CHATTEM INC
8-K, 1998-12-28
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                              ____________________

                                    FORM 8-K


                                 CURRENT REPORT


                     PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                              ____________________

      Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  DECEMBER 21, 1998


                                  CHATTEM, INC.  
              -----------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


    TENNESSEE                        0-5905                  62-0156300
- --------------------         ----------------------     -------------------
(State of                     (Commission File No.)       (IRS Employer
incorporation)                                          Identification No.)


             1715 WEST 38TH STREET, CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE  37409
         ------------------------------------------------------------- 
         (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)


                                (423) 821-4571
             ----------------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.  ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.
- ------   ------------------------------------ 

          On December 21, 1998, Chattem, Inc. (the "Company") and Signal
Investment & Management Co. ("Signal"), its wholly-owned subsidiary, completed
the acquisition from Thompson Medical Company, Inc. of a line of dietary aids
and external analgesics sold under the DEXATRIM, ASPERCREME, CAPZASIN,
SPORTSCREME and ARTHRITIS HOT trademarks (the "Thompson Products").  The
transaction was structured as a sale of assets and the Company paid a total of
$95.0 million for the acquisition, consisting of $90.0 million in cash and
125,500 shares of the Company's common stock.

          Also on December 21, 1998, the Company refinanced its existing credit
facilities with $165.0 million in senior secured credit facilities (the "Credit
Facilities").  The Credit Facilities were provided by a syndicate of commercial
banks, led by Bank of America as agent. The Credit Facilities include a $50.0
million revolving credit facility and a $115.0 million term loan.  The Credit
Facilities were used to refinance existing senior debt, to finance the
acquisition of the Thompson Products and to finance working capital and other
general corporate needs.  The $50.0 million revolving credit facility matures on
the earlier of (i) December 21, 2003 and (ii) the date on which the term loan is
repaid in full.  The $115.0 million term loan matures on December 21, 2003.  The
Credit Facilities are secured by the stock of the Company's subsidiaries and all
present and future assets of the Company, including trademarks and intangibles.
The Credit Facilities contain covenants, representations, warranties and other
agreements by the Company that are customary in loan agreements and securities
instruments relating to financings of this type.

          The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Purchase and Sale Agreement
between the Company, Signal and Thompson Medical Company, Inc., which is
attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1, and the Credit Facilities which are attached
hereto as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, all of which documents are incorporated herein
by reference.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
- ------   -----------------------------------------
         INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS
         ------------------------

          (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.

              It is impracticable to provide the required financial statements
              at this time. They will be filed as soon as they are available,
              but not later than sixty (60) days after the date this report is
              due to be filed.
              
          (b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

              It is impracticable to provide the required financial statements
              at this time. They will be filed as soon as they are available,
              but not later than sixty (60) days after the date this report is
              due to be filed.
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  Exhibits

               2.1  Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 16, 1998 by and
                    among Thompson Medical Company, Inc., Chattem, Inc. and
                    Signal Investment & Management Co.

               10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (New Credit Agreement)
                    dated December 21, 1998 among Chattem, Inc., its domestic
                    subsidiaries, identified Lenders and NationsBank, N.A., as
                    agent.

               10.2 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Supplemental Credit
                    Agreement) dated December 21, 1998 among Chattem, Inc., its
                    domestic subsidiaries, identified Lenders and NationsBank,
                    N.A., as agent.

               99.1 Press Release dated December 22, 1998.
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
                                  ----------

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


December 28, 1998                   CHATTEM, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          A. Alexander Taylor II,
                                          President and Chief Operating Officer

<PAGE>
 
                          PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

     AGREEMENT, made as of the 16th day of November 1998, by and among Thompson
Medical Company, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Thompson"), a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, having an office
at 777 South Flagler Drive, West Tower, Suite 1500, West Palm Beach, Florida
33401, Chattem, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Chattem"), a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Tennessee, having an
office at 1715 West 38th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409, and Signal
Investment & Management Co. (hereinafter referred to as "Signal"), a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, having an office
at 1105 North Market Street, Suite 1300, Wilmington, Delaware 19890 (Chattem and
Signal are referred to hereinafter together as the "Purchasers" or singly as the
"Purchaser").

                        W  I  T  N  E  S  S  E  T  H  :
                        ----------------------------   

     WHEREAS, Thompson is engaged, among other things, in the business of
developing, manufacturing (exclusively through third party manufacturers),
selling, promoting and marketing certain over-the-counter pharmaceutical
products under the trademarks listed on Schedule I hereto (such products, which
                                        ----------                             
also are listed on Schedule I hereto, hereinafter are referred to as the
"Products") (the "Business"); and

     WHEREAS, Thompson wishes to sell to Purchasers and Purchasers wish to
purchase from Thompson the trademarks and formula specifications (subject to the
exceptions herein set forth) used in connection with the Products and certain
other specified assets, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein, including the assumption of certain specified liabilities;
<PAGE>
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
provided herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

I.   SALE AND PURCHASE OF ASSETS
     ---------------------------

     A.  Sale and Transfer of Assets.  Upon the terms and subject to the
         ---------------------------                                    
conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the closing provided for in Article V
hereof (the "Closing"), Thompson shall sell, assign, transfer, convey and
deliver to Purchasers, and Purchasers shall purchase, acquire and accept from
Thompson all of Thompson's right, title and interest in and to the following
assets (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Assets"):

          (1)  All of the trademarks, trade names and service marks,
including registrations and applications, listed on Schedule I attached hereto
                                                    ----------                
and made a part hereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Trademarks"), together with the goodwill associated therewith;

          (2)  All formulae, manufacturing instructions, batch formulations,
technologies, analytical methods, trade secrets, know-how,  active raw material
specifications for Thompson sourced ingredients, and product specifications
pertaining to the Products (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Technical Information") and all notebooks, records, reports, databases
(regarding stability results, release results and assay results) and other
written documentation which contain or embody the Technical Information;

          (3)  The manufacturing equipment and packaging assets owned by
Thompson that are used in the manufacture of the Products and set forth on
Schedule II (collectively, the "Equipment"), located at the contract
- -----------                                                         
manufacturing facilities identified on such Schedule, and any 

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
associated warranty rights applicable to such manufacturing equipment, to the
extent that Thompson is permitted to transfer such rights;

          (4)  All items of inventory as of the Closing relating to the
Business or the Products, including work in progress, finished product or raw
materials, and packaging supplies, promotional display racks and other sales
aids, wherever located (the "Inventory"), and all of Thompson's artwork,
advertising copy and promotional materials used in the Business or the sale of
the Products;

          (5)  All customer and vendor lists relating to the Business or the
Products;

          (6)  All of Thompson's files, documents, books, records and other
data (including, without limitation, marketing information and market research
studies) relating to the Business or the Products and any extensions thereof or
to any discontinued versions of the Products;

          (7)  All rights of Thompson under or pursuant to all warranties,
representations and guarantees or otherwise from or against manufacturers to the
extent relating to the Business or the Products or affecting the Assets; and

          (8)  The agreements and purchase orders listed on Schedule III
                                                            ------------
hereto and all additional purchase orders from Thompson to third-party
manufacturers relating to the Products entered into in the ordinary course of
business after the date hereof and prior to the Closing (collectively, the
"Contracts").

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assets referred to in clauses (2),
(4) and (6) above shall not include any Technical Information, artwork or other
information or documentation relating exclusively to bar or other food products.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     B.  Instruments of Conveyance.  In order to effectuate the sale,
         -------------------------                                   
assignment, transfer, conveyance and delivery of the Assets contemplated by this
Article I, Thompson shall execute and deliver at the Closing, dated the date of
the Closing (the "Closing Date"), a bill of sale and other documents or
instruments of assignment, transfer and conveyance necessary or appropriate to
vest in or confirm to Purchasers all of Thompson's right, title and interest in
and to the Assets, free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, security
interests, charges, claims, restrictions and encumbrances of any nature, except
Permitted Liens (as defined in Section IV.A.2 hereof), as follows:

          (1)  The Trademarks and the Technical Information, by Assignments
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Purchasers;

          (2)  The Equipment and Inventory, by a Bill of Sale in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Purchasers; and

          (3)  The Contracts, by an Assignment in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Purchasers.

     C.     Assignments of Trademarks.  Thompson shall be responsible for the
            -------------------------                                        
delivery of all documents of transfer or assignment with respect to the
Trademarks, which documents or assignments shall be in recordable form.
Purchasers shall be responsible, if required, for the recording of such
documents and assignments with appropriate national authorities and the payment
of all recording fees, transfer taxes and other expenses, if any, associated
therewith.  The respective responsibilities of Thompson and Purchasers in this
regard shall continue after the Closing Date to the extent necessary to fully
effect the transfer of ownership of the Trademarks as contemplated herein.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
II.  PURCHASE PRICE, PAYMENT AND INVENTORY ADJUSTMENT;  REGISTRATION OF
     ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
CHATTEM STOCK
- -------------

     A.     Purchase Price.  The aggregate purchase price to be paid by
            --------------                                             
Purchasers for the Assets shall be Ninety-Five Million Dollars (U.S.
$95,000,000) (the "Closing Payment"), subject to adjustment as provided in
paragraph C below (as adjusted, the "Purchase Price").  The Closing Payment
shall be subject to partial payment in shares of voting common stock, no par
value, of Chattem ("Chattem Stock"), as provided in Section II.B. below.

     B.     Method of Payment.  The Closing Payment shall be paid by Purchasers
            -----------------                                                  
to Thompson at the Closing in United States dollars by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account designated by Thompson.  At the
election of the Purchasers exercised by giving written notice to Thompson at
least ten (10) trading days prior to the Closing Date, Purchasers may pay
$5,000,000 of the Closing Payment in the form of Chattem Stock.  If Purchasers
exercise such election, the number of shares of Chattem Stock to be issued to
Thompson at the Closing shall be determined by dividing $5,263,157.90 by the
average of the closing prices of the Chattem Stock as reported in The Wall
                                                                  --------
Street Journal for the twenty (20) trading days immediately preceding the
- --------------                                                           
Closing Date (the "Closing Date Average Price").  The number of shares of
Chattem Stock to be issued to Thompson shall be subject to adjustment as
provided in paragraph E below.

     C.     Inventory Adjustment.  On or prior to the Closing Date, Thompson and
            --------------------                                                
the Purchasers shall jointly conduct a physical count of the Inventory as of the
Closing Date and the Purchasers shall make or cause to be made a calculation of
the Inventory value as of the Closing Date in accordance with Thompson's actual
cost paid to third party vendors, including all component parts as specified in
Thompson's bill of materials for each item determined on a FIFO basis (the
"Calculation").  For purposes of the Calculation, inventory acquired by Thompson
from 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
Stella Pharmaceutical Canada (1994) Inc. pursuant to Section VI.E. shall be
included in the Calculation on the basis of Thompson's cost thereof.  Any
Inventory that is obsolete (including discontinued) or that is not of a good and
merchantable quality shall not be included in the Calculation.  For purposes of
the Calculation, (I) all "twin-pack" or similarly packaged items shall be
treated as separate stock items and (II) all finished goods Inventory which has
a shelf-life expiration date of less than twelve months from the Closing Date,
exceeds a 12-month supply, other than in the case of Dexatrim Gelcaps (as
measured on the basis of sales for the 12-month period preceding the Closing
Date) or otherwise fails to satisfy the representations and warranties with
respect to Inventory in Section IV.A.10 shall, to the extent of such excess or
failure, be excluded from the Calculation.  The Purchasers shall also provide
Thompson with copies of the Calculation and all work papers associated therewith
within 15 days after the Closing Date.  The Purchasers may not assert a claim
for indemnification with respect to any Inventory that is not included in the
Calculation.

     Thompson shall have a period of 20 days in which to review the Calculation
and the work papers associated therewith provided by the Purchasers.  If
Thompson disagrees with all or any part of the Calculation, Thompson shall have
the right to notify the Purchasers in writing of such disagreement and its
reasons for so disagreeing, in which case Thompson and the Purchasers shall
attempt to resolve the disagreement.  If within 15 days after delivery of such
notice by Thompson, Thompson and the Purchasers are unable to resolve the
differences, if any, arising as a result of the Calculation, they or either of
them shall submit a statement of all unresolved differences together with copies
of the Calculation to Arthur Andersen LLP or such other independent accounting
firm as shall be mutually agreed (the "Accountants") for a binding and
nonappealable determination to

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
be rendered within 30 days after such submission. All fees and expenses of the
Accountants incurred in this capacity shall be billed to and shared by Thompson
and the Purchasers equally.

     If the Calculation reflects an Inventory value that is either less than or
greater than $3,875,000, the Purchase Price will be reduced or increased dollar-
for-dollar, as the case may be, by the amount of such difference, and the
Purchasers will pay the amount of any such increase to Thompson or Thompson will
pay the amount of any such decrease to the Purchasers, in immediately available
funds, within five business days after the final determination of the Inventory
value.

     D.     Allocation of Purchase Price.  The Purchase Price shall be allocated
            ----------------------------                                        
as set forth in Schedule IV hereto.  Thompson and Purchasers agree not to take a
                -----------                                                     
position on any income tax return, before any governmental agency or in any
judicial proceeding that is inconsistent with such allocation.

     E.     Registration of Chattem Stock.  Chattem, at its sole cost and
            -----------------------------                                
expense, shall register the Chattem Stock for sale on behalf of Thompson by
preparing and filing a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") not later than ten business days following the
Closing Date.  Chattem shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective as promptly as practicable and in any
event within 45 days following the Closing Date (or 75 days in the event the SEC
issues comments on the registration statement); provided that such periods shall
be extended by the amount of any delays caused by Thompson's failure to furnish
required information to Chattem.  Not later than three (3) days prior to the
filing of the registration statement, Purchasers shall furnish to Thompson
copies of the registration statement which Chattem proposes to file with the SEC
and Thompson shall 

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
furnish the Purchasers with all information required to be included in the
registration statement with respect to Thompson. Chattem shall also furnish
Thompson with copies of all filings with the SEC relating to such registration
statement.

     If, for any reason, the registration statement is not declared effective by
the SEC within 45 days after the Closing Date (or 75 days in the event the SEC
issues comments on the registration statement), the Purchasers shall pay to
Thompson within three (3) business days after demand from Thompson, an amount
equal to the product of (I) the number of shares of Chattem Stock issued to
Thompson on the Closing Date, multiplied by (II)(A)the Closing Date Average
Price minus (B) the average of the closing prices of the Chattem Stock as
reported in The Wall Street Journal for the five (5) trading days immediately
            -----------------------                                          
preceding the effective date of the registration statement.  At the election of
the Purchasers, Purchasers may pay such amount in additional shares of Chattem
Stock valued on the basis of clause (II)(B) above, provided that such shares are
included in the registration statement.  If, for any reason, the registration
statement is not declared effective by the SEC within 120 days after the Closing
Date or if the registration statement ceases to be effective for a period in
excess of thirty (30) days within any six-month period during the period that
the registration statement is required to remain effective, Thompson shall have
the option to put any shares of Chattem Stock covered by the registration
statement to Purchasers at a price per share equal to the higher of the Closing
Date Average Price and the average of the closing prices of the Chattem Stock as
reported in The Wall Street Journal for the five (5) trading days immediately
            -----------------------                                          
preceding the date Thompson exercises such put right.  Purchasers shall be
obligated to make payment for any such shares so put within three (3) business
days following 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
written notice of the exercise of Thompson's put in immediately available funds
to an account designated by Thompson.

     Chattem further covenants to keep the registration statement continuously
effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")
until the date that is two years after the date that such registration statement
is declared effective by the SEC or such earlier date as the Chattem Stock
covered by the registration statement has been sold.  Chattem shall indemnify
and hold harmless Thompson, its officers, directors, affiliates, agents, brokers
and employees of each of the foregoing and each person or entity who controls
Thompson (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) and the
officers, directors, employees and agents of each such controlling person or
entity, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, from and against any
and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without
limitation, costs of preparation and attorneys' fees) and expenses, as incurred,
arising out of or relating to any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the registration statement, any prospectus included
therein or any form of prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or
in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or relating to any omission or
alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein (in the case of any prospectus or form of
prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made) not misleading, except to the extent, but only to the extent, that
such untrue statements or omissions are based solely upon information regarding
Thompson furnished in writing to Chattem by or on behalf of Thompson expressly
for use therein, which information was reasonably relied on by Chattem for use
therein.  The parties acknowledge and agree that the only 

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
information to be provided by Thompson shall be included in the selling security
holder and plan of distribution sections of the registration statement.

     Thompson shall indemnify and hold harmless Chattem, its officers,
directors, affiliates, agents, brokers and employees of each of the foregoing
and each person or entity who controls Chattem (within the meaning of Section 15
of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) and the officers,
directors, employees and agents of each such controlling person or entity, to
the same extent and on the same basis as Chattem is required to indemnify
Thompson and such persons as provided above but only with respect to the
information regarding Thompson furnished in writing to Chattem by or on behalf
of Thompson expressly for use in the registration statement.

III. LIABILITIES; RETURNS
     --------------------

     A.     Liabilities Not Assumed.  Thompson acknowledges and agrees that the
            -----------------------                                            
Purchasers are assuming no liabilities or obligations of Thompson whatsoever
associated with its ownership of the Assets, manufacture and sale of the
Products or conduct of the Business, except as expressly provided in this
Article III and Section VI.E.  Except as expressly provided in this Article III
and Section VI.E., Thompson shall be solely and exclusively liable with respect
to all liabilities and obligations arising as a result of Thompson's ownership,
use or operation of the Assets or the Business or the sale, promotion or
marketing of the Products prior to the Closing Date. Without limiting the
foregoing, except as expressly provided in this Article III and Section VI.E.,
in no event shall the Purchasers assume or incur any liability or obligation in
respect of any of the following:

          (1) payables and liabilities for materials and services owed by
Thompson, with respect to the manufacture of Products prior to the Closing;

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
          (2) any federal, state or local income or other tax payable with
respect to any business, assets, properties or operation of Thompson or any
member of any affiliated group of which Thompson is a member for any period
prior to the Closing;

          (3) any liability or obligation with respect to periods prior to the
Closing under any law, ordinance or governmental or regulatory rule or
regulation, whether federal, state or local, to which Thompson's business
operations, assets or properties is subject, including without limitation any
environmental laws or regulations; or

          (4) any liability or obligation with respect to periods prior to, or
as a result of, the Closing to any employees, agents or independent contractors
of Thompson, whether or not employed by the Purchasers after the Closing, or
under any benefit arrangement of Thompson with respect thereto.

     B.     Assumed Contracts; Assumed Liabilities.
            -------------------------------------- 

          (1)     At the Closing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, Thompson shall assign to the Purchasers all of its
rights and obligations under the Contracts and the Purchasers shall jointly and
severally assume all of Thompson's rights and obligations thereunder (except
that the Purchasers shall have no obligation in respect of goods supplied or
services rendered prior to the Closing Date except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement and Purchasers do not assume or agree to pay, discharge or perform any
liabilities or obligations arising out of any breach or failure to perform by
Thompson of any provision of the Contracts); provided, however, that Thompson
shall assign such rights and obligations only to the extent that such rights and
obligations are assignable under the Contracts and applicable law, and 

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
no action hereunder shall constitute an assignment thereof except to such extent
and provided, further, that to the extent consent of a third party to the
assignment of any Contract by Thompson to the Purchasers is required pursuant to
the terms of such Contract or applicable law, no assignment or attempted
assignment will be deemed to have been effected by the provisions of this
Agreement without such consent. Thompson shall use all reasonable efforts to
obtain the consent of such third party to the assignment or transfer thereof to
Purchasers in all cases in which such consent is required for assignment or
transfer. If such consent cannot be obtained, Thompson and the Purchasers will
use their reasonable efforts to enter into arrangements sufficient to provide
equivalent benefits and burdens to the Purchasers. At the Closing, Purchasers
shall reimburse Thompson dollar for dollar with respect to those items set forth
on Schedule V hereto to the extent such items relate to goods or services to be
   ----------                                                                  
furnished on or after Closing upon presentation of appropriate evidence of prior
payment by Thompson.  The Purchasers further agree to pay directly to any broker
identified on Schedule III-2 all brokers' commissions due with respect to
Products sold after the Closing, in accordance with the terms of the applicable
broker agreement and Thompson's commission processing procedures in respect of
the 30-day period following Closing.  Promptly following the Closing, Thompson
will notify the brokers identified on Schedule III-2 that on and after the
thirtieth day following the Closing, they will no longer be entitled to sell any
of the Products pursuant to their broker agreements.  The Purchasers shall not
be responsible for any special incentive or other payments to any broker outside
of the brokers' normal commissions.

          (2)     At the Closing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement, the Purchasers shall jointly and severally assume all
advertising and promotional liabilities existing as of the Closing Date,
including without limitation, coupon redemptions, 

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
consumer money-back guarantees, trade promotions, co-op advertising, and
promotional allowances, incurred or committed by Thompson with respect to the
Products as set forth on Schedule VI hereto with only such additions as may
                         -----------
occur in the ordinary course of business after the date hereof and on or prior
to the Closing Date (collectively, the "Promotional Liabilities").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Promotional Liabilities that are attributable
to items that run or are performed prior to the Closing Date shall be the sole
and exclusive responsibility of Thompson; provided that in the event the Closing
Date is later than December 21, 1998 as a result of Purchasers' failure to
satisfy the conditions to Closing set forth in Section V.D., Purchasers shall be
solely and exclusively responsible for all Promotional Liabilities that are
attributable to items that run or are performed during the period from the
seventh day prior to the Closing Date and through the Closing Date (and in the
event that Thompson is required to make any payments in respect of such items
prior to Closing, the Purchasers shall reimburse Thompson for any such payments
at Closing upon presentation of appropriate evidence thereof); provided further
that Purchasers in all cases shall be responsible for the following items: (i)
consumer money-back guarantees, (ii) in-pack coupons, (iii) military coupons,
and (iv) consumer coupons; provided further, that Thompson shall reimburse
Purchasers if the aggregate expenditures arising out of (i) through (iv) during
the three-month period following the Closing Date exceed $20,000 to the extent
of such excess. If, following the Closing, Thompson receives any of such items,
Thompson shall promptly forward such items to Purchasers for processing. With
respect to talent commitments identified on Schedule VI-1, at the time of
Closing Purchasers shall reimburse Thompson for payments made by Thompson prior
to Closing to the extent that such payments are allocable to advertisements to
be aired on or after Closing.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
          (3)     The Purchasers hereby agree to reimburse Thompson, dollar for
dollar, in the event that any of Thompson's customers or other third parties
offset the cost of Product returns or Promotional Liabilities attributable to
such customer or third party against accounts payable by such customer or third
party to Thompson to the extent that such Product return or Promotional
Liability would otherwise be the responsibility of the Purchasers.  Thompson
shall provide written notice to the Purchasers of any such offset for which
Thompson is entitled to reimbursement pursuant hereto.  The Purchasers shall pay
Thompson promptly following receipt of notice of any such offset (together with
supporting documentation).  Thompson hereby agrees to reimburse Purchasers,
dollar for dollar, in the event that any of Purchasers' customers or other third
parties offset the cost of Product returns or Promotional Liabilities
attributable to such customer or third party against accounts payable by such
customer or third party to Purchasers to the extent that such Product return to
Promotional Liability would otherwise be the responsibility of Thompson.
Purchasers shall provide written notice to Thompson of any such offset for which
Purchasers are entitled to reimbursement pursuant hereto.  Thompson shall pay
Purchasers promptly following receipt of notice of any such offset (together
with supporting documentation).  Thompson and the Purchasers shall cooperate to
ensure that the customer or third party does not offset such Product return or
Promotional Liability against both Thompson and the Purchasers.

     C.     Product Liabilities.  The Purchasers shall be jointly and severally
            -------------------                                                
responsible for, perform and discharge all liabilities and obligations arising
in any manner whatsoever from any claims, lawsuits or proceedings made or
brought after the Closing Date that relate to or arise from personal injury or
property damage caused by or allegedly caused by Products sold by or on behalf
of the Purchasers on or after the Closing Date.  Thompson shall be responsible
for, perform and 

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
discharge all liabilities and obligations arising in any manner whatsoever from
any claims, lawsuits or proceedings made or brought after the Closing Date that
relate to or arise from personal injury or property damage caused by or
allegedly caused by Products sold by or on behalf of Thompson prior to the
Closing Date.

     D.     Returns.  The Purchasers shall be responsible for all product
            -------                                                      
returns made during the first three months after the Closing Date relating to
sales of Products prior to the Closing up to $750,000, inclusive of the costs of
returns (the "Returns Limit") and all product returns made following the three
month anniversary of the Closing Date relating to the Products.  With respect to
returns of Products of merchantable quality (which satisfy the representation in
Section IV.A.10. hereof) during the first three months after the Closing Date
relating to sales made prior to the Closing Date in excess of the Returns Limit
(the "Excess Returns"), Thompson shall be responsible for and shall indemnify
and hold harmless Purchasers from and against (on a dollar for dollar basis) the
Margin and costs of returns associated with such Excess Returns.  For purposes
hereof, "Margin" shall mean the excess of the sales revenue received with
respect to such Excess Returns over Thompson's cost of goods sold of such Excess
Returns.  From time to time during the three month period following the Closing
Date, and in any event at the end of the first and second month following the
Closing Date, the Purchasers shall advise Thompson as to the amount of product
returns for Products sold prior to the Closing Date received or claimed since
the Closing Date.  Any product returns of Products manufactured prior to the
Closing Date caused by the failure to manufacture such Products in compliance
with applicable good manufacturing practices under the FDA Act shall be the
responsibility of Thompson.  Thompson and Purchasers covenant not to take any
action which would encourage product returns relating to sales of 

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
Products prior to the Closing. Payments under this Section III.D. shall be made
promptly following notice and provision of supporting documentation.

     E.     Liabilities and Obligations of the Purchasers Following the Closing.
            ------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Following the Closing, except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the
Purchasers shall be solely and exclusively liable with respect to all
liabilities and obligations arising as a result of the Purchasers' ownership,
use or operation of the Assets or the Business or the sale, promotion or
marketing of the Products.  The Purchasers also shall be solely and exclusively
liable for all ongoing obligations required by good manufacturing practices and
the Food and Drug Administration for Products manufactured and/or distributed by
Thompson in connection with the Business prior to the Closing.

     F.     Purchaser Assumed Liabilities and Retained Liabilities.  The
            ------------------------------------------------------      
obligations and liabilities referred to in this Article III for which Purchasers
have responsibility hereinafter are referred to as the "Purchaser Assumed
Liabilities" and for which Thompson has responsibility hereinafter are referred
to as the "Retained Liabilities."

IV.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
     ------------------------------

     A.     Representations and Warranties by Thompson.  In this Agreement, any
            ------------------------------------------                         
reference to Thompson's knowledge shall mean the actual knowledge of Thompson's
executive officers, including its Vice President of Sales, after reasonable
inquiry and diligence (but without inquiry of customers, brokers or other third
parties).  Thompson represents and warrants to Purchasers that:

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
          (1)     Thompson is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of New York, with full right, power
and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to grant all of the
rights, powers and authorities herein granted.

          (2)     Thompson is and shall be at the Closing the sole and exclusive
owner of the Assets with good and valid title thereto, all of which are and
shall be at the Closing unencumbered by any liens, security interests,
encumbrances, pledges, charges, claims, restrictions, defects of title of any
nature or other rights or claims of any third party, other than Permitted Liens
and except that (i) with respect to the Technical Information relating to the
Products, Thompson does not make any representation that its rights therein are
exclusive of rights of its third party manufacturers (but Thompson does
represent that its third party manufacturers do not have any exclusive rights in
the Technical Information or any rights which would restrict or interfere with
Purchasers' right to use the Technical Information other than that relating to
such manufacturers' manufacturing expertise); (ii) with respect to the Technical
Information, Thompson's rights are subject to the exceptions set forth on
Schedule VII; and (iii) Thompson's rights in the Trademarks are subject to
- ------------                                                              
Section IV.A.3.  Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
Purchasers will have acquired good and valid title in and to the Assets, free
and clear of all liens, security interests, encumbrances, charges, claims,
restrictions, defects of title of any nature or other rights or claims by any
third party, except as set forth herein.  For purposes of this Agreement,
Permitted Liens shall mean, collectively, (a) liens for taxes or assessments
which are not delinquent; (b) mechanics', warehousemen's, materialmen's,
contractors', workmen's, repairmen's and carriers' liens, and other similar
liens arising in the ordinary course for obligations which are not delinquent;

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
(c) the rights, if any, of third-party suppliers or other vendors having
possession of manufacturing equipment; and (d) liens which do not impair the
current or intended use or value of the assets subject to such liens.

          (3)     Schedule I lists all of the trademark registrations and
trademark applications by Thompson that are used in connection with the Business
or the sale of the Products.  Thompson is the owner of the trademark
registrations and trademark applications set forth on Schedule I together with
the goodwill of the business symbolized thereby.  The trademark registrations
and applications therefor set forth on such Schedule I are valid and in good
standing.  To Thompson's knowledge, no other firm, corporation, association, or
person has a right to use any of the trademarks reflected on Schedule I, other
than pursuant to (i) the License Agreement between Thompson and Stella
Pharmaceutical Canada (1994) Inc., which shall be amended to terminate the
license with respect to the Products pursuant to Section VI.E. herein, (ii) the
Distribution Agreement between Thompson and Roche Pharma (Schweiz) A.G. (the
"Roche Distribution Agreement") and (iii) the License Agreement between Thompson
and Laboratoires Sauter S.A., which shall be terminated prior to Closing.  No
notice has been received by Thompson claiming that any trademark identified on
Schedule I is invalid or infringes upon the rights of any other persons and
Thompson has no knowledge of any basis for any such claim.  Except as set forth
above, none of the Trademarks set forth on Schedule I are currently licensed to
or by Thompson.

          (4)     The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do
not and will not conflict with, violate or breach any agreement, instrument,
document or understanding to which Thompson is a party or by which the Assets
may be bound or affected, Thompson's articles of incorporation or by-laws, or
any order or law, rule or regulation binding on Thompson.

          (5)     The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Thompson.
This Agreement and the other agreements, documents and instruments required to
be delivered by Thompson have been or 

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
will have been on the Closing Date duly executed and delivered by Thompson and
(assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the
Purchasers), will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Thompson,
enforceable against it in accordance with their terms.

          (6)     Other than (i) filings with the U.S. Department of Justice and
the Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act") and (ii) those consents which have been obtained and
which are in full force and effect, the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement by Thompson and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement do not require the consent, waiver, approval, license or
authorization of or any filing with any person or any governmental authority.

          (7)     Thompson has delivered to the Purchasers (a) the audited
consolidated financial statements of Thompson as of and for the fiscal years
ended November 30, 1997 and 1996 (the "Audited Statements") and (ii) the
unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the Products for the 10
months ended September 30, 1998 (the "Pro Forma Statement" and together with the
Audited Statements, the "Financial Statements").  The Audited Statements have
been prepared in accordance with Thompson's accounting policies applied on a
consistent basis, which are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles and fairly present, in all material respects, as of the
dates thereof and for the periods then ended, the financial results included
therein.  The Pro Forma Statement has been prepared in accordance with
Thompson's accounting policies applied on a consistent basis and fairly
presents, in all material respects, the financial results included therein.

          (8)     The Business and the manufacture and sale of the Products as
carried out by Thompson is conducted in compliance with all permits, orders,
injunctions and decrees and 

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
applicable laws, including the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938, as amended
(the "FDA Act"), and the rules and regulations of any governmental entity having
jurisdiction over the manufacture and sale of the Products. Thompson owns,
holds, possesses and lawfully uses in the operation of the Business all
necessary franchises, licenses, permits, rights, applications, filings,
registrations and other authorizations. No proceeding is pending or, to the
knowledge of Thompson, threatened to revoke or limit any such authorization to
conduct the Business.

          (9)     Except as set forth on Schedule VIII, there are no complaints
                                         -------------                         
(other than routine customer complaints), investigations, lawsuits or
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Thompson, threatened against
Thompson, involving any Product, the Business or the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.

          (10)    The finished goods Inventory held for sale in the United
States or Canada has been manufactured in accordance with applicable good
manufacturing practices, as defined by the FDA Act or under the corresponding
laws of Canada.  None of the Inventory is adulterated or misbranded within the
meaning of the FDA Act or under the corresponding laws of Canada, or the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder.  The Inventory consists of items which
are of a quality and quantity usable or salable in the ordinary course of the
business.  The Inventory (including, without limitation, all documentation
furnished in connection therewith) is free from any defects in workmanship and
materials, and conforms in all material respects with all regulatory, customary
and reasonable standards for products of such type.  Neither the United States
Food and Drug Administration nor any other governmental authority regulating the
marketing, sale, testing or advertising of any of the products currently
manufactured, sold, distributed or used in connection with the Business has
requested that any such product be 

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
removed from the market, that substantial new product testing be undertaken as a
condition to the continued manufacturing, selling, distribution or use of any
such product, or that such product be modified in any way.

          (11)     Each Contract is in full force and effect (except that no
product is currently being distributed under the Roche Distribution Agreement
and, subject to necessary regulatory approvals, the Company and Roche are
seeking a replacement supplier of the Dexatrim capsule product covered by the
Roche Distribution Agreement) and there exists no event of default thereunder on
the part of Thompson and, to Thompson's knowledge, the other party or parties to
any Contract.  Thompson has not violated any of the terms and conditions of any
Contract and, to the knowledge of Thompson, all of the covenants to be performed
by the other party thereto have been fully performed.

          (12)     Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, since
September 30, 1998, the Business has been operated in the ordinary course and
consistent with past practices and there have not been:

          (a) any material adverse changes in the results of operations,
financial condition, assets, liabilities, business or prospects of the Business;

          (b) any damage, destruction or loss (whether or not covered by
insurance) affecting any tangible asset or property used or useful in the
Business (normal wear and tear excepted);

          (c) any obligations or liabilities (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due) created or incurred or
entered into, or any transactions, contracts or commitments entered into, by
Thompson relating exclusively to the

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
Business, other than such items created or incurred in the ordinary course of
the Business and consistent with past practices, except for this Agreement or as
contemplated by this Agreement;

          (d) any material change in the manner in which Thompson extends
discounts or credits to customers or otherwise deals with customers of the
Business;

          (e) any forward purchase commitments of the Business in excess of
normal operating inventories or at prices higher than current market prices;

          (f) any forward sales commitments of the Business other than in the
ordinary course of business;

          (g) any other material transactions relating to the Business other
than in the ordinary course of the Business and consistent with past practice;
or

          (h) any agreements or understandings, whether in writing or otherwise,
for Thompson to take any of the actions specified in items (a) through (g)
above.

          (13)     Thompson has furnished the Purchasers with information
concerning the customers of the Business by gross sales for each such customer
for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1996 and 1997 and for the eleven months
ended October 31, 1998.  To the knowledge of Thompson, except as otherwise
described on Schedule IX hereto, no current customer of the Business that was
among its largest 25 customers as measured by sales during the eleven months
ended October 31, 1998 intends to purchase products of the Business in amounts
or on terms materially less favorable than those currently in effect.

          (14)     Thompson has made available to Purchasers pricing
information, including product, customer and quantity for the Products included
in the Business for the period from January 1, 1998 through September 30, 1998.
Other than as included in such information, 

                                      -22-
<PAGE>
 
Thompson has not offered or sold any such Products at prices different than the
prices included in such information.

          (15)     Except for the representations and warranties contained in
this Article IV, neither Thompson nor any other person makes any other express
or implied representation or warranty.  Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Thompson makes no representation or warranty with respect to data
compatibility in computer systems that are year 2000 compliant.

     B.     Representations and Warranties by Purchasers.  Purchasers jointly
            --------------------------------------------                     
and severally represent and warrant to Thompson that:

          (1)     Each of the Purchasers is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, with full right, power and authority to enter
into and perform this Agreement.

          (2)     The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement do
not and will not conflict with, violate or breach any agreement, instrument,
document or understanding to which either of the Purchasers is a party, either
Purchaser's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any order or law, rule or
regulation binding on either Purchaser.

          (3)     The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each of
the Purchasers.  This Agreement and the other agreements, documents and
instruments required to be delivered by Purchasers have been or will have been
on the Closing Date duly executed and delivered by each of the Purchasers and
(assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Thompson),
will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of each of the Purchasers,
enforceable against each of the Purchasers in accordance with their terms.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>
 
          (4)     Other than (i) filings with the U.S. Department of Justice and
Federal Trade Commission under the HSR Act and (ii) those consents which have
been obtained and which are in full force and effect, the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by each of the Purchasers and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not require the consent,
waiver, approval, license or authorization of or any filing with any person or
any governmental authority.

          (5)     Purchasers have conducted their own independent review and
analysis of the Assets, the Business, the Products and the Purchaser Assumed
Liabilities and acknowledge that they have been provided access to the
personnel, properties, premises and records of Thompson relating to the Assets,
the Business, the Products and the Purchaser Assumed Liabilities for such
purpose.  In entering into this Agreement, the Purchasers have relied solely
upon the representations, warranties and covenants of Thompson set forth in this
Agreement and their own investigation and analysis, and the Purchasers
acknowledge that none of Thompson or any of its affiliates or any of their
respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, affiliates, agents,
advisors or representatives makes any representation or warranty, either express
or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information
provided or made available to the Purchasers or their agents or representatives,
except that the foregoing limitations shall not apply with respect to the
specific representations and warranties set forth in Article IV of this
Agreement, but always subject to the limitations and restrictions contained
herein.

          (6)     There are no Proceedings, pending or, to the knowledge of the
Purchasers, threatened against or related to either of the Purchasers which
could affect the Purchasers' ability to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
 
          (7)     The Purchasers have (through commitments for credit
arrangements or otherwise) as of the date hereof, and will have at the Closing,
sufficient funds to pay the Purchase Price and all other amounts payable by the
Purchasers at the Closing and to perform their obligations hereunder following
the Closing.

V.   CLOSING AND CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
     ---------------------------------

     A.     Closing.  The Closing of the purchase and sale of the Assets shall
            -------                                                           
be held at the offices of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle, 101 Park Avenue,
Suite 3500, New York, NY 10178, at 10:00 A.M., local time, on December 21, 1998
(or, if later, the second business day following the satisfaction of the
conditions precedent set forth in Section V.B.1.), or at such other place or
such other time and date as may be agreed upon by the parties.

     B.     Conditions to the Obligations of Purchasers and Thompson.  The
            --------------------------------------------------------      
obligations of the parties hereto to effect the Closing are subject to the
satisfaction (or waiver where permissible) prior to the Closing of the following
conditions:

          (1)     HSR Act.  Any waiting periods under the HSR Act shall have
                  -------                                                   
expired or shall have been earlier terminated and no investigation by a
governmental authority relating to the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
pending which, in the written opinion of counsel to the Purchasers or Thompson,
as the case may be, would be reasonably likely to result in an action seeking to
enjoin the transactions contemplated hereby.

          (2)     No Injunctions;  Actions.  There shall not (i) be in effect
                  ------------------------                                   
any statute, regulation, order, decree or judgment which makes illegal or
enjoins or prevents in any respect the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) have been commenced, and shall be
continuing, or threatened any action or proceeding by any governmental authority

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
which seeks to prevent or enjoin in any respect the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement which the Purchasers or Thompson, as the case may be, in good
faith believes to be material, or (iii) have been commenced, and shall be
continuing, an action or proceeding by any other person which seeks to prevent
or enjoin in any material respect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and which in the written opinion of counsel to the Purchasers or
Thompson, as the case may be, is reasonably likely to result in the issuance of
such an injunction.

     C.     Purchasers' Conditions to Closing.  Purchasers' obligation to effect
            ---------------------------------                                   
the Closing is subject to the following additional conditions precedent, any or
all of which may be waived in writing by the Purchasers at their sole
discretion, and which Thompson hereby agrees to use its best efforts to satisfy
at or prior to Closing:

          (1)     Thompson's representations and warranties contained in Article
IV above shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the
Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties
were made at and as of the Closing Date and Thompson shall have complied in all
material respects with its obligations hereunder to be performed prior to
Closing;

          (2)     Purchasers shall have received from Thompson a certificate,
dated the Closing Date, duly executed by an officer of Thompson reasonably
satisfactory in form to Purchasers, to the effect of (1) above;

          (3)     Purchasers shall have received copies of the resolutions
adopted by the Board of Directors of Thompson, certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of Thompson, with respect to the authorization of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Thompson, the performance by
Thompson of its covenants and agreements hereunder and the 

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, which resolutions shall
not have been amended or modified, shall be in full force and effect and shall
be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers and their
counsel;

          (4)     Purchasers shall have received a written opinion from
Thompson's counsel as to the matters set forth in paragraphs A.(1), A.(4), A.(5)
and A.(6) of Article IV hereof; and

          (5)     Purchasers shall have received such other certificates,
instruments and other documents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Purchasers and their counsel, as Purchasers shall have reasonably requested
in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

     D.     Thompson's Conditions to Closing.  Thompson's obligation to effect
            --------------------------------                                  
the Closing is subject to the following additional conditions precedent, any or
all of which may be waived in writing by Thompson at its sole discretion, and
each of which the Purchasers hereby agree to use their best efforts to satisfy
at or prior to Closing:

          (1)     The representations and warranties of each of the Purchasers
contained in Article IV shall be true and correct in all material respects at
and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations
and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date and each of the
Purchasers shall have complied in all material respects with its obligations
hereunder to be performed prior to Closing;

          (2)     Thompson shall have received from each of the Purchasers a
certificate, dated the Closing Date, duly executed by an officer of each
Purchaser reasonably satisfactory in form to Thompson, to the effect of (1)
above;

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
          (3)     Thompson shall have received copies of the resolutions adopted
by the Board of Directors of each of the Purchasers, certified by the Secretary
or Assistant Secretary of each Purchaser, with respect to the authorization of
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each Purchaser, the performance
by each Purchaser of its covenants and agreements hereunder and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby, which resolutions shall not have been
amended or modified, shall be in full force and effect and shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Thompson and its counsel;

          (4)     Thompson shall have received a written opinion from
Purchasers' counsel as to the matters set forth in paragraphs B.(1)-(4) of
Article IV hereof.


VI.  COVENANTS
     ---------

     A.     Conduct of Business.  Thompson agrees that during the period from
            -------------------                                              
the date hereof to the Closing, it will conduct the Business in the ordinary and
usual course consistent with past practice, including, without limitation, with
respect to advertising and promotional matters and shall use its reasonable best
efforts to preserve intact the Assets and the Business.  In furtherance of the
foregoing, Thompson agrees that, except as otherwise contemplated by this
Agreement, it will (i) not make any sales of the Products with any allowance
greater than allowances ordinarily given in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice and will otherwise transact business with respect
to the Products with the trade in accordance with past practice and will not
institute any new methods of purchase, sale or operation nor institute any
changes in the product pricing or in promotional allowances or accept orders for
Products other than on a basis consistent with past practice, (ii) take all
reasonable actions necessary to ensure that the Inventory to be transferred to
Purchasers hereunder shall be in amounts sufficient for Purchasers to conduct

                                      -28-
<PAGE>
 
business following the Closing in an orderly manner consistent with Thompson's
past practice (except with respect to Capzasin-P and Capzasin-HP lotions and the
parties agree that Thompson may liquidate short-dated Inventory of such Products
through close-out sales), (iii) not transfer any assets that would at the
Closing be included in the Assets except Inventory in the ordinary course of
business (subject to the foregoing provision with respect to Capzasin-P and
Capzasin-HP lotions), (iv) not enter into any agreement as it relates to the
Products or the Business outside of the ordinary course of business, including,
without limitation, any transfer to any third party of any material rights under
any licenses, sublicenses or other agreements with respect to any Trademarks or
other intellectual property, (v) use its best efforts to maintain its business
relations with its suppliers, business customers and others with whom it has
business relations relating to the Products or the Business, (vi) refrain from
all attempts to encourage returns of the Products following the date hereof and
(vii) not ship Dexatrim Gelcaps prior to January 1, 1999.

     B.     Access.   Prior to the Closing, Thompson shall permit the Purchasers
            ------                                                              
and their representatives to have reasonable access, during regular business
hours and upon reasonable advance notice, to the books and records and personnel
of Thompson relating to the Assets, the Products and the Business, and Thompson
shall furnish promptly to the Purchasers all such information concerning the
Assets, the Products and the Business as the Purchasers may reasonably request.
Thompson shall use its best efforts to provide access to the books, records and
appropriate personnel at its contract manufacturers and also use its best
efforts to make available to the Purchasers all such information related thereto
as Purchasers may reasonably request.  The information disclosed pursuant to
this paragraph shall be subject to the confidentiality agreement between
Thompson and Chattem, dated as of June 12, 1998 (the "Confidentiality
Agreement"), 

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
 
which shall continue in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Thompson need not
disclose to the Purchasers any information which would violate applicable law or
regulation, provided that Thompson identifies in writing the reason for such 
non-disclosure.

          From and following the Closing, Thompson and its affiliates shall
treat and hold, and cause their counsel, accountants and advisers to treat and
hold, as such all Confidential Information (as defined below), and refrain from
using any of the Confidential Information except in connection with this
Agreement (including claims thereunder or the enforcement thereof) or except for
internal purposes or as may be necessary or appropriate for the completion of
income tax returns or in compliance with other applicable laws, regulations, and
orders of courts or regulatory authorities in connection with any litigation,
investigation or proceeding or in connection with defending any litigation,
investigation or proceeding.  The foregoing provisions shall not apply to any
Confidential Information which is generally available to the public immediately
prior to the time of disclosure.  For purposes of the foregoing paragraph,
"Confidential Information" means financial and business information relating
exclusively to the Assets, the Products or the Business which is non-public and
confidential or proprietary in nature.

          Following the Closing, for so long as such information is retained
(which shall be a period of at least eight years), the Purchasers shall permit
Thompson and its representatives and agents to have reasonable access during
normal business hours to the books and records relating to the Products, the
Assets and the Business to the extent that such access may be reasonably
required (i) in connection with the preparation of Thompson's or its
shareholders' accounting records, (ii) in connection with the preparation of any
tax returns or with any tax audits, (iii) in 

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
 
connection with any litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to the
Products, the Assets or the Business, or (iv) for any other proper business
purpose of Thompson or its shareholders.

     C.     Best Efforts; Further Assurances.  Upon the terms and subject to the
            --------------------------------                                    
conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto agrees to use its best
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as
promptly as practicable including, but not limited to:  (i) the preparation and
filing of all forms, registrations and notices required to be filed by such
party in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
(ii) the taking of such actions as are necessary to obtain any approvals,
consents, orders, exemptions or waivers of governmental entities required to be
obtained by such party in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

     At any time and from time to time after the Closing Date and without any
further consideration, the parties agree to cooperate with each other to
prepare, execute and deliver such other documents, instruments of transfer or
assignment, files, books and records and do all such further acts and things as
may be reasonably required to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby.

     D.     Non-Competition.  For five years from and after the Closing Date,
            ---------------                                                  
neither Thompson nor any of its shareholders, subsidiaries or affiliates shall,
directly or indirectly, own, manage, or operate, or join, control or participate
in the ownership, management, operation or control of, any business whether in
corporate, proprietorship or partnership form or otherwise, which engages in the
development, manufacture, sale, promotion, or marketing of any products

                                      -31-
<PAGE>
 
which are competitive with the Products of the Business; provided, however,
nothing herein shall prevent Thompson or its shareholders, subsidiaries or
affiliates from doing either of the following: (i) owning up to five percent
(5%) of any class of securities of any entity whose securities are publicly
traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market; or
(ii) directly or indirectly, owning, managing, or operating, or joining,
controlling or participating in the ownership, management, operation or control
of, any business whether in corporate, proprietorship or partnership form or
otherwise, which engages in the development, manufacture, sale, promotion, or
marketing of (A) any nutritional meal replacement, nutritional supplement, snack
or other food products, dietary supplements or vitamins that are not marketed as
appetite suppressants or (B) any products (or line extensions of such products)
marketed under any of the following brand names or derivations thereof: Fat
Inhibitor Plan, Ultra Burn Plan, Bran-Slim and Slim-Mint; provided that Thompson
may not increase its current levels of advertising and promotional support for
Fat Inhibitor Plan and Ultra Burn Plan, and Thompson shall give Purchasers a
right of first refusal prior to selling the Fat Inhibitor Plan and Ultra Burn
Plan brands (pursuant to which Thompson may notify Purchasers of its intention
to sell such brands at a certain price to a third party, following which
Purchasers shall have the right to exercise the right of first refusal by
entering into a binding agreement to purchase such brands on the offered terms
within 10 days from the time of Thompson's notice to Purchasers, and if
Purchasers do not exercise such right of first refusal within such time period,
Thompson shall have the right to sell such brands to the third party on terms
not materially more favorable to such third party for a period of three months).

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
 
     For five years from and after the Closing Date, neither of the Purchasers
nor any of their subsidiaries or affiliates shall, directly or indirectly, own,
manage, or operate, or join, control or participate in the ownership,
management, operation or control of, any business whether in corporate,
proprietorship or partnership form or otherwise, which engages in the
development, manufacture, sale, promotion, or marketing of any nutritional meal
replacement, nutritional supplement, snack or other food products under or in
connection with (i) the name or mark "Dexatrim" or any variant thereof, or (ii)
any name or mark which includes the word "Slim" therein; provided, however,
nothing herein shall prevent Purchasers from doing the following:  owning up to
five percent (5%) of any class of securities of any entity whose securities are
publicly traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter
market.

     The parties hereto specifically acknowledge and agree that the remedy at
law for any breach of the foregoing will be inadequate and that the Purchasers
or Thompson (and Thompson's shareholders, subsidiaries and affiliates, who shall
be third party beneficiaries of Purchasers' non-competition covenant), as the
case may be, in addition to any other relief available to it, shall be entitled
to temporary and permanent injunctive relief without the necessity of proving
actual damage.  In the event that the provisions of this Section VI. D. should
ever be deemed to exceed the limitation provided by applicable law, then the
parties hereto agree that such provisions shall be reformed to set forth the
maximum limitations permitted.  If any of the provisions contained in this
Section VI. D. shall for any reason be held to be excessively broad as to time,
duration, geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed, by
limiting and reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with
the applicable law as it shall then appear.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>
 
     E.     Termination of License Agreement in Canada.  Effective upon the
            ------------------------------------------                     
Closing, Thompson shall cause the License Agreement between Thompson and Stella
Pharmaceutical Canada (1994) Inc. ("Stella") to be amended to terminate the
license with respect to the Products.  In connection with the termination of
such license, Thompson shall (i) pay to Stella the termination payment required
pursuant to Section 10.5 of said License Agreement and (ii) purchase Stella's
inventory of Products at Stella's net cost therefor, which Inventory shall then
be included in the Inventory to be purchased by Purchasers from Thompson and
shall be subject to Thompson's representations in Article IV.  Effective upon
the Closing, Purchasers shall assume from Stella advertising and promotional
liabilities and purchase orders that are attributable to items that will run or
be performed on or after the Closing; provided that such items are consistent
with the past practice of Stella and are not materially different (on a
proportionate basis) to Thompson's advertising and promotional liabilities and
purchase orders.  Thompson shall furnish details concerning Stella's advertising
and promotional liabilities and purchase orders as soon as practicable following
the date hereof.

     F.     HSR Act.  As soon as practicable following the execution and
            -------                                                     
delivery of this Agreement, the Purchasers, and Thompson shall file the required
notification with the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust
Department of the Department of Justice (the "DOJ") pursuant to and in
compliance with the HSR Act.  The Purchasers and Thompson shall comply fully
with all applicable notification, reporting and other requirements of the HSR
Act, shall not intentionally or negligently delay submission of information
requested by the FTC or by the DOJ thereunder, and shall use their best
reasonable efforts to supply such information accurately and promptly.

                                      -34-
<PAGE>
 
     G.     Purchaser Use of the "Thompson" Name.  The Purchasers shall have the
            ------------------------------------                                
right to use and sell all of the Inventory and all packaging materials existing
as of the Closing Date using Thompson's name or UPC codes until all such
Inventory shall have been disposed of by the Purchasers.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Purchasers shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause all such
Inventory and packaging materials to be disposed of within twelve (12) months
following the Closing Date and in all cases within fifteen (15) months following
the Closing Date.  For a period of sixty (60) days following the Closing,
Purchasers shall have the right to purchase additional packaging materials with
the "Thompson" name and UPC codes solely to adjust for inventory imbalances as
of the Closing, provided that Thompson shall be notified in writing in advance
of any such purchases, and provided further that Purchasers shall use their
reasonable best efforts to cause all such materials to be disposed of within
twelve (12) months following the Closing Date and in all cases within fifteen
(15) months following the Closing Date.

     H.     Transfer Taxes.    The Purchasers shall be jointly and severally
            --------------                                                  
responsible for any transfer or similar taxes if any, arising from the sale of
the Assets hereunder.   Thompson shall cooperate with the Purchasers to the
extent necessary for the Purchasers to secure any exception from or
reimbursement of any such tax.

     I.      Employees.    The Purchasers shall assume no liability for any
             ---------                                                     
agreements, arrangements, commitments, policies or understandings of any kind
relating to employment, compensation or benefits for the present or former
employees of Thompson for all employment prior to and through the Closing.

     J.     Accounts Receivable.  In the event that either party shall receive
            -------------------                                               
any instrument or other payment in respect of any account receivable belonging
to the other party, such party shall 

                                      -35-
<PAGE>
 
forthwith deliver the same to Thompson if the accounts receivable arose prior to
the Closing Date, or to the Purchasers if it arose on or after the Closing Date,
endorsed where necessary, without recourse, in favor of the other party. Each
party agrees to exercise good faith and to cooperate in resolution and
documentation of any such accounts receivable.

     K.     Exclusive Dealing.  From the date of this Agreement until the
            -----------------                                            
Closing Date or the earlier termination hereof, Thompson shall not take any
action to encourage, initiate or engage in discussions or negotiations with, or
provide information to, anyone other than the Purchasers concerning any purchase
of the Business or any sale of the Assets or similar transaction impacting the
Products.

     L.     Discharge of Business Obligations.  From and after the Closing Date,
            ---------------------------------                                   
Thompson shall pay and discharge, in accordance with their agreed-to terms, all
obligations and liabilities incurred prior to the Closing Date in respect of the
Assets, the Products or the Business (except for those expressly assumed by
Purchasers hereunder), including without limitations any liabilities or
obligations to employees, trade creditors and clients of the Business.

     M.     Financial Statements.  Thompson shall fully cooperate with
            ---------------------                                     
Purchasers and use commercially reasonable efforts, at Purchasers' sole cost and
expense, to enable Purchasers to prepare financial statements relating to the
Business as may be required by Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the
Securities Act, including enabling Purchasers to obtain unqualified opinions
thereon of independent public accountants and consents thereof as required by
the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

                                      -36-
<PAGE>
 
VII.      PUBLICITY
          ---------

          A.    Publicity. The parties agree to issue the press release attached
                ---------
hereto as Exhibit I on the date of this Agreement. The parties agree that no
further publicity, release or announcement concerning any of the provisions of
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued without
the advance written approval of the form and content of same by both Thompson
and the Purchasers, provided that if any party fails to approve the form and
content of a release within three (3) days following submission to it, the other
party may nevertheless issue the release if required to do so by law or
applicable Nasdaq Stock Market requirements.

VIII.     BROKERAGE FEES; EXPENSES OF THE PARTIES
          ---------------------------------------

          A.    Brokers.  The parties acknowledge that Thompson has retained a
                -------                                                       
financial advisor in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.   Each of the parties agrees to indemnify the other party, and to
hold the other party harmless from any claim or demand for any commission,
compensation or other payment by any broker, finder or similar agent or
financial advisor claiming to have been or that was in fact employed by or on
behalf of it.

          B.    Expenses.  Regardless of whether or not the transactions
                --------                                                
contemplated hereby are consummated, each party shall pay its own respective
expenses (including, without limitation, the fees, disbursements and expenses of
its attorneys, accountants and financial advisors) in connection with the
negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.

                                      -37-
<PAGE>
 
IX.      INDEMNIFICATION AND RELATED MATTERS
         -----------------------------------
         A.     Indemnification.
                --------------- 

                (1) Thompson agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the Purchasers
harmless from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, losses,
deficiencies, costs, penalties, interest and expenses, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys fees (collectively, "Losses"), arising out of,
based upon, attributable to or resulting from:

                    (i)  any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by
Thompson in this Agreement;

                    (ii) the failure of Thompson to comply with any of the
covenants contained in this Agreement which are required to be performed by
Thompson;

                    (iii)  any and all of the Retained Liabilities; and

                    (iv)  all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
judgments, costs, penalties and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees,
incident to the foregoing.

