GRUBB & ELLIS CO
10-Q, 1997-05-15
REAL ESTATE AGENTS & MANAGERS (FOR OTHERS)
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<PAGE>

                                      FORM 10-Q
                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                Washington, D.C. 20549


/X/              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                         THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended         March 31, 1997  
                                    ----------------------

                                          OR

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

For the transition period from __________________ to ___________________ 

                      Commission File Number:     1-8122       
                                                -----------

                                   GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY                  
                (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


                 Delaware                               94-1424307       
    (State or Other Jurisdication of                (I.R.S. Employer
     Incorporation or Organization)                Identification No.)

                            2215 Sanders Road, 4th Floor,
                                Northbrook, IL  60062
                          ----------------------------------
                       (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
                                      (Zip Code)

                                    (847) 753-9010          
                                 --------------------
                 (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

                                      No Change
                                 --------------------
           (Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed
                                  Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X    No 
                                       -----     -----

                                      19,499,568
                                 --------------------
                  (Number of Shares Outstanding of the Registrant's
                             Common Stock at May 1, 1997)


                                          1

<PAGE>

                                        PART I




                                FINANCIAL INFORMATION


                                          2

<PAGE>

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
                 (in thousands, except per share amounts and shares)
                                     (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                 For the Three Months        For the Nine Months
                                                                     Ended March 31,            Ended March 31,
                                                            --------------------------    -------------------------

                                                                1997            1996           1997          1996
                                                                ----            ----           ----          ----
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>        
Revenue:
    Commercial real estate brokerage commissions             $  38,993     $   28,615     $  138,294     $  117,630
    Real estate services fees, commissions and other             9,600          8,318         30,260         27,046
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
    Total revenue                                               48,593         36,933        168,554        144,676
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

  Costs and Expenses:
    Real estate brokerage and other commissions                 23,302         17,467         84,455         71,081
    Selling, general and administrative                         10,575         11,058         32,863         33,671
    Salaries and wages                                          14,493         12,418         41,103         36,273
    Depreciation and amortization                                  777            674          2,429          1,847
    Special charges and unusual items                            1,097           (110)         1,997            (34)
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
    Total costs and expenses                                    50,244         41,507        162,847        142,838
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
      Total operating income (loss)                             (1,651)        (4,574)         5,707          1,838
Other income and expenses:
    Interest income                                                287            226            638            582
    Other income, net                                               32             15            158            804
    Interest expense to  related parties                          (106)          (777)        (1,431)        (2,248)
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
      Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary 
       item                                                     (1,438)        (5,110)         5,072            976

Provision for income taxes                                         (28)            (6)           (95)          (164)
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item                         (1,466)        (5,116)         4,977            812

Extraordinary item - gain on extinguishment of debt              2,000              -          5,576              -
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

    Net income (loss)                                           $  534      $  (5,116)     $  10,553         $  812
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

</TABLE>
 
              See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          3

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
              Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Continued
                 (in thousands, except per share amounts and shares)
                                     (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   For the Three Months           For the Nine Months
                                                       Ended March 31,               Ended March 31,
                                                --------------------------     ---------------------------
                                                   1997            1996           1997          1996
                                                   ----            ----           ----          ----
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Net income (loss)applicable to
      common stockholders net of
      undeclared dividends earned
      on preferred stock                             $   534        $(5,887)       $ 9,122      $  (1,405)
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

Net income (loss) per common
 share and equivalents:
    Primary -
          -from operations                           $  (.07)       $  (.66)        $  .26      $    (.16)
          -from extraordinary gain                       .10              -            .37              -
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                     $   .03        $  (.66)        $  .63      $    (.16)
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

    Weighted average common
     shares and equivalents
     outstanding                                  19,963,770      8,883,970     15,150,338      8,861,519
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------

    Fully diluted -
    - from operations                                $  (.07)        $ (.66)        $  .26        $  (.16)
    - from extraordinary gain                            .10              -            .30              -
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                     $   .03        $  (.66)       $   .56      $    (.16)
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------


    Weighted average common
     shares and equivalents
     outstanding                                  20,162,084      8,883,970     18,787,134      8,861,519
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------


</TABLE>


              See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                       4

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                    (in thousands)

                                        ASSETS
                                     (unaudited)

                                              March 31,       June 30,
                                                1997            1996  
                                                ----            ----  
Current Assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                  $  13,106      $  13,547
   Real estate brokerage
      commissions receivable                      1,696            206
   Real estate services fees and
      other commissions receivable                3,805          3,172
   Other receivables                              3,417          4,326
   Prepaids and other current assets              1,009          1,484
                                              ---------      ---------
         Total current assets                    23,033         22,735

Noncurrent Assets:
   Real estate investments held
      for sale and real estate owned                357            537
   Equipment and leasehold
      improvements, net                           5,206          5,194
   Other assets                                   1,837          1,192
                                              ---------      ---------
         Total assets                         $  30,433      $  29,658
                                              ---------      ---------
                                              ---------      ---------


              See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          5

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, continued
                 (in thousands, except per share amounts and shares)
                                     (unaudited)

                                                         March 31,    June 30,
                                                          1997          1996
                                                          ----          ----
LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                     $   336      $1,652
     Compensation and employee benefits 
       payable                                              5,140       5,581
     Accrued severance obligations                          1,082          98
     Accrued office closure costs                           1,161         623
     Accrued claims and settlements                         1,218       1,779
     Other accrued expenses                                 4,439       6,717
                                                        ---------   ---------
             Total current liabilities                     13,376      16,450

Long-Term Liabilities:
          Long-term debt to related party                       -      27,514
          Accrued claims and settlements                   11,113      11,804
          Accrued office closure costs                        449         960
          Other                                               899         405
                                                        ---------   ---------
             Total liabilities                             25,837      57,133
                                                        ---------   ---------

          STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Preferred stock, $.01 par value:
          1,000,000 shares authorized; 137,160 shares
          of 12% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock
          and 150,000 shares of 5% Junior Convertible
          Preferred Stock outstanding at June 30, 1996          -      32,143
Common stock, $.01 par value:
          25,000,000 shares authorized;
          19,499,568, 8,916,415, and 8,894,688
          shares issued and outstanding at
          March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1996,
          respectively                                        196          90
Additional paid-in capital                                110,709      57,154
Retained deficit                                         (106,309)   (116,862)
                                                        ---------   ---------
          Total stockholders' equity (deficit)              4,596     (27,475)
                                                        ---------   ---------
               Total liabilities and 
               stockholders' equity (deficit)           $  30,433   $  29,658
                                                        ---------   ---------
                                                        ---------   ---------

              See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          6

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                              (unaudited - in thousands)


                                                           For the Nine Months
                                                             Ended March 31,
                                                        ----------------------
                                                          1997         1996
                                                          ----         ----
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

   Net income                                           $  10,553       $  812
   Extraordinary item - gain on extinguishment of
     debt                                                  (5,576)           -
   Other adjustments to reconcile net income to
     net cash provided by (used in) operating
     activities                                            (2,268)      (3,036)
                                                       ----------   ----------
     Net cash provided by (used in) operating
       activities                                           2,709       (2,224)
                                                       ----------   ----------
                    
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

   Proceeds from disposition and distributions
     from  real estate joint ventures and real
     estate owned                                             481        1,227
   Purchases of equipment and leasehold
     improvements                                          (1,852)      (1,508)
                                                       ----------   ----------
     Net cash used in investing activities                 (1,371)        (281)
                                                       ----------   ----------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
   
   Proceeds from borrowing                                      -          400
   Repayment of notes payable                                 (29)        (112)
   Repayment of long-term debt to related party           (23,000)           -
   Issuance of common stock                                21,250            -
                                                       ----------   ----------
   Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (1,779)         288
                                                       ----------   ----------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                    (441)      (2,217)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period           13,547       11,406
                                                       ----------   ----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              $  13,106     $  9,189
                                                       ----------   ----------
                                                       ----------   ----------

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

   Cash paid during the period for:
      Interest                                           $  1,466     $  1,319
      Income taxes                                            126          959



              See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          7

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   INTERIM PERIOD REPORTING

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
     include the accounts of Grubb & Ellis Company, its wholly and majority  
     owned and controlled subsidiaries and controlled partnerships (the  
     "Company"). The Company consolidates Axiom Real Estate Management, Inc.
     ("Axiom"), which provides property management, facilities management and 
     related services. In January 1996, the Company acquired the minority 
     interest in Axiom increasing its ownership from 74% to 100%.  Prior to 
     the acquisition, the related minority interest in operating results has 
     been included in "Other income, net" on the Condensed Consolidated 
     Statements of Operations through the date it was acquired.

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are
     prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
     interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and
     Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the
     information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
     principles for complete financial statements and therefore, should be read
     in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by
     Amendment No. 1 thereto on Form 10-K/A, for the year ended June 30, 1996,
     and footnotes thereto.
     
     In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal
     recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been
     included.  Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to
     conform to the current presentation.  
     
     Operating results for the three months or nine months ended March 31, 1997
     are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for
     future periods.


                                          8

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

2.   INCOME TAXES

     The Company's tax provision is attributable to state and local income taxes
     assessed on profitable subsidiaries of the Company.  Additionally, the
     provision for income taxes for the nine months ended March 31, 1996
     included federal income taxes related solely to Axiom which filed on a
     separate company basis for tax purposes through the tax year ended December
     31, 1995.

3.   FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

     SALE AGREEMENT - LONG-TERM DEBT -
     
     On October 21, 1996, Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P. ("Warburg") and The
     Prudential Insurance Company of America ("Prudential") entered into an
     agreement (the "Sale Agreement") pursuant to which Warburg acquired from
     Prudential all of the outstanding debt, common stock warrants, and
     substantially all of the Junior Convertible Preferred Stock held by
     Prudential in the Company (together, the "Prudential Securities"), for $23
     million plus accrued but unpaid interest on the debt.  The closing occurred
     on October 22, 1996.  Concurrently, Warburg granted the Company an option,
     (the "Option") until April 16, 1997, to acquire all of the Prudential
     Securities which Warburg acquired from Prudential, at Warburg's cost, plus
     interest.
     
     The Prudential Securities included:  (a) $5 million Revolving Credit Note
     due November 1, 1999; (b) $10 million 9.9% Senior Notes due in equal
     installments on November 1, 1997 and 1998; (c) $10.9 million 10.65%
     Subordinated Payment-In-Kind Note due November 1, 2001; (d) $2.2 million
     11.65% Subordinated Payment-In-Kind Notes, due November 1, 2001 (the "PIK
     Notes"); (e) 130,233 shares of Junior Convertible Preferred Stock; and (f)
     stock subscription warrants to subscribe for 350,000 shares of common
     stock.
     
     Pursuant to the Sale Agreement, Prudential agreed that in the event that
     Warburg converted its Senior Convertible Preferred Stock to common stock,
     Prudential would convert its remaining Junior Convertible Preferred Stock
     to common stock as well.  As of the date of the Sale Agreement, Prudential
     continued to hold 397,549 shares of common stock and 19,767 shares of
     Junior Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into 352,447 shares of
     common stock.


                                          9

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     
3.   FINANCING TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

     While the Option remained unexercised during the Option period, no interest
     or dividends accrued or were due or payable on the Prudential Securities;
     however, the Company was obligated to pay Warburg interest at an initial
     rate of 10% per annum, increasing to 12% per annum as of February 1, 1997,
     on Warburg's $23 million investment in the Prudential Securities.  In
     consideration of receipt of the Option, the Company agreed to extend the
     expiration date of warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,012,358 shares of
     common stock of the Company, then held by Warburg, to January 29, 2002.

     EQUITY INVESTMENTS -
     
     On December 11, 1996, the Company sold 2.5 million shares of its common
     stock for $10 million to the principals of the Kojaian Companies,
     Southfield, Michigan.  The $10 million was used to purchase from Warburg,
     and then retire, all of the outstanding PIK Notes (approximately $13.5
     million principal amount) and 130,233 shares of Junior Convertible
     Preferred Stock (convertible into approximately 2.3 million shares of
     common stock).  The repurchase of the PIK Notes resulted in a $3.6 million
     extraordinary gain on the extinguishment of debt for the quarter ended
     December 31, 1996.  There were no income taxes recorded with respect to the
     extraordinary gain due to the Company's available net operating loss
     carryforward.  Concurrently, Warburg and Joe F. Hanauer converted
     all of the Senior Convertible Preferred Stock held by them into an
     aggregate of 5,168,177 shares of common stock, and Mr. Hanauer agreed to
     cancel certain warrants held by him.  In connection with these
     transactions, Warburg retained warrants to purchase an aggregate of 325,000
     shares of common stock and Joe F. Hanauer received warrants to purchase an
     aggregate of 25,000 shares of common stock, which Warburg acquired from
     Prudential.  At the same time, Warburg granted the Company a second option
     (the "Second Option") to purchase the 9.9% Senior Notes and Revolving
     Credit Note held by Warburg until April 16, 1997 for $13 million, plus
     interest, and the Option was cancelled. Pursuant to the Sale Agreement,
     Prudential converted all of its remaining shares of Junior Convertible
     Preferred Stock into an aggregate of 352,447 shares of common stock.


     On January 24, 1997, the Company sold 2.5 million shares of its common
     stock for $11.25 million to Archon Group, L.P., a majority owned subsidiary
     of the international investment bank, Goldman, Sachs & Co.  The $11.25
     million, together with existing cash, was used to exercise


                                          10

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     
3.   FINANCING TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
     
     the Second Option and purchase from Warburg, and then retire, the $10
     million of outstanding 9.9% Senior Notes and $5 million Revolving Credit
     Note, at a price equal to $13 million plus accrued interest of
     approximately $96,000.  The purchase of these notes resulted in a $2
     million extraordinary gain on the extinguishment of debt for the quarter
     ended March 31, 1997.  There were no income taxes recorded with respect to
     the extraordinary gain due to the Company's available net operating loss
     carryforward.
     
     As a result of the above mentioned transactions, all shares of Senior and
     Junior Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company were either converted to
     common stock or retired as of December 31, 1996, extinguishing accrued and
     unpaid dividends on such stock. Additionally, all long-term debt was
     eliminated as of January 27, 1997.
     
4.   REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
     
     On March 13, 1997 the Company entered into a $15 million revolving credit
     facility (the "Credit Agreement") with PNC Bank, National Association
     ("PNC") for general corporate purposes and acquisitions.  The Credit
     Agreement expires on March 13, 2001.  Currently, the Company has no
     outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  
     
     Interest on outstanding borrowings will be due quarterly in arrears and 
     is based upon PNC's prime rate and/or the LIBOR rate plus, in either 
     case, an additional margin based upon a particular financial ratio of 
     the Company, and will vary depending upon which interest rate options 
     the Company chooses to be applied to specific borrowings.  In connection 
     with the Credit Agreement, the Company incurred commitment and other 
     financing fees totaling $213,000, which will be amortized over the term 
     of the Credit Agreement.  Performance of the Company's obligations under 
     the Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the Company's 
     assets.  The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants, 
     including the prohibition of the payment of dividends, restrictions on 
     the issuance of certain types of preferred stock, and the maintenance of 
     certain financial ratios.

5.   NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE AND EQUIVALENTS

     Net income (loss) per common share and equivalents computations are based
     on the weighted average number of common shares and equivalents
     outstanding. Common equivalent shares from stock options and warrants are
     excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive.


                                          11

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     
5.   NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE AND EQUIVALENTS (CONTINUED)
     
     The calculation of net income (loss) per common share and equivalents
     includes net income (loss), adjusted for amounts applicable to the Senior
     and Junior Convertible Preferred Stock related to undeclared dividends
     earned as shown below (in thousands).  Since all of the preferred stock was
     either retired or converted to common stock during December, 1996 (see Note
     3), undeclared dividends were only calculated through the date of
     conversion or retirement.

                             For the                  For the
                      Three Months Ended         Nine Months Ended
                            March 31,               March 31,
                      ------------------       ------------------
                        1997        1996        1997         1996
                      --------    --------    --------     --------

Senior Convertible
  Preferred Stock        $  -       $  557     $  1,032    $  1,589

Junior Convertible
  Preferred Stock           -          214          -           628
                      --------    --------     --------    --------
Total undeclared
  dividends               $  -      $  771     $  1,032    $  2,217
                      --------    --------     --------    --------
                      --------    --------     --------    --------


                                          12

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
     
5.   NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE AND EQUIVALENTS (CONTINUED)
     
     PRO FORMA INFORMATION -

     The information presented below presents the pro forma impact to net income
     (loss) per common share and equivalents assuming (a) the equity investments
     of $10 million in December 1996 and $11.25 million in January 1997
     described in Note 3 above were made at the beginning of the respective
     periods, then concurrently (b) all outstanding long-term debt to Prudential
     was immediately retired and (c) all outstanding Senior and Junior
     Convertible Preferred Stock was also immediately retired or converted into
     common stock.  
     

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                For the Three Months           For the Nine Months
                                                   Ended March 31,               Ended March 31,
                                            -----------------------------  -------------------------
                                                1997           1996            1997           1996
                                                ----           ----            ----           ----
<S>                                        <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>       
Net income (loss) applicable
   to common stockholders                        $  534      $  (5,887)      $  9,122      $  (1,405)
Add pro forma adjustments -
   Dividends applicable to
     preferred stock                                  -            771          1,431          2,217
   Interest expense to
     related parties                                106            777          1,431          2,248
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------
Pro forma net income (loss)
   applicable to common stockholders             $  640        $(4,339)       $11,984       $  3,060
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Pro forma weighted average
   common shares and
   equivalents outstanding                   20,630,437     19,404,594     20,219,393     19,343,886
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Pro forma net income (loss)
   per common share(A):
   From operations                              $  (.07)       $  (.22)        $  .32         $  .16
   From extraordinary gain                          .10              -            .27              -
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                 $  .03        $  (.22)        $  .59           $.16
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                           ------------     ----------     ----------     ----------

</TABLE>
 
(A)  The primary and fully diluted pro forma net income (loss) per common share
     calculations are the same within each period presented, except for the nine
     months ended March 31, 1997.  Fully diluted pro forma net income per share
     for this period totalled $.58 per share, and was comprised of $.31 per
     share from operations and $.27 per share from extraordinary gain.

          The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results
          of the Company had such transactions occurred on the dates discussed
          above, nor does such information purport to represent the expected
          result for future periods.


                                          13

<PAGE>

                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6.   IMPACT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued 
     Statement No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which is required to be adopted 
     for periods ending after  December 15, 1997.  At that time, the Company 
     will be required to change the method currently used to compute earnings 
     per share and to restate all prior periods.  Under the new requirements 
     for calculating primary earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock 
     options and other common stock equivalents will be excluded.  The impact 
     is expected to result in primary earnings per share for the quarter and 
     nine months ended March 31, 1997 of $.03 and $.72 per share, respectively.
     The impact of Statement No. 128 on the calculation of fully diluted
     earnings per share for these quarters is not expected to be material.

7.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     The Company has guaranteed, in the aggregate amount of $4 million, the
     contingent liabilities of one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries with respect
     to two limited partnerships in which the subsidiary formerly acted as
     general partner.
     
     The Company is involved in various claims and lawsuits arising out of the
     conduct of its business, as well as in connection with its participation in
     various joint ventures, partnerships, and a trust, many of which may not be
     covered by the Company's insurance policies.  In the opinion of management,
     the eventual outcome of such claims and lawsuits is not expected to have a
     material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
     operations.

     The Company previously disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as
     amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto on Form 10-K/A for the year ended June
     30, 1996, information concerning a lawsuit entitled JOHSZ ET AL. V. KOLL
     COMPANY, ET AL., and a related lawsuit entitled YOUNKIN, MAIONA, ET AL. V.
     KOLL COMPANY, ET AL. and a class action lawsuit, JOHN W. MATTHEWS, ET AL.
     V. KIDDER, PEABODY & CO., ET AL. AND HSM INC., ET AL.  Since such report,
     there has been no material change with respect to these matters.


                                          14

<PAGE>

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
          CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not 
historical fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of 
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are 
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those listed from 
time to time in the Company's SEC Reports, including the Report on Form 10-K 
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 


REVENUE


The Company's revenue is derived principally from commercial brokerage
activities.  Property and asset management, mortgage brokerage, appraisal and
consulting fees provide substantially all of the remaining revenue.

The Company has historically experienced its lowest quarterly revenue in the
quarter ending March 31 of each year with historically higher revenue in the
quarters ending June 30, September 30, and December 31, due to increased
activity caused by the desire of clients to complete transactions by calendar
year-end.  Revenue in any given quarter during the three fiscal year period
ended June 30, 1996, as a percentage of total annual revenue, ranged from a high
of 31.2% to a low of 19.0%, as adjusted to eliminate the effect of operations
sold or closed.  Additionally, the Company operates in an industry that may be
affected by various economic conditions, such as interest rates, and tax and
environmental laws. 

For the nine months ended March 31, 1997, total revenue of $168.6   million
increased by $23.9 million, or 16.5%, compared to the same period last year. 
Commercial brokerage revenue increased $20.7   million, or 17.6%, over the
comparable fiscal year 1996 period, reflecting healthier market conditions
overall, as well as inroads the Company has been making to expand market share
in specific locations across the country.  Other real estate services fees of
$30.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1997 increased by $3.2
million, or 11.9%, as a result of increased activity in appraisal and consulting
services and property management.

Total revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 was $48.6 million, an
increase of 31.6% over revenue of $36.9 million for the same period last year. 
Commercial brokerage revenue increased $10.4 million or 36.3% over the
comparable fiscal year 1996 period.  Other real estate service fees of $9.6
million increased $1.3   million, or 15.4%, over the prior year period as
described above.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Real estate brokerage and other commission expense (salespersons' participation)
is the Company's major expense and is a direct 


                                          15

<PAGE>

function of gross brokerage commission revenue levels.  As a percentage of total
commercial real estate brokerage commission revenue, commercial brokerage
salespersons' participation expense increased for the first nine months and
decreased for the third quarter of fiscal year 1997 by 12 and 119 basis points,
respectively, over the comparable periods in fiscal year 1996.  The decrease in
the third quarter participation expense percentage was primarily related to
higher revenues earned by employee salespersons, whose participation expense is
effectively fixed during the first part of the calendar year until their sales
production levels exceed certain thresholds.

Total costs and expenses, other than real estate brokerage commission expense
and special charges and unusual items, increased by $4.6 million, or 6.4%, for
the first nine months of fiscal year 1997 compared to the same period in fiscal
year 1996.  The increase in costs and expenses was primarily attributable to the
$4.8 million increase in salary and wages.  Approximately one-half of this
increase was due to changes in reserves related to partially self-insured
employee benefit programs.  The balance of the increase was due to (a) the
hiring costs and salaries related to additional senior level executives for the
Institutional Services and Corporate Services groups of the commercial brokerage
operations, (b) increased salary cost, as opposed to participation expense, due
to guarantees provided to commercial brokerage office District and Sales
Managers in their initial year of service and (c) the impact of normal annual
salary increases.

Total costs and expenses, other than real estate brokerage commission expense
and special charges and unusual items, for the quarter ended March 31, 1997
increased by $1.7 million, or 7.0%, compared to the same quarter in fiscal year
1996 due primarily to the higher salary costs described above.

Special charges and unusual items reflect a net charge of $2.0 million and $1.1
million, respectively, for the nine and three month periods ended March 31,
1997.  These amounts included a $2.1 million charge for incremental
non-recurring costs related to the relocation of the Company's corporate
headquarters from San Francisco, California to Northbrook, Illinois.  The
Company estimates that an additional $400,000 charge will be incurred in the
quarter ending June 30, 1997, for similar costs related to the relocation.

