doubt, the prepayment or repayment of any Loans out of the
proceeds of other Loans by the Borrower is not considered a conversion of Loans
into other Loans.

         2.8. INTEREST. (a) The unpaid principal amount of each General
Revolving Loan which is (i) a Prime Rate Loan shall bear interest from the date
of the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise)
at a fluctuating rate per annum which shall at all times be equal to the Prime
Rate in effect from time to time; and (ii) a Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest
from the date of the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration
or otherwise) at a rate per annum which shall at all times be the


                                       22

<PAGE>   28

Applicable Eurodollar Margin (as defined below) for such General Revolving Loan
PLUS the relevant Eurodollar Rate.

         (b) The unpaid principal amount of each Swing Line Revolving Loan which
is (i) a Prime Rate Loan shall bear interest from the date of the Borrowing
thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) at a fluctuating
rate per annum which shall at all times be equal to the Prime Rate in effect
from time to time; and (ii) a Money Market Rate Loan shall bear interest from
the date of the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or
otherwise) at a rate per annum which shall be equal to the Quoted Rate therefor.

         (c) Notwithstanding the above provisions, if a Default under section
10.1(a) is in existence, or an Event of Default is in existence and the
Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have notified the Borrower thereof in
writing, all outstanding amounts of principal and, to the extent permitted by
law, all overdue interest, in respect of each Loan shall bear interest, payable
on demand, at a rate per annum equal to 2% per annum above the interest rate
otherwise applicable thereto. If any amount (other than the principal of and
interest on the Loans) payable by the Borrower under the Credit Documents is not
paid when due, such amount shall bear interest, payable on demand, at a rate per
annum equal to the Prime Rate in effect from time to time PLUS 2% per annum.

         (d) Interest shall accrue from and including the date of any Borrowing
to but excluding the date of any prepayment or repayment thereof and shall be
payable:

                  (i) in the case of any Swing Line Revolving Loan, (A) in
         advance on a nonrefundable basis, if so agreed by the Borrower, or (B)
         in all other cases, on any prepayment (on the amount prepaid), at
         maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) and, after such
         maturity, on demand; and

                  (ii) in the case of any General Revolving Loan, (A) which is a
         Prime Rate Loan, quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of
         March, June, September and December, (B) which is a Eurodollar Loan, on
         the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto and, in the
         case of an Interest Period in excess of three months, on the dates
         which are successively three months after the commencement of such
         Interest Period, and (C) in respect of each Loan, on any prepayment or
         conversion (on the amount prepaid or converted), at maturity (whether
         by acceleration or otherwise) and, after such maturity, on demand.

         (e) All computations of interest hereunder shall be made in accordance
with section 12.7(b).

         (f) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish the Administrative Agent
timely information for the purpose of determining the Eurodollar Rate for any
Borrowing consisting of Eurodollar Loans. If any one or more of the Reference
Banks shall not timely furnish such information, the Administrative Agent shall
determine the Eurodollar Rate on the basis of timely information furnished by
the remaining Reference Banks. The Administrative Agent upon determining the
interest rate for any Borrowing shall promptly notify the Borrower and the
Lenders thereof.

         (g) As used herein, the term "APPLICABLE EURODOLLAR MARGIN", as applied
to any Loan which is a Eurodollar Loan, means 32.5 basis points per annum;
PROVIDED, that subsequent to the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended nearest to
June 30, 1997, the Applicable Eurodollar Margin will be determined by reference
to the rate per annum indicated in the Pricing Grid Table which appears below,
based on the ratio referred to in section 9.6 and identified in such Table.

         Changes in the Applicable Eurodollar Margin based upon changes in such
ratio shall become effective on the date of the receipt by the Administrative
Agent pursuant to section 8.1(a) or (b) of the financial statements of the
Borrower, accompanied by the certificate referred to in section 8.1(c),
demonstrating the computation of such ratio, based upon the ratio in effect at
the end of the applicable period covered (in whole or in part) by such financial
statements; PROVIDED that:


                                       23

<PAGE>   29

                  (i) If any financial statements referred to in section 8.1(a)
         or (b), or the related certificate referred to in section 8.1(c), are
         not timely delivered, the Administrative Agent may determine the
         Applicable Eurodollar Margin based upon a good faith estimate by the
         Borrower of such ratio as in effect at the end of the applicable period
         to be covered (in whole or in part) by such financial statements,
         PROVIDED that if upon delivery of such delinquent financial statements
         and related certificate, such financial statements indicate that such
         good faith estimate was incorrect and, as a result thereof, the
         Applicable Eurodollar Margin for any Loans was too low at such
         determination, the Applicable Eurodollar Margin for such Loans shall be
         increased, as appropriate, with retroactive effect to the date of the
         change made on the basis of such determination, and the Borrower will
         immediately pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the
         Lenders having Commitments in respect of the Facility under which such
         Loans were incurred all additional interest due by reason of such
         increased Applicable Eurodollar Margin.

                  (ii) If subsequent to any such determination of the Applicable
         Eurodollar Margin and prior to the delivery of any subsequent financial
         statements, the Administrative Agent believes that there has been an
         increase in the amount of Total Net Indebtedness such that if the
         current amount of Total Net Indebtedness had been used to make such
         determination, instead of the amount of Total Net Indebtedness as of
         the date of the financial statements used in making such determination,
         the Applicable Eurodollar Margin would have been higher than as so
         determined, the Administrative Agent may require the Borrower to
         confirm to it the current amount of Total Net Indebtedness and the
         Administrative Agent may re-determine the Applicable Eurodollar Margin
         using such current amount, and if the Applicable Eurodollar Margin as
         so re-determined is higher, the Applicable Eurodollar Margin for
         Eurodollar Loans shall be increased, as appropriate, with retroactive
         effect to the date of the change made on the basis of the earlier
         determination, as specified in a notice from the Administrative Agent
         to the Borrower and the affected Lenders, and the Borrower will
         immediately pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the
         Lenders having Commitments in respect of the Facility under which such
         Loans were incurred all additional interest due by reason of such
         increased Applicable Eurodollar Margin. The Administrative Agent (x)
         may make any such re-determination on not more than one occasion during
         any particular period between the delivery dates of financial
         statements for successive periods hereunder, and (y) may only make any
         such re-determination as a result of an increase in the amount of Total
         Net Indebtedness which is attributable (in whole or in significant
         part) to the application by the Borrower of the proceeds of the
         offering of Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 (or the
         identifiable cash and Cash Equivalents in which such proceeds have been
         temporarily invested) to a Permitted Acquisition, or a loan, advance or
         investment permitted hereby, or Consolidated Capital Expenditure, or
         other form of corporate expenditure.

                  (iii) If subsequent to any such determination of the
         Applicable Eurodollar Margin and prior to the delivery of any
         subsequent financial statements, the Borrower recognizes that an event
         (such as, without limitation, an offering of its common stock) has
         occurred as a result of which there has been a decrease in the amount
         of Total Net Indebtedness such that if the current amount of Total Net
         Indebtedness had been used to make such determination, instead of the
         amount of Total Net Indebtedness as of the date of the financial
         statements used in making such determination, the Applicable Eurodollar
         Margin would have been lower than as so determined, the the Borrower
         may confirm to the Administrative Agent the current amount of Total Net
         Indebtedness and the Administrative Agent will promptly re-determine
         the Applicable Eurodollar Margin using such current amount, and if the
         Applicable Eurodollar Margin as so re-determined is lower, the
         Applicable Eurodollar Margin for Eurodollar Loans shall be decreased,
         as appropriate, with prospective effect, as specified in a notice
         promptly given by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and the
         affected Lenders. The Borrower may not require the Administrative Agent
         to make any such re-determination on more than one occasion during the
         entire time this Agreement is effective.

Any changes in the Applicable Eurodollar Margin shall be determined by the
Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent will promptly provide notice
of such determinations to the Borrower and the Lenders. Any


                                       24

<PAGE>   30

such determination by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this section 2.7(g)
shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.

                               PRICING GRID TABLE

                           (EXPRESSED IN BASIS POINTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

====================================================================================================
                                                                         Applicable     Applicable

              TOTAL NET INDEBTEDNESS/EBITDA RATIO                        Eurodollar      Facility

                                                                           Margin        Fee Rate

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>  
greater than or equal to 4.25 to 1.00                                     150.00          50.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greater than or equal 4.00 to 1.00 and less than 4.25 to 1.00             140.00          40.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greater than or equal 3.50 to 1.00 and less than 4.00 to 1.00             100.00          30.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greater than or equal 3.00 to 1.00 and less than 3.50 to 1.00              75.00          25.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greater than or equal 2.50 to 1.00 and less than 3.00 to 1.00              62.50          15.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greater than or equal 2.00 to 1.00 and less than 2.50 to 1.00              57.50          12.50
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greater than or equal 1.50 to 1.00 and less than 2.00 to 1.00              42.50          12.50
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
less than 1.50 to 1.00                                                     32.50          12.50
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>



         2.9. INTEREST PERIODS. (a) At the time the Borrower gives a Notice of
Borrowing or Notice of Conversion in respect of the making of, or conversion
into, a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans (in the case of the initial Interest
Period applicable thereto) or prior to 11:00 A.M. (local time at the applicable
Notice Office) on the third Business Day prior to the expiration of an Interest
Period applicable to a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, it shall have the right to
elect by giving the Administrative Agent written or telephonic notice (in the
case of telephonic notice, promptly confirmed in writing if so requested by the
Administrative Agent) of the Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing, which
Interest Period shall, at the option of the Borrower, be a one, two, three or
six month period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above:

                  (i) the initial Interest Period for any Borrowing of
         Eurodollar Loans shall commence on the date of such Borrowing
         (including the date of any conversion from a Borrowing of Prime Rate
         Loans) and each Interest Period occurring thereafter in respect of such
         Borrowing shall commence on the day on which the next preceding
         Interest Period expires;

                  (ii) if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is
         no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of
         such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last
         Business Day of such calendar month;

                  (iii) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day
         which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the
         next succeeding Business Day, PROVIDED that if any Interest Period
         would otherwise expire on a day which is not a Business Day but is a
         day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such
         month, such Interest Period shall expire on the next preceding Business
         Day;


                                       25

<PAGE>   31

                  (iv) no Interest Period for any Loan may be selected which
         would end after the Maturity Date; and

                  (v) no Interest Period may be elected at any time when a
         Default under section 10.1(a) or an Event of Default is then in
         existence unless the Required Lenders otherwise agree.

         (b) If upon the expiration of any Interest Period the Borrower has
failed to (or may not) elect a new Interest Period to be applicable to the
respective Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans as provided above, the Borrower shall
be deemed to have elected to convert such Borrowing to Prime Rate Loans
effective as of the expiration date of such current Interest Period.

         2.10. INCREASED COSTS, ILLEGALITY, ETC. (a) In the event that (x) in
the case of clause (i) below, the Administrative Agent or (y) in the case of
clauses (ii) and (iii) below, any Lender, shall have determined on a reasonable
basis (which determination shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive
and binding upon all parties hereto):

                  (i) on any date for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any
         Interest Period that, by reason of any changes arising after the
         Effective Date affecting the interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and
         fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rate
         on the basis provided for in the definition of Eurodollar Rate; or

                  (ii) at any time, that such Lender shall incur increased costs
         or reductions in the amounts received or receivable hereunder in an
         amount which such Lender deems material with respect to any Eurodollar
         Loans (other than any increased cost or reduction in the amount
         received or receivable resulting from the imposition of or a change in
         the rate of taxes or similar charges) because of (x) any change since
         the Effective Date in any applicable law, governmental rule,
         regulation, guideline, order or request (whether or not having the
         force of law), or in the interpretation or administration thereof and
         including the introduction of any new law or governmental rule,
         regulation, guideline, order or request (such as, for example, but not
         limited to, a change in official reserve requirements, but, in all
         events, excluding reserves includable in the Eurodollar Rate pursuant
         to the definition thereof) and/or (y) other circumstances adversely
         affecting the interbank Eurodollar market or the position of such
         Lender in such market; or

                  (iii) at any time, that the making or continuance of any
         Eurodollar Loan has become unlawful by compliance by such Lender in
         good faith with any change since the Effective Date in any law,
         governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order, or the
         interpretation or application thereof, or would conflict with any
         thereof not having the force of law but with which such Lender
         customarily complies or has become impracticable as a result of a
         contingency occurring after the Effective Date which materially
         adversely affects the interbank Eurodollar market;

THEN, and in any such event, such Lender (or the Administrative Agent in the
case of clause (i) above) shall (x) on or promptly following such date or time
and (y) within 10 Business Days of the date on which such event no longer exists
give notice (by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower and to the
Administrative Agent of such determination (which notice the Administrative
Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the other applicable Lenders).
Thereafter (x) in the case of clause (i) above, Eurodollar Loans shall no longer
be available until such time as the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower
and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice by the
Administrative Agent no longer exist, and any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
Conversion given by the Borrower with respect to Eurodollar Loans which have not
yet been incurred or converted shall be deemed rescinded by the Borrower or, in
the case of a Notice of Borrowing, shall, at the option of the Borrower, be
deemed converted into a Notice of Borrowing for Prime Rate Loans to be made on
the date of Borrowing contained in such Notice of Borrowing, (y) in the case of
clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall pay to such Lender, upon written demand
therefor, such additional amounts (in the form of an increased rate of, or a
different method of calculating, interest or otherwise as such Lender shall
determine) as shall be required to compensate such Lender, for such increased
costs or reductions in amounts receivable hereunder


                                       26

<PAGE>   32

(a written notice as to the additional amounts owed to such Lender, showing the
basis for the calculation thereof, which basis must be reasonable, submitted to
the Borrower by such Lender shall, absent manifest error, be final and
conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto) and (z) in the case of clause
(iii) above, the Borrower shall take one of the actions specified in section
2.10(b) as promptly as possible and, in any event, within the time period
required by law.

         (b) At any time that any Eurodollar Loan is affected by the
circumstances described in section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and
in the case of a Eurodollar Loan affected pursuant to section 2.10(a)(iii) the
Borrower shall) either (i) if the affected Eurodollar Loan is then being made
pursuant to a Borrowing, by giving the Administrative Agent telephonic notice
(confirmed promptly in writing) thereof on the same date that the Borrower was
notified by a Lender pursuant to section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii), cancel said
Borrowing, convert the related Notice of Borrowing into one requesting a
Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans or require the affected Lender to make its
requested Loan as a Prime Rate Loan, or (ii) if the affected Eurodollar Loan is
then outstanding, upon at least one Business Day's notice to the Administrative
Agent, require the affected Lender to convert each such Eurodollar Loan into a
Prime Rate Loan, PROVIDED that if more than one Lender is affected at any time,
then all affected Lenders must be treated the same pursuant to this section
2.10(b).

         (c) If any Lender shall have determined that after the Effective Date,
the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital
adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable
agency charged by law with the interpretation or administration thereof, or
compliance by such Lender or its parent corporation with any request or
directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of
any such authority, central bank, or comparable agency, in each case made
subsequent to the Effective Date, has or would have the effect of reducing by an
amount reasonably deemed by such Lender to be material the rate of return on
such Lender's or its parent corporation's capital or assets as a consequence of
such Lender's commitments or obligations hereunder to a level below that which
such Lender or its parent corporation could have achieved but for such adoption,
effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into consideration such Lender's or
its parent corporation's policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from
time to time, within 15 days after demand by such Lender (with a copy to the
Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or its parent corporation for
such reduction. Each Lender, upon determining in good faith that any additional
amounts will be payable pursuant to this section 2.10(c), will give prompt
written notice thereof to the Borrower, which notice shall set forth, in
reasonable detail, the basis of the calculation of such additional amounts,
which basis must be reasonable, although the failure to give any such notice
shall not release or diminish any of the Borrower's obligations to pay
additional amounts pursuant to this section 2.10(c) upon the subsequent receipt
of such notice.

         (d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) no
Lender shall be entitled to compensation or payment or reimbursement of other
amounts under section 2.10 or 3.5 for any amounts incurred or accruing more than
90 days prior to the giving of notice to the Borrower of additional costs or
other amounts of the nature described in such sections, and (ii) no Lender shall
demand compensation for any reduction referred to in section 2.10(c) or payment
or reimbursement of other amounts under section 3.5 if it shall not at the time
be the general policy or practice of such Lender to demand such compensation,
payment or reimbursement in similar circumstances under comparable provisions of
other credit agreements.

         2.11. COMPENSATION. The Borrower shall compensate each applicable
Lender, upon its written request (which request shall set forth the detailed
basis for requesting and the method of calculating such compensation), for all
reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, any
loss, expense or liability incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment
of deposits or other funds required by such Lender to fund its Eurodollar Loans
or Money Market Rate Loans) which such Lender may sustain: (i) if for any reason
(other than a default by such Lender or the Administrative Agent) a Borrowing of
Eurodollar Loans or Money Market Rate Loans does not occur on a date specified
therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion (whether or not
withdrawn by the Borrower or deemed withdrawn pursuant to section 2.10(a)); (ii)
if any repayment, prepayment or conversion of any of its Eurodollar Loans or
Money Market Rate Loans


                                       27

<PAGE>   33

occurs on a date which is not the last day of an Interest Period applicable
thereto (in the case of Eurodollar Loans) or the maturity date thereof (in the
case of any Money Market Rate Loans), as the case may be; (iii) if any
prepayment of any of its Eurodollar Loans or Money Market Rate Loans, as the
case may be, is not made on any date specified in a notice of prepayment given
by the Borrower; or (iv) as a consequence of (x) any other default by the
Borrower to repay its Eurodollar Loans or Money Market Rate Loans when required
by the terms of this Agreement or (y) an election made pursuant to section
2.10(b).

         2.12. CHANGE OF LENDING OFFICE; REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS. (a) Each Lender
agrees that, upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of
section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii), 2.10(c) or 3.5 with respect to such Lender, it
will, if requested by the Borrower, use reasonable efforts (subject to overall
policy considerations of such Lender) to designate another Applicable Lending
Office for any Loans or Commitment affected by such event, PROVIDED that such
designation is made on such terms that such Lender and its Applicable Lending
Office suffer no economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, with the object of
avoiding the consequence of the event giving rise to the operation of any such
section.

         (b) If any Lender requests any compensation, reimbursement or other
payment under section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii), 2.10(c) or 3.5 with respect to such
Lender, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its
sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative
Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in
accordance with the restrictions contained in section 12.4(b)), all its
interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall
assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender
accepts such assignment); PROVIDED that (i) the Borrower shall have received the
prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount
equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon,
accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee
(to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or
the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts), and (iii) in the case of any
such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation, reimbursement or other
payments required to be made under section 2.10(a)(ii) or (iii), 2.10(c) or 3.5
with respect to such Lender, such assignment will result in a reduction in such
compensation, reimbursement or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make
any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by
such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require
such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

         (c) Nothing in this section 2.12 shall affect or postpone any of the
obligations of the Borrower or the right of any Lender provided in section 2.10
or 3.5.

         SECTION 3. LETTERS OF CREDIT.

         3.1. LETTERS OF CREDIT. (a) Subject to and upon the terms and
conditions herein set forth, the Borrower may request a Letter of Credit Issuer
at any time and from time to time on or after the Closing Date and prior to the
date that is 15 Business Days prior to the Maturity Date to issue, for the
account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and in support of (i) trade
obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course
of business, and/or (ii) worker compensation, liability insurance, releases of
contract retention obligations, contract performance guarantee requirements and
other bonding obligations of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary incurred in the
ordinary course of its business, and such other standby obligations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are acceptable to the Letter of Credit
Issuer, and subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, such
Letter of Credit Issuer agrees to issue from time to time, irrevocable
documentary or standby letters of credit denominated in Dollars in such form as
may be approved by such Letter of Credit Issuer and the Administrative Agent
(each such letter of credit (and each Existing Letter of Credit described in
section 3.1(d)), a "LETTER OF CREDIT" and collectively, the "LETTERS OF
CREDIT").

         (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Letter of Credit shall be
issued the Stated Amount of which, when added to the Letter of Credit
Outstandings at such time, would exceed either (x) $15,000,000 or (y) when added
to the aggregate principal amount of all General Revolving Loans then
outstanding, plus the portion


                                       28

<PAGE>   34

of the Total General Revolving Commitment reserved for possible refunding of
outstanding Swing Line Revolving Loans, an amount equal to the Total General
Revolving Commitment at such time; (ii) no individual Letter of Credit (other
than any Existing Letter of Credit) shall be issued which has an initial Stated
Amount less than $100,000 unless such lesser Stated Amount is acceptable to the
Letter of Credit Issuer; and (iii) each Letter of Credit shall have an expiry
date (including any renewal periods) occurring not later than the earlier of (A)
two years from the date of issuance thereof, unless a longer period is approved
by the relevant Letter of Credit Issuer and Lenders (other than any Defaulting
Lender) holding a majority of the Total General Revolving Commitment, and (B) 15
Business Days prior to the Maturity Date, in each case on terms acceptable to
the Administrative Agent and the relevant Letter of Credit Issuer.

         (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a Lender Default
exists, no Letter of Credit Issuer shall be required to issue any Letter of
Credit unless either (i) such Letter of Credit Issuer has entered into
arrangements satisfactory to it and the Borrower to eliminate such Letter of
Credit Issuer's risk with respect to the participation in Letters of Credit of
the Defaulting Lender or Lenders, including by cash collateralizing such
Defaulting Lender's or Lenders' General Revolving Facility Percentage of the
Letter of Credit Outstandings; or (ii) the issuance of such Letter of Credit,
taking into account the potential failure of the Defaulting Lender or Lenders to
risk participate therein, will not cause the Letter of Credit Issuer to incur
aggregate credit exposure hereunder with respect to General Revolving Loans and
Letter of Credit Outstandings in excess of its General Revolving Commitment, and
the Borrower has undertaken, for the benefit of such Letter of Credit Issuer,
pursuant to an instrument satisfactory in form and substance to such Letter of
Credit Issuer, not to thereafter incur Loans or Letter of Credit Outstandings
hereunder which would cause the Letter of Credit Issuer to incur aggregate
credit exposure hereunder with respect to Loans and Letter of Credit
Outstandings in excess of its Commitment.