                (2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph A(1) above,
Thompson shall not be liable to the Purchasers for any Losses except to the
extent that the aggregate Losses exceed $750,000 in which event Thompson shall
be liable for any Losses in excess of such amount up to a maximum aggregate
amount equal to $25,000,000 (except to the extent such Losses relate to a
misrepresentation or breach of the representations and warranties of Thompson
set forth in Section IV.A.(2) and (3), as to which there shall be no limitation
and provided that Losses related to the Retained Liabilities shall not be
subject to the limitations on liability in this paragraph (2).  Without
otherwise limiting Thompson's obligations hereunder, for a period of eighteen
(18) 

                                      -38-
<PAGE>
 
months, Thompson agrees that it will not take any actions which would prevent it
from discharging its indemnity obligations hereunder.

                (3)  The Purchasers jointly and severally agree to defend,
indemnify and hold Thompson harmless from and against any and all Losses arising
out of, based upon, attributable to or resulting from:

                     (i)  any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by
either of the Purchasers in this Agreement;

                     (ii) the failure by the Purchasers to comply with any of
the covenants contained in this Agreement which are required to be performed by
the Purchasers;

                     (iii) any and all of the Purchaser Assumed Liabilities; and

                     (iv) all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments,
judgments, costs, penalties and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees,
incident to the foregoing.

                (4)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph A(3) above,
Purchasers shall not be liable to Thompson for any Losses except to the extent
that the aggregate Losses exceed $750,000 in which event Purchasers shall be
liable for any Losses in excess of such amount up to a maximum of $25,000,000
(except to the extent such Losses relate to a misrepresentation or breach of the
representations and warranties of Purchasers set forth in Section IV.B.(7), as
to which there shall be no limitation and provided that Losses related to
Purchaser Assumed Liabilities shall not be subject to the limitations on
liability in this paragraph (4).

     B.     Survival of Representations and Warranties.  The parties hereto
            ------------------------------------------                     
agree that the representations and warranties made in Article IV of this
Agreement ashall survive for a period of eighteen (18) months after the Closing
Date.  The parties agree that no claim or causes of action 

                                      -39-
<PAGE>
 
may be brought against any party based upon, directly or indirectly, any of the
representations or warranties contained in this Agreement after such period
provided that the representations and warranties of Thompson in Section
IV.A.(1), (2) and (3) and of Purchasers in Section IV.B.(1) shall survive
indefinitely.

     C.     Notice of Indemnification.  In the event any legal proceeding shall
            -------------------------                                          
be threatened or instituted or any claim or demand shall be asserted by any
person in respect of which payment may be sought by one party hereto from the
other party under the provisions of this Article IX, the party seeking
indemnification (the "Indemnitee") shall promptly cause written notice of the
assertion of any such claim of which it has knowledge which is covered by this
indemnity to be forwarded to the other party (the "Indemnitor"); provided,
                                                                 -------- 
however, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the Indemnitee's
- -------                                                                        
rights hereunder except to the extent the Indemnitor is materially prejudiced by
such failure.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no claim for indemnification
hereunder pursuant to paragraphs A.(1)(i) or A.(3)(i) above may be made
following the expiration of the period set forth in paragraph B above.  Any
notice of a claim by reason of any of the representations, warranties or
covenants contained in this Agreement shall state specifically the
representation, warranty or covenant with respect to which the claim is made,
the facts giving rise to an alleged basis for the claim, and the amount of the
liability asserted against the Indemnitor by reason of the claim.

     D.     Indemnification Procedure for Third-Party Claims; Direct Claims.
            ---------------------------------------------------------------  
(i) Except as otherwise provided herein, in the event of the initiation of any
legal proceeding against an Indemnitee by a third party, the Indemnitor shall
have the absolute right after the receipt of notice, at its option and at its
own expense, to be represented by counsel of its choice, and to defend 

                                      -40-
<PAGE>
 
against, negotiate, settle or otherwise deal with any proceeding, claim, or
demand which relates to any loss, liability or damage indemnified against
hereunder; provided, however, that the Indemnitee may participate in any such
           --------  -------  
proceeding with counsel of its choice and at its expense and the Indemnitor
shall not settle any such proceeding, claim or demand unless the Indemnitee is
fully released without any admission of liability. The parties hereto agree to
cooperate fully with each other in connection with the defense, negotiation or
settlement of any such legal proceeding, claim or demand. If the Indemnitor does
not, within 15 days after receipt of notice from the Indemnitee, give notice of
its election to defend the claim and proceed diligently to defend the claim,
then the Indemnitee shall have the right, but not the obligation, to undertake
the defense of such claim for the account and at the risk of the Indemnitor and
the Indemnitor shall be bound by any defense or settlement that the Indemnitee
may make as to such claim, subject in all cases to the limitations on liability
contained herein.

     (ii)  Any claim for indemnification made directly by a party and which does
not result from a third party claim or action, shall be asserted by written
notice.  The other party shall have a period of 30 days within which to respond
thereto.  If the other party does not respond within such 30-day period, such
party shall be deemed to have accepted responsibility to make payment and shall
have no further right to contest the validity of such claim.

     E.     Calculation of Losses.  In calculating amounts payable to an
            ---------------------                                       
Indemnitee, the amount of the indemnified Losses shall not be duplicative of any
other Loss for which an indemnification claim has been made and shall be
computed net of (i) payments that the Indemnitee has received under any
insurance policy with respect to such Losses, and (ii) any prior or subsequent
recovery by the Indemnitee from any person with respect to such Losses.

                                      -41-
<PAGE>
 
     F.     Exclusive Remedy.  The indemnification provisions of this Article IX
            ----------------                                                    
shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of the parties for any breach of any
covenants, representations or warranties made by the other party in this
Agreement, and each party hereby waives all statutory, common law and other
claims with respect thereto, other than claims for indemnification pursuant to
this Article IX.  Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, nothing
set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit or limit any party's
right at any time before, on or after the Closing Date, to seek injunctive or
other equitable relief for the failure of the other party to perform any
covenant or agreement contained herein.

     G.     Exclusion of Certain Damages.  Indemnification hereunder (subject to
            ----------------------------                                        
the limitations herein) shall include liability for any special, incidental,
punitive or consequential damages to the extent the Indemnitee is required to
pay such amount to a third party.

     H.     Subrogation.  Upon making any payment to an Indemnitee for any
            -----------                                                   
indemnification claim pursuant to this Article IX, the Indemnitor shall be
subrogated, to the extent of such payment, to any rights which the Indemnitee or
its affiliates may have against any other person with respect to the subject
matter underlying such claim for indemnification and the Indemnitee shall take
such actions as the Indemnitor may reasonably require to perfect such
subrogation or to pursue such rights such other persons as the Indemnitor or its
affiliate may have.

X.   TERMINATION
     -----------
     A.  Termination.   This Agreement may be terminated:
         -----------                                     
           (1)     by the written agreement of the Purchasers and Thompson;

                                      -42-
<PAGE>
 
           (2)     by either the Purchasers or Thompson if there shall be in
effect a non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction permanently
prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; or

           (3)     by either the Purchasers or Thompson in writing (provided
that such terminating party is not otherwise in default or in breach of this
Agreement) if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before April 15, 1999,
provided that both parties shall take all reasonable actions as may be necessary
to effect the Closing prior to such date.

     B.     Liabilities After Termination.  Upon any termination of this
            -----------------------------                               
Agreement pursuant to this Article X, no party hereto shall thereafter have any
further liability or obligation hereunder other than as set forth in Articles
VII and VIII, but no such termination shall relieve either party hereto of any
liability to the other party hereto for any breach of this Agreement prior to
the date of such termination.

XI.  MISCELLANEOUS
     -------------

     A.     Entire Agreement.   This Agreement, the exhibits and schedules
            ----------------                                              
attached hereto, and the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes all previous
agreements, promises, representations, understandings and negotiations, whether
written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof;
none of the terms of this Agreement shall be amended or modified except in
writing signed by the parties hereto.

     B.     Assignment; Consent to Collateral Assignment.   Neither party may
            --------------------------------------------                     
assign any right or obligation hereunder without the written consent of the
other party, except if such assignment arises under a transaction in which the
assigning party is selling its entire business or a 

                                      -43-
<PAGE>
 
line of business to which this Agreement relates or that party is being acquired
or merging with a third party. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties' respective successors and assigns. Any attempted
assignment in violation of this provision shall be void and of no effect.

          Thompson hereby acknowledges that pursuant to the Security Agreement
by and among Chattem, the domestic subsidiaries of Chattem and Bank of America,
N.A., in its capacity as agent (together with its successors and assigns, the
"Agent") (the "Security Agreement"), or any successor Security Agreement with
the Purchasers' current or future lender(s), Chattem has assigned or may assign
its right, title and interest under this Agreement as security for the financing
provided to Chattem by the Agent and the Lenders (as hereinafter defined)
pursuant to the terms of two separate Credit Agreements by and among Chattem,
Chattem's domestic subsidiaries, as guarantors, the Agent and the other lenders
referred to therein (the "Lenders") (the "Credit Agreements").  Notwithstanding
any other provisions contained in this Agreement, Thompson consents to the
collateral assignment of this Agreement to the Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders.  Unless and until the Agent gives notice to the undersigned of the
Agent's intention to succeed to the rights of Chattem under the Agreement, the
Agent shall not be obligated to perform any of the obligations of Chattem under
the Agreement.

     C.     Severability.  If and solely to the extent that any provision of
            ------------                                                    
this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable, or shall render this entire
Agreement to be unenforceable or invalid, such offending provision shall be of
no effect and shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement
or any of its provisions; provided, however, the parties shall use their
respective 

                                      -44-
<PAGE>
 
reasonable efforts to renegotiate the offending provisions to best accomplish
the original intentions of the parties.

     D.     Waivers.  A waiver by either party of any term or condition of this
            -------                                                            
Agreement in any one instance shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of
such term or condition for any similar instance in the future or of any
subsequent breach hereof.  All rights, remedies, undertakings, obligations and
agreements contained in this Agreement shall be cumulative and none of them
shall be a limitation of any other remedy, right, undertaking, obligation or
agreement.

     E.     Counterparts.   This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
            ------------                                                        
of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.

     F.     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
            -------------                                                    
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any
applicable principles of conflicts of law.  Each of the parties hereto hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction
of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America in
each case located in the County of New Castle for any litigation arising out of
or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (and
agrees not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts),
and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by
U.S. registered mail to its respective address set forth in Section XI.I. shall
be effective service of process for any litigation brought against it in any
such court.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the courts of the
State of Delaware or of the United States of America in each case located in the

                                      -45-
<PAGE>
 
County of  New Castle and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives
and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such litigation
brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

     G.     Specific Performance.  The parties hereto agree that, if any of the
            --------------------                                               
provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their
specific terms or were otherwise breached, irreparable damage would occur, no
adequate remedy at law would exist and damages would be difficult to determine,
and that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms
hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

     H.     Interpretation.  In the event of an ambiguity or question of intent
            --------------                                                     
or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted
jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise
favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions
of this Agreement.

     I.     Notices.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
            -------                                                             
writing and shall be deemed given upon receipt if delivered personally, or when
sent if mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or
transmitted by facsimile (with confirmation of transmittal) to the parties at
the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice):

          If to the Purchasers:

          Chattem, Inc.
          Signal Investment & Management Co.
          1715 West 38th Street
          Chattanooga, TN  37409
          ATTENTION:  A. Alexander Taylor, II
          Facsimile:  (423) 821-6423

                                      -46-
<PAGE>
 
          with a copy to:

          Hugh F. Sharber, Esq.
          Miller & Martin LLP
          1000 Volunteer Building
          Chattanooga, TN  37402
          Facsimile:  (423) 785-8480

          If to Thompson:

          Thompson Medical Company, Inc.
          777 South Flagler Drive
          West Tower, Suite 1500
          West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
          ATTENTION:  President
          Facsimile:  (561) 832-2660

          With a copy to:

          Eliot Lauer, Esq.
          Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle
          101 Park Avenue
          New York, New York 10178
          Facsimile:  (212) 697-1559

     J.     No Third Party Rights.  Except as provided in Section VI.D., nothing
            ---------------------                                               
in this Agreement shall be construed to give to any person other than the
parties hereto any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this
Agreement.

     K.     Headings.  Headings in this Agreement are included for ease of
            --------                                                      
reference only and shall have no legal effect.

                                      -47-
<PAGE>
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as 
of the date first written above by their duly authorized officers.

                                        THOMPSON MEDICAL COMPANY, INC.

                                        By:  /s/ Daniel N. Horwitz
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Name:  Daniel N. Horwitz
                                           Title: President and CEO

                                        CHATTEM, INC.
                                        
                                        By:  /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Name:  A. Alexander Taylor II
                                           Title: President

                                        SIGNAL INVESTMENT & MANAGEMENT CO.

                                        By: /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Name:  A. Alexander Taylor II
                                           Title: President



                                      48

<PAGE>
 
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                             (New Credit Agreement)
                                     among
                                 CHATTEM, INC.,
                                  as Borrower,
                       DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER,
                                 as Guarantors,
                         THE LENDERS IDENTIFIED HEREIN,
                                      AND
                               NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
                                    as Agent
                         DATED AS OF DECEMBER 21, 1998
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                            Page

SECTION 1  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS...................................2
           --------------------------------
     1.1 Definitions..........................................................2
         ----------- 
     1.2 Computation of Time Periods and Other Definitional Provisions.......24
         ------------------------------------------------------------- 
     1.3 Accounting Terms....................................................24
         ---------------- 
SECTION 2  CREDIT FACILITIES.................................................25
           -----------------
     2.1 Revolving Loans.....................................................25
         --------------- 
     2.2 Swingline Loan Subfacility..........................................26
         -------------------------- 
     2.3 Continuations and Conversions.......................................29
         ----------------------------- 
     2.4 Minimum Amounts.....................................................29
         --------------- 
     2.5 Notes...............................................................30
         ----- 
SECTION 3  GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS............................30
           --------------------------------------
     3.1 Interest............................................................30
         -------- 
     3.2 Place and Manner of Payments........................................31
         ---------------------------- 
     3.3 Prepayments.........................................................31
         ----------- 
     3.4 Fees................................................................33
         ---- 
     3.5 Payment in full at Maturity.........................................33
         --------------------------- 
     3.6 Computations of Interest and Fees...................................33
         --------------------------------- 
     3.7 Pro Rata Treatment..................................................34
         ------------------ 
     3.8 Allocation of Payments After Event of Default.......................35
         --------------------------------------------- 
     3.9 Sharing of Payments.................................................36
         ------------------- 
     3.10 Capital Adequacy...................................................37
          ---------------- 
     3.11 Inability To Determine Interest Rate...............................37
          ------------------------------------ 
     3.12 Illegality.........................................................38
          ---------- 
     3.13 Requirements of Law................................................38
          ------------------- 
     3.14 Taxes..............................................................39
          ----- 
     3.15 Indemnity..........................................................42
          --------- 
     3.16 Replacement of Lenders.............................................42
          ---------------------- 
SECTION 4  GUARANTY..........................................................43
           --------
     4.1 Guaranty of Payment.................................................43
         ------------------- 
     4.2 Obligations Unconditional...........................................43
         ------------------------- 
     4.3 Modifications.......................................................44
         ------------- 
     4.4 Waiver of Rights....................................................45
         ---------------- 
     4.5 Reinstatement.......................................................45
         ------------- 
     4.6 Remedies............................................................45
         -------- 
     4.7 Limitation of Guaranty..............................................46
         ---------------------- 
     4.8 Rights of Contribution..............................................46
         ---------------------- 
SECTION 5  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT..............................................47
           --------------------
     5.1 Closing Conditions..................................................47
         ------------------ 
     5.2 Conditions to All Extensions of Credit..............................54
         -------------------------------------- 

                                      -i-
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 6  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................................55
           ------------------------------
     6.1 Financial Condition.................................................55
         ------------------- 
     6.2 No Material Change..................................................55
         ------------------ 
     6.3 Organization and Good Standing......................................55
         ------------------------------ 
     6.4 Due Authorization...................................................56
         ----------------- 
     6.5 No Conflicts........................................................56
         ------------ 
     6.6 Consents............................................................56
         -------- 
     6.7 Enforceable Obligations.............................................56
         ----------------------- 
     6.8 No Default..........................................................57
         ---------- 
     6.9 Ownership...........................................................57
         --------- 
     6.10 Indebtedness.......................................................57
          ------------ 
     6.11 Litigation.........................................................57
          ---------- 
     6.12 Taxes..............................................................57
          ----- 
     6.13 Compliance with Law................................................58
          ------------------- 
     6.14 ERISA..............................................................58
          ----- 
     6.15 Subsidiaries.......................................................59
          ------------ 
     6.16 Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock......................................60
          ----------------------------- 
     6.17 Government Regulation..............................................60
          --------------------- 
     6.18 Environmental Matters..............................................60
          --------------------- 
     6.19 Intellectual Property..............................................62
          --------------------- 
     6.20 Solvency...........................................................62
          -------- 
     6.21 Investments........................................................62
          ----------- 
     6.22 No Financing of Corporate Takeovers................................62
          ----------------------------------- 
     6.23 Location of Collateral.............................................63
          ---------------------- 
     6.24 Disclosure.........................................................63
          ---------- 
     6.25 Licenses, etc......................................................63
          --------------
     6.26 No Burdensome Restrictions.........................................63
          -------------------------- 
     6.27 Brokers' Fees......................................................63
          ------------- 
     6.28 Labor Matters......................................................64
          ------------- 
     6.29 Collateral Documents...............................................64
          -------------------- 
     6.30 Related Transactions...............................................64
          -------------------- 
     6.31 Representations and Warranties Incorporated from Purchase 
          --------------------------------------------------------- 
          Agreement..........................................................64
          ---------
     6.32 Senior Debt........................................................64
          ----------- 
     6.33 Year 2000 Compliance...............................................65
          -------------------- 
SECTION 7  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.............................................65
           ---------------------
     7.1 Information Covenants...............................................65
         --------------------- 
     7.2 Preservation of Existence and Franchises............................70
         ---------------------------------------- 
     7.3 Books and Records...................................................70
         ----------------- 
     7.4 Compliance with Law.................................................70
         ------------------- 
     7.5 Payment of Taxes and Other Indebtedness.............................70
         --------------------------------------- 
     7.6 Insurance...........................................................70
         --------- 
     7.7 Maintenance of Property.............................................71
         ----------------------- 
     7.8 Performance of Obligations..........................................72
         -------------------------- 
     7.9 Collateral..........................................................72
         ---------- 

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>
 
     7.10 Use of Proceeds....................................................72
          --------------- 
     7.11 Audits/Inspections.................................................72
          ------------------ 
     7.12 Financial Covenants................................................73
          ------------------- 
     7.13 Additional Credit Parties..........................................75
          -------------------------
     7.14 Ownership of Subsidiaries..........................................75
          ------------------------- 
     7.15 Appraisal Reports..................................................75
          ----------------- 
     7.16 Year 2000 Compatibility............................................76
          ----------------------- 
     7.17 Post-Closing Matters...............................................76
          -------------------- 
SECTION 8  NEGATIVE COVENANTS................................................76
           ------------------
     8.1 Indebtedness........................................................77
         ------------ 
     8.2 Liens...............................................................78
         ----- 
     8.3 Nature of Business..................................................78
         ------------------ 
     8.4 Consolidation and Merger............................................78
         ------------------------ 
     8.5 Sale or Lease of Assets.............................................78
         ----------------------- 
     8.6 Advances, Investments and Loans.....................................79
         ------------------------------- 
     8.7 Dividends...........................................................79
         --------- 
     8.8 Transactions with Affiliates........................................79
         ---------------------------- 
     8.9 Fiscal Year; Organizational Documents...............................80
         ------------------------------------- 
     8.10 Prepayments of Indebtedness........................................80
          --------------------------- 
     8.11 Subordinated Debt..................................................80
          ----------------- 
     8.12 Limitations........................................................81
          ----------- 
     8.13 Sale Leasebacks....................................................81
          --------------- 
     8.14 Negative Pledges...................................................81
          ---------------- 
     8.15 Capital Expenditures...............................................81
          -------------------- 
     8.16 Operating Leases...................................................82
          ---------------- 
     8.17 Payment Blockage Notice............................................82
          ----------------------- 
SECTION 9  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.................................................82
           -----------------
     9.1 Events of Default...................................................82
         ----------------- 
     9.2 Acceleration; Remedies..............................................86
         ---------------------- 
SECTION 10  AGENCY PROVISIONS................................................87
            -----------------
     10.1 Appointment........................................................87
          ----------- 
     10.2 Delegation of Duties...............................................87
          -------------------- 
     10.3 Exculpatory Provisions.............................................88
          ---------------------- 
     10.4 Reliance on Communications.........................................88
          -------------------------- 
     10.5 Notice of Default..................................................89
          ----------------- 
     10.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders............................89
          --------------------------------------- 
     10.7 Indemnification....................................................89
          --------------- 
     10.8 Agent in Its Individual Capacity...................................90
          -------------------------------- 
     10.9 Successor Agent....................................................90
          --------------- 
SECTION 11  MISCELLANEOUS....................................................91
            -------------
     11.1 Notices............................................................91
          --------
     11.2 Right of Set-Off...................................................91
          ---------------- 
     11.3 Benefit of Agreement...............................................92
          -------------------- 
     11.4 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.....................................95
          ------------------------------ 

                                     -iii-
<PAGE>
 
     11.5 Payment of Expenses; Indemnification...............................95
          ------------------------------------ 
     11.6 Amendments, Waivers and Consents...................................96
          -------------------------------- 
     11.7 Counterparts.......................................................97
          ------------ 
     11.8 Headings...........................................................97
          -------- 
     11.9 Defaulting Lender..................................................97
          ----------------- 
     11.10 Survival of Indemnification and Representations and Warranties....98
           -------------------------------------------------------------- 
     11.11 Governing Law; Venue..............................................98
           -------------------- 
     11.12 Waiver of Jury Trial..............................................99
           -------------------- 
     11.13 Time..............................................................99
           ---- 
     11.14 Severability......................................................99
           ------------ 
     11.15 Entirety..........................................................99
           -------- 
     11.16 Binding Effect; Amendment and Restatement of New Credit Agreement;
           ------------------------------------------------------------------
           Further Assurances................................................99
           ------------------ 

                                      -iv-
<PAGE>
 
SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.1(a)   Commitment Percentages
Schedule 1.1(b)   Existing Permitted Investments
Schedule 5.1(g)   Mortgaged Properties and Leasehold Properties
Schedule 6.10     Indebtedness
Schedule 6.15     Subsidiaries
Schedule 6.18     Environmental Matters
Schedule 6.19     Intellectual Property
Schedule 6.23(a)  Real Property Locations
Schedule 6.23(b)  Personal Property Locations
Schedule 6.23(c)  Chief Executive Offices
Schedule 7.6      Insurance
Schedule 8.2      Liens
Schedule 8.8      Affiliate Transactions
Schedule 11.1     Notices


EXHIBITS

Exhibit 2.1       Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit 2.3       Form of Notice of Continuation/Conversion
Exhibit 2.5(a)    Form of Revolving Note
Exhibit 2.5(b)    Form of Swingline Note
Exhibit 7.1(d)    Form of Officer's Certificate
Exhibit 7.1(f)    Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit 7.13      Form of Joinder Agreement
Exhibit 11.3      Form of Assignment Agreement

                                      -v-
<PAGE>
 
                     AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
                             (NEW CREDIT AGREEMENT)


     THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Credit Agreement"), is
                                                       ----------------      
entered into as of December 21, 1998 among CHATTEM, INC., a Tennessee
corporation (the "Borrower"), each of the Borrower's Domestic Subsidiaries,
                  -------                                                  
individually a "Guarantor" and collectively the "Guarantors"), the New Credit
                ---------                        ----------                  
Agreement Lenders (as defined herein), and NATIONSBANK, N.A., as agent for the
New Credit Agreement Lenders (in such capacity, the "Agent").
                                                     -----   

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantors, the lenders party thereto and
NationsBank, N.A. (successor by merger to NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A.), as
agent are currently parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March
24, 1998 (as amended or modified from time to time, the "Existing New Credit
                                                         -------------------
Agreement").  The Existing New Credit Agreement replaced and refinanced the
- ---------                                                                  
credit facilities provided by the lenders pursuant to that certain Credit
Agreement dated as  of June 26, 1997 (as amended or modified from time to time,
the "Prior New Credit Agreement"). The  Prior New Credit Agreement replaced and
     --------------------------                                                
refinanced the credit facilities provided by the lenders pursuant to that
certain Credit Agreement dated as  of April 26, 1996 (as amended or modified
from time to time, the "Original New Credit Agreement").  The credit facilities
                        -----------------------------                          
provided pursuant to the Original New Credit Agreement replaced and refinanced
the credit facilities provided to the Borrower by The First National Bank of
Chicago, as agent and certain other lenders under the credit agreements dated as
of June 17, 1994;

     WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Guarantors have requested that the New Credit
Agreement Lenders amend and restate the terms and conditions of the Existing New
Credit Agreement, making this Credit Agreement the New Credit Agreement under
the Indenture (as hereinafter defined) for the purpose of amending and restating
the existing indebtedness evidenced by the Existing New Credit Agreement; and

     WHEREAS, the New Credit Agreement Lenders have agreed to amend and restate
the terms and conditions of the Existing New Credit Agreement on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth in accordance with the request of the Borrower
and the Guarantors.

     NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the premises and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>
 
                                   SECTION 1

                        DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
                        --------------------------------

     1.1      DEFINITIONS.
              ----------- 

     As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings herein
specified unless the context otherwise requires.  Defined terms herein shall
include in the singular number the plural and in the plural the singular:

        "Acquired Assets" means, collectively, those assets acquired under and
         ---------------                                                      
     pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

        "Additional Credit Party" means each Person that becomes a Guarantor 
         ------------------------
     after the Closing Date, as provided in Section 7.13.

        "Additional Subordinated Debt" means the Indebtedness evidenced by the
         ----------------------------                                         
     Second Indenture or by the guarantees thereof in an aggregate amount not to
     exceed $200,000,000.

        "Adjusted Base Rate" means the Base Rate plus the Applicable Percentage.
         ------------------                                                     

        "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate" means the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable
         ------------------------                                               
     Percentage.

        "Agent" means NationsBank, N.A. or any successor administrative agent
         -----                                                               
     appointed pursuant to Section 10.9.

        "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person 
         ---------     
     directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all
     directors and executive officers of such Person), controlled by or under
     direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be
     deemed to control a corporation if such 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 of such corporation or
     (ii) to direct or cause direction of the management and policies of such
     corporation, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
     contract or otherwise.

        "Agency Services Address" means NationsBank, N.A., NC1-001-15-04, 101 
         -----------------------    
     South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255, Attn: Agency Services,
     or such other address as may be identified by written notice from the Agent
     to the Borrower.

     "Applicable Percentage" means for purposes of calculating the applicable
      ---------------------                                                  
interest rate for any day for Revolving Loans, the appropriate applicable
percentages corresponding to the Senior Leverage Ratio in effect as of the most
recent Calculation Date as shown below:

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                   Applicable          Applicable
                             Senior                Percentage          Percentage
Pricing                     Leverage             For Eurodollar       For Base Rate
Level                        Ratio                    Loans               Loans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                   <C>                  <C>
I                         less than
                          1.0 to 1.0                        2.00%              0.50%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II                        greater than or
                          equal to
                          1.0 to 1.0                        2.25%              0.75%
                          but  less than
                          1.50 to 1.0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
III                       greater than or
                          equal to
                          1.50 to 1.0 but                   2.50%              1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV                        greater than or
                          equal to
                          2.0 to 1.0                         2.75%              1.25%
====================================================================================
</TABLE>

     The Applicable Percentage for Revolving Loans shall, in each case, be
     determined and adjusted quarterly on the date (each a "Calculation Date")
                                                            ----------- ----  
     five Business Days after the date by which the Borrower is required to
     provide the officer's certificate in accordance with the provisions of
     Section 7.1(d); provided, however that (i) until such time as the Borrower
     provides the officer's certificate in accordance with Section 7.1(d)
     following the end of fiscal year 1998, the Applicable Percentages shall be
     based on Pricing Level III (as shown above) and shall remain at Pricing
     Level III until the first Calculation Date subsequent to the Closing Date
     and, thereafter, the Applicable Percentage shall be determined by the then
     current Senior Leverage Ratio, and (ii) if the Borrower fails to provide
     the officer's certificate required by Section 7.1(d) on or before the most
     recent Calculation Date or fails to deliver a copy of such officer's
     certificate to the Agency Services Address as required by Section 7.1(d),
     the Applicable Percentage for Revolving Loans from such Calculation Date
     shall be based on Pricing Level IV until such time that an appropriate
     officer's certificate is provided whereupon the Applicable Percentage shall
     be determined by the then current Senior Leverage Ratio.  Each Applicable
     Percentage shall be effective from one Calculation Date until the next
     Calculation Date.  Any adjustment in the Applicable Percentage shall be
     applicable to all existing Loans as well as any new Loans made or issued.

        "Asset Disposition" means the disposition of any or all of the assets of
         -----------------                                                      
     the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, the
     sale of equity securities purchased pursuant to clause (h) of the
     definition of "Permitted Investments"), whether by sale, lease, transfer or
     otherwise unless such disposition is permitted by the terms of Section
     8.5(a), (b) or (c) hereof.

        "Bankruptcy Code" means the Bankruptcy Code in Title 11 of the United
         ---------------                                                     
     States Code, as amended, modified, succeeded or replaced from time to time.

        "Base Rate" means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if
         ---------                                                             
     necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) equal to the
     greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus  1/2 of 1%
     or (b) the Prime Rate in effect on such day.  If for any 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     reason the Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be
     conclusive absent manifest error) that it is unable after due inquiry to
     ascertain the Federal Funds Rate for any reason, including the inability or
     failure of the Agent to obtain sufficient quotations in accordance with the
     terms hereof, the Base Rate shall be determined without regard to clause
     (a) of the first sentence of this definition until the circumstances giving
     rise to such inability no longer exist. Any change in the Base Rate due to
     a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective on
     the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds
     Rate, respectively.

        "Base Rate Loan" means any Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by
         --------------                                                         
     reference to the Base Rate.

        "Borrower" means the Person identified as such in the heading hereof,
         --------                                                            
     together with any successors and permitted assigns.

        "Borrowing Base" means, as of any day, the sum, calculated in Dollars, 
         --------------   
     of (a) 80% of Eligible Receivables plus (b) 50% of Eligible Inventory in
     each case as set forth in the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate
     delivered to the Agent and the Lenders in accordance with the terms of
     Section 7.1(f) plus (c) $3,000,000 during the period from December 1 to May
                    ----
     31 of each year.

        "Borrowing Base Certificate" means a Borrowing Base Certificate
         --------------------------                                    
     substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.1(f).

        "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal
         ------------                                                        
     holiday  or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required
     by law or other governmental action to close in Charlotte, North Carolina;
     provided that in the case of Eurodollar Loans, such day is also a day on
     which dealings between banks are carried on in U.S. dollar deposits in the
     London interbank market.

        "Calculation Date" has the meaning set forth in the definition of
         ----------------                                                
     Applicable Percentage.

        "Capital Expenditures" means all expenditures of the Credit Parties and
         --------------------                                                  
     their Subsidiaries which, in accordance with GAAP, would be classified as
     capital expenditures, including, without limitation, Capital Leases.

        "Capital Lease" means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any 
         -------------    
     property (whether real, personal or mixed) by that Person as lessee which,
     in accordance with GAAP, is or should be accounted for as a capital lease
     on the balance sheet of that Person.

        "Cash Equivalents" means (a) 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 twelve months from the date of acquisition, (b) U.S.
     dollar 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     denominated (or with respect to Foreign Subsidiaries, U.S. dollar
     denominated and non U.S. dollar denominated) time deposits and certificates
     of deposit of (i) any Lender, (ii) any domestic (or with respect to Foreign
     Subsidiaries, any domestic or nondomestic) commercial bank of recognized
     standing having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 or (iii) any
     bank whose short-term commercial paper rating from S&P is at least A-1 or
     the equivalent thereof or from Moody's is at least P-1 or the equivalent
     thereof (any such bank being an "Approved Bank"), in each case with
                                      -------------                     
     maturities of not more than 270 days from the date of acquisition, (c)
     commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by any Approved
     Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable rate notes issued
     by, or guaranteed by, any domestic corporation rated A-1 (or the equivalent
     thereof) or better by S&P or P-1 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by
     Moody's and maturing within six months of the date of acquisition, (d)
     repurchase agreements with a bank or trust company (including any of the
     Lenders) or recognized securities dealer having capital and surplus in
     excess of $500,000,000 for direct obligations issued by or fully guaranteed
     by the United States of America in which the Borrower shall have a
     perfected first priority security interest (subject to no other Liens) and
     having, on the date of purchase thereof, a fair market value of at least
     100% of the amount of the repurchase obligations and (e) Investments,
     classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets, in money market
     investment programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
     amended, which are administered by reputable financial institutions having
     capital of at least $500,000,000 and the portfolios of which are limited to
     Investments of the character described in the foregoing subdivisions (a)
     through (d).

        "Change of Control" means any of the following events:  either (i) a
         -----------------                                                  
     "person" or a "group" (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of
     the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
     defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of more
     than 35% of the then outstanding voting stock of the Borrower or (ii) a
     majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall consist of
     individuals who are not Continuing Directors; "Continuing Director" means,
                                                    -------------------        
     as of any date of determination, (A) an individual who on the date two
     years prior to such determination date was a member of the Borrower's Board
     of Directors or (B) any new Director whose nomination for election by the
     Borrower's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least 75% of the
     Directors then still in office who either were Directors on the date two
     years prior to such determination date or whose nomination for election was
     previously so approved.

        "Closing Date" means the date hereof.
         ------------                        

        "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, modified,
         ----                                                                
     succeeded or replaced from time to time.

        "Collateral" means all collateral referred to in and covered by the
         ----------                                                        
     Collateral Documents.

        "Collateral Documents" means the Security Agreements, the Pledge 
         --------------------      
     Agreement, the Mortgage Documents and such other documents executed and
     delivered in connection with the  

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
     attachment and perfection of the Agent's security interests, for the
     benefit of the Lenders, in the assets of the Credit Parties, including,
     without limitation, UCC financing statements and patent and trademark
     filings.

        "Commitment Fees" means the fees payable to the New Credit Agreement
         ---------------                                                    
     Lenders pursuant to Section 3.4(a).

        "Commitments" means the Revolving Committed Amount and the Swingline
         -----------                                                        
     Committed Amount.

        "Credit Documents" means this Credit Agreement, the Notes, any Joinder
         ----------------                                                     
     Agreement, the Collateral Documents, the Fee Letter and all other related
     agreements and documents issued or delivered hereunder or thereunder or
     pursuant hereto or thereto.

        "Credit Parties" means the Borrower and the Guarantors and "Credit 
         --------------                                                      
     Party" means any one of them.

        "Credit Party Obligations" means, without duplication, (a) all of the
         ------------------------                                            
     obligations of the Credit Parties to the New Credit Agreement Lenders and
     the Agent, whenever arising, under this Credit Agreement, the Notes, the
     Collateral Documents or any of the other Credit Documents to which the
     Borrower or any other Credit Party is a party (including, but not limited
     to, any interest accruing after the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with
     respect to any Credit Party, regardless of whether such interest is an
     allowed claim under the Bankruptcy Code) and (b) all liabilities and
     obligations owing from a Credit Party to any New Credit Agreement Lender,
     or any Affiliate of a New Credit Agreement Lender, arising under interest
     rate protection agreements, foreign currency exchange agreements, commodity
     purchase or option agreements or other interest or exchange rate or
     commodity price hedging agreements (collectively, the "Hedging
                                                            -------
     Agreements").

        "Debt Issuance" means the issuance of any Indebtedness by a Credit 
         -------------    
     Party or any of its Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness permitted by 
     Section 8.1.

        "Default" means any event, act or condition which with notice or lapse
         -------    
     of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

        "Defaulting Lender" means, at any time, any Lender that, at such time 
         -----------------
     (a) has failed to make a Loan, Term Loan or purchase a Participation
     Interest required pursuant to the terms of this Credit Agreement or
     Supplemental Credit Agreement, (b) has failed to pay to the Agent or any
     Lender an amount owed by such Lender pursuant to the terms of this Credit
     Agreement or Supplemental Credit Agreement or (c) has been deemed insolvent
     or has become subject to a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or to a
     receiver, trustee or similar official.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
        "Domestic Subsidiaries" means all Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are
         ---------------------                                                 
     domiciled, incorporated or organized under the laws of any state of the
     United States or the District of Columbia.

        "Dollars" and "$" means dollars in lawful currency of the United 
         -------       -        
     States of America.

        "Double Cola Property" means that certain real property asset of the
         --------------------                                               
     Borrower identified in Section II of Schedule 6.23(a).
                                          ---------------- 

        "EBIT" means, for any period, with respect to the Borrower and its
         ----                                                             
     Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) Net Income for such
     period (excluding the effect of any extraordinary or other non-recurring
     gains or losses outside of the ordinary course of business) plus (b) an
     amount which, in the determination of Net Income for such period has been
     deducted for (i) Interest Expense for such period and (ii) total Federal,
     state, foreign or other income taxes for such period, all as determined in
     accordance with GAAP.

        "EBITDA" means, for any period, with respect to the Borrower and its
         ------                                                             
     Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) Net Income for such
     period (excluding the effect of any extraordinary or other non-recurring
     gains or losses outside of the ordinary course of business) plus (b) an
     amount which, in the determination of Net Income for such period has been
     deducted for (i) Interest Expense for such period, (ii) total Federal,
     state, foreign or other income taxes for such period and (iii) all
     depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges for such period, all
     as determined in accordance with GAAP.

        "Effective Date" means the date on which the conditions set forth in
         --------------                                                     
     Section 5.1 shall have been fulfilled (or waived in the sole discretion of
     the Lenders) and on which the initial Loans shall have been made.

        "Eligible Assignee" means (a) any Lender or Affiliate or subsidiary of a
         -----------------                                                      
     Lender and (b) any other commercial bank, financial institution or
     "accredited investor" (as defined in Regulation D of the Securities and
     Exchange Commission) reasonably acceptable to the Agent and the Borrower.

        "Eligible Inventory" means, as of any date of determination and without
         ------------------                                                    
     duplication, the lower of (a) the aggregate book value (based on a FIFO or
     a moving average cost valuation, consistently applied) or (b) fair market
     value of all raw materials and finished goods inventory owned by the
     Borrower, in either case, less appropriate reserves determined in
     accordance with GAAP, but excluding in any event (i) inventory subject to
     any Lien, other than Liens securing Credit Party Obligations and Liens in
     favor of NationsBank, in its capacity as agent for the Supplemental Credit
     Lenders, (ii) inventory which is not in good condition or fails to meet
     standards for sale or use imposed by governmental agencies, departments or
     divisions having regulatory authority over such goods, (iii) inventory
     which is not useable or saleable at prices approximating their cost in the
     ordinary course of the Borrower's business (including without duplication 
     the amount of any reserves for obsolescence, unsalability or decline in

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
     value), (iv) inventory located outside of the United States, (v) inventory
     located at a location not owned or leased by the Borrower, (vi) inventory
     located at a location leased by the Borrower or in a public warehouse
     facility with respect to which the Agent shall not have received a
     landlord, bailee and/or warehousemen's access and lien waiver satisfactory
     to the Agent, (vii) inventory which is leased or on consignment, (viii)
     inventory consisting of packaging materials and supplies, (ix) inventory
     which consists of goods in transit, (x) inventory with respect to which the
     Agent does not have a valid and perfected first-priority security interest
     and (xi) inventory which fails to meet such other specifications and
     requirements as may from time to time be established by the Agent in its
     reasonable discretion.

        "Eligible Receivables" means, at any time, the aggregate book value of 
         --------------------         
     all accounts receivable, receivables, and obligations for payment created
     or arising from the sale of inventory or the rendering of services in the
     ordinary course of business (collectively, the "Receivables"), owned by or
                                                     -----------               
     owing to the Borrower, net of allowances and reserves for doubtful or
     uncollectible accounts and sales adjustments consistent with the Borrower's
     internal policies and in any event in accordance with GAAP, but excluding
     in any event (i) Receivables subject to any Lien, other than Liens securing
     Credit Party Obligations and Liens in favor of NationsBank, in its capacity
     as agent for the Supplemental Credit Lenders, (ii) Receivables which are
     more than 60 days past due (net of reserves for bad debts in connection
     with any such Receivables), (iii) Receivables not otherwise excluded by
     clause (ii) above but owing from an account debtor having twenty percent
     (20%) of the balance owing by such account debtor to the Borrower
     (calculated without taking into account any credit balances of such account
     debtor) more than sixty (60) days past due, (iv) Receivables evidenced by
     notes, chattel paper or other instruments, unless such notes, chattel paper
     or instruments have been delivered to and are in the possession of the
     Agent, (v) Receivables owing by an account debtor which is not solvent or
     is subject to any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding of any kind, (vi)
     Receivables owing by an account debtor located outside of the United States
     (unless payment for the goods shipped is secured by an irrevocable letter
     of credit in a form and from an institution acceptable to the Agent), (vii)
     Receivables which are contingent or subject to offset, deduction,
     counterclaim, dispute or other defense to payment, in each case to the
     extent of such offset, deduction, counterclaim, dispute or other defense,
     (viii) Receivables for which any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the
     Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower is the account debtor, (ix)
     Receivables representing a sale to the government of the United States of
     America or any subdivision thereof unless the Borrower has complied (to the
     satisfaction of the Agent), with respect to the granting of a security
     interest in such Receivable, with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act or
     other similar applicable law, (x) Receivables from any single account
     debtor and its Affiliates which otherwise constitute Eligible Receivables
     comprising more than twenty five percent (25%) of all Eligible Receivables,
     but only to the extent in excess of such twenty-five percent (25%) and (xi)
     Receivables which fail to meet such other specifications and requirements
     as may from time to time be established by the Agent in its reasonable
     discretion.

        "Environmental Claim" means any investigation, written notice, 
         -------------------     
     violation, written demand, written allegation, action, suit, injunction,
     judgment, order, consent decree, penalty, 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     fine, lien, proceeding, or written claim (whether administrative, judicial,
     or private in nature) arising (a) pursuant to, or in connection with, an
     actual or alleged violation of, any Environmental Law, (b) in connection
     with any Hazardous Material, (c) from any assessment, abatement, removal,
     remedial, corrective, or other response action in connection with an
     Environmental Law or other order of a Governmental Authority or (d) from
     any actual or alleged damage, injury, threat, or harm to health, safety,
     natural resources, or the environment.

        "Environmental Laws" means any current or future legal requirement of 
         ------------------      
     any Governmental Authority pertaining to (a) the protection of health,
     safety, and the indoor or outdoor environment, (b) the conservation,
     management, or use of natural resources and wildlife, (c) the protection or
     use of surface water and groundwater, (d) the management, manufacture,
     possession, presence, use, generation, transportation, treatment, storage,
     disposal, release, threatened release, abatement, removal, remediation or
     handling of, or exposure to, any hazardous or toxic substance or material
     or (e) pollution (including any release to air, land, surface water, and
     groundwater), and includes, without limitation, the Comprehensive
     Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended
     by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, 42 USC 9601 et
     seq., Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and
     Recovery Act of 1976 and Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendment of 1984, 42
     USC 6901 et seq., Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the
     Clean Water Act of 1977, 33 USC 1251 et seq., Clean Air Act of 1966, as
     amended, 42 USC 7401 et seq., Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, 15 USC
     2601 et seq., Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 USC App. 1801 et
     seq., Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, 29 USC 651 et
     seq., Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 USC 2701 et seq., Emergency Planning
     and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 USC 11001 et seq., National
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 USC 4321 et seq., Safe Drinking Water
     Act of 1974, as amended, 42 USC 300(f) et seq., any analogous implementing
     or successor law, and any amendment, rule, regulation, order, or directive
     issued thereunder.

        "Equity Issuance" means any issuance by the Borrower to any Person of 
         ---------------   
     (a) shares of its capital stock or other equity interests, (b) any shares
     of its capital stock or other equity interests pursuant to the exercise of
     options (other than stock issued to employees and directors pursuant to
     employees or directors stock option plans) or warrants or (c) any shares of
     its capital stock or other equity interests pursuant to the conversion of
     any debt securities to equity.

        "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
         -----                                                               
     amended, and any successor statute thereto, as interpreted by the rules and
     regulations thereunder, all as the same may be in effect form time to time.
     References to sections of ERISA shall be construed also to refer to any
     successor sections.

        "ERISA Affiliate" means an entity, whether or not incorporated, which is
         ---------------                                                        
     under common control with any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries
     within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA, or is a member of a
     group which includes any Credit Party or any of its 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     Subsidiaries and which is treated as a single employer under Sections
     414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the Code.

        "Eurodollar Loan" means any Loan or Term Loan bearing interest based 
         ---------------      
     at a rate determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate.

        "Eurodollar Rate" means, for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar 
         ---------------     
     Loan comprising part of the same borrowing (including conversions,
     extensions and renewals), a per annum interest rate determined pursuant to
     the following formula:

     Eurodollar Rate =                  London Interbank Offered Rate
                                      ---------------------------------
                                      1 - Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

        "Eurodollar Reserve Percentage" means for any day, that percentage
         -----------------------------                                    
     (expressed as a decimal) which is in effect from time to time under
     Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or
     any successor), as such regulation may be amended from time to time or any
     successor regulation, as the maximum reserve requirement (including,
     without limitation, any basic, supplemental, emergency, special, or
     marginal reserves) applicable with respect to Eurocurrency liabilities as
     that term is defined in Regulation D (or against any other category of
     liabilities that includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate
     of Eurodollar Loans is determined), whether or not  Lender has any
     Eurocurrency liabilities subject to such reserve requirement at that time.
     Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency liabilities and
     as such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements without benefits of
     credits for proration, exceptions or offsets that may be available from
     time to time to a Lender.  The Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted
     automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the
     Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.

        "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 9.1.
         ----------------                                           

        "Excess Cash Flow" means, with respect to any fiscal year period of 
         ----------------    
     the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, an amount equal
     to (a) EBITDA for such period minus (b) Capital Expenditures for such
     period minus (c) cash Interest Expense for such period minus (d) Federal,
     state and other income taxes actually paid during such period minus (e)
     Principal Amortization Payments made during such period minus (f) voluntary
     prepayments made with respect to the Term Loans during such period minus
     (g) increases in Working Capital for such period plus (h) decreases in
     Working Capital for such period, minus (i) any cash gain from an Asset
     Disposition (to the extent included in EBITDA and paid to the Lenders as a
     mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(iii) hereof and Section
     3.3(b)(iii) of the Supplemental Credit Agreement).

        "Extension of Credit" means, as to any Lender, the making of a Loan by
         -------------------      
     such Lender (or a participation therein by a Lender).

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
        "Federal Funds Rate" means for any day the rate per annum (rounded 
         ------------------     
     upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) equal to the weighted
     average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members
     of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such
     day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business
     Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a
     Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on
     such transactions on the next preceding Business Day and (b) if no such
     rate is so published on such next preceding Business Day, the Federal Funds
     Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to the Agent on such day
     on such transactions as determined by the Agent.

        "Fee Letter" means that certain letter agreement, dated as of October 9,
         ----------                                                             
     1998, between the Agent and the Borrower, as amended, modified,
     supplemented or replaced from time to time.

        "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means, as of the end of each fiscal 
         ---------------------------     
     quarter of the Borrower, for the twelve month period ending on such date,
     with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis,
     the ratio of (a) EBITDA for the applicable period minus Capital
     Expenditures for the applicable period minus Federal, State and other
     income taxes paid in cash for the applicable period to (b) the sum of (i)
     cash Interest Expense for the applicable period plus (ii) Scheduled Funded
     Debt Payments for the applicable period.

        "Foreign Subsidiaries" means all Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are 
         --------------------    
     not Domestic Subsidiaries.

        "Funded Debt" means, without duplication, the sum of (a) all 
         -----------      
     Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for borrowed money, (b)
     all purchase money Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (c)
     the principal portion of all obligations of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries under Capital Leases, (d) commercial letters of credit and the
     maximum amount of all performance and standby letters of credit issued or
     bankers' acceptance facilities created for the account of the Borrower or
     any of its Subsidiaries, including, without duplication, all unreimbursed
     draws thereunder, (e) all Guaranty Obligations of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries with respect to Funded Debt of another person, (f) all Funded
     Debt of another entity secured by a Lien on any property of the Borrower or
     any of its Subsidiaries whether or not such Funded Debt has been assumed by
     a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (g) all Funded Debt of any
     partnership or unincorporated joint venture to the extent the Borrower or
     one of its Subsidiaries is legally obligated or has a reasonable
     expectation of being liable with respect thereto, net of any assets of such
     partnership or joint venture and (h) the principal balance outstanding
     under any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet
     loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product pursuant to which a
     Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is the obligor where such transaction
     is considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is
     classified as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP.

        "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United 
         ----         
     States applied on a consistent basis and subject to Section 1.3.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
        "Governmental Authority" means any Federal, state, local, provincial or
         ----------------------                                                
     foreign court or governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or
     regulatory body.

        "Guarantor" means each of the Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower and
         ---------                                                             
     each Additional Credit Party which has executed a Joinder Agreement,
     together with their successors and assigns.

        "Guaranty Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, without
         --------------------                                            
     duplication, any obligations (other than endorsements in the ordinary
     course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection)
     guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, dividends
     or other obligations of any other Person in any manner, whether direct or
     indirect, and including without limitation any obligation, whether or not
     contingent, (a) to purchase any such Indebtedness or other obligation or
     any property constituting security therefor, (b) to advance or provide
     funds or other support for the payment or purchase of such indebtedness or
     obligation or to maintain working capital, solvency or other balance sheet
     condition of such other Person (including, without limitation, maintenance
     agreements, comfort letters, take or pay arrangements, put agreements or
     similar agreements or arrangements) for the benefit of the holder of
     Indebtedness of such other Person, (c) to lease or purchase property,
     securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of
     such Indebtedness or  obligation, or (d) to otherwise assure or hold
     harmless the owner of such Indebtedness or obligation against loss in
     respect thereof.  The amount of any Guaranty Obligation hereunder shall
     (subject to any limitations set forth therein) be deemed to be an amount
     equal to the outstanding principal amount (or maximum principal amount, if
     larger) of the Indebtedness in respect of which such Guaranty Obligation is
     made.

        "Hazardous Materials" means any substance, material or waste defined or
         -------------------                                                   
     regulated in or under any Environmental Laws.

        "Hedging Agreements" has the meaning set forth in the definition of 
         ------------------         
     Credit Party Obligations.

        "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all
         ------------                                                   
     obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such
     Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or
     upon which interest payments are customarily made, (c) all obligations of
     such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements
     relating to property purchased by such Person to the extent of the value of
     such property (other than customary reservations or retentions of title
     under agreements with suppliers entered into in the ordinary course of
     business), (d) all obligations, including without limitation, intercompany
     items, of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of
     property or services purchased by such Person which would appear as
     liabilities on a balance sheet of such Person, (e) all Indebtedness of
     others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an
     existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on, or
     payable out of the proceeds of production from, property owned or acquired
     by such Person, whether or not the 

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
     obligations secured thereby have been assumed, (f) all Guaranty Obligations
     of such Person, (g) the principal portion of all obligations of such Person
     under (i) Capital Leases and (ii) any synthetic lease, tax retention
     operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet
     financing product of such Person where such transaction is considered
     borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is classified as an
     operating lease in accordance with GAAP (collectively, "Synthetic Leases"),
     (h) all obligations of such Person in respect of interest rate protection
     agreements, foreign currency exchange agreements, or other interest or
     exchange rate or commodity price hedging agreements, (i) the maximum amount
     of all performance and standby letters of credit issued or bankers'
     acceptances facilities created for the account of such Person and, without
     duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder (to the extent unreimbursed), (j)
     all preferred stock issued by such Person and required by the terms thereof
     to be redeemed, or for which mandatory sinking fund payments are due, by a
     fixed date and (k) the aggregate amount of uncollected accounts receivable
     of such Person subject at such time to a sale of receivables (or similar
     transaction) regardless of whether such transaction is effected without
     recourse to such Person or in a manner that would not be reflected on the
     balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP. The Indebtedness of
     any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or
     unincorporated joint venture in which such Person is legally obligated or
     has a reasonable expectation of being liable with respect thereto.

        "Indenture" means that certain Indenture dated as of August 3, 1994 
         ---------        
     among the Borrower as issuer, Signal Investment & Management Co. as
     guarantor and SouthTrust Bank of Alabama, National Association, as trustee,
     as the same may be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time.

        "Interest Coverage Ratio" means, as of the end of each fiscal quarter of
         -----------------------                                                
     the Borrower, for the twelve month period ending on such date, with respect
     to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the ratio of
     (a) EBIT for the applicable period to (b) cash Interest Expense for the
     applicable period.

        "Interest Expense" means, for any period, with respect to the Borrower 
         ---------------- 
     and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, all interest expense,
     including the interest component under Capital Leases, as determined in
     accordance with GAAP.

        "Interest Payment Date" means (a) as to Base Rate Loans other than
         ---------------------                                            
     Swingline Loans, the last Business Day of each fiscal quarter of the
     Borrower and on the Revolving Loan Maturity Date and (b) as to Eurodollar
     Loans or any Swingline Loan, on the last day of each applicable Interest
     Period and on the Revolving Loan Maturity Date and in addition if the
     Interest Period for a Eurodollar Loan is more than 3 months, then at 3
     month intervals beginning on the date 3 months from the beginning of the
     Interest Period.

        "Interest Period" means, (i) as to Eurodollar Loans, a period of one, 
         ---------------   
     two, three, six and twelve months' duration, as the Borrower may elect,
     commencing, in each case, on the date of the borrowing (including
     continuations and conversions thereof) and (ii) as to any Swingline Loan, a
     period commencing in each case on the date of the borrowing and ending on

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
     the date agreed to by the Borrower and the Swingline Lender in accordance
     with the provision of Section 2.3(b)(i) (such ending date in any event to
     be not more than seven (7) Business Days from the date of borrowing);
     provided, however, (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day which is
     not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next
     succeeding Business Day (except that where the next succeeding Business Day
     falls in the next succeeding calendar month, then on the next preceding
     Business Day), (b) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolving
     Loan Maturity Date and (c) where an Interest Period begins on a day for
     which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month in
     which the Interest Period is to end, such Interest Period shall end on the
     last Business Day of such calendar month.

        "Investment" means (a) the acquisition (whether for cash, property,
         ----------                                                        
     services, assumption of Indebtedness, securities or otherwise) of assets
     (including, without limitation, inventory, fixed assets, trademarks or
     tradenames), shares of capital stock, bonds, notes, debentures,
     partnership, joint venture or other ownership interests or other securities
     of any Person or (b) any deposit with, or advance, loan or other extension
     of credit to, any Person (other than deposits made in connection with the
     purchase of equipment or other assets in the ordinary course of business)
     or (c) any other capital contribution to or investment in such Person,
     including, without limitation, any Guaranty Obligation incurred for the
     benefit of such person.

        "Joinder Agreement" means a Joinder Agreement substantially in the 
         -----------------      
     form of Exhibit 7.13.

        "Leasehold Properties" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(h).
         --------------------                                              

        "Lenders" means collectively, the Supplemental Credit Lenders and the 
         -------         
     New Credit Agreement Lenders.

        "Leverage Ratio" means, as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
         --------------                                                    
     Borrower, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
     consolidated basis, the ratio of (a) Funded Debt on such date to (b) EBITDA
     for the twelve month period ending on such date.
 
        "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
         ----                                                                
     arrangement, security interest, encumbrance, lien (statutory or otherwise),
     preference, priority or charge of any kind (including, without limitation,
     any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other
     title retention agreement, any financing or similar statement or notice
     filed under the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted and in effect in the
     relevant jurisdiction or other similar recording or notice statute, and any
     lease in the nature thereof).

        "Loan" or "Loans" means the Revolving Loans and/or the Swingline Loans 
         ----      -----      
     (or a portion of any Revolving Loan), individually or collectively, as
     appropriate.