As of March 31, 1997, the Company had current accrued severance and office
closure costs of approximately $2.2 million, of which $1.1 million of accrued
severance costs and $937,000 of accrued office closure costs, net of expected
sublease income, are expected to be paid in cash.  All of the $449,000 of
long-term accrued office closure costs, net of expected sublease income, are
expected to be paid in cash over the next five years.

NET INCOME

The net income of $10.6 million, or $.63 per common share, for the nine months
ended March 31, 1997 compared favorably to the net 


                                          16

<PAGE>

income of $812,000, or net loss of $(.16) per common share (reflecting an
adjustment for undeclared dividends related to the Senior and Junior Convertible
Preferred Stock), for the same period in fiscal year 1996.  The increase over
the prior year's performance was related to the $5.6 million extraordinary gain
on the extinguishment of debt in connection with the financing transactions
described above in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, a
decrease in interest expense to related parties of $817,000 and higher earnings
from commercial brokerage activities.  These improvements were offset by $2.0
million more in special charges and unusual items, primarily related to the
relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters, and $646,000 less in other
income.

The net income of $534,000 or $.03 per common share for the quarter ended March
31, 1997 compared favorably to the net loss of $5.1 million or $(.66) per common
share for the same period in fiscal year 1996.  The increase over the prior
year's performance was related to the $2.0 million extraordinary gain on the
extinguishment of debt and higher earnings from commercial brokerage activities,
offset by higher special charges and unusual items, primarily related to the
relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Working capital increased by $3.4 million to $9.7 million during the nine months
ended March 31, 1997 as the Company reduced its outstanding current liabilities
by $3.1 million. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $441,000 from June
30,1996 to March 31, 1997.  Cash provided by operations of $2.7 million was
offset by net cash of $1.4 million used in investing activities, primarily for
purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements.  In addition, the Company
raised $21.25 million from the issuance of common stock and used these proceeds
along with existing cash to retire all of its outstanding long-term debt and 
130,233 shares of Junior Convertible Preferred Stock for a
total of $23 million. 

The Company has historically experienced the highest use of operating cash in
the quarter ended March 31, primarily related to the payment of incentive and
deferred commission payable balances which attain peak levels as a result of
business activity levels during the quarter ended December 31. Historically,
higher revenue is received in the subsequent quarters, increasing the amount of
funds available to the Company to meet its operating cash requirements.

The Company believes that its short-term and long-term cash requirements will be
met by operating cash flow.  Significant progress has been made over the nine
month period ended March 31, 1997 towards improving the Company's financial
condition. During this period the Company sold 5.0 million shares of its common
stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $21.25 million, retired all of the
outstanding PIK Notes (approximately $13.5 million principal amount), 9.9%
Senior Notes ($10 million principal 


                                          17

<PAGE>

amount) and the $5 million Revolving Credit Note. As of January 27, 1997, the
Company had no outstanding long-term debt.  Additionally, the Company retired
130,233 shares of Junior Convertible Preferred Stock (convertible into
approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock) and all outstanding shares of
Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, and all remaining shares of Junior
Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into an aggregate 5,520,624 shares of
common stock.

On March 13, 1997 the Company entered into a $15 million revolving credit 
facility (the "Credit Agreement") with PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC") 
for general corporate purposes and acquisitions.  The Credit Agreement 
expires on March 13, 2001.  Currently, the Company has no outstanding 
borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  Interest on outstanding borrowings 
will be due quarterly in arrears and is based upon PNC's prime rate and/or 
the LIBOR rate plus, in either case, an additional margin based upon a 
particular financial ratio of the Company, and will vary depending upon which 
interest rate options the Company chooses to be applied to specific 
borrowings.  In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company incurred 
commitment and other financing fees totaling $213,000, which will be 
amortized over the term of the Credit Agreement. Performance of the Company's 
obligations under the Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the 
Company's assets.  The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive 
covenants, including the prohibition of the payment of dividends, 
restrictions on the issuance of certain types of preferred stock, and the 
maintenance of certain financial ratios.  See Part II, Item 2(b) for 
additional information.

For discussion regarding certain financing transactions, see Notes 3 and 4 to
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.

To the extent that the Company's cash requirements are not met by operating
cash flow or borrowings under the Credit Agreement, due to adverse economic
conditions or other unfavorable events, the Company may find it necessary to
reduce expense levels or undertake other actions as may be appropriate.

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 128, Earnings Per Share, which is required to be adopted for periods
ending after  December 15, 1997.  At that time, the Company will be
required to change the method currently used to compute earnings per share
and to restate all prior periods.  Under the new requirements for
calculating primary earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock
options and other common stock equivalents will be excluded.  The impact 
is expected to result in primary earnings per share for the quarter and nine 
months ended March 31, 1997 of $.03 and $.72 per share, respectively.
The impact of Statement No. 128 on the calculation of fully diluted earnings
per share for these quarters is not expected to be material.

                                          18

<PAGE>

                                       PART II




                                  OTHER INFORMATION

                       (Items 1, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable
                        for the quarter ended March 31, 1997)


                                          19

<PAGE>

ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES

     (b)  Effective March 13, 1997, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement
(the "Credit Agreement")  with PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC"), providing
for a $15 million revolving credit facility.  The facility had not been utilized
at the date of this Report.   The term of the Credit Agreement extends until
March 13, 2001.  As security for the facility, PNC has a security interest in
the majority of the assets of the Company and its primary subsidiaries. In
addition, the material subsidiaries of the Company have guaranteed repayment of
any amounts borrowed under the facility.  Pursuant to the provisions of the
Credit Agreement, the Company is prohibited from the payment of dividends with
respect to its capital stock, and from the issuance of preferred stock unless
the stock is unredeemable and not subject to any rights with respect to
non-payment of dividends other than a right to cumulative dividends prior to the
payment of dividends on the common stock.  In addition,  the consent of PNC is
required prior to the amendment of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of
the Company.  There are also restrictions on indebtedness, liens, guarantees,
loans, investments, acquisitions, and dispositions of assets.  The financial
covenants of the Credit Agreement include maintaining a ratio of indebtedness to
annual cash flow from operations of no more than 3.00, 2.75 and 2.50 to 1.00 at
the end of each fiscal quarter during each of the periods from March 31, 1997 to
December 31, 1998; March 31, 1999 to December 31, 1999; and March 31, 2000
through December 31, 2000, respectively. 

     (c)  Sales of Unregistered Securities during the three month period ended
March 31, 1997:

     Each of the following transactions was consummated in reliance on Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in that they did not involve a
public offering or sale of the Company's securities. Neither of the sales was
underwritten.

     On January 24, 1997, the Company sold 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock to
Archon Group, L.P. for a purchase price of $4.50 per share, or $11,250,000 in
the aggregate.  The purchase price was paid in cash.

     On March 26, 1997, the Company issued to Alvin L. Swanson, Jr. 36,345
shares of Common Stock as a result of exercise of stock appreciation
rights by Mr. Swanson, which were granted pursuant to the employment agreement
dated as of May 20, 1992 by and between the Company and Mr. Swanson, as amended.

ITEM 6(A).     EXHIBITS

     (3)    ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

     3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as restated
            effective November 1, 1994, incorporated 


                                          20

<PAGE>

            herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report
            on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-8122).
            
     3.2    Grubb & Ellis Company Bylaws, as amended and restated effective June
            1, 1994, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
            Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 13,
            1996 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     3.3    Certificate of Retirement with Respect to 130,233 Shares of Junior
            Convertible Preferred Stock of Grubb & Ellis Company, filed with the
            Delaware Secretary of State on January 22, 1997, incorporated herein
            by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
            Form 10-Q filed on February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).
            
     3.4    Certificate of Retirement with Respect to 8,894 Shares of Series A
            Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, 128,266 Shares of Series B
            Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, and 19,767 Shares of Junior
            Convertible Preferred Stock of Grubb & Ellis Company, filed with the
            Delaware Secretary of State on January 22, 1997, incorporated herein
            by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
            Form 10-Q filed on February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     (4)    INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING
            INDENTURES

     4.1    First Amendment to Warrant No. 18, held by Warburg, Pincus
            Investors, L.P., exercisable for 687,358 shares of common stock of
            the Registrant extending the expiration date to January 29, 2002,
            incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's
            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 13, 1996 (Commission
            File No. 1-8122).

     4.2    First Amendment to Warrant No. 19, held by Warburg, Pincus
            Investors, L.P., exercisable for 325,000 shares of common stock of
            the Registrant extending the expiration date to January 29, 2002,
            incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's
            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 13, 1996 (Commission
            File No. 1-8122).

     4.3    Option Agreement dated as of December 11, 1996 by and between the
            Registrant and Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P., incorporated herein
            by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on
            Form 8-K filed on December 20, 1996 (Commission file No. 1-8122).

     4.4    Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of December 11, 1996 by and among
            the registrant, Mike Kojaian, Kenneth J. Kojaian and C. Michael
            Kojaian, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the
            Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20, 1996
            (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.5    Registration Rights agreement dated as of December 11, 1996 by and
            among the Registrant, Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P., Joe F.
            Hanauer, Mike Kojaian, Kenneth J. Kojaian and C. 


                                21

<PAGE>

          Michael Kojaian, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
          the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 20,
          1996 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.6  Purchase Agreement dated as of January 24, 1997 by and among the
          Registrant, and Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P., incorporated herein
          by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on
          Form 8-K filed on February 4, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.7  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 24, 1997 by and between
          the Registrant and Archon Group, L.P., incorporated herein by
          reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
          8-K filed on February 4, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.8  Registration Rights agreement dated as of January 24, 1997 by and
          between the Registrant and Archon Group, L.P., incorporated herein
          by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on
          Form 8-K filed on February 4, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.9  Stock Subscription Warrant No. 20 dated December 11, 1996 issued to
          Joe F. Hanauer Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
          4.11 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on
          February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.10 Stock Subscription Warrant No. 21 dated December 11, 1996 issued to
          Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P. , incorporated herein by reference
          to Exhibit 4.12 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          filed on February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.11 Stock Subscription Warrant No. 22 dated December 11, 1996 issued to
          Joe F. Hanauer Trust, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
          4.13 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on
          February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.12 Stock Subscription Warrant No. 23 dated December 11, 1996 issued to
          Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P. , incorporated herein by reference
          to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
          filed on February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.13 Form of Amendment No. 1 to Stock Subscription Warrants No. 8, 9, 13
          and 15 issued to Joe F. Hanauer Trust, incorporated herein by
          reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
          Form 10-Q filed on February 13, 1997 (Commission File No. 1-8122).

     4.14 Credit Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain Subsidiaries
          of the Registrant, and PNC Bank, National Association dated as of
          March 13, 1997.


                                22

<PAGE>

     4.15 Subordination Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain
          Subsidiaries of the Registrant in favor of PNC Bank, National
          Association dated as of March 13, 1997.

     4.16 Revolving Credit Note executed by the Registrant in favor of PNC
          Bank, National Association in the amount of up to $15 million dated
          as of March 13, 1997.

     4.17 Letter dated March 12, 1997 from IBM Credit Corporation to Axiom
          Real Estate Management, Inc., acknowledging release of collateral
          and discharge of all obligations under Revolving Loan and Security
          Agreement dated October 19, 1995.

     (10) MATERIAL CONTRACTS

     10.1 Master Collateral Assignment of Contract Rights to PNC Bank,
          National Association by the Registrant and Subsidiaries of the
          Registrant dated as of March 13, 1997.

     10.2 Master Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship by and between the
          Registrant and Subsidiaries of the Registrant in favor of PNC Bank
          National Association dated as of March 13, 1997.

     10.3 Pledge Agreement among the Registrant, certain Subsidiaries of the
          Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association dated as of March 13,
          1997.

     10.4 Security Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain Subsidiaries
          of the Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association dated as of
          March 13, 1997.

     10.5 Trademark Security Agreement by the Registrant in favor of PNC Bank,
          National Association dated as of March 13, 1997.


     (11) STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

     (27) FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE

ITEM 6(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     A Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 24, 1997 was filed, reporting
     under Item 5 a series of transactions whereby the Company sold 2,500,000
     shares of Common Stock to Archon Group, L.P. and purchased the remainder of
     the Prudential Securities (as defined in Note 3 to the Condensed
     Consolidated Financial Statements).


                                23

<PAGE>

                            SIGNATURE

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 thereunto duly authorized.


                                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY
                                       -----------------------
                                            (Registrant)




Date:  May 15, 1997                     /s/ Brian D. Parker
                                        ---------------------
                                        Brian D. Parker
                                         Senior Vice President and
                                         Chief Financial Officer


                                24

<PAGE>

              Grubb & Ellis Company and Subsidiaries

                        EXHIBIT INDEX (A)

               FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997

EXHIBIT


(4)    INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING INDENTURES

  4.14    Credit Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain Subsidiaries
          of the Registrant, and PNC Bank, National Association dated as of
          March 13, 1997.

  4.15    Subordination Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain
          Subsidiaries of the Registrant in favor of PNC Bank, National
          Association dated as of March 13, 1997.

  4.16    Revolving Credit Note executed by the Registrant in favor of PNC
          Bank, National Association in the amount of up to $15 million dated
          as of March 13, 1997.

  4.17    Letter dated March 12, 1997 from IBM Credit Corporation to Axiom
          Real Estate Management, Inc., acknowledging release of collateral
          and discharge of all obligations under Revolving Loan and Security
          Agreement dated October 19, 1995. 

(10)   MATERIAL CONTRACTS
  
  10.1    Master Collateral Assignment of Contract Rights to PNC Bank,
          National Association by the Registrant and Subsidiaries of the
          Registrant dated as of March 13, 1997.

  10.2    Master Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship by and between the
          Registrant and Subsidiaries of the Registrant in favor of PNC Bank
          National Association dated as of March 13, 1997.

  
  10.3    Pledge Agreement among the Registrant, certain Subsidiaries of the
          Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association dated as of March 13,
          1997.

  10.4    Security Agreement by and among the Registrant, certain Subsidiaries
          of the Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association dated as of
          March 13, 1997.

  10.5    Trademark Security Agreement by the Registrant in favor of PNC Bank,
          National Association dated as of March 13, 1997.

(11)      STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

(27)      FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE


(A)  Exhibits incorporated by reference are listed in Item 6(a) of this report.


                                25


<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.14

                        $15,000,000 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
                                           
                                   CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                     by and among
                                GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY,
                                    THE GUARANTORS
                                         and
                            PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                              Dated as of March 13, 1997
                                           

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION                                                                     PAGE
- -------                                                                     ----

1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
    1.1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    1.2 CONSTRUCTION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
         1.2.1 NUMBER; INCLUSION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
         1.2.2 DETERMINATION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
         1.2.3 LENDER'S DISCRETION AND CONSENT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.4 DOCUMENTS TAKEN AS A WHOLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.5 HEADINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.6 IMPLIED REFERENCES TO THIS AGREEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.7 PERSONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.8 MODIFICATIONS TO DOCUMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.9 FROM, TO AND THROUGH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
         1.2.10 SHALL; WILL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

    1.3 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

2. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
    2.1 REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

    2.2 COMMITMENT FEE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

    2.3 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY FEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

    2.4 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN REQUESTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

    2.5 REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

    2.6 USE OF PROCEEDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

    2.7 LETTER OF CREDIT SUBFACILITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
         2.7.1 ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
         2.7.2 LETTER OF CREDIT FEES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
         2.7.3 DISBURSEMENTS, REIMBURSEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
         2.7.4 DOCUMENTATION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
         2.7.5 DETERMINATIONS TO HONOR DRAWING REQUESTS. . . . . . . . . . .23
         2.7.6 NATURE OF PARTICIPATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS.. . . .23
         2.7.7 INDEMNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
         2.7.8 LIABILITY FOR ACTS AND OMISSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

3. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4. INTEREST RATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
    4.1 INTEREST RATE OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26


                                         -i-

<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION                                                                     PAGE
- -------                                                                     ----

         4.1.1 REVOLVING CREDIT INTEREST RATE OPTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . .26
         4.1.2 RATE QUOTATIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

    4.2 INTEREST PERIODS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
         4.2.1 ENDING DATE AND BUSINESS DAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
         4.2.2 AMOUNT OF BORROWING TRANCHE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
         4.2.3 TERMINATION BEFORE EXPIRATION DATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
         4.2.4 RENEWALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

    4.3 INTEREST AFTER DEFAULT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
         4.3.1 LETTER OF CREDIT FEES, INTEREST RATE. . . . . . . . . . . . .28
         4.3.2 OTHER OBLIGATIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
         4.3.3 ACKNOWLEDGMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

    4.4 EURO-RATE UNASCERTAINABLE; ILLEGALITY; INCREASED COSTS; DEPOSITS
               NOT AVAILABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
         4.4.1 UNASCERTAINABLE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
         4.4.2 ILLEGALITY; INCREASED COSTS; DEPOSITS NOT AVAILABLE.. . . . .28
         4.4.3 LENDER'S RIGHTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

    4.5 SELECTION OF INTEREST RATE OPTIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

5. PAYMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
    5.1 PAYMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

    5.2 INTEREST PAYMENT DATES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

    5.3 VOLUNTARY REPAYMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
         5.3.1 RIGHT TO REPAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
         5.3.2 COMMITMENT REDUCTIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

    5.4 MANDATORY REPAYMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
         5.4.1 SALE OF ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
         5.4.2 APPLICATION AMONG INTEREST RATE OPTIONS.. . . . . . . . . . .31

    5.5 ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.. . . . . . . . . .31
         5.5.1 INCREASED COSTS OR REDUCED RETURN RESULTING FROM TAXES,
               RESERVES, CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS, EXPENSES, ETC. . . .31
         5.5.2 INDEMNITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
         5.5.3 REDUCED RETURN RELATING TO LENDER'S SERVICES. . . . . . . . .33

6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
    6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
         6.1.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
         6.1.2 CAPITALIZATION AND OWNERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
         6.1.3 SUBSIDIARIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
         6.1.4 POWER AND AUTHORITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34


                                         -ii-

<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION                                                                     PAGE
- -------                                                                     ----

         6.1.5 VALIDITY AND BINDING EFFECT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
         6.1.6 NO CONFLICT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
         6.1.7 LITIGATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
         6.1.8 TITLE TO PROPERTIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
         6.1.9 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
         6.1.10 USE OF PROCEEDS; MARGIN STOCK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
         6.1.11 FULL DISCLOSURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
         6.1.12 TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
         6.1.13 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
         6.1.14 NO EVENT OF DEFAULT; COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUMENTS.. . . . . .38
         6.1.15 PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, LICENSES, ETC.. . . . . . .38
         6.1.16 SECURITY INTERESTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
         6.1.17 STATUS OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
         6.1.18 INSURANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
         6.1.19 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
         6.1.20 MATERIAL CONTRACTS; BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS. . . . . . . . .39
         6.1.21 INVESTMENT COMPANIES; REGULATED ENTITIES.. . . . . . . . . .40
         6.1.22 PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
         6.1.23 EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
         6.1.24 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

    6.2 UPDATES TO SCHEDULES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

7. CONDITIONS OF LENDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
    7.1 FIRST LOANS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
         7.1.1 OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
         7.1.2 SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
         7.1.3 DELIVERY OF LOAN DOCUMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
         7.1.4 OPINION OF COUNSEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
         7.1.5 LEGAL DETAILS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
         7.1.6 PAYMENT OF FEES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
         7.1.7 CONSENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
         7.1.8 OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE REGARDING MACS. . . . . . . . . . . . .45
         7.1.9 NO VIOLATION OF LAWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
         7.1.10 NO ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
         7.1.11 INSURANCE POLICIES; CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE; ENDORSEMENTS.46
         7.1.12 FILING RECEIPTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
         7.1.13 TERMINATION OF EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT.. . . . . . . . . .46
         7.1.14 FINANCIAL COVENANT CONDITION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

    7.2 EACH ADDITIONAL LOAN.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46


                                        -iii-

<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION                                                                     PAGE
- -------                                                                     ----

8. COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

    8.1 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
         8.1.1 PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE, ETC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
         8.1.2 PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES, INCLUDING TAXES, ETC. . . . . . . . .47
         8.1.3 MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
         8.1.4 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES AND LEASES. . . . . . . . . . . . .48
         8.1.5 MAINTENANCE OF PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, ETC.. . . . . . . . . . .48
         8.1.6 VISITATION RIGHTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
         8.1.7 KEEPING OF RECORDS AND BOOKS OF ACCOUNT.. . . . . . . . . . .48
         8.1.8 PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
         8.1.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
         8.1.10 USE OF PROCEEDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
         8.1.11 FURTHER ASSURANCES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
         8.1.12 SUBORDINATION OF INTERCOMPANY LOANS. . . . . . . . . . . . .50

    8.2 NEGATIVE COVENANTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
         8.2.1 INDEBTEDNESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
         8.2.2 LIENS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
         8.2.3 GUARANTIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
         8.2.4 LOANS AND INVESTMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
         8.2.5 DIVIDENDS AND RELATED DISTRIBUTIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . .52
         8.2.6 LIQUIDATIONS, MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, ACQUISITIONS.. . . . .52
         8.2.7 DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS OR SUBSIDIARIES. . . . . . . . . . . .55
         8.2.8 AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
         8.2.9 SUBSIDIARIES, PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES.. . . . . . . .56
         8.2.10 CONTINUATION OF OR CHANGE IN BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . .56
         8.2.11 PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
         8.2.12 FISCAL YEAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
         8.2.13 ISSUANCE OF STOCK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
         8.2.14 CHANGES IN ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . .58
         8.2.15 INTEREST RATE PROTECTION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
         8.2.16 MAXIMUM DEBT TO CASH FLOW RATIO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

    8.3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

9. DEFAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
    9.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
         9.1.1 PAYMENTS UNDER LOAN DOCUMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
         9.1.2 BREACH OF WARRANTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
         9.1.3 BREACH OF NEGATIVE COVENANTS OR VISITATION RIGHTS.. . . . . .59
         9.1.4 BREACH OF OTHER COVENANTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
         9.1.5 DEFAULTS IN OTHER AGREEMENTS OR INDEBTEDNESS. . . . . . . . .60
         9.1.6 FINAL JUDGMENTS OR ORDERS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60


                                         -iv-

<PAGE>

SECTION                                                                     PAGE
- -------                                                                     ----

         9.1.7 LOAN DOCUMENT UNENFORCEABLE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
         9.1.8 UNINSURED LOSSES; PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ASSETS; 
               ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
         9.1.9 NOTICE OF LIEN OR ASSESSMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
         9.1.10 INSOLVENCY.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
         9.1.11 EVENTS RELATING TO PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS. . . . . .61
         9.1.12 CESSATION OF BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
         9.1.13 CHANGE OF CONTROL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
         9.1.14 INVOLUNTARY PROCEEDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
         9.1.15 VOLUNTARY PROCEEDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

    9.2 CONSEQUENCES OF EVENT OF DEFAULT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
         9.2.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT OTHER THAN BANKRUPTCY, INSOLVENCY OR
               REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
         9.2.2 BANKRUPTCY, INSOLVENCY OR REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS. . . . .63
         9.2.3 SET-OFF.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
         9.2.4 SUITS, ACTIONS, PROCEEDINGS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
         9.2.5 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
         9.2.6 OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

    9.3 NOTICE OF SALE.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

10. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

11. MISCELLANEOUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
    11.1 MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS OR WAIVERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

    11.2 NO IMPLIED WAIVERS; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES; WRITING REQUIRED.. . . . .65

    11.3 REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNIFICATION OF LENDER BY THE 
         BORROWER; TAXES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

    11.4 HOLIDAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

    11.5 FUNDING BY BRANCH, SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATE. . . . . . . . . . . . .66
         11.5.1 NOTIONAL FUNDING.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
         11.5.2 ACTUAL FUNDING.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

    11.6 NOTICES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

    11.7 SEVERABILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

    11.8 GOVERNING LAW.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

    11.9 PRIOR UNDERSTANDING.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

    11.10 DURATION; SURVIVAL.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

    11.11 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

    11.12 CONFIDENTIALITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68


                                         -v-

SECTION                                                                     PAGE
- -------                                                                     ----

    11.13 COUNTERPARTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

    11.14 LENDER'S CONSENT.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

    11.15 EXCEPTIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

    11.16 CONSENT TO FORUM; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

    11.17 JOINDER OF GUARANTORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70


                                         -vi-

<PAGE>

                            LIST OF SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

                    SCHEDULES

                    SCHEDULE 1.1(A)     -    PRICING GRID
                    SCHEDULE 1.1(B)     -    ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES
                    SCHEDULE 1.1(E)     -    EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS
                    SCHEDULE 1.1(P)     -    PERMITTED LIENS
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.1      -    QUALIFICATIONS TO DO BUSINESS
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.2      -    CAPITALIZATION
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.3      -    SUBSIDIARIES
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.7      -    LITIGATION
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.13     -    CONSENTS AND APPROVALS
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.15     -    PATENTS, TRADEMARKS,
                                             COPYRIGHTS, LICENSES, ETC.
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.17     -    PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS;
                                             LLC AGREEMENTS
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.20     -    MATERIAL CONTRACTS
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.22     -    BENEFIT PLAN DISCLOSURES
                    SCHEDULE 6.1.24     -    ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURES
                    SCHEDULE 8.2.1      -    PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS
                    SCHEDULE 8.2.3      -    PERMITTED GUARANTIES
                    SCHEDULE 8.2.4      -    PERMITTED LOANS AND INVESTMENTS
                    SCHEDULE 8.3        -    REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
                    
                    EXHIBITS

                    EXHIBIT 1.1(C)      -    COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(1)   -    GUARANTOR JOINDER
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(2)   -    GUARANTY AGREEMENT
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(I)(1)   -    INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(I)(2)   -    SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(P)      -    PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(R)      -    REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(S)      -    SECURITY AGREEMENT
                    EXHIBIT 1.1(T)      -    TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT
                    EXHIBIT 2.4         -    LOAN REQUEST
                    EXHIBIT 7.1.4       -    OPINION OF COUNSEL
                    EXHIBIT 8.3.3       -    QUARTERLY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE


                                        -vii-

<PAGE>

                                   CREDIT AGREEMENT

          THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is dated as of March 13, 1997 and is made by and
among GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), each of
the Guarantors (as hereinafter defined), and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the
"Lender").
                                     WITNESSETH:

          WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested the Lender to provide a revolving
credit facility to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$15,000,000;

          WHEREAS, the revolving credit facility shall be used for the repayment
of existing indebtedness of the Borrower, for general corporate purposes, to
provide for the issuance of letters of credit and as otherwise provided herein;
and

          WHEREAS, the Lender is willing to provide such credit upon the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth.

          NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, in consideration of their mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound
hereby, covenant and agree as follows:

                               1.   CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

          1.1  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.
          In addition to words and terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement,
the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, respectively,
unless the context hereof clearly requires otherwise:

               ACQUISITION INDEBTEDNESS shall mean Indebtedness incurred by the
Borrower or Axiom as the purchaser and owed to the seller in connection with the
Borrower's or Axiom's purchase of the ownership interests of another Person or
the purchase of all or substantially all the assets of another Person or of a
business or division of another Person.

               ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS for any period of
determination shall mean (i) the sum of net income, depreciation, amortization,
other non-cash charges to net income, interest expense, income tax expense and
one-half of the Relocation Expense incurred in the fiscal quarters ended
December 31, 1996, March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997, minus (ii) non-cash credits
to net income, in each case of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period
determined and consolidated in accordance with GAAP.  It is acknowledged and
agreed that the non-cash charges and non-cash credits which adjust net income
pursuant to the

<PAGE>

preceding sentence in the determination of Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow from
Operations shall not include any non-cash charges or non-cash credits
attributable to changes in the current asset or current liability accounts on
the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  If the
Borrower or Axiom shall have made one or more Permitted Acquisitions as
permitted under Section 8.2.6(2) during the period of determination, Adjusted
Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations for such period shall be adjusted on a
pro forma basis acceptable to the Lender and based upon the historical financial
statements of the Person or assets acquired to give effect to such Permitted
Acquisitions as if they had occurred at the beginning of such period.  The pro
forma adjustment shall include any income or loss attributable to the ownership
interests or assets purchased, excluding in the case of a stock acquisition of
the Person acquired any income on the historical financial statements
attributable to stock or asset dispositions made prior to the time of the
Permitted Acquisition.  The pro forma adjustment shall exclude any income on the
historical financial statements attributable to stock or assets acquired under
the Permitted Acquisition which the Borrower or Axiom contemplate disposing of
following the Permitted Acquisition.  The pro forma adjustment shall not include
any projected cost savings, cost reductions or similar synergistic adjustments
forecasted by the Borrower or Axiom based upon the Permitted Acquisition.

               AFFILIATE as to any Person shall mean any other Person (i) which
directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with such Person, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds 10% or more of any class
of the voting or other equity interests of such Person, or (iii) 10% or more of
any class of voting interests or other equity interests of which is beneficially
owned or held, directly or indirectly, by such Person.  Control, as used in this
definition, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, including
the power to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of a corporation or
trust, as the case may be.

               AGREEMENT shall mean this Credit Agreement, as the same may be
supplemented or amended from time to time, including all schedules and exhibits.

               ANNUAL ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS means
Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations calculated as of the end of each
fiscal quarter for the four fiscal quarters then ended.

               ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS means Consolidated
Cash Flow from Operations calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter for
the four fiscal quarters then ended.

               ANNUAL STATEMENTS shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Section 6.1.9(i).

               APPLICABLE MARGIN shall mean, as applicable:


                                      -2-

<PAGE>

               (A) the percentage margin to be added to Base Rate under the 
Base Rate Option at the indicated Ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness 
to Annual Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations in the pricing grid on 
Schedule 1.1(A) below the heading "Base Rate Margin;" or

               (B) the percentage margin to be added to Euro-Rate under the 
Euro-Rate Option at the indicated Ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness 
to Annual Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations in the pricing grid on 
1.1(A) below the heading "Euro-Rate Margin".

     The ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to Annual Consolidated Cash
Flow from Operations as of the last day of each fiscal quarter shall mean the
ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness on such date to (b) Annual
Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations as of such date.  Any change in the
Applicable Margin shall be based upon the financial statements and compliance
certificates provided pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 8.3 and
shall become effective on the 45th day following the last day of the first three
fiscal quarters and on the 90th day following the last day of the fiscal year.
                                           
               AUTHORIZED OFFICER shall mean those individuals, designated by
written notice to the Lender from the Borrower, authorized to execute notices,
reports and other documents on behalf of the Loan Parties required hereunder. 
The Borrower may amend such list of individuals from time to time by giving
written notice of such amendment to the Lender.

               AXIOM shall mean Axiom Real Estate Management, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

               BASE RATE shall mean the greater of (i) the interest rate per
annum announced from time to time by the Lender at its Principal Office as its
then prime rate, which rate may not be the lowest rate then being charged
commercial borrowers by the Lender, or (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate
plus one-half percent (1/2%) per annum.

               BASE RATE OPTION shall mean the option of the Borrower to have
Revolving Credit Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms and
conditions set forth in Section 4.1.1(i).

               BENEFIT ARRANGEMENT shall mean at any time an "employee benefit
plan," within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which is neither a Plan nor
a Multiemployer Plan and which is maintained, sponsored or otherwise contributed
to by any member of the ERISA Group.

               BORROWER shall mean Grubb & Ellis Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.


                                         -3-

<PAGE>

               BORROWING DATE shall mean, with respect to any Loan, the date for
the making thereof or the renewal or conversion thereof at or to the same or a
different Interest Rate Option, which shall be a Business Day.

               BORROWING TRANCHE shall mean specified portions of Loans
outstanding as follows: (i) any Loans to which a Euro-Rate Option applies which
become subject to the same Interest Rate Option under the same Loan Request by
the Borrower and which have the same Interest Period shall constitute one
Borrowing Tranche, and (ii) all Loans to which a Base Rate Option applies shall
constitute one Borrowing Tranche.

               BUSINESS DAY shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday
or a legal holiday on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be
closed for business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and if the applicable Business
Day relates to any borrowing to which the Euro-Rate Option applies, such day
must also be a day on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank 
market.

               CHANGE OF CONTROL shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of
the following events:

               (A) During the period from the Closing Date through the second
anniversary of the Closing Date, either (i) Warburg shall fail to own at least
twenty percent (20%) of the Voting Stock (with full right to vote the shares) or
(ii) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) other than Warburg shall have
acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under said Act) of the Voting Stock in an
amount greater than Warburg;

               (B) At any time after the second anniversary of the Closing Date,
(i) Warburg shall fail to own at least twenty percent (20%) of the Voting Stock
(with full right to vote the shares), unless at the time of the first
disposition which causes Warburg to own less than 20 percent of the Voting Stock
(w) the Annual Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations for the period ending with
the most recent fiscal quarter (based upon the completed Exhibit 8.3.3 provided
by the Borrower to the Lender for the most recent fiscal quarter or such other
written report delivered with the notice described in (z) below as is
satisfactory to the Lender) is equal to or greater than $5,000,000, (x) no
person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission under said Act) of 20 percent or more of the Voting Stock, (y) no
Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing, and (z)
the Lender is in receipt of written notice of the proposed disposition by
Warburg at least 5 days prior to the disposition, (ii) any person or group of
persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended) other than Warburg shall have acquired beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission under said


                                         -4-

<PAGE>

Act) of 30 percent or more of the Voting Stock of the Borrower unless at the
time of such acquisition by such person or group of persons, Warburg owns a
greater percentage of the Voting Stock of the Borrower than such person or group
of persons, or (iii) a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the
board of directors of the Borrower are occupied by Persons who are not
Continuing Directors.

               CLOSING DATE shall mean March 13, 1997. The closing shall take
place at 10:00 a.m., Pittsburgh time, on the Closing Date at the offices of
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation or at such other time and place as
the parties agree.

               COLLATERAL shall mean the Pledged Collateral, the UCC Collateral
and the Intellectual Property Collateral.

               COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT shall mean the Collateral Assignment in the
form of EXHIBIT 1.1(C).

               COMMERCIAL LETTER OF CREDIT shall mean any Letter of Credit which
is a commercial letter of credit issued in respect of the purchase of goods or
services by one or more of the Loan Parties in the ordinary course of their
business.

               COMMISSION ADVANCE PROGRAM shall mean any program pursuant to
which a Loan Party may make advances to its employees and/or agents against
future real estate commissions to be earned by such agents.

               COMMITMENT shall mean $15,000,000.

               COMMITMENT FEE shall have the meaning assigned to that term in 
Section 2.2.

               CONSIDERATION shall mean, at any time with respect to any
Permitted Acquisition, the aggregate, without duplication, of (i) the cash paid
by any of the Loan Parties, directly or indirectly, to the seller in connection
therewith, (ii) Acquisition Indebtedness,  (iii) capital stock of the Borrower,
which for purposes of Section 8.2.6, shall be valued at the average of the high
and low price listed on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of valuation,
(iv) any Guaranty given or incurred by any Loan Party in connection therewith,
(v) deferred payments contingent upon financial results or other
performance-based criteria occurring after the closing of the Permitted
Acquisition and valued at the time when made, and (vi)  any other consideration
given or obligation incurred by any of the Loan Parties in connection therewith.

               CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS for any period of
determination shall mean (i) the sum of net income, depreciation, amortization,
other non-cash charges to net income, interest expense and income tax expense
minus (ii) non-cash credits to net income, in each case of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for such period determined and consolidated in accordance with
GAAP.  It is acknowledged and agreed that the non-cash charges and non-cash


                                         -5-

<PAGE>

credits which adjust net income pursuant to the preceding sentence in the
determination of Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations shall not include any
non-cash charges or non-cash credits attributable to changes in the current
asset or current liability accounts on the consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  If the Borrower or Axiom shall have made one or
more Permitted Acquisitions as permitted under Section 8.2.6(2) during the
period of determination, Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations for such period
shall be adjusted on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Lender and based upon
the historical financial statements of the Person or assets acquired to give
effect to such Permitted Acquisitions as if they had occurred at the beginning
of such period.  The pro forma adjustment shall include any income or loss
attributable to the ownership interests or assets purchased, excluding in the
case of a stock acquisition of the Person acquired any income on the historical
financial statements attributable to stock or asset dispositions made prior to
the time of the Permitted Acquisition. The pro forma adjustment shall exclude
any income on the historical financial statements attributable to stock or
assets acquired under the Permitted Acquisition which the Borrower or Axiom
contemplate disposing of following the Permitted Acquisition. The pro forma
adjustment shall not include any projected cost savings, cost reductions or
similar synergistic adjustments forecasted by the Borrower or Axiom based upon
the Permitted Acquisition.

               CONSOLIDATED FUNDED INDEBTEDNESS shall mean the principal balance
of the Loans and the Letters of Credit Outstanding and all Indebtedness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries for borrowed money, including without limitation
capitalized leases and other Indebtedness permitted under Section 8.2.1(iii), as
determined and consolidated in accordance with GAAP.

               CONTINUING DIRECTORS shall mean directors of the Borrower on the
Closing Date and each other director, if such other director's nomination for
election to the board of directors of the Borrower is recommended by a majority
of the then Continuing Directors.

               DOLLAR, DOLLARS, U.S. DOLLARS and the symbol $ shall mean lawful
money of the United States of America.

               DRAWING DATE shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Section 2.7.3.1.

               ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINT shall mean any written complaint setting
forth a cause of action for personal injury or property damage or natural
resource damage or equitable relief, order, notice of violation, citation,
request for information issued pursuant to any Environmental Laws by an Official
Body, subpoena or other written notice of any type relating to, arising out of,
or issued pursuant to, any of the Environmental Laws or any Environmental
Conditions, as the case may be.

               ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS shall mean any conditions of the
environment, including the workplace, the ocean, natural resources (including
flora or fauna), soil, surface water, groundwater, any actual or potential
drinking water supply sources, substrata or the


                                         -6-

<PAGE>

ambient air, relating to or arising out of, or caused by, the use, handling,
storage, treatment, recycling, generation, transportation, release, spilling,
leaking, pumping, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching,
disposal, dumping, threatened release or other management or mismanagement of
Regulated Substances resulting from the use of, or operations on, any Property.

               ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS shall mean all federal, state, local and
foreign Laws and regulations, including permits, licenses, written
authorizations, bonds, orders, judgments, and consent decrees issued, or entered
into, pursuant thereto, relating to pollution or protection of human health or
the environment or employee safety in the workplace.

               ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any
successor statute of similar import, and the rules and regulations thereunder,
as from time to time in effect.

               ERISA GROUP shall mean, at any time, the Borrower and all members
of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or
not incorporated) under common control and all other entities which, together
with the Borrower, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the
Internal Revenue Code.

               EURO-RATE shall mean, with respect to any Loan comprising any
Borrowing Tranche to which the Euro-Rate Option applies for any Interest Period,
the interest rate per annum determined by the Lender by dividing (the resulting
quotient rounded upward to the nearest 1/100th of 1% per annum) (i) the rate of
interest determined by the Lender in accordance with its usual procedures (which
determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) to be the average of
the London interbank offered rates for U.S. Dollars set forth on Telerate
display page 3750 or such other display page on the Telerate System as may
replace such page to evidence the average of rates quoted by banks designated by
the British Bankers' Association (or appropriate successor or, if the British
Bankers' Association or its successor ceases to provide such quotes, a
comparable replacement determined by the Lender ) two (2) Business Days prior to
the first day of such Interest Period for an amount comparable to such Loan and
having a borrowing date and a maturity comparable to such Interest Period by
(ii) a number equal to 1.00 minus the Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage.  The
Euro-Rate may also be expressed by the following formula:

                            Telerate page 3750 as quoted by British 
     Euro-Rate    =          Bankers' Association or appropriate successor
                         ---------------------------------------------
                              1.00 - Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage
                                           
               EURO-RATE OPTION shall mean the option of the Borrower to have
Revolving Credit Loans bear interest at the rate and under the terms and
conditions set forth in Section 4.1.1(ii).


                                         -7-


<PAGE>

               EURO-RATE RESERVE PERCENTAGE shall mean (i) prior to the time 
that any additional banks or other lenders other than the Lender join in this 
Agreement, the  percentage (expressed as a decimal rounded upward to the 
nearest 1/100 of 1%) as determined by the Lender which is in effect during 
any relevant period, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the reserve requirements 
(including supplemental, marginal and emergency reserve requirements) with 
respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency 
Liabilities") applicable to the Lender, and (ii) upon and after such time 
that any additional banks or other lenders other than the Lender join in this 
Agreement, the maximum percentage (expressed as a decimal rounded upward to 
the nearest 1/100 of 1%) as determined by the Lender which is in effect 
during any relevant period, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the 
Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the reserve 
requirements (including supplemental, marginal and emergency reserve 
requirements) with respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as 
"Eurocurrency Liabilities") of a member bank in such System.

               EVENT OF DEFAULT shall mean any of the events described in 
Section 9.1 and referred to therein as an "Event of Default."

               EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS shall mean the general and limited 
partnerships set forth on Exhibit 1.1(E) in which the Loan Parties own 
partnership interests on the Closing Date.

               EXPIRATION DATE shall mean, with respect to the Commitment, 
March 13, 2001.

               FACILITY FEE shall mean the fee referred to in Section 2.3.

               FEDERAL FUNDS EFFECTIVE RATE for any day shall mean the rate 
per annum (based on a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual 
days elapsed and rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) announced by the 
Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or any successor) on such day as being the 
weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions 
arranged by federal funds brokers on the previous trading day, as computed 
and announced by such Federal Reserve Bank (or any successor) in 
substantially the same manner as such Federal Reserve Bank computes and 
announces the weighted average it refers to as the "Federal Funds Effective 
Rate" as of the date of this Agreement; PROVIDED, if such Federal Reserve 
Bank (or its successor) does not announce such rate on any day, the "Federal 
Funds Effective Rate" for such day shall be the Federal Funds Effective Rate 
for the last day on which such rate was announced.

               FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS shall have the meaning assigned to that
term in Section 6.1.9(ii).

               GAAP shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as are
in effect from time to time, subject to the provisions of Section , and applied
on a consistent basis both as to classification of items and amounts.


                                         -8-

<PAGE>

               GOVERNMENTAL ACTS shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Section 2.7.7.

               GUARANTOR shall mean each of the parties to this Agreement which
is designated as a "Guarantor" on the signature page hereof and each other
Person which joins this Agreement as a Guarantor after the date hereof pursuant
to Section 11.17.

               GUARANTOR JOINDER shall mean a joinder by a Person as a Guarantor
under this Agreement, the Guaranty Agreement and the other Loan Documents in the
form of EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(1).

               GUARANTY of any Person shall mean any obligation of such Person
guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any liability or obligation of any other
Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any agreement to
indemnify or hold harmless any other Person, any performance bond or other
suretyship arrangement and any other form of assurance against loss, except
endorsement of negotiable or other instruments for deposit or collection in the
ordinary course of business.

               GUARANTY AGREEMENT shall mean the Guaranty and Suretyship
Agreement in substantially the form of EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(2) executed and delivered
by each of the Guarantors to the Lender.

               HISTORICAL STATEMENTS shall have the meaning assigned to that
term in Section 6.1.9(i).

               IBM shall mean IBM Credit Corporation.

               IBM LOAN DOCUMENTS shall mean the Revolving Loan and Security
Agreement dated October 29, 1995, by and between IBM and Axiom and all
collateral documentation and other loan documentation executed and delivered in
connection therewith.

               INDEBTEDNESS shall mean, as to any Person at any time, any and
all indebtedness, obligations or liabilities (whether matured or unmatured,
liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, or joint
or several) of such Person for or in respect of:  (i) borrowed money,
(ii) amounts raised under or liabilities in respect of any note purchase or
acceptance credit facility, (iii) reimbursement obligations (contingent or
otherwise) under any letter of credit, currency swap agreement, interest rate
swap, cap, collar or floor agreement or other interest rate management device,
(iv) any other transaction (including forward sale or purchase agreements,
capitalized leases and conditional sales agreements) having the commercial
effect of a borrowing of money entered into by such Person to finance its
operations or capital requirements (but not including trade payables and accrued
expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not represented
by a promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness and which are not more
than thirty (30) days past due), or (v) any Guaranty of Indebtedness for
borrowed money.


                                         -9-

<PAGE>

               INDEMNITY shall mean the Environmental Indemnity Agreement in the
form of EXHIBIT 1.1(I)(1) among the Lender and the Loan Parties relating to
possible environmental liabilities associated with any of the Property.

               INELIGIBLE SECURITY shall mean any security which may not be
underwritten or dealt in by member bank of the Federal Reserve System under
Section 16 of the Banking Act of 1933 (12 U.S.C. Section 24, Seventh), as
amended.

               INSOLVENCY PROCEEDING  shall mean, with respect to any Person,
(a) case, action or proceeding with respect to such Person (i) before any court
or any other Official Body under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
other similar Law now or hereafter in effect, or (ii) for the appointment of a
receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator
(or similar official) of any Loan Party or otherwise relating to liquidation,
dissolution, winding-up or relief of such Person, or (b) any general assignment
for the benefit of creditors, composition, marshaling of assets for creditors,
or other, similar arrangement in respect of such Person's creditors generally or
any substantial portion of its creditors; undertaken under any Law.

               INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL shall mean all of the property
described in the Trademark Security Agreement.

               INTERCOMPANY SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT shall mean a Subordination
Agreement among the Loan Parties in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT
1.1(I)(2).

               INTEREST PERIOD shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 4.2.

               INTEREST RATE OPTION shall mean any Euro-Rate Option or the Base
Rate Option.

               INTERIM STATEMENTS shall have the meaning assigned to that term
in Section 6.1.9(i).

               INTERNAL REVENUE CODE shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any
successor statute of similar import, and the rules and regulations thereunder,
as from time to time in effect.

               LABOR CONTRACTS shall mean all employment agreements, employment
contracts, collective bargaining agreements and other agreements among any Loan
Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party and its employees.

               LAW shall mean any law (including common law), constitution,
statute, treaty, regulation, rule, ordinance, opinion, release, ruling, order,
injunction, writ, decree or award of any Official Body.


                                         -10-

<PAGE>

               LENDER shall mean PNC Bank, National Association, and its
successors and assigns.

               LETTER OF CREDIT shall have the meaning assigned to that term in 
Section 2.7.1.

               LETTER OF CREDIT BORROWING shall mean an extension of credit
resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which shall not have been
reimbursed on the date when made and shall not have been converted into a
Revolving Credit Loan under Section 2.7.3.1.

               LETTER OF CREDIT FEE shall have the meaning assigned to that term
in Section 2.7.2.