         (d) Annex VI hereto contains a description of all letters of credit
outstanding on, and to continue in effect after, the Closing Date. Each such
letter of credit issued by a bank that is or becomes a Lender under this
Agreement on the Effective Date (each, an "EXISTING LETTER OF CREDIT") shall
constitute a "Letter of Credit" for all purposes of this Agreement, issued, for
purposes of section 3.4(a), on the Closing Date, and the Borrower, the
Administrative Agent and the applicable Lenders hereby agree that, from and
after such date, the terms of this Agreement shall apply to such Letters of
Credit, superseding any other agreement theretofore applicable to them to the
extent inconsistent with the terms hereof.

         3.2. LETTER OF CREDIT REQUESTS: NOTICES OF ISSUANCE. (a) Whenever it
desires that a Letter of Credit be issued, the Borrower shall give the
Administrative Agent and the Letter of Credit Issuer written or telephonic
notice (in the case of telephonic notice, promptly confirmed in writing if so
requested by the Administrative Agent) which, if in the form of written notice
shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B-3, or transmit by electronic
communication (if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Letter of
Credit Issuer), prior to 11:00 A.M. (local time at its Notice Office) at least
three Business Days (or such shorter period as may be acceptable to the relevant
Letter of Credit Issuer) prior to the proposed date of issuance (which shall be
a Business Day) (each a "LETTER OF CREDIT REQUEST"), which Letter of Credit
Request shall include such supporting documents that such Letter of Credit
Issuer customarily requires in connection therewith (including, in the case of a
Letter of Credit for an account party other than the Borrower, an application
for, and if applicable a reimbursement agreement with respect to, such Letter of
Credit). Any such documents executed in connection with the issuance of a Letter
of Credit, including the Letter of Credit itself, are herein referred to as
"LETTER OF CREDIT DOCUMENTS". In the event of any inconsistency between any of
the terms or provisions of any Letter of Credit Document and the terms and
provisions of this Agreement respecting Letters of Credit, the terms and
provisions of this Agreement shall control. The Administrative Agent shall
promptly notify each Lender of each Letter of Credit Request.

         (b) Each Letter of Credit Issuer shall, on the date of each issuance of
a Letter of Credit by it, give the Administrative Agent, each applicable Lender
and the Borrower written notice of the issuance of such Letter of Credit,
accompanied by a copy to the Administrative Agent of the Letter of Credit or
Letters of Credit issued by it. Each Letter of Credit Issuer shall provide to
the Administrative Agent a quarterly (or monthly if requested by any applicable
Lender) summary describing each Letter of Credit issued by such Letter of Credit
Issuer and


                                       29

<PAGE>   35

then outstanding and an identification for the relevant period of the daily
aggregate Letter of Credit Outstandings represented by Letters of Credit issued
by such Letter of Credit Issuer.

         3.3. AGREEMENT TO REPAY LETTER OF CREDIT DRAWINGS. (a) The Borrower
hereby agrees to reimburse (or cause any Subsidiary for whose account a Letter
of Credit was issued to reimburse) each Letter of Credit Issuer, by making
payment directly to such Letter of Credit Issuer in immediately available funds
at the payment office of such Letter of Credit Issuer, for any payment or
disbursement made by such Letter of Credit Issuer under any Letter of Credit
(each such amount so paid or disbursed until reimbursed, an "UNPAID DRAWING")
immediately after, and in any event on the date on which, such Letter of Credit
Issuer notifies the Borrower (or any such Subsidiary for whose account such
Letter of Credit was issued) of such payment or disbursement (which notice to
the Borrower (or such Subsidiary) shall be delivered reasonably promptly after
any such payment or disbursement), such payment to be made in Dollars, with
interest on the amount so paid or disbursed by such Letter of Credit Issuer, to
the extent not reimbursed prior to 1:00 P.M. (local time at the payment office
of the Letter of Credit Issuer) on the date of such payment or disbursement,
from and including the date paid or disbursed to but not including the date such
Letter of Credit Issuer is reimbursed therefor at a rate per annum which shall
be the rate then applicable to General Revolving Loans which are Prime Rate
Loans (plus an additional 3% per annum if not reimbursed by the third Business
Day after the date of such payment or disbursement), any such interest also to
be payable on demand.

         (b) The Borrower's obligation under this section 3.3 to reimburse, or
cause a Subsidiary to reimburse, each Letter of Credit Issuer with respect to
Unpaid Drawings (including, in each case, interest thereon) shall be absolute
and unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any
setoff, counterclaim or defense to payment which the Borrower may have or have
had against such Letter of Credit Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any other
Letter of Credit Issuer or any Lender, including, without limitation, any
defense based upon the failure of any drawing under a Letter of Credit to
conform to the terms of the Letter of Credit or any non-application or
misapplication by the beneficiary of the proceeds of such drawing, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER that the Borrower shall not be obligated to reimburse, or cause a
Subsidiary to reimburse, a Letter of Credit Issuer for any wrongful payment made
by such Letter of Credit Issuer under a Letter of Credit as a result of acts or
omissions constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of
such Letter of Credit Issuer.

         3.4. LETTER OF CREDIT PARTICIPATIONS. (a) Immediately upon the issuance
by a Letter of Credit Issuer of any Letter of Credit (and on the Closing Date
with respect to any Existing Letter of Credit), such Letter of Credit Issuer
shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each Lender with a General
Revolving Commitment, and each such Lender (each a "PARTICIPANT") shall be
deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from such
Letter of Credit Issuer, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and
participation, to the extent of such Lender's General Revolving Facility
Percentage, in such Letter of Credit, each substitute letter of credit, each
drawing made thereunder, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement
with respect thereto (although Letter of Credit Fees shall be payable directly
to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders as provided in
section 4.1(b) and the Participants shall have no right to receive any portion
of any fees of the nature contemplated by section 4.1(c)), the obligations of
any Subsidiary of the Borrower under any Letter of Credit Documents pertaining
thereto, and any security for, or guaranty pertaining to, any of the foregoing.
Upon any change in the Commitments of the Lenders pursuant to section 12.4(b),
it is hereby agreed that, with respect to all outstanding Letters of Credit and
Unpaid Drawings, there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations
pursuant to this section 3.4 to reflect the new General Revolving Facility
Percentages of the assigning and assignee Lender.

         (b) In determining whether to pay under any Letter of Credit, a Letter
of Credit Issuer shall not have any obligation relative to the Participants
other than to determine that any documents required to be delivered under such
Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they appear to comply on their
face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit. Any action taken or omitted
to be taken by a Letter of Credit Issuer under or in connection with any Letter
of Credit if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful
misconduct, shall not create for such Letter of Credit Issuer any resulting
liability.


                                       30

<PAGE>   36

         (c) In the event that a Letter of Credit Issuer makes any payment under
any Letter of Credit and the Borrower shall not have reimbursed (or caused any
applicable Subsidiary to reimburse) such amount in full to such Letter of Credit
Issuer pursuant to section 3.3(a), such Letter of Credit Issuer shall promptly
notify the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly
notify each Participant of such failure, and each Participant shall promptly and
unconditionally pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Letter
of Credit Issuer, the amount of such Participant's General Revolving Facility
Percentage of such payment in U.S. Dollars and in same day funds, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that no Participant shall be obligated to pay to the Administrative
Agent its General Revolving Facility Percentage of such unreimbursed amount for
any wrongful payment made by such Letter of Credit Issuer under a Letter of
Credit as a result of acts or omissions constituting willful misconduct or gross
negligence on the part of such Letter of Credit Issuer. If the Administrative
Agent so notifies any Participant required to fund a payment under a Letter of
Credit prior to 11:00 A.M. (local time at its Notice Office) on any Business
Day, such Participant shall make available to the Administrative Agent for the
account of the relevant Letter of Credit Issuer such Participant's General
Revolving Facility Percentage of the amount of such payment on such Business Day
in same day funds. If and to the extent such Participant shall not have so made
its General Revolving Facility Percentage of the amount of such payment
available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Letter of
Credit Issuer, such Participant agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for
the account of such Letter of Credit Issuer, forthwith on demand such amount,
together with interest thereon, for each day from such date until the date such
amount is paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Letter of
Credit Issuer at the Federal Funds Effective Rate. The failure of any
Participant to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the
relevant Letter of Credit Issuer its General Revolving Facility Percentage of
any payment under any Letter of Credit shall not relieve any other Participant
of its obligation hereunder to make available to the Administrative Agent for
the account of such Letter of Credit Issuer its General Revolving Facility
Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit on the date required, as
specified above, but no Participant shall be responsible for the failure of any
other Participant to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account
of such Letter of Credit Issuer such other Participant's General Revolving
Facility Percentage of any such payment.

         (d) Whenever a Letter of Credit Issuer receives a payment of a
reimbursement obligation as to which the Administrative Agent has received for
the account of such Letter of Credit Issuer any payments from the Participants
pursuant to section 3.4(c) above, such Letter of Credit Issuer shall pay to the
Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to each
Participant which has paid its General Revolving Facility Percentage thereof, in
U.S. dollars and in same day funds, an amount equal to such Participant's
General Revolving Facility Percentage of the principal amount thereof and
interest thereon accruing after the purchase of the respective participations,
as and to the extent so received.

         (e) The obligations of the Participants to make payments to the
Administrative Agent for the account of each Letter of Credit Issuer with
respect to Letters of Credit shall be irrevocable and not subject to
counterclaim, set-off or other defense or any other qualification or exception
whatsoever and shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, any of the
following circumstances:

                  (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement
         or any of the other Credit Documents;

                  (ii) the existence of any claim, set-off defense or other
         right which the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) may have at any time
         against a beneficiary named in a Letter of Credit, any transferee of
         any Letter of Credit (or any person for whom any such transferee may be
         acting), the Administrative Agent, any Letter of Credit Issuer, any
         Lender, or other person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any
         Letter of Credit, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated
         transactions (including any underlying transaction between the Borrower
         (or any Subsidiary) and the beneficiary named in any such Letter of
         Credit), other than any claim which the Borrower (or any Subsidiary
         which is the account party with respect to a Letter of Credit) may have
         against any applicable Letter of Credit Issuer for gross negligence or
         wilful misconduct of such Letter of Credit Issuer in making payment
         under any applicable Letter of Credit;


                                       31

<PAGE>   37

                  (iii) any draft, certificate or other document presented under
         the Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or
         insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
         inaccurate in any respect;

                  (iv) the surrender or impairment of any security for the
         performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Credit
         Documents: or

                  (v) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

         (f) To the extent the Letter of Credit Issuer is not indemnified by the
Borrower, the Participants will reimburse and indemnify the Letter of Credit
Issuer, in proportion to their respective General Revolving Facility
Percentages, for and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, costs, expenses or disbursements
of whatsoever kind or nature which may be imposed on, asserted against or
incurred by the Letter of Credit Issuer in performing its respective duties in
any way related to or arising out of its issuance of Letters of Credit, PROVIDED
that no Participants shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, judgments, costs,
expenses or disbursements resulting from the Letter of Credit Issuer's gross
negligence or willful misconduct.

         3.5. INCREASED COSTS. If after the Effective Date, the adoption of any
applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change therein, or any change in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or compliance by any Letter of Credit Issuer or any Lender with any
request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any such
authority, central bank or comparable agency (in each case made subsequent to
the Effective Date) shall either (i) impose, modify or make applicable any
reserve, deposit, capital adequacy or similar requirement against Letters of
Credit issued by such Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender's participation
therein, or (ii) shall impose on such Letter of Credit Issuer or any Lender any
other conditions affecting this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or such Lender's
participation therein; and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the
cost to such Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender of issuing, maintaining or
participating in any Letter of Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum
received or receivable by such Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender hereunder
(other than any increased cost or reduction in the amount received or receivable
resulting from the imposition of or a change in the rate of taxes or similar
charges), then, upon demand to the Borrower by such Letter of Credit Issuer or
such Lender (a copy of which notice shall be sent by such Letter of Credit
Issuer or such Lender to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to
such Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender such additional amount or amounts as
will compensate any such Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender for such
increased cost or reduction. A certificate submitted to the Borrower by any
Letter of Credit Issuer or any Lender, as the case may be (a copy of which
certificate shall be sent by such Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender to the
Administrative Agent), setting forth, in reasonable detail, the basis for the
determination of such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate any
Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender as aforesaid shall be conclusive and
binding on the Borrower absent manifest error, although the failure to deliver
any such certificate shall not release or diminish any of the Borrower's
obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this section 3.5. Reference is
hereby made to the provisions of section 2.10(d) for certain limitations upon
the rights of a Letter of Credit Issuer or Lender under this section.

         3.6. GUARANTY OF SUBSIDIARY LETTER OF CREDIT OBLIGATIONS. (a) The
Borrower hereby unconditionally guarantees, for the benefit of the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the full and punctual payment of the
Obligations of each Subsidiary under each Letter of Credit Document to which
such Subsidiary is now or hereafter becomes a party (such Obligations being
subject to certain limitations as provided in section 3.3(b) hereof). Upon
failure by any such Subsidiary to pay punctually any such amount, the Borrower
shall forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent pay the amount not so paid
at the place and in the currency and otherwise in the manner specified in this
Agreement or any applicable Letter of Credit Document.

         (b) As a separate, additional and continuing obligation, the Borrower
unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes and agrees, for the benefit of the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders, that, should any amounts not be
recoverable from the Borrower under section 3.6(a) for any reason whatsoever
(including,


                                       32

<PAGE>   38

without limitation, by reason of any provision of any Credit Document or any
other agreement or instrument executed in connection therewith being or becoming
void, unenforceable, or otherwise invalid under any applicable law) then,
notwithstanding any notice or knowledge thereof by any Lender, the
Administrative Agent, any of their respective Affiliates, or any other person,
at any time, the Borrower as sole, original and independent obligor, upon demand
by the Administrative Agent, will make payment to the Administrative Agent, for
the account of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, of all such obligations
not so recoverable by way of full indemnity, in such currency and otherwise in
such manner as is provided in the Credit Documents.

         (c) The obligations of the Borrower under this section shall be
unconditional and absolute and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing
shall not be released, discharged or otherwise affected by the occurrence, one
or more times, of any of the following:

                  (i) any extension, renewal, settlement, compromise, waiver or
         release in respect to any obligation of any Subsidiary under any Letter
         of Credit Document, by operation of law or otherwise;

                  (ii) any modification or amendment of or supplement to this
         Agreement, any Note or any other Credit Document;

                  (iii) any release, non-perfection or invalidity of any direct
         or indirect security for any obligation of the Borrower under this
         Agreement, any Note or any other Credit Document or of any Subsidiary
         under any Letter of Credit Document;

                  (iv) any change in the corporate existence, structure or
         ownership of any Subsidiary or any insolvency, bankruptcy,
         reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Subsidiary or
         its assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of
         any Subsidiary contained in any Letter of Credit Document;

                  (v) the existence of any claim, set-off or other rights which
         the Borrower may have at any time against any Subsidiary, the
         Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other person, whether in
         connection herewith or any unrelated transactions;

                  (vi) any invalidity or unenforceability relating to or against
         any Subsidiary for any reason of any Letter of Credit Document, or any
         provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit the
         payment by any Subsidiary of any Obligations in respect of any Letter
         of Credit; or

                  (vii) any other act or omission to act or delay of any kind by
         any Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other
         person or any other circumstance whatsoever which might, but for the
         provisions of this section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge
         of the Borrower's obligations under this section.

         (d) The Borrower's obligations under this section shall remain in full
force and effect until the Commitments shall have terminated and the principal
of and interest on the Notes and all other amounts payable by the Borrower under
the Credit Documents and by any Subsidiary under the Letter of Credit Documents
shall have been paid in full. If at any time any payment of any of the
Obligations of any Subsidiary in respect of any Letter of Credit Documents is
rescinded or must be otherwise restored or returned upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of such Subsidiary, the Borrower's obligations
under this section with respect to such payment shall be reinstated at such time
as though such payment had been due but not made at such time.

         (e) The Borrower irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment,
demand, protest and any notice not provided for herein, as well as any
requirement that at any time any action be taken by any person against any
Subsidiary or any other person, or against any collateral or guaranty of any
other person.

         (f) Until the indefeasible payment in full of all of the Obligations
and the termination of the Commitments of the Lenders hereunder, the Borrower
shall have no rights, by operation of law or otherwise,


                                       33

<PAGE>   39

upon making any payment under this section to be subrogated to the rights of the
payee against any Subsidiary with respect to such payment or otherwise to be
reimbursed, indemnified or exonerated by any Subsidiary in respect thereof.

         (g) In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any
amount payable by any Subsidiary under any Letter of Credit Document is stayed
upon insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of such Subsidiary, all such
amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any applicable
Letter of Credit Document shall nonetheless be payable by the Borrower under
this section forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.

         SECTION 4. FEES; COMMITMENTS.

         4.1. FEES. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent a
Facility Fee ("FACILITY FEE") for the account of each Non-Defaulting Lender
which has a General Revolving Commitment for the period from and including the
Effective Date to but not including the date the Total General Revolving
Commitment has been terminated, on the average daily amount of the Total General
Revolving Commitment, whether used or unused, at the Applicable Facility Fee
Rate, payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June,
September and December and the date the Total General Revolving Commitment is
terminated. As used herein, the term "APPLICABLE FACILITY FEE RATE" means 12.5
basis points per annum; PROVIDED, that subsequent to the fiscal quarter of the
Borrower ended nearest to June 30, 1997, the Applicable Facility Fee Rate will
be determined by reference to the rate per annum indicated in the Pricing Grid
Table which appears in section 2.8(g), based on the ratio referred to in section
9.6. Changes in the Applicable Facility Fee Rate shall be made and effective as
of the same date as is provided in section 2.8(g) in the case of the
determination or re-determination of the Applicable Eurodollar Margin. If any
such change in the Applicable Facility Fee Rate is retroactive to a date in a
period for which the Facility Fee has already been paid, the Borrower will
immediately pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders all
additional Facility Fee due by reason of such increased Applicable Facility Fee
Rate. Any changes in the Applicable Facility Fee Rate shall be determined by the
Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent will promptly provide notice
of such determinations to the Borrower and the Lenders. Any such determination
by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this section 4.1(a) shall be conclusive
and binding absent manifest error.

         (b) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the
account of each Non- Defaulting Lender, PRO RATA on the basis of its General
Revolving Facility Percentage, a fee in respect of each Letter of Credit (the
"LETTER OF CREDIT FEE"), computed for each day at the rate per annum equal to
the Applicable Eurodollar Margin then in effect on the Stated Amount of all
Letters of Credit outstanding on such day. Accrued Letter of Credit Fees shall
be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March,
June, September and December and on the date on which the Total Commitment is
terminated.

         (c) The Borrower agrees to pay directly to each Letter of Credit Issuer
a fee in respect of each Letter of Credit issued by it (a "FACING FEE") computed
at such rate as may be agreed between such Letter of Credit Issuer and the
Borrower on the average daily Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit. Accrued
Facing Fees shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business
Day of each March, June, September and December and on the date on which the
Total General Revolving Commitment is terminated.

         (d) The Borrower agrees to pay directly to each Letter of Credit Issuer
upon each drawing under, and/or amendment, extension, renewal or transfer of, a
Letter of Credit issued by it such amount as shall at the time of such drawing,
amendment, extension, renewal or transfer be the administrative charge which
such Letter of Credit Issuer is customarily charging for drawings under or
amendments, extensions, renewals or transfers of, letters of credit issued by
it.

         (e) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent on the Effective
Date and thereafter for its own account and/or for distribution to the Lenders
such fees as heretofore agreed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.


                                       34

<PAGE>   40

         (f) All computations of Fees shall be made in accordance with section
12.7(b).

         4.2. VOLUNTARY REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS. Upon at least three Business
Days' prior written notice (or telephonic notice confirmed in writing) to the
Administrative Agent at its Notice Office (which notice the Administrative Agent
shall promptly transmit to each of the Lenders), the Borrower shall have the
right, without premium or penalty, to terminate or to partially and permanently
reduce (x) the Unutilized Total General Revolving Commitment, or (y) the
Unutilized Total Swing Line Revolving Commitment, PROVIDED that (i) any such
termination or reduction shall apply to proportionately and permanently reduce
the applicable Commitment of each of the affected Lenders, (ii) any partial
reduction of the Unutilized Total General Revolving Commitment pursuant to this
section 4.2 shall be in the amount of at least $3,000,000 (or, if greater, in
integral multiples of $1,000,000), and (iii) any partial reduction of the
Unutilized Total Swing Line Revolving Commitment pursuant to this section 4.2
shall be in the amount of at least $250,000 (or, if greater, in integral
multiples of $100,000).

         4.3. MANDATORY ADJUSTMENTS OF COMMITMENTS, ETC. (a) The Total
Commitment (and the Commitment of each Lender) shall terminate on August 15,
1997, unless the Closing Date has occurred on or prior to such date.

         (b) The Total Commitment (and the Commitment of each Lender) shall
terminate on the earlier of (x) the Maturity Date and (y) the date on which a
Change of Control occurs.

         (c) The Total General Revolving Commitment shall be permanently
reduced, without premium or penalty, at the time that any mandatory prepayment
of General Revolving Loans would be made pursuant to section 5.2(d) if General
Revolving Loans were then outstanding in the full amount of the Total General
Revolving Commitment, in an amount at least equal to the required prepayment of
principal of General Revolving Loans which would be required to be made in such
circumstance. Any such reduction shall apply to proportionately and permanently
reduce the General Revolving Commitment of each of the affected Lenders, and any
partial reduction of the Total General Revolving Commitment pursuant to this
section 4.3(c) shall be in the amount of at least $1,000,000 (or, if greater, in
integral multiples of $1,000,000). The Borrower will provide at least three (or
such lesser number as the Administrative Agent may permit in the exercise of
reasonable discretion) Business Days' prior written notice (or telephonic notice
confirmed in writing) to the Administrative Agent at its Notice Office (which
notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the Lenders),
of any reduction of the Total General Revolving Commitment pursuant to this
section 4.3(c), specifying the date and amount of the reduction.