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
        "London Interbank Offered Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar 
         -----------------------------    
     Loan for the Interest Period applicable thereto, the rate of interest per
     annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing
     on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London interbank
     offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London
     time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for
     a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided, however, if more than
     one rate is specified on Telerate Page 3750, the applicable rate shall be
     the arithmetic mean of all such rates. If, for any reason, such rate is not
     available, the term "London Interbank Offered Rate" shall mean, with
                          -----------------------------                  
     respect to any Eurodollar Loan for the Interest Period applicable thereto,
     the rate of interest per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the
     nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing on Reuters Screen LIBO Page as the London
     interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 A.M.
     (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest
     Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided, however, if
     more than one rate is specified on Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the applicable
     rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates.

        "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect, after taking
         -----------------------     
     into account applicable insurance (to the extent the provider thereof has
     the financial ability to support its obligations with respect thereto and
     is not disputing same), on (a) the operations, financial condition,
     business or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a
     whole, (b) the ability of a Credit Party to perform its respective
     obligations under this Credit Agreement, or any of the other Credit
     Documents, the Supplemental Credit Agreement or any of the other
     Supplemental Credit Documents or (c) the validity or enforceability of this
     Credit Agreement, or any of the other Credit Documents, the Supplemental
     Credit Agreement or any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents, or the
     rights and remedies of the Lenders hereunder or thereunder taken as a
     whole.

        "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or any successor or
         -------                                                            
     assignee of the business of such company in the business of rating
     securities.

        "Mortgage Documents" means the Mortgages, the Mortgage Policies and such
         ------------------                                                     
     other documents and agreements executed or delivered in connection with the
     Real Properties.

        "Mortgage Policies" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(g).
         -----------------                                              

        "Mortgages" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(g).
         ---------                                              

        "Mortgaged Properties" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(g).
         --------------------                                              

        "Multiemployer Plan" means a Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA which 
         ------------------   
     is a multiemployer plan as defined in Sections 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of
     ERISA.

        "Multiple Employer Plan" means a Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA, 
         ----------------------     
     other than a Multiemployer Plan, which any Credit Party or any of its
     Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate 

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
     and at least one employer other than a Credit Party or any of its
     Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate are contributing sponsors.

        "NationsBank" means NationsBank, N.A. and its successors.
         -----------                                             

        "Net Cash Proceeds" means the gross cash proceeds (including cash 
         -----------------    
     actually received by way of deferred payment pursuant to a promissory note,
     receivable, or otherwise) received from an Asset Disposition, an Equity
     Issuance, a Debt Issuance or Recovery Event net of (a) transaction costs
     payable to third parties and (b) a good faith estimate of the taxes payable
     with respect to such proceeds (including, without duplication, withholding
     taxes).

        "Net Income" means, for any period, the net income after taxes for such
         ----------                                                            
     period of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as
     determined in accordance with GAAP.

        "Net Worth" means, as of any date, shareholders' equity or net worth 
         ---------     
     of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as determined
     in accordance with GAAP.

        "New Credit Agreement Lender" means any of the Persons identified as a 
         ---------------------------      
     "New Credit Agreement Lender" on the signature pages hereto, and any Person
     which may become a New Credit Agreement Lender by way of assignment in
     accordance with the terms hereof, together with their successors and
     permitted assigns.

        "Non-Excluded Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.
         ------------------                                            

        "Note" or "Notes" means the Revolving Notes and/or the Swingline Note,
         ----      -----                                                      
     individually or collectively, as appropriate.

        "Notice of Borrowing" means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving 
         -------------------    
     Loan, in the form of Exhibit 2.1.

        "Notice of Continuation/Conversion" means a request by the Borrower to
         ---------------------------------                                    
     continue an existing Eurodollar Loan to a new Interest Period or to convert
     a Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan or a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar
     Loan, in the form of Exhibit 2.5.

        "Operating Lease" means, as applied to any Person, any lease (including,
         ---------------                                                        
     without limitation, leases which may be terminated by the lessee at any
     time) of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) which is not a
     Capital Lease other than any such lease in which that Person is the lessor.

        "Participation Interest" means the Extension of Credit by a Lender by 
         ----------------------    
     way of the issuance of or a purchase of a participation in Swingline Loans
     as provided in Section 2.2, or in any Loans as provided in Section 3.9.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
        "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established 
         ----     
     pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA and any successor thereto.

        "Permitted Acquisition" means the acquisition of all of the capital 
         ---------------------   
     stock of another Person, all or substantially all of the assets of another
     Person or a brand or product line of another Person, provided that each of
     the following conditions are satisfied: (a) prior to such acquisition, the
     Borrower shall deliver to the Agent and Lenders evidence reasonably
     satisfactory to the Agent and Required Lenders demonstrating that after
     giving effect to such acquisition on a pro forma basis, as if such
     acquisition had occurred on the first day of the twelve month period ending
     on the last day of the Borrower's most recently completed fiscal quarter,
     the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries would have been in compliance
     with all the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.12, (b)
     simultaneously with any such acquisition, the Borrower shall have taken all
     action required under applicable law, or reasonably requested by the Agent,
     to grant to the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a valid and
     perfected first-priority security interest in all the assets acquired
     pursuant to such acquisition, (c) the acquisition is consummated pursuant
     to a negotiated acquisition agreement and involves the purchase of a
     consumer product or product line similar to those manufactured, distributed
     or sold by the Borrower as of the date hereof, or of a business that
     manufactures, distributes or sells one or more consumer products or product
     lines, similar to those manufactured, distributed or sold by the Borrower
     as of the date hereof, (d) after giving effect to the acquisition, the
     representations and warranties set forth in Section 6 hereof shall be true
     and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such
     acquisition with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, (e)
     no Default or Event of Default exists and is continuing or would result
     from such acquisition.

        "Permitted Investments" means Investments which are (a) cash or Cash
         ---------------------                                              
     Equivalents, (b) accounts receivable created, acquired or made in the
     ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with
     customary trade terms, (c) Investments in a Domestic Subsidiary of a Credit
     Party, (d) loans to directors, officers, employees, agents, customers or
     suppliers in the ordinary course of business for reasonable business
     expenses, not to exceed in the aggregate $500,000.00 at any one time, (e)
     Investments subsequent to the Closing Date in (i) Chattem (Canada) Inc. not
     to exceed $500,000.00 in the aggregate, (ii) Chattem (U.K.) Limited not to
     exceed $500,000.00 in the aggregate, and (iii) HBA Insurance, Ltd. not to
     exceed $500,000.00 in the aggregate, (f) in addition to the acquisition of
     the Acquired Assets to be consummated on the Closing Date, Investments in
     Permitted Acquisitions, including any contingency payments associated
     therewith, not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year of
     the Borrower, (g) the purchase, redemption, acquisition or retirement by
     the Borrower of any shares of its capital stock of any class or any
     warrants or options to purchase any such shares in an amount not to exceed
     $5,000,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year so long as the Borrower
     shall have provided the Agent with satisfactory evidence demonstrating that
     after giving effect to any such transaction on a pro forma basis, as if
     such transaction had occurred on the first day of the twelve month period
     ending on the last day of the Borrower's most recently completed fiscal
     quarter, the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries would have been in
     compliance with all the financial covenants set 

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
     forth in Section 7.12, (h) the redemption or repurchase of Subordinated
     Debt permitted by Section 8.11(a) hereof and (i) all those existing
     Investments of the Borrower identified on Schedule 1.1(b) attached hereto.

        "Permitted Liens" means (a) Liens securing Credit Party Obligations and
         ---------------                                                       
     Liens in favor of NationsBank in its capacity as agent for the Supplemental
     Credit Lenders, (b) Liens for taxes not yet due or Liens for taxes being
     contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate
     reserves determined in accordance with GAAP have been established (and as
     to which the property subject to any such Lien is not yet subject to
     foreclosure, sale or loss on account thereof), (c) Liens in respect of
     property imposed by law arising in the ordinary course of business such as
     materialmen's, mechanics', warehousemen's, carrier's, landlords' and other
     nonconsensual statutory Liens which are not due and payable or, if due and
     payable, are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for
     which adequate reserves determined in accordance with GAAP have been
     established (and as to which the property subject to any such Lien is not
     yet subject to foreclosure, sale or loss on account thereof), (d) pledges
     or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure payment of
     worker's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, pensions or social
     security programs, (e) Liens arising from good faith deposits in connection
     with or to secure performance of tenders, bids, leases, government
     contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar
     obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (other than
     obligations in respect of the payment of borrowed money), (f) Liens arising
     from good faith deposits in connection with or to secure performance of
     statutory obligations and surety and appeal bonds, (g) easements, rights-
     of-way, restrictions (including zoning restrictions), minor defects or
     irregularities in title and other similar charges or encumbrances not, in
     any material respect, impairing the use of the encumbered property for its
     intended purposes, (h) judgment Liens that would not constitute an Event of
     Default, (i) Liens in connection with Indebtedness allowed under Section
     8.1(c), (j) Liens arising by virtue of any statutory or common law
     provision relating to banker's liens, rights of setoff or similar rights as
     to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository
     institution and (k) Liens existing on the date hereof and identified on
     Schedule 8.2; provided that no such Lien shall extend to any property other
     than the property subject thereto on the Closing Date.

        "Person" means any individual, partnership, joint venture, firm,
         ------                                                         
     corporation, limited liability company, association, trust or other
     enterprise (whether or not incorporated), or any Governmental Authority.

        "Plan" means any employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of
         ----                                                                
     ERISA) which is covered by ERISA and with respect to which any Credit Party
     or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were
     terminated at such time, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be)
     an "employer" within the meaning of Section 3(5) of ERISA.

        "Pledge Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement,
         ----------------                                                  
     executed and delivered by each of the applicable Credit Parties in favor of
     the Agent, for the benefit of 

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
     the Lenders, to secure their obligations under the Credit Documents, as
     amended, modified, extended, renewed or replaced from time to time.

        "Prime Rate" means the per annum rate of interest established from 
         ----------    
     time to time by the Agent as its Prime Rate. Any change in the interest
     rate resulting from a change in the Prime Rate shall become effective as of
     12:01 a.m. of the Business Day on which each change in the Prime Rate is
     announced by the Agent. The Prime Rate is a reference rate used by the
     Agent in determining interest rates on certain loans and is not intended to
     be the lowest rate of interest charged on any extension of credit to any
     debtor.

         "Principal Amortization Payment" means a principal payment on the 
          ------------------------------     
     Term Loan as set forth in Section 2.1(c) of the Supplemental Credit
     Agreement.

        "Purchase Agreement" means that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, as
         ------------------                                                    
     amended and modified from time to time, by and among Thompson Medical
     Company, Inc., as the seller, and Signal and the Borrower, as the
     purchasers, dated as of November 16, 1998.

        "Real Properties" means the collective reference to the Mortgaged
         ---------------                                                 
     Properties and the Leasehold Properties.

        "Recovery Event" means the receipt by the Borrower or any of its
         --------------                                                 
     Subsidiaries of any cash insurance proceeds, condemnation award payable or
     indemnification payments from other third parties by reasons of theft,
     loss, physical destruction or damage, taking or similar event with respect
     to any of their respective property or assets.

        "Regulation D, U, or X" means Regulation D, U or X, respectively, 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.
 
        "Reportable Event" means a "reportable event" as defined in Section 
         ----------------   
     4043 of ERISA with respect to which the notice requirements to the PBGC
     have not been waived.

        "Required Lenders" means Lenders whose aggregate Credit Exposure (as 
         ----------------    
     hereinafter defined) constitutes at least 51% of the Credit Exposure of all
     Lenders at such time; provided, however, that if any Lender shall be a
     Defaulting Lender at such time then there shall be excluded from the
     determination of Required Lenders the aggregate principal amount of Credit
     Exposure of such Lender at such time. For purposes of the preceding
     sentence, the term "Credit Exposure" as applied to each Lender shall mean
     (a) at any time prior to the termination of the Commitments, the sum of (i)
     the Revolving Loan Commitment Percentage of such Lender multiplied by the
     Revolving Committed Amount plus (ii) the Term Loan Commitment Percentage of
                                ----
     such Lender multiplied by the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans
     outstanding at such time and (b) at any time after the termination of the
     Commitments, the sum of (i) the principal balance of the outstanding Loans
     of such Lender plus (ii) the principal balance of the outstanding Term
     Loans of such Lender.

                                      19
<PAGE>
 
        "Requirement of Law" means, as to any Person, the articles or 
         ------------------    
     certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or
     governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation
     or final, non-appealable determination of an arbitrator or a court or other
     Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such
     Person or to which any of its material property is subject.

        "Revolving Loan Commitment Percentage" means, for each New Credit 
         ------------------------------------    
     Agreement Lender, the percentage identified as its Revolving Loan
     Commitment Percentage on Schedule 1.1(a), as such percentage may be
                              ---------------        
     modified in connection with any assignment made in accordance with the
     provisions of Section 11.3.

        "Revolving Committed Amount" means FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($50,000,000)
         --------------------------     
     or such lesser amount as the Revolving Committed Amount may be reduced
     pursuant to Section 2.1(d) or Section 3.3.

        "Revolving Loans" means the Revolving Loans made to the Borrower 
         ---------------     
     pursuant to Section 2.1.

        "Revolving Note" or "Revolving Notes" means the promissory notes of the
         --------------      ---------------                                   
     Borrower in favor of each of the New Credit Agreement Lenders evidencing
     the Revolving Loans provided pursuant to Section 2.1, individually or
     collectively, as appropriate, as such promissory notes may be amended,
     modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced from time to time and
     as evidenced in the form of Exhibit 2.5(a).
                                 -------------- 

        "Revolving Loan Maturity Date" means the earlier of (i) December 21, 
         ----------------------------    
     2003 and (ii) the date on which the Term Loans are repaid in full.

        "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of McGraw Hill,
         ---                                                                   
     Inc., or any successor or assignee of the business of such division in the
     business of rating securities.

        "Scheduled Funded Debt Payments" means, as of the date of determination,
         ------------------------------                                         
     for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, the sum of
     all scheduled payments of principal on Funded Debt for the applicable
     period ending on the date of determination (including the principal
     component of payments due on Capital Leases during the applicable period
     ending on the date of determination); it being understood that Scheduled
     Funded Debt Payments shall not include voluntary prepayments or the
     mandatory prepayments required pursuant to Section 3.3.

        "Second Indenture" means that certain Indenture dated as of March 24, 
         ----------------     
     1998 among the Borrower, Signal and SouthTrust Bank of Alabama, National
     Association, as the same may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented
     from time to time.

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
 
        "Security Agreements" means that certain Amended and Restated Security
         -------------------                                                  
     Agreement and that certain Aircraft Mortgage and Security Agreement, each
     dated as of the date hereof and executed and delivered by each of the
     applicable Credit Parties in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the
     Lenders to secure their obligations under the Credit Documents, as such may
     be amended, modified, extended, renewed, restated or replaced from time to
     time.

        "Senior Leverage Ratio" means as of the end of each fiscal quarter of 
         ---------------------    
     the Borrower, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
     consolidated basis, the ratio of (a) Funded Debt minus Subordinated Debt
     minus Additional Subordinated Debt on such date to (b) EBITDA for the
     twelve month period ending on such date.

         "Signal" means Signal Investment & Management Co., a Delaware 
          ------        
     corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower.

        "Single Employer Plan" means any Plan which is covered by Title IV of
         --------------------                                                
     ERISA, but which is not a Multiemployer Plan.

        "Solvent" means, with respect to any Person as of a particular date, 
         -------     
     that on such date (a) such Person is able to pay its debts and other
     liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in
     the normal course of business, (b) such Person does not intend to, and does
     not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person's
     ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature in their ordinary
     course, (c) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and
     is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such
     Person's assets would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving
     due consideration to the prevailing practice in the industry in which such
     Person is engaged or is to engage, (d) the fair value of the assets of such
     Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including, without
     limitation, contingent liabilities, of such Person and (e) the present fair
     saleable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount
     that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its
     debts as they become absolute and matured. In computing the amount of
     contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that such liabilities
     will be computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and
     circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can
     reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

        "Subordinated Debt" means the Indebtedness evidenced by the Indenture 
         -----------------     
     or by the guarantees thereof in an aggregate amount not to exceed
     $75,000,000.

        "Subsidiary" means, as to any Person, (a) 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, 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 (b) any partnership,
     association, joint venture or other entity in which 


                                      21

<PAGE>
 
     such person directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries has more than a 50%
     equity interest at any time.

        "Supplemental Credit Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated
          -----------------------------                                         
     Supplemental Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof, among the
     Borrower, the Guarantors, NationsBank, N.A., as agent, and certain other
     lenders named therein, as amended, modified, supplemented or renewed from
     time to time.

        "Supplemental Credit Documents"  means the Supplemental Credit 
         -----------------------------     
     Agreement, the Term Loan Notes, any Joinder Agreement, the Collateral
     Documents, the Fee Letter and all other related agreements and documents
     issued or delivered thereunder or pursuant thereto.

        "Supplemental Credit Lender" means any of the Persons identified as a
         --------------------------                                          
     "Supplemental Credit Lender" on the signature pages to the Supplemental
     Credit Agreement, and any Person which may become a Supplemental Credit
     Lender by way of assignment in accordance with the terms of the
     Supplemental Credit Agreement, together with their successors and permitted
     assigns.

        "Swingline Committed Amount" shall have the meaning assigned to such 
         --------------------------     
     term in Section 2.2(a).

         "Swingline Lender" means NationsBank.
         ----------------                    

         "Swingline Loan" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in 
          --------------       
     Section 2.2(a).

        "Swingline Note" means the promissory note of the Borrower in favor of
         --------------       
     the Swingline Lender in the original principal amount of $5,000,000, as
     such promissory note may be amended, modified, restated or replaced from
     time to time.

        "Synthetic Leases" has the meaning set forth in the definition of
         ----------------                                                
     Indebtedness.

        "Termination Event" means (a) with respect to any Plan, the occurrence
         -----------------     
     of a Reportable Event or the substantial cessation of operations (within
     the meaning of Section 4062(e) of ERISA); (b) the withdrawal of any Credit
     Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiple
     Employer Plan during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as
     such term is defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), or the termination of
     a Multiple Employer Plan; (c) the distribution of a notice of intent to
     terminate or the actual termination of a Plan pursuant to Section
     4041(a)(2) or 4041A of ERISA; (d) the institution of proceedings to
     terminate or the actual termination of a Plan by the PBGC under Section
     4042 of ERISA; (e) any event or condition which might reasonably constitute
     grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the
     appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan; or (f) the complete or
     partial withdrawal of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any
     ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan.

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
        "Term Loan Commitment Percentage" means, for a Supplemental Credit 
         -------------------------------     
     Lender, the percentage identified as its Term Loan Commitment Percentage on
     Schedule 1.1(a) of the Supplemental Credit Agreement, as such percentage
     may be modified in connection with any assignment made in accordance with
     the provisions of Section 11.3 of the Supplemental Credit Agreement.

        "Term Loan Committed Amount" means ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS
         --------------------------                                           
     ($115,000,000).

        "Term Loan Maturity Date" means December 21, 2003.
         -----------------------                          

        "Term Loan Note" or "Term Loan Notes" means the promissory notes of the
         --------------      ---------------                                   
     Borrower in favor of the Supplemental Credit Lenders having a Term Loan
     Commitment Percentage evidencing the Term Loans provided pursuant to
     Section 2.1 of the Supplemental Credit Agreement, individually or
     collectively, as appropriate, as such promissory notes may be amended,
     modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced from time to time as
     evidenced in the form of Exhibit 2.4 of the Supplemental Credit Agreement.
                              -----------                                      

        "Term Loans" means the Term Loans made to the Borrower pursuant to 
         ----------   
     Section 2.1 of the Supplemental Credit Agreement.

        "Unused Commitment" means, for any period, the amount by which (a) the 
         -----------------     
     then applicable aggregate Revolving Committed Amount exceeds (b) the daily
     average sum for such period of the outstanding aggregate principal amount
     of all Revolving Loans (but not including any Swingline Loans).

        "Working Capital" means, at any time, with respect to the Borrower and 
         ---------------    
     its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the excess of current assets
     (excluding cash and Cash Equivalents) over current liabilities (excluding
     the current portion of Funded Debt), as determined in accordance with GAAP.

     1.2  COMPUTATION OF TIME PERIODS AND OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS.
          ------------------------------------------------------------- 

     For purposes of computation of periods of time hereunder, the word "from"
means "from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but
excluding."  References in this Credit Agreement to "Articles", "Sections",
"Schedules" or "Exhibits" shall be to Articles, Sections, Schedules or Exhibits
of or to this Credit Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.

     1.3  ACCOUNTING TERMS.
          ---------------- 

     Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used
herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and
reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the New Credit
Agreement Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied
on a consistent basis.  All financial statements delivered to the New Credit
Agreement 

                                      23
<PAGE>
 
Lenders hereunder shall be accompanied by a statement from the Borrower that
GAAP has not changed since the most recent financial statements delivered by the
Borrower to the New Credit Agreement Lenders or if GAAP has changed describing
such changes in detail and explaining how such changes affect the financial
statements. All calculations made for the purposes of determining compliance
with this Credit Agreement shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein)
be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most
recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant to Section
7.1 (or, prior to the delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to
Section 7.1, consistent with the financial statements described in Section
5.1(c)); provided, however, if (a) the Borrower shall object to determining such
compliance on such basis at the time of delivery of such financial statements
due to any change in GAAP or the rules promulgated with respect thereto or (b)
either Agent or the Required Lenders shall so object in writing within 60 days
after delivery of such financial statements (or after the New Credit Agreement
Lenders have been informed of the change in GAAP affecting such financial
statements, if later), then such calculations shall be made on a basis
consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered by the Borrower
to the New Credit Agreement Lenders as to which no such objection shall have
been made.


                                   SECTION 2

                               CREDIT FACILITIES
                               -----------------

     2.1  REVOLVING LOANS.
          --------------- 

        (a) Revolving Loan Commitment.   Subject to the terms and conditions set
            -------------------------                                           
     forth herein, each New Credit Agreement Lender severally agrees to make
     revolving loans (each a "Revolving Loan" and collectively the "Revolving
                              --------------                        ---------
     Loans") to the Borrower, in Dollars, at any time and from time to time,
     -----                                                                  
     during the period from and including the Effective Date to but not
     including the Revolving Loan Maturity Date (or such earlier date if the
     Revolving Committed Amount has been terminated as provided herein);
     provided, however, that (i) the sum of the aggregate amount of Revolving
     --------  -------                                                       
     Loans outstanding plus the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans outstanding
     shall not exceed the lesser of (x) the Revolving Committed Amount and (y)
     the Borrowing Base, and (ii) with respect to each individual New Credit
     Agreement Lender, such New Credit Agreement Lender's outstanding Revolving
     Loans shall not exceed such New Credit Agreement Lender's Revolving Loan
     Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Committed Amount.

        (b) Method of Borrowing for Revolving Loans.  By no later than 11:00 
            ---------------------------------------    
     a.m. (i) on the Business Day of the requested borrowing of Revolving Loans
     that will be Base Rate Loans or (ii) three Business Days prior to the date
     of the requested borrowing of Revolving Loans that will be Eurodollar
     Loans, the Borrower shall submit a written Notice of Borrowing in the form
     of Exhibit 2.1 (or telephone notice promptly confirmed in writing) to the
        -----------                                                           
     Agent setting forth (A) the amount requested, (B) whether such Revolving
     Loans shall accrue interest at the Adjusted Base Rate or the Adjusted
     Eurodollar Rate, (C) with respect to Revolving Loans that 

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
     will be Eurodollar Loans, the Interest Period applicable thereto and (D)
     evidence that the Borrower has complied in all respects with Section 5.2.

        (c) Funding of Revolving Loans. Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing,
            --------------------------     
     the Agent shall promptly inform the applicable New Credit Agreement Lenders
     as to the terms thereof. Each such New Credit Agreement Lender shall make
     its Revolving Loan Commitment Percentage of the requested Revolving Loans
     available to the Agent by 1:00 p.m. on the date specified in the Notice of
     Borrowing by deposit, in Dollars, of immediately available funds at the
     offices of the Agent at its principal office in Charlotte, North Carolina
     or at such other address as the Agent may designate in writing. The amount
     of the requested Revolving Loans will then be made available to the
     Borrower by the Agent by crediting the account of the Borrower on the books
     of such office of the Agent, to the extent the amount of such Revolving
     Loans are made available to the Agent.
 
        No New Credit Agreement Lender shall be responsible for the failure or
     delay by any other New Credit Agreement Lender in its obligation to make
     Revolving Loans hereunder; provided, however, that the failure of any New
     Credit Agreement Lender to fulfill its obligations hereunder shall not
     relieve any other New Credit Agreement Lender of its obligations hereunder.
     Unless the Agent shall have been notified by any New Credit Agreement
     Lender prior to the date of any such Revolving Loan that such New Credit
     Agreement Lender does not intend to make available to the Agent its portion
     of the Revolving Loans to be made on such date, the Agent may assume that
     such New Credit Agreement Lender has made such amount available to the
     Agent on the date of such Revolving Loans, and the Agent in reliance upon
     such assumption, may (in its sole discretion but 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 Agent, the Agent
     shall be able to recover such corresponding amount from such New Credit
     Agreement Lender.  If such New Credit Agreement Lender does not pay such
     corresponding amount forthwith upon the Agent's demand therefor, the Agent
     will promptly notify the Borrower, and the Borrower shall immediately pay
     such corresponding amount to the Agent.  The Agent shall also be entitled
     to recover from the New Credit Agreement 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 Agent to
     the Borrower to the date such corresponding amount is recovered by the
     Agent at a per annum rate equal to (i) from the Borrower at the applicable
     rate for such Revolving Loan pursuant to the Notice of Borrowing and (ii)
     from a New Credit Agreement Lender at the Federal Funds Rate.

        (d) Reductions of Revolving Committed Amount. Upon at least three
            ----------------------------------------    
     Business Days' notice, the Borrower shall have the right to permanently
     terminate or reduce the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Committed
     Amount at any time or from time to time; provided that (i) each partial
     reduction shall be in an aggregate amount at least equal to $1,000,000 and
     in integral multiples of $500,000 above such amount and (ii) no reduction
     shall be made which would reduce the Revolving Committed Amount to an
     amount less than the 

                                      25
<PAGE>
 
     aggregate amount of outstanding Revolving Loans. Any reduction in (or
     termination of) the Revolving Committed Amount shall be permanent and may
     not be reinstated.

     2.2  SWINGLINE LOAN SUBFACILITY.
          -------------------------- 

        (a) Swingline Commitment.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth
            --------------------                                                
     herein, the Swingline Lender, in its individual capacity, agrees to make
     certain revolving credit loans to the Borrower (each a "Swingline Loan"
                                                             -------------- 
     and, collectively, the "Swingline Loans") at any time and from time to
                             ---------------                               
     time, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but not
     including the Revolving Loan Maturity Date for the purposes hereinafter set
     forth; provided, however, (i) the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans
            --------  -------                                             
     outstanding at any time shall not exceed FIVE MILLION DOLLARS
     ($5,000,000.00) (the "Swingline Committed Amount"), and (ii) the sum of the
                           --------------------------                           
     aggregate principal amount of outstanding Revolving Loans plus the
                                                               ----    
     aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans shall not exceed
     the lesser of (x) the Revolving Committed Amount and (y) the Borrowing
     Base. Swingline Loans hereunder shall be made as Base Rate Loans in
     accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.2, and may be repaid and
     reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof.

        (b) Swingline Loan Advances.
            ----------------------- 

            (i) Notices; Disbursement. Whenever the Borrower desires a Swingline
                ---------------------
        Loan advance hereunder it shall give written notice (or telephone notice
        promptly confirmed in writing) to the Swingline Lender not later than
        11:00 A.M. (Charlotte, North Carolina time) on the Business Day of the
        requested Swingline Loan advance. Each such notice shall be irrevocable
        and shall specify (A) that a Swingline Loan advance is requested, (B)
        the date of the requested Swingline Loan advance (which shall be a
        Business Day) and (C) the principal amount of the Swingline Loan advance
        requested. Each Swingline Loan shall be made as a Base Rate Loan and
        shall have such maturity date as the Swingline Lender and the Borrower
        shall agree upon receipt by the Swingline Lender of any such notice from
        the Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall initiate the transfer of funds
        representing the Swingline Loan advance to the Borrower by 3:00 P.M.
        (Charlotte, North Carolina time) on the Business Day of the requested
        borrowing.

            (ii) Minimum Amounts. Each Swingline Loan advance shall be in a
                 ---------------      
        minimum principal amount of $100,000 and in integral multiples of
        $100,000 in excess thereof.

            (iii) Repayment of Swingline Loans.  The principal amount
                  ----------------------------                       
        of all Swingline Loans shall be due and payable on the earlier of (A)
        the maturity date agreed to by the Swingline Lender and the Borrower
        with respect to such Loan (which maturity date shall not be a date more
        than seven (7) Business Days from the date of advance thereof) and (B)
        the Revolving Loan Maturity Date. The

                                      26

<PAGE>
 
        Swingline Lender may, at any time, in its sole discretion, by written
        notice to the Borrower and the New Credit Agreement Lenders, demand
        repayment of its Swingline Loans by way of a Revolving Loan advance, in
        which case the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a
        Revolving Loan advance comprised solely of Base Rate Loans in the amount
        of such Swingline Loans; provided, however, that any such demand shall
                                 --------  -------      
        be deemed to have been given one Business Day prior to the Revolving
        Loan Maturity Date and on the date of the occurrence of any Event of
        Default described in Section 9.1 and upon acceleration of the
        indebtedness hereunder and the exercise of remedies in accordance with
        the provisions of Section 9.2. Each New Credit Agreement Lender hereby
        irrevocably agrees to make its pro rata share of each such Revolving
        Loan in the amount, in the manner and on the date specified in the
        preceding sentence notwithstanding (I) the amount of such borrowing may
                           --------------- 
        not comply with the minimum amount for advances of Revolving Loans
        otherwise required hereunder, (II) whether any conditions specified in
        Section 5.2 are then satisfied, (III) whether a Default or an Event of
        Default then exists, (IV) failure of any such request or deemed request
        for Revolving Loan to be made by the time otherwise required hereunder,
        (V) whether the date of such borrowing is a date on which Revolving
        Loans are otherwise permitted to be made hereunder or (VI) any
        termination of the Commitments relating thereto immediately prior to or
        contemporaneously with such borrowing. In the event that any Revolving
        Loan cannot for any reason be made on the date otherwise required above
        (including, without limitation, as a result of the commencement of a
        proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Borrower or any
        other Credit Party), then each New Credit Agreement Lender hereby agrees
        that it shall forthwith purchase (as of the date such borrowing would
        otherwise have occurred, but adjusted for any payments received from the
        Borrower on or after such date and prior to such purchase) from the
        Swingline Lender such participations in the outstanding Swingline Loans
        as shall be necessary to cause each such New Credit Agreement Lender to
        share in such Swingline Loans ratably based upon its Revolving Loan
        Commitment Percentage (determined before giving effect to any
        termination of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1(d)), provided
                                                                    --------
        that (A) all interest payable on Swingline Loans shall be for the
        account of the Swingline Lender until the date as of which the
        respective participation is purchased and (B) at the time any purchase
        of participations pursuant to this sentence is actually made, the
        purchasing New Credit Agreement Lender shall be required to pay to the
        Swingline Lender, to the extent not paid to the Swingline Lender by the
        Borrower in accordance with the terms of subsection (c) below, interest
        on the principal amount of participation purchased for each day from and
        including the day upon which such borrowing would otherwise have
        occurred to but excluding the date of payment for such participation, at
        the rate equal to the Federal Funds Rate.

        (c) Interest on Swingline Loans.  Subject to the provisions of
            ---------------------------                               
     Section 3.1, each Swingline Loan shall bear interest at per annum rate
     equal to the Base Rate.  Interest 

                                      27

<PAGE>
 
     on Swingline Loans shall be payable in arrears on each applicable Interest
     Payment Date (or at such other times as may be specified herein).

     2.3  CONTINUATIONS AND CONVERSIONS.
          ----------------------------- 

     Subject to the terms of Section 5.2, the Borrower shall have the option, on
any Business Day, to continue in existence Eurodollar Loans for a subsequent
Interest Period, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Loans or to convert
Eurodollar Loans into Base Rate Loans; provided, however, that (a) each such
continuation or conversion must be requested by the Borrower pursuant to a
written Notice of Continuation/Conversion, in the form of Exhibit 2.3, in
                                                          -----------    
compliance with the terms set forth below, (b) except as provided in Section
3.12, Eurodollar Loans may only be continued or converted into Base Rate Loans
on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) Eurodollar Loans
may not be continued nor may Base Rate Loans be converted into Eurodollar Loans
during the existence and continuation of a Default or Event of Default and (d)
any request to extend a Eurodollar Loan that fails to comply with the terms
hereof or any failure to request an extension of a Eurodollar Loan at the end of
an Interest Period shall constitute a request for a conversion to a Base Rate
Loan on the last day of the applicable Interest Period.  Each continuation or
conversion must be requested by the Borrower no later than 11:00 a.m. (i) one
Business Day prior to the date for a requested conversion of a Eurodollar Loan
to a Base Rate Loan or (ii) three Business Days prior to the date for a
requested extension of a Eurodollar Loan or conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a
Eurodollar Loan, in each case pursuant to a written Notice of
Continuation/Conversion submitted to the Agent which shall set forth (A) whether
the Borrower wishes to continue or convert such Loans and (B) if the request is
to continue a Eurodollar Loan or convert a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan,
the Interest Period applicable thereto.

     2.4  MINIMUM AMOUNTS.
          --------------- 

     Each request for a borrowing, conversion or continuation shall be subject
to the requirements that (a) each Eurodollar Loan shall be in a minimum amount
of $1,000,000 and in integral multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof, (b) each
Base Rate Loan shall be in a minimum amount of the lesser of $1,000,000 (and
integral multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof) or the remaining amount
available under the Revolving Committed Amount and (c) no more than ten
Eurodollar Loans shall, in the aggregate, be outstanding under the Supplemental
Credit Agreement and hereunder at any one time.  For the purposes of this
Section, all Eurodollar Loans with the same Interest Periods shall be considered
as one Eurodollar Loan, but Eurodollar Loans with different Interest Periods,
even if they begin on the same date, shall be considered as separate Eurodollar
Loans.

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
     2.5   NOTES.
           ----- 

           (a) Revolving Notes. The Revolving Loans made by each New Credit
               ---------------
     Agreement Lender shall be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note of
     the Borrower to each applicable New Credit Agreement Lender in the face
     amount of its Revolving Loan Commitment Percentage of the Revolving
     Committed Amount in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.5(a).
                                                   -------------- 
           (b) Swingline Note. The Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by a
               --------------
     duly executed promissory note of the Borrower to the Swingline Lender in
     substantially the form of Exhibit 2.5(b) in a principal amount equal to the
                               --------------                            
     amount of the Swingline Committed Amount.


                                   SECTION 3

                    GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS
                    --------------------------------------

     3.1   INTEREST.
           -------- 

           (a) Interest Rate. All Base Rate Loans (including, without
               -------------
     limitation, all Swingline Loans) shall accrue interest at the Adjusted Base
     Rate and all Eurodollar Loans shall accrue interest at the Adjusted
     Eurodollar Rate.

           (b) Default Rate of Interest. Upon the occurrence, and during the
               ------------------------ 
     continuance, of an Event of Default, the principal of and, to the extent
     permitted by law, interest on the Loans and any other amounts owing
     hereunder or under the other Credit Documents (including without limitation
     fees and expenses) shall bear interest, payable on demand, at a per annum
     rate equal to 4% plus the rate which would otherwise be applicable (or if
     no rate is applicable, then the rate for Revolving Loans that are Base Rate
     Loans plus four percent (4%) per annum).

           (c) Interest Payments. Interest on Loans (including, without
               -----------------
     limitation, all Swingline Loans) shall be due and payable in arrears on
     each Interest Payment Date. If an Interest Payment Date falls on a date
     which is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date shall be deemed to
     be the next succeeding Business Day (subject to accrual of interest for the
     period of such extension), except that in the case of Eurodollar Loans
     where the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next succeeding
     calendar month, then on the next preceding day.

     3.2   PLACE AND MANNER OF PAYMENTS.
           ---------------------------- 

     All payments of principal, interest, fees, expenses and other amounts to be
made by a Credit Party under this Credit Agreement shall be received not later
than 2:00 p.m. on the date when due, in Dollars and in immediately available
funds, by the Agent at its offices at NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, 

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
North Carolina. Payments received after such time shall be deemed to have been
received on the next Business Day. The Borrower shall, at the time it makes any
payment under this Credit Agreement, specify to the Agent, the Loans, fees or
other amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder to which such payment is to be
applied (and in the event that it fails to specify, or if such application would
be inconsistent with the terms hereof, the Agent shall, subject to Section 3.7,
distribute such payment to the New Credit Agreement Lenders in such manner as
the Agent may deem appropriate). The Agent will distribute such payments to the
applicable New Credit Agreement Lenders on the date received if any such payment
is received prior to 2:00 p.m.; otherwise the Agent will distribute such payment
to the applicable Lenders on the next succeeding Business Day. Whenever any
payment 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
(subject to accrual of interest and fees for the period of such extension),
except that in the case of Eurodollar Loans, if the extension would cause the
payment to be made in the next following calendar month, then such payment shall
instead be made on the next preceding Business Day.

     3.3   PREPAYMENTS.
           ----------- 

           (a) Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower shall have the right to
               ---------------------
     prepay Loans in whole or in part from time to time without premium or
     penalty; provided, however, that (i) Eurodollar Loans may only be prepaid
     on three Business Days' prior written notice to the Agent and any
     prepayment of Eurodollar Loans will be subject to Section 3.15; (ii) Base
     Rate Loans may only be prepaid after written notice (confirmed by a
     telephone call from the Borrower) to the Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on
     the Business Day of the applicable prepayment; (iii) each such partial
     prepayment of Loans shall be (A) in the case of Revolving Loans in the
     minimum principal amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in
     excess thereof and (B) in the case of Swingline Loans, in a minimum
     principal amount of $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in
     excess thereof.

           (b) Mandatory Prepayments.
               --------------------- 

               (i) Revolving Committed Amount.  If at any time the sum of
                   --------------------------                            
           the aggregate amount of Revolving Loans outstanding plus the
           aggregate amount of Swingline Loans outstanding exceeds the lesser of
           (x) the Revolving Committed Amount and (y) the Borrowing Base, the
           Borrower shall immediately make a principal payment to the Agent in
           the manner and in an amount necessary to be in compliance with
           Section 2.1.

               (ii) Excess Cash Flow.  Within 10 days after the date the
                    ----------------                                    
           audited financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to
           Section 7.1(a), the Borrower shall make a prepayment of the Loans and
           Term Loans in an amount equal to 75% of the Excess Cash Flow earned
           during such prior fiscal year (to be applied as set forth in Section
           3.3(c) below).

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
               (iii)  Asset Dispositions.  Immediately upon receipt by the
                      ------------------                                  
           Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Asset
           Disposition, the Borrower shall forward 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds
           of such Asset Disposition to the Lenders as a prepayment of the Loans
           and Term Loans (to be applied as set forth in Section 3.3(c) below).

               (iv) Issuances of Equity.  Immediately upon receipt by the
                    -------------------                                  
           Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Equity
           Issuance (other than the issuance of capital stock of the Borrower in
           connection with the Borrower's purchase of the Acquired Assets), the
           Borrower shall forward 50% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Equity
           Issuance to the Lenders as a prepayment of the Loans and Term Loans
           (to be applied as set forth in Section 3.3(c) below).

               (v) Recovery Event.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
                   --------------                                         
           Section 7.6 hereof, immediately upon receipt by the Borrower or any
           of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Recovery Event, the Borrower
           shall forward 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds from such Recovery Event
           to the Lenders as a prepayment of the Loans and Term Loans (to be
           applied as set forth in Section 3.3(c) below).

               (vi) Debt Issuances. Immediately upon receipt by the Borrower or
                    -------------- 
           any of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Debt Issuance, the
           Borrower shall prepay the Loans and the Term Loans in an aggregate
           amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Debt Issuance
           to the Lenders (such prepayment to be applied as set forth in Section
           3.3(c) below).

           (c) Application of Prepayments. All amounts required to be paid
               --------------------------
     pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(i) shall be applied first to Revolving Loans and
     second to Swingline Loans. All amounts required to be paid pursuant to
     Section 3.3(b)(ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) above shall be applied, first
                                                                           -----
     to the outstanding Term Loans (which amounts shall then be applied to the
     remaining Principal Amortization Payments due with respect to the Term
     Loans in inverse order of maturity thereof), second to the Revolving Loans
                                                  ------
     (with a corresponding permanent reduction in the Revolving Committed
     Amount) and third to Swingline Loans (with a corresponding permanent
                 -----
     reduction in the Revolving Committed Amount). Within the parameters of the
     application set forth above, prepayments shall be applied first to Base
     Rate Loans and then to Eurodollar Loans in direct order of Interest Period
     maturities. All prepayments hereunder shall be subject to Section 3.15.

     3.4   FEES.
           ---- 

           (a) Commitment Fees. In consideration of the Revolving Committed
               ---------------
     Amount being made available by the New Credit Agreement Lenders hereunder,
     the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for the pro rata benefit of each
     applicable New Credit Agreement Lender (based on each New Credit Agreement
     Lender's Revolving Loan Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Committed
     Amount), a fee equal to one half of one percent (0.50%) per annum 

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
     on the Unused Commitment (the "Commitment Fees"). The accrued Commitment
                                   -----------------
     Fees shall commence to accrue on the Closing Date and shall be payable
     quarterly in arrears on the 15th day following the last Business Day of
     each fiscal quarter of the Borrower (as well as on the Revolving Loan
     Maturity Date and on any date that the Revolving Committed Amount is
     reduced) for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter of the Borrower (or
     portion thereof), beginning with the first of such dates to occur after the
     Closing Date.

           (b) Administrative Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for
               -------------------
     its own account, an annual fee as agreed to between the Borrower and the
     Agent in the Fee Letter.

     3.5   PAYMENT IN FULL AT MATURITY.
           --------------------------- 

           On the Revolving Loan Maturity Date, the entire outstanding principal
     balance of all Revolving Loans, together with accrued but unpaid interest
     and all other sums owing with respect thereto, shall be due and payable in
     full, unless accelerated sooner pursuant to Section 9.

     3.6   COMPUTATIONS OF INTEREST AND FEES.
           --------------------------------- 

           (a) Except for Base Rate Loans, in which case interest shall be
     computed on the basis of a 365 or 366 day year as the case may be (unless
     the Base Rate is determined by reference to the Federal Funds Rate), all
     computations of interest and fees hereunder shall be made on the basis of
     the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days. Interest shall
     accrue from and include the date of borrowing (or continuation or
     conversion) but exclude the date of payment.

           (b) It is the intent of the New Credit Agreement Lenders and the
     Credit Parties to conform to and contract in strict compliance with
     applicable usury law from time to time in effect. All agreements between
     the New Credit Agreement Lenders and the Borrower are hereby limited by the
     provisions of this paragraph which shall override and control all such
     agreements, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether written
     or oral. In no way, nor in any event or contingency (including but not
     limited to prepayment or acceleration of the maturity of any obligation),
     shall the interest taken, reserved, contracted for, charged, or received
     under this Credit Agreement, under the Notes or otherwise, exceed the
     maximum nonusurious amount permissible under applicable law. If, from any
     possible construction of any of the Credit Documents or any other document,
     interest would otherwise be payable in excess of the maximum nonusurious
     amount, any such construction shall be subject to the provisions of this
     paragraph and such documents shall be automatically reduced to the maximum
     nonusurious amount permitted under applicable law, without the necessity of
     execution of any amendment or new document. If any New Credit Agreement
     Lender shall ever receive anything of value which is characterized as
     interest on the Loans under applicable law and which would, apart from this
     provision, be in excess of the maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to
     the amount which would have been excessive interest shall, without penalty,
     be applied to the reduction of the principal amount owing on the Loans and
     not to the

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
     payment of interest, or refunded to the Borrower or the other payor thereof
     if and to the extent such amount which would have been excessive exceeds
     such unpaid principal amount of the Loans. The right to demand payment of
     the Loans or any other indebtedness evidenced by any of the Credit
     Documents does not include the right to receive any interest which has not
     otherwise accrued on the date of such demand, and the New Credit Agreement
     Lenders do not intend to charge or receive any unearned interest in the
     event of such demand. All interest paid or agreed to be paid to the New
     Credit Agreement Lenders with respect to the Loans shall, to the extent
     permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated, and spread
     throughout the full stated term (including any renewal or extension) of the
     Loans so that the amount of interest on account of such indebtedness does
     not exceed the maximum nonusurious amount permitted by applicable law.

     3.7   PRO RATA TREATMENT.
           ------------------ 

     Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, each Loan borrowing, each
Term Loan borrowing,  each payment or prepayment of principal of any Loan or
Term Loan, each payment of fees (other than the Administrative Fees retained by
the Agent for its own account), each reduction of the Revolving Committed
Amount, and each conversion or continuation of any Loan or Term Loan shall be
allocated pro rata among the relevant Lenders in accordance with the respective
Revolving Loan Commitment Percentages and Term Loan Commitment Percentages, as
applicable, of such Lenders (or, if the Commitments or Term Loan Committed
Amount of such Lenders have expired or been terminated, in accordance with the
respective principal amounts of their outstanding Loans, Term Loans and
Participation Interests of such Lenders); provided that, if any Lender shall
have failed to pay its applicable pro rata share of any Loan or Term Loan then
any amount to which such Lender would otherwise be entitled pursuant to this
Section shall instead be payable to the Agent; provided further, that in the
event any amount paid to any Lender pursuant to this Section is rescinded or
must otherwise be returned by the Agent, each Lender shall, upon the request of
the Agent, repay to the Agent the amount so paid to such Lender, with interest
for the period commencing on the date such payment is returned by the Agent
until the date the Agent receives such repayment at a rate per annum equal to,
during the period to but excluding the date two Business Days after such
request, the Federal Funds Rate, and thereafter, the Base Rate plus four percent
(4%) per annum.

     3.8   ALLOCATION OF PAYMENTS AFTER EVENT OF DEFAULT.
           --------------------------------------------- 

     Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Credit Agreement or the
Supplemental Credit Agreement, after the occurrence and during the continuance
of an Event of Default, all amounts collected or received by an Agent or any
Lender on account of amounts outstanding under any of the Credit Documents or
any of the Supplemental Credit Documents or in respect of the Collateral shall
be paid over or delivered as follows:

         FIRST, to the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
     expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees) of the
     Agent in connection with enforcing the rights of the New Credit Agreement
     Lenders under the Credit Documents and the Supplemental Credit Lenders
     under the Supplemental Credit Documents and any protective

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
     advances made by the Agent with respect to the Collateral under or pursuant
     to the terms of the Collateral Documents;

         SECOND, to payment of any fees owed to an Agent in its capacity as
     Agent;

         THIRD, to the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
     expenses, (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) of
     each of the Lenders in connection with enforcing its rights under the
     Credit Documents and the Supplemental Credit Documents;

         FOURTH, to the payment of all accrued fees and interest payable to (i)
     the New Credit Agreement Lenders hereunder and (ii) the Supplemental Credit
     Lenders under the Supplemental Credit Agreement;

         FIFTH, to the payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans
     and Term Loans, and to any principal amounts outstanding under Hedging
     Agreements, pro rata, as set forth below;

         SIXTH, to all other obligations which shall have become due and payable
     under the Credit Documents and Supplemental Credit Documents, pro rata, and
     not repaid pursuant to clauses "FIRST" through "FIFTH" above; and

         SEVENTH, to the payment of the surplus, if any, to whomever may be
     lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

In carrying out the foregoing, (a) amounts received shall be applied in the
numerical order provided until exhausted prior to application to the next
succeeding category and (b) each of the Lenders shall receive an amount equal to
its pro rata share (based on the proportion that the then outstanding Loans,
outstanding Term Loans and obligations under Hedging Agreements held by such
Lender bears to the aggregate then outstanding Loans, outstanding Term Loans and
obligations under Hedging Agreements) of amounts available to be applied
pursuant to clauses "THIRD", "FOURTH," "FIFTH," and "SIXTH" above.

     3.9   SHARING OF PAYMENTS.
           ------------------- 

     The New Credit Agreement Lenders agree among themselves for the benefit of
themselves and the Supplemental Credit Lenders that, except to the extent
otherwise provided herein, in the event that any Lender shall obtain payment in
respect of any Loan, Term Loan or any other obligation owing to such Lender
under this Credit Agreement or the Supplemental Credit Agreement through the
exercise of a right of setoff, banker's lien or counterclaim, or pursuant to a
secured claim under Section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code or other security or
interest arising from, or in lieu of, such secured claim, received by such
Lender under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law or
otherwise, or by any other means, in excess of its pro rata share of such
payment as provided for in this Credit Agreement, such Lender shall promptly
purchase from the other Lenders for cash an interest in such Loans, Term Loans,
and other obligations in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from 

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
time to time, as shall be equitable to the end that all New Credit Agreement
Lenders and Supplemental Credit Lenders share such payment in accordance with
their respective ratable shares as provided for in this Credit Agreement and the
Supplemental Credit Agreement. The New Credit Agreement Lenders further agree
among themselves that if payment to a New Credit Agreement Lender or
Supplemental Credit Lender obtained by such New Credit Agreement Lender or
Supplemental Credit Lender through the exercise of a right of setoff, banker's
lien, counterclaim or other event as aforesaid shall be rescinded or must
otherwise be restored, each Lender which shall have shared the benefit of such
payment shall, by repurchase of the interest theretofore sold, return its share
of that benefit (together with its share of any accrued interest payable with
respect thereto) to each Lender or Supplemental Credit Lender whose payment
shall have been rescinded or otherwise restored. The Borrower agrees that any
Lender so purchasing such an interest may, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, exercise all rights of payment, including setoff, banker's lien or
counterclaim, with respect to such interest as fully as if such Lender were a
holder of such Loan, Term Loan or other obligation in the amount of such
interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Credit Agreement, if
any Lender or the Agent shall fail to remit to the Agent or any other Lender an
amount payable by such Lender or the Agent to the Agent or such other Lender
pursuant to this Credit Agreement or the Supplemental Credit Agreement on the
date when such amount is due, such payments shall be made together with interest
thereon for each date from the date such amount is due until the date such
amount is paid to the Agent or such other Lender at a rate per annum equal to
the Federal Funds Rate. If under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law, any Lender receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff to which
this Section 3.9 applies, such Lender shall, to the extent practicable, exercise
its rights in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent with the
rights of the Lenders under this Section 3.9 to share in the benefits of any
recovery on such secured claim.

     3.10  CAPITAL ADEQUACY.
           ---------------- 

     If, after the date hereof, any New Credit Agreement Lender has determined
that the adoption or the becoming effective of, or any change in, or any change
by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with
the interpretation or administration thereof in the interpretation or
administration of, any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital
adequacy, or compliance by such New Credit Agreement Lender 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, has or would have the
effect of reducing the rate of return on such New Credit Agreement Lender's
capital or assets as a consequence of its commitments or obligations hereunder
to a level below that which such New Credit Agreement Lender could have achieved
but for such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into
consideration such New Credit Agreement Lender's policies with respect to
capital adequacy), then, upon notice from such New Credit Agreement Lender to
the Borrower, the Borrower shall be obligated to pay to such New Credit
Agreement Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such New
Credit Agreement Lender for such reduction.  Each determination by any such New
Credit Agreement Lender of amounts owing under this Section shall, absent
manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto.

     3.11  INABILITY TO DETERMINE INTEREST RATE.
           ------------------------------------ 

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
     If prior to the first day of any Interest Period, the Agent shall have
determined (which determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the
Borrower) that, by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market,
adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate
for such Interest Period, the Agent shall promptly give telecopy or telephonic
notice thereof to the Borrower and the New Credit Agreement Lenders.  If such
notice is given (a) any Eurodollar Loans requested to be made on the first day
of such Interest Period shall be made as Base Rate Loans, (b) any Loans that
were to have been converted on the first day of such Interest Period to or
continued as Eurodollar Loans shall be converted to or continued as Base Rate
Loans and (c) any outstanding Eurodollar Loans shall be converted, on the first
day of such Interest Period, to Base Rate Loans.  Until such notice has been
withdrawn by the Agent, no further Eurodollar Loans shall be made or continued
as such, nor shall the Borrower have the right to convert Base Rate Loans to
Eurodollar Loans.

     3.12  ILLEGALITY.
           ---------- 

     Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if the adoption of or any
change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or application thereof
occurring after the Closing Date shall make it unlawful for any New Credit
Agreement Lender to make or maintain Eurodollar Loans as contemplated by this
Credit Agreement, (a) such New Credit Agreement Lender shall promptly give
written notice of such circumstances to the Borrower and the Agent (which notice
shall be withdrawn whenever such circumstances no longer exist), (b) the
commitment of such New Credit Agreement Lender hereunder to make Eurodollar
Loans, continue Eurodollar Loans as such and convert a Base Rate Loan to
Eurodollar Loans shall forthwith be canceled and, until such time as it shall no
longer be unlawful for such New Credit Agreement Lender to make or maintain
Eurodollar Loans, such New Credit Agreement Lender shall then have a commitment
only to make a Base Rate Loan when a Eurodollar Loan is requested and (c) such
New Credit Agreement Lender's Loans then outstanding as Eurodollar Loans, if
any, shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the respective last
days or the then current Interest Periods with respect to such Loans or within
such earlier period as required by law.  If any such conversion of a Eurodollar
Loan occurs on a day which is not the last day of the then current Interest
Period with respect thereto, the Borrower shall pay to such New Credit Agreement
Lender such amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 3.15.

     3.13  REQUIREMENTS OF LAW.
           ------------------- 

     If the adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the
interpretation or application thereof applicable to any New Credit Agreement
Lender, or compliance by any New Credit Agreement Lender with any request or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or
other Governmental Authority, in each case made subsequent to the Closing Date
(or, if later, the date on which such New Credit Agreement Lender becomes a New
Credit Agreement Lender):

           (a) shall subject such New Credit Agreement Lender to any tax of any
     kind whatsoever with respect to any Eurodollar Loans made by it or its
     obligation to make

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
     Eurodollar Loans, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such New
     Credit Agreement Lender in respect thereof (except for Non-Excluded Taxes
     covered by Section 3.14 (including Non-Excluded Taxes imposed solely by
     reason of any failure of such New Credit Agreement Lender to comply with
     its obligations under Section 3.14(b)) and changes in taxes measured by or
     imposed upon the overall net income, or franchise tax (imposed in lieu of
     such net income tax), of such New Credit Agreement Lender or its applicable
     lending office, branch, or any affiliate thereof);

           (b) shall impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve, special
     deposit, compulsory loan or similar requirement against assets held by,
     deposits or other liabilities in or for the account of, advances, loans or
     other extensions of credit by, or any other acquisition of funds by, any
     office of such New Credit Agreement Lender which is not otherwise included
     in the determination of the Eurodollar Rate hereunder; or

           (c) shall impose on such New Credit Agreement Lender any other
     condition (excluding any tax of any kind whatsoever);

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such New
Credit Agreement Lender, by an amount which such New Credit Agreement Lender
reasonably deems to be material, of making, converting into, continuing or
maintaining Eurodollar Loans or to reduce any amount receivable hereunder in
respect thereof, then, in any such case, upon notice to the Borrower from such
New Credit Agreement Lender, through the Agent, in accordance herewith, the
Borrower shall be obligated to promptly pay such New Credit Agreement Lender,
upon its demand, any additional amounts necessary to compensate such New Credit
Agreement Lender for such increased cost or reduced amount receivable, provided
                                                                       --------
that, in any such case, the Borrower may elect to convert the Eurodollar Loans
made by such New Credit Agreement Lender hereunder to Base Rate Loans by giving
the Agent at least one Business Day's notice of such election, in which case the
Borrower shall promptly pay to such New Credit Agreement Lender, upon demand,
without duplication, such amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to
Section 3.15.  If any New Credit Agreement Lender becomes entitled to claim any
additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.13, it shall provide prompt notice
thereof to the Borrower, through the Agent, certifying (x) that one of the
events described in this Section 3.13 has occurred and describing in reasonable
detail the nature of such event, (y) as to the increased cost or reduced amount
resulting from such event and (z) as to the additional amount demanded by such
New Credit Agreement Lender and a reasonably detailed explanation of the
calculation thereof.  Such a certificate as to any additional amounts payable
pursuant to this Section 3.13 submitted by such New Credit Agreement Lender,
through the Agent, to the Borrower shall be conclusive and binding on the
parties hereto in the absence of manifest error.  This covenant shall survive
the termination of this Credit Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all
other amounts payable hereunder.