               LETTERS OF CREDIT OUTSTANDING shall mean at any time the sum of
(i) the aggregate undrawn face amount of outstanding Letters of Credit and
(ii) the aggregate amount of all unpaid and outstanding Reimbursement
Obligations.

               LIEN shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien,
security interest, charge or other encumbrance or security arrangement of any
nature whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily given, including any
conditional sale or title retention arrangement, and any assignment, deposit
arrangement or lease intended as, or having the effect of, security and any
filed financing statement or other notice of any of the foregoing (whether or
not a lien or other encumbrance is created or exists at the time of the filing).

               LLC INTERESTS shall have the meaning given to such term in
Section 6.1.3.

               LOAN DOCUMENTS shall mean this Agreement, the Collateral
Assignment, the Guaranty Agreement, the Indemnity, the Intercompany
Subordination Agreement, the Note, the Trademark Security Agreement, the Pledge
Agreement, the Security Agreement, and any other instruments, certificates or
documents delivered or contemplated to be delivered hereunder or thereunder or
in connection herewith or therewith, as the same may be supplemented or amended
from time to time in accordance herewith or therewith, and LOAN DOCUMENT shall
mean any of the Loan Documents.

               LOAN PARTIES shall mean the Borrower and the Guarantors.

               LOAN REQUEST shall have the meaning given to such term in 
Section 2.4.

               LOANS shall mean collectively and LOAN shall mean separately all
Revolving Credit Loans or any Revolving Credit Loan.

               MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE shall mean any set of circumstances or
events which (a) has or could reasonably be expected to have any material
adverse effect whatsoever


                                         -11-

<PAGE>
upon the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, (b) is or could reasonably be expected to be material and adverse to
the business, properties, assets, financial condition or results of operations
of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, (c) impairs materially or could reasonably
be expected to impair materially the ability of the Loan Parties taken as a
whole to duly and punctually pay or perform its Indebtedness, or (d) impairs
materially or could reasonably be expected to impair materially the ability of
the Lender to enforce its legal remedies pursuant to this Agreement or any other
Loan Document.

               MONTCLAIR shall mean Montclair Insurance Company, Ltd., a Bermuda
corporation.

               MONTH, with respect to an Interest Period under the Euro-Rate
Option, shall mean the interval between the days in consecutive calendar months
numerically corresponding to the first day of such Interest Period.  If any
Euro-Rate Interest Period begins on a day of a calendar month for which there is
no numerically corresponding day in the month in which such Interest Period is
to end, the final day of such Interest Period shall be deemed to end on the last
Business Day of such month.

               MOODY'S shall mean Moody's Investor's Service, Inc.

               MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN shall mean any employee benefit plan which is
a "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and to
which the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group is then making or accruing
an obligation to make contributions or, within the preceding five Plan years,
has made or had an obligation to make such contributions.

               MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN shall mean a Plan which has two or more
contributing sponsors (including the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group)
at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described
in Sections 4063 and 4064 of ERISA.

               NOTE shall mean the Revolving Credit Note of the Borrower in the
form of EXHIBIT 1.1(R) evidencing the Revolving Credit Loans, together with all
amendments, extensions, renewals, replacements, refinancings or refundings
thereof in whole or in part.

               NOTICES shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Section 11.6.

               OBLIGATION shall mean any obligation or liability of any of the
Loan Parties to the Lender, howsoever created, arising or evidenced, whether
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, now or hereafter existing, or due or
to become due, under or in connection with this Agreement, the Note, the Letters
of Credit, or any other Loan Document.

               OFFICIAL BODY shall mean any national, federal, state, local or
other government or political subdivision or any agency, authority, bureau,
central Bank, commission,


                                         -12-

<PAGE>

department or instrumentality of either, or any court, tribunal, grand jury or
arbitrator, in each case whether foreign or domestic.

               PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS shall have the meaning given to such term 
in Section 6.1.3.

               PBGC shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA or any successor.

               PERMITTED ACQUISITIONS  shall have the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 8.2.6.

               PERMITTED INVESTMENTS shall mean:

                    (i)       commercial paper and taxable or tax-exempt
instruments maturing not more than one year from the date of creation thereof
and rated not lower than A-2 by Standard and Poor's or P-2 by Moody's;

                    (ii)      long term instruments rated not lower than A- by
Standard and Poor's or A3 by Moody's, and having either "put" or rate reset
features recurring no less frequently than annually;

                    (iii)          certificates of deposit issued by or
repurchase agreements of a bank incorporated in, or a branch or office located
in, the United States of America, having combined capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $250,000,000 and having a senior unsecured debt rating
for such bank, or if such rating is not available for such bank, then the rating
of its holding company, rated not lower than A- by Standard and Poor's or A3 by
Moody's;

                    (iv)      marketable direct obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the United States government or an agency thereof
maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

                    (v)       money market funds; and 

                    (vi)      deposits available for withdrawal on demand within
the United States with financial institutions incorporated in the United States
of America or any OECD country, if it has a branch or office located in the
United States of America, and which have capital, surplus and undivided profits
of not less than $250,000,000 and having a senior unsecured debt rating for such
bank, or if such rating is not available for such bank, then the rating of its
holding company, rated not lower than A- by Standard and Poor's or A3 by
Moody's.

               PERMITTED LIENS shall mean:


                                         -13-

<PAGE>


                    (i)       Liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges,
incurred in the ordinary course of business and which are not yet due and
payable;

                    (ii)      Pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of
business to secure payment of worker's compensation, or to participate in any
fund in connection with worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, old-age
pensions, retirement insurance,  social security programs or similar
obligations;

                    (iii)     Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen,
carriers, or other like Liens, securing obligations incurred in the ordinary
course of business that are not yet due and payable and Liens of landlords
securing obligations to pay lease payments that are not yet due and payable or
in default;

                    (iv)      Good-faith pledges or deposits made in the
ordinary course of business to secure performance of bids, tenders, contracts
(other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or leases, not in excess of the
aggregate amount due thereunder, or to secure statutory obligations, or surety,
appeal, indemnity, performance or other similar bonds required in the ordinary
course of business;

                    (v)       Encumbrances consisting of zoning restrictions,
easements or other restrictions on the use of real property, none of which
materially impairs the use of such property or the value thereof, and none of
which is violated in any material respect by existing or proposed structures or
land use;

                    (vi)      Liens, security interests and mortgages in favor
of the Lender;

                    (vii)     Liens on property leased by any Loan Party or
Subsidiary of a Loan Party under operating leases securing obligations of such
Loan Party or Subsidiary to the lessor under such leases;

                    (viii)    Any Lien existing on the date of this Agreement
and described on SCHEDULE 1.1(P), PROVIDED that the principal amount secured
thereby is not hereafter increased, and no additional assets become subject to
such Lien;

                    (ix)      Purchase Money Security Interests and Liens
granted pursuant to capitalized leases in the property leased by the Loan
Parties as permitted under Section 8.2.1(iii) ;

                    (x)       Options for a time period not greater than one (1)
year granted in connection with dispositions permitted under Section 8.2.7;


                                         -14-

<PAGE>

                    (xi)      Liens arising in connection with deposits to
secure public and statutory obligations of a Loan Party or in lieu of surety,
appeal or customs bonds in proceedings to which a Loan Party is a party; and

                    (xii)     The following, (A) if the validity or amount
thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate and lawful proceedings
diligently conducted so long as levy and execution thereon have been stayed and
continue to be stayed or (B) if a final judgment is entered and such judgment is
discharged within thirty (30) days of entry, and in either case they do not
affect the Collateral or, in the aggregate, materially impair the ability of any
Loan Party to perform its Obligations hereunder or under the other Loan
Documents:

               (1)       Claims or Liens for taxes, assessments or charges due 
          and payable, PROVIDED that the applicable Loan Party maintains such
          reserves or other appropriate provisions as shall be required by GAAP
          and pays all such taxes, assessments or charges forthwith upon the
          commencement of proceedings to foreclose any such Lien;

               (2)       Claims, Liens or encumbrances upon, and defects of 
          title to, real or personal property other than the Collateral,
          including any attachment of personal or real property or other legal
          process prior to adjudication of a dispute on the merits; or

               (3)       Claims or Liens of mechanics, materialmen, 
          warehousemen, carriers, or other statutory nonconsensual Liens.

               (4)       Liens resulting from final judgments or orders    
          described in Section 9.1.6.

               PERSON shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, 
limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, 
unincorporated organization, joint venture, government or political 
subdivision or agency thereof, or any other entity.

               PLAN shall mean at any time an employee pension benefit plan 
(including a Multiple Employer Plan, but not a Multiemployer Plan) which is 
covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards 
under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and either (i) is maintained 
by any member of the ERISA Group for employees of any member of the ERISA 
Group or (ii) has at any time within the preceding five years been maintained 
by any entity which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for 
employees of any entity which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.

               PLEDGE AGREEMENT shall mean the Pledge Agreement in 
substantially the form of EXHIBIT 1.1(P) executed and delivered by the 
Borrower, Axiom and HSM, Inc., a Texas corporation, to the Lender.

                                         -15-

<PAGE>

               PLEDGED COLLATERAL shall mean the property of the Loan Parties in
which security interests are to be granted under the Pledge Agreement or the
Collateral Assignment.

               POTENTIAL DEFAULT shall mean any event or condition which with
notice, passage of time or a determination by the Lender, or any combination of
the foregoing, would constitute an Event of Default.

               PRINCIPAL OFFICE shall mean the main banking office of the Lender
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

               PRIOR SECURITY INTEREST shall mean a valid and enforceable
perfected first-priority security interest under the Uniform Commercial Code in
the UCC Collateral and the Pledged Collateral which is subject only to (i) Liens
for taxes not yet due and payable and statutory liens to the extent such
prospective tax payments and statutory liens are given priority by statute, (ii)
Purchase Money Security Interests and property subject to capital leases as
permitted hereunder, (iii) pledges of cash and cash equivalents permitted under
items (ii),(iv) and (xi) of the definition of Permitted Liens to the extent
granted priority under applicable Law, and (v) other Liens which by the terms
hereof are permitted to be prior to the Lender's security interest.

               PROHIBITED TRANSACTION shall mean any prohibited transaction as
defined in Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 406 of ERISA for
which neither an individual nor a class exemption has been issued by the United
States Department of Labor.

               PROPERTY shall mean all real property, both owned and leased, of 
any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party.

               PURCHASE MONEY SECURITY INTEREST shall mean Liens upon tangible
personal property securing loans to any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party
or deferred payments by such Loan Party or Subsidiary for the purchase of such
tangible personal property.

               REGULATED SUBSTANCES shall mean any substance, including any
solid, liquid, semisolid, gaseous, thermal, thoriated or radioactive material,
refuse, garbage, wastes, chemicals, petroleum products, by-products, coproducts,
impurities, dust, scrap, heavy metals, defined as a "hazardous substance,"
"pollutant," "pollution," "contaminant," "hazardous or toxic substance,"
"extremely hazardous substance," "toxic chemical," "toxic waste," "hazardous
waste," "industrial waste," "residual waste," "solid waste," "municipal waste,"
"mixed waste," "infectious waste," "chemotherapeutic waste," "medical waste," or
"regulated substance" or any related materials, substances or wastes as now or
hereafter defined pursuant to any Environmental Laws, ordinances, rules,
regulations or other written directives of any Official Body, the generation,
manufacture, extraction, processing, distribution, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport, recycling, reclamation, use, reuse, spilling, leaking, dumping,
injection, pumping, leaching, emptying, discharge, escape, release or other
management or mismanagement of which is regulated by the Environmental Laws.


                                         -16-

<PAGE>

               REGULATION U shall mean Regulation U, T, G or X as promulgated by
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended from time to
time.
               REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION shall have the meaning assigned to such
term in Section 2.7.3.1.

               RELOCATION EXPENSE shall mean the lesser of (i) the expenses
incurred by the Borrower in connection with the movement of its corporate
headquarters from San Francisco, California to Northbrook, Illinois, or (ii)
$2,500,000.

               REPORTABLE EVENT shall mean a reportable event described in
Section 4043 of ERISA and regulations thereunder with respect to a Plan or
Multiemployer Plan.

               REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS shall mean collectively and REVOLVING
CREDIT LOAN shall mean separately all Revolving Credit Loans or any Revolving
Credit Loan made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 or 2.7.3.

               REVOLVING FACILITY USAGE shall mean at any time the sum of the
Revolving Credit Loans outstanding and the Letters of Credit Outstanding.

               SECTION 20 SUBSIDIARY  shall mean the Subsidiary of the bank
holding company controlling the Lender, which Subsidiary has been granted
authority by the Federal Reserve Board to underwrite and deal in certain
Ineligible Securities.

               SECURITY AGREEMENT shall mean the Security Agreement in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT 1.1(S) executed and delivered by each of the
Loan Parties to the Lender.

               SHARES shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Section 6.1.2.

               STANDARD & POOR'S shall mean Standard & Poor's Ratings Services,
a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

               STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT shall mean a Letter of Credit issued to 
support obligations of one or more of the Loan Parties, contingent or otherwise,
which finance the working capital and business needs of the Loan Parties
incurred in the ordinary course of business.

               SUBSIDIARY of any Person at any time shall mean (i) any
corporation or trust of which 50% or more (by number of shares or number of
votes) of the outstanding capital stock or shares of beneficial interest
normally entitled to vote for the election of one or more directors or trustees
(regardless of any contingency which does or may suspend or dilute the voting
rights) is at such time owned directly or indirectly by such Person or one or
more of such Person's Subsidiaries, (ii) any partnership of which such Person is
a general partner or of which 50% or more of the partnership interests is at the
time directly or indirectly owned by such


                                         -17-

<PAGE>

Person or one or more of such Person's Subsidiaries, (iii) any limited liability
company of which such Person is a member or of which 50% or more of the limited
liability company interests is at the time directly or indirectly owned by such
Person or one or more of such Person's Subsidiaries or (iv) any corporation,
trust, partnership, limited liability company or other entity which is
controlled or capable of being controlled by such Person or one or more of such
Person's Subsidiaries.

               SUBSIDIARY SHARES shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Section 6.1.3.

               TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT shall mean the Trademark Security
Agreement in substantially the form of EXHIBIT 1.1(T) executed and delivered by
each of the Loan Parties to the Lender.

               UCC COLLATERAL shall mean the property of the Loan Parties in
which security interests are created under the Uniform Commercial Code and to be
granted under the Security Agreement.

               UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE shall have the meaning assigned to that
term in Section 6.1.16.

               VOTING STOCK shall mean the outstanding capital stock of the 
Borrower entitled to vote for the election of the members of the board of
directors of the Borrower.

               WARBURG shall mean Warburg, Pincus Investors, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership.

          1.2  CONSTRUCTION.

          Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise clearly requires, the
following rules of construction shall apply to this Agreement and each of the
other Loan Documents:

               1.2.1     NUMBER; INCLUSION.

               references to the plural include the singular, the plural, the
part and the whole; "or" has the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase
"and/or," and "including" has the meaning represented by the phrase "including
without limitation";

               1.2.2     DETERMINATION.

               references to "determination" of or by the Lender shall be deemed
to include good-faith estimates by the Lender (in the case of quantitative
determinations) and good-faith beliefs by the Lender (in the case of qualitative
determinations) and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest
error;


                                         -18-

<PAGE>

               1.2.3     LENDER'S DISCRETION AND CONSENT.

               whenever the Lender is granted the right herein to act in its
sole discretion or to grant or withhold consent such right shall be exercised in
good faith;
               1.2.4     DOCUMENTS TAKEN AS A WHOLE.

               the words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder," "hereto" and similar
terms in this Agreement or any other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or
such other Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement or such other Loan Document;

               1.2.5     HEADINGS.

               the section and other headings contained in this Agreement or
such other Loan Document and the Table of Contents (if any), preceding this
Agreement or such other Loan Document are for reference purposes only and shall
not control or affect the construction of this Agreement or such other Loan
Document or the interpretation thereof in any respect;

               1.2.6     IMPLIED REFERENCES TO THIS AGREEMENT.

               article, section, subsection, clause, schedule and exhibit
references are to this Agreement or other Loan Document, as the case may be,
unless otherwise specified;

               1.2.7     PERSONS.

               reference to any Person includes such Person's successors and
assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by
this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be, and reference to
a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity;

               1.2.8     MODIFICATIONS TO DOCUMENTS.

               reference to any agreement (including this Agreement and any
other Loan Document together with the schedules and exhibits hereto or thereto),
document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended,
modified, replaced, substituted for, superseded or restated;

               1.2.9     FROM, TO AND THROUGH.

               relative to the determination of any period of time, "from" means
"from and including," "to" means "to but excluding," and "through" means
"through and including"; and


                                         -19-

<PAGE>

               1.2.10    SHALL; WILL.

               references to "shall" and "will" are intended to have the same 
               meaning.

               1.3  ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES.

               Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all computations
and determinations as to accounting or financial matters and all financial
statements to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be made and prepared
in accordance with GAAP (including principles of consolidation where
appropriate), and all accounting or financial terms shall have the meanings
ascribed to such terms by GAAP; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, subject to changes resulting
from any agreement described in the next sentence, all accounting terms used in
Section 8.2 (and all defined terms used in the definition of any accounting term
used in Section 8.2 shall have the meaning given to such terms (and defined
terms) under GAAP as in effect on the date hereof applied on a basis consistent
with those used in preparing the Annual Statements referred to in
Section 6.1.9(i).  In the event of any change after the date hereof in GAAP, and
if such change would result in the inability to determine compliance with the
financial covenants set forth in Section 8.2 based upon the Borrower's regularly
prepared financial statements by reason of the preceding sentence, then the
parties hereto agree to endeavor, in good faith, to agree upon an amendment to
this Agreement that would adjust such financial covenants in a manner that would
not affect the substance thereof, but would allow compliance therewith to be
determined in accordance with the Borrower's financial statements at that time.

                            2.   REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

               2.1  REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT.

               Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and relying upon the
representations and warranties herein set forth, the Lender agrees to make
Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower at any time or from time to time on or
after the date hereof to the Expiration Date provided that after giving effect
to such Loan the aggregate amount of Loans shall not exceed the Commitment minus
the Letters of Credit Outstanding.  Within such limits of time and amount and
subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow,
repay and reborrow pursuant to this Section 2.1.

               2.2  COMMITMENT FEE.

               Accruing from the date hereof until the Expiration Date, the
Borrower agrees to pay to the Lender, as consideration for the Commitment
hereunder, a nonrefundable commitment fee (the "COMMITMENT FEE") equal to a rate
per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366  days, as the case may
be, and actual days elapsed) on the average daily difference between the amount
of (i) the Commitment, and (ii) the Revolving Facility Usage.  The rate per
annum used to determine the Commitment Fee shall be based upon the ratio of
Consolidated Funded


                                         -20-

<PAGE>

Indebtedness to Annual Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations, as set forth on
SCHEDULE 1.1(A) and based upon the last completed Exhibit 8.3.  All Commitment
Fees shall be payable quarterly in arrears on or before the first day of each
April, July, October and January after the date hereof and on the Expiration
Date or upon acceleration of the Note.

               2.3  REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY FEE.

               The Borrower agrees to pay to the Lender, as consideration for
the Commitment, a nonrefundable facility fee equal to $131,250 (the "FACILITY
FEE"), payable on the Closing Date.

               2.4  REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN REQUESTS.

               Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower may from time
to time prior to the Expiration Date request the Lender to make Revolving Credit
Loans, or renew or convert the Interest Rate Option applicable to existing
Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to Section , by delivering to the Lender, not
later than 12:00 noon, Pittsburgh time, (i) two (2) Business Days prior to the
proposed Borrowing Date with respect to the making of a Revolving Credit Loan to
which the Euro-Rate Option applies or the conversion to or the renewal of the
Euro-Rate Option for any Revolving Credit Loan; and (ii) one (1) Business Day
prior to either the proposed Borrowing Date with respect to the making of a
Revolving Credit Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies or the last day of
the preceding Interest Period with respect to the conversion to the Base Rate
Option for any Revolving Credit Loan, of a duly completed request therefor
substantially in the form of EXHIBIT 2.4 (each, a "LOAN REQUEST").  Each Loan
Request shall be irrevocable and shall specify (i) the proposed Borrowing Date;
(ii) the aggregate amount of the proposed Revolving Credit Loan comprising each
Borrowing Tranche, which shall be not less than $1,000,000 for each Borrowing
Tranche to which the Euro-Rate Option applies ; (iii) whether the Euro-Rate
Option or Base Rate Option shall apply to the proposed Revolving Credit Loan
comprising the applicable Borrowing Tranche; and (iv) in the case of a Borrowing
Tranche to which the Euro-Rate Option applies, an appropriate Interest Period
for the proposed Revolving Credit Loan comprising such Borrowing Tranche. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall be limited to submitting one
Loan Request in each calendar week with respect to the making of Revolving
Credit Loans.

               2.5  REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE.

               The obligation of the Borrower to repay the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans made to it by the Lender,
together with interest thereon, shall be evidenced by the Note dated the Closing
Date payable to the order of the Lender in a face amount equal to the
Commitment.

               2.6  USE OF PROCEEDS.

               The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans shall be used for
general corporate purposes and in accordance with Section 8.1.10.

                                         -21-


<PAGE>

          2.7  LETTER OF CREDIT SUBFACILITY. 

               2.7.1     ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT.

               Borrower may request the issuance of a letter of credit (each a
"LETTER OF CREDIT") on behalf of itself or another Loan Party by delivering to
the Lender a completed application and agreement for letters of credit in such
form as the Lender may specify from time to time by no later than 12:00 noon,
Pittsburgh time, at least three (3) Business Days, or such shorter period as may
be agreed to by the Lender, in advance of the proposed date of issuance.  Each
Letter of Credit shall be either a Standby Letter of Credit or a Commercial
Letter of Credit.  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Lender will
issue a Letter of Credit provided that each Letter of Credit shall (A) have a
maximum maturity of twelve (12) months from the date of issuance, and (B) in no
event expire later than one Business Day prior to the Expiration Date and
providing that in no event shall (i) the Letters of Credit Outstanding exceed,
at any one time, $2,000,000 or (ii) the Revolving Facility Usage exceed, at any
one time, the Commitment.

               2.7.2     LETTER OF CREDIT FEES.

               The Borrower shall pay to the Lender a fee (the "LETTER OF 
CREDIT FEE") at a rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days 
and actual days elapsed ) equal to (i) with respect to all Standby Letters of 
Credit, the applicable Euro-Rate Margin (as such term is used in the 
definition of Applicable Margin) set forth on Schedule 1.1(A), and (ii) with 
respect to allCommercial Letters of Credit, one-half (1/2) of the applicable 
Euro-Rate Margin. The fee with respect to both Standby Letters of Credit and 
Commercial Letters of Credit shall be computed on the daily average Letters 
of Credit Outstanding and shall be payable quarterly in arrears commencing 
with the first day of each April, July, October and January following 
issuance of each Letter of Credit and on the Expiration Date.  The Borrower 
shall also pay the Lender's then in effect customary fees and administrative 
expenses payable with respect to the Letters of Credit as the Lender may 
generally charge or incur from time to time in connection with the issuance, 
modification (if any), assignment or transfer (if any), and negotiation of 
Letters of Credit.