         4.4. EXTENSION OF MATURITY DATE. At any time after July 1, 1998 and
during the 30 day period following delivery by the Borrower pursuant to section
8.1(a) of its consolidated financial statements for its fiscal year then most
recently ended, and annually thereafter during the 30 day period following
delivery by the Borrower of its consolidated financial statements pursuant to
section 8.1(a), the Borrower may request the Administrative Agent to determine
if all of the Lenders are then willing to extend the Maturity Date for a single
additional year. If the Borrower so requests, the Administrative Agent will so
advise the Lenders. If all of the Lenders in their sole discretion are all
willing to so extend the Maturity Date, after taking into account such
considerations as any Lender may deem relevant, the Borrower, the other
Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and all of the Lenders (including each
Letter of Credit Issuer) shall execute and deliver a definitive written
instrument so extending the Maturity Date. No such extension of the Maturity
Date shall be valid or effective for any purpose unless such definitive written
instrument is so signed and delivered within 60 days following the giving by the
Administrative Agent of notice to the Lenders that the Borrower has requested
such an extension.

         SECTION 5. PAYMENTS.

         5.1. VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENTS. The Borrower shall have the right to prepay
Loans, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, from time to time on the
following terms and conditions: (i) the Borrower shall give the Administrative
Agent at the Notice Office written or telephonic notice (in the case of
telephonic


                                       35

<PAGE>   41

notice, promptly confirmed in writing if so requested by the Administrative
Agent) of its intent to prepay the Loans, the amount of such prepayment and (in
the case of Eurodollar Loans or Money Market Rate Loans) the specific
Borrowing(s) pursuant to which made, which notice shall be received by the
Administrative Agent by (x) 11:00 A.M. (local time at the Notice Office) three
Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment, in the case of any
prepayment of Eurodollar Loans, (y) 11:00 A.M. (local time at the Notice Office)
on the date of such prepayment, in the case of any prepayment of General
Revolving Loans which are Prime Rate Loans, or (z) 2:00 P.M. (local time at the
Notice Office) on the date of such prepayment, in the case of any prepayment of
Swing Line Revolving Loans, and which notice shall promptly be transmitted by
the Administrative Agent to each of the affected Lenders; (ii) in the case of
prepayment of any Borrowings under the General Revolving Facility, each partial
prepayment of any such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal of at least
$3,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, in the case
of Prime Rate Loans and at least $3,000,000 or an integral multiple of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof, in the case of Eurodollar Loans; (iii) in the case
of prepayment of any Borrowings under the Swing Line Revolving Facility, each
partial prepayment of any such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal of
at least $250,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof; (iv) no
partial prepayment of any Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall reduce the
aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding pursuant to such Borrowing
to an amount less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable thereto; (v) each
prepayment in respect of any Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall be applied
PRO RATA among such Loans; and (vi) each prepayment of Eurodollar Loans or Money
Market Rate Loans pursuant to this section 5.1 on any date other than the last
day of the Interest period applicable thereto, in the case of Eurodollar Loans,
or the maturity date thereof, in the case of Money Market Rate Loans, as the
case may be, shall be accompanied by any amounts payable in respect thereof
under section 2.11.

         5.2. MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS. (a) If on any date (after giving effect to
any other payments on such date) the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of General Revolving Loans PLUS (ii) the aggregate amount of
Letter of Credit Outstandings, exceeds the Total General Revolving Commitment as
then in effect, the Borrower shall prepay on such date that principal amount of
General Revolving Loans and, after General Revolving Loans have been paid in
full, Unpaid Drawings, in an aggregate amount at least equal to such excess. If,
after giving effect to the prepayment of General Revolving Loans and Unpaid
Drawings, the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the
Total General Revolving Commitment as then in effect, the Borrower shall pay to
the Administrative Agent an amount in cash and/or Cash Equivalents equal to such
excess and the Administrative Agent shall hold such payment as security for the
obligations of the Borrower hereunder pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to
be entered into in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower (which shall permit certain investments in
Cash Equivalents satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower until
the proceeds are applied to the secured obligations).

         (b) If on any date (after giving effect to any other payments on such
date) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Swing Line Revolving Loans
exceeds the Unutilized Total General Revolving Commitment as then in effect, the
Borrower shall prepay on such date that principal amount of Swing Line Revolving
Loans in an aggregate amount at least equal to such excess. If on any date
(after giving effect to any other payments on such date) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of Swing Line Revolving Loans exceeds the Total
Swing Line Revolving Commitment as then in effect, the Borrower shall prepay on
such date Swing Line Revolving Loans in an aggregate principal amount at least
equal to such excess.

         (c) If on any date (after giving effect to any other payments on such
date) the sum of (i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of General
Revolving Loans PLUS (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Swing
Line Revolving Loans, exceeds the Available Commitment as of the end of the most
recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been delivered
pursuant to section 8.1(a) or (b), the Borrower shall prepay on such date that
principal amount of General Revolving Loans and, after General Revolving Loans
have been paid in full, Swing Line Revolving Loans, in an aggregate amount at
least equal to such excess.

         (d) If during any fiscal year of the Borrower, the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries have received cumulative Cash Proceeds during such fiscal year from
one or more Asset Sales in an aggregate amount


                                       36

<PAGE>   42

exceeding 10% of the Borrower's Consolidated Net Worth at the beginning of such
fiscal year, not later than the third Business Day following the date of receipt
of any Cash Proceeds in excess of such amount, an amount at least equal to 100%
of the Net Cash Proceeds then received in excess of such amount from any Asset
Sale shall be applied as a mandatory prepayment of principal of the then
outstanding General Revolving Loans; PROVIDED that if no Default under section
10.1(a) or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the making
of such prepayment at such time would result in an obligation on the part of the
Borrower to make a breakage payment in respect thereof under section 2.11 (which
has not been waived by the Required Lenders), the Borrower may upon notice to
the Administrative Agent (a copy of which notice the Administrative Agent shall
promptly transmit to each affected Lender) postpone making such prepayment for a
period of up to 30 days, or such shorter period as will result in no such
breakage payment being payable; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that (i) if no Default
under section 10.1(a) or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
(ii) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have scheduled Consolidated Capital
Expenditures during the following six months, and (iii) the Borrower notifies
the Administrative Agent of the amount and nature thereof and of its intention
to reinvest all or a portion of such Net Cash Proceeds in such Consolidated
Capital Expenditures during such six month period, then no such prepayment shall
be required to the extent the Borrower so indicates that such reinvestment will
take place. If at the end of any such six month period any portion of such Net
Cash Proceeds has not been so reinvested, such remaining amount shall be
immediately applied as a mandatory prepayment of principal of the then
outstanding General Revolving Loans. If the Borrower has postponed the date of
making any mandatory prepayment in accordance with the first PROVISO to the
first sentence of this section 5.2(d), during the period of such postponement
the Borrower will not incur additional Loans or request additional Letters of
Credit which would cause (x) the sum of the outstanding General Revolving Loans,
plus the Letter of Credit Outstandings, plus the portion of the Total Unutilized
General Revolving Commitment reserved for refunding of outstanding Swing Line
Revolving Loans, to be greater than (y) the amount to which the Total General
Revolving Commitment will be permanently reduced pursuant to section 4.3(c) as a
consequence of the events giving rise to such mandatory prepayment.

         (e) On the date on which a Change of Control occurs, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no further Borrowings
shall be made and the then outstanding principal amount of all Loans, if any,
shall become due and payable and shall be prepaid in full, and the Borrower
shall contemporaneously either (i) cause all outstanding Letters of Credit to be
surrendered for cancellation (any such Letters of Credit to be replaced by
letters of credit issued by other financial institutions), or (ii) the Borrower
shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount in cash and/or Cash Equivalents
equal to 100% of the Letter of Credit Outstandings and the Administrative Agent
shall hold such payment as security for the obligations of the Borrower
hereunder pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to be entered into in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower
(which shall permit certain investments in Cash Equivalents satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower until the proceeds are applied to the
secured obligations).

         (f) With respect to each prepayment of Loans required by this section
5.2, the Borrower shall designate the Types of Loans which are to be prepaid and
the specific Borrowing(s) pursuant to which such prepayment is to be made,
PROVIDED that (i) the Borrower shall first so designate all Loans that are Prime
Rate Loans and Eurodollar Loans with Interest Periods ending on the date of
prepayment prior to designating any other Eurodollar Loans for prepayment, (ii)
if the outstanding principal amount of Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a
Borrowing is reduced below the applicable Minimum Borrowing Amount as a result
of any such prepayment, then all the Loans outstanding pursuant to such
Borrowing shall be converted into Prime Rate Loans, and (iii) each prepayment of
any Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall be applied PRO RATA among such
Loans. In the absence of a designation by the Borrower as described in the
preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall, subject to the above, make
such designation in its sole discretion with a view, but no obligation, to
minimize breakage costs owing under section 2.11. Any prepayment of Eurodollar
Loans or Money Market Rate Loans pursuant to this section 5.2 shall in all
events be accompanied by such compensation as is required by section 2.11.

         5.3. METHOD AND PLACE OF PAYMENT. Except as otherwise specifically
provided herein, all payments under this Agreement shall be made to the
Administrative Agent for the ratable (based on its PRO RATA share)


                                       37

<PAGE>   43

account of the Lenders entitled thereto, not later than 11:00 A.M. (local time
at the Payment Office) on the date when due and shall be made in immediately
available funds and in lawful money of the United States of America at the
Payment Office, it being understood that written notice by the Borrower to the
Administrative Agent to make a payment from the funds in the Borrower's account
at the Payment Office shall constitute the making of such payment to the extent
of such funds held in such account. Any payments under this Agreement which are
made later than 11:00 A.M. (local time at the Payment Office) shall be deemed to
have been made on the next succeeding Business Day. Whenever any payment to be
made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Business Day,
the due date thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and,
with respect to payments of principal, interest shall be payable during such
extension at the applicable rate in effect immediately prior to such extension.

         5.4. NET PAYMENTS. (a) All payments made by the Borrower hereunder,
under any Note or any other Credit Document, will be made without setoff,
counterclaim or other defense. Except as provided for in section 5.4(c), all
such payments will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or
withholding for, any present or future United States withholding taxes. The
Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent within 45 days after the date
of any withholding or deduction on account of United States withholding taxes
certified copies of tax receipts, or other evidence satisfactory to each
affected Lender, evidencing payment thereof by the Borrower.

         (b) Each Lender that is not a United States person (as such term is
defined in section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for Federal income tax purposes
agrees to provide to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to
the Effective Date, or in the cases of a Lender that is an assignee or
transferee of an interest under this Agreement pursuant to section 12.4 (unless
the respective Lender was already a Lender hereunder immediately prior to such
assignment or transfer and such Lender is in compliance with the provisions of
this section 5.4(b)), on the date of such assignment or transfer to such Lender,
(i) two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service
Form 4224 or 1001 (or successor forms) certifying to such Lender's entitlement
to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax with respect to
payments to be made under this Agreement, any Note or any other Credit Document,
or (ii) if the Lender is not a "bank" within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A)
of the Code and cannot deliver either Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224
pursuant to clause (i) above, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of
Exhibit F (any such certificate, a "SECTION 5.4(b)(ii) CERTIFICATE") and (y) two
accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form
W-8 (or successor form) certifying to such Lender's entitlement to a complete
exemption from United States withholding tax with respect to payments of
interest to be made under this Agreement, any Note or any other Credit Document.
In addition, each Lender agrees that from time to time after the Effective Date,
when a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders the previous
certification obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, it will deliver to
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent two new accurate and complete original
signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or 1001, or Form W-8 and a
Section 5.4(b)(ii) Certificate, as the case may be, and such other forms as may
be required in order to confirm or establish the entitlement of such Lender to a
continued exemption from or reduction in United States withholding tax with
respect to payments under this Agreement, any Note or any other Credit Document,
or it shall immediately notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of its
inability to deliver any such Form or Certificate, in which case such Lender
shall not be required to deliver any such Form or Certificate pursuant to this
section 5.4(b).

         (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in section
5.4(a), the Borrower shall be entitled, to the extent it is required to do so by
law, to deduct or withhold income or other similar taxes imposed by the United
States (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein)
from interest, fees or other amounts payable hereunder for the account of any
Lender which is not a United States person (as such term is defined in section
7701(a)(30) of the Code) for United States federal income tax purposes and which
has not provided to the Borrower such forms that establish a complete exemption
from such deduction or withholding.


                                       38

<PAGE>   44

         SECTION 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

         6.1. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT AT CLOSING DATE. The obligation of the
Lenders to make Loans, and of any Letter of Credit Issuer to issue Letters of
Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions on
the Closing Date:

                  (A) EFFECTIVENESS; NOTES. On or prior to the Closing Date, (i)
         the Effective Date shall have occurred and (ii) there shall have been
         delivered to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender
         the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, in each case,
         in the amount, maturity and as otherwise provided herein.

                  (B) FEES, ETC. The Borrower shall have paid or caused to be
         paid all fees required to be paid by it on or prior to such date
         pursuant to section 4 hereof and all reasonable fees and expenses of
         the Administrative Agent and of special counsel to the Administrative
         Agent which have been invoiced on or prior to such date in connection
         with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
         other Credit Documents and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated hereby and thereby.

                  (C) OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS, ETC. The Credit Parties named
         therein shall have duly executed and delivered and there shall be in
         full force and effect, and original counterparts shall have been
         delivered to the Administrative Agent, in sufficient quantities for the
         Administrative Agent and the Lenders, of, (i) the Subsidiary Guaranty
         (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance
         with the terms thereof and hereof, the "SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY"),
         substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-1, and (ii) the
         Pledge Agreement (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to
         time in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof, the "PLEDGE
         AGREEMENT"), substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-2.
         Certificates for the shares of stock pledged under the Pledge
         Agreement, duly indorsed in blank, or accompanied by stock powers duly
         signed in blank, shall have been delivered to the Collateral Agent.

                  (D) CORPORATE RESOLUTIONS AND APPROVALS. The Administrative
         Agent shall have received, in sufficient quantity for the
         Administrative Agent and the Lenders, certified copies of the
         resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower and each other
         Credit Party, approving the Credit Documents to which the Borrower or
         any such other Credit Party, as the case may be, is or may become a
         party, and of all documents evidencing other necessary corporate action
         and governmental approvals, if any, with respect to the execution,
         delivery and performance by the Borrower or any such other Credit Party
         of the Credit Documents to which it is or may become a party.

                  (E) INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATES. The Administrative Agent shall
         have received, in sufficient quantity for the Administrative Agent and
         the Lenders, a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
         of the Borrower and of each other Credit Party, certifying the names
         and true signatures of the officers of the Borrower or such other
         Credit Party, as the case may be, authorized to sign the Credit
         Documents to which the Borrower or such other Credit Party is a party
         and any other documents to which the Borrower or any such other Credit
         Party is a party which may be executed and delivered in connection
         herewith.

                  (F) OPINION OF COUNSEL. On the Closing Date, the
         Administrative Agent shall have received an opinion, addressed to the
         Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders and dated the Closing
         Date, from Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, special counsel to the
         Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto and covering
         such other matters incident to the transactions contemplated hereby as
         the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, such opinion to be in
         form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

                  (G) EXISTING LINE OF CREDIT. The Borrower shall have
         terminated its line of credit with KeyBank and prepaid all borrowings
         thereunder.


                                       39

<PAGE>   45

                  (H) PROCEEDINGS AND DOCUMENTS. All corporate and other
         proceedings and all documents incidental to the transactions
         contemplated hereby shall be satisfactory in substance and form to the
         Administrative Agent and the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and
         its special counsel and the Lenders shall have received all such
         counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such documents as
         the Administrative Agent or its special counsel or any Lender may
         reasonably request.

         6.2. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ALL CREDIT EVENTS. The obligations of the
Lenders to make each Loan and/or of a Letter of Credit Issuer to issue each
Letter of Credit is subject, at the time thereof, to the satisfaction of the
following conditions:

                  (A) NOTICE OF BORROWING, ETC. The Administrative Agent shall
         have received a Notice of Borrowing meeting the requirements of section
         2.3 with respect to the incurrence of Loans or a Letter of Credit
         Request meeting the requirement of section 3.2 with respect to the
         issuance of a Letter of Credit.

                  (B) NO DEFAULT; REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. At the time of
         each Credit Event and also after giving effect thereto, (i) there shall
         exist no Default or Event of Default and (ii) all representations and
         warranties of the Credit Parties contained herein or in the other
         Credit Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects
         with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had
         been made on and as of the date of such Credit Event, except to the
         extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an
         earlier specified date, in which case such representations and
         warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as
         of the date when made.

The acceptance of the benefits of each Credit Event shall constitute a
representation and warranty by the Borrower to each of the Lenders that all of
the applicable conditions specified in section 6.1 and/or 6.2, as the case may
be, exist as of that time. All of the certificates, legal opinions and other
documents and papers referred to in this section 6, unless otherwise specified,
shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent for the account of each of the
Lenders and, except for the Notes, in sufficient counterparts for each of the
Lenders, and the Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to the Lenders
their respective Notes and the copies of such other certificates, legal opinions
and documents.

         SECTION 7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

         In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make
the Loans, and/or to issue and/or to participate in the Letters of Credit
provided for herein, the Borrower makes the following representations and
warranties to, and agreements with, the Lenders, all of which shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and each Credit Event:

         7.1. CORPORATE STATUS, ETC. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
(i) is a duly organized or formed and validly existing corporation, partnership
or limited liability company, as the case may be, in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has the corporate, partnership or
limited liability company power and authority, as applicable, to own its
property and assets and to transact the business in which it is engaged and
presently proposes to engage, and (ii) has duly qualified and is authorized to
do business in all jurisdictions where it is required to be so qualified except
where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.2. SUBSIDIARIES. Annex II hereto lists, as of the date hereof, each
Subsidiary of the Borrower (and the direct and indirect ownership interest of
the Borrower therein).

         7.3. CORPORATE POWER AND AUTHORITY, ETC. Each Credit Party has the
corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and
provisions of the Credit Documents to which it is party and has


                                       40

<PAGE>   46

taken all necessary corporate or other organizational action to authorize the
execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Documents to which it is
party. Each Credit Party has duly executed and delivered each Credit Document to
which it is party and each Credit Document to which it is party constitutes the
legal, valid and binding agreement or obligation of such Credit Party
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the
enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws generally affecting creditors'
rights and by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought
in equity or at law).

         7.4. NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution, delivery and performance by
any Credit Party of the Credit Documents to which it is party nor compliance
with the terms and provisions thereof (i) will contravene any provision of any
law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court
or governmental instrumentality applicable to such Credit Party or its
properties and assets, (ii) will conflict with or result in any breach of, any
of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default
under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create
or impose) any Lien (other than any Lien created by any Security Document) upon
any of the property or assets of such Credit Party pursuant to the terms of any
promissory note, bond, debenture, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit or
loan agreement, or any other material agreement or instrument, to which such
Credit Party is a party or by which it or any of its property or assets are
bound or to which it may be subject, or (iii) will violate any provision of the
certificate or articles of incorporation, code of regulations or by-laws, or
other charter documents of such Credit Party.

         7.5. GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. No order, consent, approval, license,
authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or
exemption by, any foreign or domestic governmental or public body or authority,
or any subdivision thereof, is required to authorize or is required as a
condition to (i) the execution, delivery and performance by any Credit Party of
any Credit Document to which it is a party, or (ii) the legality, validity,
binding effect or enforceability of any Credit Document to which any Credit
Party is a party, other than any filings and recordings which may be required in
connection with the perfection of any Liens created by the Security Documents.

         7.6. LITIGATION. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or,
to, the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened with respect to the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries (i) that have, or could reasonably be expected to have,
a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) which question the validity or enforceability
of any of the Credit Documents, or of any action to be taken by any Credit Party
pursuant to any of the Credit Documents to which it is a party.

         7.7. USE OF PROCEEDS; MARGIN REGULATIONS. (a) The proceeds of all Loans
shall be utilized (i) to retire the Indebtedness referred to in section 6.1(g),
to the extent not otherwise retired out of the proceeds of the issuance of the
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004, and (ii) for general corporate
purposes not inconsistent with the requirements of this Agreement.

         (b) No part of the proceeds of any Credit Event will be used directly
or indirectly to purchase or carry Margin Stock, or to extend credit to others
for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, in violation of any
of the provisions of Regulation G, T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending
credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. At no time
would more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower or of the
Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries that are subject to any "arrangement"
(as such term is used in section 221.2(g) of such Regulation U) hereunder be
represented by Margin Stock.

         7.8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ETC. (a) The Borrower has furnished to the
Lenders and the Administrative Agent complete and correct copies of (i) the
audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its consolidated
subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996, and June 30, 1995, and the related audited
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the
fiscal years then ended, accompanied by the unqualified report thereon of the
Borrower's independent accountants; and (ii) the unaudited condensed
consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as
of March 31, 1997, and the related unaudited condensed consolidated statements
of income and of cash flows of the Borrower and its


                                       41

<PAGE>   47

consolidated subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter or quarters then ended, as
contained in the Form 10-Q Quarterly Report of the Borrower filed with the SEC.
All such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP,
consistently applied (except as stated therein), and fairly present the
financial position of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the
respective dates indicated and the consolidated results of their operations and
cash flows for the respective periods indicated, subject in the case of any such
financial statements which are unaudited, to the absence of footnotes and to
normal audit adjustments which the Borrower reasonably believes will not involve
a Material Adverse Effect.

         (b) The Borrower has received consideration which is the reasonable
equivalent value of the obligations and liabilities that the Borrower has
incurred to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. The Borrower now has
capital sufficient to carry on its business and transactions and all business
and transactions in which it is about to engage and is now solvent and able to
pay its debts as they mature and the Borrower, as of the Closing Date, owns
property having a value, both at fair valuation and at present fair salable
value, greater than the amount required to pay the Borrower's debts; and the
Borrower is not entering into the Credit Documents with the intent to hinder,
delay or defraud its creditors.