     3.14  TAXES.
           ----- 

           (a) Except as provided below in this Section 3.14, all payments made
     by the Borrower under this Credit Agreement and any Notes shall be made
     free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or on account
     of, any present or future income, stamp or

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
     other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or
     withholdings, now or hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld or
     assessed by any court, or governmental body, agency or other official,
     excluding taxes measured by or imposed upon the overall net income of any
     New Credit Agreement Lender or its applicable lending office, or any branch
     or affiliate thereof, and all franchise taxes, branch taxes, taxes on doing
     business or taxes on the overall capital or net worth of any New Credit
     Agreement Lender or its applicable lending office, or any branch or
     affiliate thereof, in each case imposed in lieu of net income taxes: (i) by
     the jurisdiction under the laws of which such New Credit Agreement Lender,
     applicable lending office, branch or affiliate is organized or is located,
     or in which its principal executive office is located, or any nation within
     which such jurisdiction is located or any political subdivision thereof; or
     (ii) by reason of any connection between the jurisdiction imposing such tax
     and such New Credit Agreement Lender, applicable lending office, branch or
     affiliate other than a connection arising solely from such New Credit
     Agreement Lender having executed, delivered or performed its obligations,
     or received payment under or enforced, this Credit Agreement or any Notes.
     If any such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees,
     deductions or withholdings ("Non-Excluded Taxes") are required to be
                                  ------------------
     withheld from any amounts payable to the Agent or any New Credit Agreement
     Lender hereunder or under any Notes, (A) the amounts so payable to the
     Agent or such Lender shall be increased to the extent necessary to yield to
     an Agent or such New Credit Agreement Lender (after payment of all Non-
     Excluded Taxes) interest or any such other amounts payable hereunder at the
     rates or in the amounts specified in this Credit Agreement and any Notes,
     provided, however, that the Borrower shall be entitled to deduct and
     -----------------
     withhold any Non-Excluded Taxes and shall not be required to increase any
     such amounts payable to any New Credit Agreement Lender that is not
     organized under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof
     if such Lender fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of
     this Section 3.14 whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the
     Borrower, and (B) as promptly as possible thereafter the Borrower shall
     send to the Agent for its own account or for the account of such New Credit
     Agreement Lender, as the case may be, a certified copy of an original
     official receipt received by the Borrower showing payment thereof. If the
     Borrower fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes when due to the appropriate
     taxing authority or fails to remit to the Agent the required receipts or
     other required documentary evidence, the Borrower shall indemnify the Agent
     and the New Credit Agreement Lenders for any incremental taxes, interest or
     penalties that may become payable by the Agent or any New Credit Agreement
     Lender as a result of any such failure. The agreements in this subsection
     shall survive the termination of this Credit Agreement and the payment of
     the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

           (b) Each New Credit Agreement Lender that is not incorporated under
     the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof shall:

               (i)(A) on or before the date of any payment by the Borrower under
           this Credit Agreement or Notes to such New Credit Agreement Lender,
           deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (x) two duly completed copies
           of United States Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224, or
           successor applicable form, as the case may be, certifying that it is
           entitled to receive payments under this Credit Agreement and any

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
           Notes without deduction or withholding of any United States federal
           income taxes and (y) an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9, or
           successor applicable form, as the case may be, certifying that it is
           entitled to an exemption from United States backup withholding tax;

               (B) deliver to the Borrower and the Agent two further copies of
          any such form or certification on or before the date that any such
          form or certification expires or becomes obsolete and after the
          occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form
          previously delivered by it to the Borrower; and

               (C) obtain such extensions of time for filing and complete such
          forms or certifications as may reasonably be requested by the Borrower
          or the Agent; or

               (ii) in the case of any such New Credit Agreement Lender that is
          not a "bank" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the
          Internal Revenue Code, (A) represent to the Borrower (for the benefit
          of the Borrower and the Agent) that it is not a bank within the
          meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, (B)
          agree to furnish to the Borrower, on or before the date of any payment
          by the Borrower, with a copy to the Agent, two accurate and complete
          original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8, or
          successor applicable form certifying to such New Credit Agreement
          Lender's legal entitlement at the date of such certificate to an
          exemption from U.S. withholding tax under the provisions of Section
          881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to payments to be
          made under this Credit Agreement and any Notes (and to deliver to the
          Borrower and the Agent two further copies of such form on or before
          the date it expires or becomes obsolete and after the occurrence of
          any event requiring a change in the most recently provided form and,
          if necessary, obtain any extensions of time reasonably requested by
          the Borrower or the Agent for filing and completing such forms), and
          (C) agree, to the extent legally entitled to do so, upon reasonable
          request by the Borrower, to provide to the Borrower (for the benefit
          of the Borrower and the Agent) such other forms as may be reasonably
          required in order to establish the legal entitlement of such Lender to
          an exemption from withholding with respect to payments under this
          Credit Agreement and any Notes.

     Notwithstanding the above, if any change in treaty, law or regulation has
     occurred after the date such Person becomes a New Credit Agreement Lender
     hereunder which renders all such forms inapplicable or which would prevent
     such New Credit Agreement Lender from duly completing and delivering any
     such form with respect to it and such New Credit Agreement Lender so
     advises the Borrower and the Agent then such New Credit Agreement Lender
     shall be exempt from such requirements.  Each Person that shall become a
     New Credit Agreement Lender or a participant of a New Credit Agreement
     Lender pursuant to Section 11.3 shall, upon the effectiveness of the
     related transfer, be required to provide all of the forms, certifications
     and statements required pursuant to this subsection (b); provided that in
                                                              --------        
     the case of a participant of a 

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
     New Credit Agreement Lender, the obligations of such participant of a New
     Credit Agreement Lender pursuant to this subsection (b) shall be determined
     as if the participant of a New Credit Agreement Lender were a New Credit
     Agreement Lender except that such participant of a New Credit Agreement
     Lender shall furnish all such required forms, certifications and statements
     to the New Credit Agreement Lender from which the related participation
     shall have been purchased.

     3.15  INDEMNITY.
           --------- 

     The Borrower promises to indemnify each New Credit Agreement Lender and to
hold each New Credit Agreement Lender harmless from any loss or expense which
such New Credit Agreement Lender may sustain or incur (other than through such
New Credit Agreement Lender's gross negligence or willful misconduct) as a
consequence of (a) default by the Borrower in making a borrowing of, conversion
into or continuation of Eurodollar Loans after the Borrower has given a notice
requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Credit Agreement,
(b) default by the Borrower in making any prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan after
the Borrower has given a notice thereof in accordance with the provisions of
this Credit Agreement and (c) the making of a prepayment of Eurodollar Loans on
a day which is not the last day of an Interest Period with respect thereto.
Such indemnification may include an amount equal to (i) the amount of interest
which would have accrued on the amount so prepaid, or not so borrowed, converted
or continued, for the period from the date of such prepayment or of such failure
to borrow, convert or continue to the last day of the applicable Interest Period
(or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, the Interest
Period that would have commenced on the date of such failure) in each case at
the applicable rate of interest for such Eurodollar Loans provided for herein
(excluding, however, the Applicable Percentage included therein, if any) minus
(ii) the amount of interest (as reasonably determined by such New Credit
Agreement Lender) which would have accrued to such New Credit Agreement Lender
on such amount by placing such amount on deposit for a comparable period with
leading banks in the interbank Eurodollar market.  The agreements in this
Section shall survive the termination of this Credit Agreement and the payment
of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

     3.16  REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS.
           ---------------------- 

     If any New Credit Agreement Lender delivers a notice to the Borrower
pursuant to Sections 3.10, 3.13 or 3.14, then the Borrower shall have the right,
if no Default or Event of Default then exists, to either (i) replace such New
Credit Agreement Lender (the "Replaced Lender") with one or more additional
                              ---------------                              
banks or financial institutions (collectively, the "Replacement Lender"),
                                                    ------------------   
provided that (A) at the time of any replacement pursuant to this Section 3.16,
- --------                                                                       
the Replacement Lender shall enter into one or more assignment agreements
substantially in the form of Exhibit 11.3 pursuant to, and in accordance with
                             ------------                                    
the terms of, Section 11.3(b) (and with all fees payable pursuant to said
Section 11.3(b) to be paid by the Replacement Lender) pursuant to which the
Replacement Lender shall acquire all of the rights and obligations of the
Replaced Lender hereunder and, in connection therewith, shall pay to the
Replaced Lender in respect thereof an amount equal to the sum of (a) the
principal of, and all accrued interest on, all outstanding Loans of the Replaced
Lender, and (b) all accrued, but theretofore unpaid, fees owing to the Replaced
Lender pursuant to Section 3.4, and (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to
the Replaced Lender (including all obligations, if any, owing pursuant to
Section 3.10, 3.13

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
or 3.14, but excluding those obligations specifically described in clause (A)
above in respect of which the assignment purchase price has been, or is
concurrently being paid) shall be paid in full to such Replaced Lender
concurrently with such replacement or (ii) if a Replacement Lender is not
located within 60 days of such notice, terminate the Commitments and repay the
Loans owing to such Replaced Lender.


                                   SECTION 4

                                   GUARANTY
                                    --------

     4.1   GUARANTY OF PAYMENT.
           ------------------- 

     Subject to Section 4.7 below, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and
severally, unconditionally guarantees to each New Credit Agreement Lender, each
Affiliate of New Credit Agreement Lender that enters into a Hedging Agreement
and the Agent the prompt payment of the Credit Party Obligations in full when
due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or
otherwise).  The Guarantors additionally, jointly and severally, unconditionally
guarantee to each New Credit Agreement Lender the timely performance of all
other obligations under the Credit Documents and Hedging Agreements.  This
Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection and is a continuing
guaranty and shall apply to all Credit Party Obligations whenever arising.

     4.2   OBLIGATIONS UNCONDITIONAL.
           ------------------------- 

     The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder are absolute and unconditional,
irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability
of any of the Credit Documents or the Hedging Agreements, or any other agreement
or instrument referred to therein, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever which might otherwise
constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor.
Each Guarantor agrees that this Guaranty may be enforced by the New Credit
Agreement Lenders without the necessity at any time of resorting to or
exhausting any other security or collateral and without the necessity at any
time of having recourse to the Notes or any other of the Credit Documents or any
collateral, if any, hereafter securing the Credit Party Obligations or otherwise
and each Guarantor hereby waives the right to require the New Credit Agreement
Lenders to proceed against the Borrower or any other Person (including a co-
guarantor) or to require the New Credit Agreement Lenders to pursue any other
remedy or enforce any other right.  Each Guarantor further agrees that it shall
have no right of subrogation, indemnity, reimbursement or contribution against
the Borrower or any other Guarantor of the Credit Party Obligations for amounts
paid under this Guaranty until such time as the New Credit Agreement Lenders
(and any Affiliates of New Credit Agreement Lenders entering into Hedging
Agreements) have been paid in full, all Commitments under the Credit Agreement
have been terminated and no Person or Governmental Authority shall have any
right to request any return or reimbursement of funds from the New Credit
Agreement Lenders in connection with monies received under the Credit Documents.
Each Guarantor further agrees that nothing contained herein shall prevent the
New Credit Agreement Lenders from suing on the Notes or any of the other Credit

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
Documents or any of the Hedging Agreements or foreclosing its security interest
in or Lien on any collateral, if any, securing the Credit Party Obligations or
from exercising any other rights available to it under this Credit Agreement,
the Notes, any other of the Credit Documents, or any other instrument of
security, if any, and the exercise of any of the aforesaid rights and the
completion of any foreclosure proceedings shall not constitute a discharge of
any of any Guarantor's obligations hereunder; it being the purpose and intent of
each Guarantor that its Guarantor's obligations hereunder shall be absolute,
independent and unconditional under any and all circumstances.  Neither any
Guarantor's obligations under this Guaranty nor any remedy for the enforcement
thereof shall be impaired, modified, changed or released in any manner
whatsoever by an impairment, modification, change, release or limitation of the
liability of the Borrower or by reason of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the
Borrower.  Each Guarantor waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal,
extension or accrual of any of the Credit Party Obligations and notice of or
proof of reliance by the Agent or any New Credit Agreement Lender upon this
Guarantee or acceptance of this Guarantee.  The Credit Party Obligations, and
any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or
incurred, or renewed, extended, amended or waived, in reliance upon this
Guarantee.  All dealings between the Borrower and any of the Guarantors, on the
one hand, and the Agent and the New Credit Agreement Lenders, on the other hand,
likewise shall be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in
reliance upon this Guarantee.

     4.3   MODIFICATIONS.
           ------------- 

     Each Guarantor agrees that (a) all or any part of the security now or
hereafter held for the Credit Party Obligations, if any, may be exchanged,
compromised or surrendered from time to time; (b) the New Credit Agreement
Lenders shall not have any obligation to protect, perfect, secure or insure any
such security interests, liens or encumbrances now or hereafter held, if any,
for the Credit Party Obligations or the properties subject thereto; (c) the time
or place of payment of the Credit Party Obligations may be changed or extended,
in whole or in part, to a time certain or otherwise, and may be renewed or
accelerated, in whole or in part; (d) the Borrower and any other party liable
for payment under the Credit Documents may be granted indulgences generally; (e)
any of the provisions of the Notes or any of the other Credit Documents may be
modified, amended or waived; (f) any party (including any co-guarantor) liable
for the payment thereof may be granted indulgences or be released; and (g) any
deposit balance for the credit of the Borrower or any other party liable for the
payment of the Credit Party Obligations or liable upon any security therefor may
be released, in whole or in part, at, before or after the stated, extended or
accelerated maturity of the Credit Party Obligations, all without notice to or
further assent by the Guarantor, which shall remain bound thereon,
notwithstanding any such exchange, compromise, surrender, extension, renewal,
acceleration, modification, indulgence or release.

     4.4   WAIVER OF RIGHTS.
           ---------------- 

     Each Guarantor expressly waives: (a) notice of acceptance of this Guaranty
by the New Credit Agreement Lenders and of all extensions of credit to the
Borrower by the Lenders; (b) presentment and demand for payment or performance
of any of the Credit Party Obligations; (c) protest and notice of dishonor or of
default (except as specifically required in the Credit Agreement) with respect
to the

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
Credit Party Obligations or with respect to any security therefor; (d)
notice of the New Credit Agreement Lenders obtaining, amending, substituting
for, releasing, waiving or modifying any security interest, lien or encumbrance,
if any, hereafter securing the Credit Party Obligations, or the New Credit
Agreement Lenders' subordinating, compromising, discharging or releasing such
security interests, liens or encumbrances, if any; (e) all other notices to
which the Guarantor might otherwise be entitled; and (f) demand for payment
under this Guaranty.

     4.5   REINSTATEMENT.
           ------------- 

     The obligations of the Guarantors under this Section 4 shall be
automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by
or on behalf of any Person in respect of the Credit Party Obligations is
rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Credit Party
Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or
reorganization or otherwise, and each Guarantor agrees that it will indemnify
the Agent and each Lender on demand for all reasonable costs and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable fees of counsel) incurred by an Agent
or such New Credit Agreement Lender in connection with such rescission or
restoration, including any such costs and expenses incurred in defending against
any claim alleging that such payment constituted a preference, fraudulent
transfer or similar payment under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

     4.6   REMEDIES.
           -------- 

     The Guarantors agree that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and
the Agent and the New Credit Agreement Lenders, on the other hand, the Credit
Party Obligations may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in
Section 9 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in
the circumstances provided in Section 9) notwithstanding any stay, injunction or
other prohibition preventing such declaration (or preventing such Credit Party
Obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against any other
Person and that, in the event of such declaration (or such Credit Party
Obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such
Credit Party Obligations (whether or not due and payable by any other Person)
shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors.  The Guarantors
acknowledge and agree that their obligations hereunder are secured in accordance
with the terms of the Security Agreements and the other Collateral Documents and
that the New Credit Agreement Lenders may exercise their remedies thereunder in
accordance with their terms.

     4.7   LIMITATION OF GUARANTY.
           ---------------------- 

     Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any of
the Credit Documents, to the extent the obligations of any Guarantor shall be
adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason (including, without
limitation, because of any applicable state or federal law relating to
fraudulent conveyances or transfers) then the obligations of such Guarantor
hereunder shall be limited to the maximum amount that is permissible under
applicable law (whether federal or state and including, without limitation, the
Bankruptcy Code).

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
     4.8   RIGHTS OF CONTRIBUTION.
           ---------------------- 

     The Guarantors hereby agree, as among themselves, that if any Guarantor
shall become an Excess Funding Guarantor (as defined below), each other
Guarantor shall, on demand of such Excess Funding Guarantor (but subject to the
next sentence hereof), pay to such Excess Funding Guarantor an amount equal to
such Guarantor's Pro Rata Share (as defined below and determined, for this
purpose, without reference to the properties, assets, liabilities and debts of
such Excess Funding Guarantor) of such Excess Payment (as defined below).  The
payment obligation of any Guarantor to any Excess Funding Guarantor under this
Section 4.8 shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of the obligations of such Guarantor under the other provisions
of this Section 4, and such Excess Funding Guarantor shall not exercise any
right or remedy with respect to such excess until payment and satisfaction in
full of all of such obligations.  For purposes hereof, (i) "Excess Funding
                                                            --------------
Guarantor" shall mean, in respect of any obligations arising under the other
- ---------                                                                   
provisions of this Section 4 (hereafter, the "Guaranteed Obligations"), a
                                              ----------------------     
Guarantor that has paid an amount in excess of its Pro Rata Share of the
Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) "Excess Payment" shall mean, in respect of any
                              --------------                               
Guaranteed Obligations, the amount paid by an Excess Funding Guarantor in excess
of its Pro Rata Share of such Guaranteed Obligations; and (iii) "Pro Rata
                                                                 --------
Share", for the purposes of this Section 4.8, shall mean, for any Guarantor, the
ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (a) the amount by which the aggregate
present fair saleable value of all of its assets and properties exceeds the
amount of all debts and liabilities of such Guarantor (including contingent,
subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the
obligations of such Guarantor hereunder) to (b) the amount by which the
aggregate present fair saleable value of all assets and other properties of the
Borrower and all of the Guarantors exceeds the amount of all of the debts and
liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated
liabilities, but excluding the obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors
hereunder) of the Borrower and all of the Guarantors, all as of the Closing Date
(if any Guarantor becomes a party hereto subsequent to the Closing Date, then
for the purposes of this Section 4.8 such subsequent Guarantor shall be deemed
to have been a Guarantor as of the Closing Date and the information pertaining
to, and only pertaining to, such Guarantor as of the date such Guarantor became
a Guarantor shall be deemed true as of the Closing Date).


                                   SECTION 5

                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
                             --------------------

     5.1   CLOSING CONDITIONS.
           ------------------ 

     The obligation of the New Credit Agreement Lenders to enter into this
Credit Agreement and make the initial Extension of Credit is subject to
satisfaction of the following conditions (in form and substance acceptable to
the Lenders in their sole discretion):

           (a) Executed Credit Documents.  Receipt by the Agent of duly executed
               -------------------------  
     copies of:  (i) this Credit Agreement; (ii) the Notes; (iii) the Collateral
     Documents, (iv) all other Credit Documents and (v) all Supplemental Credit
     Documents.

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
           (b) Corporate Documents.  Receipt by the Agent of the following:
               -------------------                                         

               (i) Charter Documents. Copies of the articles or certificates of
                   -----------------
          incorporation or other charter documents of each Credit Party
          certified to be true and complete as of a recent date by the
          appropriate Governmental Authority of the state or other jurisdiction
          of its incorporation and certified by a secretary or assistant
          secretary of such Credit Party to be true and correct as of the
          Effective Date.

               (ii) Bylaws. A copy of the bylaws of each Credit Party certified
                    ------
          by a secretary or assistant secretary of such Credit Party to be true
          and correct as of the Effective Date.

               (iii) Resolutions.  Copies of resolutions of the Board of
                     -----------                                        
          Directors of each Credit Party approving and adopting the Credit
          Documents to which it is a party, the transactions contemplated
          therein and authorizing execution and delivery thereof,  certified by
          a secretary or assistant secretary of such Credit Party to be true and
          correct and in force and effect as of the Effective Date.

               (iv) Good Standing. Copies of certificates of good standing,
                    -------------
          existence or its equivalent with respect to each Credit Party
          certified as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental
          Authorities of the state or other jurisdiction of incorporation and
          each other jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify and be in
          good standing would have a Material Adverse Effect on the business or
          operations of a Credit Party in such jurisdiction.

               (v) Incumbency. An incumbency certificate of each Credit Party
                   ----------
          certified by a secretary or assistant secretary to be true and correct
          as of the Effective Date.

          (c) Financial Statements. Receipt by the Agent and the Lenders of (i)
              --------------------
     the financial statements with respect to the Acquired Assets for the years
     ending November 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, including balance sheets and
     income and cash flow statements, in each case prepared in conformity with
     GAAP, (ii) the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries for fiscal year ending November 30, 1997, including balance
     sheets and income and cash flow statements, audited by nationally
     recognized independent public accountants and containing an unqualified
     opinion of such firm that such statements fairly present in all material
     respects the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries and have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, (iii) interim
     unaudited quarterly financial statements of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries, prepared in conformity with GAAP, for the trailing twelve
     months of the Borrower and first projected year of the Borrower and working
     capital detail for the trailing twelve months of the Borrower and the first
     projected fiscal year of the Borrower, (iv) a satisfactory proforma
     consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the
     Closing Date giving effect to the acquisition of the Acquired Assets and
     the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and reflecting
     estimated purchase 

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
     price accounting adjustments, prepared by nationally recognized independent
     accountants and (v) such other information relating to the Acquired Assets
     as the Agent may reasonably require in connection with the structuring and
     syndication of credit facilities of the type described herein.

           (d) Opinion of Counsel. Receipt by the Lenders of an opinion, or
               ------------------
     opinions (which shall cover, among other things, authority, legality,
     validity, binding effect, enforceability and attachment and perfection of
     liens), satisfactory to the Agent, addressed to the Agent and the Lenders
     and dated as of the Effective Date, from legal counsel to the Credit
     Parties.

           (e) Appraisal Report.  Receipt by the Lenders of (i) asset appraisal
               ----------------                                                
     reports with respect to the Acquired Assets demonstrating an appraised
     value equal to or greater than the purchase price of the Acquired Assets
     and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent
     and (ii) asset appraisal reports with respect to other trademarks and
     patents indicating an appraised value of at least $455,000,000 and
     otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.

            (f) Personal Property Collateral. The Agent shall have received, in
                ----------------------------
     form and substance satisfactory to the Agent:

               (i) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, searches
          of Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") filings in the jurisdiction of the
          chief executive office of each Credit Party and each jurisdiction
          where any Collateral is located or where a filing would need to be
          made in order to perfect the Agent's security interest, for the
          benefit of the Lenders, in the Collateral, copies of the financing
          statements on file in such jurisdictions and evidence that no Liens
          exist other than Permitted Liens;

               (ii) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, duly
          executed UCC financing statements for each appropriate jurisdiction as
          is necessary, in the Agent's sole discretion, to perfect the Agent's
          security interest, for the benefit of the Lenders, in the Collateral;

               (iii) to the extent not previously received by the Agent,
          searches of ownership of intellectual property in the appropriate
          governmental offices and such patent/trademark/copyright filings as
          requested by the Agent in order to perfect the Agent's security
          interest in the Collateral;

               (iv) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, all
          stock certificates evidencing the stock pledged to the Agent pursuant
          to the Pledge Agreement, together with duly executed in blank undated
          stock powers attached thereto;

               (v) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, all
          instruments and chattel paper in the possession of a Credit Party
          together with allonges or assignments 

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
          as may be necessary or appropriate to perfect the Lenders' security
          interest in the Collateral; and

               (vi) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, all
          material contracts or agreements to which a Credit Party is a party
          including, without limitation, the Purchase Agreement together with
          assignments and third party consents as may be necessary or
          appropriate to perfect the Agent's security interest, for the benefit
          of the Lenders, in the Collateral.

          (g) Real Property Collateral. The Agent shall have received, in form
              ------------------------ 
     and substance satisfactory to the Agent:

               (i) (A) fully executed and notarized mortgages, deeds of trust or
          deeds to secure debt and (B) fully executed amendments and notarized
          amendments to existing mortgages, deeds of trust and deeds to secure
          debt (each such mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, as
          amended shall be referred to herein as, a "Mortgage" and collectively
                                                     --------
          as the "Mortgages") encumbering the fee interest of the Credit Parties
                  ---------
          in each real property asset owned by a Credit Party set forth on
          Schedule 5.1(g) (each a "Mortgaged Property" and collectively the
          ---------------          ------------------
          "Mortgaged Properties"), together with such UCC-1 or UCC-3 financing
           --------------------
          statements, as appropriate, as the Agent shall deem appropriate with
          respect to each such Mortgaged Property;

               (ii) an opinion of counsel (which counsel shall be satisfactory
          to the Agent) in the state in which each Mortgaged Property is located
          with respect to the enforceability of the form of Mortgage and
          sufficiency of the form of UCC-1 or UCC-3 financing statements, as
          appropriate, to be recorded or filed in such state and such other
          matters as the Agent may request, in form and substance satisfactory
          to the Agent;

               (iii) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, in the
          case of each leasehold estate of the Credit Parties set forth on
          Schedule 5.1(g) (each a "Leasehold Property" and collectively the
          --------------           ------------------
          "Leasehold Properties"), such estoppel letters, consents and waivers
           --------------------
          from the landlords of such real property as may be reasonably required
          by the Agent, which estoppel letters shall be in form and substance
          reasonably satisfactory to the Agent;

               (iv) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, ALTA
          mortgagee title insurance policies (the "Mortgage Policies") issued by
                                                   -----------------
          title insurers satisfactory to the Agent (the "Title Insurance
                                                         ---------------
          Company"), in amounts satisfactory to the Agent with respect to all
          -------
          Mortgaged Properties, assuring the Agent that the applicable
          Mortgages, as applicable, create valid and enforceable first priority
          mortgage liens on the respective Mortgaged Properties, free and clear
          of all defects and encumbrances except Permitted Liens which Mortgage
          Policies shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and
          containing such endorsements as shall be satisfactory to the Agent and
          for any 

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
          other matters that the Agent may request, and shall provide
          for affirmative insurance and such reinsurance as the Agent may
          request, all of the foregoing in form and substance satisfactory to
          the Agent;

               (v) to the extent not previously received by the Agent,
          certification from a registered engineer or land surveyor in a form
          reasonably satisfactory to the Agent or other evidence acceptable to
          the Agent that none of the improvements on the Mortgaged Properties
          are located within any area designated by the Director of the Federal
          Emergency Management Agency as a "special flood hazard" area or if any
          improvements on the Mortgaged Properties are located within a "special
          flood hazard" area, evidence of a flood insurance policy from a
          company and in an amount satisfactory to the Agent for the applicable
          portion of the premises, naming the Agent for the benefit of the
          Lenders, as mortgagee;

               (vi) to the extent not previously received by the Agent, evidence
          satisfactory to the Agent that each of the Mortgaged Properties, and
          the uses of the Mortgaged Properties, are in compliance with all
          applicable laws, regulations and ordinances including without
          limitation health and environmental protection laws, erosion control
          ordinances, storm drainage control laws, doing business and/or
          licensing laws, zoning laws (the evidence submitted as to zoning
          should include the zoning designation made for each of the Mortgaged
          Properties, the permitted uses of each such Mortgaged Properties under
          such zoning designation and zoning requirements as to parking, lot
          size, ingress, egress and building setbacks) and laws regarding access
          and facilities for disabled persons including, but not limited to, the
          federal Architectural Barriers Act, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of
          1988, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
          Disabilities Act of 1990.

          (h) Availability. After giving effect to the Loans made on the
              ------------
     Effective Date, the lesser of (x) the Revolving Committed Amount and (y)
     the Borrowing Base shall be at least $3,000,000 in excess of the sum of the
     aggregate amount of the Revolving Loans outstanding plus the aggregate
     amount of Swingline Loans outstanding.

          (i) Evidence of Insurance. To the extent not previously received by
              ---------------------
     the Agent, receipt by the Agent of copies of insurance policies or
     certificates of insurance of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries evidencing
     liability and casualty insurance meeting the requirements set forth in the
     Credit Documents, including, but not limited to, naming the Agent as sole
     loss payee on behalf of the Lenders.

          (j) Corporate Structure. The corporate capital and ownership structure
              -------------------
     of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be satisfactory in form and
     substance to the Agent.

          (k) Certain Consents.  Receipt by the Agent of evidence that (i) all
              ----------------
     governmental, shareholder and material third party consents (including,
     without limitation,  Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance), (ii) evidence
     satisfactory to the Agent that the consent of any manufacturers is not

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
     required and (iii) written consent, if necessary in the sole discretion of
     the Agent, of any existing lenders or bondholders and approvals necessary
     or desirable in connection with the acquisition of the Acquired Assets and
     the related financings and other transactions contemplated hereby and
     expiration of all applicable waiting periods without any action being taken
     by any authority that could reasonably be likely to restrain, prevent or
     impose any material adverse conditions on the acquisition of the Acquired
     Assets or such other transactions or that could reasonably be likely to
     seek or threaten any of the foregoing, and no law or regulation shall be
     applicable which in the judgment of the Agent could reasonably be likely to
     have such effect.

          (l) Material Adverse Effect.  (i) With respect to the Borrower and its
              -----------------------
     Subsidiaries, there shall not have occurred a change since November 30,
     1997 that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect, including specifically without limitation any such change
     resulting from any matter not disclosed in the Purchase Agreement or
     resulting from a change in status of any matter disclosed in the Purchase
     Agreement (including matters related to litigation, tax, accounting, labor,
     insurance and pension liabilities) and (ii) with respect to the Acquired
     Assets, there shall not have occurred a change since November 30, 1997 that
     has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
     on the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or
     prospects of the Acquired Assets.

          (m) Litigation. There shall not exist any (i) order, decree, judgment,
              ----------
     ruling or injunction which restrains the consummation of the acquisition of
     the Acquired Assets in the manner contemplated by the Purchase Agreement or
     (ii) pending or threatened action, suit, investigation or proceeding which
     if adversely determined against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
     would have or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
     Effect.

          (n) Other Indebtedness. Receipt by the Agent of evidence that after
              ------------------
     the acquisition of the Acquired Assets, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
     shall have no borrowed money Indebtedness other than (i) the Indebtedness
     under the Credit Documents and Supplemental Credit Documents, (ii) the
     Subordinated Debt, (iii) the Additional Subordinated Debt and (iv) other
     indebtedness disclosed on Schedule 6.10 attached hereto.

          (o) Solvency Opinion. Receipt by the Lenders of a certification from
              ----------------
     an officer of the Borrower as to the financial condition, solvency and
     related matters of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case after
     giving effect to the acquisition of the Acquired Assets and the borrowings
     under the Credit Documents and Supplemental Credit Documents.

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
          (p) Purchase Agreement. There shall not have been any material
              ------------------                                        
     modification, amendment, supplement or waiver to the Purchase Agreement
     without the prior written consent of the Lenders, including, but not
     limited to, any modification, amendment, supplement or waiver relating to
     the amount or type of consideration to be paid in connection with the
     acquisition of the Acquired Assets and the contents of all disclosure
     schedules and exhibits, and the acquisition of the Acquired Assets shall
     have been consummated in accordance with the terms of the Purchase
     Agreement and all applicable law and the aggregate cash amount paid in
     connection with such acquisition at the Closing Date shall not exceed $95
     million. Receipt by the Agent of the final Purchase Agreement, together
     with all exhibits and schedules thereto, certified by an officer of the
     Borrower.

          (q) Change in Market. The absence of any material adverse change in
              ----------------
     the market for syndicated bank credit facilities similar in nature to the
     transactions described herein or a material disruption of, or a material
     adverse change in, financial, banking or capital market conditions.

          (r) Officer's Certificate. The Agent shall have received a certificate
     executed by the chief operating officer of the Borrower as of the Effective
     Date stating that (A) the Borrower and each of the Borrower's Subsidiaries
     are in compliance with all existing financial obligations, (B) all
     governmental, shareholder and third party consents and approvals, if any,
     with respect to the Credit Documents and Supplemental Credit Documents and
     the transactions contemplated thereby have been obtained, (C) no action,
     suit, investigation or proceeding is pending or threatened in any court or
     before any arbitrator or governmental instrumentality that purports to
     effect the Borrower, any of the Borrower's Subsidiaries or any transaction
     contemplated by the Credit Documents or the Supplemental Credit Documents,
     or could have or might be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse
     Effect, (D) the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement have
     been consummated in accordance with the terms thereof and (E) immediately
     after giving effect to this Credit Agreement, the Supplemental Credit
     Agreement, the other Credit Documents, the Supplemental Credit Documents
     and all the transactions contemplated herein or therein to occur on such
     date, (1) the Borrower and each of the Borrower's Subsidiaries is Solvent,
     (2) no Default or Event of Default exists, (3) all representations and
     warranties contained herein, in the other Credit Documents and the
     Supplemental Credit Documents are true and correct in all material
     respects, and (4) the Credit Parties are in compliance with each of the
     financial covenants set forth in Section 7.12.

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
          (s) Fees and Expenses.  Payment by the Credit Parties of all fees and
              -----------------                                                
     expenses owed by them to the Lenders and the Agent, including, without
     limitation, payment to the Agent of the fees set forth in the Fee Letter.

          (t) First Priority Lien. Receipt by the Agent of evidence satisfactory
              -------------------
     in form and substance to the Agent, that the Agent, on behalf of the
     Lenders, holds a perfected, first priority lien, subject to no other Liens
     other than Permitted Liens, in the Collateral.

          (u) Accountant Certificate. Receipt from Arthur Andersen of a
     calculation satisfactory to the Agent calculating (i) the Fixed Charge
     Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Indenture) at an amount of at least 2.0
     to 1.0 and (ii) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Second
     Indenture) at an amount of at least 2.0 to 1.0, in each case after giving
     effect to (i) the acquisition of the Acquired Assets and the incurrence of
     Indebtedness related thereto and (ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness under
     this Credit Agreement and the Supplemental Credit Agreement as of the
     Closing Date.

          (v) Environmental Report.  Receipt by the Agent in form and substance
              --------------------                                             
     satisfactory to the Agent of an environmental assessment report for the
     Double Cola Property.

          (w) Other. Receipt by the Lenders of such other documents,
     instruments, agreements or information as reasonably requested by any
     Lender, including, but not limited to (after giving effect to the purchase
     of the Acquired Assets), information regarding litigation, tax, accounting,
     labor, insurance, pension liabilities (actual or contingent), real estate
     leases, material contracts, debt agreements, property ownership and
     contingent liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

     5.2  CONDITIONS TO ALL EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT.
          -------------------------------------- 

     In addition to the conditions precedent stated elsewhere herein, the New
Credit Agreement Lenders shall not be obligated to make, continue or convert
Loans unless:

          (a) Notice. The Borrower shall have delivered (i) in the case of any
              ------
     new Revolving Loan, a Notice of Borrowing, duly executed and completed, by
     the time specified in Section 2.1 and (ii) in the case of any continuation
     or conversion of a Loan, a duly executed and completed Notice of
     Continuation/Conversion by the time specified in Section 2.2;

          (b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
              ------------------------------
     made by the Credit Parties in any Credit Document and any Supplemental
     Credit Document are true and correct in all material respects at and as if
     made as of such date;

          (c) No Default.  No Default or Event of Default shall exist or be
              ----------                                                   
     continuing either prior to or after giving effect thereto;

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
          (d) No Material Adverse Effect. There shall not have occurred any
              -------------------------- 
     Material Adverse Effect; and

         (e) Availability. Immediately after giving effect to the making of such
             ------------
     Loan (and the application of the proceeds thereof), the sum of the
     Revolving Loans outstanding plus Swingline Loans outstanding shall not
                                 ----
     exceed the Revolving Commitment Amount.

The delivery of each Notice of Borrowing and each Notice of Extension/Conversion
shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower of the
correctness of the matters specified in subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) above.


                                   SECTION 6

                        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                        ------------------------------
                                        
     The Credit Parties hereby represent to the Agent and each New Credit
Agreement Lender that:

     6.1  FINANCIAL CONDITION.
          ------------------- 

     The financial statements delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section
5.1(c)(ii), (a) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and (b) present
fairly (on the basis disclosed in the footnotes to such financial statements)
the consolidated and consolidating (as applicable) financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries as of
such date and for such periods.  Since November 30, 1997, there has been no
sale, transfer or other disposition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
of any material part of the business or property of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, and no purchase or other acquisition by any of them of any
business or property (including any capital stock of any other Person) material
in relation to the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, in each case, which, is not reflected in the foregoing financial
statements or in the notes thereto.

     6.2  NO MATERIAL CHANGE.
          ------------------ 

     Since November 30, 1997, (a) there has been no development or event
relating to or affecting Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which has had or
would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (b) no
dividends or other distributions have been declared, paid or made upon the
capital stock or other equity interest in Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
nor, except as otherwise permitted under this Credit Agreement, has any of the
capital stock or other equity interest in a Credit Party been redeemed, retired,
purchased or otherwise acquired for value.

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
     6.3  ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING.
          ------------------------------ 

     The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (a) is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
(or other jurisdiction) of its incorporation, (b) is duly qualified and in good
standing as a foreign corporation authorized to do business in every
jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified would have a Material Adverse
Effect and (c) has the requisite corporate power and authority to own its
properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be
conducted.

     6.4  DUE AUTHORIZATION.
          ----------------- 

     Each Credit Party (a) has the requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform this Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents to which it is a party and to incur the obligations herein and therein
provided for and (b) is duly authorized to, and has been authorized by all
necessary corporate action, to execute, deliver and perform this Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents to which it is a party.

     6.5  NO CONFLICTS.
          ------------ 

     Neither the execution and delivery of the Credit Documents, nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated therein, nor performance of and
compliance with the terms and provisions thereof by such Credit Party will (a)
violate or conflict with any provision of its articles or certificate of
incorporation or bylaws, (b) violate, contravene or materially conflict with any
Requirement of Law or any other law, regulation (including, without limitation,
Regulation U or Regulation X), order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or
permit applicable to it, (c) violate, contravene or conflict with contractual
provisions of, or cause an event of default under, any indenture, loan
agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, contract or other agreement or instrument to
which it is a party or by which it may be bound, the violation of which could
have or might be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (d)
result in or require the creation of any Lien (other than those contemplated in
or created in connection with the Credit Documents) upon or with respect to its
properties.

     6.6  CONSENTS.
          -------- 

     No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing, registration or
qualification with, any court or Governmental Authority or third party in
respect of a Credit Party is required in connection with the execution, delivery
or performance of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents by
a Credit Party, or if required, such consent, approval and authorization has
been obtained.

     6.7  ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATIONS.
          ----------------------- 

     This Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents have been duly
executed and delivered and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
each Credit Party enforceable 

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
against such Credit Party in accordance with their respective terms, except as
may be limited by bankruptcy or insolvency laws or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.

     6.8      NO DEFAULT.
              ---------- 

     Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any
respect under any contract, lease, loan agreement, indenture, mortgage, security
agreement or other agreement or obligation to which it is a party or by which
any of its properties is bound which default would have or would be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Default or Event of Default has
occurred or exists except as previously disclosed to the New Credit Agreement
Lenders.

     6.9      OWNERSHIP.
              --------- 

     The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is the owner of and has good and
marketable title to all of its assets and none of such assets are subject to any
Lien other than Permitted Liens.

     6.10      INDEBTEDNESS.
               ------------ 

     The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have no Indebtedness except (a) as
disclosed in the financial statements referenced in Section 6.1, (b) as set
forth on Schedule 6.10 and (c) as otherwise permitted by this Credit Agreement.
         -------------                                                         

     6.11      LITIGATION.
               ---------- 

     There are no actions, suits or legal, equitable, arbitration or
administrative proceedings, pending or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party,
threatened against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which, if adversely
determined, would have or would be reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     6.12      TAXES.
               ----- 

     Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has filed, or caused to be filed,
all tax returns (federal, state, local and foreign) required to be filed and
paid (a) all amounts of taxes shown thereon to be due (including interest and
penalties) and (b) all other taxes, fees, assessments and other governmental
charges (including mortgage recording taxes, documentary stamp taxes and
intangibles taxes) owing by it, except for such taxes (i) which are not yet
delinquent or (ii) that are being contested in good faith and by proper
proceedings, and against which adequate reserves are being maintained in
accordance with GAAP.  No Credit Party is aware of any proposed tax assessments
against it, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Credit Party.

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
     6.13      COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
               ------------------- 

     Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all
Requirements of Law and all other laws, rules, regulations, orders and decrees
(including without limitation Environmental Laws) applicable to it, or to its
properties, unless such failure to comply would not have or would not be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Requirement of Law
would be reasonably expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.14      ERISA.
               ----- 

     Except as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect:

        (a) During the five-year period prior to the date on which this
     representation is made or deemed made: (i) no Termination Event has
     occurred, and, to the best knowledge of the Credit Parties, no event or
     condition has occurred or exists as a result of which any Termination Event
     could reasonably be expected to occur, with respect to any Plan; (ii) no
     "accumulated funding deficiency," as such term is defined in Section 302 of
     ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived, has occurred with
     respect to any Plan; (iii) each Plan has been maintained, operated, and
     funded in compliance with its own terms and in material compliance with the
     provisions of ERISA, the Code, and any other applicable federal or state
     laws; and (iv) no lien in favor or the PBGC or a Plan has arisen or is
     reasonably likely to arise on account of any Plan.

        (b) The actuarial present value of all "benefit liabilities" under each
     Single Employer Plan (determined within the meaning of Section 401(a)(2) of
     the Code, utilizing the actuarial assumptions used to fund such Plans),
     whether or not vested, did not, as of the last annual valuation date prior
     to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made, exceed the
     current value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued
     liabilities.

        (c) Neither the Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA
     Affiliate has incurred, or, to the best knowledge of the Credit Parties,
     are reasonably expected to incur, any withdrawal liability under ERISA to
     any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan.  Neither the Borrower,
     nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA Affiliate has received any
     notification that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization (within the
     meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA), is insolvent (within the meaning of
     Section 4245 of ERISA), or has been terminated (within the meaning of Title
     IV of ERISA), and no Multiemployer Plan is, to the best knowledge of the
     Credit Parties, reasonably expected to be in reorganization, insolvent, or
     terminated.

        (d) No prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of
     ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) or breach of fiduciary responsibility
     has occurred with respect to a Plan which has subjected or may subject the
     Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate to any liability
     under Sections 406, 409, 502(i), or 502(l) of ERISA or

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
     Section 4975 of the Code, or under any agreement or other instrument
     pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA
     Affiliate has agreed or is required to indemnify any person against any
     such liability.

        (e) The present value (determined using actuarial and other assumptions
     which are reasonable with respect to the benefits provided and the
     employees participating) of the liability of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries and each ERISA Affiliate for post-retirement welfare benefits
     to be provided to their current and former employees under Plans which are
     welfare benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA), net of all
     assets under all such Plans allocable to such benefits, are reflected on
     the Financial Statements in accordance with FAS 106.

        (f) Each Plan which is a welfare plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of
     ERISA) to which Sections 601-609 of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code
     apply has been administered in compliance in all material respects with
     such sections.

     6.15  SUBSIDIARIES.
           ------------ 

     Set forth on Schedule 6.15 is a complete and accurate list of all
                  -------------                                       
Subsidiaries of each Credit Party.  Information on Schedule 6.15 includes
                                                   -------------         
jurisdiction of incorporation, the number of shares of each class of capital
stock or other equity interests outstanding, the number and percentage of
outstanding shares of each class owned (directly or indirectly) by such Credit
Party; and the number and effect, if exercised, of all outstanding options,
warrants, rights of conversion or purchase and all other similar rights with
respect thereto.  The outstanding capital stock and other equity interests of
all such Subsidiaries is validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and is
owned by each such Credit Party, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all
Liens (other than those arising under or contemplated in connection with the
Credit Documents and Supplemental Credit Documents).  Other than as set forth in
Schedule 6.15, neither any Credit Party nor any Subsidiary thereof has
- -------------                                                         
outstanding any securities convertible into or exchangeable for its capital
stock nor does any such Person have outstanding any rights to subscribe for or
to purchase or any options for the purchase of, or any agreements providing for
the issuance (contingent or otherwise) of, or any calls, commitments or claims
of any character relating to its capital stock.

     6.16  USE OF PROCEEDS; MARGIN STOCK.
           ----------------------------- 

     The proceeds of the Loans hereunder will be used solely for the purposes
specified in  Section 7.10.  None of the proceeds of the Loans will be used for
the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin stock" as defined in
Regulation U or Regulation X, or for the purpose of reducing or retiring any
Indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry "margin stock"
or any "margin security" or for any other purpose which might constitute this
transaction a "purpose credit" within the meaning of Regulation U, Regulation X
or Regulation T.  None of the Credit Parties owns any "margin stock".

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
     6.17  GOVERNMENT REGULATION.
           --------------------- 

     No Credit Party is subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, the Investment Company Act of 1940
or the Interstate Commerce Act, each as amended.  In addition, no Credit Party
is (a) an "investment company" registered or required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or controlled by such a company, or
(b) a "holding company," or a "Subsidiary company" of a "holding company," or an
"affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "Subsidiary" or a "holding company,"
within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as
amended.  No director, executive officer or principal shareholder of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a director, executive officer or
principal shareholder of any Lender.  For the purposes hereof the terms
"director", "executive officer" and "principal shareholder" (when used with
reference to any Lender) have the respective meanings assigned thereto in
Regulation O issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

     6.18  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
           --------------------- 

     (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18.
                                ------------- 

         (i) each of the Real Properties and all operations at the Real
     Properties are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and
     there is no violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Real
     Properties or the businesses operated by the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries (the "Businesses"), and there are no conditions relating
                        ----------                                        
     to the Businesses or Real Properties that could give rise to liability
     under any applicable Environmental Laws.

         (ii) None of the Real Properties contains, or has previously contained,
     any Hazardous Materials at, on or under the Real Properties in amounts or
     concentrations that, if released, constitute or constituted a violation of,
     or could give rise to liability under, Environmental Laws.

         (iii) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
     written or oral notice of, or inquiry from any Governmental Authority
     regarding, any violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or
     potential liability regarding Hazardous Materials or compliance with
     Environmental Laws with regard to any of the Real Properties, Leasehold
     Properties or the Businesses, nor does the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries have knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice is
     being threatened.

         (iv) Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of from
     the Real Properties, or generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on or
     under any of the Real Properties or any other location, in each case by, or
     on behalf or with the permission of, the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries in a manner that would 

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
     reasonably be expected to give rise to liability under any applicable
     Environmental Law.

         (v) No judicial proceeding or governmental or administrative action is
     pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,
     threatened, under any Environmental Law to which the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries is or will be named as a party, nor are there any consent
     decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative orders or other
     orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under
     any Environmental Law with respect to the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries, the Real Properties or the Businesses.

         (vi) There has been no release or threat of release of Hazardous
     Materials at or from the Real Properties or arising from or related to the
     operations (including, without limitation, disposal) of the Borrower or any
     of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Real Properties or otherwise in
     connection with the Businesses.

         (vii) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has assumed any
     liability of any Person (other than another Credit Party) under any
     Environmental Law.

     (b) The Borrower has adopted procedures that are designed to (i) ensure
  that each Credit Party and their Subsidiaries, any of their operations and
  each of the properties owned or leased by each Credit Party and their
  Subsidiaries remains in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws and (ii)
  minimize any liabilities or potential liabilities that each Credit Party and
  their Subsidiaries, any of their operations and each of the properties owned
  or leased by each Credit Party and their Subsidiaries may have under
  applicable Environmental Laws.

  6.19 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
       --------------------- 

  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or has the legal right to
use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, technology, know-how and processes
(the "Intellectual Property") necessary for each of them to conduct its business
      ---------------------                                                     
as currently conducted except for those the failure to own or have such legal
right to use would not have or be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.  Set forth on Schedule 6.19 is a list of all Intellectual Property owned
                      -------------                                             
by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or that the Borrower or one of its
Subsidiaries has the right to use (which list shall identify the Person that
owns or has the right to use each such item of Intellectual Property).  Except
as provided on Schedule 6.19, no claim has been asserted and is pending by any
               -------------                                                  
Person challenging or questioning the use of any such Intellectual Property or
the validity or effectiveness of any such Intellectual Property, nor does any
Credit Party know of any such claim, and to the Credit Parties' knowledge the
use of such Intellectual Property by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
does not infringe on the rights of any Person, except for such claims and
infringements that in the aggregate, would not have or be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
     6.20  SOLVENCY.
           -------- 

     Each Credit Party is and, after consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Credit Agreement and the Supplemental Credit Agreement,
will be Solvent.

     6.21  INVESTMENTS.
           ----------- 

     All Investments of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries are either
Permitted Investments or otherwise permitted by the terms of this Credit
Agreement.

     6.22  NO FINANCING OF CORPORATE TAKEOVERS.
           ----------------------------------- 

     No proceeds of the Loans hereunder have been or will be used to acquire,
directly or indirectly, any security in any transaction which is subject to
Sections 13 or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including,
without limitation, Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof) or to refinance any
Indebtedness used to acquire any such securities.

     6.23  LOCATION OF COLLATERAL.
           ---------------------- 

     Set forth on Schedule 6.23(a) is a list of all Real Properties and
                  ----------------                                     
Leasehold Properties with street address, county and state where located.  Set
forth on Schedule 6.23(b) is a list of all locations where any personal property
         ----------------                                                       
of a Credit Party is located, including county and state where located.  Set
forth on Schedule 6.23(c) is the chief executive office and principal place of
         ----------------                                                     
business of each Credit Party.

     6.24  DISCLOSURE.
           ---------- 

     Neither this Credit Agreement nor any financial statements delivered to the
New Credit Agreement Lenders nor any other document, certificate or statement
furnished to the New Credit Agreement Lenders by or on behalf of any Credit
Party in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statements contained therein or herein not misleading.

     6.25  LICENSES, ETC.
           --------------

     The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained and holds in full
force and effect, all franchises, licenses, permits, certificates,
authorizations, qualifications, accreditations, easements, rights of way and
other rights, consents and approvals which are necessary for the operation of
their respective businesses as presently conducted.

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
     6.26      NO BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS.
               -------------------------- 

     Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of the Borrower is a party to any
agreement or instrument or subject to any other obligation or any charter or
corporate restriction or any provision of any applicable law, rule or regulation
which, individually or in the aggregate, would have or be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.27      BROKERS' FEES.
               ------------- 

     No Credit Party has any obligation to any Person in respect of any
finder's, broker's, investment banking or other similar fee in connection with
any of the transactions contemplated under the Credit Documents.

     6.28      LABOR MATTERS.
               ------------- 

     There are no collective bargaining agreements or Multiemployer Plans
covering the employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower and
none of such Persons has suffered any strikes, walkouts, work stoppages or other
material labor difficulty within the last five years.

     6.29      COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS.
               -------------------- 

     The Collateral Documents create valid security interests in, and first
Liens on, the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, which security
interests and Liens are and will remain perfected security interests and Liens,
prior to all other Liens other than Permitted Liens.  Each of the
representations and warranties made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the
Collateral Documents is true and correct.

     6.30      RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
               -------------------- 

     The closing of the acquisition of the Acquired Assets will occur
simultaneously with the making of the initial Loans hereunder and under the
Supplemental Credit Agreement and no party has waived, without the consent of
the Required Lenders, any condition precedent to their obligations to close as
set forth in the Purchase Agreement.  True and complete copies of the Purchase
Agreement have been delivered to each of the New Credit Agreement Lenders,
together with a true and complete copy of each document to be delivered at the
closing of the acquisition of the Acquired Assets.

     6.31      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES INCORPORATED FROM PURCHASE
               ---------------------------------------------------------
               AGREEMENT.
               --------- 

     As of the Closing Date, each of the representations and warranties made in
the Purchase Agreement by each of the parties thereto is true and correct in all
material respects, and such representations and warranties are hereby
incorporated herein by reference with the same effect as though set forth in
their entirety herein, as qualified therein.

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
     6.32      SENIOR DEBT.
               ----------- 

     (a) The Loans are Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture) under Article
10.02 of the Indenture, meaning New Credit Agreement Lenders shall have all of
the rights and privileges of a holder of Senior Debt (as defined in the
Indenture) under the Indenture including, but not limited to, the rights set
forth in Article 10 of the Indenture, (b) this Credit Agreement is the New
Credit Agreement (as defined in the Indenture) and (c) the Loans are Senior
Indebtedness (as defined in the Second Indenture) under the Second Indenture,
meaning the New Credit Agreement Lenders shall have all of the rights and
privileges of a holder of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Second
Indenture) under the Second Indenture.

     6.33      YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE.
               -------------------- 

     Each Credit Party has (i) initiated a review and assessment of all areas
within its and each of its Subsidiaries' business and operations that could be
adversely affected by the "Year 2000 Problem" (that is, the risk that computer
applications used by such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries may be unable
to recognize and perform properly date-sensitive functions involving certain
dates prior to and any date after December 31, 1999), (ii) developed a plan and
timeline for addressing the Year 2000 Problem on a timely basis, and (iii) to
date, implemented that plan in accordance with the timetable.  Based on the
foregoing, each Credit Party believes that all computer applications that are
material to its and any of its Subsidiaries' business and operations are
reasonably expected on a timely basis to be able to perform properly date-
sensitive functions for all dates before and after January 1, 2000 (that is, be
"Year 2000 compliant"), except to the extent that a failure to do so could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.


                                   SECTION 7

                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
                             ---------------------

     Each Credit Party hereby covenants and agrees that so long as this Credit
Agreement is in effect and until the Loans, together with interest, fees and
other obligations hereunder, have been paid in full and the Commitments
hereunder shall have terminated:

     7.1      INFORMATION COVENANTS.
              --------------------- 

     The Borrower will furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Agent:

        (a) Annual Financial Statements.  As soon as available, and in any event
            ---------------------------                                         
     within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a
     consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and income statement of the
     Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as of the end of such fiscal year, together
     with related consolidated and consolidating statements of operations and
     retained earnings and of cash flows for such fiscal year, setting 

                                       61
<PAGE>
 
     forth in comparative form consolidated figures for the preceding fiscal
     year, all such financial information described above to be in reasonable
     form and detail and audited by independent certified public accountants of
     recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to the Agent and whose
     opinion shall be to the effect that such financial statements have been
     prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for changes with which such
     accountants concur) and shall not be limited as to the scope of the audit
     or qualified in any manner.

        (b) Quarterly Financial Statements.  As soon as available, and in any
            ------------------------------
     event within 45 days after the close of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower
     (other than the fourth fiscal quarter, in which case 120 days after the end
     thereof) a consolidated balance sheet and income statement of the Borrower
     and its Subsidiaries, as of the end of such fiscal quarter, together with
     related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings and of
     cash flows for such fiscal quarter in each case setting forth in
     comparative form consolidated figures for the corresponding period of the
     preceding fiscal year, all such financial information described above to be
     in reasonable form and detail and reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and
     accompanied by a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Borrower
     to the effect that such quarterly financial statements fairly present in
     all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to
     changes resulting from audit and normal year-end audit adjustments.

        (c) Monthly Financial Statements.  As soon as available and in any event
            ----------------------------                                        
     within 20 days after the end of each month of the Borrower (other than the
     last month of the first three fiscal quarters in which case 45 days after
     the end thereof), a consolidated balance sheet and income statement of the
     Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such month together with (i)
     related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings for
     such month in each case setting forth in comparative form consolidated
     figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year and (ii)
     a separate income statement for each Foreign Subsidiary (and such other
     financial information as reasonably requested by the Agent or the Required
     Lenders), all such financial information described above to be in
     reasonable form and detail and reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and
     accompanied by a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Borrower
     to the effect that such monthly financial statements fairly present in all
     material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its
     Subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to
     changes resulting from audit and normal year-end audit adjustments.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the calendar months ending December 31,
     1998 and January 31, 1999, the Borrower shall furnish the items identified
     in this Section 7.1(c) within 30 days after the end of each such calendar
     month.

        (d) Officer's Certificate.  At the time of delivery of the financial
            ---------------------                                           
     statements provided for in Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b) above, a certificate
     of the chief operating or accounting officer of the Borrower substantially
     in the form of Exhibit 7.1(d), (i) demonstrating compliance with the
                    --------------                                       
     financial covenants contained in Section 7.12 by 

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
     calculation thereof as of the end of each such fiscal period and (ii)
     stating that no Default or Event of Default exists, or if any Default or
     Event of Default does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof and
     what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto. The
     Borrower shall also deliver a copy of such certificate to the Agency
     Services Address.