               2.7.3     DISBURSEMENTS, REIMBURSEMENT.

                    2.7.3.1   In the event of any request for a drawing under a
Letter of Credit by the beneficiary or transferee thereof, the Lender will
promptly notify the Borrower.  Provided that it shall have received such notice,
the Borrower shall reimburse (such obligation to reimburse the Lender shall
sometimes be referred to as a "REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATION") the Lender prior to
12:00 noon, Pittsburgh time on each date that an amount is paid by the Lender
under any Letter of Credit (each such date, a "DRAWING DATE") in an amount equal
to the amount so paid by the Lender.  In the event the Borrower fails to
reimburse the Lender for the full amount of any drawing under any Letter of
Credit by 12:00 noon, Pittsburgh time, on the Drawing Date, the Borrower shall
be deemed to have requested that Revolving Credit Loans be made by the Lender
under the Base Rate Option to be disbursed on the Drawing Date under such


                                         -22-

<PAGE>

Letter of Credit, subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the
Commitment and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 7.2 other than any
notice requirements.  Any notice given by the Lender pursuant to this
Section 2.7.3.1 may be oral if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that
the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness
or binding effect of such notice.

                    2.7.3.2   With respect to any unreimbursed drawing that is
not converted into a Revolving Credit Loan under the Base Rate Option to the
Borrower in whole or in part as contemplated by Section 2.7.3.1, because of the
Borrower's failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 7.2 other than
any notice requirements or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to
have incurred from the Lender a Letter of Credit Borrowing in the amount of such
drawing.  Such Letter of Credit Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand
(together with interest) and shall bear interest at the rate per annum
applicable to the Revolving Credit Loans under the Base Rate Option.

               2.7.4     DOCUMENTATION.

               Each Loan Party agrees to be bound by the terms of the Lender's
application and agreement for letters of credit and the Lender's written
regulations and customary practices relating to letters of credit, though such
interpretation may be different from such Loan Party's own.  In the event of a
conflict between such application or agreement and this Agreement, this
Agreement shall govern.  It is understood and agreed that, except in the case of
gross negligence or willful misconduct, the Lender shall not be liable for any
error, negligence and/or mistakes, whether of omission or commission, in
following any Loan Party's instructions or those contained in the Letters of
Credit or any modifications, amendments or supplements thereto.

               2.7.5     DETERMINATIONS TO HONOR DRAWING REQUESTS.

               In determining whether to honor any request for drawing under any
Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the Lender shall be responsible
only to determine that the documents and certificates required to be delivered
under such Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they comply on their
face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit.

               2.7.6     NATURE OF PARTICIPATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS. 

               The Obligations of the Borrower to reimburse the Lender upon a
draw under a Letter of Credit, shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable,
and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.7
under all circumstances, including the following circumstances:

                         (i)       any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,
defense or other right which any Loan Party may have against the Lender or any
other Person for any reason whatsoever; 


                                         -23-

<PAGE>

                         (ii)      the failure of any Loan Party or any other
Person to comply, in connection with a Letter of Credit Borrowing, with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.1, 2.4 or 7.2 or as otherwise set forth in
this Agreement for the making of a Revolving Credit Loan, it being acknowledged
that such conditions are not required for the making of a Letter of Credit
Borrowing;

                         (iii)          any lack of validity or enforceability
of any Letter of Credit;

                         (iv)      the existence of any claim, set-off, defense
or other right which any Loan Party or the Lender may have at any time against a
beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom
any such transferee may be acting), the Lender or any other Person or, whether
in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any
unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between any Loan
Party or Subsidiaries of a Loan Party and the beneficiary for which any Letter
of Credit was procured);

                         (v)       any draft, demand, certificate or other
document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent,
invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
inaccurate in any respect even if the Lender has been notified thereof;

                         (vi)      payment by the Lender under any Letter of
Credit against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document
which does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, unless such
payment constitutes bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the
part of the Lender;

                         (vii)     any adverse change in the business,
operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects
of any Loan Party or Subsidiaries of a Loan Party;

                         (viii)    any breach of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document by any party thereto;

                         (ix)      the occurrence or continuance of an
Insolvency Proceeding with respect to any Loan Party;

                         (x)       the fact that an Event of Default or a
Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing; 

                         (xi)      the fact that the Expiration Date shall have
passed or this Agreement or the Commitment hereunder shall have been terminated;
and



                                         -24-

<PAGE>

                         (xii)     any other circumstance or happening
whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, unless the Lender's
actions in connection therewith constitute bad faith, gross negligence or
willful misconduct; PROVIDED that the Lender's obligation to make Revolving
Credit Loans under Section 2.1 is subject to the conditions set forth in
Section 7.2.

               2.7.7     INDEMNITY.

               In addition to amounts payable as provided in Section 11.3, the
Borrower hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless the Lender
from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses,
costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable fees, expenses and
disbursements of counsel and allocated costs of internal counsel) which the
Lender may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of
(i) the issuance of any Letter of Credit, other than as a result of (A) the bad
faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lender as determined by a
final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (B) subject to the
following clause (ii), the wrongful dishonor by the Lender of a proper demand
for payment made under any Letter of Credit, or (ii) the failure of the Lender
to honor a drawing under any such Letter of Credit as a result of any act or
omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de
facto government or governmental authority (all such acts or omissions herein
called "GOVERNMENTAL ACTS").

               2.7.8     LIABILITY FOR ACTS AND OMISSIONS.

               As between any Loan Party and the Lender, such Loan Party assumes
all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit by,
the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit.  In furtherance and not
in limitation of the foregoing, the Lender shall not be responsible for: 
(i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of
any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for an
issuance of any such Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in
any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged
(even if the Lender shall have been notified thereof); (ii) the validity or
sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to
transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits
thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be
invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) the failure of the beneficiary of
any such Letter of Credit, or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may
be transferred, to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw
upon such Letter of Credit or any other claim of any Loan Party against any
beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, or any such transferee, or any dispute
between or among any Loan Party and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or
any such transferee; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in
transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or
otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of
technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any
document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or
of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such
Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of


                                         -25-

<PAGE>

Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the
Lender, including any Governmental Acts, and none of the above shall affect or
impair, or prevent the vesting of, any of the Lender's rights or powers
hereunder.
               In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of the
specific provisions set forth above, any action taken or omitted by the Lender
under or in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by it or any documents
and certificates delivered thereunder, if taken or omitted in good faith and
absent gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall not put the Lender under
any resulting liability to the Borrower or any other Loan Party.

                            3.     [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

                                4.     INTEREST RATES

          4.1  INTEREST RATE OPTIONS.

          The Borrower shall pay interest in respect of the outstanding unpaid
principal amount of the Loans as selected by it from the Base Rate Option or the
Euro-Rate Option set forth below applicable to the Loans, it being understood
that, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may select
different Interest Rate Options and different Interest Periods to apply
simultaneously to the Loans comprising different Borrowing Tranches and may
convert to or renew one or more Interest Rate Options with respect to all or any
portion of the Loans comprising any Borrowing Tranche, PROVIDED that there shall
not be at any one time outstanding more than four (4) Borrowing Tranches in the
aggregate among all of the Loans accruing interest at a Euro-Rate Option.  If at
any time the designated rate applicable to any Loan made by the Lender exceeds
the Lender's highest lawful rate, the rate of interest on the Lender's Loan
shall be limited to the Lender's highest lawful rate.

               4.1.1     REVOLVING CREDIT INTEREST RATE OPTIONS.

               The Borrower shall have the right to select from the following
Interest Rate Options applicable to the Revolving Credit Loans:

                         (i)       BASE RATE OPTION:  A fluctuating rate per
annum (computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366  days, as the case may be,
and actual days elapsed) equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, such
interest rate to change automatically from time to time effective as of the
effective date of each change in the Base Rate; or

                         (ii)      EURO-RATE OPTION:  A rate per annum (computed
on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) equal to the
Euro-Rate plus the Applicable Margin.


                                         -26-

<PAGE>

               4.1.2     RATE QUOTATIONS.

               The Borrower may call the Lender on or before the date on which a
Loan Request is to be delivered to receive an indication of the rates then in
effect, but it is acknowledged that such projection shall not be binding on the
Lender nor affect the rate of interest which thereafter is actually in effect
when the election is made.

          4.2  INTEREST PERIODS.

          At any time when the Borrower shall select, convert to or renew a
Euro-Rate Option, the Borrower shall notify the Lender thereof at least two
(2)Business Days prior to the effective date of such Euro-Rate Option by
delivering a Loan Request.  The notice shall specify an interest period (the
"INTEREST PERIOD") during which such Interest Rate Option shall apply, such
Interest Period to be one, two, three or six Months.  Notwithstanding the
preceding sentence, the following provisions shall apply to any selection of,
renewal of, or conversion to a Euro-Rate Option:


               4.2.1     ENDING DATE AND BUSINESS DAY.

               any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a date which is
not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless
such Business Day falls in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest
Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

               4.2.2     AMOUNT OF BORROWING TRANCHE.

               each Borrowing Tranche of Euro-Rate Loans shall be not less than
$1,000,000;

               4.2.3     TERMINATION BEFORE EXPIRATION DATE.

               the Borrower shall not select, convert to or renew an Interest
Period for any portion of the Loans that would end after the Expiration Date;
and

               4.2.4     RENEWALS.

               in the case of the renewal of a Euro-Rate Option at the end of an
Interest Period, the first day of the new Interest Period shall be the last day
of the preceding Interest Period, without duplication in payment of interest for
such day.

          4.3  INTEREST AFTER DEFAULT.

          To the extent permitted by Law, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default and until such time such Event of Default shall have been cured or
waived:


                                         -27-

<PAGE>

               4.3.1     LETTER OF CREDIT FEES, INTEREST RATE.

               the Letter of Credit Fees and the rate of interest for each Loan
otherwise applicable pursuant to Section 2.7.3 or Section 4.1, respectively,
shall be increased by two percent (2%) per annum; and

               4.3.2     OTHER OBLIGATIONS.

               each other Obligation hereunder if not paid when due shall bear
interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the rate of interest applicable
under the Base Rate Option plus an additional two percent (2%) per annum from
the time such Obligation becomes due and payable and until it is paid in full.

               4.3.3     ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

               The Borrower acknowledges that the increase in rates referred to
in this Section  reflects, among other things, the fact that such Loans or other
amounts have become a substantially greater risk given their default status and
that the Lender is entitled to additional compensation for such risk; and all
such interest shall be payable by Borrower upon demand by Lender.


          4.4  EURO-RATE UNASCERTAINABLE; ILLEGALITY; INCREASED COSTS; DEPOSITS
NOT AVAILABLE

               4.4.1     UNASCERTAINABLE.

               If on any date on which a Euro-Rate would otherwise be
determined, the Lender shall have determined that:


                         (i)       adequate and reasonable means do not exist
for ascertaining such Euro-Rate, or

                         (ii)      a contingency has occurred which materially
and adversely affects the secondary market for the London interbank eurodollar
market relating to the Euro-Rate, the Lender shall have the rights specified in
Section .

               4.4.2     ILLEGALITY; INCREASED COSTS; DEPOSITS NOT AVAILABLE.

               If at any time the Lender shall have determined that:

                         (i)       the making, maintenance or funding of any
Loan to which a Euro-Rate Option applies has been made impracticable or unlawful
by compliance by the Lender in good faith with any Law or any interpretation or
application thereof by any Official Body or with any request or directive of any
such Official Body (whether or not having the force of Law), or


                                         -28-

<PAGE>

                         (ii)      such Euro-Rate Option will not adequately and
fairly reflect the cost to the Lender of the establishment or maintenance of any
such Loan, or

                         (iii)     after making all reasonable efforts, deposits
of the relevant amount in Dollars for the relevant Interest Period for a Loan to
which a Euro-Rate Option applies are not available to the Lender at the
effective cost of funding a proposed Loan in the London interbank market, 

then the Lender shall have the rights specified in Section 4.4.3.

               4.4.3     LENDER'S RIGHTS.

               In the case of any event specified in Section 4.4.1 or 4.4.2
above, the Lender shall promptly so notify the Borrower thereof.  Upon such date
as shall be specified in such notice (which shall not be earlier than the date
such notice is given), the obligation of the Lender to allow the Borrower to
select, convert to or renew a Euro-Rate Option shall be suspended until the
Lender shall have later notified the Borrower of the Lender's determination that
the circumstances giving rise to such previous determination no longer exist. 
If at any time the Lender makes a determination under Section 4.4.1  or 4.4.2
and the Borrower has previously notified the Lender of its selection of,
conversion to or renewal of a Euro-Rate Option and such Interest Rate Option has
not yet gone into effect, such notification shall be deemed to provide for
selection of, conversion to or renewal of the Base Rate Option otherwise
available with respect to such Loans.

        4.5  SELECTION OF INTEREST RATE OPTIONS.

        If the Borrower fails to select a new Interest Period to apply to
any Borrowing Tranche of Loans under the Euro-Rate Option at the expiration of
an existing Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing Tranche in accordance
with the provisions of Section 4.2, the Borrower shall be deemed to have
converted such Borrowing Tranche to the Base Rate Option commencing upon the
last day of the existing Interest Period.

                                   5.     PAYMENTS

        5.1  PAYMENTS.

        All payments and prepayments to be made in respect of principal,
interest, Commitment Fees, Facility Fee, Letter of Credit Fees, or other fees or
amounts due from the Borrower hereunder shall be payable prior to 12:00 noon,
Pittsburgh time, on the date when due without presentment, demand, protest or
notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower,
and without set-off, counterclaim or other deduction of any nature, and an
action therefor shall immediately accrue.  Such payments shall be made to the
Lender at the Principal Office in U.S. Dollars and in immediately available
funds.  The Lender's statement of


                                         -29-

<PAGE>

account, ledger or other relevant record shall, in the absence of manifest
error, be conclusive as the statement of the amount of principal of and interest
on the Loans and other amounts owing under this Agreement and shall be deemed an
"account stated."

          5.2  INTEREST PAYMENT DATES.

          Interest on Loans shall be due and payable in arrears on the first 
day of each calendar quarter after the date hereof, commencing with a payment 
on April 1, 1997, and on each July 1, October 1, January 1 and April 1 
thereafter, and on the Expiration Date or upon acceleration of the Note. 
Interest on the principal amount of each Loan or other monetary Obligation 
shall be due and payable on demand after such principal amount or other 
monetary Obligation becomes due and payable (whether on the stated maturity 
date, upon acceleration or otherwise).

          5.3  VOLUNTARY REPAYMENTS.

               5.3.1     RIGHT TO REPAY.

               The Borrower shall have the right at its option at any time and
from time to time to repay the Loans in whole or part without premium or penalty
(except as provided in Section 5.5).

               Whenever the Borrower desires to repay any part of the Loans, it
shall provide a notice to the Lender at least two (2) Business Days prior to the
date of repayment of Loans setting forth the following information:

               (y)       the date, which shall be a Business Day, on which the
proposed repayment is to be made; and

               (z)       the total principal amount of such repayment, which
shall not be less than $100,000.

               All repayment notices shall be irrevocable.  The principal amount
of the Loans for which a repayment notice is given shall be due and payable on
the date specified in such prepayment notice as the date on which the proposed
repayment is to be made.  Except as provided in Section 4.4.3, if the Borrower
repays a Loan but fails to specify the applicable Borrowing Tranche which the
Borrower is repaying, the repayment shall be applied first to Loans to which the
Base Rate Option applies, then to Loans to which the Euro-Rate Option applies. 
Any repayment hereunder shall be subject to the Borrower's Obligation to
indemnify the Lender under Section 5.5.2.


                                         -30-

<PAGE>

               5.3.2     COMMITMENT REDUCTIONS.

               The Borrower may at any time and from time to time terminate in
whole the Commitment.  The Borrower may on two separate occasions reduce in part
the Commitment, provided however, that after giving effect to any reduction, the
Commitment is not less than $7,500,000.  In the case of either a termination or
reduction of the Commitment, the Borrower shall give the Lender not less than
seven (7) days prior written notice to such effect.  Notice of termination or
reduction, having once been given by the Borrower, shall be irrevocable on the
part of the Borrower.  Each reduction of the Commitment shall be in the
aggregate amount of Five Hundred Thousand ($500,000) or an integral multiple
thereof.  After each such reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment, the fee
payable pursuant to Section 2.2 shall be calculated upon the Commitment as so
reduced.

          5.4  MANDATORY REPAYMENTS.

               5.4.1     SALE OF ASSETS.

               Within five (5) Business Days of any sale of assets authorized by
Section 8.2.7(iv) when the Borrower's reasonable calculation of the net
after-tax proceeds are greater than $1,000,000, the Borrower shall make a
mandatory repayment of principal on the Loans equal to the lesser of (i) the
then outstanding principal amount of the Loans, or (ii) the net after-tax
proceeds of such sale (as estimated in good faith by the Borrower), together
with accrued interest on such principal amount, and the Commitment shall be
reduced by the amount of the net after-tax proceeds, rounded to the nearest
multiple of $10,000.

               5.4.2     APPLICATION AMONG INTEREST RATE OPTIONS.

               If at the time the Borrower makes a repayment required pursuant
to this Section 5.4 and the Borrower fails to specify the applicable Borrowing
Tranche to which the Borrower wants the repayment to be applied, the repayment
shall first be applied among the Interest Rate Options to the principal amount
of the Loans subject to the Base Rate Option, then to Loans subject to a
Euro-Rate Option.  In accordance with Section 5.5.2, the Borrower shall
indemnify the Lender for any loss or expense, including loss of margin, incurred
with respect to any such prepayments applied against Loans subject to a
Euro-Rate Option on any day other than the last day of the applicable Interest
Period.


          5.5  ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

               5.5.1     INCREASED COSTS OR REDUCED RETURN RESULTING FROM TAXES,
RESERVES, CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS, EXPENSES, ETC.

               If any Law, guideline or interpretation issued or adopted after
the date hereof or any change in any Law, guideline or interpretation or
application thereof after the date hereof by any Official Body charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof or


                                         -31-

<PAGE>

compliance with any request or directive issued or adopted after the date hereof
(whether or not having the force of Law) of any central bank or other Official
Body:

                         (i)       subjects the Lender to any tax or changes the
basis of taxation with respect to this Agreement, the Note, the Loans or
payments by the Borrower of principal, interest, Commitment Fees, or other
amounts due from the Borrower hereunder or under the Note (except for taxes on
the overall net income of the Lender),

                         (ii)      imposes, modifies or deems applicable any
reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against credits or commitments
to extend credit extended by, or assets (funded or contingent) of, deposits with
or for the account of, or other acquisitions of funds by, the Lender, or

                         (iii)     imposes, modifies or deems applicable any
capital adequacy or similar requirement (A) against assets (funded or
contingent) of, or letters of credit, other credits or commitments to extend
credit extended by, the Lender, or (B) otherwise applicable to the obligations
of the Lender under this Agreement,

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to, reduce the
income receivable by, or impose any expense (including loss of margin) upon the
Lender with respect to this Agreement, the Note or the making, maintenance or
funding of any part of the Loans (or, in the case of any capital adequacy or
similar requirement, to have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the
Lender's capital, taking into consideration the Lender's customary policies with
respect to capital adequacy) by an amount which is not reflected by the
Euro-Rate and which the Lender in its sole discretion deems to be material, the
Lender shall from time to time notify the Borrower of the amount determined in
good faith (using any averaging and attribution methods employed in good faith)
by the Lender to be necessary to compensate the Lender for such increase in
cost, reduction of income, additional expense or reduced rate of return.  Such
notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such determination. 
Such amount shall be due and payable by the Borrower to the Lender ten (10)
Business Days after such notice is given.  If any event or circumstance arises
or occurs which gives rise to the obligation of the Borrower to make a payment
pursuant to this Section 5.5.1, the Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower of
such event or circumstance.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, the Borrower shall not be required to make any payment to the Lender
pursuant to this Section 5.5.1 with respect to amounts which arise or relate to
periods more than 180 days prior to the Lender's request for such payment.

               5.5.2     INDEMNITY.

               In addition to the compensation required by Section 5.5.1, the
Borrower shall indemnify the Lender against all liabilities, losses or expenses
(including loss of margin, any loss or expense incurred in liquidating or
employing deposits from third parties and any loss or expense incurred in
connection with funds acquired by the Lender to fund or maintain Loans subject
to a Euro-Rate Option) which the Lender sustains or incurs as a consequence of
any


                                         -32-

<PAGE>

                         (i)       payment, prepayment, conversion or renewal of
any Loan to which a Euro-Rate Option applies on a day other than the last day of
the corresponding Interest Period (whether or not such payment or prepayment is
mandatory, voluntary or automatic and whether or not such payment or prepayment
is then due),

                         (ii)      attempt by the Borrower to revoke 
(expressly, by later inconsistent notices or otherwise) in whole or part any 
Loan Requests under Section 2.4 or Section 4.2 or notice relating to 
prepayments under Section 5.3, or

                         (iii)     default by the Borrower in the performance or
observance of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or any other
Loan Document, including any failure of the Borrower to pay when due (by
acceleration or otherwise) any principal, interest, Commitment Fee or any other
amount due hereunder.

               If the Lender sustains or incurs any such loss or expense, it
shall from time to time notify the Borrower of the amount determined in good
faith by the Lender (which determination may include such assumptions,
allocations of reasonable costs and expenses and averaging or attribution
methods as the Lender shall deem reasonable) to be necessary to indemnify the
Lender for such loss or expense.  Such notice shall set forth in reasonable
detail the basis for such determination.  Such amount shall be due and payable
by the Borrower to the Lender ten (10) Business Days after such notice is given.

               5.5.3     REDUCED RETURN RELATING TO LENDER'S SERVICES.

               If the Loan Parties shall cease to employ the Lender as the
administrator of their 401K plan and the financial institution which provides
the Loan Parties with their treasury management services as substantially in
effect on the Closing Date, and the result of any of the foregoing failures to
so utilize the Lender's services is to reduce the income receivable by an amount
which the Lender in its sole discretion deems to be material, the Lender shall
from time to time notify the Borrower of the amount determined in good faith by
the Lender to be necessary to compensate the Lender for such reduction of
income, and the Lender shall in its discretion adjust the Applicable Margin to
compensate the Lender for such reduction.  Such notice shall set forth in
reasonable detail the basis for such determination and the date upon which the
change in the Applicable Margin shall be effected.

                        6.     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

          6.1  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

               The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to
the Lender as follows:


                                         -33-

<PAGE>

               6.1.1     ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.

               Each Loan Party is a corporation, partnership or limited
liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of its jurisdiction of organization.  Each Loan Party has the lawful
power to own or lease its properties and to engage in the business it presently
conducts or proposes to conduct.  Each Loan Party is duly licensed or qualified
and in good standing in each jurisdiction listed on SCHEDULE 6.1.1 and in all
other jurisdictions where the property owned or leased by it or the nature of
the business transacted by it or both makes such licensing or qualification
necessary, except where such failure is not reasonably likely to cause a
Material Adverse Change.


               6.1.2     CAPITALIZATION AND OWNERSHIP.


               The authorized capital stock of the Borrower  (referred to herein
as the "Shares") and the issued and outstanding Shares and the ownership thereof
are as indicated on SCHEDULE 6.1.2.  All of the Shares have been validly issued
and are fully paid and nonassessable.  There are no options, warrants or other
rights outstanding to purchase any such shares except as indicated on 
SCHEDULE 6.1.2.