         (c) The Borrower has delivered or caused to be delivered to the Lenders
prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement (i) a copy of the
Borrower's Report on Form 10-K as filed (without Exhibits) with the SEC for its
fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, which contains a general description of the
business and affairs of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (ii) a confidential
information memorandum dated June 1997 prepared by the Administrative Agent
(with assistance from the Borrower) which contains information with respect to
the business, properties and operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
(the "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM"), and (iii) financial projections
prepared by management of the Borrower for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
the fiscal years 1997-2000, which are included as part of Tab VI of the
Confidential Information Memorandum (the "FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS"). The Financial
Projections were prepared on behalf of the Borrower in good faith after taking
into account the existing and historical levels of business activity of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, trends known to the Borrower, including general
economic trends, and all other information, assumptions and estimates considered
by management of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to be pertinent thereto. The
Financial Projections were considered by management of the Borrower, as of such
date of preparation, to be realistically achievable; PROVIDED, that no
representation or warranty is made as to the impact of future general economic
conditions or as to whether the Borrower's projected consolidated results as set
forth in the Financial Projections will actually be realized. No facts are known
to the Borrower at the date hereof which, if reflected in the Financial
Projections, would result in a material adverse change in the assets,
liabilities, results of operations or cash flows reflected therein.

         7.9. NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. Since June 30, 1996, there has been no
change in the condition, business or affairs of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or their properties and assets considered as an
entirety, except for changes, none of which, individually or in the aggregate,
has had or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.10. TAX RETURNS AND PAYMENTS. Each of the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries has filed all federal income tax returns and all other material tax
returns, domestic and foreign, required to be filed by it and has paid all
material taxes and assessments payable by it which have become due, other than
those not yet delinquent and except for those contested in good faith. The
Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has established on its books such charges,
accruals and reserves in respect of taxes, assessments, fees and other
governmental charges for all fiscal periods as are required by GAAP. The
Borrower knows of no proposed assessment for additional federal, foreign or
state taxes for any period, or of any basis therefor, which, individually or in
the aggregate, taking into account such charges, accruals and reserves in
respect thereof as the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have made, could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.11. TITLE TO PROPERTIES, ETC. The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries has good and marketable title, in the case of real property, and
good title (or valid leasehold interests, in the case of any leased property),
in the case of all other property, to all of its properties and assets free and
clear of Liens other than Liens permitted by section 9.3. The interests of the
Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in the properties reflected


                                       42

<PAGE>   48

in the most recent balance sheet referred to in section 7.8, taken as a whole,
were sufficient, in the judgment of the Borrower, as of the date of such balance
sheet for purposes of the ownership and operation of the businesses conducted by
the Borrower and such Subsidiaries.

         7.12. LAWFUL OPERATIONS, ETC. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries

                  (i) holds all necessary federal, state and local governmental
         licenses, registrations, certifications, permits and authorizations
         necessary to conduct its business, and

                  (ii) is in full compliance with all material requirements
         imposed by law, regulation or rule, whether federal, state or local,
         which are applicable to it, its operations, or its properties and
         assets, including without limitation, applicable requirements of the
         United States Food and Drug Administration, federal and state Medicaid
         and Medicare requirements, Environmental Laws and zoning ordinances,

except for any failure to obtain and maintain in effect, or noncompliance,
which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.13. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. (a) The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries is in compliance with all Environmental Laws governing its business
except to the extent that any such failure to comply (together with any
resulting penalties, fines or forfeitures) would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. All licenses, permits, registrations or
approvals required for the business of the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries, as conducted as of the Closing Date, under any Environmental Law
have been secured and the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is in
substantial compliance therewith, except for such licenses, permits,
registrations or approvals the failure to secure or to comply therewith is not
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower nor
any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice, or otherwise knows, that it
is in any respect in noncompliance with, breach of or default under any
applicable writ, order, judgment, injunction, or decree to which the Borrower or
such Subsidiary is a party or which would affect the ability of the Borrower or
such Subsidiary to operate any real property and no event has occurred and is
continuing which, with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both,
would constitute noncompliance, breach of or default thereunder, except in each
such case, such noncompliance, breaches or defaults as would not reasonably be
expected to, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. There are as of
the Closing Date no Environmental Claims pending or, to the best knowledge of
the Borrower, threatened wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no
facts, circumstances, conditions or occurrences on any Real Property now or at
any time owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or
on any property adjacent to any such Real Property, which are known by the
Borrower or as to which the Borrower or any such Subsidiary has received written
notice, that could reasonably be expected (i) to form the basis of an
Environmental Claim against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any Real
Property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) to cause such Real
Property to be subject to any restrictions on the ownership, occupancy, use or
transferability of such Real Property under any Environmental Law, except in
each such case, such Environmental Claims or restrictions that individually or
in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

         (b) Hazardous Materials have not at any time been (i) generated, used,
treated or stored on, or transported to or from, any Real Property of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) released on any such Real Property,
in each case where such occurrence or event is not in compliance with
Environmental Laws and is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.14. COMPLIANCE WITH ERISA. Compliance by the Borrower with the
provisions hereof and Credit Events contemplated hereby will not involve any
prohibited transaction within the meaning of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code.
At and as of the Effective date, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries:

                  (i) has fulfilled all obligations under minimum funding
         standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan that is not a
         Multiemployer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan,


                                       43

<PAGE>   49

                  (ii) has satisfied all respective contribution obligations in
         respect of each Multiemployer Plan and each Multiple Employer Plan,

                  (iii) is in compliance in all material respects with all other
         applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan,
         each Multiemployer Plan and each Multiple Employer Plan, and

                  (iv) has not incurred any liability under the Title IV of
         ERISA to the PBGC with respect to any Plan, any Multiemployer Plan, any
         Multiple Employer Plan, or any trust established thereunder. No Plan or
         trust created thereunder has been terminated, and there have been no
         Reportable Events, with respect to any Plan or trust created thereunder
         or with respect to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan,
         which termination or Reportable Event will or could result in the
         termination of such Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Multi Employer Plan and
         give rise to a material liability of the Borrower or any ERISA
         Affiliate in respect thereof.

         7.15. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, ETC. The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries has obtained or has the right to use all material patents,
trademarks, servicemarks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and other rights
with respect to the foregoing necessary for the present and planned future
conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others,
EXCEPT for such patents, trademarks, servicemarks, trade names, copyrights,
licenses and rights, the loss of which, and such conflicts, which in any such
case individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         7.16. INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT, ETC. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to regulation with respect to the creation or incurrence
of Indebtedness under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the
Interstate Commerce Act, as amended, the Federal Power Act, as amended, the
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, or any applicable state
public utility law.

         7.17. BURDENSOME CONTRACTS; LABOR RELATIONS. Neither the Borrower nor
any of its Subsidiaries (i) is subject to any burdensome contract, agreement,
corporate restriction, judgment, decree or order, (ii) is a party to any labor
dispute affecting any bargaining unit or other group of employees generally,
(iii) is subject to any material strike, slow down, workout or other concerted
interruptions of operations by employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary,
whether or not relating to any labor contracts, (iv) is subject to any
significant pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, unfair
labor practice complaint, before the National Labor Relations Board, and (v) is
subject to any significant pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower,
threatened, grievance or significant arbitration proceeding arising out of or
under any collective bargaining agreement, (vi) is subject to any significant
pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, significant strike,
labor dispute, slowdown or stoppage, or (vii) is, to the knowledge of the
Borrower, involved or subject to any union representation organizing or
certification matter with respect to the employees of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, EXCEPT (with respect to any matter specified in any of the above
clauses), for such matters as, individually or in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.18. EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS. Annex III sets forth a true and complete
list, as of the date or dates set forth therein, of all Indebtedness (other than
Capitalized Lease Obligations) of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, on
a consolidated basis, which (i) has an outstanding principal amount of at least
$1,000,000, or (ii) is secured by any Lien on any property of the Borrower or
any Subsidiary, and which will be outstanding on the Closing Date after giving
effect to any Borrowing hereunder on the Closing Date, other than the
Indebtedness created under the Credit Documents (all such Indebtedness of the
Borrower, whether or not in a principal amount meeting such threshold or
otherwise not required to be so listed on Annex III, herein the "EXISTING
INDEBTEDNESS"). The Borrower has provided to the Administrative Agent prior to
the date of execution hereof true and complete copies of all agreements and
instruments governing the Indebtedness listed on Annex III (the "EXISTING
INDEBTEDNESS AGREEMENTS").

         7.19. TRUE AND COMPLETE DISCLOSURE. All factual information (taken as a
whole) heretofore or contemporaneously furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries in writing to the


                                       44

<PAGE>   50

Administrative Agent or any Lender specifically for purposes of this Agreement,
other than the Financial Projections (as to which representations are made only
as provided in section 7.8), is, and all other such factual information (taken
as a whole) hereafter furnished by or on behalf of such person in writing to any
Lender specifically for purposes of this Agreement will be, true and accurate in
all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or
certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to
make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading at such time in light of
the circumstances under which such information was provided, except that any
such future information consisting of financial projections prepared by
management of the Borrower is only represented herein as being based on good
faith estimates and assumptions believed by such persons to be reasonable at the
time made, it being recognized by the Lenders that such projections as to future
events are not to be viewed as facts and that actual results during the period
or periods covered by any such projections may differ materially from the
projected results. As of the Effective Date, there is no fact known to the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which has, or could reasonably be expected
to have, a Material Adverse Effect which has not theretofore been disclosed in
writing to the Lenders.

         SECTION 8. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

         The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that so long as this Agreement
is in effect and until such time as the Total Commitment has been terminated, no
Notes are outstanding and the Loans, together with interest, Fees and all other
Obligations hereunder, have been paid in full:

         8.1. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Borrower will furnish to each Lender
and the Administrative Agent:

                  (A) ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Promptly and in any event
         within 90 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the
         consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower and its
         consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and the
         related consolidated and consolidating statements of income, of
         stockholder's equity and of cash flows for such fiscal year, in each
         case setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year,
         all in reasonable detail and accompanied by the opinion with respect to
         such consolidated financial statements of independent public
         accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Borrower,
         which opinion shall be unqualified and shall (i) state that such
         accountants audited such consolidated financial statements in
         accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, that such
         accountants believe that such audit provides a reasonable basis for
         their opinion, and that in their opinion such consolidated financial
         statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
         financial position of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as
         at the end of such fiscal year and the consolidated results of their
         operations and cash flows for such fiscal year in conformity with
         generally accepted accounting principles, or (ii) contain such
         statements as are customarily included in unqualified reports of
         independent accountants in conformity with the recommendations and
         requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
         (or any successor organization).

                  (B) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Promptly and in any event
         within 45 days after the close of each of the quarterly accounting
         periods in each fiscal year of the Borrower, the unaudited condensed
         consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower and its
         consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarterly period and
         the related unaudited condensed consolidated and consolidating
         statements of income and of cash flows for such quarterly period, and
         setting forth, in the case of such unaudited consolidated statements of
         income and of cash flows, comparative figures for the related periods
         in the prior fiscal year, and which consolidated financial statements
         shall be certified on behalf of the Borrower by the Chief Financial
         Officer or other Authorized Officer of the Borrower, subject to changes
         resulting from normal year-end audit adjustments.

                  (C) OFFICER'S COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES. At the time of the
         delivery of the financial statements provided for in sections 8.1(a)
         and (b), a certificate on behalf of the Borrower of the Chief Financial
         Officer or other Authorized Officer of the Borrower to the effect that,
         to the best knowledge


                                       45

<PAGE>   51

         of the Borrower, no Default or Event of Default exists or, if any
         Default or Event of Default does exist, specifying the nature and
         extent thereof, which certificate shall set forth the calculations
         required to establish compliance with the provisions of sections 9.6,
         9.7 and 9.8 and to determine the Available Commitment Amount as of the
         end of such quarterly period.

                  (D) BUDGET. Not later than 90 days after the commencement of
         any fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, a consolidated
         budget in reasonable detail for each of the four fiscal quarters of
         such fiscal year, and (if and to the extent prepared by management of
         the Borrower) for any subsequent fiscal years, as customarily prepared
         by management for its internal use, setting forth, with appropriate
         discussion, the forecasted balance sheet, income statement, operating
         cash flows and capital expenditures of the Borrower and its
         Subsidiaries for the period covered thereby, and the principal
         assumptions upon which forecasts and budget are based.

                  (E) NOTICE OF DEFAULT, LITIGATION OR CERTAIN MATTERS INVOLVING
         MAJOR CUSTOMERS OR SUPPLIERS OR LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. Promptly, and in
         any event within three Business Days, in the case of clause (i) below,
         or five Business Days, in the case of clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) below,
         after the Borrower obtains actual knowledge thereof, notice of

                           (i) the occurrence of any event which constitutes a
                  Default or Event of Default, which notice shall specify the
                  nature thereof, the period of existence thereof and what
                  action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto,

                           (ii) any litigation or governmental or regulatory
                  investigation or proceeding pending against or involving the
                  Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries which (A)
                  involves any federal or state "anti-kickback" laws or
                  regulations, or possible loss of any material governmental
                  license, certification, license or authorization, or (B) the
                  Borrower reasonably expects to have a Material Adverse Effect
                  or a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrower to
                  perform its obligations hereunder or under any other Credit
                  Document,

                           (iii) any significant adverse change (in the
                  Borrower's reasonable judgment) in the Borrower's or any
                  Subsidiary's relationship with, or any significant event or
                  circumstance which is in the Borrower's reasonable judgment
                  likely to adversely affect the Borrower's or any Subsidiary's
                  relationship with, (A) any customer (or related group of
                  customers) representing more than 10% of the Borrower's
                  consolidated revenues during its most recent fiscal year, or
                  (B) any supplier which is significant to the Borrower and its
                  Subsidiaries considered as an entirety, and

                           (iv) any significant change in the reimbursement or
                  other provisions of the Medicaid or Medicare programs which
                  the Borrower reasonably expects to have a Material Adverse
                  Effect.

                  (F) AUDITORS' INTERNAL CONTROL COMMENT LETTERS, ETC. Promptly
         upon receipt thereof, a copy of each letter or memorandum commenting on
         internal accounting controls which is submitted to the Borrower by its
         independent accountants in connection with any annual audit made by
         them of the books of the Borrower.

                  (G) ERISA. Promptly, and in any event within 10 days after the
         Borrower obtains actual knowledge of the occurrence of any of the
         following, the Borrower will deliver to each of the Lenders a
         certificate on behalf of the Borrower of an Authorized Officer of the
         Borrower setting forth the full details as to such occurrence and the
         action, if any, that the Borrower, such Subsidiary or such ERISA
         Affiliate is required or proposes to take, together with any notices
         required or proposed to be given to or filed with or by the Borrower,
         the Subsidiary, the ERISA Affiliate, the PBGC, a Plan participant or
         the Plan administrator with respect thereto:


                                       46

<PAGE>   52

                           (i) that a Reportable Event has occurred with respect
                  to any Plan;

                           (ii) the institution of any steps by the Borrower,
                  any ERISA Affiliate, the PBGC or any other person to terminate
                  any Plan;

                           (iii) the institution of any steps by the Borrower or
                  any ERISA Affiliate to withdraw from any Plan;

                           (iv) the institution of any steps by the Borrower or
                  any Subsidiary to withdraw from any Multiemployer Plan or
                  Multiple Employer Plan, if such withdrawal could result in
                  withdrawal liability (as described in Part 1 of Subtitle E of
                  Title IV of ERISA) in excess of $1,000,000;

                           (v) a non-exempt "prohibited transaction" within the
                  meaning of section 406 of ERISA in connection with any Plan;

                           (vi) that a Plan has an Unfunded Current Liability
                  exceeding $1,000,000;

                           (vii) any material increase in the contingent
                  liability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to
                  any post-retirement welfare liability; or

                           (viii) the taking of any action by, or the
                  threatening of the taking of any action by, the Internal
                  Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with
                  respect to any of the foregoing.

                  (H) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Promptly upon, and in any event
         within 10 Business Days after, an officer of the Borrower obtains
         actual knowledge thereof, notice of any of the following environmental
         matters which involves any reasonable likelihood (in the Borrower's
         reasonable judgment) of resulting in a Material Adverse Effect: (i) any
         pending or threatened (in writing) Environmental Claim against the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any Real Property owned or
         operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) any condition
         or occurrence on or arising from any Real Property owned or operated by
         the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that (A) results in
         noncompliance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with any
         applicable Environmental Law or (B) would reasonably be expected to
         form the basis of an Environmental Claim against the Borrower or any of
         its Subsidiaries or any such Real Property; (iii) any condition or
         occurrence on any Real Property owned, leased or operated by the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected
         to cause such Real Property to be subject to any restrictions on the
         ownership, occupancy, use or transferability by the Borrower or any of
         its Subsidiaries of such Real Property under any Environmental Law; and
         (iv) the taking of any removal or remedial action in response to the
         actual or alleged presence of any Hazardous Material on any Real
         Property owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries as required by any Environmental Law or any governmental
         or other administrative agency. All such notices shall describe in
         reasonable detail the nature of the Environmental Claim and the
         Borrower's or such Subsidiary's response thereto.

                  (I) SEC REPORTS AND REGISTRATION STATEMENTS. Promptly upon
         transmission thereof or other filing with the SEC, copies of all
         registration statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any
         registration statement on Form S-8 or its equivalent) and annual,
         quarterly or current reports that the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries files with the SEC.

                  (J) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELATING TO PERMITTED ACQUISITIONS.
         Promptly and in any event prior to or contemporaneously with the
         delivery of any financial statements referred to in section 8.1(a) or
         (b) covering any fiscal period during which a Permitted Acquisition has
         been completed, copies of the financial statements of the person or
         business unit which is the subject of such Permitted


                                       47

<PAGE>   53

         Acquisition, which financial statements are to be utilized in
         computations of Consolidated EBIT and Consolidated EBITDA.

                  (K) OTHER INFORMATION. With reasonable promptness, such other
         information or documents (financial or otherwise) relating to the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as any Lender (through the
         Administrative Agent) may reasonably request from time to time.

         8.2. BOOKS, RECORDS AND INSPECTIONS. The Borrower will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) keep proper books of record and account, in
which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions and
the assets and business of the Borrower or such Subsidiaries, as the case may
be, in accordance with GAAP, in the case of the Borrower, or which are
reconcilable to GAAP, in the case of any Subsidiary; and (ii) permit, upon at
least five Business Days' notice to the Chief Financial Officer or any other
Authorized Officer of the Borrower, officers and designated representatives of
the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders to visit and inspect any of the
properties or assets of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries in whomsoever's
possession (but only to the extent the Borrower or such Subsidiary has the right
to do so to the extent in the possession of another person), and to examine the
books of account of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries and discuss the
affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and of any of its Subsidiaries
with, and be advised as to the same by, its and their officers and independent
accountants and independent actuaries (the Borrower having been offered an
opportunity to be present by telephone or in person for any discussions with
such independent accountants or independent actuaries), if any, all at such
reasonable times and intervals and to such reasonable extent as the
Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders may request.

         8.3. INSURANCE. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, (a) maintain insurance coverage by such insurers and in such
forms and amounts and against such risks as are generally consistent with the
insurance coverage maintained by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at the date
hereof, and (b) forthwith upon the Administrative Agent's written request,
furnish to the Administrative Agent such information about such insurance as the
Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request, which information
shall be prepared in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent
and certified by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower.

         8.4. PAYMENT OF TAXES AND CLAIMS. The Borrower will pay and discharge,
and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, all taxes,
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its
income or profits, or upon any properties belonging to it, prior to the date on
which penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims which, if unpaid, might
become a Lien or charge upon any properties of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries; PROVIDED that neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall be required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which
is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings if it has maintained
adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP; and PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that the Borrower will not be considered to be in default of any of the
provisions of this sentence if the Borrower or any Subsidiary fails to pay any
such amount which, individually or in the aggregate, is immaterial to the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries considered as an entirety.

         8.5. CORPORATE FRANCHISES. The Borrower will do, and will cause each of
its Subsidiaries to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to preserve
and keep in full force and effect its corporate or other organizational
existence, rights, authority and franchises, PROVIDED that nothing in this
section 8.5 shall be deemed to prohibit (i) any transaction permitted by section
9.2; (ii) the termination of existence of any Subsidiary if the Borrower
determines that such termination is in its best interest; or (iii) the loss of
any rights, authorities or franchises if the loss thereof, in the aggregate,
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         8.6. GOOD REPAIR. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, ensure that its material properties and equipment used or
useful in its business in whomsoever's possession they may be, are kept in good
repair, working order and condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and that
from time to time there are made in such properties and equipment all needful
and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,


                                       48

<PAGE>   54

extensions, additions, betterments and improvements, thereto, to the extent and
in the manner customary for companies in similar businesses.

         8.7. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTES, ETC. The Borrower will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, comply, in all material respects, with all
applicable statutes, regulations and orders of, and all applicable restrictions
imposed by, all governmental bodies, domestic or foreign, in respect of the
conduct of its business and the ownership of its property, other than those (i)
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, as to which adequate
reserves are established to the extent required under GAAP, and (ii) the
noncompliance with which would not have, and which would not be reasonably
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the
ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Credit Document.

         8.8. COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. Without limitation of the
covenants contained in section 8.7 hereof:

                  (a) The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
         to, (i) comply, in all material respects, with all Environmental Laws
         applicable to the ownership, lease or use of all Real Property now or
         hereafter owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries, and promptly pay or cause to be paid all costs and
         expenses incurred in connection with such compliance, except for such
         noncompliance as would not have, and which would not be reasonably
         expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse
         effect on the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under
         any Credit Document; and (ii) keep or cause to be kept all such Real
         Property free and clear of any Liens imposed pursuant to such
         Environmental Laws which are not permitted under section 9.3.

                  (b) Without limitation of the foregoing, if the Borrower or
         any of its Subsidiaries shall generate, use, treat, store, release or
         dispose of, or permit the generation, use, treatment, storage, release
         or disposal of, Hazardous Materials on any Real Property now or
         hereafter owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries, or transport or permit the transportation of Hazardous
         Materials to or from any such Real Property, any such action shall be
         effected only in the ordinary course of business and in any event in
         compliance, in all material respects, with all Environmental Laws
         applicable thereto, except for such noncompliance as would not have,
         and which would not be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse
         Effect or a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrower to
         perform its obligations under any Credit Document.