        (e) Annual Business Plan and Budgets.  No later than 70 days after the
            --------------------------------
     end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, beginning with the fiscal year
     ending November 30, 1998, an annual business plan and budget of the
     Borrower and its Subsidiaries containing, among other things, pro forma
     financial statements for the next fiscal year.

        (f) Borrowing Base Certificate.  Within 20 days after the end of each
            --------------------------                                       
     calendar month, a Borrowing Base Certificate as of the end of the
     immediately preceding month, substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.1(f)
                                                               --------------
     and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower to be true and
     correct as of such date.

        (g) Compliance With Certain Provisions of the Credit Agreement.  Within
            ----------------------------------------------------------
     120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the Borrower
     shall deliver a certificate, containing information regarding (i) the
     calculation of Excess Cash Flow and (ii) the amount of any Asset
     Dispositions, Debt Issuances, Equity Issuances and Recovery Events that
     were made during the prior fiscal year.

        (h) Accountant's Certificate.  Within the period for delivery of the
            ------------------------
     annual financial statements provided in Section 7.1(a), a certificate of
     the accountants conducting the annual audit stating that they have reviewed
     this Credit Agreement and stating further whether, in the course of their
     audit, they have become aware of any Default or Event of Default and, if
     any such Default or Event of Default exists, specifying the nature and
     extent thereof.

        (i) Auditor's Reports.  Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of any
            -----------------                                               
     "management letter" submitted by independent accountants to the Borrower or
     any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any annual, interim or special
     audit of the books of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

        (j) Reports.  Promptly upon transmission or receipt thereof, (a) copies
            -------
     of any filings and registrations with, and reports to or from, the
     Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor agency, and copies of
     all financial statements, proxy statements, notices and reports as the
     Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall send to its shareholders
     generally or to a holder of any Indebtedness owed by the Borrower or any of
     its Subsidiaries in its capacity as such a holder and (b) upon the written
     request of the Agent, all reports and written information to and from the
     United States Environmental Protection Agency, or any state or local agency
     responsible for environmental matters, the United States Occupational
     Health and Safety Administration, or any state or local agency 

                                       63
<PAGE>
 
     responsible for health and safety matters, or any successor agencies or
     authorities concerning environmental, health or safety matters.

        (k) Notices.  Upon a Credit Party obtaining knowledge thereof, such
            -------
     Credit Party will give written notice to the Agent immediately of (a) the
     occurrence of an event or condition consisting of a Default or Event of
     Default, specifying the nature and existence thereof and what action the
     Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto, and (b) the occurrence of
     any of the following with respect to the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries (i) the pendency or commencement of any litigation, arbitral
     or governmental proceeding against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
     which if adversely determined would have or would be reasonably expected to
     have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) the institution of any proceedings
     against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to, or the
     receipt of notice by such Person of potential liability or responsibility
     for violation, or alleged violation of any federal, state or local law,
     rule or regulation, including but not limited to, Environmental Laws, the
     violation of which would have or would be reasonably expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect.

        (l) ERISA.  Upon any of the Credit Parties or any ERISA Affiliate
            -----
     obtaining knowledge thereof, Borrower will give written notice to the Agent
     and each of the New Credit Agreement Lenders promptly (and in any event
     within five Business Days) of: (i) any event or condition, including, but
     not limited to, any Reportable Event, that constitutes, or might reasonably
     lead to, a Termination Event; (ii) with respect to any Multiemployer Plan,
     the receipt of notice as prescribed in ERISA or otherwise of any withdrawal
     liability assessed against the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates, or
     of a determination that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or
     insolvent (both within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA); (iii) the failure
     to make full payment on or before the due date (including extensions)
     thereof of all amounts which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or
     ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute to each Plan pursuant to its
     terms and as required to meet the minimum funding standard set forth in
     ERISA and the Code with respect thereto; or (iv) any change in the funding
     status of any Plan that could have a Material Adverse Effect; together,
     with a description of any such event or condition or a copy of any such
     notice and a statement by the principal financial officer of the Borrower
     briefly setting forth the details regarding such event, condition, or
     notice, and the action, if any, which has been or is being taken or is
     proposed to be taken by the Credit Parties with respect thereto. Promptly
     upon request, the Borrower shall furnish the Agent and each of the Lenders
     with such additional information concerning any Plan as may be reasonably
     requested, including, but not limited to, copies of each annual
     report/return (Form 5500 series), as well as all schedules and attachments
     thereto required to filed with the Department of Labor and/or the Internal
     Revenue Service pursuant to ERISA and the Code, respectively, for each
     "plan year" (within the meaning of Section 3(39) of ERISA).

                                       64
<PAGE>
 
        (m) Environmental.
            ------------- 

            (i)  Upon the reasonable written request of the Agent, the Borrower
        will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Agent, at the Borrower's
        expense, an environmental assessment of reasonable scope, form and
        depth, (including, where appropriate, invasive soil or groundwater
        sampling) by a consultant reasonably acceptable to the Agent as to the
        nature and extent of the presence of any Hazardous Materials on any
        property owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its
        Subsidiaries and as to the compliance by the Borrower and each of its
        Subsidiaries with Environmental Laws. If the Borrower fails to deliver
        such an environmental report within seventy-five (75) days after receipt
        of such written request then the Agent may arrange for same, and the
        Borrower hereby grants to the Agent and its representatives access to
        the Real Properties and a license to undertake such an assessment
        (including, where appropriate, invasive soil or groundwater sampling).
        The reasonable cost of any assessment arranged for by the Agent pursuant
        to this provision will be payable by the Borrower on demand and added to
        the obligations secured by the Collateral Documents.

            (ii) The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries will conduct and
        complete all investigations, studies, sampling, and testing and all
        remedial, removal, and other actions necessary to address all Hazardous
        Materials on, from, or affecting any real property owned or leased by
        the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to the extent necessary to be in
        compliance with all Environmental Laws and all other applicable federal,
        state, and local laws, regulations, rules and policies and with the
        orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities exercising
        jurisdiction over such real property to the extent any failure would
        have or be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

        (n) Star Report.  At the time of delivery of the financial statements
            -----------                                                      
     provided for in Section 7.1(b) above, a company-prepared report containing
     information as to brand sales and advertising cost analysis for the fiscal
     quarter of the Borrower most recently ending.

        (o) Other Information.  With reasonable promptness upon any such
            -----------------
     request, such other information regarding the business, properties or
     financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the Agent or
     the Required Lenders may reasonably request.

     7.2      PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE AND FRANCHISES.
              ---------------------------------------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, do all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect in all
material respects its existence, rights, franchises and authority.

                                       65
<PAGE>
 
     7.3      BOOKS AND RECORDS.
              ----------------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, keep complete and accurate books and records of its transactions in
accordance with good accounting practices on the basis of GAAP (including the
establishment and maintenance of appropriate reserves).

     7.4      COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
              ------------------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders, and all applicable
restrictions imposed by all Governmental Authorities, applicable to it and its
property (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws) if noncompliance
with any such law, rule, regulation, order or restriction would have or
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     7.5      PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER INDEBTEDNESS.
              --------------------------------------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, pay
and discharge (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies
imposed upon it, or upon its income or profits, or upon any of its properties,
before they shall become delinquent, (b) all lawful claims (including claims for
labor, materials and supplies) which, if unpaid, might give rise to a Lien upon
any of its properties, and (c) except as prohibited hereunder, all of its other
Indebtedness as it shall become due; provided, however, that a Credit Party or
its Subsidiary shall not be required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge,
levy, claim or Indebtedness which is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves therefor have been
established in accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to make any such payment
(i) would give rise to an immediate right to foreclose on a Lien securing such
amounts or (ii) would have a Material Adverse Effect.

     7.6      INSURANCE.
              --------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, at all times maintain in full force and effect insurance (including worker's
compensation insurance, liability insurance, casualty insurance and business
interruption insurance) in such amounts, covering such risks and liabilities and
with such deductibles or self-insurance retentions as are in accordance with
normal industry practice.  All liability policies shall have each New Credit
Agreement Lender as an additional insured and all casualty policies shall have
the Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, as loss payee.

In the event there occurs any material loss, damage to or destruction of the
Collateral of any Credit Party or any part thereof, such Credit Party shall
promptly give written notice thereof to the Agent generally describing the
nature and extent of such damage or destruction.  Subsequent to any loss, damage
to or destruction of the Collateral of any Credit Party or any part thereof,
such Credit Party, whether or not the insurance proceeds, if any, received on
account of such damage or destruction shall be sufficient for that purpose, at
such Credit Party's cost and expense, will promptly repair or 

                                       66
<PAGE>
 
replace the Collateral of such Credit Party so lost, damaged or destroyed;
provided, however, that such Credit Party shall not be obligated to repair or
replace any Collateral so lost, damaged or destroyed to the extent the failure
to make such repair or replacement (a) is desirable to the proper conduct of the
business of such Credit Party in the ordinary course and otherwise is in the
best interest of such Credit Party and (b) would not materially impair the
rights and benefits of the Agent or the New Credit Agreement Lenders under this
Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document. In the event a Credit Party shall
receive any insurance proceeds, as a result of any loss, damage or destruction,
in a net amount in excess of $100,000, such Credit Party will immediately pay
over such proceeds to the Agent as cash collateral for the Credit Party
Obligations. The Agent agrees to release such insurance proceeds to such Credit
Party for replacement or restoration of the portion of the Collateral of such
Credit Party lost, damaged or destroyed if, (A) within 120 days from the date
the Agent receives such insurance proceeds, the Agent has received written
application for such release from such Credit Party together with evidence
reasonably satisfactory to it that the Collateral lost, damaged or destroyed has
been or will be replaced or restored to its condition (or by Collateral having a
value at least equal to the condition of the asset subject to the loss, damage
or destruction) immediately prior to the loss, destruction or other event giving
rise to the payment of such insurance proceeds and (B) on the date of such
release no Default or Event of Default exists. If the conditions in the
preceding sentence are not met, the Agent shall, on the first Business Day
subsequent to the date 120 days after it received such insurance proceeds, apply
such insurance proceeds as a mandatory prepayment of the Credit Party
Obligations for application in accordance with the terms of Section 3.3(b)(v)
and Section 3.3(c). All insurance proceeds shall be subject to the security
interest of the New Credit Agreement Lenders under the Collateral Documents.

The present insurance coverage of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is outlined
as to carrier, policy number, expiration date, type and amount on Schedule 7.6,
                                                                  ------------ 
as Schedule 7.6 may be amended from time to time by written notice to the Agent.
   ------------                                                                 

     7.7      MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY.
              ----------------------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to,
maintain and preserve its properties and equipment in good repair, working order
and condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and will make, or cause to be
made, in such properties and equipment from time to time all repairs, renewals,
replacements, extensions, additions, betterments and improvements thereto as may
be needed or proper, to the extent and in the manner customary for companies in
similar businesses.

     7.8      PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS.
              -------------------------- 

     Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to,
perform in all material respects all of its obligations  under the terms of all
material agreements, indentures, mortgages, security agreements or other debt
instruments to which it is a party or by which it is bound.

                                       67
<PAGE>
 
     7.9      COLLATERAL.
              ---------- 

     If, subsequent to the Closing Date, a Credit Party shall (a) acquire or
lease any real property or (b) acquire any intellectual property, securities
instruments, chattel paper or other personal property required to be delivered
to the Agent as Collateral hereunder or under any of the Collateral Documents,
the Borrower shall immediately notify the Agent of same.  Each Credit Party
shall take such action (including, but not limited to, the actions set forth in
Sections 5.1(f) and (g)), as requested by the Agent and at its own expense, to
ensure that the Lenders have a first priority perfected Lien in all owned real
property (and in such leased real property as requested by the Agent or the
Required Lenders) and all personal property of the Credit Parties (whether now
owned or hereafter acquired), subject only to Permitted Liens.  Each Credit
Party shall adhere to the covenants regarding the location of personal property
as set forth in the Security Agreements.

     7.10      USE OF PROCEEDS.
               --------------- 

     The Credit Parties will use proceeds of the Loans solely (a) to refinance
the existing Indebtedness of the Borrower, (b) to finance the acquisition of the
Acquired Assets, (c) to provide working capital and (d) for general corporate
purposes.

     7.11      AUDITS/INSPECTIONS.
               ------------------ 

     Upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, each Credit Party
will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, permit representatives appointed by
the Agent or any Lender, including, without limitation, independent accountants,
agents, attorneys and appraisers to visit and inspect such Credit Party's (or
its Subsidiary's) property, including its books and records, its accounts
receivable and inventory, its facilities and its other business assets, and to
make photocopies or photographs thereof and to write down and record any
information such representative obtains and shall permit the Agent or its
representatives to investigate and verify the accuracy of information provided
to the Lenders and to discuss all such matters with the officers, employees and
representatives of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries.  The Credit
Parties agree that the Agent, and its representatives, may conduct an annual
audit of the Collateral, at the expense of the Borrower.

     7.12      FINANCIAL COVENANTS.
               ------------------- 

        (a) Interest Coverage Ratio.  The Interest Coverage Ratio, as of the end
            -----------------------
     of each fiscal quarter, shall be greater than or equal to:

            (i)   From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
                  1.70 to 1.0;

                                       68
<PAGE>
 
            (ii)  From November 30, 1999 to and including November 29, 2000,
                  1.85 to 1.0; and

            (iii) From November 30, 2000 and thereafter, 2.0 to 1.0.

        (b) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as of
            ---------------------------                                         
     the end of each fiscal quarter, shall be greater than or equal to:

            (i)  From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
                 1.10 to 1.0; and

            (ii) From November 30, 1999 and thereafter, 1.25 to 1.0.

        (c) Leverage Ratio.  The Leverage Ratio, as of the end of each fiscal
            --------------                                                   
     quarter, shall be less than or equal to:

            (i)   From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
                  5.25 to 1.0;

            (ii)  From November 30, 1999 to and including November 29, 2000,
                  4.5 to 1.0;

            (iii) From November 30, 2000 to and including November 29, 2001,
                    4.0 to 1.0; and

            (iv)  From November 30, 2001 and thereafter, 3.75 to 1.0.

        (d) Senior Leverage Ratio.  The Senior Leverage Ratio, as of the end of
            ---------------------                                              
     each fiscal quarter, shall be less than or equal to:

            (i)  From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
                 2.50 to 1.0; and

            (ii) From November 30, 1999 and thereafter, 2.0 to 1.0.

        (e) Net Worth. At all times Net Worth shall be no less than $17,600,000
            ---------                                                          
     increased on a cumulative basis, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending
     November 29, 1998, by an amount equal to, (i) as of the last day of each
     fiscal quarter, 50% of Net Income for the fiscal quarter then ended
     (without deductions for any losses) plus (ii) 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds
     from any Equity Issuance subsequent to the Closing Date.

        (f) Appraised Brand Value.  As of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
            ---------------------                                              
     Borrower, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
     consolidated basis, the most recent appraised value of all brands or
     product lines of the Borrower and its 

                                       69
<PAGE>
 
     Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis on such date shall be greater than or
     equal to $455 million.

        (g) Calculation Method.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
            ------------------                                                
     contained herein, (i) for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio and
     Senior Leverage Ratio for the Borrower's fiscal quarter ending February 28,
     1999, EBITDA attributable to the Acquired Assets for the twelve month
     period for which EBITDA is being calculated shall be deemed to be the
     result obtained by multiplying the actual EBITDA attributable to the
     Acquired Assets for the two month period ending on February 28, 1999 by 6,
     (ii) for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio and Senior Leverage
     Ratio for the Borrower's fiscal quarter ending May 31, 1999, EBITDA
     attributable to the Acquired Assets for the twelve month period for which
     EBITDA is being calculated shall be deemed to be the result obtained by
     multiplying the actual EBITDA attributable to the Acquired Assets for the
     five month period ending on May 31, 1999 by 2.4 and (iii) for purposes of
     calculating the Leverage Ratio and Senior Leverage Ratio for the Borrower's
     fiscal quarter ending August 31, 1999, EBITDA attributable to the Acquired
     Assets for the twelve month period for which EBITDA is being calculated
     shall be deemed to be the result obtained by multiplying the actual EBITDA
     attributable to the Acquired Assets for the eight month period ending on
     August 31, 1999 by 1.5.  Furthermore, for purposes of calculating the
     Leverage Ratio and Senior Leverage Ratio at any time during the twelve
     month period following a Permitted Acquisition, EBITDA attributable to the
     business or assets acquired pursuant to such Permitted Acquisition shall be
     deemed to be the result obtained by annualizing the components of the
     actual EBITDA attributable to such assets or business during such period.

     7.13      ADDITIONAL CREDIT PARTIES.

     At the time any Person becomes a Subsidiary of a Credit Party, the Borrower
shall so notify the Agent and promptly thereafter (but in any event within 30
days after the date thereof) shall cause such Person to (a) if it is a Domestic
Subsidiary, execute a Joinder Agreement in substantially the same form as
Exhibit 7.13, (b) cause all of the capital stock of such Person (if such Person
- ------------                                                                   
is a Domestic Subsidiary) or 65% of the capital stock of such Person (if such
Person is a Foreign Subsidiary) to be delivered to the Agent (together with
undated stock powers signed in blank) and pledged to the Agent pursuant to an
appropriate pledge agreement in substantially the form of the Pledge Agreement
and otherwise in a form acceptable to the Agent, (c) if such Person is a
Domestic Subsidiary, pledge all of its assets to the Lenders pursuant to a
security agreement in substantially the form of the Security Agreements and
otherwise in a form acceptable to the Agent, (d) if such Person has any
Subsidiaries, (i) deliver all of the capital stock of such Domestic Subsidiaries
and 65% of the capital stock of such Foreign Subsidiaries (together with undated
stock powers signed in blank) to the Agent and (ii) execute a pledge agreement
in substantially the form of the Pledge Agreement and otherwise in a form
acceptable to the Agent, (e) if such Person owns or leases any real property in
the United States of America, execute any and all necessary mortgages, deeds of
trust, deeds to secure debt, leasehold mortgages, collateral assignments of
leaseholds or other appropriate real estate collateral documentation in a form
acceptable to the Agent and (f) deliver 

                                       70
<PAGE>
 
such other documentation as the Agent may reasonably request in connection with
the foregoing, including, without limitation, appropriate UCC-1 financing
statements, real estate title insurance policies, environmental reports,
landlord waivers, certified resolutions and other organizational and authorizing
documents of such Person and favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which
shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and
enforceability of the documentation referred to above), all in form, content and
scope reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

     7.14      OWNERSHIP OF SUBSIDIARIES.
               ------------------------- 

     The Borrower shall at all times own 100% of the capital stock of its
Subsidiaries (other than to the extent necessary for Chattem (U.K.) Limited and
HBA Insurance Ltd. to qualify for incorporation in their respective countries of
incorporation, any nominal qualifying shares owned by any necessary governmental
authorities) and may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of
capital stock of any of its Subsidiaries.

     7.15      APPRAISAL REPORTS.
               ----------------- 

     The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall provide the Agent, upon the request
of the Agent and at the expense of the Borrower, with asset appraisal reports
with respect to the real and personal property of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries including, without limitation, appraisals of brand values
(provided, however, the Borrower hereby agrees that at such time as any
appraisal with respect to a particular brand contributing at least $5,000,000 of
EBITDA for the prior fiscal year is three years old, the Borrower shall provide
the Agent with a new brand appraisal with respect to such brand).  Furthermore,
the Credit Parties hereby agree that if at the end of any fiscal year of the
Borrower, EBITDA for such fiscal year is ten percent (10%) less than EBITDA for
the prior fiscal year, the Borrower shall provide the Lenders, upon the request
of the Lenders and at the expense of the Borrower, with asset appraisal reports
with respect to those brands contributing at least $5,000,000 of EBITDA for such
fiscal year; provided, however, if such ten percent (10%) reduction in EBITDA is
the direct result of an asset disposition permitted by Section 8.5(d), the
Borrower shall not be required to provide asset appraisal reports with respect
to such brands.

     7.16      YEAR 2000 COMPATIBILITY.
               ----------------------- 

     Each Credit Party will promptly notify the Agent in the event such Credit
Party discovers or determines that any computer application (including those of
its suppliers, vendors and customers) that is material to its or any of its
Subsidiaries' business and operations will not be Year 2000 compliant, except to
the extent that such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     7.17      POST-CLOSING MATTERS.
               -------------------- 

        (a) Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the Closing Date, the
     Borrower shall furnish to the Agent Phase I environmental reports in form
     and substance 

                                       71
<PAGE>
 
     satisfactory to the Agent with respect to each of the Mortgaged Properties
     set forth on Schedule 6.23(a) (other than the Double Cola Property).
                  ----------------                       
 
        (b) Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the Closing Date, the
     Borrower shall cause a field examination with respect to its accounts
     receivable and inventory to be conducted by an independent appraiser
     reasonably acceptable to the Agent and shall deliver the report of such
     field examination to the Agent.

                                   SECTION 8

                              NEGATIVE COVENANTS
                              ------------------

     Each Credit Party hereby covenants and agrees that so long as this Credit
Agreement is in effect and until the Loans, together with interest, fees and
other obligations hereunder, have been paid in full and the Commitments
hereunder shall have terminated:

     8.1      INDEBTEDNESS.
              ------------ 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
contract, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

        (a) Indebtedness arising under this Credit Agreement, the other Credit
     Documents and the Supplemental Credit Documents;

        (b) the Subordinated Debt;

        (c) Indebtedness existing as of the Closing Date as referenced in
     Section 6.10 (and renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof on terms and
     conditions no more favorable, in the aggregate, to such Person than such
     existing Indebtedness and in a principal amount not in excess of that
     outstanding as of the date of such renewal, refinancing or extension);

        (d) Indebtedness owing by one Credit Party to another Credit Party;

        (e) purchase money Indebtedness (including Capital Leases) incurred by
     the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to finance the purchase of fixed
     assets; provided that (i) the total of all such Indebtedness for all such
     Persons taken together shall not exceed an aggregate principal amount of
     $2,000,000.00 at any one time outstanding (including any such Indebtedness
     referred to in subsection (c) above); (ii) such Indebtedness when incurred
     shall not exceed the purchase price of the asset(s) financed; and (iii) no
     such Indebtedness shall be refinanced for a principal amount in excess of
     the principal balance outstanding thereon at the time of such refinancing;

                                       72
<PAGE>
 
        (f) obligations of the Credit Parties in respect of Hedging Agreements
     entered into in the ordinary course of business to manage existing or
     anticipated risks and not for speculative purposes;

        (g) Indebtedness incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries not to exceed
     $500,000.00, in the aggregate, at any one time outstanding (including any
     such Indebtedness referred to in subsection (c) above); and

        (h) the Additional Subordinated Debt.

     8.2      LIENS.
              ----- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit its Subsidiaries to, contract,
create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien with respect to any of its
property or assets of any kind (whether real or personal, tangible or
intangible), whether now owned or after acquired, except for Permitted Liens.

     8.3      NATURE OF BUSINESS.
              ------------------ 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit its Subsidiaries to, alter the
character of its business from that conducted as of the Closing Date or engage
in any business other than the business conducted as of the Closing Date, which
with respect to Signal shall be limited to the ownership of trademarks and
tradenames for the purpose of licensing such trademarks and tradenames to the
Borrower.

     8.4      CONSOLIDATION AND MERGER.
              ------------------------ 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit its Subsidiaries to, enter into
any transaction of merger or consolidation or liquidate, wind up or dissolve
itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); provided that notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions of this Section 8.4, the following actions may be taken
if (a) the Agent is given prior written notice of such action, and the Credit
Parties execute and deliver such documents, instruments and certificates as the
Agent may request in order to maintain the perfection and priority of the Liens
on the assets of the Credit Parties and (b) after giving effect thereto no
Default or Event of Default exists:

        (i) any Credit Party may be merged or consolidated with or into the
     Borrower or any Credit Party (other than the Borrower) may be merged or
     consolidated with or into any other Credit Party; provided that if such
     transaction shall be between the Borrower and another Credit Party, the
     Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation; and

        (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other
     Foreign Subsidiary.

                                       73
<PAGE>
 
     8.5      SALE OR LEASE OF ASSETS.
              ----------------------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a
series of transactions, all or any part of its business or assets whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, inventory,
receivables, real property, leasehold interests, equipment and securities other
than (a) any inventory or other assets sold, leased or disposed of (or
simultaneously replaced with like goods) in the ordinary course of business, (b)
obsolete, idle or worn-out assets no longer used or useful in its business, (c)
the sale, lease or transfer or other disposal by a Credit Party other than the
Borrower of any or all of its assets to the Borrower or to any other Credit
Party, or (d) sales of product lines (or the right to produce a consumer product
or products) provided that (i) the dispositions permitted under this
subparagraph (d) shall not exceed $10,000,000 during any fiscal year and, (ii)
the dispositions permitted under this subparagraph (d) during any fiscal year
shall be limited to product lines (or the right to produce a consumer product or
products) having aggregate sales for the twelve-month period ending on the
fiscal quarter ending immediately preceding the sale in an amount not exceeding
ten percent (10%) of EBITDA for such twelve month period and (iii) after giving
effect to any such disposition on a pro forma basis, as if such disposition had
occurred on the first day of the twelve month period ending on the last day of
the Borrower's most recently completed fiscal quarter, the Credit Parties and
their Subsidiaries would have been in compliance with all the financial
covenants set forth in Section 7.12.

     8.6      ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS AND LOANS.
              ------------------------------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make
any Investments except for Permitted Investments.

     8.7      DIVIDENDS.
              --------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly,  (a) declare or pay any dividends (whether cash or
otherwise) or make any other distribution upon any shares of its capital stock
of any class other than the payment of dividends by the Subsidiaries of the
Borrower to the Borrower or (b) other than Permitted Investments purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire or retire or make any provisions for redemption,
acquisition or retirement of any shares of its capital stock of any class or any
warrants or options to purchase any such shares.

     8.8      TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.
              ---------------------------- 

     Except as set forth on Schedule 8.8, no Credit Party will, nor will it
                            ------------                                   
permit its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction or series of
transactions, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, with any
officer, director, shareholder, Subsidiary or Affiliate other than on terms and
conditions substantially as favorable as would be obtainable in a comparable
arm's-length transaction with a Person other than an officer, director,
shareholder, Subsidiary or Affiliate.

                                       74
<PAGE>
 
     8.9      FISCAL YEAR; ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
              ------------------------------------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change
its fiscal year or materially change its articles or certificate of
incorporation or its bylaws without the prior written consent of the Required
Lenders.

     8.10      PREPAYMENTS OF INDEBTEDNESS.
               --------------------------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a)
amend or modify (or permit the amendment or modification of) any of the terms of
any Indebtedness if such amendment or modification would add or change any terms
in a manner adverse to the Lenders, including but not limited to, shortening
final maturity or average life to maturity of such Indebtedness or requiring any
payment to be made sooner than originally scheduled or increasing the interest
rate applicable thereto or change any subordination provision thereof, (b)
during the existence of a Default or Event of Default, or if a Default or Event
of Default would be caused as a result thereof make (or give any notice with
respect thereto) any voluntary or optional payment or prepayment or redemption
or acquisition for value of (including, without limitation, by way of depositing
money or securities with the trustee with respect thereto before due for the
purpose of paying when due), refund, refinance or exchange of any other
Indebtedness.

     8.11      SUBORDINATED DEBT.
               ----------------- 

     (a) No Credit Party will (i) make or offer to make any principal payments
with respect to the Subordinated Debt, (ii) redeem or offer to redeem any of the
Subordinated Debt, or (iii) deposit any funds intended to discharge or defease
any or all of the Subordinated Debt; provided, however, the Borrower may redeem
                                     --------  -------                         
or repurchase the Subordinated Debt in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$15,000,000 (such amount to include any accrued interest, premiums or penalties
associated therewith) during any fiscal year provided that after giving effect
                                             --------                         
to such repurchase or redemption on a pro forma basis, as if such repurchase or
redemption had occurred on the first day of the twelve month period ending on
the last day of the Borrower's most recently completed fiscal quarter, the
Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries would have been in compliance with all the
financial covenants set forth in Section 7.12.  The Subordinated Debt may not be
amended or modified in any material manner without the prior written consent of
the Required Lenders, it being specifically understood and agreed that no
amendment to Article 4 or Article 10 of the Indenture shall be made without the
prior written consent of the Required Lenders.

     (b) No Credit Party will (i) make or offer to make any principal payments
with respect to the Additional Subordinated Debt, (ii) redeem or offer to redeem
any of the Additional Subordinated Debt or (iii) deposit any funds intended to
discharge or defease any or all of the Additional Subordinated Debt.  The
Additional Subordinated Debt or the Second Indenture may not be amended or
modified in any material manner without the prior written consent of the
Required Lenders, it being specifically understood and agreed that no amendment
to Article 4 or Article 10 of the Second Indenture shall be made without the
prior written consent of the Required Lenders.

                                       75
<PAGE>
 
     8.12      LIMITATIONS.
               ----------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause, incur, assume, suffer or
permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of
any kind on the ability of any such Person to (a) pay dividends or make any
other distribution on any of such Person's capital stock, (b) pay any
Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any other Credit Party, (c) make loans or
advances to any other Credit Party or (d) transfer any of its property to any
other Credit Party, except for encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by
reason of (i) customary non-assignment provisions in any lease governing a
leasehold interest, (ii) this Credit Agreement, the other Credit Documents and
the Supplemental Credit Documents, (iii) the Indenture and (iv) the Second
Indenture.

     8.13      SALE LEASEBACKS.
               --------------- 

     No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly become or remain liable as lessee or as guarantor or
other surety with respect to any lease, of any property (whether real or
personal or mixed), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, (a) which such
Credit Party or Subsidiary has sold or transferred or is to sell or transfer to
any other Person other than a Credit Party or (b) which such Credit Party or
Subsidiary intends to use for substantially the same purpose as any other
property which has been sold or is to be sold or transferred by such Credit
Party or Subsidiary to any Person in connection with such lease.

     8.14      NEGATIVE PLEDGES.
               ---------------- 

     Other than as set forth in Section 4.12 of the Indenture, none of the
Credit Parties will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into,
assume or become subject to any agreement prohibiting or otherwise restricting
the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its properties or assets, whether
now owned or hereafter acquired, or requiring the grant of any security for such
obligation if security is given for some other obligation.

     8.15      CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.
               -------------------- 

     The Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries will not make Capital
Expenditures, in any fiscal year, that would exceed $7,500,000.00 in the
aggregate.

     8.16      OPERATING LEASES.
               ---------------- 

     Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall create, incur,
assume or permit to exist obligations under Operating Leases which require
aggregate annual payments in excess of $1,500,000.00.

                                       76
<PAGE>
 
     8.17      PAYMENT BLOCKAGE NOTICE.
               ----------------------- 

     (a) The Borrower (i) covenants and agrees that it will not give the Payment
Blockage Notice (as defined in the Indenture) without the consent of the
Required Lenders and (ii) hereby designates and appoints the Agent, as attorney-
in-fact of the Borrower, irrevocably and with full power of substitution, to
deliver any Payment Blockage Notice (as defined in the Indenture) that the
Borrower has the right to deliver pursuant to the terms of the Indenture;
provided that the foregoing appointment shall terminate at such time as the
Loans, together with interest, fees and other obligations hereunder, have been
paid in full and the Commitments hereunder shall have terminated.

     (b) The Borrower (i) covenants and agrees that it will not give the Payment
Blockage Notice (as defined in the Second Indenture) without the consent of the
Required Lenders and (ii) hereby designates and appoints the Agent, as attorney-
in-fact of the Borrower, irrevocably and with full power of substitution, to
deliver any Payment Blockage Notice (as defined in the Second Indenture) that
the Borrower has the right to deliver pursuant to the terms of the Second
Indenture; provided that the foregoing appointment shall terminate at such time
as the Loans, together with interest, fees and other obligations hereunder, have
been paid in full and the Commitments hereunder shall have terminated.


                                   SECTION 9

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT
                               -----------------

     9.1      EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
              ----------------- 

     An Event of Default shall exist upon the occurrence of any of the following
specified events (each an "Event of Default"):
                           ----------------   

        (a) Payment.  Any Credit Party shall:
            -------                          

            (i)  default in the payment when due of any principal of any of the
        Loans; or

            (ii) default, and such default shall continue for three or more
        days, in the payment when due of any interest on the Loans or of any
        fees or other amounts owing hereunder, under any of the other Credit
        Documents or in connection herewith.

        (b) Representations.  Any representation, warranty or statement made or
            ---------------                                                    
     deemed to be made by any Credit Party herein, in any of the other Credit
     Documents, or in any statement or certificate delivered or required to be
     delivered pursuant hereto or thereto 

                                       77
<PAGE>
 
     shall prove untrue in any material respect on the date as of which it was
     made or deemed to have been made.

        (c) Covenants.  Any Credit Party shall:
            ---------                          

            (i)   default in the due performance or observance of any term,
        covenant or agreement contained in Sections 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.9,
        7.10, 7.12, 7.13, 7.14, 7.15, 7.16, 7.17 or 8.1 through 8.17 inclusive;
        or

            (ii)  default in the due performance or observance by it of any
        term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 7.1 and such default
        shall continue unremedied for a period of five Business Days after the
        earlier of an officer of a Credit Party becoming aware of such default
        or notice thereof given by the Agent; or

            (iii) default in the due performance or observance by it of any
        term, covenant or agreement (other than those referred to in subsections
        (a), (b) or (c)(i) or (ii) of this Section 9.1) contained in this Credit
        Agreement and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of at
        least 30 days after the earlier of an officer of a Credit Party becoming
        aware of such default or notice thereof given by the Agent.

        (d) Other Credit Documents.  (i) Any Credit Party shall default in the
            ----------------------
     due performance or observance of any term, covenant or agreement in any of
     the other Credit Documents and such default shall continue unremedied for a
     period of at least 30 days after the earlier of an officer of a Credit
     Party becoming aware of such default or notice thereof given by the Agent,
     or (ii) any Credit Document shall fail to be in full force and effect or to
     give the Agent and/or the New Credit Agreement Lenders the security
     interests, liens, rights, powers and privileges purported to be created
     thereby.

        (e) Guaranties.  The guaranty given by the Credit Parties hereunder or
            ----------
     by any Additional Credit Party hereafter or any provision thereof shall
     cease to be in full force and effect, or any guarantor thereunder or any
     Person acting by or on behalf of such guarantor shall deny or disaffirm
     such Guarantor's obligations under such guaranty.

        (f) Bankruptcy, etc.  The occurrence of any of the following with
            ---------------
     respect to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i) a court or
     governmental agency having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a
     decree or order for relief in respect of the Borrower or any of its
     Subsidiaries in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appoint a
     receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar
     official of any of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or for any
     substantial part of its property or ordering the winding up or liquidation
     of its affairs; or (ii) an involuntary case under any applicable
     bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect is
     commenced against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and such petition
     remains unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive 

                                       78
<PAGE>
 
     days; or (iii) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall commence a
     voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
     law now or hereafter in effect, or consent to the entry of an order for
     relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or consent to the
     appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee,
     custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of such Person or any
     substantial part of its property or make any general assignment for the
     benefit of creditors; or (iv) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall
     admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become
     due or any action shall be taken by such Person in furtherance of any of
     the aforesaid purposes.

        (g) Defaults under Other Agreements.  With respect to any Indebtedness
            -------------------------------                                   
     (other than Indebtedness outstanding under this Credit Agreement) of the
     Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in a principal amount in excess of
     $500,000.00, including, without limitation, the Subordinated Debt, the
     Additional Subordinated Debt and any indebtedness under the Supplemental
     Credit Agreement (i) a Credit Party shall (A) default in any payment
     (beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any) with
     respect to any such Indebtedness, or (B) default (after giving effect to
     any applicable grace period) in the observance or performance of any term,
     covenant or agreement relating to such Indebtedness or contained in any
     instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any
     other event or condition shall occur or condition exist, the effect of
     which default or other event or condition is to cause, or permit, the
     holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or trustee or agent on behalf of
     such holders) to cause (determined without regard to whether any notice or
     lapse of time is required) any such Indebtedness to become due prior to its
     stated maturity; or (ii) any such Indebtedness shall be declared due and
     payable, or required to be prepaid other than by a regularly scheduled
     required prepayment, prior to the stated maturity thereof.

        (h) Judgments.  One or more judgments, orders, or decrees shall be
            ---------
     entered against any one or more of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
     involving a liability of $500,000.00 or more, in the aggregate, (to the
     extent not paid or covered by insurance provided by a carrier who has
     acknowledged coverage) and such judgments, orders or decrees shall continue
     unsatisfied, undischarged and unstayed for a period ending on the first to
     occur of (i) the last day on which such judgment, order or decree becomes
     final and unappealable or (ii) 30 days.

        (i) ERISA.  Any of the following events or conditions:  (A) any
            -----                                                      
     "accumulated funding deficiency," as such term is defined in Section 302 of
     ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived, shall exist with
     respect to any Plan, or any lien shall arise on the assets of the Borrower
     or any of their Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate in favor of the PBGC or
     a Plan; (B) a Termination Event shall occur with respect to a Single
     Employer Plan, which is, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, likely to
     result in the termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA;
     (C) a Termination Event shall occur with respect to a Multiemployer Plan or
     Multiple Employer Plan, which is, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent,
     likely to result in (i) the termination of such Plan for purposes of Title

                                       79
<PAGE>
 
     IV of ERISA, or (ii) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA
     Affiliate incurring any liability in connection with a withdrawal from,
     reorganization of (within the meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA), or
     insolvency or (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA) such Plan; or
     (D) any prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA
     or Section 4975 of the Code) or breach of fiduciary responsibility shall
     occur which may subject the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any
     ERISA Affiliate to any liability under Sections 406, 409, 502(i), or 502(l)
     of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or under any agreement or other
     instrument pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any
     ERISA Affiliate has agreed or is required to indemnify any person against
     any such liability.

        (j) Ownership.  There shall occur a Change of Control.
            ---------                                         

        (k) Subordinated Debt.  (i) Any holder of the Subordinated Debt alleges
            -----------------
     (or any Governmental Authority with applicable jurisdiction determines)
     that the New Credit Agreement Lenders or Supplemental Credit Lenders are
     not holders of Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) the
     subordination provisions in the Indenture shall, in whole or in part,
     terminate, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and
     enforceable against any holder of the Subordinated Debt.

        (l)  Additional Subordinated Debt.  (i) Any holder of the Additional
             ----------------------------                                   
     Subordinated Debt alleges (or any Governmental Authority with applicable
     jurisdiction determines) that the Supplemental Credit Lenders or New Credit
     Agreement Lenders are not holders of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the
     Second Indenture) or (ii) the subordination provisions in the Second
     Indenture shall, in whole or in part, terminate, cease to be effective or
     cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against any holder of
     the Additional Subordinated Debt.

        (m) Business.  The Borrower commences to engage in any material respect
            --------
     in a line of business or activity other than the business of manufacturing
     and marketing of brand name over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary
     supplements, functional toiletries and cosmetics.

        (n) Indenture/Change of Control.  There shall occur (i) a Change of
            ---------------------------
     Control (as defined in the Indenture) under the Indenture, (ii) a Change of
     Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Indenture) under the Indenture
     or (iii) a Change of Control (as defined in the Second Indenture) under the
     Second Indenture.

     9.2      ACCELERATION; REMEDIES.
              ---------------------- 

     Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, and at any time thereafter
unless and until such Event of Default has been waived in writing by the
Required Lenders (or the Lenders as may be required hereunder), the Agent shall,
upon the request and direction of the Required Lenders, by written notice to the
Borrower, take any of the following actions:

                                       80
<PAGE>
 
        (a) Termination of Commitments.  Declare the Commitments terminated
            --------------------------                                     
     whereupon the Commitments shall be immediately terminated.

        (b) Acceleration of Loans.  Declare the unpaid  principal of and any
            ---------------------                                           
     accrued interest in respect of all Loans and any and all other indebtedness
     or obligations of any and every kind owing by a Credit Party to any of the
     Lenders hereunder to be due whereupon the same shall be immediately due and
     payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind,
     all of which are hereby waived by the Credit Parties.

        (c) Enforcement of Rights.  Enforce any and all rights and interests
            ---------------------                                           
     created and existing under the Credit Documents, including, without
     limitation, all rights and remedies existing under the Collateral
     Documents, all rights and remedies against a Guarantor and all rights of
     set-off.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section
9.1(f) shall occur, then the Commitments shall automatically terminate and all
Loans, all accrued interest in respect thereof, all accrued and unpaid fees and
other indebtedness or obligations owing to the Lenders hereunder shall
immediately become due and payable without the giving of any notice or other
action by the Agent or the Lenders, which notice or other action is expressly
waived by the Credit Parties.

Notwithstanding the fact that enforcement powers reside primarily with the
Agent, each Lender has a separate right of payment and shall be considered a
separate "creditor" holding a separate "claim" within the meaning of Section
101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code or any other insolvency statute.


                                   SECTION 10

                               AGENCY PROVISIONS
                               -----------------

     10.1      APPOINTMENT.
               ----------- 

     Each New Credit Agreement Lender hereby designates and appoints
NationsBank, N.A. as Agent of such New Credit Agreement Lender to act as
specified herein and the other Credit Documents, and each such New Credit
Agreement Lender hereby authorizes the Agent, as the agent for such New Credit
Agreement Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this
Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to exercise such powers and
perform such duties as are expressly delegated by the terms hereof and of the
other Credit Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere
herein and in the other Credit Documents, the Agent shall not have any duties or
responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and therein, or any
fiduciary relationship with any New Credit Agreement Lender, and no implied
covenants, 

                                       81
<PAGE>
 
functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read
into this Credit Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, or shall
otherwise exist against the Agent. The provisions of this Section are solely for
the benefit of the Agent and the New Credit Agreement Lenders and none of the
Credit Parties shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of the
provisions hereof. In performing its functions and duties under this Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents, the Agent shall act solely as the
agent of the New Credit Agreement Lenders and does not assume and shall not be
deemed to have assumed any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with or
for any Credit Party.

     10.2      DELEGATION OF DUTIES.
               -------------------- 

     The Agent may execute any of its duties hereunder or under the other Credit
Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to
advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.  The Agent
shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or
attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

     10.3      EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS.
               ---------------------- 

     Neither the Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents,
attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be (a) liable for any action lawfully
taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person under or in connection
herewith or in connection with any of the other Credit Documents (except for its
or such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or (b) responsible
in any manner to any of the New Credit Agreement Lenders for any recitals,
statements, representations or warranties made by any of the Credit Parties
contained herein or in any of the other Credit Documents or in any certificate,
report, document, financial statement or other written or oral statement
referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agent under or in connection
herewith or in connection with the other Credit Documents, or enforceability or
sufficiency therefor of any of the other Credit Documents, or for any failure of
the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.  The Agent
shall not be responsible to any New Credit Agreement Lender for the
effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectibility or
sufficiency of this Credit Agreement, or any of the other Credit Documents or
for any representations, warranties, recitals or statements made herein or
therein or made by the Borrower or any Credit Party 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 Agent to the New Credit Agreement Lenders or by or on
behalf of the Credit Parties to the Agent or any New Credit Agreement 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 or to inspect the
properties, books or records of the Credit Parties.  The Agent is not a trustee
for the New Credit Agreement Lenders and owes no fiduciary duty to the Lenders.

                                       82
<PAGE>
 
     10.4      RELIANCE ON COMMUNICATIONS.
               -------------------------- 

     The 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, telecopy, telex or teletype message,
statement, order or other document or conversation believed by it 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 any of the Credit Parties, independent accountants and
other experts selected by the Agent with reasonable care).  The Agent may deem
and treat the New Credit Agreement Lenders as the owner of its interests
hereunder for all purposes unless a written notice of assignment, negotiation or
transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Agent in accordance with Section
11.3(b).  The Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any
action under this Credit Agreement or under any of the other Credit Documents
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 Agent shall
in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting,
hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents in accordance with a
request of the Required Lenders (or to the extent specifically provided in
Section 11.6, all the Lenders) and such request and any action taken or failure
to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders (including their
successors and assigns).

     10.5      NOTICE OF DEFAULT.
               ----------------- 

     The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence
of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless the Agent has received
notice from a Lender or a Credit Party referring to the Credit Document,
describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a
"notice of default." In the event that the Agent receives such a notice, the
Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.  The Agent shall take
such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be
reasonably directed by the Required Lenders.

     10.6      NON-RELIANCE ON AGENT AND OTHER LENDERS.
               --------------------------------------- 

     Each New Credit Agreement Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the
Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact
or affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act
by the Agent or any affiliate thereof hereinafter taken, including any review of
the affairs of any Credit Party, shall be deemed to constitute any
representation or warranty by  the Agent to any New Credit Agreement Lender.
Each New Credit Agreement Lender represents to the Agent that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other New Credit
Agreement 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 Credit Parties and made its own decision to make its
Loans hereunder and enter into this Credit Agreement.  Each Lender also
represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or
any other New Credit Agreement Lender, and based on such documents and
information 

                                       83
<PAGE>
 
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
Credit 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 Credit Parties. Except for
notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the
New Credit Agreement Lenders by the Agent hereunder, the Agent shall not have
any duty or responsibility to provide any New Credit Agreement Lender with any
credit or other information concerning the business, operations, assets,
property, financial or other conditions, prospects or creditworthiness of the
Credit Parties which may come into the possession of the Agent or any of its
officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates.

     10.7      INDEMNIFICATION.
               --------------- 

     The Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent in its capacity as such (to the
extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the
Borrower to do so), ratably according to their respective percentage of the
Commitments (or if the Commitments have expired or been terminated, in
accordance with the respective principal amounts of outstanding Loans and
Participation Interest of the New Credit Agreement Lenders), from and against
any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which
may at any time (including without limitation at any time following payment in
full of the Credit Party Obligations) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against the Agent in its capacity as such in any way relating to or arising out
of this Credit Agreement or the other Credit Documents or any documents
contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under
or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that no New Credit
                                            --------                   
Agreement Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Agent.  If any indemnity furnished to the Agent for any
purpose shall, in the opinion of  the Agent, be insufficient or become impaired,
the 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 shall survive the payment of the Credit Party
Obligations and all other amounts payable hereunder and under the other Credit
Documents.

     10.8      AGENT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY.
               -------------------------------- 

     The Agent and its affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and
generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any other Credit
Party as though the Agent were not the Agent hereunder.  With respect to the
Loans made and all obligations owing to it, the Agent shall have the same rights
and powers under this Credit Agreement as any New Credit Agreement Lender and
may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent, and the terms "New Credit
Agreement Lender" and "New Credit Agreement Lenders" shall include the Agent in
its individual capacity.

                                       84
<PAGE>
 
     10.9      SUCCESSOR AGENT.
               --------------- 

     The Agent may, at any time, resign upon 20 days written notice to the New
Credit Agreement Lenders.  Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall
have the right to appoint a successor Agent.  If no successor Agent shall have
been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such
appointment, within 45 days after the notice of resignation, then the retiring
Agent shall select a successor Agent provided such successor is a New Credit
Agreement Lender hereunder or a commercial bank organized under the laws of the
United States of America or of any State thereof and has a combined capital and
surplus of at least $400,000,000.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the
Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to
and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the
retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations as an Agent, as appropriate, under this Credit Agreement and the
other Credit Documents and the provisions of this Section 10.9 shall inure to
its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was
the Agent under this Credit Agreement.


                                   SECTION 11

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------

     11.1      NOTICES.
               --------

     Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other
communications shall have been duly given and shall be effective (a) when
delivered, (b) when transmitted via telecopy (or other facsimile device) to the
number set out below, (c) the Business Day following the day on which the same
has been delivered prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier
service, or (d) the third Business Day following the day on which the same is
sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, in each case to the
respective parties at the address or telecopy numbers set forth on Schedule
                                                                   --------
11.1, or at such other address as such party may specify by written notice to
- ----
the other parties hereto.

     11.2      RIGHT OF SET-OFF.
               ---------------- 

     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 and the commencement of remedies described in Section
9.2, each New Credit Agreement Lender is authorized at any time and from time to
time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind (all of
which rights 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 New Credit Agreement Lender (including, without
limitation branches, agencies or Affiliates of such New Credit Agreement Lender
wherever located) to or for the credit or the account of any Credit Party
against obligations and liabilities of such Credit Party to the New Credit
Agreement Lenders hereunder, under the Notes, the other Credit Documents or
otherwise, 

                                       85
<PAGE>
 
irrespective of whether the Agent or the New Credit Agreement Lenders shall have
made any demand hereunder and although such obligations, liabilities or claims,
or any of them, may be contingent or unmatured, and any such set-off shall be
deemed to have been made immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
even though such charge is made or entered on the books of such Lender
subsequent thereto. The Credit Parties hereby agree that any Person purchasing a
participation in the Loans and Commitments hereunder pursuant to Section 11.3(c)
or 3.9 may exercise all rights of set-off with respect to its participation
interest as fully as if such Person were a New Credit Agreement Lender
hereunder.

     11.3      BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT.
               -------------------- 

        (a) Generally.  This Credit Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
            ---------                                                           
     the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns
     of the parties hereto; provided that none of the Credit Parties may assign
                            --------                                           
     and transfer any of its interests without the prior written consent of the
     Lenders; and provided further that the rights of each New Credit Agreement
                  -------- -------                                             
     Lender to transfer, assign or grant participations in its rights and/or
     obligations hereunder shall be limited as set forth in this Section 11.3.
     Notwithstanding the above, nothing herein shall restrict, prevent or
     prohibit any New Credit Agreement Lender from (i) pledging its Loans
     hereunder to a Federal Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by such
     Lender from such Federal Reserve Bank, or (ii) granting assignments or
     participation in such Lender's Loans and/or Commitments hereunder to its
     parent company and/or to any Affiliate of such New Credit Agreement Lender
     or to any existing New Credit Agreement Lender or Affiliate thereof.

        (b) Assignments.  Each New Credit Agreement Lender may, with the prior
            -----------                                                       
     written consent of the Borrower and the Agent (provided that no consent of
     the Borrower shall be required during the existence and continuation of an
     Event of Default), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
     delayed, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations hereunder
     pursuant to an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit
                                                                      -------
     11.3 to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that (i) any such
     ----                                    --------                  
     assignment shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 of the
     Loans of such New Credit Agreement Lender or Commitments of such New Credit
     Agreement Lender and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 above such amount
     (or the remaining amount of Loans or Commitments held by such New Credit
     Agreement Lender), (ii) each such assignment shall be of a constant, not
     varying, percentage of all of the assigning New Credit Agreement Lender's
     rights and obligations under the Loans or Commitment being assigned and
     (iii) unless otherwise agreed to by the Borrower and the Agent, such New
     Credit Agreement Lender proposing to assign all or a portion of its
     Revolving Committed Amount shall be required to assign to such Eligible
     Assignee or Assignees (to the extent held by such New Credit Agreement
     Lender) an identical percentage of the Term Loan Committed Amount of such
     New Credit Agreement Lender.  Any assignment hereunder shall be effective
     upon (i) satisfaction of the conditions set forth above, (ii) delivery to
     the Agent of a duly executed assignment agreement together with a transfer
     fee of $3,500 payable to the Agent for its own account and (iii) the
     recordation of an appropriate entry with respect to such 

                                       86
<PAGE>
 
     assignment in the Register pursuant to this Section 11.3. Upon the
     effectiveness of any such assignment, the assignee shall become a "New
     Credit Agreement Lender" for all purposes of this Credit Agreement and the
     other Credit Documents and, to the extent of such assignment, the assigning
     New Credit Agreement Lender shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder
     to the extent of the Loans and Commitment components being assigned. Along
     such lines the Borrower agrees that upon notice of any such assignment and
     surrender of the appropriate Note or Notes, it will promptly provide to the
     assigning New Credit Agreement Lender and to the assignee separate
     promissory notes in the amount of their respective interests substantially
     in the form of the original Note or Notes (but with notation thereon that
     it is given in substitution for and replacement of the original Note or
     Notes or any replacement notes thereof).

     By executing and delivering an assignment agreement in accordance with this
     Section 11.3(b), the assigning New Credit Agreement Lender thereunder and
     the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each
     other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) such assigning New
     Credit Agreement Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner
     of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim;
     (ii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, such assigning New Credit
     Agreement Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
     responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
     representations made in or in connection with this Credit Agreement, any of
     the other Credit Documents or any other instrument or document furnished
     pursuant hereto or thereto, or the execution, legality, validity,
     enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Credit Agreement,
     any of the other Credit Documents or any other instrument or document
     furnished pursuant hereto or thereto or the financial condition of any
     Credit Party or the performance or observance by any Credit Party of any of
     its obligations under this Credit Agreement, any of the other Credit
     Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or
     thereto; (iii) such assignee represents and warrants that it is legally
     authorized to enter into such assignment agreement; (iv) such assignee
     confirms that it has received a copy of this Credit Agreement, the other
     Credit Documents and such other documents and information as it has deemed
     appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such
     assignment agreement; (v) such assignee will independently and without
     reliance upon the Agent, such assigning New Credit Agreement Lender or any
     other New Credit Agreement Lender, and based on such documents and
     information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its
     own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Credit
     Agreement and the other Credit Documents; (vi) such assignee appoints and
     authorizes the Agent to take such action on its behalf and to exercise such
     powers under this Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document as are
     delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such
     powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees
     that it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations
     which by the terms of this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents
     are required to be performed by it as a New Credit Agreement Lender.

                                       87
<PAGE>
 
        (c) Participations. Each New Credit Agreement Lender may sell, transfer,
            -------------- 
     grant or assign participations in all or any part of such New Credit
     Agreement Lender's rights, obligations or rights and obligations hereunder;
     provided that (i) such selling New Credit Agreement Lender shall remain a
     "New Credit Agreement Lender" for all purposes under this Credit Agreement
     (such selling New Credit Agreement Lender's obligations under the Credit
     Documents remaining unchanged) and the participant shall not constitute a
     New Credit Agreement Lender hereunder, (ii) no such participant shall have,
     or be granted, rights to approve any amendment or waiver relating to this
     Credit Agreement or the other Credit Documents except to the extent any
     such amendment or waiver would (A) reduce the principal of or rate of
     interest on or fees in respect of any Loans in which the participant is
     participating, (B) postpone the date fixed for any payment of principal
     (including extension of the Revolving Loan Maturity Date or the date of any
     mandatory prepayment), interest or fees in which the participant is
     participating, or (C) release all or substantially all of the collateral or
     guaranties (except as expressly provided in the Credit Documents)
     supporting any of the Loans or Commitments in which the participant is
     participating, (iii) sub-participations by the participant (except to an
     Affiliate, parent company or Affiliate of a parent company of the
     participant) shall be prohibited, (iv) any such participations shall be in
     a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 of the Loans of such New Credit
     Agreement Lender or Commitments of such New Credit Agreement Lender and in
     integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (v) unless otherwise
     agreed to by the Borrower and the Agent, such selling New Credit Agreement
     Lender proposing to grant or assign a participation in the Revolving
     Committed Amount shall be required to grant or assign a participation to
     such participant, in like percentage, of the Term Loan Committed Amount of
     such New Credit Agreement Lender. In the case of any such participation,
     the participant shall not have any rights under this Credit Agreement or
     the other Credit Documents (the participant's rights against the selling
     New Credit Agreement Lender in respect of such participation to be those
     set forth in the participation agreement with such New Credit Agreement
     Lender creating such participation) and all amounts payable by the Borrower
     hereunder shall be determined as if such New Credit Agreement Lender had
     not sold such participation; provided, however, that such participant shall
     be entitled to receive additional amounts under Section 3.15 to the same
     extent that the New Credit Agreement Lender from which such participant
     acquired its participation would be entitled to the benefit of such cost
     protection provisions.

        (d) Registration. The Agent, acting for this purpose solely on behalf of
            ------------
     the Borrower, shall maintain a register (the "Register") for the
     recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the principal
     amount of the Loans owing to each New Credit Agreement Lender from time to
     time. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of
     manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the New Credit Agreement
     Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as
     the owner of a Loan or other obligation hereunder for all purposes of this
     Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, notwithstanding notice to
     the contrary. Any assignment of any Loan or other obligation hereunder
     shall be effective only upon appropriate entries with respect thereto being
     made in the Register. The Register shall be available for inspection by the

                                       88
<PAGE>
 
     Borrower or any New Credit Agreement Lender at any reasonable time and
     from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

     11.4      NO WAIVER; REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.
               ------------------------------ 

     No failure or delay on the part of the Agent or any New Credit Agreement
Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other
Credit Document and no course of dealing between the Borrower or any Credit
Party and the Agent or any New Credit Agreement 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 provided herein are cumulative
and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Agent or any New Credit
Agreement Lender would otherwise have.  No notice to or demand on any Credit
Party in any case shall entitle any Credit Party to any other or further notice
or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights
of the Agent or the New Credit Agreement Lenders to any other or further action
in any circumstances without notice or demand.