               6.1.3     SUBSIDIARIES.

               SCHEDULE 6.1.3 states the name of each of the Borrower's 
Subsidiaries other than Montclair and the Existing Partnerships, its 
jurisdiction of incorporation, its authorized capital stock, the issued and 
outstanding shares (referred to herein as the "Subsidiary Shares") and the 
owners thereof if it is a corporation, its outstanding partnership interests 
(the "Partnership Interests") if it is a partnership and its outstanding 
limited liability company interests, interests assigned to managers thereof 
and the voting rights associated therewith (the "LLC Interests") if it is a 
limited liability company. Each Loan Party has good and marketable title to 
all of the Subsidiary Shares, Partnership Interests and LLC Interests of the 
Loan Parties it purports to own, free and clear in each case of any Lien 
other than Permitted Liens.  All Subsidiary Shares, Partnership Interests and 
LLC Interests of each Loan Party have been validly issued, and all Subsidiary 
Shares of each Loan Party are fully paid and nonassessable.  All capital 
contributions and other consideration required to be made or paid in 
connection with the issuance of the Partnership Interests and LLC Interests 
have been made or paid, as the case may be.  There are no options, warrants 
or other rights outstanding to purchase any such Subsidiary Shares, 
Partnership Interests or LLC Interests of any Loan Party except as indicated 
on SCHEDULE 6.1.3.  With the exception of Montclair and the Existing 
Partnerships, no Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party has either (i) active 
business operations of any of the type described in Section 8.2.10, or (ii) 
assets having a book value equal to or greater than $50,000.

               6.1.4     POWER AND AUTHORITY.

               Each Loan Party has full power to enter into, execute, deliver
and carry out this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a
party, to incur


                                         -34-

<PAGE>

the Indebtedness contemplated by the Loan Documents and to perform its
Obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and all such
actions have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings on its part.

               6.1.5     VALIDITY AND BINDING EFFECT.

               This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by each Loan Party, and each other Loan Document which any Loan Party is
required to execute and deliver on or after the date hereof will have been duly
executed and delivered by such Loan Party on the required date of delivery of
such Loan Document.  This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes, or
will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of each Loan Party which
is or will be a party thereto on and after its date of delivery thereof,
enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent that enforceability of any of such Loan Document may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting the enforceability of creditors' rights generally and by general
equitable principles.

               6.1.6     NO CONFLICT.

               Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other
Loan Documents by any Loan Party nor the consummation of the transactions herein
or therein contemplated or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof or
thereof by any of them will conflict with, constitute a default under or result
in any breach of (i) the terms and conditions of the certificate of
incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership
agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or
other organizational documents of any Loan Party or (ii) any Law or any material
agreement or instrument or order, writ, judgment, injunction or decree to which
any Loan Party is a party or by which it is bound or to which it is subject, or
result in the creation or enforcement of any Lien, charge or encumbrance
whatsoever upon any property (now or hereafter acquired) of any Loan Party
(other than Liens granted under the Loan Documents).

               6.1.7     LITIGATION.

               Except as set forth on Schedule 6.1.7, there are no actions,
suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan
Party, threatened against such Loan Party at law or equity before any Official
Body which individually or in the aggregate is reasonably likely to result in
any Material Adverse Change.  None of the Loan Parties  is in violation of any
order, writ, injunction or any decree of any Official Body which may result in
any Material Adverse Change.

               6.1.8     TITLE TO PROPERTIES.

               Each Loan Party has good and marketable title to or valid
leasehold interest in all material properties, assets and other rights which it
purports to own or lease or


                                         -35-

<PAGE>

which are reflected as owned or leased on its books and records, free and clear
of all Liens and encumbrances except Permitted Liens, and subject to the terms
and conditions of the applicable leases.  All leases of property are in full
force and effect without the necessity for any consent which has not previously
been obtained upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

               6.1.9     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                         (i)       HISTORICAL STATEMENTS.  The Borrower has
delivered to the Lender copies of its audited consolidated year-end financial
statements for and as of the end of the two fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and
1995 (the "Annual Statements").  In addition, the Borrower has delivered to the
Lender copies of its unaudited consolidated interim financial statements for the
fiscal year to date and as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended September 30,
1996 (the "Interim Statements") (the Annual and Interim Statements being
collectively referred to as the "Historical Statements").  The Historical
Statements were compiled from the books and records maintained by the Borrower's
management, are correct and complete and fairly represent in all material
respects the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of their dates and the results of operations for the fiscal
periods then ended and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied, subject (in the case of the Interim Statements) to normal year-end
audit adjustments.

                         (ii)      FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS.  The Borrower has
delivered to the Lender financial projections of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for the period January 1, 1997 to June 30, 2001 derived from
various assumptions of the Borrower's management (the "Financial Projections"). 
The Financial Projections represent a reasonable range of possible results in
light of the history of the business, present and foreseeable conditions and the
intentions of the Borrower's management.  The Financial Projections accurately
reflect the liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries upon consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby as of the Closing Date.

                         (iii)     ACCURACY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Neither 
the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of the Borrower has any liabilities, 
contingent or otherwise, or forward or long-term commitments that are not 
disclosed in the Historical Statements or in the notes thereto, and except as 
disclosed therein there are no unrealized or anticipated losses from any 
commitments of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower which is 
reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Change.  Since June 30, 1996 no 
Material Adverse Change has occurred.

               6.1.10    USE OF PROCEEDS; MARGIN STOCK.

               The Loan Parties intend to use the proceeds of the Loans in
accordance with Sections 2.6 and 8.1.10.  None of the Loan Parties or any
Subsidiaries of any Loan Party engages or intends to engage principally, or as
one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the
purpose, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, of purchasing or


                                         -36-

<PAGE>

carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U).  No part of the
proceeds of any Loan has been or will be used, immediately, incidentally or
ultimately, to purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others
for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock or to refund
Indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose, or for any purpose which
entails a violation of or which is inconsistent with the provisions of the
regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  None of
the Loan Parties holds or intends to hold margin stock in such amounts that more
than 25% of the reasonable value of the assets of any Loan Party are or will be
represented by margin stock.

               6.1.11    FULL DISCLOSURE.

               Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, nor any
certificate, written statement, agreement or other documents furnished to the
Lender in connection herewith or therewith, contains any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements contained herein and therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.  As of the date hereof there is no fact
known to any Loan Party which materially adversely affects the business,
property, assets, financial condition or results of operations of any Loan Party
which has not been set forth in this Agreement or in the certificates,
statements, agreements or other documents furnished in writing to the Lender
prior to or at the date hereof in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby.

               6.1.12    TAXES.

               All federal, state and local income tax returns and all other
material federal, state and local tax returns required to have been filed with
respect to each Loan Party have been filed or properly extended, and payment or
adequate provision has been made for the payment of all taxes, fees, assessments
and other governmental charges which have or may become due pursuant to said
returns or to assessments received, except to the extent that such taxes, fees,
assessments and other charges are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserves or other
appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been
made.  There are no agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of
limitations applicable to any federal income tax return of any Loan Party for
any period.

               6.1.13    CONSENTS AND APPROVALS.

               Except for the filing of financing statements and the Trademark
Security Agreement in the state, county and federal filing offices, no consent,
approval, exemption, order or authorization of, or a registration or filing
with, any Official Body or any other Person is required by any Law or any
agreement in connection with the execution, delivery and carrying out of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents by any Loan Party, except as listed on
SCHEDULE 6.1.13, all of which shall have been obtained or made on or prior to
the Closing Date except as otherwise indicated on SCHEDULE 6.1.13.

                                         -37-


<PAGE>

               6.1.14    NO EVENT OF DEFAULT; COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUMENTS.

               No event has occurred and is continuing and no condition exists
or will exist after giving effect to the borrowings or other extensions of
credit to be made on the Closing Date under or pursuant to the Loan Documents
which constitutes an Event of Default or Potential Default.  None of the Loan
Parties is in violation of (i) any term of its certificate of incorporation,
bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate
of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational
documents or (ii) any material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or
by which it or any of its properties may be subject or bound where such
violation would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

               6.1.15    PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, LICENSES, ETC.

               Each Loan Party owns or possesses or has the right to use all 
the material patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, 
licenses, registrations, franchises, permits and rights necessary to own and 
operate its properties and to carry on its business as conducted from time to 
time by such Loan Party, without known  alleged or actual conflict with the 
rights of others. All material patents, trademarks, service marks, trade 
names and registered copyrights of each Loan Party are listed and described 
on SCHEDULE 6.1.15.

               6.1.16    SECURITY INTERESTS.

               Upon proper completion of the Perfection Actions, the Liens and
security interests granted to the Lender pursuant to the Collateral Assignment,
the Trademark Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and the Security
Agreement in the UCC Collateral constitute and will continue to constitute Prior
Security Interests under the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in each
applicable jurisdiction (the "Uniform Commercial Code") or other applicable Law
entitled to all the rights, benefits and priorities provided by the Uniform
Commercial Code or such Law.  Upon the filing of financing statements relating
to said security interests in each office and in each jurisdiction where
required in order to perfect the security interests described above, taking
possession of any stock certificates or other certificates evidencing the
Pledged Collateral, execution and delivery of the Collateral Assignment and
recordation of the Trademark Security Agreement in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (collectively, the "Perfection Actions"), all such action as is
necessary or advisable to establish such rights of the Lender will have been
taken, and there will be upon execution and delivery of the Collateral
Assignment, the Trademark Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and the
Security Agreement, such filings and such taking of possession, no necessity for
any further action in order to preserve, protect and continue such rights,
except the filing of continuation statements with respect to such financing
statements within six months prior to each five-year anniversary of the filing
of such financing statements.  All filing fees and other expenses in connection
with each such action have been or will be paid by the Borrower to the Lender.


                                         -38-

<PAGE>

               6.1.17    STATUS OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL.

               All the shares of capital stock, Partnership Interests or LLC
Interests included in the Pledged Collateral to be pledged pursuant to the
Pledge Agreement or the Collateral Assignment are or will be subject to Lender's
Prior Security Interest and are or will be upon issuance validly issued and
nonassessable and owned beneficially and of record by the pledgor free and clear
of any Lien or restriction on transfer, except for Permitted Liens or except as
otherwise provided by the Pledge Agreement or the Collateral Assignment and
except as the right of the Lender to dispose of the Shares, Partnership
Interests or LLC Interests may be limited by the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder and by applicable state securities laws.  There are no
shareholder, partnership, limited liability company or other agreements or
understandings with respect to the shares of capital stock, Partnership
Interests or LLC Interests included in the Pledged Collateral except for the
partnership agreements and limited liability company agreements described on
SCHEDULE 6.1.17.  The Loan Parties have delivered true and correct copies of
such partnership agreements and limited liability company agreements to the
Lender.

               6.1.18    INSURANCE.

               All insurance policies and other bonds to which any Loan Party is
a party are valid and in full force and effect.  No notice has been given or
claim made and no grounds exist to cancel or avoid any of such policies or bonds
or to reduce the coverage provided thereby.  Such policies and bonds provide
adequate coverage from reputable and financially sound insurers in amounts
sufficient to insure the material assets and material risks of each Loan Party
in accordance with prudent business practice in the industry of the Loan
Parties.

               6.1.19    COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

               The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable Laws (other than Environmental Laws which
are specifically addressed in Section 6.1.24) in all jurisdictions in which any
Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party is presently or will be doing
business except where the failure to do so is not reasonably likely to 
constitute a Material Adverse Change.

               6.1.20    MATERIAL CONTRACTS; BURDENSOME RESTRICTIONS.

               SCHEDULE 6.1.20 lists all material contracts relating to the
business operations of each Loan Party, including all employee benefit plans and
Labor Contracts.  All such material contracts are valid, binding and enforceable
in all material respects upon such Loan Party and each of the other parties
thereto in accordance with their respective terms, and there is no default
thereunder which would result in a Material Adverse Change, to the Loan Parties'
knowledge, with respect to parties other than such Loan Party.  None of the Loan
Parties is bound by any contractual obligation, or subject to any restriction in
any organization document, or any requirement of Law which is reasonably likely
to result in a Material Adverse Change.


                                         -39-

<PAGE>

               6.1.21    INVESTMENT COMPANIES; REGULATED ENTITIES.

               None of the Loan Parties is an "investment company" registered or
required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or under the
"control" of an "investment company" as such terms are defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and shall not become such an "investment company" or under
such "control."  None of the Loan Parties is subject to any other Federal or
state statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness for
borrowed money.

               6.1.22    PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.

               Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1.22:

                         (i)       The Borrower and each other member of the
ERISA Group are in compliance in all material respects with any applicable
provisions of ERISA with respect to all Benefit Arrangements, Plans and
Multiemployer Plans.  There has been no Prohibited Transaction with respect to
any Benefit Arrangement or any Plan or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower,
with respect to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan, which could
result in any material liability of the Borrower or any other member of the
ERISA Group.  The Borrower and all other members of the ERISA Group have made
when due any and all payments required to be made under any agreement relating
to a Multiemployer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan or any Law pertaining
thereto.  With respect to each Plan and Multiemployer Plan, the Borrower and
each other member of the ERISA Group (i) have fulfilled in all material respects
their obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA, (ii) have not
incurred any liability to the PBGC, and (iii) have not had asserted against them
any penalty for failure to fulfill the minimum funding requirements of ERISA.

                         (ii)      To the best of the Borrower's knowledge, each
Multiemployer Plan and Multiple Employer Plan is able to pay benefits thereunder
when due.

                         (iii)     Neither the Borrower nor any other member of
the ERISA Group has instituted or intends to institute proceedings to terminate
any Plan.

                         (iv)      No event requiring notice to the PBGC under
Section 302(f)(4)(A) of ERISA has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur
with respect to any Plan, and no amendment with respect to which security is
required under Section 307 of ERISA has been made or is reasonably expected to
be made to any Plan.

                         (v)       The aggregate actuarial present value of all
benefit liabilities (whether or not vested) under each Plan, determined on a
plan termination basis, as disclosed in, and as of the date of, the most recent
actuarial report for such Plan, does not exceed the aggregate fair market value
of the assets of such Plan.


                                         -40-

<PAGE>

                         (vi)      Neither the Borrower nor any other member of
the ERISA Group has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any material
withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer
Plan.  Neither the Borrower nor any other member of the ERISA Group has been
notified by any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan that such
Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan has been terminated within the
meaning of Title IV of ERISA and, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, no
Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan is reasonably expected to be
reorganized or terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

                         (vii)     To the extent that any Benefit Arrangement is
insured, the Borrower and all other members of the ERISA Group have paid when
due all premiums required to be paid for all periods through the Closing Date. 
To the extent that any Benefit Arrangement is funded other than with insurance,
the Borrower and all other members of the ERISA Group have made when due all
contributions required to be paid for all periods through the Closing Date.

                         (viii)    All Plans, Benefit Arrangements and
Multiemployer Plans have been administered in accordance with their terms and
applicable Law in all material respects.

               6.1.23    EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.

               Each of the Loan Parties and each of their Subsidiaries is in
compliance with the material Labor Contracts and all applicable federal, state
and local labor and employment Laws including those related to equal employment
opportunity and affirmative action, labor relations, minimum wage, overtime,
child labor, medical insurance continuation, worker adjustment and relocation
notices, immigration controls and worker and unemployment compensation, where
the failure to comply would constitute a Material Adverse Change.  There are no
material outstanding grievances, arbitration awards or appeals therefrom arising
out of the Labor Contracts or current or threatened strikes, picketing,
handbilling or other work stoppages or slowdowns at facilities of any of the
Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries which in any case would constitute a
Material Adverse Change.  The Borrower has delivered to the Lender true and
correct copies of each of the material employment agreements of the Borrower and
the Loan Parties.

               6.1.24    ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

               Except as disclosed on SCHEDULE 6.1.24 and except as is not 
reasonably likely to constitute a Material Adverse Change:

                         (i)       None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries
of any Loan Party has received any Environmental Complaint from any Official
Body or private Person alleging that such Loan Party or Subsidiary or any prior
or subsequent owner of any of the Property is a potentially responsible party
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,


                                         -41-

<PAGE>

Cleanup and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section  9601, ET SEQ., and none of the
Loan Parties has any reason to believe that such an Environmental Complaint
might be received.  There are no pending or, to any Loan Party's knowledge,
threatened Environmental Complaints relating to any Loan Party or Subsidiary of
any Loan Party or, to any Loan Party's knowledge, any prior or subsequent owner
of any of the Property pertaining to, or arising out of, any Environmental
Conditions.

                         (ii)      There are no circumstances at, on or under
any of the Property that constitute a breach of or non-compliance with any of
the Environmental Laws, and there are no past or present Environmental
Conditions at, on or under any of the Property or, to any Loan Party's
knowledge, at, on or under adjacent property, that prevent compliance with the
Environmental Laws at any of the Property.

                         (iii)     Neither any of the Property nor any
structures, improvements, equipment, fixtures, activities or facilities thereon
or thereunder contain or use Regulated Substances except in compliance with
Environmental Laws.  There are no processes, facilities, operations, equipment
or other activities at, on or under any of the Property, or, to any Loan Party's
knowledge, at, on or under adjacent property, that currently result in the
release or threatened release of Regulated Substances onto any of the Property,
except to the extent that such releases or threatened releases are not a breach
of or otherwise not a violation of the Environmental Laws.

                         (iv)      To the knowledge of the Loan Parties, there
are no aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks or underground
piping associated with such tanks, used for the management of Regulated
Substances at, on or under any of the Property that (a) do not have, to the
extent required by Environmental Laws, a full operational secondary containment
system in place, and (b) are not otherwise in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws.  There are no abandoned underground storage tanks or
underground piping associated with such tanks, previously used for the
management of Regulated Substances at, on or under any of the Property that have
not either been closed in place in accordance with Environmental Laws or removed
in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and no contamination
associated with the use of such tanks exists on any of the Property that is not
in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws.

                         (v)       Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of any
Loan Party has all material permits, licenses, authorizations, plans and
approvals necessary under the Environmental Laws for the conduct of the business
of such Loan Party or Subsidiary as presently conducted.  Each Loan Party and
each Subsidiary of any Loan Party has submitted all material notices, reports
and other filings required by the Environmental Laws to be submitted to an
Official Body which pertain to past and current operations on any of the
Property.

                         (vi)      All past and present on-site generation,
storage, processing, treatment, recycling, reclamation, disposal or other use or
management of Regulated Substances at, on, or under any of the Property and all
off-site transportation, storage, processing, treatment,


                                         -42-

<PAGE>

recycling, reclamation, disposal or other use or management of Regulated
Substances have been done in compliance with the Environmental Laws.

               6.2  UPDATES TO SCHEDULES.

                    Should any of the information or disclosures provided on any
of the Schedules attached hereto become outdated or incorrect in any material
respect, the Borrower shall promptly provide the Lender in writing with such
revisions or updates to such Schedule as may be necessary or appropriate to
update or correct same; PROVIDED, however, that no Schedule shall be deemed to
have been amended, modified or superseded by any such correction or update, nor
shall any breach of warranty or representation resulting from the inaccuracy or
incompleteness of any such Schedule be deemed to have been cured thereby, unless
and until the Lender, in its sole and absolute discretion exercised in good
faith, shall have accepted in writing such revisions or updates to such
Schedule. 
                             7.     CONDITIONS OF LENDING

               The obligation of the Lender to make Loans and to issue Letters
of Credit hereunder is subject to the performance by each of the Loan Parties of
its Obligations to be performed hereunder at or prior to the making of any such
Loans or issuance of such Letters of Credit and to the satisfaction of the
following further conditions:

          7.1  FIRST LOANS.

          On the Closing Date:

               7.1.1     OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE.

               The representations and warranties of each of the Loan Parties
contained in Section  and in each of the other Loan Documents shall be true and
accurate on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except
representations and warranties which relate solely to an earlier date or time,
which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of the
specific dates or times referred to therein), and each of the Loan Parties shall
have performed and complied with all covenants and conditions hereof and
thereof, which shall include certification of the condition set forth in Section
7.1.14, no Event of Default or Potential Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or shall exist; and there shall be delivered to the Lender a
certificate of each of the Loan Parties, dated the Closing Date and signed by
the Chief Executive Officer, President or Chief Financial Officer of each of the
Loan Parties, to each such effect.


                                         -43-


<PAGE>

               7.1.2     SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE.

               There shall be delivered to the Lender a certificate dated the
Closing Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each of
the Loan Parties, certifying as appropriate as to:


                         (i)       all action taken by such Loan Party in
connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

                         (ii)      the names of the officer or officers
authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the true
signatures of such officer or officers and specifying the Authorized Officers
permitted to act on behalf of such Loan Party for purposes of this Agreement and
the true signatures of such officers, on which the Lender may conclusively rely;
and

                         (iii)     copies of its organizational documents,
including its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited
partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, and limited
liability company agreement as in effect on the Closing Date certified by the
appropriate state official where such documents are filed in a state office
together with certificates from the appropriate state officials as to the
continued existence and good standing of such Loan Party in each state where
organized, and as requested by the Lender, where qualified to do business.

               7.1.3     DELIVERY OF LOAN DOCUMENTS.

               The Collateral Assignment, Guaranty Agreement, Indemnity, Note,
Trademark Security Agreement, Pledge Agreement, Intercompany Subordination
Agreement and Security Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered to
the Lender together with all appropriate financing statements and appropriate
stock powers and certificates evidencing the Shares, the Partnership Interests
and the LLC Interests.

               7.1.4     OPINION OF COUNSEL.

               There shall be delivered to the Lender a written opinion of
Latham & Watkins and Carol M. Vanairsdale, counsel for the Loan Parties (who may
rely on the opinions of such other counsel as may be acceptable to the Lender),
dated the Closing Date and in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender and
its counsel:

                         (i)       as to the matters set forth in EXHIBIT 7.1.4;
and

                         (ii)      as to such other matters incident to the
transactions contemplated herein as the Lender may reasonably request.


                                         -44-

<PAGE>

               7.1.5     LEGAL DETAILS.

               All legal details and proceedings in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall
be in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender and counsel for the Lender,
and the Lender shall have received all such other counterpart originals or
certified or other copies of such documents and proceedings in connection with
such transactions, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender and said
counsel, as the Lender or said counsel may reasonably request.

               7.1.6     PAYMENT OF FEES.

               The Borrower shall have paid or caused to be paid to the Lender
to the extent not previously paid the Facility Fee, all other commitment and
other fees accrued through the Closing Date and the costs and expenses for which
the Lender is entitled to be reimbursed.

               7.1.7     CONSENTS.

               All material consents required to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.1.13 shall have been obtained.

               7.1.8     OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE REGARDING MACS.

               Since June 30, 1996 no Material Adverse Change shall have
occurred; prior to the Closing Date, there shall have been no material change in
the management of any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party; and there
shall have been delivered to the Lender for the benefit of the Lender a
certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by the Chief Executive Officer,
President or Chief Financial Officer of each Loan Party to each such effect.

               7.1.9     NO VIOLATION OF LAWS.

               The making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit
shall not contravene any Law applicable to any Loan Party or the Lender.

               7.1.10    NO ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS.

               No action, proceeding, investigation, regulation or legislation
shall have been instituted, threatened or proposed before any court,
governmental agency or legislative body to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or to
obtain damages in respect of, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents  or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or which, in the
Lender's sole discretion, would make it inadvisable to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.


                                         -45-

<PAGE>

               7.1.11    INSURANCE POLICIES; CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE;
ENDORSEMENTS.  

               The Loan Parties shall have delivered evidence acceptable to the
Lender that adequate insurance in compliance with Section 8.1.3 is in full force
and effect and that all premiums then due thereon have been paid, together with
a certified copy of each Loan Party's casualty insurance policy or policies
evidencing coverage satisfactory to the Lender, with additional insured and
lender loss payable special endorsements attached thereto in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lender and its counsel naming the Lender as additional
insured and lender loss payee.