                  (c) If required to do so under any applicable order of any
         governmental agency, the Borrower will undertake, and cause each of its
         Subsidiaries to undertake, any clean up, removal, remedial or other
         action necessary to remove and clean up any Hazardous Materials from
         any Real Property owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of
         its Subsidiaries in accordance with, in all material respects, the
         requirements of all applicable Environmental Laws and in accordance
         with, in all material respects, such orders of all governmental
         authorities, except (i) to the extent that the Borrower or such
         Subsidiary is contesting such order in good faith and by appropriate
         proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established to
         the extent required by GAAP, or (ii) for such noncompliance as would
         not have, and which would not be reasonably expected to have, a
         Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the ability of
         the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Credit Document.

         8.9. FISCAL YEARS, FISCAL QUARTERS. The Borrower will, for consolidated
financial reporting purposes, continue to use June 30 as the end of its fiscal
year and September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30 as the end of its
fiscal quarters. If the Borrower shall change any of its Subsidiaries' fiscal
years or fiscal quarters (other than the fiscal year or fiscal quarters of a
person which becomes a Subsidiary, made at the time such person becomes a
Subsidiary, to conform to the Borrower's fiscal year and fiscal quarters or to
conform to the fiscal year or fiscal quarters which the Borrower generally
utilizes for its Subsidiaries), the Borrower will promptly, and in any event
within 30 days following any such change, deliver a notice to the Administrative
Agent and the Lenders describing such change and any material accounting entries
made in connection therewith and stating whether such change will have any
impact upon any financial computations to be made hereunder, and


                                       49

<PAGE>   55

if any such impact is foreseen, describing in reasonable detail the nature and
extent of such impact. If the Required Lenders determine that any such change
will have any impact upon any financial computations to be made hereunder which
is adverse to the Lenders, the Borrower will, if so requested by the
Administrative Agent, enter into an amendment to this Agreement, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders,
modifying any of the financial covenants or related provisions hereof in such
manner as the Required Lenders determine is necessary to eliminate such adverse
effect.

         8.10. CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES TO JOIN IN SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY. (a) In the
event that at any time after the Closing Date

                  (x) the Borrower has any Subsidiary (other than a Foreign
         Subsidiary as to which section 8.10(b) applies) which is not a party to
         the Subsidiary Guaranty, or

                  (y) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
         and the Borrower has any Subsidiary which is not a party to the
         Subsidiary Guaranty,

the Borrower will notify the Administrative Agent in writing of such event,
identifying the Subsidiary in question and referring specifically to the rights
of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this section. The Borrower
will, within 30 days following request therefor from the Administrative Agent
(who may give such request on its own initiative or upon request by the Required
Lenders), cause such Subsidiary to deliver to the Administrative Agent, in
sufficient quantities for the Lenders, (i) a joinder supplement, satisfactory in
form and substance to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, duly
executed by such Subsidiary, pursuant to which such Subsidiary joins in the
Subsidiary Guaranty as a guarantor thereunder, and (ii) if such Subsidiary is a
corporation, resolutions of the Board of Directors of such Subsidiary, certified
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Subsidiary as duly adopted
and in full force and effect, authorizing the execution and delivery of such
joinder supplement, or if such Subsidiary is not a corporation, such other
evidence of the authority of such Subsidiary to execute such joinder supplement
as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

         (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section 8.10 or
the provisions of section 8.11, the Borrower shall not, unless an Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, be required to cause a Foreign
Subsidiary to join in the Subsidiary Guaranty or to cause the stock of any
Foreign Subsidiary to be pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement if (i) to do
so would subject the Borrower to liability for additional United States income
taxes by virtue of section 956 of the Code in an amount the Borrower considers
material, and (ii) the Borrower provides the Administrative Agent, within the
30-day period referred to in section 8.10(a) or section 8.11(a), as applicable,
with documentation, including computations prepared by the Borrower's internal
tax officer, its independent accountants or tax counsel, acceptable to the
Required Lenders, in support thereof.

         8.11. PLEDGE OF ADDITIONAL STOCK; RELEASE OF COLLATERAL. (a) In the
event that at any time after the Closing Date the Borrower has any direct or
indirect Subsidiary the stock in which owned by the Borrower or another
Subsidiary is not at the time pledged to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the
Pledge Agreement, the Borrower may, but shall not be obligated to, elect to (i)
cause such stock to be so pledged by delivering the certificates therefor to the
Collateral Agent, duly indorsed in blank or accompanied by separate stock powers
duly executed in blank, (ii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Collateral
Agent an amendment or supplement to the Pledge Agreement signed by the pledging
Credit Party providing for such pledge, in sufficient quantities for the
Lenders, and (ii) if such pledging Credit Party is not already a Credit Party,
resolutions of the Board of Directors of such pledging Credit Party, certified
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such pledging Credit Party as duly
adopted and in full force and effect, authorizing the execution and delivery of
such amendment or supplement, or if such pledging Credit Party is not a
corporation, such other evidence of the authority of such pledging Credit Party
to execute such amendment or supplement as the Collateral Agent may reasonably
request.

         (b) If no default under section 10.1(a) or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall be entitled to obtain a complete
release of all Collateral covered by the Pledge Agreement


                                       50

<PAGE>   56

and a termination of the Pledge Agreement upon written notice to the
Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent
shall in such circumstances take all such reasonable actions as may be necessary
to effect such release and termination.

         8.12. MOST FAVORED COVENANT STATUS. Should the Borrower at any time
after August 1, 1997, issue any unsecured Indebtedness, or guarantee any secured
or unsecured Indebtedness, denominated in U.S. dollars or any other currency,
for money borrowed or represented by bonds, notes, debentures or similar
securities in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000, to any lender or group
of lenders acting in concert with one another, or one or more institutional
investors, pursuant to a loan agreement, credit agreement, note purchase
agreement, indenture, guaranty or other similar instrument, which agreement,
indenture, guaranty or instrument, includes affirmative or negative financial
covenants (or any events of default or other type of restriction which would
have the practical effect of any affirmative or negative financial covenant,
including, without limitation, any "put" or mandatory prepayment of such
Indebtedness upon the occurrence of specified financial ratios or other
specified financial measurements) which are applicable to the Borrower and/or
any of its Subsidiaries, other than those set forth herein or in any of the
other Credit Documents, the Borrower shall promptly so notify the Administrative
Agent and the Lenders and, if the Administrative Agent shall so request by
written notice to the Borrower (after a determination has been made by the
Required Lenders that any of the above-referenced documents or instruments
contain any such provisions, which either individually or in the aggregate, are
more favorable to the applicable creditors of the Borrower than any of the
particular provisions set forth herein), the Borrower, the Administrative Agent
and the Required Lenders shall promptly amend this Agreement to incorporate some
or all of such provisions, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent and the
Required Lenders, into this Agreement and, to the extent necessary and
reasonably desirable to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, into
any of the other Credit Documents, all at the election of the Administrative
Agent and the Required Lenders. If after any such provisions have been so
incorporated into any of the Credit Documents, the entire amount of the other
Indebtedness from which such provisions were incorporated is repaid, redeemed,
prepaid or otherwise retired, the Lenders will promptly upon request of the
Borrower cause the Credit Documents to be amended so as to eliminate such
provisions which had been previously incorporated therein.

         8.13. SENIOR DEBT. The Borrower will at all times ensure that (a) the
claims of the Lenders in respect of the Obligations of the Borrower will not be
subordinate to, and will in all respects at least rank PARI PASSU with, the
claims of every other senior unsecured creditor of the Borrower, and (b) any
Indebtedness subordinated in any manner to the claims of any other senior
unsecured creditor of the Borrower will be subordinated in like manner to such
claims of the Lenders.

         SECTION 9. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

         The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that on the Effective Date and
thereafter for so long as this Agreement is in effect and until such time as the
Total Commitment has been terminated, no Notes remain outstanding and the Loans,
together with interest, Fees and all other Obligations incurred hereunder are
paid in full:

         9.1. CHANGES IN BUSINESS. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries will engage in any business if, as a result, the general nature of
the business, taken on a consolidated basis, which would then be engaged in by
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, would be substantially changed from the
general nature of the business engaged in by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
on the date hereof.

         9.2. CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS, ETC. The Borrower will
not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, wind up, liquidate or dissolve its
affairs, or enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation or sell or
otherwise dispose of any of its property or assets (but excluding any sale or
disposition of obsolete or excess furniture, fixtures or equipment or excess
vacant land in the ordinary course of business), or purchase, lease or otherwise
acquire (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or any part
of the property or assets of any person (excluding any purchases, leases or
other acquisitions of property or assets in, and for


                                       51

<PAGE>   57

use in, the ordinary course of business) or agree to do any of the foregoing at
any future time, EXCEPT that the following shall be permitted:

                  (A) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Consolidated Capital Expenditures;

                  (B) PERMITTED INVESTMENTS: the investments permitted pursuant
         to section 9.5;

                  (C) CERTAIN INTERCOMPANY MERGERS, ETC.: if no Default or Event
         of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result
         therefrom, (i) the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any
         Wholly-Owned Subsidiary with or into the Borrower or another
         Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, so long as in any merger, consolidation or
         amalgamation involving the Borrower it is the surviving or continuing
         or resulting corporation, or the liquidation or dissolution of any
         Subsidiary, or (ii) the transfer or other disposition of any property
         by the Borrower to any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or by any Wholly- Owned
         Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the
         Borrower;

                  (D) PERMITTED ACQUISITIONS: if no Default or Event of Default
         shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, the
         Borrower or any Subsidiary may make Permitted Acquisitions, PROVIDED
         that (i) at least five Business Days prior to the date of any such
         Permitted Acquisition which involves consideration (including the
         amount of any assumed Indebtedness and (without duplication) any
         outstanding Indebtedness of any person which becomes a Subsidiary as a
         result of such Permitted Acquisition) of $20,000,000 or more, the
         Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer's
         certificate executed on behalf of the Borrower by an Authorized Officer
         of the Borrower, which certificate shall (A) contain the date such
         Permitted Acquisition is scheduled to be consummated, (B) contain the
         estimated purchase price of such Permitted Acquisition, (C) contain a
         description of the property and/or assets acquired in connection with
         such Permitted Acquisition, (D) demonstrate that at the time of making
         any such Permitted Acquisition the covenants contained in sections 9.6
         and 9.7 shall be complied with on a PRO FORMA basis as if the
         properties and/or assets so acquired had been owned by the Borrower,
         and the Indebtedness assumed and/or incurred to acquire and/or finance
         same has been outstanding, for the 12 month period immediately
         preceding such acquisition (without giving effect to any credit for
         unobtained or unrealized gains or any adjustments to overhead in
         connection with any such Permitted Acquisition), and (E) if requested
         by the Administrative Agent, attach thereto a true and correct copy of
         the then proposed purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar
         agreement, partnership agreement and/or other contract entered into in
         connection with such Permitted Acquisition, and the most recent
         financial statements for the person or business unit which is the
         subject of such Permitted Acquisition;

                  (E) PERMITTED DISPOSITIONS: if no Default or Event of Default
         shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may (i) sell any property, land or
         building (including any related receivables or other intangible assets)
         to any person which is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or (ii) sell
         the entire capital stock (or other equity interests) and Indebtedness
         of any Subsidiary owned by the Borrower or any other Subsidiary to any
         person which is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or (iii) permit any
         Subsidiary to be merged or consolidated with a person which is not an
         Affiliate of the Borrower, or (iv) consummate any other Asset Sale with
         a person who is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower; PROVIDED that (A) the
         consideration for such transaction represents fair value (as determined
         by management of the Borrower), and at least 75% of such consideration
         consists of cash, (B) in the case of any such transaction involving
         consideration in excess of $5,000,000, at least five Business Days
         prior to the date of completion of such transaction the Borrower shall
         have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer's certificate
         executed on behalf of the Borrower by an Authorized Officer of the
         Borrower, which certificate shall contain a description of the proposed
         transaction, the date such transaction is scheduled to be consummated,
         the estimated purchase price or other consideration for such
         transaction, financial information pertaining to compliance with the
         preceding clause (A), and which shall (if requested by the
         Administrative Agent) include a certified copy of the draft or
         definitive documentation pertaining thereto, and (C)


                                       52

<PAGE>   58

         contemporaneously therewith, the Borrower prepays Loans as and to the
         extent contemplated by section 5.2(d);

                  (F) CONTRIBUTIONS TO JOINT VENTURES, ETC.: if no Default or
         Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result
         therefrom, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may contribute
         assets to joint ventures and other persons in accordance with section
         9.5(p); and

                  (G) LEASES: the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may enter
         into leases of property or assets not constituting Permitted
         Acquisitions in the ordinary course of business not otherwise in
         violation of this Agreement.

To the extent (i) any Collateral is sold, transferred or disposed of as
permitted by this section 9.2, or (ii) the Required Lenders (or all of the
Lenders if required by section 13.12) waive the provisions of this section 9.2
with respect to the sale, transfer or other disposition of any Collateral, (a)
such Collateral shall be sold, transferred or disposed of free and clear of the
Liens created by the respective Security Documents; (b) if such Collateral
includes all of the capital stock of a Subsidiary which is a party to the
Subsidiary Guaranty or other Security Document, such capital stock shall be
released from the Pledge Agreement and such Subsidiary shall be released from
the Subsidiary Guaranty; and (c) the Administrative Agent and the Collateral
Agent shall be authorized to take actions deemed appropriate by them in order to
effectuate the foregoing.

         9.3. LIENS. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with
respect to any property or assets of any kind (real or personal, tangible or
intangible) of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, or sell any such property or assets subject to an
understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to repurchase such property
or assets (including sales of accounts receivable or notes with or without
recourse to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, other than for purposes of
collection of delinquent accounts in the ordinary course of business) or assign
any right to receive income, or file or permit the filing of any financing
statement under the UCC or any other similar notice of Lien under any similar
recording or notice statute, EXCEPT that the foregoing restrictions shall not
apply to:

                  (a) Liens for taxes not yet delinquent or Liens for taxes
         being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which
         adequate reserves (in the good faith judgment of the management of the
         Borrower) have been established;

                  (b) Liens in respect of property or assets imposed by law
         which were incurred in the ordinary course of business, such as
         carriers', warehousemen's, materialmen's and mechanics' Liens and other
         similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business, which do not
         in the aggregate materially detract from the value of such property or
         assets or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of the
         business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

                  (c) Liens created by this Agreement or the other Credit
         Documents;

                  (d) Liens (i) in existence on the Closing Date which are
         listed, and the Indebtedness secured thereby and the property subject
         thereto on the Closing Date described, in Annex IV, or (ii) arising out
         of the refinancing, extension, renewal or refunding of any Indebtedness
         secured by any such Liens, PROVIDED that the principal amount of such
         Indebtedness is not increased and such Indebtedness is not secured by
         any additional assets;

                  (e) Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in
         circumstances not constituting an Event of Default under section
         10.1(g);

                  (f) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) incurred or
         deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with
         workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social
         security; and mechanic's Liens, carrier's Liens, and other Liens to
         secure the


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<PAGE>   59

         performance of tenders, statutory obligations, contract bids,
         government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other
         similar obligations, incurred in the ordinary course of business
         (exclusive of obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed
         money), whether pursuant to statutory requirements, common law or
         consensual arrangements;

                  (g) Leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in
         any material respect with the business of the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries and any interest or title of a lessor under any lease not
         in violation of this Agreement;

                  (h) easements, rights-of-way, zoning or deed restrictions,
         minor defects or irregularities in title and other similar charges or
         encumbrances not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary
         conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
         considered as an entirety;

                  (i) Liens arising from financing statements regarding property
         subject to leases not in violation of the requirements of this
         Agreement, PROVIDED that such Liens are only in respect of the property
         subject to, and secure only, the respective lease (and any other lease
         with the same or an affiliated lessor); and

                  (j)      Liens which

                           (i) are placed upon equipment or machinery used in
                  the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any
                  Subsidiary at the time of (or within 180 days after) the
                  acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary to
                  secure Indebtedness incurred to pay or finance all or a
                  portion of the purchase price thereof, PROVIDED that the Lien
                  encumbering the equipment or machinery so acquired does not
                  encumber any other asset of the Borrower or any such
                  Subsidiary; or

                           (ii) are existing on property or other assets at the
                  time acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or on assets
                  of a person at the time such person first becomes a Subsidiary
                  of the Borrower; PROVIDED that (A) any such Liens were not
                  created at the time of or in contemplation of the acquisition
                  of such assets or person by the Borrower or any of its
                  Subsidiaries; (B) in the case of any such acquisition of a
                  person, any such Lien attaches only to the property and assets
                  of such person; and (C) in the case of any such acquisition of
                  property or assets by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any such
                  Lien attaches only to the property and assets so acquired and
                  not to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any
                  Subsidiary;

         PROVIDED that (1) the Indebtedness secured by any such Lien does not
         exceed 100% of the fair market value of the property and assets to
         which such Lien attaches, determined at the time of the acquisition of
         such property or asset or the time at which such person becomes a
         Subsidiary of the Borrower (except in the circumstances described in
         clause (ii) above to the extent such Liens constituted customary
         purchase money Liens at the time of incurrence and were entered into in
         the ordinary course of business), and (2) the Indebtedness secured
         thereby is permitted by section 9.4(c); and

         9.4. INDEBTEDNESS. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, contract, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, EXCEPT:

                  (a) Indebtedness incurred under this Agreement and the other
         Credit Documents;

                  (b) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect
         of Capital Leases; PROVIDED that (i) the aggregate Capitalized Lease
         Obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, plus the aggregate
         outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness permitted under clause (c)
         below, shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time
         outstanding, and (ii) at the time of any incurrence


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<PAGE>   60

         thereof after the date hereof, and after giving effect thereto, no
         Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result
         therefrom;

                  (c) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary subject to
         Liens permitted by section 9.3(j), including and any guaranty by the
         Borrower of any such Indebtedness; PROVIDED that (i) the aggregate
         principal amount of such Indebtedness shall not exceed $5,000,000 in
         the aggregate at any time outstanding, and (ii) at the time of any
         incurrence thereof after the date hereof, and after giving effect
         thereto, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or
         would result therefrom;

                  (d) Existing Indebtedness, to the extent not otherwise
         permitted pursuant to the foregoing clauses; and any refinancing,
         extension, renewal or refunding of any such Existing Indebtedness not
         involving an increase in the principal amount thereof or a reduction of
         more than 10% in the remaining weighted average life to maturity
         thereof (computed in accordance with standard financial practice);

                  (e) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary under Hedge
         Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

                  (f) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any of its Subsidiaries,
         and Indebtedness of any of the Borrower's Subsidiaries to the Borrower
         or to another Subsidiary of the Borrower, in each case to the extent
         permitted under section 9.5;

                  (g) Guaranty Obligations permitted under section 9.5;

                  (h) the Subordinated Indebtedness evidenced by the Convertible
         Subordinated Debentures due 2004, PROVIDED that the Borrower shall have
         successfully completed within 90 days following the Effective Date the
         sale of the Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004 to the initial
         purchasers as contemplated by the Preliminary Offering Memorandum dated
         July 17, 1997, in the aggregate principal amount described therein or
         in a greater aggregate principal amount;

                  (i) any refinancing, extension, renewal or refunding of any
         Subordinated Indebtedness permitted by the foregoing clause (h) not
         involving an increase in the principal amount thereof, a reduction of
         more than 10% in the remaining weighted average life to maturity
         thereof (computed in accordance with standard financial practice), or
         any changes in the terms of subordination applicable thereto which is
         adverse to the interests of the Lenders;

                  (j) the subordinated guaranties of Subsidiaries of the
         Borrower with respect to the Subordinated Indebtedness referred to in
         clauses (h) and (i) above, PROVIDED the terms of such subordination are
         substantially the same as contained in the subordinated guaranties
         originally issued in support of the Convertible Subordinated Debentures
         due 2004 as contemplated by the Preliminary Offering Memorandum dated
         July 17, 1997; and

                  (k) additional unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower not in
         excess of $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding at any
         time, to the extent not otherwise permitted pursuant to the foregoing
         clauses, PROVIDED that at the time of incurrence thereof, and after
         giving effect thereto, (i) the Borrower will be in compliance with
         section 9.6, and (ii) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
         continuing or would result therefrom.