     11.5      PAYMENT OF EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.
               ------------------------------------ 

     The Credit Parties agree to:  (a) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs
and expenses of (i) the Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation,
execution and delivery and administration of this Credit Agreement and the other
Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to therein
(including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of Moore & Van
Allen, special counsel to the Agent and the fees and expenses of counsel for the
Agent in connection with collateral or foreign issues), and any amendment,
waiver or consent relating hereto and thereto including, but not limited to, any
such amendments, waivers or consents resulting from or related to any work-out,
renegotiation or restructure relating to the performance by the Credit Parties
under this Credit Agreement and (ii) the Agent and the New Credit Agreement
Lenders in connection with enforcement of the Credit Documents and the documents
and instruments referred to therein (including, without limitation, in
connection with any such enforcement, the reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Agent and each of the New Credit Agreement Lenders) and (b)
indemnify each New Credit Agreement Lender, its officers, directors, employees,
representatives and agents from and hold each of them harmless against any and
all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses incurred by any of them as
a result of, or arising out of, or in any way related to, or by reason of, any
investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not any New Credit
Agreement Lender is a party thereto) related to (i) the entering into and/or
performance of any Credit Document or the use of proceeds of any Loans
(including other extensions of credit) hereunder or the consummation of any
other transactions contemplated in any Credit Document, including, 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 gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part
of the Person to be indemnified), (ii) any Environmental Claim and (iii) any
claims for Non-Excluded Taxes.

                                       89
<PAGE>
 
     11.6      AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS AND CONSENTS.
               -------------------------------- 

     Neither this Credit Agreement, nor any other Credit Document, nor any of
the terms hereof or thereof may be amended, changed, waived, discharged or
terminated unless such amendment, change, waiver, discharge or termination is in
writing and signed by the Required Lenders and the Credit Parties; provided that
                                                                   --------     
no such amendment, change, waiver, discharge or termination shall

        (a) without the consent of each Lender affected thereby:

            (i)   extend the final maturity of any Loan or any portion thereof,

            (ii)  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) thereon or fees hereunder,

            (iii) reduce or waive the principal amount of any Loan,

            (iv)  increase the Commitment of a Lender over the amount thereof
        in effect (it being understood and agreed that a waiver of any Default
        or Event of Default or mandatory reduction in the Commitments shall
        not constitute a change in the terms of any Commitment of any Lender),

            (v)   release all or substantially all of the Collateral securing
        the Credit Party Obligations hereunder (provided that the Agent may,
        without consent from any other Lender, release any Collateral that is
        sold or transferred by a Credit Party in conformance with Section 8.5),

            (vi) release the Borrower or substantially all of the other Credit
        Parties from its obligations under the Credit Documents,

            (vii)  amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section or
        Section 3.7, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 9.1(a), 11.2,
        11.3 or 11.5,

            (viii)  reduce any percentage specified in, or otherwise modify,
        the definition of Required Lenders, or

            (ix) consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower (or
        another Credit Party) of any of its rights and obligations under (or
        in respect of) the Credit Documents except as permitted thereby.

        (b) No provision of Section 10 may be amended without the consent of the
     Agent.

                                       90
<PAGE>
 
        (c) Notwithstanding the above, (i) the right to deliver a Payment
     Blockage Notice (as defined in the Indenture) shall reside solely with the
     Agent, and the Agent shall deliver such Payment Blockage Notice only upon
     the direction of the Required Lenders and (ii) the right to deliver a
     Payment Blockage Notice (as defined in the Second Indenture) shall reside
     solely with the Agent, and the Agent shall deliver such Payment Blockage
     Notice only upon the direction of the Required Lenders.

        (d) Notwithstanding the fact that the consent of all the Lenders is
     required in certain circumstances as set forth above, (x) each Lender is
     entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy reorganization
     plan that affects the Loans and each Lender acknowledges that the
     provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code supersedes the
     unanimous consent provisions set forth herein and (y) the Required Lenders
     may consent to allow a Credit Party to use cash collateral in the context
     of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

     11.7      COUNTERPARTS.
               ------------ 

     This Credit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which where so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same instrument.  It shall not be necessary in
making proof of this Credit Agreement to produce or account for more than one
such counterpart.

     11.8      HEADINGS.
               -------- 

     The headings of the sections and subsections hereof are provided for
convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of
any provision of this Credit Agreement.

     11.9      DEFAULTING LENDER.
               ----------------- 

     Each New Credit Agreement Lender understands and agrees that if such New
Credit Agreement Lender is a Defaulting Lender then it shall not be entitled to
vote on any matter requiring the consent of the Required Lenders or to object to
any matter requiring the consent of all the Lenders; provided, however, that all
other benefits and obligations under the Credit Documents shall apply to such
Defaulting Lender.

     11.10      SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION AND REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
                -------------------------------------------------------------- 

     All indemnities set forth herein and all representations and warranties
made herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Credit Agreement,
the making of the Loans, the repayment of the Loans and other obligations and
the termination of the Commitments hereunder.

                                       91
<PAGE>
 
     11.11      GOVERNING LAW; VENUE.
                -------------------- 

        (a) THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND THE RIGHTS
     AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED
     BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE
     OF TENNESSEE. Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Credit
     Agreement or any other Credit Document may be brought in the courts of the
     State of North Carolina or the State of Tennessee or of the United States
     for the Western District of North Carolina or the Eastern District of
     Tennessee and, by execution and delivery of this Credit Agreement, each
     Credit Party hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its
     property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of such courts.
     Each Credit Party 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 it at the address for notices pursuant to Section 11.1, such
     service to become effective 30 days after such mailing.  Nothing herein
     shall affect the right of a Lender to serve process in any other manner
     permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed
     against a Credit Party in any other jurisdiction.

        (b) Each Credit Party 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 Credit
     Agreement or any other Credit Document brought in the courts referred to in
     subsection (a) hereof 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.

     11.12      WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
                -------------------- 

     EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT
TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

     11.13      TIME.
                ---- 

     All references to time herein shall be references to Eastern Standard Time
or Eastern Daylight Time, as the case may be, unless specified otherwise.

                                       92
<PAGE>
 
     11.14      SEVERABILITY.
                ------------ 

     If any provision of any of the Credit Documents is determined to be
illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable and
the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be
construed without giving effect  to the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provisions.

     11.15      ENTIRETY.
                -------- 

     This Credit Agreement together with the other Credit Documents represent
the entire agreement of the parties hereto and thereto, and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, oral or written, if any, including any commitment
letters or correspondence relating to the Credit Documents or the transactions
contemplated herein and therein.

     11.16      BINDING EFFECT; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF NEW CREDIT
                -------------------------------------------------------
                AGREEMENT; FURTHER ASSURANCES.
                ----------------------------- 

     This Credit Agreement shall become effective at such time when all of the
conditions set forth in Section 5.1 have been satisfied or waived by the Lenders
and it shall have been executed by the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Agent,
and the Agent shall have received copies hereof (telefaxed or otherwise) which,
when taken together, bear the signatures of each New Credit Agreement Lender,
and thereafter this Credit Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the Borrower, the Guarantors, the Agent and each New Credit Agreement
Lender and their respective successors and assigns. The Credit Parties and the
New Credit Agreement Lenders each hereby agrees that, at such time as this
Credit Agreement shall have become effective pursuant to the terms of the
immediately preceding sentence, the (a) Existing New Credit Agreement
automatically shall be deemed amended and restated in its entirety by this
Credit Agreement, and all obligations and indemnifications outstanding under the
Existing New Credit Agreement shall be governed by the terms of this Credit
Agreement (as such obligations or commitments may be modified or amended
hereunder), and (b) all of the promissory notes executed by the Borrower in
connection with the Existing New Credit Agreement automatically shall be
substituted and replaced by the amended and restated promissory notes executed
in connection with this Credit Agreement.  The Borrower further agrees, upon the
request of the Agent and/or the Required Lenders, to promptly take such actions,
as reasonably requested, as are appropriate to carry out the intent of this
Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, including, but not limited to,
such actions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that the Agent, for the
benefit of the Lenders, has a perfected security interest in all Collateral
securing the Credit Party Obligations, subject to no Liens other than Permitted
Liens

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       93
<PAGE>
 
     Each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of this Credit
Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

BORROWER:
- -------- 
                                       CHATTEM, INC.,
                                       a Tennessee corporation


                                       By: /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                           ------------------------------------
                                       Name: A. Alexander Taylor II
                                             ----------------------------------
                                       Title: President
                                              ---------------------------------

GUARANTOR:                             SIGNAL INVESTMENT & MANAGEMENT CO.,
- ---------                              a Delaware corporation
     


                                       By: /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                           ------------------------------------
                                       Name: A. Alexander Taylor II
                                             ----------------------------------
                                       Title: President
                                              ---------------------------------


                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
NEW CREDIT AGREEMENT
- --------------------
LENDERS:
- ------- 

                                       NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
                                       individually in its capacity as a New
                                       Credit Agreement Lender and in its
                                       capacity as Agent


                                       By: /s/ Lawrence M. Richey
                                           ------------------------------------
                                       Name: Lawrence M. Richey
                                             ----------------------------------
                                       Title: Senior Vice President
                                              ---------------------------------

                                       [Signatures of other lenders]

                                      S-2

<PAGE>
 
                     AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
                        (SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT AGREEMENT)

                                     among

                                 CHATTEM, INC.,

                                  as Borrower,

                       DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES OF BORROWER,

                                 as Guarantors,

                         THE LENDERS IDENTIFIED HEREIN,

                                      AND

                               NATIONSBANK, N.A.,

                                    as Agent

                         DATED AS OF DECEMBER 21, 1998
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


SECTION 1  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS................................  2
           --------------------------------
     1.1 Definitions.......................................................  2
         -----------
     1.2 Computation of Time Periods and Other Definitional Provisions.....  6
         -------------------------------------------------------------
     1.3 Accounting Terms..................................................  7
         ----------------
SECTION 2   CREDIT FACILITIES..............................................  7
            -----------------
     2.1 Term Loans........................................................  7
         ----------
     2.2 Continuations and Conversions.....................................  9
         -----------------------------
     2.3 Minimum Amounts...................................................  9
         ---------------
     2.4 Notes.............................................................  9
         -----
SECTION 3  GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS.......................... 10
           --------------------------------------
     3.1 Interest.......................................................... 10
         --------
     3.2 Place and Manner of Payments...................................... 10
         ----------------------------
     3.3 Prepayments....................................................... 11
         -----------
     3.4 Fees.............................................................. 12
         ----
     3.5 Payment in full at Maturity....................................... 12
         ---------------------------
     3.7 Pro Rata Treatment................................................ 13
         ------------------
     3.8 Allocation of Payments After Event of Default..................... 14
         ---------------------------------------------
     3.9 Sharing of Payments............................................... 14
         -------------------
     3.10 Capital Adequacy................................................. 15
          ----------------
     3.11 Inability To Determine Interest Rate............................. 16
          ------------------------------------
     3.12 Illegality....................................................... 16
          ----------
     3.13 Requirements of Law.............................................. 16
          -------------------
     3.14 Taxes............................................................ 18
          -----
     3.15 Indemnity........................................................ 20
          ---------
     3.16 Replacement of Lenders........................................... 21
          ----------------------
SECTION 4  GUARANTY........................................................ 21
           --------
     4.1 Guaranty of Payment............................................... 21
         -------------------
     4.2 Obligations Unconditional......................................... 21
         -------------------------
     4.3 Modifications..................................................... 22
         -------------
     4.4 Waiver of Rights.................................................. 23
         ----------------
     4.5 Reinstatement..................................................... 23
         -------------
     4.6 Remedies.......................................................... 23
         --------
     4.7 Limitation of Guaranty............................................ 24
         ----------------------
     4.8 Rights of Contribution............................................ 24
         ----------------------
SECTION 5  CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT.............................. 25
           ----------------------------------
     5.1 Conditions to Extensions of Credit................................ 25
         ----------------------------------
SECTION 6  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.................................. 25
           ------------------------------
     6.1 Financial Condition............................................... 25
         -------------------
     6.2 No Material Change................................................ 26
         ------------------
     6.3 Organization and Good Standing.................................... 26
         ------------------------------
     6.4 Due Authorization................................................. 26
         -----------------
     6.5 No Conflicts...................................................... 26
         ------------
     6.6 Consents.......................................................... 27
         --------

                                       i
<PAGE>
 
     6.7 Enforceable Obligations........................................... 27
         -----------------------
     6.8 No Default........................................................ 27
         ----------
     6.9 Ownership......................................................... 27
         ---------
     6.10 Indebtedness..................................................... 27
          ------------
     6.11 Litigation....................................................... 28
          ----------
     6.12 Taxes............................................................ 28
          -----
     6.13 Compliance with Law.............................................. 28
          -------------------
     6.14 ERISA............................................................ 28
          -----
     6.15 Subsidiaries..................................................... 29
          ------------
     6.16 Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock.................................... 30
          -----------------------------
     6.17 Government Regulation............................................ 30
          ---------------------
     6.18 Environmental Matters............................................ 30
          ---------------------
     6.19 Intellectual Property............................................ 32
          ---------------------
     6.20 Solvency......................................................... 32
          --------
     6.21 Investments...................................................... 32
          -----------
     6.22 No Financing of Corporate Takeovers.............................. 32
          -----------------------------------
     6.23 Location of Collateral........................................... 32
          ----------------------
     6.24 Disclosure....................................................... 33
          ----------
     6.25 Licenses, etc.................................................... 33
          --------------
     6.26 No Burdensome Restrictions....................................... 33
          --------------------------
     6.27 Brokers' Fees.................................................... 33
          -------------
     6.28 Labor Matters.................................................... 33
          -------------
     6.29 Collateral Documents............................................. 34
          --------------------
     6.30 Related Transactions............................................. 34
          --------------------
     6.31 Representations and Warranties Incorporated
          from Purchase Agreement.......................................... 34
          -----------------------
     6.32 Senior Debt...................................................... 34
          -----------
     6.33 Year 2000 Compliance............................................. 34
          --------------------
SECTION 7  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS........................................... 35
           ---------------------
     7.1 Information Covenants............................................. 35
         ---------------------
     7.2 Preservation of Existence and Franchises.......................... 39
         ----------------------------------------
     7.3 Books and Records................................................. 39
         -----------------
     7.4 Compliance with Law............................................... 39
         -------------------
     7.5 Payment of Taxes and Other Indebtedness........................... 39
         ---------------------------------------
     7.6 Insurance......................................................... 40
         ---------
     7.7 Maintenance of Property........................................... 41
         -----------------------
     7.8 Performance of Obligations........................................ 41
         --------------------------
     7.9 Collateral........................................................ 41
         ----------
     7.10 Use of Proceeds.................................................. 41
          ---------------
     7.11 Audits/Inspections............................................... 41
          ------------------
     7.12 Financial Covenants.............................................. 42
          -------------------
     7.13 Additional Credit Parties........................................ 44
          -------------------------
     7.14 Ownership of Subsidiaries........................................ 44
          -------------------------
     7.15 Appraisal Reports................................................ 44
          -----------------
     7.16 Year 2000 Compatibility.......................................... 45
          -----------------------
     7.17 Post-Closing Matters............................................. 45
          --------------------
SECTION 8  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.............................................. 45
           ------------------

                                       ii
<PAGE>
 
     8.1 Indebtedness...................................................... 45
         ------------
     8.2 Liens............................................................. 46
         -----
     8.3 Nature of Business................................................ 46
         ------------------
     8.4 Consolidation and Merger.......................................... 47
         ------------------------
     8.5 Sale or Lease of Assets........................................... 47
         -----------------------
     8.6 Advances, Investments and Loans................................... 48
         -------------------------------
     8.7 Dividends......................................................... 48
         ---------
     8.8 Transactions with Affiliates...................................... 48
         ----------------------------
     8.9 Fiscal Year; Organizational Documents............................. 48
         -------------------------------------
     8.10 Prepayments of Indebtedness...................................... 48
          ---------------------------
     8.11 Subordinated Debt................................................ 49
          -----------------
     8.12 Limitations...................................................... 49
          -----------
     8.13 Sale Leasebacks.................................................. 49
          ---------------
     8.14 Negative Pledges................................................. 50
          ----------------
     8.15 Capital Expenditures............................................. 50
          --------------------
     8.16 Operating Leases................................................. 50
          ----------------
     8.17 Payment Blockage Notice.......................................... 50
          ------------------------
SECTION 9  EVENTS OF DEFAULT............................................... 51
           -----------------
     9.1 Events of Default................................................. 51
         -----------------
     9.2 Acceleration; Remedies............................................ 54
         ----------------------
SECTION 10  AGENCY PROVISIONS.............................................. 55
            -----------------
     10.1 Appointment...................................................... 55
          -----------
     10.2 Delegation of Duties............................................. 55
          --------------------
     10.3 Exculpatory Provisions........................................... 56
          ----------------------
     10.4 Reliance on Communications....................................... 56
          --------------------------
     10.5 Notice of Default................................................ 57
          -----------------
     10.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders.......................... 57
          ---------------------------------------
     10.7 Indemnification.................................................. 57
          ---------------
     10.8 Agent in Its Individual Capacity................................. 58
          --------------------------------
     10.9 Successor Agent.................................................. 58
          ---------------
SECTION 11  MISCELLANEOUS.................................................. 59
           --------------
     11.1 Notices.......................................................... 59
          -------
     11.2 Right of Set-Off................................................. 59
          ----------------
     11.3 Benefit of Agreement............................................. 59
          --------------------
     11.4 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative................................... 62
          ------------------------------
     11.5 Payment of Expenses; Indemnification............................. 63
          ------------------------------------
     11.6 Amendments, Waivers and Consents................................. 63
          --------------------------------
     11.7 Counterparts..................................................... 65
          ------------
     11.8 Headings......................................................... 65
          --------
     11.9 Defaulting Lender................................................ 65
          -----------------
     11.10 Survival of Indemnification and Representations
           and Warranties.................................................. 65
           --------------
     11.11 Governing Law; Venue............................................ 65
           --------------------
     11.12 Waiver of Jury Trial............................................ 66
           --------------------
     11.13 Time............................................................ 66
           ----
     11.14 Severability.................................................... 66
           ------------
     11.15 Entirety........................................................ 67
           --------

                                      iii
<PAGE>
 
     11.16 Binding Effect; Amendment and Restatement of Prior
           --------------------------------------------------
           Supplemental Credit Agreement; Further Assurances............... 67
           -------------------------------------------------


SCHEDULES
- ---------
Schedule 1.1(a)   Commitment Percentages
Schedule 1.1(b)   Existing Permitted Investments
Schedule 6.10     Indebtedness
Schedule 6.11     Litigation
Schedule 6.15     Subsidiaries
Schedule 6.18     Environmental Matters
Schedule 6.19     Intellectual Property
Schedule 6.23(a)  Real Property Locations
Schedule 6.23(b)  Personal Property Locations
Schedule 6.23(c)  Chief Executive Offices
Schedule 7.6      Insurance
Schedule 8.2      Liens
Schedule 8.8      Affiliate Transactions
Schedule 11.1     Notices


EXHIBITS
- --------
Exhibit 2.2       Form of Notice of Continuation/Conversion
Exhibit 2.4       Form of Term Loan Note
Exhibit 7.1(d)    Form of Officer's Certificate
Exhibit 7.13      Form of Joinder Agreement
Exhibit 11.3      Form of Assignment Agreement

                                       iv
<PAGE>
 
                     AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
                         (SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT FACILITY)


  THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Credit Agreement"), is
                                                    ----------------      
entered into as of December 21, 1998 among CHATTEM, INC., a Tennessee
corporation (the "Borrower"), each of the Borrower's Domestic Subsidiaries,
                  --------                                                 
individually a "Guarantor" and collectively the "Guarantors"), the Supplemental
                ---------                        ----------                    
Credit Lenders (as defined herein), and NATIONSBANK, N.A., as agent for the
Supplemental Credit Lenders (in such capacity, the "Agent").
                                                    -----   

                                 RECITALS

  WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Guarantors are party to a Credit Agreement (the
"New Credit Agreement") dated as of the date hereof pursuant to which
 --------------------                                                
NationsBank, N.A. (successor by merger to NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A.), as
agent, and certain other lenders named therein have agreed to amend and restate
the terms and conditions of that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March 24,
1998 (as amended or modified from time to time, the "Existing New Credit
                                                     -------------------
Agreement").  The Existing New Credit Agreement replaced and refinanced the
- ---------                                                                  
credit facilities provided by the lenders pursuant to that certain Credit
Agreement dated as of June 26, 1997 (as amended or modified from time to time,
the "1997 New Credit Agreement").  The 1997 New Credit Agreement replaced and
     -------------------------                                               
refinanced the credit facilities provided by the lenders pursuant to that
certain Credit Agreement dated as of April 26, 1996 (as amended or modified from
time to time, the "1996 New Credit Agreement").  The credit facilities provided
                   -------------------------                                   
pursuant to the 1996 New Credit Agreement replaced and refinanced the credit
facilities provided to the Borrower by the First National Bank of Chicago, as
agent and certain other lenders under the credit agreements dated as of June 17,
1994;

  WHEREAS, that certain Indenture dated as of August 3, 1994 among the Borrower,
as issuer, Signal Investment & Management Co., as guarantor, and SouthTrust Bank
of Alabama, National Association, as trustee (as the same may be modified,
supplemented or amended from time to time, the "Indenture"), permits the
                                                ---------               
Borrower to incur additional indebtedness that will be considered Senior Debt
(as defined in the Indenture) upon the satisfaction of a financial test set
forth in the Indenture;

  WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Guarantors, the lenders named therein and
NationsBank, N.A., as agent are currently parties to that certain Credit
Agreement dated as of March 24, 1998 (as amended or modified from time to time,
the "Existing Supplemental Credit Agreement");
     --------------------------------------   

  WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Guarantors have requested that the Supplemental
Credit Lenders, in addition to amending and restating the Existing New Credit
Agreement pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement, amend and restate
the Existing Supplemental Credit Agreement for the purpose of amending and
restating the existing indebtedness evidenced by the Existing Supplemental
Credit Agreement and increasing the credit facilities evidenced by the Existing
Supplemental Credit Agreement to an aggregate principal amount of $115,000,000;

  WHEREAS, the Supplemental Credit Lenders have agreed to amend and restate the
terms and conditions of the Existing Supplemental Credit Agreement on the terms
and conditions hereinafter 
<PAGE>
 
set forth, including without limitation evidence that the additional
indebtedness incurred hereunder will constitute Senior Debt (as defined in the
Indenture) upon the incurrence thereof in accordance with the request of the
Borrower and the Guarantors.

  NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the premises and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:


                                   SECTION 1

                       DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
                       --------------------------------

  1.1  DEFINITIONS.
       ----------- 

  Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the
meanings ascribed to such terms in the New Credit Agreement.  In addition, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

    "Additional Credit Party" means each Person that becomes a Guarantor after
     -----------------------
  the Closing Date, as provided in Section 7.13.

    "Agent" means NationsBank, N.A. or any successor administrative agent
     -----
  appointed pursuant to Section 10.9.

    "Applicable Percentage" means for purposes of calculating the applicable
     ---------------------
  interest rate for any day for Term Loans, the appropriate applicable
  percentages corresponding to the Senior Leverage Ratio in effect as of the
  most recent Calculation Date as shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================== 
                                                        Applicable                        
                                                        Percentage     Applicable    
                                                           For       Percentage For     
Pricing             Senior Leverage                     Eurodollar      Base Rate       
 Level                   Ratio                            Loans           Loans          
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>          <S>                                        <C>          <C>
   I         Less than 1.0 to 1.0                         2.00%           0.50%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  II         Greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0          2.25%           0.75%
             but less than 1.50 to 1.0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 III         Greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.0         2.50%           1.00%
             but less than 2.0 to 1.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  IV         Greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0          2.75%           1.25%
===================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  The Applicable Percentage for Term Loans shall be determined and adjusted
  quarterly on the date (each a "Calculation Date") five Business Days after
                                 ----------------                           
  the date by which the Borrower is required to provide the officer's
  certificate in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.1(d); provided,
  however that (i) until such time as the Borrower provides the officer's
  certificate in accordance with Section 7.1(d) following the end of fiscal year
  1998, the Applicable Percentage for the Term Loans shall be based on Pricing
  Level III (as shown above) and shall remain at Pricing Level III until the
  first Calculation Date subsequent to the Closing Date and, thereafter, the
  Applicable Percentage for the Term Loans shall be determined by the then
  current Senior Leverage Ratio, and (ii) if the Borrower fails to provide the
  officer's certificate required by Section 7.1(d) on or before the most recent
  Calculation Date or fails to deliver a copy of such officer's certificate to
  the Agency Services Address as required by Section 7.1(d), the Applicable
  Percentage for Term Loans from such Calculation Date shall be based on Pricing
  Level IV until such time that an appropriate officer's certificate is provided
  whereupon the Applicable Percentage shall be determined by the then current
  Senior Leverage Ratio. Each Applicable Percentage shall be effective from one
  Calculation Date until the next Calculation Date. Any adjustment in the
  Applicable Percentage shall be applicable to all existing Term Loans as well
  as any new Term Loans made or issued.

    "Borrower" means the Person identified as such in the heading hereof,
     --------
  together with any successors and permitted assigns.

    "Calculation Date" has the meaning set forth in the definition of Applicable
     ----------------                                                           
  Percentage.

    "Closing Date" means the date hereof.
     ------------                        

    "Commitments" means the Revolving Committed Amount and the Term Loan
     -----------
  Committed Amount.

    "Credit Documents" means collectively, the Supplemental Credit Documents and
     ----------------
  the New Credit Agreement Documents.

    "Credit Party Obligations" means, without duplication, (a) all of the
     ------------------------                                            
  obligations of the Credit Parties to the Supplemental Credit Lenders and the
  Agent, whenever arising, under this Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Notes, the
  Collateral Documents or any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents to
  which the Borrower or any other Credit Party is a party (including, but not
  limited to, any interest accruing after the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event
  with respect to any Credit Party, regardless of whether such interest is an
  allowed claim under the Bankruptcy Code) and (b) all liabilities and
  obligations owing from a Credit Party to any Supplemental Credit Lender, or
  any Affiliate of a Supplemental Credit Lender, arising under interest rate
  protection agreements, foreign currency exchange agreements, commodity
  purchase or option agreements or other interest or exchange rate or commodity
  price hedging agreements (collectively, the "Hedging Agreements").
                                               ------------------   

    "Default" means any event, act or condition which with notice or lapse of
     -------
  time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
    "Defaulting Lender" means, at any time, any Lender that, at such time (a)
     -----------------
  has failed to make a Loan or purchase a Participation Interest required
  pursuant to the terms of this Credit Agreement or the New Credit Agreement,
  (b) has failed to pay to the Agent or any Lender an amount owned by such
  Lender pursuant to the terms of this Credit Agreement or the New Credit
  Agreement or (c) has been deemed insolvent or has become subject to a
  bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or to a receiver or similar official.

    "Effective Date" means the date on which the conditions set forth in Section
     --------------
  5.1 of the New Credit Agreement shall have been fulfilled (or waived in the
  sole discretion of the Lenders) and on which the initial Loans shall have been
  made.

    "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 9.1.
     ----------------                                           

    "Extension of Credit" means, as to any Lender, the making of a Loan by such
     -------------------                                                       
  Lender (or a participation therein by a Lender).

    "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
     ----                                                                     
  applied on a consistent basis and subject to Section 1.3.

    "Guarantor" means each of the Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower and each
     ---------                                                                  
  Additional Credit Party which has executed a Joinder Agreement, together
  with their successors and assigns.

    "Hedging Agreements"  has the meaning set forth in the definition of Credit
     ------------------                                                        
  Party Obligations.

    "Interest Payment Date" means (a) as to Base Rate Loans, the last Business
     ---------------------
  Day of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower and on the Term Loan Maturity Date
  and (b) as to Eurodollar Loans, on the last day of each applicable Interest
  Period and on the Term Loan Maturity Date and in addition if the Interest
  Period for a Eurodollar Loan is more than 3 months, then at 3 month intervals
  beginning on the date 3 months from the beginning of the Interest Period.

    "Interest Period" means as to Eurodollar Loans, a period of one, two, three,
     ---------------
  six and twelve months' duration, as the Borrower may elect, commencing, in
  each case, on the date of the borrowing (including continuations and
  conversions thereof); provided, however, (a) if any Interest Period would end
  on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended
  to the next succeeding Business Day (except that where the next succeeding
  Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, then on the next
  preceding Business Day), (b) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Term
  Loan Maturity Date, (c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond any Principal
  Amortization Payment Date unless the portion of the Term Loans comprised of
  Base Rate Loans together with the portion of the Term Loans comprised of
  Eurodollar Loans with Interest Periods expiring prior to such Principal
  Amortization Payment Date, is at least equal to the amount of such Principal
  Amortization Payment due on such date and (d) where an Interest Period begins
  on a day for which there is no numerically 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  corresponding day in the calendar month in which the Interest Period is to
  end, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of such calendar
  month.

    "Joinder Agreement" means a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of
     -----------------                                                        
  Exhibit 7.13.
  ------------ 

    "Lender" means collectively, the Supplemental Credit Lenders and the New
     ------
  Credit Agreement Lenders.

    "Loan" or "Loans" means the Revolving Loans, the Swingline Loans and/or the
     ----      -----
  Term Loans (or a portion of any Revolving Loan and/or the Term Loans),
  individually or collectively, as appropriate.

    "New Credit Agreement Documents" means the New Credit Agreement, the Notes
     ------------------------------                                           
  (other than the Term Loan Notes), the Collateral Documents, the Fee Letter and
  all other related agreements and documents issued or delivered hereunder or
  thereunder or pursuant hereto or thereto.

    "New Credit Agreement Lenders" means any of the Persons identified as a "New
     ----------------------------                                               
  Credit Agreement Lender" on the signature pages to the New Credit Agreement,
  and any Person which may become a New Credit Agreement Lender by way of
  assignment in accordance with the terms of the New Credit Agreement, together
  with their successors and permitted assigns.

    "Non-Excluded Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.
     ------------------                                            

    "Note" or "Notes" means the Revolving Loan Notes, the Swingline Note 
     ----      -----
  and/or the Term Loan Notes, individually or collectively, as appropriate.

    "Notice of Continuation/Conversion" means a request by the Borrower to
     ---------------------------------
  continue an existing Eurodollar Loan to a new Interest Period or to convert a
  Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan or a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan,
  in the form of Exhibit 2.2.
                 ----------- 

    "Participation Interest" means the Extension of Credit by a Lender by way of
     ----------------------
  the purchase of a participation in any Loans as provided in Section 3.9.

    "Principal Amortization Payment" means a principal payment on the Term Loans
     ------------------------------
  as set forth in Section 2.1(d).

    "Principal Amortization Payment Date" means the date a Principal
     -----------------------------------
  Amortization Payment is due.

    "Required Lenders"  means Lenders whose aggregate Credit Exposure (as
     ----------------                                                    
  hereinafter defined) constitutes at least 51% of the Credit Exposure of all
  Lenders at such time; provided, however, that if any Lender shall be a
  Defaulting Lender at such time then there shall be excluded from the
  determination of Required Lenders the aggregate principal amount of Credit

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Exposure of such Lender at such time. For purposes of the preceding sentence,
  the term "Credit Exposure" as applied to each Lender shall mean (a) at any
  time prior to the termination of the Commitments, the sum of (i) the Revolving
  Loan Commitment Percentage of such Lender multiplied by the Revolving
  Committed Amount, plus (ii) the Term Loan Commitment Percentage of such Lender
  multiplied by the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans outstanding at such
  time and (b) at any time after the termination of the Commitments, the sum of
  the principal balance of the outstanding Loans of such Lender.

    "Supplemental Credit Documents" means this Credit Agreement, the Term Loan
     -----------------------------                                            
  Notes, any Joinder Agreement, the Collateral Documents, the Fee Letter and
  all other related agreements and documents issued or delivered hereunder or
  thereunder.

    "Supplemental Credit Lenders" means any of the Persons identified as a
     ---------------------------                                          
  "Supplemental Credit Lender" on the signature pages hereto, and any Person
  which may become a Supplemental Credit Lender by way of assignment in
  accordance with the terms hereof, together with their successors and
  permitted assigns.
 
    "Term Loan Committed Amount" means ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS
     --------------------------                                           
  ($115,000,000).

    "Term Loan Commitment Percentage" means for a Supplemental Credit Lender,
     -------------------------------
  the percentage identified as its Term Loan Commitment Percentage on Schedule
  1.1(a) as such percentage may be modified in connection with any assignment
  made in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.3.

    "Term Loan Maturity Date" means December 21, 2003.
     -----------------------                          

    "Term Loan Note" or "Term Loan Notes" means the promissory notes of the
     --------------      ---------------
  Borrower in favor of the Supplemental Credit Lenders having a Term Loan
  Commitment Percentage evidencing the Term Loans provided pursuant to Section
  2.1, individually or collectively, as appropriate, as such promissory notes
  may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced from
  time to time in the form of Exhibit 2.4(a).

    "Term Loans" means the Term Loans made to the Borrower pursuant to Section
     ----------
  2.1 hereof.

  1.2  COMPUTATION OF TIME PERIODS AND OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS.
       ------------------------------------------------------------- 

  For purposes of computation of periods of time hereunder, the word "from"
means "from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but
excluding."  References in this Credit Agreement to "Articles", "Sections",
"Schedules" or "Exhibits" shall be to Articles, Sections, Schedules or Exhibits
of or to this Credit Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  1.3  ACCOUNTING TERMS.
       ---------------- 

  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used
herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and
reports as to financial matters required to be delivered to the Supplemental
Credit Lenders hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis.  All financial statements delivered to the Supplemental Credit
Lenders hereunder shall be accompanied by a statement from the Borrower that
GAAP has not changed since the most recent financial statements delivered by the
Borrower to the Supplemental Credit Lenders or if GAAP has changed describing
such changes in detail and explaining how such changes affect the financial
statements.  All calculations made for the purposes of determining compliance
with this Credit Agreement shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein)
be made by application of GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most
recent annual or quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant to Section
7.1 (or, prior to the delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to
Section 7.1, consistent with the financial statements described in Section
5.1(c) of the New Credit Agreement); provided, however, if (a) the Borrower
shall object to determining such compliance on such basis at the time of
delivery of such financial statements due to any change in GAAP or the rules
promulgated with respect thereto or (b) either Agent or the Required Lenders
shall so object in writing within 60 days after delivery of such financial
statements (or after the Supplemental Credit Lenders have been informed of the
change in GAAP affecting such financial statements, if later), then such
calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial
statements delivered by the Borrower to the Supplemental Credit Lenders as to
which no such objection shall have been made.


                                   SECTION 2

                               CREDIT FACILITIES
                               -----------------

  2.1  TERM LOANS.
       ---------- 

    (a)  Term Loans.  The Credit Parties acknowledge and agree that
         ----------
  [$16,189,867.35] of the Term Loans have already been advanced to the Borrower
  under the Existing Credit Agreement on March 24, 1998. All such Term Loans
  shall be governed by the terms of this Credit Agreement. Subject to the terms
  and conditions set forth herein, each Supplemental Credit Lender that has a
  Term Loan Commitment Percentage severally agrees, to make a term loan
  (collectively, the "Term Loans") to the Borrower, in Dollars, in an amount
                      ----------                                            
  equal to such Supplemental Credit Lender's Term Loan Commitment Percentage
  of the Term Loan Committed Amount; provided that the aggregate amount of
  such Term Loans made shall not exceed the Term Loan Committed Amount.  Once
  repaid, Term Loans cannot be reborrowed.

    (b)  [Reserved]

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
    (c)  Funding of Term Loans.  On the Effective Date, each Supplemental Credit
         ---------------------                                                  
  Lender holding a Term Loan Commitment Percentage of any unfunded portion of
  the Term Loan Committed Amount will make such amount available to the Agent by
  deposit, in Dollars and in immediately available funds, at the offices of the
  Agent at its principal office in Charlotte, North Carolina or at such other
  address as the Agent may designate in writing. The amount of the Term Loans
  will then be made available to the Borrower by the Agent by crediting the
  account of the Borrower on the books of such office of the Agent, to the
  extent the amount of such Term Loans are made available to the Agent. All Term
  Loans funded on the date hereof shall be Base Rate Loans. All or any portion
  of the Term Loans may be converted into Eurodollar Loans in accordance with
  the terms of Section 2.2. No Supplemental Credit Lender shall be responsible
  for the failure or delay by any other Supplemental Credit Lender in its
  obligation to make Term Loans hereunder; provided however, that the failure of
  any Supplemental Credit Lender to fulfill its obligations hereunder shall not
  relieve any other Supplemental Credit Lender of its obligations hereunder.

    (d)  Amortization.  The principal amount of the Term Loans shall be repaid 
         ------------
  in quarterly payments in the amounts and on the dates set forth below:

                   Principal                      Term Loan Principal
                 Amortization                        Amortization
                 Payment Dates                          Payment

              March 31, 1999                         $  3,500,000
              June 30, 1999                          $  3,500,000
              September 30, 1999                     $  3,500,000
              December 31, 1999                      $  3,500,000
              March 31, 2000                         $  4,500,000
              June 30, 2000                          $  4,500,000
              September 30, 2000                     $  4,500,000
              December 31, 2000                      $  4,500,000
              March 31, 2001                         $  5,750,000
              June 30, 2001                          $  5,750,000
              September 30, 2001                     $  5,750,000
              December 31, 2001                      $  5,750,000
              March 31, 2002                         $  7,250,000
              June 30, 2002                          $  7,250,000
              September 30, 2002                     $  7,250,000
              December 31, 2002                      $  7,250,000
              March 31, 2003                         $  7,750,000
              June 30, 2003                          $  7,750,000
              September 30, 2003                     $  7,750,000
              December 21, 2003                      $  7,750,000

              Total                                  $115,000,000

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
2.2    CONTINUATIONS AND CONVERSIONS.
       ------------------------------

  Subject to the terms of Section 5.1, the Borrower shall have the option, on
any Business Day, to continue in existence Eurodollar Loans for a subsequent
Interest Period, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Loans or to convert
Eurodollar Loans into Base Rate Loans; provided, however, that (a) each such
continuation or conversion must be requested by the Borrower pursuant to a
written Notice of Continuation/Conversion, in the form of Exhibit 2.2, in
                                                          -----------    
compliance with the terms set forth below, (b) except as provided in Section
3.12, Eurodollar Loans may only be continued or converted into Base Rate Loans
on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) Eurodollar Loans
may not be continued nor may Base Rate Loans be converted into Eurodollar Loans
during the existence and continuation of a Default or Event of Default and (d)
any request to extend a Eurodollar Loan that fails to comply with the terms
hereof or any failure to request an extension of a Eurodollar Loan at the end of
an Interest Period shall constitute a request for a conversion to a Base Rate
Loan on the last day of the applicable Interest Period.  Each continuation or
conversion must be requested by the Borrower no later than 11:00 a.m. (i) one
Business Day prior to the date for a requested conversion of a Eurodollar Loan
to a Base Rate Loan or (ii) three Business Days prior to the date for a
requested extension of a Eurodollar Loan or conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a
Eurodollar Loan, in each case pursuant to a written Notice of
Continuation/Conversion submitted to the Agent which shall set forth (A) whether
the Borrower wishes to continue or convert such Loans and (B) if the request is
to continue a Eurodollar Loan or convert a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan,
the Interest Period applicable thereto.

  2.3  MINIMUM AMOUNTS.
       --------------- 

  Each request for a conversion or continuation shall be subject to the
requirements that (a) each Eurodollar Loan shall be in a minimum amount of
$1,000,000 and in integral multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof, (b) each
Base Rate Loan shall be in a minimum amount of the lesser of $1,000,000 (and
integral multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof) or the then remaining
principal balance of the Term Loan, if less and (c) no more than ten Eurodollar
Loans shall, in the aggregate, be outstanding under the New Credit Agreement and
hereunder at any one time.  For the purposes of this Section, all Eurodollar
Loans with the same Interest Periods shall be considered as one Eurodollar Loan,
but Eurodollar Loans with different Interest Periods, even if they begin on the
same date, shall be considered as separate Eurodollar Loans.

  2.4  NOTES.
       ----- 

  The Term Loans made by the Supplemental Credit Lenders shall be evidenced by a
duly executed promissory note of the Borrower to each such Supplemental Credit
Lender in the face amount of its Term Loan Commitment Percentage of the Term
Loan Committed Amount in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.4.
                                                   ----------- 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                   SECTION 3

                    GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS
                    --------------------------------------

  3.1  INTEREST.
       -------- 

    (a)  Interest Rate.  All Base Rate Loans shall accrue interest at the
         -------------
  Adjusted Base Rate and all Eurodollar Loans shall accrue interest at the
  Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

    (b)  Default Rate of Interest.  Upon the occurrence, and during the
         ------------------------
  continuance, of an Event of Default, the principal of and, to the extent
  permitted by law, interest on the Term Loans and any other amounts owing
  hereunder or under the other Credit Documents (including without limitation
  fees and expenses) shall bear interest, payable on demand, at a per annum rate
  equal to 4% plus the rate which would otherwise be applicable (or if no rate
  is applicable, then the rate for Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans plus
  four percent (4%) per annum).

    (c)  Interest Payments.  Interest on Term Loans shall be due and payable in
         -----------------                                                     
  arrears on each Interest Payment Date. If an Interest Payment Date falls on a
  date which is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date shall be deemed
  to be the next succeeding Business Day (subject to accrual of interest for the
  period of such extension), except that in the case of Eurodollar Loans where
  the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month,
  then on the next preceding day.

  3.2  PLACE AND MANNER OF PAYMENTS.
       ---------------------------- 

  All payments of principal, interest, fees, expenses and other amounts to be
made by a Credit Party under this Credit Agreement shall be received not later
than 2:00 p.m. on the date when due, in Dollars and in immediately available
funds, by the Agent at its offices at NationsBank Plaza, Charlotte, North
Carolina.  Payments received after such time shall be deemed to have been
received on the next Business Day.  Payments received after such time shall be
deemed to have been received on the next Business Day.  The Borrower shall, at
the time it makes any payment under this Credit Agreement, specify to the Agent,
the Term Loans, fees or other amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder to which
such payment is to be applied (and in the event that it fails to specify, or if
such application would be inconsistent with the terms hereof, the Agent shall,
subject to Section 3.7, distribute such payment to the Supplemental Credit
Lenders in such manner as the Agent may deem appropriate).  The Agent will
distribute such payments to the applicable Supplemental Credit Lenders on the
date received if any such payment is received prior to 2:00 p.m.; otherwise the
Agent will distribute such payment to the applicable Supplemental Credit Lenders
on the next succeeding Business Day.  Whenever any payment 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 (subject to accrual of
interest and fees for the period of such extension), except that in the case of
Eurodollar Loans, if the extension would cause the payment to be made in the
next following calendar month, then such payment shall instead be made on the
next preceding Business Day.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
  3.3  PREPAYMENTS.
       ----------- 

    (a)  Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower shall have the right to prepay Term
         ---------------------                                                  
  Loans in whole or in part from time to time without premium or penalty;
  provided, however, that (i) Eurodollar Loans may only be prepaid on three
  Business Days' prior written notice to the Agent and any prepayment of
  Eurodollar Loans will be subject to Section 3.15; (ii) Base Rate Loans may
  only be prepaid after written notice (confirmed by a telephone call from the
  Borrower) to the Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the Business Day of the
  applicable prepayment; (iii) each such partial prepayment shall be in the
  minimum principal amount of $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in
  excess thereof; and (iv) voluntary prepayments with respect to the Term Loans
  shall be applied pro rata among the remaining Principal Amortization Payments
  in inverse order of maturity thereof.

    (b)  Mandatory Prepayments.
         --------------------- 

         (i)  Excess Cash Flow.  Within 10 days after the date the audited
              ----------------
    financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section
    7.1(a), the Borrower shall make a prepayment of the Loans in an amount equal
    to 75% of the Excess Cash Flow earned during such prior fiscal year (to be
    applied as set forth in Section 3.3(c) below).

         (ii)  Asset Dispositions.  Immediately upon receipt by the
               ------------------                                  
    Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Asset Disposition,
    the Borrower shall forward 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Asset
    Disposition to the Lenders as a prepayment of the Loans (to be applied as
    set forth in Section 3.3(c) below).

         (iii)  Issuances of Equity.  Immediately upon receipt by the Borrower
                -------------------
    or any of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Equity Issuance (other than
    the issuance of capital stock of the Borrower in connection with the
    Borrower's purchase of the Acquired Assets), the Borrower shall forward 50%
    of the Net Cash Proceeds of such Equity Issuance to the Lenders as a
    prepayment of the Loans (to be applied as set forth in Section 3.3(c)
    below).

         (iv)  Recovery Event.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
               --------------                                         
    Section 7.6 hereof, immediately upon receipt by the Borrower or any of its
    Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Recovery Event, the Borrower shall forward
    100% of the Net Cash Proceeds from such Recovery Event to the Lenders as a
    prepayment of the Loans (to be applied as set forth in Section 3.3(c)
    below).

         (v)  Debt Issuances.  Immediately upon receipt by the Borrower or any
              --------------
    of its Subsidiaries of proceeds from any Debt Issuance, the Borrower shall
    prepay the Loans in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash
    Proceeds of such Debt Issuance to the Lenders such prepayment to be applied
    as set forth in Section 3.3(c) below.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
    (c)  Application of Prepayments.  All amounts required to be paid pursuant
         --------------------------
  to Section 3.3(b)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above shall be applied, first
  to the outstanding Term Loans (which amounts shall then be applied to the
  remaining Principal Amortization Payments due in inverse order of maturity
  thereof), second to the Revolving Loans (with a corresponding permanent
  reduction in the Revolving Committed Amount) and third to Swingline Loans
  (with a corresponding permanent reduction in the Revolving Committed Amount).
  Within the parameters of the application set forth above, prepayments shall be
  applied first to Base Rate Loans and then to Eurodollar Loans in direct order
  of Interest Period maturities. All prepayments hereunder shall be subject to
  Section 3.15.

  3.4  FEES.
       ---- 

  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for its own account, an annual fee as
agreed to between the Borrower and the Agent in the Fee Letter.

  3.5  PAYMENT IN FULL AT MATURITY.
       --------------------------- 

  On the Term Loan Maturity Date, the entire outstanding principal balance of
all Term Loans, together with accrued but unpaid interest and all other sums
owing with respect thereto, shall be due and payable in full, unless accelerated
sooner pursuant to Section 9 hereof.

  3.6  COMPUTATIONS OF INTEREST AND FEES.
       --------------------------------- 

    (a)  Except for Base Rate Loans, in which case interest shall be computed on
  the basis of a 365 or 366 day year as the case may be (unless the Base Rate is
  determined by reference to the Federal Funds Rate), all computations of
  interest and fees hereunder shall be made on the basis of the actual number of
  days elapsed over a year of 360 days. Interest shall accrue from and include
  the date of borrowing (or continuation or conversion) but exclude the date of
  payment.

    (b)  It is the intent of the Supplemental Credit Lenders and the Credit
  Parties to conform to and contract in strict compliance with applicable usury
  law from time to time in effect. All agreements between the Supplemental
  Credit Lenders and the Borrower are hereby limited by the provisions of this
  paragraph which shall override and control all such agreements, whether now
  existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral. In no way, nor in
  any event or contingency (including but not limited to prepayment or
  acceleration of the maturity of any obligation), shall the interest taken,
  reserved, contracted for, charged, or received under this Credit Agreement,
  under the Term Loan Notes or otherwise, exceed the maximum nonusurious amount
  permissible under applicable law. If, from any possible construction of any of
  the Supplemental Credit Documents or any other document, interest would
  otherwise be payable in excess of the maximum nonusurious amount, any such
  construction shall be subject to the provisions of this paragraph and such
  documents shall be automatically reduced to the maximum nonusurious amount
  permitted under applicable law, without the necessity of execution of any
  amendment or new document. If any Supplemental Credit Lender shall ever
  receive anything of value which is characterized as interest on the Term Loans
  under applicable law and which would, apart from this provision, be in excess
  of 

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
  the maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to the amount which would have
  been excessive interest shall, without penalty, be applied to the reduction of
  the principal amount owing on the Term Loans, and not to the payment of
  interest, or refunded to the Borrower or the other payor thereof if and to the
  extent such amount which would have been excessive exceeds such unpaid
  principal amount of the Term Loans. The right to demand payment of the Term
  Loans or any other indebtedness evidenced by any of the Supplemental Credit
  Documents does not include the right to receive any interest which has not
  otherwise accrued on the date of such demand, and the Supplemental Credit
  Lenders do not intend to charge or receive any unearned interest in the event
  of such demand. All interest paid or agreed to be paid to the Supplemental
  Credit Lenders with respect to the Term Loans shall, to the extent permitted
  by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated, and spread throughout
  the full stated term (including any renewal or extension) of the Term Loans so
  that the amount of interest on account of such indebtedness does not exceed
  the maximum nonusurious amount permitted by applicable law.

  3.7  PRO RATA TREATMENT.
       ------------------ 

  Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, each Loan borrowing, each
payment or prepayment of principal of any Loan, each payment of fees and the
Administrative Fees retained by the Agent for its own account, each reduction of
the Revolving Committed Amount, and each conversion or continuation of any Loan,
shall be allocated pro rata among the relevant Lenders in accordance with the
respective Revolving Loan Commitment Percentages and Term Loan Commitment
Percentages, as applicable, of such Lenders (or, if the Commitments of such
Lenders have expired or been terminated, in accordance with the respective
principal amounts of their outstanding Loans and Participation Interests of such
Lenders); provided that, if any Lender shall have failed to pay its applicable
          --------                                                            
pro rata share of any Loan, then any amount to which such Lender would otherwise
be entitled pursuant to this Section shall instead be payable to the Agent;
provided further, that in the event any amount paid to any Lender pursuant to
- -------- -------                                                             
this Section is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Agent, each
Lender shall, upon the request of the Agent, repay to the Agent the amount so
paid to such Lender, with interest for the period commencing on the date such
payment is returned by the Agent until the date the Agent receives such
repayment at a rate per annum equal to, during the period to but excluding the
date two Business Days after such request, the Federal Funds Rate, and
thereafter, the Base Rate plus four percent (4%) per annum.
                          ----                             

  3.8  ALLOCATION OF PAYMENTS AFTER EVENT OF DEFAULT.
       --------------------------------------------- 

  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Credit Agreement or the New
Credit Agreement, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, all amounts collected or received by the Agent or any Lender on account
of amounts outstanding under any of the Credit Documents or in respect of the
Collateral shall be paid over or delivered as follows:

    FIRST, to the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
  (including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees) of the Agent in
  connection with enforcing the rights of the Lenders under the Credit Documents
  and any protective advances made by the Agent with respect to the Collateral
  under or pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Documents;

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
    SECOND, to payment of any fees owed to the Agent in its capacity as the
  Agent;

    THIRD, to the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses,
  (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) of each of the
  Lenders in connection with enforcing its rights under the Credit Documents;

    FOURTH, to the payment of all accrued fees and interest payable to the
  Lenders hereunder and under the New Credit Agreement;

    FIFTH, to the payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans, and
  to any principal amounts outstanding under Hedging Agreements, pro rata, as
  set forth below;

    SIXTH, to all other obligations which shall have become due and payable
  under the Credit Documents and not repaid pursuant to clauses "FIRST" through
  "FIFTH" above; and

    SEVENTH, to the payment of the surplus, if any, to whoever may be lawfully
  entitled to receive such surplus.

In carrying out the foregoing, (a) amounts received shall be applied in the
numerical order provided until exhausted prior to application to the next
succeeding category and (b) each of the Lenders shall receive an amount equal to
its pro rata share (based on the proportion that the then outstanding Loans, and
obligations under Hedging Agreements held by such Lender bears to the aggregate
then outstanding Loans, and obligations under Hedging Agreements) of amounts
available to be applied pursuant to clauses "THIRD", "FOURTH," "FIFTH," and
"SIXTH" above.

  3.9  SHARING OF PAYMENTS.
       ------------------- 

  The Supplemental Credit Lenders agree among themselves for the benefit of
themselves and the New Credit Agreement Lenders that, except to the extent
otherwise provided herein, in the event that any Lender shall obtain payment in
respect of any Loan or any other obligation owing to such Lender under this
Credit Agreement or the New Credit Agreement through the exercise of a right of
setoff, banker's lien or counterclaim, or pursuant to a secured claim under
Section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code or other security or interest arising from,
or in lieu of, such secured claim, received by such Lender under any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law or otherwise, or by any other means,
in excess of its pro rata share of such payment as provided for in this Credit
Agreement and the New Credit Agreement, such Lender shall promptly purchase from
the other Lenders for cash an interest in such Loans and other obligations in
such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time, as shall be
equitable to the end that all Lenders share such payment in accordance with
their respective ratable shares as provided for in this Credit Agreement and the
New Credit Agreement.  The Supplemental Credit Lenders further agree among
themselves that if payment to a Lender obtained by such Lender through the
exercise of a right of setoff, banker's lien, counterclaim or other event as
aforesaid shall be rescinded or must otherwise be restored, each Lender which
shall have shared the benefit of such payment shall, by repurchase of the
interest theretofore sold, return its share of that benefit (together with its
share of any accrued interest payable with respect thereto) to each Lender whose
payment shall have been rescinded or otherwise restored.  The Borrower agrees
that any Lender so purchasing such an interest may, to the fullest extent
permitted by 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
law, exercise all rights of payment, including setoff, banker's lien or
counterclaim, with respect to such interest as fully as if such Lender were a
holder of such Loan or other obligation in the amount of such interest. Except
as otherwise expressly provided in this Credit Agreement, if any Lender or the
Agent shall fail to remit to the Agent or any other Lender an amount payable by
such Lender or the Agent to the Agent or such other Lender pursuant to this
Credit Agreement or the New Credit Agreement on the date when such amount is
due, such payments shall be made together with interest thereon for each date
from the date such amount is due until the date such amount is paid to the Agent
or such other Lender at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate. If
under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, any Lender
receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff to which this Section 3.9 applies,
such Lender shall, to the extent practicable, exercise its rights in respect of
such secured claim in a manner consistent with the rights of the Lenders under
this Section 3.9 to share in the benefits of any recovery on such secured claim.

  3.10  CAPITAL ADEQUACY.
        ---------------- 

  If, after the date hereof, any Supplemental Credit Lender has determined that
the adoption or the becoming effective of, or any change in, or any change by
any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof in the interpretation or administration
of, any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or
compliance by such Supplemental Credit Lender 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, has or would have the effect of
reducing the rate of return on such Supplemental Credit Lender's capital or
assets as a consequence of its commitments or obligations hereunder to a level
below that which such Supplemental Credit Lender could have achieved but for
such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into consideration
such Supplemental Credit Lender's policies with respect to capital adequacy),
then, upon notice from such Supplemental Credit Lender to the Borrower, the
Borrower shall be obligated to pay to such Supplemental Credit Lender such
additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Supplemental Credit Lender
for such reduction.  Each determination by any such Supplemental Credit Lender
of amounts owing under this Section shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive
and binding on the parties hereto.

  3.11  INABILITY TO DETERMINE INTEREST RATE.
        ------------------------------------ 

  If prior to the first day of any Interest Period, the Agent shall have
determined (which determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the
Borrower) that, by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market,
adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate
for such Interest Period, the Agent shall promptly give telecopy or telephonic
notice thereof to the Borrower and the Supplemental Credit Lenders.  If such
notice is given (a) any Eurodollar Loans requested to be made on the first day
of such Interest Period shall be made as Base Rate Loans, (b) any Term Loans
that were to have been converted on the first day of such Interest Period to or
continued as Eurodollar Loans shall be converted to or continued as Base Rate
Loans and (c) any outstanding Eurodollar Loans shall be converted, on the first
day of such Interest Period, to Base Rate Loans.  Until such notice has been
withdrawn by the Agent, no further Eurodollar Loans shall be made or continued
as such, nor shall the Borrower have the right to convert Base Rate Loans to
Eurodollar Loans.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
  3.12  ILLEGALITY.
        ---------- 

  Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if the adoption of or any change
in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation or application thereof
occurring after the Closing Date shall make it unlawful for any Supplemental
Credit Lender to make or maintain Eurodollar Loans as contemplated by this
Credit Agreement, (a) such Supplemental Credit Lender shall promptly give
written notice of such circumstances to the Borrower and the Agent (which notice
shall be withdrawn whenever such circumstances no longer exist), (b) the
commitment of such Supplemental Credit Lender hereunder to make Eurodollar
Loans, continue Eurodollar Loans as such and convert a Base Rate Loan to
Eurodollar Loans shall forthwith be canceled and, until such time as it shall no
longer be unlawful for such Supplemental Credit Lender to make or maintain
Eurodollar Loans, such Supplemental Credit Lender shall then have a commitment
only to make a Base Rate Loan when a Eurodollar Loan is requested and (c) such
Supplemental Credit Lender's Term Loans then outstanding as Eurodollar Loans, if
any, shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the respective last
days of the then current Interest Periods with respect to such Term Loans or
within such earlier period as required by law.  If any such conversion of a
Eurodollar Loan occurs on a day which is not the last day of the then current
Interest Period with respect thereto, the Borrower shall pay to such
Supplemental Credit Lender such amounts, if any, as may be required pursuant to
Section 3.15.