               7.1.12    FILING RECEIPTS.

               The Lender shall have received (i) copies of all filing receipts
and acknowledgments issued by any governmental authority to evidence any
recordation or filing necessary to perfect the Lien of the Lender on the
Collateral or other satisfactory evidence of such recordation and filing and
(ii) evidence in a form acceptable to the Lender that such Lien constitutes a
Prior Security Interest in favor of the Lender.

               7.1.13    TERMINATION OF EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT.

               The loans and related obligations of the Loan Parties to IBM
under the IBM Loan Documents shall have been satisfied in full, and the IBM Loan
Documents shall have been terminated.  All Liens securing the indebtedness of
the Loan Parties to IBM shall have been terminated.

               7.1.14    FINANCIAL COVENANT CONDITION.

               The Annual Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations for the four
fiscal quarters ended December 31, 1996, exclusive of Relocation Expenses, shall
be equal to or greater than $9,500,000.

          7.2  EACH ADDITIONAL LOAN.

          At the time of making any Loans or issuing any Letters of Credit other
than Loans made or Letters of Credit issued on the Closing Date and after giving
effect to the proposed extensions of credit:  the representations and warranties
of the Loan Parties contained in Section  and in the other Loan Documents shall
be true on and as of the date of such additional Loan or Letter of Credit with
the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on
and as of such date (except representations and warranties which expressly
relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties
shall be true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to
therein) and the Loan Parties shall have performed and complied with all
covenants and conditions hereof; no Event of Default or


                                         -46-

<PAGE>

Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist; the
making of the Loans or issuance of such Letter of Credit shall not contravene
any Law applicable to any Loan Party or the Lender; and the Borrower shall have
delivered to the Lender a duly executed and completed Loan Request or
application for a Letter of Credit as the case may be.


                                   8.     COVENANTS


          8.1  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

          The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until
payment in full of the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and Letter of Credit
Borrowings, and interest thereon, expiration or termination of all Letters of
Credit, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties' other Obligations and
termination of the Commitment, the Loan Parties shall comply at all times with
the following affirmative covenants:

               8.1.1     PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE, ETC.

               Each Loan Party shall maintain its legal existence as a
corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company and its license or
qualification and good standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or
lease of property or the nature of its business makes such license or
qualification necessary, except as otherwise expressly permitted in
Section 8.2.6 or when the failure to do so would not result in a Material
Adverse Change.  

               8.1.2     PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES, INCLUDING TAXES, ETC.

               Each Loan Party shall duly pay and discharge all liabilities to
which it is subject or which are asserted against it, promptly as and when the
same shall become due and payable, including all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges upon it or any of its properties, assets, income or
profits, prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto, except to the
extent that such liabilities, including taxes, assessments or charges, are being
contested in good faith and by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently
conducted and for which such reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as
shall be required by GAAP shall have been made, but only to the extent that
failure to discharge any such liabilities would not result in any additional
liability which would adversely affect to a material extent the financial
condition of any Loan Party or which would adversely affect the Collateral,
PROVIDED that the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries will pay all such
liabilities forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose any Lien
which may have attached as security therefor.

               8.1.3     MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE.

               Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, insure its material properties and material assets against loss or damage by
fire and such other insurable hazards as such assets are commonly insured
(including fire, extended coverage, property


                                         -47-

<PAGE>

damage, workers' compensation, public liability and business interruption
insurance) and against other risks (including errors and omissions) in such
amounts as similar properties and assets are insured by prudent companies in
similar circumstances carrying on similar businesses, and with reputable and
financially sound insurers, including self-insurance to the extent customary. 
At the request of the Lender, the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Lender
(x) on the Closing Date and annually thereafter if requested by the Lender an
original certificate of insurance signed by the Loan Parties' independent
insurance broker describing and certifying as to the existence of the insurance
on the Collateral required to be maintained by this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, together with a copy of the endorsement described in the next
sentence attached to such certificate and (y) from time to time a summary
schedule indicating all insurance then in force with respect to each of the Loan
Parties.  Such policies of insurance shall contain special endorsements, in form
and substance acceptable to the Lender, which shall specify the Lender as an
additional insured and lender loss payee as its interests may appear.

               8.1.4     MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES AND LEASES.

               Each Loan Party shall maintain in good repair, working order and
condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) in accordance with the general
practice of other businesses of similar character and size, all of those
properties necessary to its business, and from time to time, such Loan Party
will make or cause to be made all appropriate material repairs, renewals or
replacements thereof.

               8.1.5     MAINTENANCE OF PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, ETC.

               Each Loan Party shall maintain in full force and effect all
patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses,
franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the ownership and
operation of its properties and business if the failure so to maintain the same
would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

               8.1.6     VISITATION RIGHTS.

               Each Loan Party shall permit any of the officers or authorized
employees or representatives of the Lender to visit and inspect any of its
properties and to examine and make excerpts from its books and records and
discuss its business affairs, finances and accounts with its officers, all in
such detail and at such times and as often as the Lender may reasonably request.

               8.1.7     KEEPING OF RECORDS AND BOOKS OF ACCOUNT.

               The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary of the
Borrower to, maintain and keep proper books of record and account which enable
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to issue financial statements in accordance
with GAAP and as otherwise required by applicable Laws of any Official Body
having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any Subsidiary


                                         -48-

<PAGE>

of the Borrower, and in which full, true and correct entries shall be made in
all material respects of all its dealings and business and financial affairs.

               8.1.8     PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.

               The Borrower shall, and shall cause each other member of the
ERISA Group to, comply with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other
applicable Laws applicable to Plans and Benefit Arrangements except where such
failure, alone or in conjunction with any other failure, would not result in a
Material Adverse Change.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Borrower shall cause all of its Plans and all Plans maintained by any member of
the ERISA Group to be funded in accordance with the minimum funding requirements
of ERISA and shall make, and cause each member of the ERISA Group to make, in a
timely manner, all contributions due to Plans, Benefit Arrangements and
Multiemployer Plans except where such failure, alone or in conjunction with any
other failure, would not result in a Material Adverse Change.

               8.1.9     COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

               Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, comply with all applicable Laws, including all Environmental Laws, in all
respects, PROVIDED that it shall not be deemed to be a violation of this
Section 8.1.9 if any failure to comply with any Law would not result in fines,
penalties, remediation costs, other similar liabilities or injunctive relief
which in the aggregate would constitute a Material Adverse Change.

               8.1.10    USE OF PROCEEDS.

                    8.1.10.1  GENERAL.

               The Loan Parties will use the Letters of Credit and the proceeds
of the Loans only (i) to finance Permitted Acquisitions or (ii) for general
corporate purposes and for working capital.  The Loan Parties shall not use the
Letters of Credit and the proceeds of the Loans for any purpose which
contravenes any applicable Law or any provision hereof.


                    8.1.10.2  MARGIN STOCK.

               The Loan Parties shall not use the proceeds of the Loans to
purchase margin stock as more fully provided in Section 6.1.10.


                    8.1.10.3  SECTION 20 SUBSIDIARIES.

               The Loan Parties will not, directly or indirectly, use any
portion of the proceeds of the Loans (i) knowingly to purchase any Ineligible
Securities from a Section 20 Subsidiary during any period in which such
Section 20 Subsidiary makes a market in such Ineligible Securities,
(ii) knowingly to purchase during the underwriting or placement period


                                         -49-

<PAGE>

Ineligible Securities being underwritten or privately placed by a Section 20
Subsidiary, or (iii) to make payments of principal or interest on Ineligible
Securities underwritten or privately placed by a Section 20 Subsidiary and
issued by or for the benefit of any Loan Party or any Affiliate of any Loan
Party.

               8.1.11    FURTHER ASSURANCES.

               Each Loan Party shall, from time to time, at its expense,
faithfully preserve and protect the Lender's Lien on and Prior Security Interest
in the Collateral as a continuing first priority perfected Lien, subject only to
Permitted Liens, and shall do such other acts and things as the Lender in its
sole discretion exercised in good faith may deem necessary or advisable from
time to time in order to preserve, perfect and protect the Liens granted under
the Loan Documents and to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies
thereunder with respect to the Collateral.

               8.1.12    SUBORDINATION OF INTERCOMPANY LOANS.

               Each Loan Party shall cause any intercompany Indebtedness, loans
or advances owed by any Loan Party to any other Loan Party to be subordinated
pursuant to the terms of the Intercompany Subordination Agreement. 


          8.2  NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

          The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until
payment in full of the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and Letter of Credit
Borrowings and interest thereon, expiration or termination of all Letters of
Credit, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties' other Obligations and
termination of the Commitment, the Loan Parties shall comply with the following
negative covenants:

               8.2.1     INDEBTEDNESS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not at any time create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

                         (i)       Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

                         (ii)      Existing Indebtedness set forth on 
SCHEDULE 8.2.1 (including any extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof), 
PROVIDED there is no increase in the amount thereof or other significant change
in the terms thereof unless otherwise specified on SCHEDULE 8.2.1;

                         (iii)     other Indebtedness (including, without
limitation, Indebtedness secured by Purchase Money Security Interests,
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to  capitalized leases and Acquisition
Indebtedness permitted under Section 8.2.6 (2) and (3)),


                                         -50-

<PAGE>

provided that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness does not exceed
$2,500,000 at any one time outstanding, and provided further that all
Acquisition Indebtedness shall be unsecured Indebtedness and shall be
subordinated to the Obligations on terms and conditions acceptable to the Lender
in its sole discretion;

                         (iv)      Interest Rate Protection Agreements permitted
under Section 8.2.15;
                                           

                         (v)       Indebtedness of a Loan Party to another Loan
Party which is subordinated in accordance with the provisions of 
Section 8.1.12; and

                         (vi)      Guaranties not prohibited under the terms of
Section 8.2.3 hereof.


               8.2.2     LIENS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not at any time create, incur,
assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its property or assets, tangible or
intangible, now owned or hereafter acquired, or agree or become liable to do so,
except Permitted Liens.

               8.2.3     GUARANTIES.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not at any time, directly or
indirectly, become or be liable in respect of any Guaranty, or assume,
guarantee, become surety for, endorse or otherwise agree, become or remain
directly or contingently liable upon or with respect to any obligation or
liability of any other Person, except for (i) Guaranties of Indebtedness of the
Loan Parties permitted under Section 8.2.1, (ii) Guaranties set forth on
Schedule 8.2.3, (iii) Guaranties in connection with indemnity programs for
employees and/or agents, (iv) Guaranties in connection with indemnification
provided in the organizational documents of one or more Loan Parties; (v)
indemnification granted by the Loan Parties in the ordinary course of business
and usual and customary for companies engaged in the businesses described in
Section 8.2.10 and of the size of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as well as
Guaranties by the Borrower of such indemnification granted by other Loan
Parties, and (vi) Guaranties of loans and advances made to employees and/or
agents pursuant to the Commission Advance Program or on account of errors and
omissions insurance programs, provided that after giving effect thereto the
aggregate amount of such guarantees plus the aggregate amount of the loans and
advances permitted pursuant to Section 8.2.4(vi) shall not exceed $5,000,000 at
any one time outstanding.

               8.2.4     LOANS AND INVESTMENTS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not at any time make or suffer to
remain outstanding any loan or advance to, or purchase, acquire or own any
stock, bonds, notes or securities of, or any partnership interest (whether
general or limited) or limited liability company


                                         -51-

<PAGE>

interest in, or any other investment or interest in, or make any capital
contribution to, any other Person, or agree, become or remain liable to do any
of the foregoing, except:

                         (i)       trade credit extended on usual and customary
terms in the ordinary course of business;

                         (ii)      advances to employees and agents to meet
expenses incurred by such employees and agents in the ordinary course of
business;

                         (iii)     Permitted Investments;

                         (iv)      loans, advances and investments in and/or to
other Loan Parties;

                         (v)       loans, advances and investments described on
Schedule 8.2.4;

                         (vi)      loans or other advances under the Commission
Advance Program to, or on account of errors and omissions insurance premium
payments for, employees and/or agents provided that the aggregate principal
amount of all such loans or advances plus the aggregate amount of all guarantees
permitted pursuant to Section 8.2.3(vi) shall not exceed $5,000,000 outstanding
at any one time;

                         (vii)     acquisitions of equity securities of a Loan
Party; and

                         (viii)    loans and advances to employees to assist
with relocation and similar costs and expenses no greater than $500,000 at any
time outstanding.

               8.2.5     DIVIDENDS AND RELATED DISTRIBUTIONS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not make or pay any dividend or
other distribution of any nature (whether in cash, property, securities or
otherwise) on account of or in respect of its shares of capital stock,
partnership interests or limited liability company interests on account of the
purchase, redemption, retirement or acquisition of its shares of capital stock
(or warrants, options or rights therefor), partnership interests or limited
liability company interests, except dividends or other distributions payable to
another Loan Party.

               8.2.6     LIQUIDATIONS, MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, ACQUISITIONS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, dissolve, liquidate or wind-up its affairs, or become a
party to any merger or consolidation, or acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise
all or substantially all of the assets or capital stock of any other Person,
PROVIDED that 


                                         -52-

<PAGE>

               (1)       upon prior written notice to the Lender, any Loan Party
other than the Borrower and Axiom may consolidate with or merge into or convey
substantially all of its assets to the Borrower or another Loan Party which is
wholly-owned by one or more of the other Loan Parties, and

               (2)       the Borrower or Axiom may acquire, whether by purchase
or by merger and when the Consideration given by the Loan Parties, determined at
the time of the closing of the Permitted Acquisition, is equal to or greater
than $2,000,000, (A) all of the ownership interests of another Person or (B) all
or substantially all of the assets of another Person or of a business or
division of another Person (together with the acquisitions described in Section
8.2.6(3), each a "Permitted Acquisition"), PROVIDED that each of the following
requirements is met:

                    (i)            if the Borrower or Axiom are acquiring the
ownership interests in such Person, such Person shall be a corporation, limited
liability company or other entity with respect to which applicable state law
provides that the owners of all stock or other ownership interests in such
entity shall not be liable for any obligations of such entity or for the claims
of any creditors thereof,

                    (ii)           if the Borrower or Axiom are acquiring the
ownership interests in such Person, such Person shall execute the Guarantor
Joinder in the form of Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) hereto and join this Agreement as a
Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.17 and such Person and its owners shall grant
Liens in the assets and stock or other ownership interests in such Person and
otherwise comply with Section 11.17 on or before the date of such Permitted
Acquisition,

                    (iii)          the board of directors or other equivalent
governing body of such Person shall have approved such Permitted Acquisition and
the Loan Parties shall have delivered to the Lender written evidence of such
approval prior to such Permitted Acquisition, 

                    (iv)           the business acquired, or the business
conducted by the Person whose ownership interests are being acquired, as
applicable, shall be substantially the same as one or more line or lines of
business conducted by the Loan Parties and shall comply with Section 8.2.10, 

                    (v)            no Potential Default or Event of Default
shall exist immediately prior to and after giving effect to such Permitted
Acquisition,

                    (vi)           the Borrower shall demonstrate that it shall
be in compliance with this Section 8.2.6 and with the covenant contained in
Section 8.2.16 with respect to the requirement for the most recent fiscal
quarter after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition by delivering at least
ten (10) Business Days prior to such Permitted Acquisition evidence of such
compliance satisfactory to the Lender,


                                         -53-

<PAGE>

                    (vii)          the Borrower provides the Lender with a
summary description of the acquisition, including without limitation, the terms
of the purchase (including the Borrower's calculation of the Consideration), the
historical financial statements of the Person or assets to be acquired,
including without limitation, the cash flow from operations for such Person or
assets for each of the four fiscal quarters preceding the date of the Permitted
Acquisition, and projected financial statements of the Borrower after giving
effect to the proposed acquisition, all in form and content acceptable to the
Lender and to be provided at least 30 Business Days prior to closing date of the
acquisition, and

                    (viii)         after giving effect to such Permitted
Acquisition, (x) the aggregate Consideration in the form of capital stock of the
Borrower for all Permitted Acquisitions made during the period of the Lender's
Commitment shall not exceed $15,000,000, (y) the aggregate Consideration other
than capital stock of the Borrower for all Permitted Acquisitions made during
the period of the Lender's Commitment shall not exceed $15,000,000, and (z) the
aggregate Consideration for all Permitted Acquisitions made during the period of
the Lender's Commitment shall not exceed $30,000,000.

               (3)  the Borrower or Axiom may acquire, whether by purchase or by
merger and when the Consideration given by the Loan Parties, determined at the
time of the closing of the Permitted Acquisition, is less than $2,000,000, (A)
all of the ownership interests of another Person or (B) all or substantially all
of the assets of another Person or of a business or division of another Person
(together with the acquisitions described in Section 8.2.6(2), each a "Permitted
Acquisition"), PROVIDED that each of the following requirements is met:

                    (i)            if the Borrower or Axiom are acquiring the
ownership interests in such Person, such Person shall be a corporation, limited
liability company or other entity with respect to which applicable state law
provides that the owners of all stock or other ownership interests in such
entity shall not be liable for any obligations of such entity or for the claims
of any creditors thereof,

                    (ii)           if the Loan Parties are acquiring the
ownership interests in such Person, within 45 days after the effective date of
the acquisition, such Person shall execute the Guarantor Joinder in the form of
Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) hereto and join this Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to
Section 11.17 and such Person and its owners shall grant Liens in the assets and
stock or other ownership interests in such Person and otherwise comply with
Section 11.17 on or before the date of such Permitted Acquisition,

                    (iii)          the business acquired, or the business
conducted by the Person whose ownership interests are being acquired, as
applicable, shall be substantially the same as one or more line or lines of
business conducted by the Loan Parties and shall comply with Section 8.2.10, 

                    (iv)           no Potential Default or Event of Default
shall exist immediately prior to and after giving effect to such Permitted
Acquisition,


                                         -54-

<PAGE>

                    (v)       within 45 days after the effective date of the 
acquisition, the Borrower provides the Lender with a summary description of 
the acquisition, including without limitation, the terms of the purchase 
(including the Borrower's calculation of the Consideration), the historical 
financial statements of the Person or assets to be acquired and projected 
financial statements of the Borrower after giving effect to the proposed 
acquisition, all in form and content acceptable to the Lender, and

                    (vi)      after giving effect to such Permitted 
Acquisition, (x) the aggregate Consideration in the form of capital stock of 
the Borrower for all Permitted Acquisitions made during the period of the 
Lender's Commitment shall not exceed $15,000,000, (y) the aggregate 
Consideration other than capital stock of the Borrower for all Permitted 
Acquisitions made during the period of the Lender's Commitment shall not 
exceed $15,000,000, and (z) the aggregate Consideration for all Permitted 
Acquisitions made during the period of the Lender's Commitment shall not 
exceed $30,000,000.

               8.2.7     DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS OR SUBSIDIARIES.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not sell, convey, assign, lease,
abandon or otherwise transfer or dispose of, voluntarily or involuntarily, any
of its properties or assets, tangible or intangible (including sale, assignment,
discount or other disposition of accounts, contract rights, chattel paper,
equipment or general intangibles with or without recourse or of capital stock,
shares of beneficial interest, partnership interests or limited liability
company interests of a Subsidiary of such Loan Party), except:

                         (i)       any sale, transfer or lease of assets in the
ordinary course of business which are no longer necessary or required in the
conduct of such Loan Party's or such Subsidiary's business;

                         (ii)      any sale, transfer or lease of assets by a 
Loan Party to another Loan Party;

                         (iii)     any sale, transfer or lease of assets in the
ordinary course of business which are replaced by substitute assets acquired or
leased under usual and customary terms in the ordinary course of business,
PROVIDED such substitute assets are subject to the Lender's Prior Security
Interest;

                         (iv)      any sale, transfer or lease of assets, other
than those specifically excepted pursuant to clauses (i) through (iv) above, so
long as in the case of dispositions when the net after-tax proceeds (as
reasonably estimated by the Borrower) are greater than $1,000,000, the net
after-tax proceeds are applied as a mandatory repayment of the Loans and a
reduction of the Commitment in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.4.1
above; or


                                         -55-

<PAGE>

                         (v)       any sale or transfer of the interests of the
Loan Parties in the Existing Partnerships.

               8.2.8     AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not enter into or carry out any
transaction (including purchasing property or services from or selling property
or services to any Affiliate of any Loan Party or other Person) unless such
transaction is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, is entered into in
the ordinary course of business upon fair and reasonable arm's-length terms and
conditions which in the case of a material transaction are fully disclosed to
the Lender and is in accordance with all applicable Law.

               8.2.9     SUBSIDIARIES, PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not,  own or create directly or
indirectly any Subsidiaries other than (i) any Subsidiary which has joined this
Agreement as a Guarantor on the Closing Date and those set forth on Schedule
6.1.3; and (ii) any Subsidiary formed after the Closing Date which joins this
Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.17, provided that the Lender
shall have consented to such formation and joinder and that such Subsidiary and
the Loan Parties, as applicable, shall grant a Prior Security Interest to the
Lender in the assets held by, and stock of or other ownership interests in, such
Subsidiary.  Each of the Loan Parties shall not become or agree to (1) become a
general or limited partner in any general or limited partnership, except that
the Loan Parties may be general or limited partners in other Loan Parties, (2)
become a member or manager of, or hold a limited liability company interest in,
a limited liability company, except that the Loan Parties may be members or
managers of, or hold limited liability company interests in, other Loan Parties,
or (3) become a joint venturer or hold a joint venture interest in any joint
venture.

               8.2.10    CONTINUATION OF OR CHANGE IN BUSINESS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not engage in any business other
than real estate property, facilities and asset management, real estate and
mortgage brokerage services, appraisal, corporate real estate consulting and
mortgage banking and other fee based real estate related services, substantially
as conducted and operated by such Loan Party or Subsidiary during the present
fiscal year, and such Loan Party or Subsidiary shall not permit any material
change in such business.

               8.2.11    PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to:

                         (i)       fail to satisfy the minimum funding
requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Plan;


                                         -56-

<PAGE>

                         (ii)      request a minimum funding waiver from the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to any Plan;

                         (iii)     engage in a Prohibited Transaction with any
Plan, Benefit Arrangement or Multiemployer Plan which, alone or in conjunction
with any other circumstances or set of circumstances resulting in liability
under ERISA, would constitute a Material Adverse Change;

                         (iv)      permit the aggregate actuarial present value
of all benefit liabilities (whether or not vested) under each Plan, determined
on a plan termination basis, as disclosed in the most recent actuarial report
completed with respect to such Plan, to exceed, as of any actuarial valuation
date, the fair market value of the assets of such Plan;

                         (v)       fail to make when due any contribution to any
Multiemployer Plan that the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group may be
required to make under any agreement relating to such Multiemployer Plan, or any
Law pertaining thereto;

                         (vi)      withdraw (completely or partially) from any
Multiemployer Plan or withdraw (or be deemed under Section 4062(e) of ERISA to
withdraw) from any Multiple Employer Plan, where any such withdrawal is likely
to result in a material liability of the Borrower or any member of the ERISA
Group;

                         (vii)     terminate, or institute proceedings to
terminate, any Plan, where such termination is likely to result in a material
liability to the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group;

                         (viii)    make any amendment to any Plan with respect
to which security is required under Section 307 of ERISA; or

                         (ix)      fail to give any and all notices and make all
disclosures and governmental filings required under ERISA or the Internal
Revenue Code, where such failure is likely to result in a Material Adverse
Change. 

               8.2.12    FISCAL YEAR.

               The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary of
the Borrower to, change its fiscal year from the twelve-month period beginning
July 1 and ending June 30.