         9.5. ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS, LOANS AND GUARANTY OBLIGATIONS. The
Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (1) lend
money or make advances to any person, (2) purchase or acquire any stock,
obligations or securities of, or any other interest in, or make any capital
contribution to, or other investment in, any person, (3) create, acquire or hold
any Subsidiary, (4) be or become a party to any joint venture or partnership, or
(5) be or become obligated under any Guaranty Obligations (other than those
created in favor of the Lenders pursuant to the Credit Documents), EXCEPT:


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<PAGE>   61

                  (a) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may invest in cash
         and Cash Equivalents;

                  (b) any endorsement of a check or other medium of payment for
         deposit or collection, or any similar transaction in the normal course
         of business;

                  (c) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may acquire and hold
         receivables owing to them in the ordinary course of business and
         payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms;

                  (d) investments acquired by the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries (i) in exchange for any other investment held by the
         Borrower or any such Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a
         bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer
         of such other investment, or (ii) as a result of a foreclosure by the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any secured
         investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured
         investment in default;

                  (e) loans and advances to employees for business-related
         travel expenses, moving expenses, costs of replacement homes and other
         similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of
         business, shall be permitted;

                  (f) the Borrower may make Permitted Acquisitions in accordance
         with section 9.2((d);

                  (g) investments in the capital of any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
         which is not a Foreign Subsidiary;

                  (h) to the extent not permitted by the foregoing clauses,
         existing investments in any Subsidiaries (and any increases thereof
         attributable to increases in retained earnings);

                  (i) to the extent not permitted by the foregoing clauses, the
         existing loans, advances, investments and guarantees described on Annex
         V hereto;

                  (j) any unsecured guaranty by the Borrower of any Indebtedness
         of a Subsidiary permitted by section 9.4, and any guaranty by any
         Subsidiary described in section 9.4;

                  (k) investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in Hedge
         Agreements;

                  (l) loans and advances by any Subsidiary of the Borrower to
         the Borrower, PROVIDED that the Indebtedness represented thereby
         constitutes Subordinated Indebtedness;

                  (m) loans and advances by the Borrower or by any Subsidiary of
         the Borrower to, or other investments in, any Subsidiary of the
         Borrower which is (i) a Subsidiary Guarantor, (ii) a Wholly-Owned
         Subsidiary, and (iii) not a Foreign Subsidiary;

                  (n) loans and advances by any Subsidiary of the Borrower which
         is not a Subsidiary Guarantor to, or other investments by any such
         Subsidiary in, any other Subsidiary of the Borrower which is a
         Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

                  (o) Guaranty Obligations, not otherwise permitted by the
         foregoing clauses, of (i) the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of
         leases of the Borrower or any Subsidiary the entry into which is not
         prohibited by this Agreement, (ii) the Borrower or any Subsidiary in
         respect of any other person (other than in respect of (x) Indebtedness
         for borrowed money or represented by bonds, notes, debentures or
         similar securities, or (y) Indebtedness constituting Capital Leases)
         arising as a matter of applicable law because the Borrower or such
         Subsidiary is or is deemed to be a general partner of such other
         person, or (iii) the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any other
         person (other than in respect of (x) Indebtedness for borrowed money or
         represented by bonds, notes, debentures or similar securities, or (y)
         Indebtedness constituting Capital Leases) arising in the ordinary
         course of business;


                                       56

<PAGE>   62

                  (p) any other loans, advances, investments (whether in the
         form of cash or contribution of property, and if in the form of a
         contribution of property, such property shall be valued for purposes of
         this clause (p) at the fair value thereof as reasonably determined by
         the Borrower) and Guaranty Obligations, including, without limitation,
         in or to or for the benefit of, Subsidiaries, joint ventures, or other
         persons, not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses, made after
         March 31, 1997 (such loans, advances and investments, collectively,
         "BASKET INVESTMENTS", and such Guaranty Obligations, collectively
         "BASKET GUARANTEES") described below: (i) if no Event of Default shall
         have occurred and be continuing, or would result therefrom, (A) Basket
         Investments of up to an aggregate amount not in excess of 15% of the
         Borrower's Consolidated Net Worth as of the end of its most recently
         completed fiscal year prior thereto for which financial statements have
         been delivered hereunder, taking into account the repayment of any
         loans or advances comprising such Basket Investments, and (B)
         additional Basket Investments made out of the proceeds of the issue and
         sale of the Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2004, or the
         identifiable cash or Cash Equivalents in which such proceeds have been
         temporarily invested, shall be permitted to be made, in each case in
         persons whose principal business is related or complementary to, the
         businesses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and (ii) if no Event
         of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or would result
         therefrom, Basket Guarantees covering up to $15,000,000 aggregate
         principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding at any time, shall be
         permitted to be incurred.

         9.6. TOTAL NET INDEBTEDNESS/CONSOLIDATED EBITDA RATIO. The Borrower
will not at any time permit the ratio of (i) the amount of Total Net
Indebtedness at such time to (ii) Consolidated EBITDA for any Testing Period, to
exceed 4.50 to 1.00.

         9.7. TOTAL SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS/CONSOLIDATED EBITDA RATIO. The Borrower
will not at any time permit the ratio of (i) the amount of Total Senior
Indebtedness at such time to (ii) Consolidated EBITDA for any Testing Period, to
exceed 3.25 to 1.00.

         9.8. INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO. The Borrower will not permit its Interest
Coverage Ratio for any Testing Period to be less than 2.50 to 1.00.

         9.9. MINIMUM CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH. The Borrower will not permit its
Consolidated Net Worth at any time to be less than $222,300,000, EXCEPT that (i)
effective as of the end of the Borrower's fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1997,
and as of the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter, the foregoing amount (as it
may from time to time be increased as herein provided), shall be increased by
50% of the consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the
fiscal quarter ended on such date, if any, without deduction for minority
interests, as determined in conformity with GAAP (there being no reduction in
the case of any such consolidated net income which reflects a deficit), and (ii)
the foregoing amount (as it may from time to time be increased as herein
provided), shall be increased by (A) an amount equal to 100% of the cash
proceeds (net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other customary fees
and costs associated therewith) from any sale or issuance of equity by the
Borrower after the Closing Date (other than any sale or issuance to management
or employees pursuant to employee benefit plans of general application), plus
(B) the principal amount of any Indebtedness which after the Effective Date is
converted or exchanged into equity securities of the Borrower.

         9.10. PREPAYMENTS AND REFINANCINGS OF SUBORDINATED DEBT, ETC. The
Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make (or give
any notice in respect thereof) any voluntary or optional payment or prepayment
or redemption or acquisition for value of (including, without limitation, by way
of depositing with the trustee with respect thereto money or securities before
due for the purpose of paying when due) or exchange of, or refinance or refund,
any Subordinated Indebtedness of the Borrower; PROVIDED that the Borrower may
refinance or refund any such Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the
applicable requirements of section 9.4 hereof.

         9.11. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. The Borrower will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction or series of transactions
with any Affiliate (other than, in the case of the Borrower, any Subsidiary, and
in the case of a Subsidiary, the Borrower or another Subsidiary) other than in
the ordinary


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<PAGE>   63

course of business of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the
Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business and upon fair and reasonable terms no
less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than would obtain in a
comparable arm's-length transaction with a person other than an Affiliate,
EXCEPT (i) loans, advances and investments permitted by section 9.5, (ii) sales
of goods to an Affiliate for use or distribution outside the United States which
in the good faith judgment of the Borrower complies with any applicable legal
requirements of the Code, or (iii) agreements and transactions with and payments
to officers, directors and shareholders which are either (A) entered into in the
ordinary course of business and not prohibited by any of the provisions of this
Agreement, or (B) entered into outside the ordinary course of business, approved
by the directors or shareholders of the Borrower, and not prohibited by any of
the provisions of this Agreement.

         9.12. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE AGREEMENTS. The Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
enter into, incur or permit to exist or become effective, any agreement or other
arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the
ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to create, incur or suffer to exist
any Lien upon any of its property or assets as security for Indebtedness, or (b)
the ability of any such Subsidiary to pay dividends or make any other
distributions on its capital stock or any other interest or participation in its
profits owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, or pay any
Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or to make
loans or advances to the Borrower or any of the Borrower's other Subsidiaries,
or transfer any of its property or assets to the Borrower or any of the
Borrower's other Subsidiaries, EXCEPT for such restrictions existing under or by
reason of (i) applicable law, (ii) this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents, (iii) customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of
any lease governing a leasehold interest, (iv) customary provisions restricting
assignment of any licensing agreement entered into in the ordinary course of
business, (v) customary provisions restricting the transfer of assets subject to
Liens permitted under section 9.3(j), (vi) restrictions contained in the
Existing Indebtedness Agreements as in effect on the Effective Date and
customary restrictions affecting only a Subsidiary of the Borrower under any
agreement or instrument governing any of the Indebtedness of a Subsidiary
permitted pursuant to 9.4, (vii) any document relating to Indebtedness secured
by a Lien permitted by section 9.3, insofar as the provisions thereof limit
grants of junior liens on the assets securing such Indebtedness, and (viii) any
operating lease or Capital Lease, insofar as the provisions thereof limit grants
of a security interest in, or other assignments of, the related leasehold
interest to any other person.

         9.13. LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTIONS. The Borrower will
not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back
Transaction involving any individual property (or related group of properties as
part of the same Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) having a Value over $2,000,000
unless either (a) the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be entitled to incur
Indebtedness secured by a Lien on such property pursuant to section 9.4(c), or
(b) the Borrower shall prepay Loans, and to the extent Loans are not so prepaid,
shall voluntarily permanently reduce the Unutilized Total Commitment, by an
amount at least equal to the Value of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.

         9.14. PLAN TERMINATIONS, MINIMUM FUNDING, ETC. The Borrower will not,
and will not permit any ERISA Affiliate to, (i) terminate any Plan or plans so
as to result in liability of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to the PBGC in
excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate, (ii) permit to exist one or more events
or conditions which reasonably present a material risk of the termination by the
PBGC of any Plan or Plans with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate would, in the event of such termination, incur liability to the PBGC
in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate, or (iii) fail to comply with the
minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to any Plan.


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<PAGE>   64

         SECTION 10. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

         10.1. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence of any of the following
specified events (each an "EVENT OF DEFAULT"):

                  (A) PAYMENTS: the Borrower shall (i) default in the payment
         when due of any principal of the General Revolving Loans; (ii) default,
         and such default shall continue for three or more Business Days, in the
         payment when due of any principal of the Swing Line Revolving Loans;
         (iii) default, and such default shall continue for three or more
         Business Days, in the payment when due of any reimbursement obligation
         in respect of any Unpaid Drawing; or (iv) default, and such default
         shall continue for five or more Business Days, in the payment when due
         of any interest on the Loans or any Fees or any other amounts owing
         hereunder or under any other Credit Document; or

                  (B) REPRESENTATIONS, ETC.: any representation, warranty or
         statement made by the Borrower herein or in any other Credit Document
         or in any statement or certificate delivered or required to be
         delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to be untrue in any
         material respect on the date as of which made or deemed made; or

                  (C) CERTAIN NEGATIVE COVENANTS: the Borrower shall (i) default
         in the due performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or
         agreement contained in sections 9.6 through 9.9, inclusive, or section
         9.13, of this Agreement; or (ii) default, and such default shall
         continue for five or more Business Days after the Borrower shall first
         have obtained actual knowledge thereof or the Administrative Agent or
         any Lender shall have notified the Borrower thereof in writing,
         whichever shall first occur, in the due performance or observance by it
         of any other term, covenant or agreement contained in sections 9.2
         through 9.5, inclusive, of this Agreement; or

                  (D) OTHER COVENANTS: the Borrower shall default in the due
         performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement
         contained in this Agreement or any other Credit Document, other than
         those referred to in section 10.1(a) or (b) or (c) above, and such
         default shall continue unremedied for a period of at least 30 days
         after notice by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders; or

                  (E) DEFAULT UNDER OTHER AGREEMENTS: the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries shall (i) default in any payment with respect to any
         Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) owed to any Lender, or having
         an unpaid principal amount of $1,000,000 or greater, and such default
         shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in
         the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness, or (ii)
         default in the observance or performance of any agreement or condition
         relating to any such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or
         agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto (and all grace
         periods applicable to such observance, performance or condition shall
         have expired), or any other event shall occur or condition exist, the
         effect of which default or other event or condition is to cause, or to
         permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or
         agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause any such
         Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; or any such
         Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be
         declared to be due and payable, or shall be required to be prepaid
         (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or redemption,
         prior to the stated maturity thereof); or

                  (F) OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS: the Subsidiary Guaranty or any
         Security Document (once executed and delivered) shall cease for any
         reason (other than termination in accordance with its terms) to be in
         full force and effect; or any Credit Party shall default in any payment
         obligation thereunder; or any Credit Party shall default in any
         material respect in the due performance and observance of any other
         obligation thereunder and such default shall continue unremedied for a
         period of at least 30 days after notice by the Administrative Agent or
         the Required Lenders; or any Credit Party shall (or seek to) disaffirm
         or otherwise limit its obligations thereunder otherwise than in strict
         compliance with the terms thereof; or


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<PAGE>   65

                  (G) JUDGMENTS: one or more judgments or decrees shall be
         entered against the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries involving a
         liability (exclusive of the amount thereof covered by insurance as to
         which the carrier has adequate claims paying ability and has not
         reserved its rights) of $5,000,000 or more in the aggregate for all
         such judgments and decrees for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) and
         any such judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, discharged
         or stayed or bonded pending appeal within 30 days from the entry
         thereof; or

                  (H) BANKRUPTCY, ETC.: the Borrower or any of its Material
         Subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case concerning itself under
         Title 11 of the United States Code entitled "Bankruptcy," as now or
         hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto (the "BANKRUPTCY CODE");
         or an involuntary case is commenced against the Borrower or any of its
         Material Subsidiaries and the petition is not controverted within 10
         days, or is not dismissed within 60 days, after commencement of the
         case; or a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) is appointed
         for, or takes charge of, all or substantially all of the property of
         the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries; or the Borrower or
         any of its Material Subsidiaries commences (including by way of
         applying for or consenting to the appointment of, or the taking of
         possession by, a rehabilitator, receiver, custodian, trustee,
         conservator or liquidator (collectively, a "CONSERVATOR") of itself or
         all or any substantial portion of its property) any other proceeding
         under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of
         debtors, dissolution, insolvency, liquidation, rehabilitation,
         conservatorship or similar law of any jurisdiction whether now or
         hereafter in effect relating to the Borrower or any of its Material
         Subsidiaries; or any such proceeding is commenced against the Borrower
         or any of its Material Subsidiaries to the extent such proceeding is
         consented by such person or remains undismissed for a period of 60
         days; or the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries is
         adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other
         order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or the Borrower
         or any of its Material Subsidiaries suffers any appointment of any
         conservator or the like for it or any substantial part of its property
         which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days; or
         the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries makes a general
         assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any corporate (or similar
         organizational) action is taken by the Borrower or any of its Material
         Subsidiaries for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

                  (I) ERISA: (i) any of the events described in clauses (i)
         through (viii) of section 8.1(g) shall have occurred; or (ii) there
         shall result from any such event or events the imposition of a lien,
         the granting of a security interest, or a liability or a material risk
         of incurring a liability; and (iii) any such event or events or any
         such lien, security interest or liability, individually, and/or in the
         aggregate, has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material
         Adverse Effect.

         10.2. ACCELERATION, ETC. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default,
and at any time thereafter, if any Event of Default shall then be continuing,
the Administrative Agent shall, upon the written request of the Required
Lenders, by written notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following
actions, without prejudice to the rights of the Administrative Agent or any
Lender to enforce its claims against the Borrower, except as otherwise
specifically provided for in this Agreement (PROVIDED that, if an Event of
Default specified in section 10.1(h) shall occur with respect to the Borrower,
the result which would occur upon the giving of written notice by the
Administrative Agent as specified in clauses (i) and (ii) below shall occur
automatically without the giving of any such notice): (i) declare the Total
Commitment terminated, whereupon the Commitment of each Lender shall forthwith
terminate immediately without any other notice of any kind; (ii) declare the
principal of and any accrued interest in respect of all Loans, all Unpaid
Drawings and all obligations owing hereunder and thereunder to be, whereupon the
same shall become, forthwith due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the
Borrower; (iii) terminate any Letter of Credit which may be terminated in
accordance with its terms; and (iv) direct the Borrower to pay (and the Borrower
hereby agrees that on receipt of such notice or upon the occurrence of an Event
of Default with respect to the Borrower under section 10.1(h), it will pay) to
the Administrative Agent an amount of cash equal to the aggregate Stated Amount
of all Letters of Credit then outstanding (such amount to be held as security
after the Borrower's reimbursement obligations in respect thereof).


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         10.3. APPLICATION OF LIQUIDATION PROCEEDS. All monies received by the
Administrative Agent or any Lender from the exercise of remedies hereunder or
under the other Credit Documents or under any other documents relating to this
Agreement shall, unless otherwise required by the terms of the other Credit
Documents or by applicable law, be applied as follows:

                  (I) FIRST, to the payment of all expenses (to the extent not
         paid by the Borrower) incurred by the Administrative Agent and the
         Lenders in connection with the exercise of such remedies, including,
         without limitation, all reasonable costs and expenses of collection,
         attorneys' fees, court costs and any foreclosure expenses;

                  (II) SECOND, to the payment PRO RATA of interest then accrued
         on the outstanding Loans;

                  (III) THIRD, to the payment PRO RATA of any fees then accrued
         and payable to the Administrative Agent, any Letter of Credit Issuer or
         any Lender under this Agreement in respect of the Loans or the Letter
         of Credit Outstandings;

                  (IV) FOURTH, to the payment PRO RATA of (A) the principal
         balance then owing on the outstanding Loans, (B) the amounts then due
         under Designated Hedge Agreements to creditors of the Company or any
         Subsidiary thereunder, subject to confirmation by the Administrative
         Agent of any calculations of termination or other payment amounts being
         made in accordance with normal industry practice, and (C) the Stated
         Amount of the Letter of Credit Outstandings (to be held and applied by
         the Administrative Agent as security for the reimbursement obligations
         in respect thereof);

                  (V) FIFTH, to the payment to the Lenders of any amounts then
         accrued and unpaid under sections 2.10, 2.11 and 3.5 hereof, and if
         such proceeds are insufficient to pay such amounts in full, to the
         payment of such amounts PRO RATA;

                  (VI) SIXTH, to the payment PRO RATA of all other amounts owed
         by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, to any Letter of Credit
         Issuer or any Lender under this Agreement or any other Credit Document,
         and to any counterparties under any Designated Hedge Agreements of the
         Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and if such proceeds are insufficient to
         pay such amounts in full, to the payment of such amounts PRO RATA; and

                  (VII) FINALLY, any remaining surplus after all of the
         Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or to whomsoever
         shall be lawfully entitled thereto.

         SECTION 11. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT.

         11.1. APPOINTMENT. Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and
appoints KeyBank as Administrative Agent to act as specified herein and in the
other Credit Documents, and each such Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes
KeyBank as the Administrative Agent for such Lender, to take such action on its
behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and
to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to
the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
The Administrative Agent agrees to act as such upon the express conditions
contained in this section 11. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
elsewhere in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties
or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in the other
Credit Documents, nor any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied
covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall
be read into this Agreement or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent.
The provisions of this section 11 are solely for the benefit of the
Administrative Agent, and the Lenders, and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
shall not have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions
hereof. In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement, the
Administrative Agent shall act solely as agent


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of the Lenders and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any
obligation or relationship of agency or trust with or for the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries.

         11.2. DELEGATION OF DUTIES. The Administrative Agent may execute any of
its duties under this Agreement or any other Credit Document by or through
agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall
not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or
attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care except to the extent
otherwise required by section 11.3.

         11.3. EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any
of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be
taken by it or such person under or in connection with this Agreement (except
for its or such person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or (ii)
responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements,
representations or warranties made by the Borrower or of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective officers contained in this Agreement, any other Credit
Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to
or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in
connection with, this Agreement or any other Credit Document or for any failure
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any of their respective
officers to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. The Administrative
Agent shall not be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire
as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or
conditions of, this Agreement, or to inspect the properties, books or records of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. The Administrative Agent shall not be
responsible to any Lender for the effectiveness, genuineness, validity,
enforceability, collectibility or sufficiency of this Agreement or any Credit
Document or for any representations, warranties, recitals or statements made
herein or therein or made in any written or oral statement or in any financial
or other statements, instruments, reports, certificates or any other documents
in connection herewith or therewith furnished or made by the Administrative
Agent to the Lenders or by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries to the Administrative Agent or any Lender or be required to
ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms,
conditions, provisions, covenants or agreements contained herein or therein or
as to the use of the proceeds of the Loans or of the existence or possible
existence of any Default or Event of Default.

         11.4. RELIANCE BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. The Administrative Agent shall
be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any note,
writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram,
telegram, facsimile transmission, telex or teletype message, statement, order or
other document or conversation believed by it, in good faith, to be genuine and
correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper person or persons
and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation,
counsel to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries), independent accountants and
other experts selected by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent
shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this
Agreement or any other Credit Document unless it shall first receive such advice
or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate or it shall first
be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability
and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to
take any such action. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully
protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the
other Credit Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders (or
all of the Lenders, as to any matter which, pursuant to section 12.12, can only
be effectuated with the consent of all Lenders), and such request and any action
taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.

         11.5. NOTICE OF DEFAULT. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed
to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default
hereunder unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from a Lender or
the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of
Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of default". In the event that
the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall
give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall take
such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be
reasonably directed by the Required Lenders, PROVIDED that unless and until the
Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the


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Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or
refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of
Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

         11.6. NON-RELIANCE. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the
Administrative Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents,
attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates have made any representations or warranties to
it and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereinafter taken, including any
review of the affairs of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be
deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent
to any Lender. Each Lender represents to the Administrative Agent that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, or any other
Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business,
assets, operations, property, financial and other conditions, prospects and
creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and made its own decision
to make its Loans hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also
represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the
Administrative Agent, or any other Lender, and based on such documents and
information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own
credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under
this Agreement, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform
itself as to the business, assets, operations, property, financial and other
conditions, prospects and creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
The Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide
any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business,
operations, assets, property, financial and other conditions, prospects or
creditworthiness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which may come into
the possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its officers, directors,
employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates.

         11.7. INDEMNIFICATION. The Lenders agree to indemnify the
Administrative Agent in its capacity as such ratably according to their
respective General Revolving Loans and Unutilized General Revolving Commitments,
from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, reasonable expenses or
disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time (including, without
limitation, at any time following the payment of the Obligations) be imposed on,
incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such
in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Credit
Document, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or the
transactions contemplated hereby or any action taken or omitted to be taken by
the Administrative Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing, but
only to the extent that any of the foregoing is not paid by the Borrower,
PROVIDED that no Lender shall be liable to the Administrative Agent for the
payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements to the
extent resulting solely from the Administrative Agent's gross negligence or
willful misconduct. If any indemnity furnished to the Administrative Agent for
any purpose shall, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, be insufficient
or become impaired, the Administrative Agent may call for additional indemnity
and cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against until such
additional indemnity is furnished. The agreements in this section 11.7 shall
survive the payment of all Obligations.

         11.8. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. The
Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from
and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower, its Subsidiaries
and their Affiliates as though not acting as Administrative Agent hereunder.
With respect to the Loans made by it and all Obligations owing to it, the
Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement
as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative
Agent, and the terms "Lender" and "Lenders" shall include the Administrative
Agent in its individual capacity.

         11.9. SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. The Administrative Agent may
resign as the Administrative Agent upon 20 days' notice to the Lenders and the
Borrower. The Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor
Administrative Agent for the Lenders subject to prior approval by the Borrower
(such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), whereupon such
successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the
Administrative Agent, and the term "Administrative Agent" shall include such
successor agent effective upon its appointment, and the resigning Administrative
Agent's rights, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent shall be
terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former
Administrative Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement. After the retiring
Administrative


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Agent's resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent, the provisions of
this section 11 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to
be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement.