  3.13  REQUIREMENTS OF LAW.
        ------------------- 

  If the adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the
interpretation or application thereof applicable to any Supplemental Credit
Lender, or compliance by any Supplemental Credit Lender with any request or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or
other Governmental Authority, in each case made subsequent to the Closing Date
(or, if later, the date on which such Supplemental Credit Lender becomes a
Supplemental Credit Lender):

    (a)  shall subject such Supplemental Credit Lender to any tax of any kind
  whatsoever with respect to any Eurodollar Loans made by it or its obligation
  to make Eurodollar Loans, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such
  Supplemental Credit Lender in respect thereof (except for Non-Excluded Taxes
  covered by Section 3.14 (including Non-Excluded Taxes imposed solely by reason
  of any failure of such Supplemental Credit Lender to comply with its
  obligations under Section 3.14(b)) and changes in taxes measured by or imposed
  upon the overall net income, or franchise tax (imposed in lieu of such net
  income tax), of such Supplemental Credit Lender or its applicable lending
  office, branch, or any affiliate thereof);

    (b)  shall impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve, special deposit,
  compulsory loan or similar requirement against assets held by, deposits or
  other liabilities in or for the account of, advances, loans or other
  extensions of credit by, or any other acquisition of funds by, any office of
  such Supplemental Credit Lender which is not otherwise included in the
  determination of the Eurodollar Rate hereunder; or

    (c)  shall impose on such Supplemental Credit Lender any other condition
  (excluding any tax of any kind whatsoever);

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such
Supplemental Credit Lender, by an amount which such Supplemental Credit Lender
reasonably deems to be material, of making, converting into, continuing or
maintaining Eurodollar Loans or to reduce any amount receivable hereunder in
respect thereof, then, in any such case, upon notice to the Borrower from such
Supplemental Credit Lender, through the Agent, in accordance herewith, the
Borrower shall be obligated to promptly pay such Supplemental Credit Lender,
upon its demand, any additional amounts necessary to compensate such
Supplemental Credit Lender for such increased cost or reduced amount receivable,
provided that, in any such case, the Borrower may elect to convert the
- --------                                                              
Eurodollar Loans made by such Supplemental Credit Lender hereunder to Base Rate
Loans by giving the Agent at least one Business Day's notice of such election,
in which case the Borrower shall promptly pay to such Supplemental Credit
Lender, upon demand, without duplication, such amounts, if any, as may be
required pursuant to Section 3.15.  If any Supplemental Credit Lender becomes
entitled to claim any additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.13, it shall
provide prompt notice thereof to the Borrower, through the Agent, certifying (x)
that one of the events described in this Section 3.13 has occurred and
describing in reasonable detail the nature of such event, (y) as to the
increased cost or reduced amount resulting from such event and (z) as to the
additional amount demanded by such Supplemental Credit Lender and a reasonably
detailed explanation of the calculation thereof.  Such a certificate as to any
additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.13 submitted by such
Supplemental Credit Lender, through the Agent, to the Borrower shall be
conclusive and binding on the parties hereto in the absence of manifest error.
This covenant shall survive the termination of this Credit Agreement and the
payment of the Term Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

  3.14  TAXES.
        ----- 

    (a)  Except as provided below in this Section 3.14, all payments made by the
  Borrower under this Credit Agreement and any Term Loan Notes shall be made
  free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for or on account of,
  any present or future income, stamp or other taxes, levies, imposts, duties,
  charges, fees, deductions or withholdings, now or hereafter imposed, levied,
  collected, withheld or assessed by any court, or governmental body, agency or
  other official, excluding taxes measured by or imposed upon the overall net
  income of any Supplemental Credit Lender or its applicable lending office, or
  any branch or affiliate thereof, and all franchise taxes, branch taxes, taxes
  on doing business or taxes on the overall capital or net worth of any
  Supplemental Credit Lender or its applicable lending office, or any branch or
  affiliate thereof, in each case imposed in lieu of net income taxes: (i) by
  the jurisdiction under the laws of which such Supplemental Credit Lender,
  applicable lending office, branch or affiliate is organized or is located, or
  in which its principal executive office is located, or any nation within which
  such jurisdiction is located or any political subdivision thereof; or (ii) by
  reason of any connection between the jurisdiction imposing such tax and such
  Supplemental Credit Lender, applicable lending office, branch or affiliate
  other than a connection arising solely from such Supplemental Credit Lender
  having executed, delivered or performed its obligations, or received payment
  under or enforced, this Credit Agreement or any Term Loan Notes. If any such
  non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or
  withholdings ("Non-Excluded Taxes") are required to be withheld from any
                 ------------------                                       
  amounts payable to the Agent or any Supplemental Credit Lender hereunder or
  under any Term Loan Notes, (A) the amounts so payable to the Agent or such
  Supplemental 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
  Credit Lender shall be increased to the extent necessary to yield to the Agent
  or such Supplemental Credit Lender (after payment of all Non-Excluded Taxes)
  interest or any such other amounts payable hereunder at the rates or in the
  amounts specified in this Credit Agreement or any Term Loan Notes, provided,
                                                                     --------
  however, that the Borrower shall be entitled to deduct and withhold any Non-
  -------
  Excluded Taxes and shall not be required to increase any such amounts payable
  to any Supplemental Credit Lender that is not organized under the laws of the
  United States of America or a state thereof if such Supplemental Credit Lender
  fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this Section 3.14
  whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the Borrower, and (B) as
  promptly as possible thereafter the Borrower shall send to the Agent for its
  own account or for the account of such Supplemental Credit Lender, as the case
  may be, a certified copy of an original official receipt received by the
  Borrower showing payment thereof. If the Borrower fails to pay any Non-
  Excluded Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit
  to the Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the
  Borrower shall indemnify the Agent and the Supplemental Credit Lenders for any
  incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by the Agent
  or any Supplemental Credit Lender as a result of any such failure. The
  agreements in this subsection shall survive the termination of this Credit
  Agreement and the payment of the Term Loans and all other amounts payable
  hereunder.

    (b)  Each Supplemental Credit Lender that is not incorporated under the laws
  of the United States of America or a state thereof shall:

         (i) (A) on or before the date of any payment by the Borrower under this
         Credit Agreement or Term Loan Notes to such Supplemental Credit Lender,
         deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (x) two duly completed copies of
         United States Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224, or successor
         applicable form, as the case may be, certifying that it is entitled to
         receive payments under this Credit Agreement, any Term Loan Notes
         without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income
         taxes or (y) an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9, or successor
         applicable form, as the case may be, certifying that it is entitled to
         an exemption from United States backup withholding tax;

             (B) deliver to the Borrower and the Agent two further copies of any
         such form or certification on or before the date that any such form or
         certification expires or becomes obsolete and after the occurrence of
         any event requiring a change in the most recent form previously
         delivered by it to the Borrower; and

             (C) obtain such extensions of time for filing and complete such
         forms or certifications as may reasonably be requested by the Borrower
         or the Agent; or

         (ii) in the case of any such Supplemental Credit Lender that is not a
     "bank" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue
     Code, (A) represent to the Borrower (for the benefit of the Borrower and
     the 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
     Agent) that it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A)
     of the Internal Revenue Code, (B) agree to furnish to the Borrower, on or
     before the date of any payment by the Borrower, with a copy to the Agent,
     two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue
     Service Form W-8, or successor applicable form certifying to such
     Supplemental Credit Lender's legal entitlement at the date of such
     certificate to an exemption from U.S. withholding tax under the provisions
     of Section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to payments to
     be made under this Credit Agreement and any Term Loan Notes (and to deliver
     to the Borrower and the Agent two further copies of such form on or before
     the date it expires or becomes obsolete and after the occurrence of any
     event requiring a change in the most recently provided form and, if
     necessary, obtain any extensions of time reasonably requested by the
     Borrower or the Agent for filing and completing such forms), and (C) agree,
     to the extent legally entitled to do so, upon reasonable request by the
     Borrower, to provide to the Borrower (for the benefit of the Borrower and
     the Agent) such other forms as may be reasonably required in order to
     establish the legal entitlement of such Supplemental Credit Lender to an
     exemption from withholding with respect to payments under this Credit
     Agreement and any Term Loan Notes.

  Notwithstanding the above, if any change in treaty, law or regulation has
  occurred after the date such Person becomes a Supplemental Credit Lender
  hereunder which renders all such forms inapplicable or which would prevent
  such Supplemental Credit Lender from duly completing and delivering any such
  form with respect to it and such Supplemental Credit Lender so advises the
  Borrower and the Agent then such Supplemental Credit Lender shall be exempt
  from such requirements. Each Person that shall become a Supplemental Credit
  Lender or a participant of a Supplemental Credit Lender pursuant to Section
  11.3 shall, upon the effectiveness of the related transfer, be required to
  provide all of the forms, certifications and statements required pursuant to
  this subsection (b); provided that in the case of a participant of a
                       --------
  Supplemental Credit Lender, the obligations of such participant of a
  Supplemental Credit Lender pursuant to this subsection (b) shall be determined
  as if the participant of a Supplemental Credit Lender were a Supplemental
  Credit Lender except that such participant of a Supplemental Credit Lender
  shall furnish all such required forms, certifications and statements to the
  Supplemental Credit Lender from which the related participation shall have
  been purchased.

  3.15  INDEMNITY.
        --------- 

  The Borrower promises to indemnify each Supplemental Credit Lender and to hold
each Supplemental Credit Lender harmless from any loss or expense which such
Supplemental Credit Lender may sustain or incur (other than through such
Supplemental Credit Lender's gross negligence or willful misconduct) as a
consequence of (a) default by the Borrower in making a borrowing of, conversion
into or continuation of Eurodollar Loans after the Borrower has given a notice
requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Credit Agreement,
(b) default by the Borrower in making any prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan after
the Borrower has given a notice thereof in accordance with the provisions of
this Credit Agreement and (c) the making of a prepayment of 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
Eurodollar Loans on a day which is not the last day of an Interest Period with
respect thereto. Such indemnification may include an amount equal to (i) the
amount of interest which would have accrued on the amount so prepaid, or not so
borrowed, converted or continued, for the period from the date of such
prepayment or of such failure to borrow, convert or continue to the last day of
the applicable Interest Period (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert
or continue, the Interest Period that would have commenced on the date of such
failure) in each case at the applicable rate of interest for such Eurodollar
Loans provided for herein (excluding, however, the Applicable Percentage
included therein, if any) minus (ii) the amount of interest (as reasonably
determined by such Supplemental Credit Lender) which would have accrued to such
Supplemental Credit Lender on such amount by placing such amount on deposit for
a comparable period with leading banks in the interbank Eurodollar market. The
agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Credit
Agreement, the payment of the Term Loans and the payment of all other amounts
payable hereunder.

  3.16  REPLACEMENT OF LENDERS.
        ---------------------- 

  If any Supplemental Credit Lender delivers a notice to the Borrower pursuant
to Sections 3.10, 3.13 or 3.14, then the Borrower shall have the right, if no
Default or Event of Default then exists, to either (i) replace such Supplemental
Credit Lender (the "Replaced Lender") with one or more additional banks or
                    ---------------                                       
financial institutions (collectively, the "Replacement Lender"), provided that
                                           ------------------    --------     
(A) at the time of any replacement pursuant to this Section 3.16, the
Replacement Lender shall enter into one or more assignment agreements
substantially in the form of Exhibit 11.3 pursuant to, and in accordance with
                             ------------                                    
the terms of, Section 11.3(b) (and with all fees payable pursuant to said
Section 11.3(b) to be paid by the Replacement Lender) pursuant to which the
Replacement Lender shall acquire all of the rights and obligations of the
Replaced Lender hereunder and, in connection therewith, shall pay to the
Replaced Lender in respect thereof an amount equal to the sum of (a) the
principal of, and all accrued interest on, all outstanding Loans of the Replaced
Lender, and (b) all accrued, but theretofore unpaid, fees owing to the Replaced
Lender pursuant to Section 3.4, and (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to
the Replaced Lender (including all obligations, if any, owing pursuant to
Section 3.10, 3.13 or 3.14, but excluding those obligations specifically
described in clause (A) above in respect of which the assignment purchase price
has been, or is concurrently being paid) shall be paid in full to such Replaced
Lender concurrently with such replacement or (ii) if a Replacement Lender is not
located within 60 days of such notice, terminate the Commitments and repay the
Loans in full within 120 days of receipt of such notice without incurring any
prepayment penalty under Section 3.3(d).


                                   SECTION 4

                                   GUARANTY
                                   --------

  4.1  GUARANTY OF PAYMENT.
       ------------------- 

  Subject to Section 4.7 below, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and
severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Supplemental Credit Lender, each
Affiliate of Supplemental Credit Lender that enters into a Hedging Agreement and
the Agent the prompt payment of the Credit Party Obligations in full when due
(whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or
otherwise).  The Guarantors additionally, jointly and severally, unconditionally
guarantee to each 

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Supplemental Credit Lender the timely performance of all other obligations under
the Supplemental Credit Documents and Hedging Agreements. This Guaranty is a
guaranty of payment and not of collection and is a continuing guaranty and shall
apply to all Credit Party Obligations whenever arising.

  4.2  OBLIGATIONS UNCONDITIONAL.
       ------------------------- 

  The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder are absolute and unconditional,
irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability
of any of the Supplemental Credit Documents or the Hedging Agreements, or any
other agreement or instrument referred to therein, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever
which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a
surety or guarantor. Each Guarantor agrees that this Guaranty may be enforced by
the Supplemental Credit Lenders without the necessity at any time of resorting
to or exhausting any other security or collateral and without the necessity at
any time of having recourse to the Term Loan Notes or any other of the
Supplemental Credit Documents or any collateral, if any, hereafter securing the
Credit Party Obligations or otherwise and each Guarantor hereby waives the right
to require the Supplemental Credit Lenders to proceed against the Borrower or
any other Person (including a co-guarantor) or to require the Supplemental
Credit Lenders to pursue any other remedy or enforce any other right. Each
Guarantor further agrees that it shall have no right of subrogation, indemnity,
reimbursement or contribution against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of the
Credit Party Obligations for amounts paid under this Guaranty until such time as
the Supplemental Credit Lenders (and any Affiliates of Supplemental Credit
Lenders entering into Hedging Agreements) have been paid in full, Term Loan
Committed Amount under the Credit Agreement has been terminated and no Person or
Governmental Authority shall have any right to request any return or
reimbursement of funds from the Supplemental Credit Lenders in connection with
monies received under the Supplemental Credit Documents.  Each Guarantor further
agrees that nothing contained herein shall prevent the Supplemental Credit
Lenders from suing on the Term Loan Notes or any of the other Supplemental
Credit Documents or any of the Hedging Agreements or foreclosing its security
interest in or Lien on any collateral, if any, securing the Credit Party
Obligations or from exercising any other rights available to it under this
Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Notes, any other of the Supplemental Credit
Documents, or any other instrument of security, if any, and the exercise of any
of the aforesaid rights and the completion of any foreclosure proceedings shall
not constitute a discharge of any of any Guarantor's obligations hereunder; it
being the purpose and intent of each Guarantor that its Guarantor's obligations
hereunder shall be absolute, independent and unconditional under any and all
circumstances.  Neither any Guarantor's obligations under this Guaranty nor any
remedy for the enforcement thereof shall be impaired, modified, changed or
released in any manner whatsoever by an impairment, modification, change,
release or limitation of the liability of the Borrower or by reason of the
bankruptcy or insolvency of the Borrower.  Each Guarantor waives any and all
notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the Credit Party
Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by the Agent or any Supplemental
Credit Lender upon this Guarantee or acceptance of this Guarantee.  The Credit
Party Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been
created, contracted or incurred, or renewed, extended, amended or waived, in
reliance upon this Guarantee.  All dealings between the Borrower and any of the
Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Agent and the Supplemental Credit Lenders,
on the other hand, likewise shall be conclusively presumed to have been had or
consummated in reliance upon this Guarantee.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
  4.3  MODIFICATIONS.
       ------------- 

  Each Guarantor agrees that (a) all or any part of the security now or
hereafter held for the Credit Party Obligations, if any, may be exchanged,
compromised or surrendered from time to time; (b) the Supplemental Credit
Lenders shall not have any obligation to protect, perfect, secure or insure any
such security interests, liens or encumbrances now or hereafter held, if any,
for the Credit Party Obligations or the properties subject thereto; (c) the time
or place of payment of the Credit Party Obligations may be changed or extended,
in whole or in part, to a time certain or otherwise, and may be renewed or
accelerated, in whole or in part; (d) the Borrower and any other party liable
for payment under the Supplemental Credit Documents may be granted indulgences
generally; (e) any of the provisions of the Term Loan Notes or any of the other
Supplemental Credit Documents may be modified, amended or waived; (f) any party
(including any co-guarantor) liable for the payment thereof may be granted
indulgences or be released; and (g) any deposit balance for the credit of the
Borrower or any other party liable for the payment of the Credit Party
Obligations or liable upon any security therefor may be released, in whole or in
part, at, before or after the stated, extended or accelerated maturity of the
Credit Party Obligations, all without notice to or further assent by the
Guarantor, which shall remain bound thereon, notwithstanding any such exchange,
compromise, surrender, extension, renewal, acceleration, modification,
indulgence or release.

  4.4  WAIVER OF RIGHTS.
       ---------------- 

  Each Guarantor expressly waives:  (a) notice of acceptance of this Guaranty by
the Supplemental Credit Lenders and of all extensions of credit to the Borrower
by the Supplemental Credit Lenders; (b) presentment and demand for payment or
performance of any of the Credit Party Obligations; (c) protest and notice of
dishonor or of default (except as specifically required in the Credit Agreement)
with respect to the Credit Party Obligations or with respect to any security
therefor; (d) notice of the Supplemental Credit Lenders obtaining, amending,
substituting for, releasing, waiving or modifying any security interest, lien or
encumbrance, if any, hereafter securing the Credit Party Obligations, or the
Supplemental Credit Lenders' subordinating, compromising, discharging or
releasing such security interests, liens or encumbrances, if any; (e) all other
notices to which the Guarantor might otherwise be entitled; and (f) demand for
payment under this Guaranty.

  4.5  REINSTATEMENT.
       ------------- 

  The obligations of the Guarantors under this Section 4 shall be automatically
reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf
of any Person in respect of the Credit Party Obligations is rescinded or must be
otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Credit Party Obligations, whether
as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise, and
each Guarantor agrees that it will indemnify the Agent and each Lender on demand
for all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
fees of counsel) incurred by an Agent or such Supplemental Credit Lender in
connection with such rescission or restoration, including any such costs and
expenses incurred in defending against any claim alleging that such payment
constituted a preference, fraudulent transfer or similar payment under any
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
  4.6  REMEDIES.
       -------- 

  The Guarantors agree that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the
Agent and the Supplemental Credit Lenders, on the other hand, the Credit Party
Obligations may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in
Section 9 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in
the circumstances provided in Section 9) notwithstanding any stay, injunction or
other prohibition preventing such declaration (or preventing such Credit Party
Obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against any other
Person and that, in the event of such declaration (or such Credit Party
Obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such
Credit Party Obligations (whether or not due and payable by any other Person)
shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors.  The Guarantors
acknowledge and agree that their obligations hereunder are secured in accordance
with the terms of the Security Agreements and the other Collateral Documents and
that the Supplemental Credit Lenders may exercise their remedies thereunder in
accordance with their terms.

  4.7  LIMITATION OF GUARANTY.
       ---------------------- 

  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any of
the Supplemental Credit Documents, to the extent the obligations of any
Guarantor shall be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason
(including, without limitation, because of any applicable state or federal law
relating to fraudulent conveyances or transfers) then the obligations of such
Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the maximum amount that is permissible
under applicable law (whether federal or state and including, without
limitation, the Bankruptcy Code).

  4.8  RIGHTS OF CONTRIBUTION.
       ---------------------- 

  The Guarantors hereby agree, as among themselves, that if any Guarantor shall
become an Excess Funding Guarantor (as defined below), each other Guarantor
shall, on demand of such Excess Funding Guarantor (but subject to the next
sentence hereof), pay to such Excess Funding Guarantor an amount equal to such
Guarantor's Pro Rata Share (as defined below and determined, for this purpose,
without reference to the properties, assets, liabilities and debts of such
Excess Funding Guarantor) of such Excess Payment (as defined below).  The
payment obligation of any Guarantor to any Excess Funding Guarantor under this
Section 4.8 shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of the obligations of such Guarantor under the other provisions
of this Section 4, and such Excess Funding Guarantor shall not exercise any
right or remedy with respect to such excess until payment and satisfaction in
full of all of such obligations.  For purposes hereof, (i) "Excess Funding
                                                            --------------
Guarantor" shall mean, in respect of any obligations arising under the other
- ---------                                                                   
provisions of this Section 4 (hereafter, the "Guaranteed Obligations"), a
                                              ----------------------     
Guarantor that has paid an amount in excess of its Pro Rata Share of the
Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) "Excess Payment" shall mean, in respect of any
                              --------------                               
Guaranteed Obligations, the amount paid by an Excess Funding Guarantor in excess
of its Pro Rata Share of such Guaranteed Obligations; and (iii) "Pro Rata
                                                                 --------
Share", for the purposes of this Section 4.8, shall mean, for any Guarantor, the
- -----
ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (a) the amount by which the aggregate
present fair saleable value of all of its assets and properties exceeds the
amount of all debts and liabilities of such Guarantor (including contingent,
subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the
obligations of such Guarantor hereunder) to (b) the amount by which the
aggregate present fair saleable value of all assets and other properties of the
Borrower and all of the 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
Guarantors exceeds the amount of all of the debts and liabilities (including
contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding
the obligations of the Borrower and the Guarantors hereunder) of the Borrower
and all of the Guarantors, all as of the Closing Date (if any Guarantor becomes
a party hereto subsequent to the Closing Date, then for the purposes of this
Section 4.8 such subsequent Guarantor shall be deemed to have been a Guarantor
as of the Closing Date and the information pertaining to, and only pertaining
to, such Guarantor as of the date such Guarantor became a Guarantor shall be
deemed true as of the Closing Date).


                                   SECTION 5

                       CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT
                       ----------------------------------

  5.1  CONDITIONS TO EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT.
       ---------------------------------- 

  The Supplemental Credit Lenders shall not be obligated to make, continue or
convert Term Loans unless:

         (a)  Notice:  The Borrower shall have delivered in the case of any
              ------
     continuation or conversion of a Term Loan, a duly executed and completed
     Notice of Continuation/Conversion by the time specified in Section 2.2;

         (b)  Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
              ------------------------------
     warranties made by the Credit Parties in the Supplemental Credit Documents
     are true and correct in all material respects at and as if made as of such
     date;

         (c)  No Default.  No Default or Event of Default shall exist or be
              ----------
     continuing either prior to or after giving effect thereto; and

         (d)  No Material Adverse Effect:  There shall not have occurred any
              --------------------------
     Material Adverse Effect.

  The delivery of each Notice of Continuation/Conversion shall constitute a
representation and warranty by the Borrower of the correctness of the matters
specified in subsection (b), (c) and (d) above.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                                   SECTION 6

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                         ------------------------------

  The Credit Parties hereby represent to the Agent and each Supplemental Credit
Lender that:

  6.1  FINANCIAL CONDITION.
       ------------------- 

  The financial statements delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section
5.1(c)(i) of the New Credit Agreement, (a) have been prepared in accordance with
GAAP and (b) present fairly (on the basis disclosed in the footnotes to such
financial statements) the consolidated and consolidating (as applicable)
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Credit Parties
and their Subsidiaries as of such date and for such periods.  Since November 30,
1997, there has been no sale, transfer or other disposition by the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries of any material part of the business or property of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and no purchase or other acquisition (other
than the Acquired Assets) by any of them of any business or property (including
any capital stock of any other Person) material in relation to the consolidated
financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case, which,
is not reflected in the foregoing financial statements or in the notes thereto.

  6.2  NO MATERIAL CHANGE.
       ------------------ 

  Since November 30, 1997, (a) there has been no development or event relating
to or affecting Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which has had or would be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (b) no dividends or
other distributions have been declared, paid or made upon the capital stock or
other equity interest in Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries nor, except as
otherwise permitted under this Credit Agreement, has any of the capital stock or
other equity interest in a Credit Party been redeemed, retired, purchased or
otherwise acquired for value.

  6.3  ORGANIZATION AND GOOD STANDING.
       ------------------------------ 

  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (a) is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
(or other jurisdiction) of its incorporation, (b) is duly qualified and in good
standing as a foreign corporation authorized to do business in every
jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified would have a Material Adverse
Effect and (c) has the requisite corporate power and authority to own its
properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be
conducted.

  6.4  DUE AUTHORIZATION.
       ----------------- 

  Each Credit Party (a) has the requisite corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform this Credit Agreement and the other Supplemental
Credit Documents to which it is a party and to incur the obligations herein and
therein provided for and (b) is duly authorized to, and has been authorized by
all necessary corporate action, to execute, deliver and perform this Credit
Agreement and the other Supplemental Credit Documents to which it is a party.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
  6.5  NO CONFLICTS.
       ------------ 

  Neither the execution and delivery of the Supplemental Credit Documents, nor
the consummation of the transactions contemplated therein, nor performance of
and compliance with the terms and provisions thereof by such Credit Party will
(a) violate or conflict with any provision of its articles or certificate of
incorporation or bylaws, (b) violate, contravene or materially conflict with any
Requirement of Law or any other law, regulation (including, without limitation,
Regulation U or Regulation X), order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or
permit applicable to it, (c) violate, contravene or conflict with contractual
provisions of, or cause an event of default under, any indenture, loan
agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, contract or other agreement or instrument to
which it is a party or by which it may be bound, the violation of which could
have or might be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (d)
result in or require the creation of any Lien (other than those contemplated in
or created in connection with the Supplemental Credit Documents) upon or with
respect to its properties.

  6.6  CONSENTS.
       -------- 

  No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing, registration or
qualification with, any court or Governmental Authority or third party in
respect of a Credit Party is required in connection with the execution, delivery
or performance of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Supplemental Credit
Documents by a Credit Party, or if required, such consent, approval and
authorization has been obtained.

  6.7  ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATIONS.
       ----------------------- 

  This Credit Agreement and the other Supplemental Credit Documents have been
duly executed and delivered and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations
of each Credit Party enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with
their respective terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy or insolvency
laws or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or by general
equitable principles.

  6.8  NO DEFAULT.
       ---------- 

  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any respect
under any contract, lease, loan agreement, indenture, mortgage, security
agreement or other agreement or obligation to which it is a party or by which
any of its properties is bound which default would have or would be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Default or Event of Default has
occurred or exists except as previously disclosed to the Supplemental Credit
Lenders.

  6.9  OWNERSHIP.
       --------- 

  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is the owner of and has good and
marketable title to all of its assets and none of such assets are subject to any
Lien other than Permitted Liens.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
  6.10  INDEBTEDNESS.
        ------------ 

  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have no Indebtedness except (a) as disclosed
in the financial statements referenced in Section 6.1, (b) as set forth on
                                                                          
Schedule 6.10 and (c) as otherwise permitted by this Credit Agreement.
- -------------                                                         

  6.11  LITIGATION.
        ---------- 

  There are no actions, suits or legal, equitable, arbitration or administrative
proceedings, pending or, to the knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which, if adversely determined,
would have or would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  6.12  TAXES.
        ----- 

  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has filed, or caused to be filed,
all tax returns (federal, state, local and foreign) required to be filed and
paid (a) all amounts of taxes shown thereon to be due (including interest and
penalties) and (b) all other taxes, fees, assessments and other governmental
charges (including mortgage recording taxes, documentary stamp taxes and
intangibles taxes) owing by it, except for such taxes (i) which are not yet
delinquent or (ii) that are being contested in good faith and by proper
proceedings, and against which adequate reserves are being maintained in
accordance with GAAP.  No Credit Party is aware of any proposed tax assessments
against it, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Credit Party.

  6.13  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
        ------------------- 

  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all
Requirements of Law and all other laws, rules, regulations, orders and decrees
(including without limitation Environmental Laws) applicable to it, or to its
properties, unless such failure to comply would not have or would not be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Requirement of Law
would be reasonably expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

  6.14  ERISA.
        ----- 

  Except as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect:

        (a) During the five-year period prior to the date on which this
  representation is made or deemed made: (i) no Termination Event has occurred,
  and, to the best knowledge of the Credit Parties, no event or condition has
  occurred or exists as a result of which any Termination Event could reasonably
  be expected to occur, with respect to any Plan; (ii) no "accumulated funding
  deficiency," as such term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412
  of the Code, whether or not waived, has occurred with respect to any Plan;
  (iii) each Plan has been maintained, operated, and funded in compliance with
  its own terms and in material compliance with the provisions of ERISA, the
  Code, and any other applicable federal or state laws; and (iv) no lien in
  favor or the PBGC or a Plan has arisen or is reasonably likely to arise on
  account of any Plan.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
        (b) The actuarial present value of all "benefit liabilities" under each
  Single Employer Plan (determined within the meaning of Section 401(a)(2) of
  the Code, utilizing the actuarial assumptions used to fund such Plans),
  whether or not vested, did not, as of the last annual valuation date prior to
  the date on which this representation is made or deemed made, exceed the
  current value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued
  liabilities.

        (c) Neither the Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA
  Affiliate has incurred, or, to the best knowledge of the Credit Parties, are
  reasonably expected to incur, any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any
  Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan. Neither the Borrower, nor any of
  its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA Affiliate has received any notification that
  any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization (within the meaning of Section
  4241 of ERISA), is insolvent (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA), or
  has been terminated (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA), and no
  Multiemployer Plan is, to the best knowledge of the Credit Parties, reasonably
  expected to be in reorganization, insolvent, or terminated.

        (d) No prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of
  ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) or breach of fiduciary responsibility has
  occurred with respect to a Plan which has subjected or may subject the
  Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate to any liability
  under Sections 406, 409, 502(i), or 502(l) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the
  Code, or under any agreement or other instrument pursuant to which the
  Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has agreed or is
  required to indemnify any person against any such liability.

        (e) The present value (determined using actuarial and other assumptions
  which are reasonable with respect to the benefits provided and the employees
  participating) of the liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and each
  ERISA Affiliate for post-retirement welfare benefits to be provided to their
  current and former employees under Plans which are welfare benefit plans (as
  defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA), net of all assets under all such Plans
  allocable to such benefits, are reflected on the Financial Statements in
  accordance with FAS 106.

        (f) Each Plan which is a welfare plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of
  ERISA) to which Sections 601-609 of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code apply
  has been administered in compliance in all material respects with such
  sections.

  6.15  SUBSIDIARIES.
        ------------ 

  Set forth on Schedule 6.15 is a complete and accurate list of all Subsidiaries
               -------------                                                    
of each Credit Party.  Information on Schedule 6.15 includes jurisdiction of
                                      -------------                         
incorporation, the number of shares of each class of capital stock or other
equity interests outstanding, the number and percentage of outstanding shares of
each class owned (directly or indirectly) by such Credit Party; and the number
and effect, if exercised, of all outstanding options, warrants, rights of
conversion or purchase and all other similar rights with respect thereto.  The
outstanding capital stock and other equity interests of all such Subsidiaries is
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and is owned by each such Credit

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
Party, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens (other than those
arising under or contemplated in connection with the Supplemental Credit
Documents).  Other than as set forth in Schedule 6.15, neither any Credit Party
                                        -------------                          
nor any Subsidiary thereof has outstanding any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for its capital stock nor does any such Person have outstanding any
rights to subscribe for or to purchase or any options for the purchase of, or
any agreements providing for the issuance (contingent or otherwise) of, or any
calls, commitments or claims of any character relating to its capital stock.

  6.16  USE OF PROCEEDS; MARGIN STOCK.
        ----------------------------- 

  The proceeds of the Term Loans hereunder will be used solely for the purposes
specified in Section 7.10.  None of the proceeds of the Term Loans will be used
for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin stock" as defined in
Regulation U or Regulation X, or for the purpose of reducing or retiring any
Indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry "margin stock"
or any "margin security" or for any other purpose which might constitute this
transaction a "purpose credit" within the meaning of Regulation U or Regulation
X or Regulation T.  None of the Credit Parties owns any "margin stock".

  6.17  GOVERNMENT REGULATION.
        --------------------- 

  No Credit Party is subject to regulation under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act, the Investment Company Act of 1940
or the Interstate Commerce Act, each as amended.  In addition, no Credit Party
is  an "investment company" registered or required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or controlled by such a company, or
a "holding company," or a "Subsidiary company" of a "holding company," or an
"affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "Subsidiary" or a "holding company,"
within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as
amended.  No director, executive officer or principal shareholder of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a director, executive officer or
principal shareholder of any Lender.  For the purposes hereof the terms
"director", "executive officer" and "principal shareholder" (when used with
reference to any Lender) have the respective meanings assigned thereto in
Regulation O issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

  6.18  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
        --------------------- 

  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.18:
                             ------------- 

         (i) each of the Real Properties and all operations at the Real
      Properties are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and
      there is no violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Real
      Properties or the businesses operated by the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries (the "Businesses"), and there are no conditions relating
                         ----------                                        
      to the Businesses or Real Properties that could give rise to liability
      under any applicable Environmental Laws.

        (ii) None of the Real Properties contains, or has previously contained,
      any Hazardous Materials at, on or under the Real Properties in amounts or
      concentrations 

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
      that, if released, constitute or constituted a violation of, or could give
      rise to liability under, Environmental Laws.

        (iii) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any
      written or oral notice of, or inquiry from any Governmental Authority
      regarding, any violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or
      potential liability regarding Hazardous Materials or compliance with
      Environmental Laws with regard to any of the Real Properties, Leasehold
      Properties or the Businesses, nor does the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries have knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice is
      being threatened.

        (iv) Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of from
      the Real Properties, or generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on
      or under any of the Real Properties or any other location, in each case
      by, or on behalf or with the permission of, the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries in a manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to
      liability under any applicable Environmental Law.

        (v) No judicial proceeding or governmental or administrative action is
      pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,
      threatened, under any Environmental Law to which the Borrower or any of
      its Subsidiaries is or will be named as a party, nor are there any consent
      decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative orders or other
      orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under
      any Environmental Law with respect to the Borrower or any of its
      Subsidiaries, the Real Properties or the Businesses.

        (vi) There has been no release or threat of release of Hazardous
      Materials at or from the Real Properties, or arising from or related to
      the operations (including, without limitation, disposal) of the Borrower
      or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Real Properties or
      otherwise in connection with the Businesses.

        (vii) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has assumed any
      liability of any Person (other than another Credit Party) under any
      Environmental Law.

      (b) The Borrower has adopted procedures that are designed to (i) ensure
  that each Credit Party and their Subsidiaries, any of their operations and
  each of the properties owned or leased by each Credit Party and their
  Subsidiaries remains in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws and
  (ii) minimize any liabilities or potential liabilities that each Credit Party
  and their Subsidiaries, any of their operations and each of the properties
  owned or leased by each Credit Party and their Subsidiaries may have under
  applicable Environmental Laws.

  6.19  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
        --------------------- 

  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries owns, or has the legal right to use,
all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, technology, know-how and processes (the
"Intellectual Property") necessary for each of them to conduct its business as
 ---------------------                                                        
currently conducted except for those the failure to own or 

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
have such legal right to use would not have or be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Set forth on Schedule 6.19 is a list of all
                                      -------------
Intellectual Property owned by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or that the
Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries has the right to use (which list shall
identify the Person that owns or has the right to use each such item of
Intellectual Property). Except as provided on Schedule 6.19, no claim has been
                                              -------------
asserted and is pending by any Person challenging or questioning the use of any
such Intellectual Property or the validity or effectiveness of any such
Intellectual Property, nor does any Credit Party know of any such claim, and to
the Credit Parties' knowledge the use of such Intellectual Property by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries does not infringe on the rights of any
Person, except for such claims and infringements that in the aggregate, would
not have or be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  6.20  SOLVENCY.
        -------- 

  Each Credit Party is and, after consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Credit Agreement and the New Credit Agreement, will be Solvent.

  6.21  INVESTMENTS.
        ----------- 

  All Investments of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries are either
Permitted Investments or otherwise permitted by the terms of this Credit
Agreement.

  6.22  NO FINANCING OF CORPORATE TAKEOVERS.
        ----------------------------------- 

  No proceeds of the Loans hereunder have been or will be used to acquire,
directly or indirectly, any security in any transaction which is subject to
Sections 13 or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including,
without limitation, Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof) or to refinance any
Indebtedness used to acquire any such securities.

  6.23  LOCATION OF COLLATERAL.
        ---------------------- 

  Set forth on Schedule 6.23(a) is a list of all Real Properties and Leasehold
               ----------------                                               
Properties with street address, county and state where located.  Set forth on
Schedule 6.23(b) is a list of all locations where any personal property of a
- ----------------                                                            
Credit Party is located, including county and state where located.  Set forth on
Schedule 6.23(c) is the chief executive office and principal place of business
- ----------------                                                              
of each Credit Party.

  6.24  DISCLOSURE.
        ---------- 

  Neither this Credit Agreement nor any financial statements delivered to the
Supplemental Credit Lenders nor any other document, certificate or statement
furnished to the Supplemental Credit Lenders by or on behalf of any Credit Party
in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby contains any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in
order to make the statements contained therein or herein not misleading.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
  6.25  LICENSES, ETC.
        --------------

  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has obtained and holds in full force
and effect, all franchises, licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations,
qualifications, accreditations, easements, rights of way and other rights,
consents and approvals which are necessary for the operation of their respective
businesses as presently conducted.

  6.26  NO BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS.
        -------------------------- 

  Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of the Borrower is a party to any
agreement or instrument or subject to any other obligation or any charter or
corporate restriction or any provision of any applicable law, rule or regulation
which, individually or in the aggregate, would have or be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

  6.27  BROKERS' FEES.
        ------------- 

  No Credit Party has any obligation to any Person in respect of any finder's,
broker's, investment banking or other similar fee in connection with any of the
transactions contemplated under the Supplemental Credit Documents.

  6.28  LABOR MATTERS.
        ------------- 

  There are no collective bargaining agreements or Multiemployer Plans covering
the employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower and none of such
Persons has suffered any strikes, walkouts, work stoppages or other material
labor difficulty within the last five years.

  6.29  COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS.
        -------------------- 

  The Collateral Documents create valid security interests in, and first Liens
on, the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, which security interests and
Liens are and will remain perfected security interests and Liens, prior to all
other Liens other than Permitted Liens.  Each of the representations and
warranties made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the Collateral Documents
is true and correct.

  6.30  RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
        -------------------- 

  The closing of the acquisition of the Acquired Assets will occur
simultaneously with the making of the initial Loans hereunder and under the New
Credit Agreement, and no party waived, without the consent of the Required
Lenders, any condition precedent to their obligations to close as set forth in
the Purchase Agreement.  True and complete copies of the Purchase Agreement have
been delivered to each of the Supplemental Credit Lenders, together with a true
and complete copy of each document to be delivered at the closing of the
acquisition of the Acquired Assets.

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
  6.31  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES INCORPORATED FROM PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
        ------------------------------------------------------------------- 

  As of the Closing Date, each of the representations and warranties made in the
Purchase Agreement by each of the parties thereto is true and correct in all
material respects, and such representations and warranties are hereby
incorporated herein by reference with the same effect as though set forth in
their entirety herein, as qualified therein.

  6.32  SENIOR DEBT.
        ----------- 

  The Term Loans are Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture) under Article
10.02 of the Indenture, meaning the Supplemental Credit Lenders shall have all
of the rights and privileges of a holder of Senior Debt (as defined in the
Indenture) under the Indenture including, but not limited to, the rights set
forth in Article 10 of the Indenture.  The Term Loans are Senior Indebtedness
(as defined in the Second Indenture) under the Second Indenture, meaning the
Supplemental Credit Lenders shall have all of the rights and privileges of a
holder of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Second Indenture) under the
Second Indenture.

  6.33  YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE.
        -------------------- 

  Each Credit Party has (i) initiated a review and assessment of all areas
within its and each of its Subsidiaries' business and operations that could be
adversely affected by the "Year 2000 Problem" (that is, the risk that computer
applications used by such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries may be unable
to recognize and perform properly date-sensitive functions involving certain
dates prior to and any date after December 31, 1999), (ii) developed a plan and
timeline for addressing the Year 2000 Problem on a timely basis, and (iii) to
date, implemented that plan in accordance with the timetable.  Based on the
foregoing, each Credit Party believes that all computer applications that are
material to its and any of its Subsidiaries' business and operations are
reasonably expected on a timely basis to be able to perform properly date-
sensitive functions for all dates before and after January 1, 2000 (that is, be
"Year 2000 compliant"), except to the extent that a failure to do so could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.


                                   SECTION 7

                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
                             ---------------------

  Each Credit Party hereby covenants and agrees that so long as this Credit
Agreement is in effect and until the Loans, together with interest, fees and
other obligations hereunder have been paid in full and the Commitments hereunder
shall have terminated:

  7.1  INFORMATION COVENANTS.
       --------------------- 

  The Borrower will furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Agent:

    (a) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available, and in any event
  within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a
  consolidated and consolidating 

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
  balance sheet and income statement of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as of
  the end of such fiscal year, together with related consolidated and
  consolidating statements of operations and retained earnings and of cash flows
  for such fiscal year, setting forth in comparative form consolidated figures
  for the preceding fiscal year, all such financial information described above
  to be in reasonable form and detail and audited by independent certified
  public accountants of recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to
  the Agent and whose opinion shall be to the effect that such financial
  statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for changes with
  which such accountants concur) and shall not be limited as to the scope of the
  audit or qualified in any manner.

    (b) Quarterly Financial Statements.  As soon as available, and in any event
        ------------------------------                                         
  within 45 days after the close of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower
  (other than the fourth fiscal quarter, in which case 120 days after the end
  thereof) a consolidated balance sheet and income statement of the Borrower
  and its Subsidiaries, as of the end of such fiscal quarter, together with
  related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings and of
  cash flows for such fiscal quarter in each case setting forth in
  comparative form consolidated figures for the corresponding period of the
  preceding fiscal year, all such financial information described above to be
  in reasonable form and detail and reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and
  accompanied by a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Borrower
  to the effect that such quarterly financial statements fairly present in
  all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its
  Subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to
  changes resulting from audit and normal year-end audit adjustments.

    (c) Monthly Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event
        ----------------------------
  within 20 days after the end of each month of the Borrower (other than the
  last month of the first three fiscal quarters in which case 45 days after the
  end thereof), a consolidated balance sheet and income statement of the
  Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such month together with (i)
  related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings for such
  month in each case setting forth in comparative form consolidated figures for
  the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year and (ii) a separate
  income statement for each Foreign Subsidiary (and such other financial
  information as reasonably requested by the Agent or the Required Lenders), all
  such financial information described above to be in reasonable form and detail
  and reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and accompanied by a certificate of
  the chief financial officer of the Borrower to the effect that such monthly
  financial statements fairly present in all material respects the financial
  condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and have been prepared in
  accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from audit and normal year-
  end audit adjustments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the calendar months
  ending December 31, 1998 and January 31, 1999, the Borrower shall furnish the
  items identified in this Section 7.1(c) within 30 days after the end of each
  such calendar month.

    (d) Officer's Certificate. At the time of delivery of the financial
        ---------------------
  statements provided for in Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b) above, a certificate of
  the chief operating or accounting officer of the Borrower substantially in the
  form of Exhibit 7.1(d), (i) demonstrating compliance with the financial
  covenants contained in Section 7.12 by calculation thereof as of the end of
  each such fiscal period and (ii) stating that no Default or Event of Default
  exists, or if any Default or Event of Default does exist, specifying the
  nature and extent thereof and what 

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
  action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto. The Borrower shall
  also deliver a copy of such certificate to the Agency Services Address.

    (e) Annual Business Plan and Budgets. Not later than 70 days after the end
        --------------------------------
  of each fiscal year of the Borrower, beginning with the fiscal year ending
  November 30, 1998, an annual business plan and budget of the Borrower and its
  Subsidiaries containing, among other things, pro forma financial statements
  for the next fiscal year.

    (f) Compliance With Certain Provisions of the Credit Agreement.  Within 120
        ----------------------------------------------------------             
  days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the Borrower shall
  deliver a certificate, containing information regarding (i) the calculation
  of Excess Cash Flow and (ii) the amount of any Asset Dispositions, Debt
  Issuances, Equity Issuances and Recovery Events that were made during the
  prior fiscal year.

    (g) Accountant's Certificate.  Within the period for delivery of the annual
        ------------------------                                               
  financial statements provided in Section 7.1(a), a certificate of the
  accountants conducting the annual audit stating that they have reviewed
  this Credit Agreement and stating further whether, in the course of their
  audit, they have become aware of any Default or Event of Default and, if
  any such Default or Event of Default exists, specifying the nature and
  extent thereof.

    (h) Auditor's Reports.  Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of any
        -----------------                                               
  "management letter" submitted by independent accountants to the Borrower or
  any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any annual, interim or special
  audit of the books of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

    (i) Reports. Promptly upon transmission or receipt thereof, (a) copies of
  any filings and registrations with, and reports to or from, the Securities and
  Exchange Commission, or any successor agency, and copies of all financial
  statements, proxy statements, notices and reports as the Borrower or any of
  its Subsidiaries shall send to its shareholders generally or to a holder of
  any Indebtedness owed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in its
  capacity as such a holder and (b) upon the written request of the Agent, all
  reports and written information to and from the United States Environmental
  Protection Agency, or any state or local agency responsible for environmental
  matters, the United States Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or
  any state or local agency responsible for health and safety matters, or any
  successor agencies or authorities concerning environmental, health or safety
  matters.

    (j) Notices. Upon a Credit Party obtaining knowledge thereof, such Credit
        -------                                                               
  Party will give written notice to the Agent immediately of (a) the
  occurrence of an event or condition consisting of a Default or Event of
  Default, specifying the nature and existence thereof and what action the
  Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto, and (b) the occurrence of
  any of the following with respect to the Borrower or any of its
  Subsidiaries (i) the pendency or commencement of any litigation, arbitral
  or governmental proceeding against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
  which if adversely determined would have or would be reasonably expected to
  have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) the institution of any proceedings
  against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to, or the
  receipt of notice by such Person of potential liability or responsibility
  for violation, or alleged violation of any federal, state or 

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
  local law, rule or regulation, including but not limited to, Environmental
  Laws, the violation of which would have or would be reasonably expected to
  have a Material Adverse Effect.

    (k) ERISA. Upon any of the Credit Parties or any ERISA Affiliate obtaining
        -----                                                                  
  knowledge thereof, Borrower will give written notice to the Agent and each of
  the Supplemental Credit Lenders promptly (and in any event within five
  Business Days) of: (i) any event or condition, including, but not limited to,
  any Reportable Event, that constitutes, or might reasonably lead to, a
  Termination Event; (ii) with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the receipt of
  notice as prescribed in ERISA or otherwise of any withdrawal liability
  assessed against the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates, or of a
  determination that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or insolvent
  (both within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA); (iii) the failure to make full
  payment on or before the due date (including extensions) thereof of all
  amounts which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliate is
  required to contribute to each Plan pursuant to its terms and as required to
  meet the minimum funding standard set forth in ERISA and the Code with respect
  thereto; or (iv) any change in the funding status of any Plan that could have
  a Material Adverse Effect; together, with a description of any such event or
  condition or a copy of any such notice and a statement by the principal
  financial officer of the Borrower briefly setting forth the details regarding
  such event, condition, or notice, and the action, if any, which has been or is
  being taken or is proposed to be taken by the Credit Parties with respect
  thereto. Promptly upon request, the Borrower shall furnish the Agent and each
  of the Lenders with such additional information concerning any Plan as may be
  reasonably requested, including, but not limited to, copies of each annual
  report/return (Form 5500 series), as well as all schedules and attachments
  thereto required to filed with the Department of Labor and/or the Internal
  Revenue Service pursuant to ERISA and the Code, respectively, for each "plan
  year" (within the meaning of Section 3(39) of ERISA).

    (l) Environmental.
        ------------- 

        (i)  Upon the reasonable written request of the Agent, the Borrower will
    furnish or cause to be furnished to the Agent, at the Borrower's expense, an
    environmental assessment of reasonable scope, form and depth, (including,
    where appropriate, invasive soil or groundwater sampling) by a consultant
    reasonably acceptable to the Agent as to the nature and extent of the
    presence of any Hazardous Materials on any property owned, leased or
    operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and as to the compliance
    by the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries with Environmental Laws. If the
    Borrower fails to deliver such an environmental report within seventy-five
    (75) days after receipt of such written request then the Agent may arrange
    for same, and the Borrower hereby grants to the Agent and its
    representatives access to the Real Properties and a license to undertake
    such an assessment (including, where appropriate, invasive soil or
    groundwater sampling). The reasonable cost of any assessment arranged for by
    the Agent pursuant to this provision will be payable by the Borrower on
    demand and added to the obligations secured by the Collateral Documents.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
      (ii) The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries will conduct and complete
    all investigations, studies, sampling, and testing and all remedial,
    removal, and other actions necessary to address all Hazardous Materials on,
    from, or affecting any real property owned or leased by the Borrower or its
    Subsidiaries to the extent necessary to be in compliance with all
    Environmental Laws and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws,
    regulations, rules and policies and with the orders and directives of all
    Governmental Authorities exercising jurisdiction over such real property to
    the extent any failure would have or be reasonably expected to have a
    Material Adverse Effect.

    (m) Star Report. At the time of delivery of the financial statements
        -----------
  provided for in Section 7.1(b) above, a company-prepared report containing
  information as to brand sales and advertising cost analysis for the fiscal
  quarter of the Borrower most recently ending.

    (n) Other Information. With reasonable promptness upon any such request,
        -----------------
  such other information regarding the business, properties or financial
  condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the Agent or the Required
  Lenders may reasonably request.

  7.2  PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE AND FRANCHISES.
       ---------------------------------------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
do all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect in all
material respects its existence, rights, franchises and authority.

  7.3  BOOKS AND RECORDS.
       ----------------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
keep complete and accurate books and records of its transactions in accordance
with good accounting practices on the basis of GAAP (including the establishment
and maintenance of appropriate reserves).

  7.4  COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
       ------------------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders, and all applicable
restrictions imposed by all Governmental Authorities, applicable to it and its
property (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws) if noncompliance
with any such law, rule, regulation, order or restriction would have or
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

  7.5  PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER INDEBTEDNESS.
       --------------------------------------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, pay and
discharge (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed
upon it, or upon its income or profits, or upon any of its properties, before
they shall become delinquent, (b) all lawful claims (including claims for labor,
materials and supplies) which, if unpaid, might give rise to a Lien upon any of
its properties, and (c) except as prohibited hereunder, all of its other
Indebtedness as it shall become due; provided, however, that a Credit Party or
its Subsidiary shall not be required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge,
levy, claim or Indebtedness which is being contested in good faith by
appropriate 

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
proceedings and as to which adequate reserves therefor have been established in
accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to make any such payment (i) would give
rise to an immediate right to foreclose on a Lien securing such amounts or 
(ii) would have a Material Adverse Effect.

  7.6  INSURANCE.
       --------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
at all times maintain in full force and effect insurance (including worker's
compensation insurance, liability insurance, casualty insurance and business
interruption insurance) in such amounts, covering such risks and liabilities and
with such deductibles or self-insurance retentions as are in accordance with
normal industry practice.  All liability policies shall have each Supplemental
Credit Lender as an additional insured and all casualty policies shall have the
Agent, on behalf of the Supplemental Credit Lenders, as loss payee.

In the event there occurs any material loss, damage to or destruction of the
Collateral of any Credit Party or any part thereof, such Credit Party shall
promptly give written notice thereof to the Agent generally describing the
nature and extent of such damage or destruction.  Subsequent to any loss, damage
to or destruction of the Collateral of any Credit Party or any part thereof,
such Credit Party, whether or not the insurance proceeds, if any, received on
account of such damage or destruction shall be sufficient for that purpose, at
such Credit Party's cost and expense, will promptly repair or replace the
Collateral of such Credit Party so lost, damaged or destroyed; provided,
however, that such Credit Party shall not be obligated to repair or replace any
Collateral so lost, damaged or destroyed to the extent the failure to make such
repair or replacement (a) is desirable to the proper conduct of the business of
such Credit Party in the ordinary course and otherwise is in the best interest
of such Credit Party and (b) would not materially impair the rights and benefits
of the Agent or the Supplemental Credit Lenders under this Credit Agreement or
any other Supplemental Credit Documents.  In the event a Credit Party shall
receive any insurance proceeds, as a result of any loss, damage or destruction,
in a net amount in excess of $100,000, such Credit Party  will immediately pay
over such proceeds to the Agent as cash collateral for the Credit Party
Obligations. The Agent agrees to release such insurance proceeds to such Credit
Party for replacement or restoration of the portion of the Collateral of such
Credit Party lost, damaged or destroyed if, (A) within 120 days from the date
the Agent receives such insurance proceeds, the Agent has received written
application for such release from such Credit Party together with evidence
reasonably satisfactory to it that the Collateral lost, damaged or destroyed has
been or will be replaced or restored to its condition (or by Collateral having a
value at least equal to the condition of the asset subject to the loss, damage
or destruction) immediately prior to the loss, destruction or other event giving
rise to the payment of such insurance proceeds and (B) on the date of such
release no Default or Event of Default exists.  If the conditions in the
preceding sentence are not met, the Agent shall, on the first Business Day
subsequent to the date 120 days after it received such insurance proceeds, apply
such insurance proceeds as a mandatory prepayment of the Credit Party
Obligations for application in accordance with the terms of Section 3.3(b)(v)
and Section 3.3(c).  All insurance proceeds shall be subject to the security
interest of the Supplemental Credit Lenders under the Collateral Documents.

The present insurance coverage of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is outlined
as to carrier, policy number, expiration date, type and amount on Schedule 7.6,
                                                                  ------------ 
as Schedule 7.6 may be amended from time to time by written notice to the Agent.
   ------------                                                                 

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
  7.7  MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY.
       ----------------------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, maintain
and preserve its properties and equipment in good repair, working order and
condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and will make, or cause to be made, in
such properties and equipment from time to time all repairs, renewals,
replacements, extensions, additions, betterments and improvements thereto as may
be needed or proper, to the extent and in the manner customary for companies in
similar businesses.

  7.8  PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS.
       -------------------------- 

  Each of the Credit Parties will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, perform
in all material respects all of its obligations  under the terms of all material
agreements, indentures, mortgages, security agreements or other debt instruments
to which it is a party or by which it is bound.

  7.9  COLLATERAL.
       ---------- 

  If, subsequent to the Closing Date, a Credit Party shall (a) acquire or lease
any real property or (b) acquire any intellectual property, securities
instruments, chattel paper or other personal property required to be delivered
to the Agent as Collateral hereunder or under any of the Collateral Documents,
the Borrower shall immediately notify the Agent of same.  Each Credit Party
shall take such action (including, but not limited to, the actions set forth in
Sections 5.1(f) and (g) of the New Credit Agreement), as requested by the Agent
and at its own expense, to ensure that the Lenders have a first priority
perfected Lien in all owned real property (and in such leased real property as
requested by the Agent or the Required Lenders) and all personal property of the
Credit Parties (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), subject only to
Permitted Liens.  Each Credit Party shall adhere to the covenants regarding the
location of personal property as set forth in the Security Agreements.

  7.10  USE OF PROCEEDS.
        --------------- 

  The Credit Parties will use proceeds of the Loans solely (a) to refinance the
existing Indebtedness of the Borrower, (b) to finance the acquisition of the
Acquired Assets and (c) to pay related fees and expenses in connection with the
foregoing.

  7.11  AUDITS/INSPECTIONS.
        ------------------ 

  Upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, each Credit Party
will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to, permit representatives appointed by
the Agent or any Lender, including, without limitation, independent accountants,
agents, attorneys and appraisers to visit and inspect such Credit Party's (or
its Subsidiary's) property, including its books and records, its accounts
receivable and inventory, its facilities and its other business assets, and to
make photocopies or photographs thereof and to write down and record any
information such representative obtains and shall permit the Agent or its
representatives to investigate and verify the accuracy of information provided
to the Lenders and to discuss all such matters with the officers, employees and
representatives of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries.  The Credit
Parties agree that the Agent, and its representatives, may conduct an annual
audit of the Collateral, at the expense of the Borrower.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
  7.12  FINANCIAL COVENANTS.
        ------------------- 

     (a) Interest Coverage Ratio. The Interest Coverage Ratio, as of the end of
         -----------------------                                                
  each fiscal quarter, shall be greater than or equal to:

         (i)   From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
               1.70 to 1.0;

         (ii)  From November 30, 1999 to and including November 29, 2000,
               1.85 to 1.0; and

         (iii) From November 30, 2000 and thereafter, 2.0 to 1.0.

     (b) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as of the
         ---------------------------
  end of each fiscal quarter, shall be greater than or equal to:

         (i)   From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
               1.10 to 1.0; and

         (ii)  From November 30, 1999 and thereafter, 1.25 to 1.0.

     (c) Leverage Ratio. The Leverage Ratio, as of the end of each fiscal
         --------------
  quarter, shall be less than or equal to:

         (i)   From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
               5.25 to 1.0;

         (ii)  From November 30, 1999 to and including November 29, 2000,
               4.5 to 1.0;

         (iii) From November 30, 2000 to and including November 29, 2001,
               4.0 to 1.0; and

         (iv)  From November 30, 2001 and thereafter, 3.75 to 1.0.

     (d) Senior Leverage Ratio.  The Senior Leverage Ratio, as of the end of
         ---------------------                                              
  each fiscal quarter, shall be less than or equal to:

         (i)   From the Effective Date to and including November 29, 1999,
               2.50 to 1.0; and

         (ii)  From November 30, 1999 and thereafter, 2.0 to 1.0.

     (e) Net Worth.  At all times Net Worth shall be no less than $17,600,000
         ---------                                                           
  increased on a cumulative basis, commencing with the fiscal quarter ending
  November 29, 1998, by an amount equal to, (i) as of the last day of each
  fiscal quarter, 50% of Net Income for the fiscal 

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
  quarter then ended (without deductions for any losses) plus (ii) 100% of the
  Net Cash Proceeds from any Equity Issuance subsequent to the Closing Date.

     (f) Appraised Brand Value. As of the end of each fiscal quarter of the
         ---------------------                                             
  Borrower, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
  basis, the most recent appraised value of all brands or product lines of the
  Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis on such date shall be
  greater than or equal to $455 million.

     (g) Calculation Method.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
         ------------------                                                
  contained herein, (i) for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio and
  Senior Leverage Ratio for the Borrower's fiscal quarter ending February 28,
  1999, EBITDA attributable to the Acquired Assets for the twelve month period
  for which EBITDA is being calculated shall be deemed to be the result obtained
  by multiplying the actual EBITDA attributable to the Acquired Assets for the
  two month period ending on February 28, 1999 by 6, (ii) for purposes of
  calculating the Leverage Ratio and Senior Leverage Ratio for the Borrower's
  fiscal quarter ending May 31, 1999, EBITDA attributable to the Acquired Assets
  for the twelve month period for which EBITDA is being calculated shall be
  deemed to be the result obtained by multiplying the actual EBITDA attributable
  to the Acquired Assets for the five month period ending on May 31, 1999 by 2.4
  and (iii) for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio and Senior Leverage
  Ratio for the Borrower's fiscal quarter ending August 31, 1999, EBITDA
  attributable to the Acquired Assets for the twelve month period for which
  EBITDA is being calculated shall be deemed to be the result obtained by
  multiplying the actual EBITDA attributable to the Acquired Assets for the
  eight month period ending on August 31, 1999 by 1.5. Furthermore, for purposes
  of calculating the Leverage Ratio and Senior Leverage Ratio at any time during
  the twelve month period following a Permitted Acquisition, EBITDA attributable
  to the business or assets acquired pursuant to such Permitted Acquisition
  shall be deemed to be the result obtained by annualizing the components of the
  actual EBITDA attributable to such assets or business during such period.

     7.13      ADDITIONAL CREDIT PARTIES.
               ------------------------- 

  At the time any Person becomes a Subsidiary of a Credit Party, the Borrower
shall so notify the Agent and promptly thereafter (but in any event within 30
days after the date thereof) shall cause such Person to (a) if it is a Domestic
Subsidiary, execute a Joinder Agreement in substantially the same form as
Exhibit 7.13, (b) cause all of the capital stock of such Person (if such Person
- ------------                                                                   
is a Domestic Subsidiary) or 65% of the capital stock of such Person (if such
Person is a Foreign Subsidiary) to be delivered to the Agent (together with
undated stock powers signed in blank) and pledged to the Agent pursuant to an
appropriate pledge agreement in substantially the form of the Pledge Agreement
and otherwise in a form acceptable to the Agent, (c) if such Person is a
Domestic Subsidiary, pledge all of its assets to the Lenders pursuant to a
security agreement in substantially the form of the Security Agreements and
otherwise in a form acceptable to the Agent (d) if such Person has any
Subsidiaries, (i) deliver all of the capital stock of such Domestic Subsidiaries
and 65% of the capital stock of such Foreign Subsidiaries (together with undated
stock powers signed in blank) to the Agent and (ii) execute a pledge agreement
in substantially the form of the Pledge Agreement and otherwise in a form
acceptable to the Agent (e) if such Person owns or leases any real property in
the United States of America, execute any and all necessary mortgages, deeds of
trust, deeds to secure debt, leasehold 

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
mortgages, collateral assignments of leaseholds or other appropriate real estate
collateral documentation in a form acceptable to the Agent and (f) deliver such
other documentation as the Agent may reasonably request in connection with the
foregoing, including, without limitation, appropriate UCC-1 financing
statements, real estate title insurance policies, environmental reports,
landlord waivers, certified resolutions and other organizational and authorizing
documents of such Person and favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which
shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and
enforceability of the documentation referred to above), all in form, content and
scope reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

  7.14  OWNERSHIP OF SUBSIDIARIES.
        ------------------------- 

  The Borrower shall at all times own 100% of the capital stock of its
Subsidiaries (other than to the extent necessary for Chattem (U.K.) Limited and
HBA Insurance Ltd. to qualify for incorporation in their respective countries of
incorporation, any nominal qualifying shares owned by any necessary governmental
authorities) and may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of
capital stock of any of its Subsidiaries.

  7.15  APPRAISAL REPORTS.
        ----------------- 

  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall provide the Agent, upon the request of
the Agent and at the expense of the Borrower, with asset appraisal reports with
respect to the real and personal property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
including, without limitation, appraisals of brand values (provided, however,
the Borrower hereby agrees that at such time as any appraisal with respect to a
particular brand contributing at least $5,000,000 of EBITDA for the prior fiscal
year is three years old, the Borrower shall provide the Agent with a new brand
appraisal with respect to such brand).  Furthermore, the Credit Parties hereby
agree that if at the end of any fiscal year of the Borrower, EBITDA for such
fiscal year is ten percent (10%) less than EBITDA for the prior fiscal year, the
Borrower shall provide the Lenders, upon the request of the Lenders and at the
expense of the Borrower, with asset appraisal reports with respect to those
brands contributing at least $5,000,000 of EBITDA for such fiscal year;
provided, however, if such ten percent (10%) reduction in EBITDA is the direct
result of an asset disposition permitted by Section 8.5(d), the Borrower shall
not be required to provide asset appraisal reports with respect to such brands.

  7.16  YEAR 2000 COMPATIBILITY.
        ----------------------- 

  Each Credit Party will promptly notify the Agent in the event such Credit
Party discovers or determines that any computer application (including those of
its suppliers, vendors and customers) that is material to its or any of its
Subsidiaries' business and operations will not be Year 2000 compliant, except to
the extent that such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

  7.17  POST-CLOSING MATTERS.
        -------------------- 

     (a) Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the Closing Date, the
  Borrower shall furnish to the Agent Phase I environmental reports in form
  and substance 

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
  satisfactory to the Agent with respect to each of the Mortgaged Properties set
  forth on Schedule 6.23(a) (other than the Double Cola Property).
           ----------------
  
     (b) Within one hundred twenty (120) days following the Closing Date, the
  Borrower shall cause a field examination with respect to its accounts
  receivable and inventory to be conducted by an independent appraiser
  reasonably acceptable to the Agent and shall deliver the report of such field
  examination to the Agent.

                                   SECTION 8

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS
                               ------------------

  Each Credit Party hereby covenants and agrees that so long as this Credit
Agreement is in effect and until the Loans, together with interest, fees and
other obligations hereunder, have been paid in full and the Commitments
hereunder shall have terminated:

  8.1  INDEBTEDNESS.
       ------------ 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, contract,
create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

     (a) Indebtedness arising under this Credit Agreement, the other
  Supplemental Credit Documents and the New Credit Agreement Documents;

     (b) the Subordinated Debt;

     (c) Indebtedness existing as of the Closing Date as referenced in Section
  6.10 (and renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof on terms and conditions
  no more favorable, in the aggregate, to such Person than such existing
  Indebtedness and in a principal amount not in excess of that outstanding as of
  the date of such renewal, refinancing or extension);

     (d) Indebtedness owing by one Credit Party to another Credit Party;

     (e) purchase money Indebtedness (including Capital Leases) incurred by the
  Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to finance the purchase of fixed assets;
  provided that (i) the total of all such Indebtedness for all such
  --------                                                         
  Persons taken together shall not exceed an aggregate principal amount of
  $2,000,000.00 at any one time outstanding (including any such Indebtedness
  referred to in subsection (c) above); (ii) such Indebtedness when incurred
  shall not exceed the purchase price of the asset(s) financed; and (iii) no
  such Indebtedness shall be refinanced for a principal amount in excess of the
  principal balance outstanding thereon at the time of such refinancing;

    (f) obligations of the Credit Parties in respect of Hedging Agreements
  entered into in the ordinary course of business to manage existing or
  anticipated risks and not for speculative purposes;

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
    (g) Indebtedness incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries not to exceed $500,000.00,
  in the aggregate, at any one time outstanding (including any such Indebtedness
  referred to in subsection (c) above); and

    (h) the Additional Subordinated Debt.

  8.2  LIENS.
       ----- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit its Subsidiaries to contract, create,
incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien with respect to any of its property or
assets of any kind (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible), whether
now owned or after acquired, except for Permitted Liens.

  8.3  NATURE OF BUSINESS.
       ------------------ 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit its Subsidiaries to, alter the
character of its business from that conducted as of the Closing Date or engage
in any business other than the business conducted as of the Closing Date, which
with respect to Signal shall be limited to the ownership of trademarks and
tradenames for the purpose of licensing such trademarks and tradenames to the
Borrower.

  8.4  CONSOLIDATION AND MERGER.
       ------------------------ 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit its Subsidiaries to, enter into any
transaction of merger or consolidation or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself
(or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); provided that notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Section 8.4, the following actions may be taken if
(a) the Agent is given prior written notice of such action, and the Credit
Parties execute and deliver such documents, instruments and certificates as the
Agent may request in order to maintain the perfection and priority of the Liens
on the assets of the Credit Parties and (b) after giving effect thereto no
Default or Event of Default exists:

     (i) any Credit Party may be merged or consolidated with or into the
  Borrower or any Credit Party (other than the Borrower) may be merged or
  consolidated with or into any other Credit Party; provided that if such
  transaction shall be between the Borrower and another Credit Party, the
  Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation; and

     (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Foreign
  Subsidiary.

  8.5  SALE OR LEASE OF ASSETS.
       ----------------------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, convey,
sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a series of
transactions, all or any part of its business or assets whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, inventory, receivables, real
property, leasehold interests, equipment and securities other than (a) any
inventory or other assets sold, leased or disposed of (or simultaneously
replaced with like goods) in the ordinary course of business, (b) obsolete, idle
or worn-out assets no longer used or useful in its business, (c) the sale, lease

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
or transfer or other disposal by a Credit Party other than the Borrower of any
or all of its assets to the Borrower or to any other Credit Party, or (d) sales
of product lines (or the right to produce a consumer product or products)
provided that (i) the dispositions permitted under this subparagraph (d) shall
not exceed $10,000,000 during any fiscal year, (ii) the dispositions permitted
under this subparagraph (d) during any fiscal year shall be limited to product
lines (or the right to produce a consumer product or products) having aggregate
sales for the twelve-month period ending on the fiscal quarter ending
immediately preceding the sale in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of
EBITDA for such twelve month period and (iii) after giving effect to any such
disposition on a pro forma basis, as if such disposition had occurred on the
first day of the twelve month period ending on the last day of the Borrower's
most recently completed fiscal quarter, the Credit Parties and their
Subsidiaries would have been in compliance with all the financial covenants set
forth in Section 7.12.

  8.6  ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS AND LOANS.
       ------------------------------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any
Investments except for Permitted Investments.

  8.7  DIVIDENDS.
       --------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, (a) declare or pay any dividends (whether cash or otherwise) or
make any other distribution upon any shares of its capital stock of any class
other than the payment of dividends by the Subsidiaries of the Borrower to the
Borrower or (b) other than Permitted Investments purchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire or retire or make any provisions for redemption, acquisition or
retirement of any shares of its capital stock of any class or any warrants or
options to purchase any such shares.

  8.8  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.
       ---------------------------- 

  Except as set forth on Schedule 8.8, no Credit Party will, nor will it permit
                         ------------                                          
its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction or series of transactions,
whether or not in the ordinary course of business, with any officer, director,
shareholder, Subsidiary or Affiliate other than on terms and conditions
substantially as favorable as would be obtainable in a comparable arm's-length
transaction with a Person other than an officer, director, shareholder,
Subsidiary or Affiliate.

  8.9  FISCAL YEAR; ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
       ------------------------------------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, change
its fiscal year or materially change its charter documents or its bylaws without
the prior written consent of the Required Lenders.

  8.10  PREPAYMENTS OF INDEBTEDNESS.
        --------------------------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) amend
or modify (or permit the amendment or modification of) any of the terms of any
Indebtedness if such amendment or modification would add or change any terms in
a manner adverse to the Supplemental Credit Lenders, including but not limited
to, shortening final maturity or average life to maturity of such Indebtedness

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
or requiring any payment to be made sooner than originally scheduled or
increasing the interest rate applicable thereto or change any subordination
provision thereof, (b) during the existence of a Default or Event of Default, or
if a Default or Event of Default would be caused as a result thereof make (or
give any notice with respect thereto) any voluntary or optional payment or
prepayment or redemption or acquisition for value of (including, without
limitation, by way of depositing money or securities with the trustee with
respect thereto before due for the purpose of paying when due), refund,
refinance or exchange of any other Indebtedness.

  8.11  SUBORDINATED DEBT.
        ----------------- 

  (a) No Credit Party will (i) make or offer to make any principal payments 
with respect to the Subordinated Debt, (ii) redeem or offer to redeem any 
of the Subordinated Debt, or (iii) deposit any funds intended to discharge 
or defease any or all of the Subordinated Debt; provided, however, the
                                                --------  -------     
Borrower may redeem or repurchase the Subordinated Debt in an aggregate 
amount not to exceed $15,000,000 (such amount to include any accrued 
interest, premiums or penalties associated therewith) during any fiscal 
year provided that after giving effect to such repurchase or redemption on
     --------                                                             
a pro forma basis, as if such repurchase or redemption had occurred on the first
day of the twelve month period ending on the last day of the Borrower's most
recently completed fiscal quarter, the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries
would have been in compliance with all the financial covenants set forth in
Section 7.12. The Subordinated Debt may not be amended or modified in any
material manner without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, it
being specifically understood and agreed that no amendment to Article 4 or
Article 10 of the Indenture shall be made without the prior written consent of
the Required Lenders.

  (b) No Credit Party will (i) make or offer to make any principal payments with
respect to the Additional Subordinated Debt, (ii) redeem or offer to redeem any
of the Additional Subordinated Debt, or (iii) deposit any funds intended to
discharge or defease any or all of the Additional Subordinated Debt. The
Additional Subordinated Debt or the Second Indenture may not be amended or
modified in any material manner without the prior written consent of the
Required Lenders, it being specifically understood and agreed that no amendment
to Article 4 or Article 10 of the Second Indenture shall be made without the
prior written consent of the Required Lenders.

  8.12  LIMITATIONS.
        ----------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, create or otherwise cause, incur, assume, suffer or permit to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind
on the ability of any such Person to (a) pay dividends or make any other
distribution on any of such Person's capital stock, (b) pay any Indebtedness
owed to the Borrower or any other Credit Party, (c) make loans or advances to
any other Credit Party or (d) transfer any of its property to any other Credit
Party, except for encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of
(i) customary non-assignment provisions in any lease governing a leasehold
interest, (ii) this Credit Agreement, the other Supplemental Credit Documents
and the New Credit Agreement Documents and (iii) the Indenture.

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
  8.13  SALE LEASEBACKS.
        --------------- 

  No Credit Party will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly become or remain liable as lessee or as guarantor or other surety
with respect to any lease, of any property (whether real or personal or mixed),
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, (a) which such Credit Party or
Subsidiary has sold or transferred or is to sell or transfer to any other Person
other than a Credit Party or (b) which such Credit Party or Subsidiary intends
to use for substantially the same purpose as any other property which has been
sold or is to be sold or transferred by such Credit Party or Subsidiary to any
Person in connection with such lease.

  8.14  NEGATIVE PLEDGES.
        ---------------- 

  Other than as set forth in Section 4.12 of the Indenture, none of the Credit
Parties will, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into, assume
or become subject to any agreement prohibiting or otherwise restricting the
creation or assumption of any Lien upon its properties or assets, whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, or requiring the grant of any security for such
obligation if security is given for some other obligation.

  8.15  CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.
        -------------------- 

  The Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries will not make Capital Expenditures,
in any fiscal year, that would exceed $7,500,000.00 in the aggregate.

  8.16  OPERATING LEASES.
        ---------------- 

  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall create, incur, assume
or permit to exist obligations under Operating Leases which require aggregate
annual payments in excess of $1,500,000.00.

  8.17  PAYMENT BLOCKAGE NOTICE.
        ------------------------

  (a) The Borrower (i) covenants and agrees that it will not give the Payment
Blockage Notice (as defined in the Indenture) without the consent of the
Required Lenders and (ii) hereby designates and appoints the Agent, as attorney-
in-fact of the Borrower, irrevocably and with full power of substitution, to
deliver any Payment Blockage Notice that the Borrower has the right to deliver
pursuant to the terms of the Indenture; provided that the foregoing appointment
shall terminate at such time as the Loans, together with interest, fees and
other obligations hereunder, have been paid in full and the Commitments
hereunder shall have terminated.

  (b) The Borrower (i) covenants and agrees that it will not give the Payment
Blockage Notice (as defined in the Second Indenture) without the consent of the
Required Lenders and (ii) hereby designates and appoints the Agent, as attorney-
in-fact of the Borrower, irrevocably and with full power of substitution, to
deliver any Payment Blockage Notice (as defined in the Second Indenture) that
the Borrower has the right to deliver pursuant to the terms of the Second
Indenture; provided that the foregoing appointment shall terminate at such time
as the Loans, 

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
together with interest, fees and other obligations hereunder, have
been paid in full and the Commitments hereunder shall have terminated.


                                   SECTION 9

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT
                               -----------------

  9.1  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
       ----------------- 

  An Event of Default shall exist upon the occurrence of any of the following
specified events (each an "Event of Default"):
                           ----------------   

     (a) Payment.  Any Credit Party shall:
         -------                          

         (i)  default in the payment when due of any principal of any of the 
     Term Loans; or

         (ii) default, and such default shall continue for three or more days,
     in the payment when due of any interest on the Term Loans, or of any fees
     or other amounts owing hereunder, under any of the other Supplemental
     Credit Documents or in connection herewith.

     (b) Representations. Any representation, warranty or statement made or
         ---------------
  deemed to be made by any Credit Party herein, in any of the other Supplemental
  Credit Documents, or in any statement or certificate delivered or required to
  be delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove untrue in any material
  respect on the date as of which it was made or deemed to have been made.

     (c) Covenants.  Any Credit Party shall:
         ---------                          

         (i)   default in the due performance or observance of any term, 
     covenant or agreement contained in Sections 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.9, 7.10,
     7.12, 7.13, 7.14, 7.15, 7.16, 7.17 or 8.1 through 8.17 inclusive; or

         (ii)  default in the due performance or observance by it of any term,
     covenant or agreement contained in Section 7.1 and such default shall
     continue unremedied for a period of five Business Days after the earlier of
     an officer of a Credit Party becoming aware of such default or notice
     thereof given by the Agent; or

         (iii) default in the due performance or observance by it of any term,
     covenant or agreement (other than those referred to in subsections (a), (b)
     or (c)(i) or (ii) of this Section 9.1) contained in this Credit Agreement
     and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of at least 30 days
     after the earlier of an officer of a Credit Party becoming aware of such
     default or notice thereof given by the Agent.

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
     (d) Other Credit Documents.  (i) Any Credit Party shall default in the due
         ----------------------                                                
  performance or observance of any term, covenant or agreement in any of the
  other Supplemental Credit Documents and such default shall continue unremedied
  for a period of at least 30 days after the earlier of an officer of a Credit
  Party becoming aware of such default or notice thereof given by the Agent, or
  (ii) any Supplemental Credit Documents shall fail to be in full force and
  effect or to give the Agent and/or the Supplemental Credit Lenders the
  security interests, liens, rights, powers and privileges purported to be
  created thereby.

     (e) Guaranties. The guaranty given by the Credit Parties hereunder or by
         ----------
  any Additional Credit Party hereafter or any provision thereof shall cease to
  be in full force and effect, or any guarantor thereunder or any Person acting
  by or on behalf of such guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor's
  obligations under such guaranty.

     (f) Bankruptcy, etc. The occurrence of any of the following with respect to
         ---------------
  the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i) a court or governmental agency
  having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree or order for relief
  in respect of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in an involuntary case
  under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
  hereafter in effect, or appoint a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian,
  trustee, sequestrator or similar official of any of the Borrower or any of its
  Subsidiaries or for any substantial part of its property or ordering the
  winding up or liquidation of its affairs; or (ii) an involuntary case under
  any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
  effect is commenced against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and such
  petition remains unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days;
  or (iii) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary
  case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
  hereafter in effect, or consent to the entry of an order for relief in an
  involuntary case under any such law, or consent to the appointment or taking
  possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee,
  sequestrator or similar official of such Person or any substantial part of its
  property or make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (iv)
  the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall admit in writing its inability
  to pay its debts generally as they become due or any action shall be taken by
  such Person in furtherance of any of the aforesaid purposes.

     (g) Defaults under Other Agreements. With respect to any Indebtedness
         -------------------------------
  (other than Indebtedness outstanding under this Credit Agreement) of the
  Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in a principal amount in excess of
  $500,000.00, including, without limitation, the Subordinated Debt, the
  Additional Subordinated Debt and any indebtedness under the New Credit
  Agreement (i) a Credit Party shall (A) default in any payment (beyond the
  applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any) with respect to any such
  Indebtedness, or (B) default (after giving effect to any applicable grace
  period) in the observance or performance of any term, covenant or agreement
  relating to such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement
  evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event or condition
  shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or other event or
  condition is to cause, or permit, the holder or holders of such Indebtedness
  (or trustee or agent on behalf of such holders) to cause (determined without
  regard to whether any notice or lapse of time is required) any such
  Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; or (ii) any such
  Indebtedness shall be 

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
  declared due and payable, or required to be prepaid other than by a regularly
  scheduled required prepayment, prior to the stated maturity thereof.

     (h) Judgments.  One or more judgments, orders, or decrees shall be entered
         ---------                                                             
  against any one or more of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving a
  liability of $500,000.00 or more, in the aggregate, (to the extent not paid or
  covered by insurance provided by a carrier who has acknowledged coverage) and
  such judgments, orders or decrees shall continue unsatisfied, undischarged and
  unstayed for a period ending on the first to occur of (i) the last day on
  which such judgment, order or decree becomes final and unappealable or (ii) 30
  days.

     (i) ERISA. Any of the following events or conditions: (A) any "accumulated
         -----
  funding deficiency," as such term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA and
  Section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived, shall exist with respect to
  any Plan, or any lien shall arise on the assets of the Borrower or any of
  their Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate in favor of the PBGC or a Plan; (B)
  a Termination Event shall occur with respect to a Single Employer Plan, which
  is, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, likely to result in the
  termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA; (C) a Termination
  Event shall occur with respect to a Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer
  Plan, which is, in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, likely to result in
  (i) the termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, or (ii)
  the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate incurring any
  liability in connection with a withdrawal from, reorganization of (within the
  meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA), or insolvency or (within the meaning of
  Section 4245 of ERISA) such Plan; or (D) any prohibited transaction (within
  the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) or breach of
  fiduciary responsibility shall occur which may subject the Borrower or any of
  its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate to any liability under Sections 406,
  409, 502(i), or 502(l) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or under any
  agreement or other instrument pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its
  Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has agreed or is required to indemnify any
  person against any such liability;

     (j) Ownership.  There shall occur a Change of Control;
         ---------                                         

     (k) Subordinated Debt. (i) Any holder of the Subordinated Debt alleges (or
         ----------------- 
  any Governmental Authority with applicable jurisdiction determines) that the
  Supplemental Credit Lenders or New Credit Agreement Lenders are not holders of
  Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) the subordination provisions
  in the Indenture shall, in whole or in part, terminate, cease to be effective
  or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against any holder of
  the Subordinated Debt;

     (l) Additional Subordinated Debt.  (i) Any holder of the Additional
         ----------------------------                                   
  Subordinated Debt alleges (or any Governmental Authority with applicable
  jurisdiction determines) that the Supplemental Credit Lenders or New Credit
  Agreement Lenders are not holders of Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the
  Second Indenture) or (ii) the subordination provisions in the Second Indenture
  shall, in whole or in part, terminate, cease to be effective or cease to be
  legally valid, binding and enforceable against any holder of the Additional
  Subordinated Debt.

                                       50
<PAGE>
 
       (m) Business. The Borrower commences to engage in any material respect in
           --------
  a line of business or activity other than the business of manufacturing and
  marketing of brand name over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements,
  functional toiletries and cosmetics; or

       (n) Indenture/Change of Control. There shall occur (i) a Change of
           ---------------------------
  Control (as defined in the Indenture) under the Indenture, (ii) a Change of
  Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Indenture) under the Indenture or
  (iii) a Change of Control (as defined in the Second Indenture) under the
  Second Indenture.

  9.2  ACCELERATION; REMEDIES.
       ---------------------- 

  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, and at any time thereafter unless
and until such Event of Default has been waived in writing by the Required
Lenders (or the Lenders as may be required hereunder), the Agent shall, upon the
request and direction of the Required Lenders, by written notice to the
Borrower, take any of the following actions:

       (a) Acceleration of Loans. Declare the unpaid principal of and any
           ---------------------   
  accrued interest in respect of all Term Loans, and any and all other
  indebtedness or obligations of any and every kind owing by a Credit Party to
  any of the Supplemental Credit Lenders hereunder to be due whereupon the same
  shall be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or
  other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Credit
  Parties.

       (b) Enforcement of Rights. Enforce any and all rights and interests
           --------------------- 
  created and existing under the Supplemental Credit Documents, including,
  without limitation, all rights and remedies existing under the Collateral
  Documents, all rights and remedies against a Guarantor and all rights of set-
  off.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section
9.1(f) shall occur, then all Term Loans, all accrued interest in respect
thereof, all accrued and unpaid fees and other indebtedness or obligations owing
to the Lenders hereunder shall immediately become due and payable without the
giving of any notice or other action by the Agent or the Lenders, which notice
or other action is expressly waived by the Credit Parties.

Notwithstanding the fact that enforcement powers reside primarily with the
Agent, each Supplemental Credit Lender has a separate right of payment and shall
be considered a separate "creditor" holding a separate "claim" within the
meaning of Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code or any other insolvency
statute.


                                   SECTION 10

                               AGENCY PROVISIONS
                               -----------------

  10.1  APPOINTMENT.
        ----------- 

                                       51
<PAGE>
 
  Each Supplemental Credit Lender hereby designates and appoints NationsBank,
N.A. as Agent of such Supplemental Credit Lender to act as specified herein and
the other Supplemental Credit Documents, and each such Supplemental Credit
Lender hereby authorizes the Agent, as the agent for such Supplemental Credit
Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Credit
Agreement and the other Supplemental Credit Documents and to exercise such
powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated by the terms hereof
and of the other Supplemental Credit Documents, together with such other powers
as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary elsewhere herein and in the other Supplemental Credit Documents, the
Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set
forth herein and therein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Supplemental
Credit Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties,
obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Credit Agreement  or any of
the other Supplemental Credit Documents, or shall otherwise exist against the
Agent.  The provisions of this Section are solely for the benefit of the Agent
and the Supplemental Credit Lenders and none of the Credit Parties shall have
any rights as a third party beneficiary of the provisions hereof.  In performing
its functions and duties under this Credit Agreement and the other Supplemental
Credit Documents, the Agent shall act solely as the agent of the Supplemental
Credit Lenders and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any
obligation or relationship of agency or trust with or for any Credit Party.

  10.2  DELEGATION OF DUTIES.
        -------------------- 

  The Agent may execute any of its duties hereunder or under the other
Supplemental Credit Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and
shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such
duties.  The Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of
any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

  10.3  EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS.
        ---------------------- 

  Neither the Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents,
attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be (a) liable for any action lawfully
taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person under or in connection
herewith or in connection with any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents
(except for its or such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or
(b) responsible in any manner to any of the Supplemental Credit Lenders for any
recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any of the Credit
Parties contained herein or in any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents or
in any certificate, report, document, financial statement or other written or
oral statement referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agent under or
in connection herewith or in connection with the other Supplemental Credit
Documents, or enforceability or sufficiency therefor of any of the other
Supplemental Credit Documents, or for any failure of the Borrower to perform its
obligations hereunder or thereunder.  The Agent shall not be responsible to any
Supplemental Credit Lender for the effectiveness, genuineness, validity,
enforceability, collectibility or sufficiency of this Credit Agreement, or any
of the other Supplemental Credit Documents or for any representations,
warranties, recitals or statements made herein or therein or made by the
Borrower or any Credit Party 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 Agent to
the Supplemental Credit Lenders or by or on behalf of the Credit Parties to the
Agent or any Supplemental Credit Lender or be required to ascertain or inquire
as to the performance or 

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
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 Term Loans
or of the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default or
to inspect the properties, books or records of the Credit Parties. The Agent is
not a trustee for the Supplemental Credit Lenders and owes no fiduciary duty to
the Supplemental Credit Lenders.

  10.4  RELIANCE ON COMMUNICATIONS.
        -------------------------- 

  The 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, telecopy, telex or teletype message, statement,
order or other document or conversation believed by it 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 any of the Credit Parties, independent accountants and other experts selected
by the Agent with reasonable care).  The Agent may deem and treat the
Supplemental Credit Lenders as the owner of its interests hereunder for all
purposes unless a written notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof
shall have been filed with the Agent in accordance with Section 11.3(b).  The
Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under
this Credit Agreement or under any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents
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 Agent shall
in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting,
hereunder or under any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents in accordance
with a request of the Required Lenders (or to the extent specifically provided
in Section 11.6, all the Lenders) and such request and any action taken or
failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders (including
their successors and assigns).

  10.5  NOTICE OF DEFAULT.
        ----------------- 

  The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of
any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless the Agent has received notice
from a Supplemental Credit Lender or a Credit Party referring to the
Supplemental Credit Documents, describing such Default or Event of Default and
stating that such notice is a "notice of default." In the event that the Agent
receives such a notice, the Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the
Lenders.  The Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event
of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders.

  10.6  NON-RELIANCE ON AGENT AND OTHER LENDERS.
        --------------------------------------- 

  Each Supplemental Credit Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent
nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by
the Agent or any affiliate thereof hereinafter taken, including any review of
the affairs of any Credit Party, shall be deemed to constitute any
representation or warranty by  the Agent to any Supplemental Credit Lender.
Each Supplemental Credit Lender represents to the Agent that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Supplemental
Credit Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own 

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
appraisal of and investigation into the business, assets, operations, property,
financial and other conditions, prospects and creditworthiness of the Credit
Parties and made its own decision to make its Term Loans hereunder and enter
into this Credit Agreement. Each Supplemental Credit Lender also represents that
it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other
Supplemental Credit 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 Credit
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 Credit Parties. Except for
notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the
Supplemental Credit Lenders by the Agent hereunder, the Agent shall not have any
duty or responsibility to provide any Supplemental Credit Lender with any credit
or other information concerning the business, operations, assets, property,
financial or other conditions, prospects or creditworthiness of the Credit
Parties which may come into the possession of the Agent or any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates.

  10.7  INDEMNIFICATION.
        --------------- 

  The Supplemental Credit Lenders agree to indemnify the Agent in its capacity
as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the
obligation of the Borrower to do so), ratably according to their respective
percentage of the Term Loan Committed Amount (or if the Term Loan Committed
Amount has expired or been terminated, in accordance with the respective
aggregate principal amounts of outstanding Term Loans and Participation Interest
of the Supplemental Credit Lenders), from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time
(including without limitation at any time following payment in full of the
Credit Party Obligations) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the
Agent in its capacity as such in any way relating to or arising out of this
Credit Agreement or the other Supplemental Credit Documents or any documents
contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under
or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that no Supplemental Credit
                                            --------                            
Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements resulting from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Agent.  If any indemnity furnished to the Agent for any
purpose shall, in the opinion of  the Agent, be insufficient or become impaired,
the 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 shall survive the payment of the Credit Party
Obligations and all other amounts payable hereunder and under the other
Supplemental Credit Documents.

  10.8  AGENT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY.
        -------------------------------- 

  The Agent and its affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and
generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any other Credit
Party as though the Agent were not the Agent hereunder.  With respect to the
Term Loans made and all obligations owing to it, the Agent shall have the same
rights and powers under this Credit Agreement as any Supplemental Credit Lender
and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent, and the terms
"Lender", "Lenders", 

                                       54
<PAGE>
 
"Supplemental Credit Lender" and "Supplemental Credit Lenders" shall include the
Agent in its individual capacity.

  10.9  SUCCESSOR AGENT.
        --------------- 

  The Agent may, at any time, resign upon 20 days written notice to the
Supplemental Credit Lenders.  Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders
shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent.  If no successor Agent shall
have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such
appointment, within 45 days after the notice of resignation, then the retiring
Agent shall select a successor Agent provided such successor is a Supplemental
Credit Lender hereunder or a commercial bank organized under the laws of the
United States of America or of any State thereof and has a combined capital and
surplus of at least $400,000,000.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the
Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to
and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the
retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations as an Agent, as appropriate, under this Credit Agreement and the
other Supplemental Credit Documents and the provisions of this Section 10.9
shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it
while it was the Agent under this Credit Agreement.


                                   SECTION 11
                                        
                                 MISCELLANEOUS
                                 -------------

  11.1  NOTICES.
        ------- 

  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other
communications shall have been duly given and shall be effective (a) when
delivered, (b) when transmitted via telecopy (or other facsimile device) to the
number set out below, (c) the Business Day following the day on which the same
has been delivered prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier
service, or (d) the third Business Day following the day on which the same is
sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, in each case to the
respective parties at the address or telecopy numbers set forth on Schedule
                                                                   --------
11.1, or at such other address as such party may specify by written notice to
- ----
the other parties hereto.

  11.2  RIGHT OF SET-OFF.
        ---------------- 

     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 and the commencement of remedies described in Section
9.2, each Supplemental Credit Lender is authorized at any time and from time to
time, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind (all of
which rights 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 Supplemental Credit Lender (including, without
limitation branches, agencies or Affiliates of such Supplemental Credit Lender
wherever located) to or for the credit or the account of any Credit Party
against obligations and liabilities of such Credit Party to the Supplemental
Credit Lenders hereunder, under the Term Loan Notes, the other 

                                       55
<PAGE>
 
Supplemental Credit Documents or otherwise, irrespective of whether the Agent or
the Supplemental Credit Lenders shall have made any demand hereunder and
although such obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them, may be
contingent or unmatured, and any such set-off shall be deemed to have been made
immediately upon the occurrence of an Event of Default even though such charge
is made or entered on the books of such Lender subsequent thereto. The Credit
Parties hereby agree that any Person purchasing a participation in the Term
Loans and the Term Loan Committed Amount hereunder pursuant to Section 11.3(c)
or 3.9 may exercise all rights of set-off with respect to its participation
interest as fully as if such Person were a Supplemental Credit Lender hereunder.

  11.3  BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT.
        -------------------- 

        (a) Generally. This Credit Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
     the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns
     of the parties hereto; provided that none of the Credit Parties may assign
                            --------
     and transfer any of its interests without the prior written consent
     of the Lenders; and provided further that the rights of each Supplemental
                         -------- -------
     Credit Lender to transfer, assign or grant participations in
     its rights and/or obligations hereunder shall be limited as set forth in
     this Section 11.3. Notwithstanding the above, nothing herein shall
     restrict, prevent or prohibit any Supplemental Credit Lender from (i)
     pledging its Term Loans hereunder to a Federal Reserve Bank in support of
     borrowings made by such Supplemental Credit Lender from such Federal
     Reserve Bank, or (ii) granting assignments or participation in such
     Supplemental Credit Lender's Term Loans and/or Term Committed Amount
     hereunder to its parent company and/or to any Affiliate of such
     Supplemental Credit Lender or to any existing Lender or Affiliate thereof.

        (b) Assignments. Each Supplemental Credit Lender may, with the prior
            -----------
     written consent of the Borrower and the Agent (provided that no consent of
     the Borrower shall be required during the existence and continuation of an
     Event of Default), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
     delayed, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations hereunder
     pursuant to an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit
                                                                      -------
     11.3 to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that (i) any such
     ----                                    --------
     assignment shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 of (A) the
     Revolving Loans and Term Loans or (B) the Revolving Committed Amount and
     Term Loan Committed Amount, and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 above
     such amount (or the remaining amount of (C) (I) the Revolving Loans and
     Term Loans or (II) the Revolving Committed Amount and Term Loan Committed
     Amount held by such Supplemental Credit Lender), (ii) each such assignment
     shall be of a constant, not varying, percentage of all of the assigning
     Supplemental Credit Lender's rights and obligations under the Term Loans
     being assigned and (iii) unless otherwise agreed to by the Borrower and the
     Agent, such Supplemental Credit Lender proposing to assign all or a portion
     of the Term Loan Committed Amount shall be required to assign to such
     Eligible Assignee or Assignees (to the extent held by such Supplemental
     Credit Lender) an identical percentage of Revolving Committed Amount of
     such Supplemental Credit Lender. Any assignment hereunder shall be
     effective upon (i) satisfaction of the conditions set forth above, (ii)
     delivery to the Agent of a duly executed assignment agreement together with
     a transfer fee of $3,500 payable to the Agent for its own account and (iii)
     the recordation of an appropriate entry with respect to such assignment in
     the Register pursuant to this Section 11.3. Upon the

                                       56
<PAGE>
 
     effectiveness of any such assignment, the assignee shall become a
     "Supplemental Credit Lender" for all purposes of this Credit Agreement and
     the other Supplemental Credit Documents and, to the extent of such
     assignment, the assigning Supplemental Credit Lender shall be relieved of
     its obligations hereunder to the extent of the Term Loans and Term Loan
     Committed Amount components being assigned. Along such lines the Borrower
     agrees that upon notice of any such assignment and surrender of the
     appropriate Term Loan Note or Term Loan Notes, it will promptly provide to
     the assigning Supplemental Credit Lender and to the assignee separate
     promissory notes in the amount of their respective interests substantially
     in the form of the original Term Loan Note or Term Loan Notes (but with
     notation thereon that it is given in substitution for and replacement of
     the original Term Loan Note or Term Notes or any replacement notes
     thereof).

     By executing and delivering an assignment agreement in accordance with this
     Section 11.3(b), the assigning Supplemental Credit Lender thereunder and
     the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each
     other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) such assigning
     Supplemental Credit Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial
     owner of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse
     claim; (ii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, such assigning
     Supplemental Credit Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes
     no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
     representations made in or in connection with this Credit Agreement, any of
     the other Supplemental Credit Documents or any other instrument or document
     furnished pursuant hereto or thereto, or the execution, legality, validity,
     enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Credit Agreement,
     any of the other Supplemental Credit Documents or any other instrument or
     document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto or the financial condition of
     any Credit Party or the performance or observance by any Credit Party of
     any of its obligations under this Credit Agreement, any of the other
     Supplemental Credit Documents or any other instrument or document furnished
     pursuant hereto or thereto; (iii) such assignee represents and warrants
     that it is legally authorized to enter into such assignment agreement; (iv)
     such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Credit
     Agreement, the other Supplemental Credit Documents and such other documents
     and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit
     analysis and decision to enter into such assignment agreement; (v) such
     assignee will independently and without reliance upon the Agent, such
     assigning Supplemental Credit Lender or any other Supplemental Credit
     Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
     appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in
     taking or not taking action under this Credit Agreement and the other
     Supplemental Credit Documents; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes
     the Agent to take such action on its behalf and to exercise such powers
     under this Credit Agreement or any other Supplemental Credit Documents as
     are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with
     such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee
     agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all the
     obligations which by the terms of this Credit Agreement and the other
     Supplemental Credit Documents are required to be performed by it as a
     Supplemental Credit Lender.

       (c) Participations. Each Supplemental Credit Lender may sell, transfer,
           --------------  
     grant or assign participations in all or any part of such Supplemental
     Credit Lender's rights, obligations or rights and obligations hereunder;
     provided that (i) such selling Supplemental Credit Lender 
     --------

                                       57
<PAGE>
 
     shall remain a "Supplemental Credit Lender" for all purposes under this
     Credit Agreement (such selling Supplemental Credit Lender's obligations
     under the Credit Documents remaining unchanged) and the participant shall
     not constitute a Supplemental Credit Lender hereunder, (ii) no such
     participant shall have, or be granted, rights to approve any amendment or
     waiver relating to this Credit Agreement, or the other Supplemental Credit
     Documents except to the extent any such amendment or waiver would (A)
     reduce the principal of or rate of interest on or fees in respect of any
     Term Loans in which the participant is participating, (B) postpone the date
     fixed for any payment of principal (including extension of the Term Loan
     Maturity Date or the date of any mandatory prepayment), interest or fees in
     which the participant is participating, or (C) release all or substantially
     all of the collateral or guaranties (except as expressly provided in the
     Supplemental Credit Documents) supporting any of the Term Loans or Term
     Loan Committed Amount in which the participant is participating, (iii) sub-
     participations by the participant (except to an Affiliate, parent company
     or Affiliate of a parent company of the participant) shall be prohibited,
     (iv) any such participations shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of
     $5,000,000 of the (A) Revolving Loans and Term Loans or (B) the Revolving
     Committed Amount and Term Loan Committed Amount, as applicable, and in
     integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (v) unless otherwise
     agreed to by the Borrower and the Agent, such selling Supplemental Credit
     Lender proposing to grant or assign a participation in Term Loans shall be
     required to grant or assign a participation to such participant, in like
     percentage, of Revolving Loan Committed Amount of such Supplemental Credit
     Lender. In the case of any such participation, the participant shall not
     have any rights under this Credit Agreement or the other Supplemental
     Credit Documents (the participant's rights against the selling Supplemental
     Credit Lender in respect of such participation to be those set forth in the
     participation agreement with such Supplemental Credit Lender creating such
     participation) and all amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder shall be
     determined as if such Supplemental Credit Lender had not sold such
     participation; provided, however, that such participant shall be entitled
                    --------                                                  
     to receive additional amounts under Section 3.15 to the same extent that
     the Supplemental Credit Lender from which such participant acquired its
     participation would be entitled to the benefit of such cost protection
     provisions.

       (d) Registration. The Agent, acting for this purpose solely on behalf of
           ------------  
     the Borrower, shall maintain a register (the "Register") for the
     recordation of the names and addresses of the Supplemental Credit Lenders
     and the principal amount of the Term Loans owing to each Supplemental
     Credit Lender from time to time. The entries in the Register shall be
     conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent
     and the Supplemental Credit Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is
     recorded in the Register as the owner of a Term Loan or other obligation
     hereunder for all purposes of this Credit Agreement and the other
     Supplemental Credit Documents, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. Any
     assignment of any Term Loan or other obligation hereunder shall be
     effective only upon appropriate entries with respect thereto being made in
     the Register. The Register shall be available for inspection by the
     Borrower or any Supplemental Credit Lender at any reasonable time and from
     time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

                                       58
<PAGE>
 
  11.4  NO WAIVER; REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.
        ------------------------------ 

  No failure or delay on the part of the Agent or any Supplemental Credit Lender
in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any other
Supplemental Credit Documents and no course of dealing between the Borrower or
any Credit Party and the Agent or any Supplemental Credit 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 Supplemental Credit Documents
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder.  The rights and remedies
provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which
the Agent or any Supplemental Credit Lender would otherwise have.  No notice to
or demand on any Credit Party in any case shall entitle any Credit Party to any
other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or
constitute a waiver of the rights of the Agent or the Supplemental Credit
Lenders to any other or further action in any circumstances without notice or
demand.

  11.5  PAYMENT OF EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.
        ------------------------------------ 

  The Credit Parties agree to:  (a) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses of (i) the Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation,
execution and delivery and administration of this Credit Agreement and the other
Supplemental Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to
therein (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of
Moore & Van Allen, special counsel to the Agent and the fees and expenses of
counsel for the Agent in connection with collateral or foreign issues), and any
amendment, waiver or consent relating hereto and thereto including, but not
limited to, any such amendments, waivers or consents resulting from or related
to any work-out, renegotiation or restructure relating to the performance by the
Credit Parties under this Credit Agreement and (ii) the Agent and the
Supplemental Credit Lenders in connection with enforcement of the Supplemental
Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to therein
(including, without limitation, in connection with any such enforcement, the
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Agent and each of the
Supplemental Credit Lenders) and (b) indemnify each Supplemental Credit Lender,
its officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents from and hold
each of them harmless against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages
or expenses incurred by any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or in any
way related to, or by reason of, any investigation, litigation or other
proceeding (whether or not any Supplemental Credit Lender is a party thereto)
related to (i) the entering into and/or performance of any Supplemental Credit
Documents or the use of proceeds of any Term Loans (including other extensions
of credit) hereunder or the consummation of any other transactions contemplated
in any Supplemental Credit Documents, including, 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 gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Person to be
indemnified), (ii) any Environmental Claim and (iii) any claims for Non-Excluded
Taxes.

  11.6  AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS AND CONSENTS.
        -------------------------------- 

  Neither this Credit Agreement, nor any other Credit Document, nor any of the
terms hereof or thereof may be amended, changed, waived, discharged or
terminated unless such amendment, change, 

                                       59
<PAGE>
 
waiver, discharge or termination is in writing and signed by the Required
Lenders and the Credit Parties; provided that no such amendment, change, waiver,
                                -------- 
discharge or termination shall

          (a) without the consent of each Lender affected thereby:

                    (i) extend the final maturity of any Term Loan, or any
          portion thereof,

                    (ii) 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) thereon or fees hereunder,

                    (iii)  reduce or waive the principal amount of any Term
          Loan,

                    (iv) increase the Commitment of a Lender over the amount
          thereof in effect (it being understood and agreed that a waiver of any
          Default or Event of Default or mandatory reduction in the Commitments
          shall not constitute a change in the terms of any Commitment of any
          Lender),

                    (v) release all or substantially all of the Collateral
          securing the Credit Party Obligations hereunder (provided that the
          Agent may, without consent from any other Lender, release any
          Collateral that is sold or transferred by a Credit Party in
          conformance with Section 8.5),

                    (vi) release the Borrower or substantially all of the other
          Credit Parties from its obligations under the Credit Documents,

                    (vii)  amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section
          or Section 3.7, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 9.1(a), 11.2,
          11.3 or 11.5,

                    (viii) reduce any percentage specified in, or otherwise
          modify, the definition of Required Lenders, or

                    (ix) consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower
          (or another Credit Party) of any of its rights and obligations under
          (or in respect of) the Credit Documents except as permitted thereby;
          and

       (b)  without the consent of Lenders holding in the aggregate more than
     50% of the Term Loans, extend the time for or the amount or the manner of
     application of proceeds of any mandatory prepayment required by Section
     3.3(b)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) hereof. No provision of Section 11 may
     be amended without the consent of the Agent.

       (c)  Notwithstanding the above, the right to deliver a Payment Blockage
     Notice (as defined in the Indenture) and the Payment Blockage Notice (as
     defined in the Second Indenture) shall reside solely with the Agent, and
     the Agent shall deliver a Payment Blockage 

                                       60
<PAGE>
 
     Notice (as defined in the Indenture) and a Payment Blockage Notice (as
     defined in the Second Indenture) only upon the direction of the Required
     Lenders.

       (d) Notwithstanding the fact that the consent of all the Lenders is
     required in certain circumstances as set forth above, (x) each Lender is
     entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy reorganization
     plan that affects the Term Loans and each Lender acknowledges that the
     provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code supersedes the
     unanimous consent provisions set forth herein and (y) the Required Lenders
     may consent to allow a Credit Party to use cash collateral in the context
     of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

  11.7  COUNTERPARTS.
        ------------ 

  This Credit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which where so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same instrument.  It shall not be necessary in
making proof of this Credit Agreement to produce or account for more than one
such counterpart.

  11.8  HEADINGS.
        -------- 

  The headings of the sections and subsections hereof are provided for
convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of
any provision of this Credit Agreement.

  11.9  DEFAULTING LENDER.
        ----------------- 

  Each Supplemental Credit Lender understands and agrees that if such
Supplemental Credit Lender is a Defaulting Lender then it shall not be entitled
to vote on any matter requiring the consent of the Required Lenders or to object
to any matter requiring the consent of all the Lenders; provided, however, that
all other benefits and obligations under the Supplemental Credit Documents shall
apply to such Defaulting Lender.

  11.10  SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION AND REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
         -------------------------------------------------------------- 

  All indemnities set forth herein and all representations and warranties made
herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Credit Agreement, the
making of the Term Loans, the repayment of the Term Loans and other obligations
and the termination of the Term Loan Committed Amount hereunder.

  11.11  GOVERNING LAW; VENUE.
         -------------------- 

          (a) THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT DOCUMENTS
     AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER
     SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
     LAWS OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. Any legal action or proceeding with respect
     to this Credit Agreement or any other Credit 

                                       61
<PAGE>
 
     Document may be brought in the courts of the State of North Carolina or the
     State of Tennessee or of the United States for the Western District of
     North Carolina or the Eastern District of Tennessee, and, by execution and
     delivery of this Credit Agreement, each Credit Party hereby irrevocably
     accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and
     unconditionally, the jurisdiction of such courts. Each Credit Party 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 it at
     the address for notices pursuant to Section 11.1, such service to become
     effective 30 days after such mailing. Nothing herein shall affect the right
     of a Lender to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to
     commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against a Credit Party
     in any other jurisdiction.

       (b) Each Credit Party 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 Credit
     Agreement or any other Supplemental Credit Documents brought in the courts
     referred to in subsection (a) hereof 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.

  11.12  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
         -------------------- 

  EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

  11.13  TIME.
         ---- 

  All references to time herein shall be references to Eastern Standard Time or
Eastern Daylight Time, as the case may be, unless specified otherwise.

  11.14  SEVERABILITY.
         ------------ 

  If any provision of any of the Supplemental Credit Documents is determined to
be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable
and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be
construed without giving effect  to the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provisions.

  11.15  ENTIRETY.
         -------- 

  This Credit Agreement together with the other Supplemental Credit Documents
represent the entire agreement of the parties hereto and thereto, and supersede
all prior agreements and 

                                       62
<PAGE>
 
understandings, oral or written, if any, including any commitment letters or
correspondence relating to the Supplemental Credit Documents or the transactions
contemplated herein and therein.

11.16  BINDING EFFECT; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT
       ----------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREEMENT; FURTHER ASSURANCES.
- ----------------------------- 

  This Credit Agreement shall become effective at such time when all of the
conditions set forth in Section 5.1 of the New Credit Agreement have been
satisfied or waived by the Lenders and it shall have been executed by the
Borrower, the Guarantors and the Agent, and the Agent shall have received copies
hereof (telefaxed or otherwise) which, when taken together, bear the signatures
of each Supplemental Credit Lender, and thereafter this Credit Agreement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Guarantors, the
Agent and each Supplemental Credit Lender and their respective successors and
assigns.  The Credit Parties and the Supplemental Credit Lenders each hereby
agrees that, at such time as this Credit Agreement shall have become effective
pursuant to the terms of the immediately preceding sentence, (a) the Existing
Supplemental Credit Agreement automatically shall be deemed amended and restated
in its entirety by this Credit Agreement, and all obligations and
indemnifications outstanding under the Existing Supplemental Credit Agreement
shall be governed by the terms of this Credit Agreement (as such obligations or
commitments may be modified or amended hereunder), and (b) all of the promissory
notes executed by the Borrower in connection with the Existing Supplemental
Credit Agreement automatically shall be substituted and replaced by the amended
and restated promissory notes executed in connection with this Credit Agreement.
The Borrower further agrees, upon the request of the Agent and/or the Required
Lenders, to promptly take such actions, as reasonably requested, as are
appropriate to carry out the intent of this Credit Agreement and the other
Credit Documents, including, but not limited to, such actions as are reasonably
necessary to ensure that the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has a
perfected security interest in all Collateral securing the Credit Party
Obligations, subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens.

                                       63
<PAGE>
 
  Each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of this Credit Agreement
to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

BORROWER:
- -------- 
                                    CHATTEM, INC.,
                                    a Tennessee corporation


                                    By: /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                        --------------------------
                                    Name: A. Alexander Taylor II
                                          ------------------------
                                    Title: President
                                          ------------------------

GUARANTOR:                          SIGNAL INVESTMENT & MANAGEMENT CO.,
- ---------                           a Delaware corporation
               
  

                                    By: /s/ A. Alexander Taylor II
                                        --------------------------
                                    Name: A. Alexander Taylor II
                                          ------------------------
                                    Title: President
                                          ------------------------
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CREDIT
- -------------------
LENDERS:
- ------- 

                                    NATIONSBANK, N.A.,
                                    individually in its capacity as a
                                    Supplemental Credit Lender and
                                    in its capacity as Agent


                                    By: /s/ Lawrence M. Richey
                                        --------------------------

                                    Name: Lawrence M. Richey
                                          ------------------------ 

                                    Title: Senior Vice President 
                                           -----------------------
                                    [signatures of other lenders]


                                      S-2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 99.1

                     CHATTEM, INC. COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF
                     THOMPSON MEDICAL COMPANY, INC. BRANDS


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 22, 1998

Files $250 Million Shelf Registration

     CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Dec. 22, 1998-Chattem, Inc.
                                                                   
(Nasdaq:CHTT-news), a Chattanooga, Tennessee based manufacturer of health and
        ---- ----                                                            
skin care products and the Sunsource line of dietary supplements, today
announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the
DEXATRIM, SPORTSCREME, ASPERCREME, CAPZASIN-P, CAPZASIN-HP and ARTHRITIS HOT
brands from Thompson Medical Company, Inc.  The purchase price consisted of $90
million cash and 125,500 shares of Chattem common stock.  The cash portion of
the purchase price was financed by a senior credit facility led by Bank of
America.

     As previously disclosed, Chattem expects the acquired brands to add
approximately $.65 in earnings per share and $55 million in revenues on an
annual basis.

     Separately, Chattem announced that it has filed a shelf registration with
the Securities and Exchange Commission for $250 million of debt and equity
securities.  The Company stated that the shelf filing will allow it to access
the capital markets on a more immediate basis to fund internal growth and
acquisitions, and strengthen its balance sheet.

     Nothing in this announcement is to be construed as an offer by the Company
to sell securities.  Any offer or sale of the Company's securities may be only
by means of a prospectus.

     All forward-looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties
detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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