         11.10. OTHER AGENTS. Any Lender identified herein as a Co-Agent,
Syndication Agent, Documentation Agent, Managing Agent, Manager or any other
corresponding title, other than "Administrative Agent" and "Collateral Agent",
shall have no right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under
this Agreement or any other Credit Document except those applicable to all
Lenders as such. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not
rely, on any Lender so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in
taking or not taking any action hereunder.

         SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS.

         12.1. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES ETC. (a) The Borrower will, whether or not
the transactions herein contemplated are consummated, pay all reasonable
out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent in connection with
the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Documents and
the documents and instruments referred to therein and any amendment, waiver or
consent relating thereto (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, special counsel to the
Administrative Agent), and of the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders
in connection with the enforcement of the Credit Documents and the documents and
instruments referred to therein (including, without limitation, the reasonable
fees and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent and for each of
the Lenders and any allocated costs of internal counsel for any of the Lenders).

         (b) In the event of the bankruptcy, insolvency, rehabilitation or other
similar proceeding in respect of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the
Borrower will pay all costs of collection and defense, including reasonable
attorneys' fees in connection therewith and in connection with any appellate
proceeding or post-judgment action involved therein, which shall be due and
payable together with all required service or use taxes.

         (c) The Borrower will pay and hold each of the Lenders harmless from
and against any and all present and future stamp and other similar taxes with
respect to the foregoing matters and save each of the Lenders harmless from and
against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay or
omission (other than to the extent attributable to such Lender) to pay such
taxes.

         (d) The Borrower will indemnify each Lender, its officers, directors,
employees, representatives and agents (collectively, the "INDEMNITEES") from and
hold each of them harmless against any and all losses, liabilities, claims,
damages or expenses reasonably incurred by any of them as a result of, or
arising out of, or in any way related to, or by reason of

                  (i) any investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether
         or not any Lender is a party thereto) related to the entering into
         and/or performance of any Credit Document or the use of the proceeds of
         any Loans hereunder or the consummation of any transactions
         contemplated in any Credit Document, other than any such investigation,
         litigation or proceeding arising out of transactions solely between any
         of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, transactions solely
         involving the assignment by a Lender of all or a portion of its Loans
         and Commitment, or the granting of participations therein, as provided
         in this Agreement, or arising solely out of any examination of a Lender
         by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over it, or

                  (ii) the actual or alleged presence of Hazardous Materials in
         the air, surface water or groundwater or on the surface or subsurface
         of any Real Property owned, leased or at any time operated by the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the release, generation, storage,
         transportation, handling or disposal of Hazardous Materials at any
         location, whether or not owned or operated by the Borrower or any of
         its Subsidiaries, if the Borrower or any such Subsidiary could have or
         is alleged to have any responsibility in respect thereof, the
         non-compliance of any Real Property with foreign, federal, state


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         and local laws, regulations and ordinances (including applicable
         permits thereunder) applicable to any Real Property, or any
         Environmental Claim asserted against the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries, in respect of any Real Property owned, leased or at any
         time operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,

including, in each case, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel incurred in connection with any such investigation,
litigation or other proceeding (but excluding any such losses, liabilities,
claims, damages or expenses to the extent incurred by reason of the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the person to be indemnified or of any other
Indemnitee who is such person or an Affiliate of such person). To the extent
that the undertaking to indemnify, pay or hold harmless any person set forth in
the preceding sentence may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law
or public policy, the Borrower shall make the maximum contribution to the
payment and satisfaction of each of the indemnified liabilities which is
permissible under applicable law.

         12.2. RIGHT OF SETOFF. In addition to any rights now or hereafter
granted under applicable law or otherwise, and not by way of limitation of any
such rights, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, each Lender is hereby
authorized at any time or from time to time, without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind to the Borrower or to any other person, any
such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and
apply any and all deposits (general or special) and any other Indebtedness at
any time held or owing by such Lender (including, without limitation, by
branches and agencies of such Lender wherever located) to or for the credit or
the account of the Borrower against and on account of the Obligations and
liabilities of the Borrower to such Lender under this Agreement or under any of
the other Credit Documents, including, without limitation, all interests in
Obligations the Borrower purchased by such Lender pursuant to section 12.4(b),
and all other claims of any nature or description arising out of or connected
with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, irrespective of whether or not
such Lender shall have made any demand hereunder and although said Obligations,
liabilities or claims, or any of them, shall be contingent or unmatured.

         12.3. NOTICES. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all
notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing
(including telegraphic, telex, facsimile transmission or cable communication)
and mailed, telegraphed, telexed, transmitted, cabled or delivered, if to the
Borrower, at Suite 220, 3201 Enterprise Parkway, Beachwood, Ohio 44122,
attention: Chief Financial Officer (facsimile: (216) 464-8376); if to any
Lender at its address specified for such Lender on Annex I hereto; if to the
Administrative Agent, at its Notice Address; or at such other address as shall
be designated by any party in a written notice to the other parties hereto. All
such notices and communications shall be mailed, telegraphed, telexed,
telecopied, or cabled or sent by overnight courier, and shall be effective when
received.

         12.4. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT. (a) This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns, PROVIDED that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written
consent of all the Lenders. Each Lender may at any time grant participations in
any of its rights hereunder or under any of the Notes to (x) another Lender that
is not a Defaulting Lender or to an Affiliate of such Lender which is a
commercial bank, financial institution or other "accredited investor" (as
defined in SEC Regulation D), and (y) one or more Eligible Transferees, PROVIDED
that in the case of any such participation, (i) the participant shall not have
any rights under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, including
rights of consent, approval or waiver (the participant's rights against such
Lender in respect of such participation to be those set forth in the agreement
executed by such Lender in favor of the participant relating thereto), (ii) such
Lender's obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its
Commitment hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (iii) such Lender shall remain
solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such
obligations, (iv) such Lender shall remain the holder of any Note for all
purposes of this Agreement and (v) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and
the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with the selling
Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this
Agreement, and all amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder shall be determined
as if such Lender had not sold such participation, except that the participant
shall be entitled to the benefits of sections 2.10 and 2.11 of this Agreement to
the extent that such Lender would be entitled to such benefits if the
participation had not been entered into or sold, and,


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PROVIDED FURTHER, that no Lender shall transfer, grant or sell any participation
under which the participant shall have rights to approve any amendment to or
waiver of this Agreement or any other Credit Document except to the extent such
amendment or waiver would (w) extend the final scheduled maturity of the Loans
in which such participant is participating (it being understood that any waiver
of the making of, or the application of any amortization payment or other
prepayment or the method of any application of any prepayment to the
amortization of the Loans shall not constitute an extension of the final
maturity date thereof), or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of
interest or Fees thereon (except in connection with a waiver of the
applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates), or reduce the
principal amount thereof, or increase such participant's participating interest
in any Commitment over the amount thereof then in effect (it being understood
that a waiver of any Default or Event of Default or of any mandatory prepayment
or a mandatory reduction in the Total Commitment, or a mandatory prepayment,
shall not constitute a change in the terms of any Commitment), (x) release any
Credit Party from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty except strictly
in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof, (y) release all or substantially
all of the Collateral except strictly in accordance with the terms hereof, or
(z) consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower of any of its rights
and obligations under this Agreement.

         (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) any Lender may assign all or a
fixed portion of all of its Loans and/or Commitments, and its rights and
obligations hereunder, which assignment does not have to be PRO RATA among the
Facilities, to another Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender, or to an
Affiliate of any Lender (including itself) which is not a Defaulting Lender and
which is a commercial bank, financial institution or other "accredited investor"
(as defined in SEC Regulation D), and (y) any Lender may assign all, or if less
than all, a PRO RATA fixed portion, equal to at least $10,000,000 in the case of
General Revolving Loans and/or General Revolving Commitments, in the aggregate
for the assigning Lender or assigning Lenders, of all its Loans and/or
Commitments and its rights and obligations hereunder, which assignment does not
have to be PRO RATA among the Facilities, to one or more Eligible Transferees,
each of which assignees shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender by
execution of an Assignment Agreement, PROVIDED that, (i) in the case of any
assignment of a portion of the General Revolving Loans and/or General Revolving
Commitments of a Lender, such Lender shall retain a minimum fixed portion
thereof equal to at least $10,000,000, (ii) at the time of any such assignment
Annex I shall be deemed modified to reflect the Commitments of such new Lender
and of the existing Lenders, (iii) upon surrender of the old Notes, new Notes
will be issued, at the Borrower's expense, to such new Lender and to the
assigning Lender, such new Notes to be in conformity with the requirements of
section 2.6 (with appropriate modifications) to the extent needed to reflect the
revised Commitments, (iv) in the case of clause (y) only, the consent of the
Administrative Agent and each Letter of Credit Issuer shall be required in
connection with any such assignment (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed), and (v) the Administrative Agent shall receive at the time
of each such assignment, from the assigning or assignee Lender, the payment of a
non-refundable assignment fee of $2,500 and, PROVIDED FURTHER, that such
transfer or assignment will not be effective until recorded by the
Administrative Agent on the Lender Register maintained by it as provided herein.
To the extent of any assignment pursuant to this section 12.4(b) the assigning
Lender shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder with respect to its
assigned Commitments. At the time of each assignment pursuant to this section
12.4(b) to a person which is not already a Lender hereunder and which is not a
United States person (as such term is defined in section 7701(a)(30) of the
Code) for Federal income tax purposes, the respective assignee Lender shall
provide to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent the appropriate Internal
Revenue Service Forms (and, if applicable a Section 5.4(b)(ii) Certificate)
described in section 5.4(b). To the extent that an assignment of all or any
portion of a Lender's Commitment and related outstanding Obligations pursuant to
this section 12.4(b) would, at the time of such assignment, result in increased
costs under section 2.11 from those being charged by the respective assigning
Lender prior to such assignment, then the Borrower shall not be obligated to pay
such increased costs (although the Borrower shall be obligated to any other
increased costs of the type described above resulting from changes after the
date of the respective assignment). Nothing in this section 12.4(b) shall
prevent or prohibit any Lender from pledging its Notes or Loans to a Federal
Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by such Lender from such Federal
Reserve Bank.

         (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section 12.4, no
transfer or assignment of the interests or obligations of any Lender hereunder
or any grant of participation therein shall be permitted if such


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transfer, assignment or grant would require the Borrower to file a registration
statement with the SEC or to qualify the Loans under the "Blue Sky" laws of any
State.

         (d) Each Lender initially party to this Agreement hereby represents,
and each person that became a Lender pursuant to an assignment permitted by this
section 12.4 will, upon its becoming party to this Agreement, represent that it
is a commercial lender, other financial institution or other "accredited"
investor (as defined in SEC Regulation D) which makes or acquires loans in the
ordinary course of its business and that it will make or acquire Loans for its
own account in the ordinary course of such business, PROVIDED that subject to
the preceding sections 12.4(a) and (b), the disposition of any promissory notes
or other evidences of or interests in Indebtedness held by such Lender shall at
all times be within its exclusive control.

         12.5. NO WAIVER: REMEDIES CUMULATIVE. No failure or delay on the part
of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document and no course of dealing
between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall operate as
a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power
or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege
hereunder or thereunder. The rights and remedies herein expressly provided are
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Administrative
Agent or any Lender would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on the Borrower
in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand
in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders to any other or further action in any
circumstances without notice or demand.

         12.6. PAYMENTS PRO RATA. (a) The Administrative Agent agrees that
promptly after its receipt of each payment from or on behalf of the Borrower in
respect of any Obligations, it shall distribute such payment to the Lenders
(other than any Lender that has expressly waived in writing its right to receive
its PRO RATA share thereof) PRO RATA based upon their respective shares, if any,
of the Obligations with respect to which such payment was received. As to any
such payment received by the Administrative Agent prior to 1:00 P.M. (local time
at the Payment Office) in funds which are immediately available on such day, the
Administrative Agent will use all reasonable efforts to distribute such payment
in immediately available funds on the same day to the Lenders as aforesaid.

         (b) Each of the Lenders agrees that, if it should receive any amount
hereunder (whether by voluntary payment, by realization upon security, by the
exercise of the right of setoff or banker's lien, by counterclaim or cross
action, by the enforcement of any right under the Credit Documents, or
otherwise) which is applicable to the payment of the principal of, or interest
on, the Loans or Fees, of a sum which with respect to the related sum or sums
received by other Lenders is in a greater proportion than the total of such
Obligation then owed and due to such Lender bears to the total of such
Obligation then owed and due to all of the Lenders immediately prior to such
receipt, then such Lender receiving such excess payment shall purchase for cash
without recourse or warranty from the other Lenders an interest in the
Obligations to such Lenders in such amount as shall result in a proportional
participation by all of the Lenders in such amount, PROVIDED that if all or any
portion of such excess amount is thereafter recovered from such Lender, such
purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of
such recovery, but without interest.

         (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the
provisions of the preceding sections 13.6(a) and (b) shall be subject to the
express provisions of this Agreement which require, or permit, differing
payments to be made to Lenders which are not Defaulting Lenders, as opposed to
Defaulting Lenders.

         12.7. CALCULATIONS: COMPUTATIONS. (a) The financial statements to be
furnished to the Lenders pursuant hereto shall be made and prepared in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved
(except as set forth in the notes thereto or as otherwise disclosed in writing
by the Borrower to the Lenders); PROVIDED, that if at any time the computations
determining compliance with section 9 utilize accounting principles different
from those utilized in the financial statements furnished to the Lenders, such
computations shall set forth in reasonable detail a description of the
differences and the effect upon such computations.


                                       67

<PAGE>   73

         (b) All computations of interest on Loans hereunder and all
computations of Facility Fees, Letter of Credit Fees and other Fees hereunder
shall be made on the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days.

         12.8. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY
TRIAL. (a) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND THE RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF OHIO. TO THE FULLEST
EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE BORROWER HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ANY CLAIM TO ASSERT THAT THE LAW OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE
OF OHIO GOVERNS THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS. Any legal
action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or any other Credit Document
may be brought in the Courts of the State of Ohio, or of the United States for
the Northern District of Ohio, and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement,
the Borrower hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its
property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid
courts. The Borrower hereby further irrevocably consents to the service of
process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding
by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, to the Borrower at its address for notices pursuant to section 12.3,
such service to become effective 30 days after such mailing or at such earlier
time as may be provided under applicable law. Nothing herein shall affect the
right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to serve process in any other
manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed
against the Borrower in any other jurisdiction.

         (b) The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection which it may
now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or
proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any other
Credit Document brought in the courts referred to in section 12.8(a) above and
hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such
court that any such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been
brought in an inconvenient forum.

         (c) Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby irrevocably waives all
right to a trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out
of or relating to this Agreement, the other Credit Documents or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby.

         12.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which
shall together constitute one and the same agreement. A set of counterparts
executed by all the parties hereto shall be lodged with the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent.

         12.10. EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement shall become effective on the date
(the "EFFECTIVE DATE") on which the Borrower and each of the Lenders shall have
signed a copy hereof (whether the same or different copies) and shall have
delivered the same to the Administrative Agent at the Notice Office of the
Administrative Agent or, in the case of the Lenders, shall have given to the
Administrative Agent telephonic (confirmed in writing), written telex or
facsimile transmission notice (actually received) at such office that the same
has been signed and mailed to it.

         12.11. HEADINGS DESCRIPTIVE. The headings of the several sections and
other portions of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not
in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this
Agreement.

         12.12. AMENDMENT OR WAIVER. Neither this Agreement nor any terms hereof
or thereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated UNLESS such change,
waiver, discharge or termination is in writing signed by the Borrower and the
Required Lenders, PROVIDED that no such change, waiver, discharge or termination
shall, without the consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender)
affected thereby, (i) extend any interim or final maturity date provided for
herein (including any extension of any interim or final maturity date to be
effected in accordance with section 4.4 hereof) applicable to a Loan or a
Commitment (it


                                       68

<PAGE>   74

being understood that any waiver of the making of, or application of any
prepayment of or the method of application of any mandatory prepayment of the
Loans shall not constitute an extension of such final maturity thereof), reduce
the rate or extend the time of payment of interest (other than as a result of
waiving the applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates) or
Fees thereon, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or increase the Commitment
of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect (it being understood that a
waiver of any Default or Event of Default or of any mandatory prepayment or a
mandatory reduction in the Total Commitment shall not constitute a change in the
terms of any Commitment of any Lender), (ii) release the Borrower from any
obligations as a guarantor of its Subsidiaries' obligations under any Credit
Document, (iii) release any Credit Party from the Subsidiary Guaranty, except in
connection with a transaction permitted by section 9.2(e), (iv) release all or
substantially all of the Collateral, except strictly in accordance with the
provisions of section 8.11(b), (v) change the definition of the term "Change of
Control" or any of the provisions of section 5.2(e) which are applicable upon a
Change of Control, (vi) change the definition of the term "Permitted
Acquisition" or any of the provisions of section 9.2(d) which are applicable to
Permitted Acquisitions which would have the effect of depriving such Lender of
its rights as contemplated by such definition, (vii) amend, modify or waive any
provision of this section 12.12, or section 11.7, 12.1, 12.4, 12.6 or 12.7(b),
or any other provision of any of the Credit Documents pursuant to which the
consent or approval of all Lenders is by the terms of such provision explicitly
required, (viii) reduce the percentage specified in, or otherwise modify, the
definition of Required Lenders, or (ix) consent to the assignment or transfer by
the Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. No
provision of section 3 or 11 may be amended without the consent of (x) any
Letter of Credit Issuer adversely affected thereby or (y) the Administrative
Agent, respectively.

         12.13. SURVIVAL. All indemnities set forth herein including, without
limitation, in section 2.10, 2.11, 3.5, 11.7 or 12.1 shall survive the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the making and repayment of Loans.

         12.14. DOMICILE OF LOANS. Each Lender may transfer and carry its Loans
at, to or for the account of any branch office, subsidiary or affiliate of such
Lender, PROVIDED that the Borrower shall not be responsible for costs arising
under section 2.10 resulting from any such transfer (other than a transfer
pursuant to section 2.12) to the extent not otherwise applicable to such Lender
prior to such transfer.

         12.15. CONFIDENTIALITY. Each Lender shall hold all non-public
information obtained pursuant to the requirements of this Agreement which has
been identified as such by the Borrower in accordance with its customary
procedure for handling confidential information of this nature and in accordance
with safe and sound banking practices and in any event may make disclosure
reasonably required by any BONA FIDE transferee or participant in connection
with the contemplated transfer of any Loans or Commitment or participation
therein (PROVIDED that each such prospective transferee and/or participant shall
execute an agreement for the benefit of the Borrower with such prospective
transferor Lender and/or participant containing provisions substantially
identical to those contained in this section 12.15), and to its auditors,
attorneys or as required or requested by any governmental agency or
representative thereof or pursuant to legal process, PROVIDED that, unless
specifically prohibited by applicable law or court order, each Lender shall
notify the Borrower of any request by any governmental agency or representative
thereof (other than any such request in connection with an examination of the
financial condition of such Lender by such governmental agency) for disclosure
of any such non-public information prior to disclosure of such information, and
PROVIDED FURTHER that in no event shall any Lender be obligated or required to
return any materials furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries. The Borrower hereby agrees that the failure of a Lender to comply
with the provisions of this section 12.15 shall not relieve the Borrower of any
of the obligations to such Lender under this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents.

         12.16. LENDER REGISTER. The Borrower hereby designates the
Administrative Agent to serve as its agent, solely for purposes of this section
12.16, to retain a copy of each Assignment Agreement delivered to and accepted
by it and to maintain a register (the "LENDER REGISTER") on or in which it will
record the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments from time to
time of each of the Lenders, the Loans made to the Borrower by each of the
Lenders and each repayment and prepayment in respect of the principal amount of
such Loans of each such Lender. Failure to make any such recordation, or (absent
manifest error) any error in such recordation, shall not affect the Borrower's
obligations in respect of such Loans. With respect to any


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<PAGE>   75

Lender, the transfer of any Commitment of such Lender and the rights to the
principal of, and interest on, any Loan made pursuant to such Commitment shall
not be effective until such transfer is recorded on the Lender Register
maintained by the Administrative Agent with respect to ownership of such
Commitment and Loans and prior to such recordation all amounts owing to the
transferor with respect to such Commitment and Loans shall remain owing to the
transferor. The registration of assignment or transfer of all or part of any
Commitments and Loans shall be recorded by the Administrative Agent on the
Lender Register only upon the acceptance by the Administrative Agent of a
properly executed and delivered Assignment Agreement pursuant to section
12.4(b). The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities of whatsoever nature
which may be imposed on, asserted against or incurred by the Administrative
Agent in performing its duties under this section 12.16, except to the extent
the same result solely from the Administrative Agent's negligence or willful
misconduct. The Lender Register shall be available for inspection by the
Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon
reasonable prior notice.

         12.17. LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY OF THE LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUERS. The
Borrower assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or
transferee of any Letter of Credit with respect to its use of such Letters of
Credit. Neither any Letter of Credit Issuer nor any of its officers or directors
shall be liable or responsible for: (a) the use which may be made of any Letter
of Credit or any acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee in
connection therewith; (b) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents,
or of any endorsement thereon, even if such documents should prove to be in any
or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; (c) payment by a
Letter of Credit Issuer against presentation of documents that do not comply
with the terms of a Letter of Credit, including failure of any documents to bear
any reference or adequate reference to such Letter of Credit; or (d) any other
circumstances whatsoever in making or failing to make payment under any Letter
of Credit, EXCEPT that the Borrower (or a Subsidiary which is the account party
in respect of the Letter of Credit in question) shall have a claim against a
Letter of Credit Issuer, and a Letter of Credit Issuer shall be liable to the
Borrower (or such Subsidiary), to the extent of any direct, but not
consequential, damages suffered by the Borrower (or such Subsidiary) which the
Borrower (or such Subsidiary) proves were caused by (i) such Letter of Credit
Issuer's willful misconduct or gross negligence in determining whether documents
presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms of such Letter of
Credit or (ii) such Letter of Credit Issuer's willful failure to make lawful
payment under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it of documentation
strictly complying with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit. In
furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, a Letter of Credit Issuer
may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without
responsibility for further investigation.

         12.18. GENERAL LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. No claim may be made by the
Borrower, any Lender, the Administrative Agent, any Letter of Credit Issuer or
any other person against the Administrative Agent, any Letter of Credit Issuer,
or any other Lender or the Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, attorneys
or agents of any of them for any damages other than actual compensatory damages
in respect of any claim for breach of contract or any other theory of liability
arising out of or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
any of the other Credit Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in
connection therewith; and each of the Borrower, each Lender, the Administrative
Agent and each Letter of Credit Issuer hereby, to the fullest extent permitted
under applicable law, waives, releases and agrees not to sue or counterclaim
upon any such claim for any special, consequential or punitive damages, whether
or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.

         12.19. NO DUTY. All attorneys, accountants, appraisers, consultants and
other professional persons (including the firms or other entities on behalf of
which any such person may act) retained by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents
shall have the right to act exclusively in the interest of the Administrative
Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and shall have no duty of disclosure,
duty of loyalty, duty of care, or other duty or obligation of any type or nature
whatsoever to the Borrower, to any of its Subsidiaries, or to any other person,
with respect to any matters within the scope of such representation or related
to their activities in connection with such representation.


                                       70

<PAGE>   76

         12.20. LENDERS AND AGENT NOT FIDUCIARY TO BORROWER, ETC. The
relationship among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the
Administrative Agent, each Letter of Credit Issuer and the Lenders, on the other
hand, is solely that of debtor and creditor, and the Administrative Agent, each
Letter of Credit Issuer and the Lenders have no fiduciary or other special
relationship with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and no term or provision of
any Credit Document, no course of dealing, no written or oral communication, or
other action, shall be construed so as to deem such relationship to be other
than that of debtor and creditor.

         12.21. MARGIN STOCK. The Lenders are not relying on any direct or
indirect security of any Margin Stock in extending the credit facilities
provided for herein and this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent
with such intention.

         12.22. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. All representations
and warranties herein shall survive the making of Loans and the issuance of
Letters of Credit hereunder, the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Notes and the other documents the forms of which are attached as Exhibits
hereto, the issue and delivery of the Notes, any disposition thereof by any
holder thereof, and any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any
Lender or any other holder of any of the Notes or on its behalf. All statements
contained in any certificate or other document delivered to the Administrative
Agent or any Lender or any holder of any Notes by or on behalf of the Borrower
or of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or otherwise specifically for use in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby shall constitute
representations and warranties by the Borrower hereunder, made as of the
respective dates specified therein or, if no date is specified, as of the
respective dates furnished to the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

                [The balance of this page is intentionally blank;
                 the next page is an unnumbered signature page.]


                                       71

<PAGE>   77

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart
of this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above
written.

NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.                              NATIONAL CITY BANK   
                                                                       
BY: /s/ Jeffrey R. Steinhilber                    BY: /s/ Timothy G. Healy
   -------------------------------                   -------------------------
    SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF                     TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT   
         FINANCIAL OFFICER                        
                                                                       

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,                     MELLON BANK, N.A.
     INDIVIDUALLY AS A LENDER,
     A LETTER OF CREDIT                           BY: /s/ Colleen P. McCullum
     ISSUER AND AS                                   --------------------------
     ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT                            TITLE: BANKING OFFICER

BY: /s/ Thomas J. Purcell
   ------------------------------                 STAR BANK, N.A.
   VICE PRESIDENT                                 
                                                  BY:  /s/ David J. Dannemiller
                                                     --------------------------
                                                     TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT
NBD BANK,                                             
  INDIVIDUALLY AND AS CO-AGENT                    BANK ONE, N.A.

BY: /s/ Winfred S. Pinet                          BY: /s/ Jan E. Petrik       
   ------------------------------                    --------------------------
   TITLE: FIRST VICE PRESIDENT                       TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT





                                                      

                                                      




<PAGE>   78

                                     ANNEX I

                            INFORMATION AS TO LENDERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=============================================================================================================================

   NAME OF LENDER             COMMITMENT                DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE              EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                                   <C>
KeyBank National                                 KeyBank National Association          KeyBank National Association,
Association                                      Key Center                               Cayman Islands Branch
                        GENERAL REVOLVING        127 Public Square                     c/o KeyBank National Association
                        COMMITMENT:              Cleveland, Ohio 44114                 Key Center
                                                                                       127 Public Square
                        $40,000,000              CONTACTS/ NOTIFICATION METHODS:       Cleveland, Ohio 44114
                                                 KeyBank National Association
                        SWING LINE REVOLVING     Key Center
                        COMMITMENT:              127 Public Square
                                                 Cleveland, Ohio 44114
                        $5,000,000                  Attn.: Large Corporate Group
                                                 Facsimile: (216) 689-4981

                                                 PRIMARY CONTACT:
                                                 Thomas J. Purcell
                                                 Vice President
                                                 Direct Dial: (216) 689-4439
                                                 Facsimile: (216) 689-4981

                                                 CONTACT FOR BORROWINGS, PAYMENTS,
                                                 ETC.:
                                                 Sandy Wilder
                                                 Large Corporate Group
                                                 Phone:  (216) 689-4448
                                                   FAX:  (216) 689-4981

                                                 CONTACT FOR LETTERS OF CREDIT:
                                                 International Department
                                                 Fax: (216) 689-3683

                                                 WIRING INFORMATION:

                                                 ABA # 041 001 039
                                                 Ref.: NCS HealthCare, Inc.
                                                 Attention:  Commercial Loan
                                                 Operations
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   79
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================================================

   NAME OF LENDER             COMMITMENT                DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE              EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                                   <C>
NBD Bank                                         NBD Bank                              NBD Bank
                                                 611 Woodward Avenue                   611 Woodward Avenue
                        GENERAL REVOLVING        Detroit, Michigan 48226               Detroit, Michigan 48226
                        COMMITMENT:

                                                 CONTACTS/NOTIFICATION METHODS:
                        $30,000,000              NBD Bank
                                                 611 Woodward Avenue
                                                 Detroit, Michigan 48226
                                                   Attn.: Corporate and Institutional
                                                 Banking
                                                 Facsimile: (313) 225-1212

                                                 PRIMARY CONTACT:
                                                 Winifred S. Pinet
                                                 First Vice President
                                                 Mail Suite 8074
                                                 Direct Dial: (313) 225-1313

                                                 BACK-UP CONTACT:
                                                 Carvetta Q. Colquitt
                                                 Direct Dial: (313) 225-3698
                                                 Facsimile: (313) 225-1212

                                                 CONTACT FOR BORROWINGS, PAYMENTS,
                                                 ETC.:
                                                 Carvetta Q. Colquitt
                                                 Direct Dial: (313) 225-3698
                                                 Facsimile: (313) 225-1212

                                                 LETTER OF CREDIT NOTIFICATION:
                                                 Madeline Savary
                                                 Direct Dial: (313) 225-1349

                                                 PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
                                                 Tax ID # 38-0864715
                                                 ABA # 072 000 326
                                                 Account # 212115: Comm'l Loans No.

                                                 ------
                                                 Attention:  Commercial Loan
                                                 Operations
                                                 Reference: NCS HealthCare, Inc.
</TABLE>


                                        2

<PAGE>   80
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=============================================================================================================================

   NAME OF LENDER             COMMITMENT                DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE              EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                                   <C>

National City Bank                               National City Bank                    National City Bank
                                                 National City Center                  National City Center
                        GENERAL REVOLVING        1900 East Ninth Street                1900 East Ninth Street
                        COMMITMENT:              Cleveland, Ohio 44114                 Cleveland, Ohio 44114

                        $15,000,000              CONTACTS/NOTIFICATION METHODS:
                                                 Timothy G. Healy
                                                 Vice President
                                                 10th Floor
                                                 Locator Code 2104
                                                 Tel.: (216) 575-9440
                                                 Fax.: (216) 575-9396

                                                 Back-Up Contact:
                                                 Cheryl Ging, CSR
                                                 Locator 2104
                                                 Tel.: (216) 575-9208
                                                 Fax.: (216) 575-9396

                                                 CONTACT FOR BORROWINGS, PAYMENTS,
                                                 ETC.:
                                                 Joyce Johnson, Processor
                                                 Locator 3032
                                                 Tel.: (216) 575-2145
                                                 Fax.: (216) 575-9620

                                                 PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
                                                 Tax ID # 34-6420310
                                                 ABA # 041 000 124
                                                 Account No. 151804
                                                 Attention:  Commercial Loan
                                                 Operations
                                                 Reference:  NCS HealthCare, Inc.,
                                                 Obligor #3667216702
</TABLE>


                                        3

<PAGE>   81
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=============================================================================================================================

   NAME OF LENDER             COMMITMENT                DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE              EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                                   <C>
Mellon Bank, N.A.                                Mellon Bank, N. A.                    Mellon Bank, N. A.
                                                 One Mellon Bank Center                One Mellon Bank Center
                        GENERAL REVOLVING        Suite 230                             Suite 230
                        COMMITMENT:              Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15259-0001   Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15259-0001

                        $15,000,000
                                                 CONTACTS/NOTIFICATION METHODS:
                                                 Mellon Bank, N. A.
                                                 Two Mellon Bank Center
                                                 Suite 230
                                                 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15259-0001
                                                 Attn.: Healthcare Banking
                                                 Fax.: (412) 234-9010

                                                 PRIMARY CONTACT:
                                                 Colleen McCullum
                                                 Room 270
                                                 Tel.: (412) 236-3984
                                                 Fax.: (412) 234-9010

                                                 BACK-UP CONTACT:
                                                 Richard Arrington
                                                 Room 270
                                                 Tel.: (412) 234-7958
                                                 Fax.: (412) 234-9010

                                                 CONTACT FOR BORROWINGS, PAYMENTS,
                                                 ETC.:
                                                 Christine Bissel
                                                 Corp. Loan Administration
                                                 Room 153-2332
                                                 Three Mellon Bank Center
                                                 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15259
                                                 Tel.: (412) 234-6726
                                                 Fax.: (412) 234-5049

                                                 PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

                                                 ABA # 0430-0026-1
                                                 Attention:  Commercial Loan
                                                 Operations
                                                 Reference: NCS HealthCare, Inc.
                                                 Account No. 990873800
</TABLE>

                                        4

<PAGE>   82
<TABLE>
=============================================================================================================================

   NAME OF LENDER             COMMITMENT                DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE              EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                                   <C>
Star Bank, N. A.                                 Star Bank, N. A.                      Star Bank, N. A.
                                                 Suite 211                             Suite 211
                        GENERAL REVOLVING        1350 Euclid Avenue                    1350 Euclid Avenue
                        COMMITMENT:              Cleveland, Ohio 44115                 Cleveland, Ohio 44115

                        $15,000,000              CONTACTS/NOTIFICATION METHODS:
                                                 David J. Dannemiller
                                                 ML 4432
                                                 Tel.: (216) 623-9233
                                                 Fax.: (216) 623-9208

                                                 Back-up Contact:
                                                 John W. Barrett
                                                 Tel.: (216) 623-9221
                                                 Fax.: (216) 623-9208

                                                 CONTACT FOR BORROWINGS, PAYMENTS,
                                                 ETC.:
                                                 Cathy Siegel
                                                 Star Bank, N. A.
                                                 13th Floor
                                                 6 East 4th Street
                                                 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
                                                 Tel.: (513) 632-4032
                                                 Fax.: (513) 632-2965

                                                 PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
                                                 Star Bank, N. A.
                                                 425 Walnut Street
                                                 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-1038
                                                 Tax ID # 31-0841368
                                                 ABA # 042 000 013
                                                 Attention:  Commercial Loan
                                                 Operations
                                                 Reference:  NCS HealthCare, Inc.
                                                 Account No. 9901893
</TABLE>


                                        5

<PAGE>   83
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================================================

   NAME OF LENDER             COMMITMENT                DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE              EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                                   <C>
Bank One, N. A.                                  Bank One, N. A.                       Bank One, N. A.
                                                 Third Floor                           Third Floor
                        GENERAL REVOLVING        600 Superior Avenue                   600 Superior Avenue
                        COMMITMENT:              Cleveland, Ohio 44114                 Cleveland, Ohio 44114

                        $20,000,000              CONTACTS/NOTIFICATION METHODS:
                                                 Jan E. Petrik
                                                 Vice President
                                                 Internal Zip: OH2-5435
                                                 Bank One, N. A.
                                                 P.O. Box 268
                                                 30 South Park Place
                                                 Painesville, Ohio 44077
                                                 Tel.: (216) 352-5698
                                                 Fax.: (216) 352-5971

                                                 BACKUP CONTACT:
                                                 Pamela LeRose
                                                 [Painesville, Ohio address above]
                                                 Tel.: (216) 352-5557
                                                 Fax.: (216) 352-5971

                                                 CONTACT FOR BORROWINGS, PAYMENTS,
                                                 ETC.:
                                                 For Bank-to-Bank Contact:
                                                 Rose Gapinski
                                                 [Cleveland, Ohio address above]
                                                 Tel.: (216) 781-2360
                                                 Fax.: (216) 348-2972

                                                 For Outside Customer Contact:
                                                 Pat Morgan
                                                 [Painesville, Ohio address above]
                                                 Tel.: (216) 352-5546
                                                 Fax.: (216) 352-5012

                                                 PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
                                                 Tax ID # 31-4148768
                                                 ABA # 044 0000 37
                                                 Attention:  Rose Gapinski,
                                                 Commercial Loan Operations
                                                 Reference:  NCS HealthCare, Inc.,
                                                 Loan #_______

=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



                                        6


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 12.1



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                        Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Changes
                                           For the Period Ended June 30,



                                               1992          1993           1994           1995          1996         .1997
                                               ----          ----           ----           ----          ----         -----

<S>                                         <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>    
Pretax net income                            $1,349        $1,509         $2,861         $3,404         4,208        19,927

Total fixed charges as calculated below         275           632            684          1,289         2,680         1,972

Less capitalized interest during the             --            --             --             --            --          (50)
period

Less preferred stock dividend                    --            --             --             --            --            --
                                            -------       -------         ------         ------                        ----
requirement

Adjusted earnings                           $ 1,624       $ 2,141         $3,545         $4,693        $6,888       $21,849
                                            =======       =======         ======         ======        ======       =======

Interest (expensed)                             108           428            525          1,089         2,282         1,143

Interest (capitalized)                           --            --             --             --            --            50

Amortization of debt expense                                                                                             --

Amortization of debt discount or                 --            --             --             --            --            --
premium

Interest portion of rent expense                167           204            159            200           398           779
                                            -------       -------         ------         ------                        ----

Adjusted fixed charges                         $275          $632           $684        $ 1,289       $ 2,680        $1,972
                                            =======       =======         ======         ======        ======       =======

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges            5.9lx         3.39x          5.18x          3.64x         2.57x        11.08%
                                            =======       =======         ======         ======        ======       =======
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the references to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of NCS HealthCare,
Inc. for the registration of $100,000,000 of aggregate principal amount of 5
3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures and up to 3,058,103 shares of its Class
A Common Stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
August 1, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of NCS
HealthCare, Inc. and subsidiaries included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended June 30, 1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                             Ernst & Young LLP



Cleveland, Ohio
September 8, 1997


<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1

                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that NCS HealthCare, Inc. hereby
constitutes and appoints Jon H. Outcalt, Kevin B. Shaw, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber,
Thomas F. McKee, John J. Jenkins and David A. Basinski, Jr., or any one or more
of them, its attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution
and resubstitution for it in any and all capacities, to sign any or all
amendments or post-effective amendments to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of
such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such
matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such
attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Power of Attorney has been signed at
Cleveland, Ohio this 12th day of September, 1997.



                                                  NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.


                                                  By:    /s/  Jon H. Outcalt
                                                         ----------------------
                                                         Jon H. Outcalt,
                                                         Chairman of the Board


<PAGE>   2

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                              NCS HEALTHCARE, INC.

                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), do hereby certify that the following is a true copy
of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on July 16, 1997, and that the
same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements"), with
respect to the Debentures and the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon
the conversion of any or all of the Debentures, under the Securities Act, and to
prepare or cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements
(including post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and
prospectuses and any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses
or prospectuses, to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take
any and all action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in
connection therewith.



                                                        /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                        -----------------------
                                                        Kevin B. Shaw
                                                        Secretary


Dated: September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   3

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                           ADVANCED RX SERVICES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Judith Bradac, Secretary of Advanced Rx Services, Inc., a New Jersey
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                       /s/  Judith Bradac
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       Judith Bradac
                                                       Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   4

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                     CHESHIRE LONG TERM CARE PHARMACY, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Cheshire Long Term Care Pharmacy, Inc.,
a Connecticut corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the
following is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on
September 12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full
force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                        /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                        -----------------------
                                                        Kevin B. Shaw
                                                        Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   5

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                          HLF ADULT HOME PHARMACY CORP.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Secretary of HLF Adult Home Pharmacy Corp.,
a New York corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September
12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                             /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                             Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   6

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                             KINETIC SERVICES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jon H. Outcalt, Secretary of Kinetic Services, Inc., a California
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                       /s/  Jon H. Outcalt
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       Jon H. Outcalt
                                                       Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   7

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                             LOOK DRUG STORES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Secretary of Look Drug Stores, Inc., a
Wisconsin corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September
12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                            /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                            Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   8

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                       MANAGEMENT & NETWORK SERVICES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Management & Network Services, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                   Kevin B. Shaw
                                                   Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   9

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                                MEDI CENTRE, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Secretary of Medi Centre, Inc., a Michigan
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                 /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                                 Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   10

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                              NCS DAVEN DRUG, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jon H. Outcalt, Secretary of NCS Daven Drug, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                    /s/  Jon H. Outcalt
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    Jon H. Outcalt
                                                    Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   11

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF ARKANSAS, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Arkansas, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                     /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                     --------------------------
                                                     Kevin B. Shaw
                                                     Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   12

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                       NCS HEALTHCARE OF CALIFORNIA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jon H. Outcalt, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of California, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                 /s/  Jon H. Outcalt
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 Jon H. Outcalt
                                                 Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   13

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                         NCS HEALTHCARE OF FLORIDA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Florida, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                   /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                   Kevin B. Shaw
                                                   Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   14

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF ILLINOIS, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., an
Illinois corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September
12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                             /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Kevin B. Shaw
                                             Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   15

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                         NCS HEALTHCARE OF INDIANA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jeffrey R. Steinhilber, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Indiana,
Inc., an Indiana corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the
following is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on
September 12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full
force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                               /s/  Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Jeffrey R. Steinhilber
                                               Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997

<PAGE>   16

                                                                   EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                    (CONTINUED)
                          NCS HEALTHCARE OF IOWA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Iowa, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.



                                                     /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                     --------------------------
                                                     Kevin B. Shaw
                                                     Secretary


Dated:  September 12, 1997
<PAGE>   17
                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                         NCS HEALTHCARE OF KANSAS, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Kansas, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   18


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF KENTUCKY, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Kentucky, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   19


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF MARYLAND, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Maryland, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   20


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF MICHIGAN, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Michigan, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   21


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                         NCS HEALTHCARE OF MODESTO, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jon H. Outcalt, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Modesto, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Jon H. Outcalt
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Jon H. Outcalt
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   22


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                          NCS HEALTHCARE OF OHIO, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Ohio, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   23


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                        NCS HEALTHCARE OF OKLAHOMA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Oklahoma, Inc., an
Oklahoma corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September
12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   24


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                         NCS HEALTHCARE OF OREGON, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Judith Bradac, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Oregon, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Judith Bradac
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Judith Bradac
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   25


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                      NCS HEALTHCARE OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Pennsylvania, Inc., a
Pennsylvania corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the
following is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on
September 12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full
force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   26


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                            LOOMIS ENTERPRISES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Loomis Enterprises, Inc., a Rhode Island
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   27


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                     NCS HEALTHCARE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc.,
an Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is
a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   28


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                         NCS HEALTHCARE OF VERMONT, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Vermont, Inc., an Ohio
corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true
copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997,
and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   29


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                       NCS HEALTHCARE OF WASHINGTON, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of NCS HealthCare of Washington, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   30


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                         NCS QUALITY CARE PHARMACY, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Jon H. Outcalt, Secretary of NCS Quality Care Pharmacy, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a
true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12,
1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Jon H. Outcalt
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Jon H. Outcalt
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   31


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                               NCS SERVICES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Judith Bradac, Secretary of NCS Services, Inc., an Ohio corporation
(the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following is a true copy of a
resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September 12, 1997, and that the
same has not been changed and remains in full force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Judith Bradac
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Judith Bradac
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   32


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                           RESCOT SYSTEMS GROUP, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Rescot Systems Group, Inc., a
Pennsylvania corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the
following is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on
September 12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full
force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   33


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                          THRIFTY MEDICAL SUPPLY, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Thrifty Medical Supply, Inc., an
Oklahoma corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September
12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   34


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                         UNI-CARE HEALTH SERVICES, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Uni-Care Health Services, Inc., a New
Hampshire corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on September
12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full force and
effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


<PAGE>   35


                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1
                                                                     (CONTINUED)
                     UNI-CARE HEALTH SERVICES OF MAINE, INC.


                              CERTIFIED RESOLUTION

         I, Kevin B. Shaw, Secretary of Uni-Care Health Services of Maine, Inc.,
a New Hampshire corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby certify that the
following is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors on
September 12, 1997, and that the same has not been changed and remains in full
force and effect.

         RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Authorized Officers of the Corporation be,
and each of them, acting singly, hereby is, authorized and directed, on behalf
of the Corporation and in its name, to prepare or cause to be prepared a
registration statement or registration statements on any appropriate form or
forms, including exhibits (collectively, the "Registration Statements") for the
purpose of registering the Guarantee under the Securities Act, and to prepare or
cause to be prepared any amendments to such Registration Statements (including
post-effective amendments), and preliminary prospectuses and prospectuses and
any amendments or supplements to such preliminary prospectuses or prospectuses,
to cause the same to be filed with the Commission, and to take any and all
action that any such officer shall deem necessary or desirable in connection
therewith.


                                                /s/  Kevin B. Shaw
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Kevin B. Shaw
                                                Secretary

Dated:  September 12, 1997


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