               8.2.13    ISSUANCE OF STOCK.

               Each of the Guarantors shall not issue any additional shares of
its capital stock or any options, warrants or other rights in respect thereof. 
The Borrower shall not issue any shares of preferred stock unless such stock is
not subject to redemption and limits the rights


                                         -57-

<PAGE>

of preferred stockholders for the non-payment of dividends to the payment of all
cumulative dividends prior to the payment of any dividend or distribution on, or
the redemption of, any common stock. 

               8.2.14    CHANGES IN ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.

               Each of the Loan Parties shall not amend in any respect its
certificate of incorporation (including any provisions or resolutions relating
to capital stock), by-laws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership
agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or
other organizational documents without providing at least thirty (30) calendar
days' prior written notice to the Lender and, in the event such change would be
adverse to the Lender as determined by the Lender in its sole discretion,
obtaining the prior written consent of the Lender.

               8.2.15    INTEREST RATE PROTECTION.

               The Loan Parties shall not enter into any interest rate
protection agreement (the "Interest Rate Protection Agreement") without the
prior written consent of the Lender, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.  Any Interest Rate Protection Agreement shall be with a financial
institution acceptable to the Lender and contain such terms and conditions as
shall be acceptable to the Lender.  Documentation for the Interest Rate
Protection Agreement shall be in a standard International Swap Dealer
Association Agreement or such other form as is acceptable to the Lender and
shall provide for the method of calculating the reimbursable amount of the
provider's credit exposure in a reasonable and customary manner.
                                           

               8.2.16    MAXIMUM DEBT TO CASH FLOW RATIO.

               The Loan Parties shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated
Funded Indebtedness to Annual Adjusted Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations,
as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, to exceed the
amounts set forth below at the relevant time of measurement:

                 (i) March 31, 1997 through December 31, 1998 -- 3.00 to 1.00;

                (ii) March 31, 1999 through December 31, 1999 -- 2.75 to 1.00; 
                     and
               (iii) March 31, 2000 through December 31, 2000   --   2.50 to 
                     1.00.

          8.3  REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

          The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until
payment in full of the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and Letter of Credit
Borrowings and interest thereon, expiration or termination of all Letters of
Credit, satisfaction of all of the Loan


                                         -58-

<PAGE>

Parties' other Obligations and termination of the Commitment, the Loan Parties
will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Lender the financial statements,
certificates, notices, budgets, forecasts, reports and other information set
forth in Schedule 8.3 within the time frames and as described in Schedule 8.3.


                                    9.     DEFAULT

               9.1  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

               An Event of Default shall mean the occurrence or existence of any
one or more of the following events or conditions (whatever the reason therefor
and whether voluntary, involuntary or effected by operation of Law):

               9.1.1     PAYMENTS UNDER LOAN DOCUMENTS.

               The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan
(including mandatory repayments or the payment due at maturity), Reimbursement
Obligation or Letter of Credit Borrowing when due or shall fail to pay any
interest on any Loan, Reimbursement Obligation or Letter of Credit Borrowing  or
shall fail to pay any other amount (other than principal) owing hereunder or
under the other Loan Documents within five (5) days after such interest or other
amount becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof;

               9.1.2     BREACH OF WARRANTY.

               Any representation or warranty made at any time by any of the
Loan Parties herein or by any of the Loan Parties in any other Loan Document, or
in any certificate, other instrument or statement furnished pursuant to the
provisions hereof or thereof, shall prove to have been false or misleading in
any material respect as of the time it was made or furnished;

               9.1.3     BREACH OF NEGATIVE COVENANTS OR VISITATION RIGHTS.

               Any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or
performance of any covenant contained in Section 8.1.6 or Section 8.2;

               9.1.4     BREACH OF OTHER COVENANTS.

               Any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or
performance of any other covenant, condition or provision hereof or of any other
Loan Document and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of ten
(10) Business Days after any officer of any Loan Party becomes aware of the
occurrence of such default (such grace period to be applicable only in the event
such default can be remedied by corrective action of the Loan Parties as
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion);


                                         -59-

<PAGE>

               9.1.5     DEFAULTS IN OTHER AGREEMENTS OR INDEBTEDNESS.

               A default or event of default shall occur at any time under the
terms of any other agreement involving borrowed money or the extension of credit
or any other Indebtedness under which any Loan Party may be obligated as a
borrower or guarantor in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate, and such breach,
default or event of default consists of the failure to pay (beyond any period of
grace permitted with respect thereto, whether waived or not) any indebtedness
when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) or if such
breach or default permits or causes the acceleration of any indebtedness
(whether or not such right shall have been waived) or the termination of any
commitment to lend;

               9.1.6     FINAL JUDGMENTS OR ORDERS.

               Any final judgments or orders for the payment of money in excess
of $1,000,000 in the aggregate shall be entered against any Loan Party by a
court having jurisdiction in the premises, which judgment is not discharged,
vacated, bonded or stayed pending appeal within a period of thirty (30) days
from the date of entry;

               9.1.7     LOAN DOCUMENT UNENFORCEABLE.

               Any of the Loan Documents shall cease to be legal, valid and
binding agreements enforceable against the Loan Party executing the same or such
Loan Party's successors and assigns (as permitted under the Loan Documents) in
accordance with the respective terms thereof or shall in any way be terminated
(except in accordance with its terms) or become or be declared ineffective or
inoperative or shall in any way be challenged or contested or cease to give or
provide the respective Liens, security interests, rights, titles, interests,
remedies, powers or privileges intended to be created thereby;

               9.1.8     UNINSURED LOSSES; PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ASSETS;
ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY.

               There shall occur any material uninsured damage to or loss, theft
or destruction of any of the Collateral in excess of $2,000,000, or the
Collateral or any other of the Loan Parties' assets are attached, seized, levied
upon or subjected to a writ or distress warrant; or such come within the
possession of any receiver, trustee, custodian or assignee for the benefit of
creditors and the same is not cured within thirty (30) days thereafter; any Loan
Party shall become liable for a violation of Environmental Laws in an amount in
excess of $2,000,000;

               9.1.9     NOTICE OF LIEN OR ASSESSMENT.

               A notice of Lien or assessment in excess of $2,000,000 which is
not a Permitted Lien is filed of record with respect to all or any part of any
of the Loan Parties' assets by the United States, or any department, agency or
instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county, municipal or other
governmental agency, including the PBGC, or any taxes or debts


                                         -60-

<PAGE>

owing at any time or times hereafter to any one of these becomes payable and the
same is not paid within thirty (30) days after the same becomes payable;

               9.1.10    INSOLVENCY.

               Any Loan Party ceases to be solvent or admits in writing its
inability to pay its debts as they mature;

               9.1.11    EVENTS RELATING TO PLANS AND BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS.

               Any of the following occurs:  (i) any Reportable Event, which the
Lender determines in good faith constitutes grounds for the termination of any
Plan by the PBGC or the appointment of a trustee to administer or liquidate any
Plan, shall have occurred and be continuing; (ii) proceedings shall have been
instituted or other action taken to terminate any Plan, or a termination notice
shall have been filed with respect to any Plan; (iii) a trustee shall be
appointed to administer or liquidate any Plan; (iv) the PBGC shall give notice
of its intent to institute proceedings to terminate any Plan or Plans or to
appoint a trustee to administer or liquidate any Plan; (v) the Borrower or any
member of the ERISA Group shall fail to make any contributions when due to a
Plan or a Multiemployer Plan; (vi) the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA
Group shall make any amendment to a Plan with respect to which security is
required under Section 307 of ERISA; (vii) the Borrower or any other member of
the ERISA Group shall withdraw completely or partially from a Multiemployer
Plan; (viii) the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group shall withdraw
(or shall be deemed under Section 4062(e) of ERISA to withdraw) from a Multiple
Employer Plan; or (ix) any applicable Law is adopted, changed or interpreted by
any Official Body with respect to or otherwise affecting one or more Plans,
Multiemployer Plans or Benefit Arrangements and, with respect to any of the
events specified in (i), (ii), (iii). (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) or (ix),
the Lender determines in good faith that any such occurrence would be reasonably
likely to result in a Material Adverse Change;

               9.1.12    CESSATION OF BUSINESS.

               Any Loan Party ceases to conduct its business as contemplated,
except as expressly permitted under Section 8.2.6 or 8.2.7, or any Loan Party is
enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by court order from conducting all
or any material part of its business and such injunction, restraint or other
preventive order is not dismissed within thirty (30) days after the entry
thereof;

               9.1.13    CHANGE OF CONTROL.

               Any Change of Control shall occur;


                                         -61-

<PAGE>

               9.1.14    INVOLUNTARY PROCEEDINGS.

               A proceeding shall have been instituted in a court having
jurisdiction in the premises seeking a decree or order for relief in respect of
any Loan Party in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or
for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee,
sequestrator, conservator (or similar official) of any Loan Party for any
substantial part of its property, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its
affairs, and such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed and in effect
for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or such court shall enter a decree
or order granting any of the relief sought in such proceeding; or

               9.1.15    VOLUNTARY PROCEEDINGS.

               Any Loan Party shall commence a voluntary case under any
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or
hereafter in effect, shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an
involuntary case under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment or
taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee,
sequestrator, conservator (or other similar official) of itself or for any
substantial part of its property or shall make a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become
due, or shall take any action in furtherance of any of the foregoing.


          9.2       CONSEQUENCES OF EVENT OF DEFAULT.

               9.2.1     EVENTS OF DEFAULT OTHER THAN BANKRUPTCY, INSOLVENCY OR
REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS.

               If an Event of Default specified under Sections 9.1.1 through
9.1.13 shall occur and be continuing, the Lender shall be under no further
obligation to make Loans or issue Letters of Credit, as the case may be, and the
Lender may (i) declare the unpaid principal amount of the Note then outstanding
and all interest accrued thereon, any unpaid fees and all other Indebtedness of
the Borrower to the Lender hereunder and thereunder to be forthwith due and
payable, and the same shall thereupon become and be immediately due and payable
to the Lender without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and (ii) require the Borrower
to, and the Borrower shall thereupon, deposit with the Lender, as cash
collateral for its Obligations under the Loan Documents, an amount equal to the
maximum amount currently or at any time thereafter available to be drawn on all
outstanding Letters of Credit, and the Borrower hereby pledges to the Lender and
grants to the Lender a security interest in, all such cash as security for such
Obligations.  Upon the curing of all existing Events of Default to the
satisfaction of the Lender or upon indefeasible payment in full of the
Obligations and termination of the Commitment, the Lender shall return such cash
collateral to the Borrower; and


                                         -62-

<PAGE>

               9.2.2     BANKRUPTCY, INSOLVENCY OR REORGANIZATION PROCEEDINGS.

               If an Event of Default specified under Section 9.1.14 or 9.1.15
shall occur, the Lender shall be under no further obligations to make Loans
hereunder and the unpaid principal amount of the Note then outstanding and all
interest accrued thereon, any unpaid fees and all other Indebtedness of the
Borrower to the Lender hereunder and thereunder shall be immediately due and
payable, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of
which are hereby expressly waived; and

               9.2.3     SET-OFF.

               If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Lender
shall have the right, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to
it, without notice to such Loan Party, to set-off against and apply to the then
unpaid balance of all the Loans and all other Obligations of the Borrower and
the other Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document any debt owing
to, and any other funds held in any manner for the account of, the Borrower or
such other Loan Party by the Lender, including all funds in all deposit accounts
(whether time or demand, general or special, provisionally credited or finally
credited, or otherwise) now or hereafter maintained by the Borrower or such
other Loan Party for its own account (but not including funds held in custodian
or trust accounts) with the Lender.  Such right shall exist whether or not the
Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, whether or not such debt owing to or funds held for the account of the
Borrower or such other Loan Party is or are matured or unmatured and regardless
of the existence or adequacy of any Collateral, Guaranty or any other security,
right or remedy available to the Lender; and

               9.2.4     SUITS, ACTIONS, PROCEEDINGS.

               If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, and whether
or not the Lender shall have accelerated the maturity of Loans pursuant to any
of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.2, the Lender, if owed any amount
with respect to the Note, may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit
in equity, action at law and/or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the
specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or
the Note, including as permitted by applicable Law the obtaining of the EX PARTE
appointment of a receiver, and, if such amount shall have become due, by
declaration or otherwise, proceed to enforce the payment thereof or any other
legal or equitable right of the Lender; and

               9.2.5     APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.

               From and after the date on which the Lender has taken any action
pursuant to this Section 9.2 and until all Obligations of the Loan Parties have
been paid in full, any and all proceeds received by the Lender from any sale or
other disposition of the Collateral, or any part thereof, or the exercise of any
other remedy by the Lender, shall be applied as follows:


                                         -63-

<PAGE>

                         (i)       first, to reimburse the Lender for reasonable
out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements, including reasonable attorneys'
and paralegals' fees and legal expenses, incurred by the Lender in connection
with realizing on the Collateral or collection of any Obligations of any of the
Loan Parties under any of the Loan Documents, including advances made by the
Lender for the reasonable maintenance, preservation, protection or enforcement
of, or realization upon, the Collateral, including advances for taxes,
insurance, repairs and the like and reasonable expenses incurred to sell or
otherwise realize on, or prepare for sale or other realization on, any of the
Collateral;

                         (ii)      second, to the repayment of all Indebtedness
then due and unpaid of the Loan Parties to the Lender incurred under this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, whether of principal, interest,
fees, expenses or otherwise, in such manner as the Lender may determine in its
discretion; and

                         (iii)     the balance, if any, to the Borrower or as
otherwise required by Law.

               9.2.6     OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

               In addition to all of the rights and remedies contained in this
Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, the Lender shall have all of
the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code or
other applicable Law, all of which rights and remedies shall be cumulative and
non-exclusive, to the extent permitted by Law.  The Lender may exercise all
post-default rights granted to the Lender under the Loan Documents or applicable
Law.

          9.3       NOTICE OF SALE.

          Any notice required to be given by the Lender of a sale, lease, or
other disposition of the Collateral or any other intended action by the Lender,
if given ten (10) days prior to such proposed action, shall constitute
commercially reasonable and fair notice thereof to the Borrower.

                           10.     [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

                                11.     MISCELLANEOUS

          11.1      MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS OR WAIVERS.

The Lender and the Loan Parties may from time to time enter into written
agreements amending or changing any provision of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document or the rights of the Lender or the Loan Parties hereunder or
thereunder, or may grant written waivers or consents to a departure from the due
performance of the Obligations of the Loan Parties hereunder or


                                         -64-

<PAGE>

thereunder.  Any such agreement, waiver or consent made with such written
consent shall be effective to bind the Lender and the Loan Parties.

          11.2      NO IMPLIED WAIVERS; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES; WRITING REQUIRED.

          No course of dealing and no delay or failure of the Lender in
exercising any right, power, remedy or privilege under this Agreement or any
other Loan Document shall affect any other or future exercise thereof or operate
as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any
abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right, power, remedy or
privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right, power,
remedy or privilege.  The rights and remedies of the Lender under this Agreement
and any other Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or
remedies which they would otherwise have.  Any waiver, permit, consent or
approval of any kind or character on the part of the Lender of any breach or
default under this Agreement or any such waiver of any provision or condition of
this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent
specifically set forth in such writing.

          11.3      REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNIFICATION OF LENDER BY THE BORROWER;
TAXES.

               The Borrower agrees unconditionally upon demand to pay or
reimburse to the Lender and to save the Lender harmless against (i) liability
for the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses and
disbursements (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel (including
allocated costs of staff counsel) for the Lender), incurred by the Lender (a) in
connection with preparation, negotiation, documentation, administration and
interpretation of this Agreement, and other instruments and documents to be
delivered hereunder, (b) relating to any amendments, waivers or consents
pursuant to the provisions hereof, (c) in connection with the enforcement of
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or collection of amounts due
hereunder or thereunder or the proof and allowability of any claim arising under
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether in bankruptcy or receivership
proceedings or otherwise, and (d) in any workout or restructuring or in
connection with the protection, preservation, exercise or enforcement of any of
the terms hereof or of any rights hereunder or under any other Loan Document or
in connection with any foreclosure, collection or bankruptcy proceedings, or
(ii) all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature
whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Lender,
in its capacity as such, in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement
or any other Loan Documents or any action taken or omitted by the Lender
hereunder or thereunder, PROVIDED that the Borrower shall not be liable for any
portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements (A) if the same results from
the Lender's gross negligence or willful misconduct, or (B) if the Borrower was
not given notice of the subject claim and the opportunity to participate in the
defense thereof, at its expense (except that the Borrower shall remain liable to
the extent such failure to give notice does not result in a loss to the
Borrower), or (C) if the same results from a compromise or settlement agreement
entered into without the consent of the Borrower,


                                         -65-

<PAGE>

which shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The Borrower agrees unconditionally
to pay all stamp, document, transfer, recording or filing taxes or fees and
similar impositions now or hereafter reasonably determined by the Lender to be
payable in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and the
Borrower agrees unconditionally to save the Lender harmless from and against any
and all present or future claims, liabilities or losses with respect to or
resulting from any omission to pay or delay in paying any such taxes, fees or
impositions, other than those which arise and/or are payable as a result of the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Lender.

          11.4      HOLIDAYS.

          Whenever payment of a Loan to be made or taken hereunder shall be due
on a day which is not a Business Day such payment shall be due on the next
Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in computing interest
and fee, except that the Loans shall be due on the Business Day preceding the
Expiration Date if the Expiration Date is not a Business Day.  Whenever any
payment or action to be made or taken hereunder (other than payment of the
Loans) shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Business Day, such
payment or action shall be made or taken on the next following Business Day
(except as provided in Section 4.2 with respect to Interest Periods under the
Euro-Rate Option), and such extension of time shall not be included in computing
interest or fees, if any, in connection with such payment or action.

          11.5      FUNDING BY BRANCH, SUBSIDIARY OR AFFILIATE.

               11.5.1    NOTIONAL FUNDING.

               The Lender shall have the right from time to time, without notice
to the Borrower, to deem any branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate (which for the
purposes of this Section 11.5 shall mean any corporation or association which is
directly or indirectly controlled by or is under direct or indirect common
control with any corporation or association which directly or indirectly
controls the Lender) of the Lender to have made, maintained or funded any Loan
to which the Euro-Rate Option applies at any time, PROVIDED that immediately
following (on the assumption that a payment were then due from the Borrower to
such other office), and as a result of such change, the Borrower would not be
under any greater financial obligation pursuant to Section 5.5 than it would
have been in the absence of such change.  Notional funding offices may be
selected by the Lender without regard to the Lender's actual methods of making,
maintaining or funding the Loans or any sources of funding actually used by or
available to Lender.

               11.5.2    ACTUAL FUNDING.


               The Lender shall have the right from time to time to make or
maintain any Loan by arranging for a branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the
Lender to make or maintain such Loan subject to the last sentence of this
Section 11.5.2.  If the Lender causes a branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate to make
or maintain any part of the Loans hereunder, all terms and conditions of this


                                         -66-

<PAGE>

Agreement shall, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, be
applicable to such part of the Loans to the same extent as if such Loans were
made or maintained by the Lender, but in no event shall the Lender's use of such
a branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate to make or maintain any part of the Loans
hereunder cause the Lender or such branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate to incur any
cost or expenses payable by the Borrower hereunder or require the Borrower to
pay any other compensation to the Lender (including any expenses incurred or
payable pursuant to Section 5.5) which would otherwise not be incurred.

          11.6      NOTICES.

          All notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications
(as used in this Section 11.6, collectively referred to as "notices") given to
or made upon any party hereto under the provisions of this Agreement shall be by
telephone or in writing (including telex or facsimile communication) unless
otherwise expressly permitted hereunder and shall be delivered or sent by telex
or facsimile to the respective parties at the addresses and numbers set forth
under their respective names on SCHEDULE 1.1(B) hereof or in accordance with any
subsequent unrevoked written direction from any party to the others.  All
notices shall, except as otherwise expressly herein provided, be effective
(a) in the case of telex or facsimile, when received, (b) in the case of
hand-delivered notice, when hand-delivered, (c) in the case of telephone, when
telephoned, PROVIDED, however, that in order to be effective, telephonic notices
must be confirmed in writing no later than the next day by letter, facsimile or
telex, (d) if given by mail, four (4) days after such communication is deposited
in the mail with first-class postage prepaid, return receipt requested, and
(e) if given by any other means (including by air courier), when delivered;
PROVIDED, that notices to the Lender shall not be effective until received.

          11.7      SEVERABILITY.

          The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable.  If any
provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or
in part in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without in any
manner affecting the validity or enforceability thereof in any other
jurisdiction or the remaining provisions hereof in any jurisdiction.

          11.8      GOVERNING LAW.

          Each Letter of Credit and Section 2.7 shall be subject to the Uniform
Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International
Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 500, as the same may be revised or amended
from time to time, and to the extent not inconsistent therewith, the internal
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to its conflict of laws
principles and the balance of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract
under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for all purposes shall be
governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to its conflict of laws
principles.


                                         -67-

<PAGE>

          11.9      PRIOR UNDERSTANDING.

          This Agreement and the other Loan Documents supersede all prior
understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties
hereto and thereto relating to the transactions provided for herein and therein,
including any prior confidentiality agreements and commitments.

          11.10     DURATION; SURVIVAL.

          All representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained
herein or made in connection herewith shall survive the making of Loans and
issuance of Letters of Credit and shall not be waived by the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, any investigation by the Lender, the making of
Loans, issuance of Letters of Credit, or payment in full of the Loans.  All
covenants and agreements of the Loan Parties contained in Sections 8.1, 8.2 and
8.3 herein shall continue in full force and effect from and after the date
hereof so long as the Borrower may borrow or request Letters of Credit hereunder
and until termination of the Commitment and payment in full of the Loans and
expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit.  All covenants and
agreements of the Borrower contained herein relating to the payment of interest,
premiums, additional compensation or expenses and indemnification, including
those set forth in the Note, Section 5 and Section 11.3, shall survive payment
in full of the Loans, expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and
termination of the Commitment.

          11.11     SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

               This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the Lender, the Loan Parties and their respective successors and
assigns, except that none of the Loan Parties may assign or transfer any of its
rights and Obligations hereunder or any interest herein.  The Lender may, at its
own cost, make assignments of or sell participations in all or any part of its
Commitment and the Loans made by it to one or more banks or other entities.

          11.12     CONFIDENTIALITY.

          The Lender agrees to keep confidential all information obtained from
any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries which is nonpublic and confidential or
proprietary in nature (including any information the Borrower specifically
designates as confidential), except as provided below, and to use such
information only in connection with their respective capacities under this
Agreement and for the purposes contemplated hereby.  The Lender shall be
permitted to disclose such information (i) to outside legal counsel, accountants
and other professional advisors who need to know such information in connection
with the administration and enforcement of this Agreement, subject to agreement
of such Persons to maintain the confidentiality, (ii) to assignees and
participants as contemplated by Section 11.11 , subject to the agreement of such
Persons to maintain the confidentiality, (iii) to the extent requested by the
Lender regulatory authority or, with notice to the Borrower, as otherwise
required by applicable Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, or in
connection with any investigation or proceeding arising out of the


                                         -68-

<PAGE>

transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) if it becomes publicly
available other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or becomes
available from a source not known to be subject to confidentiality restrictions,
or (v) if the Borrower shall have consented to such disclosure.

          11.13     COUNTERPARTS.

          This Agreement may be executed by different parties hereto on any
number of separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered,
shall be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one
and the same instrument.

          11.14     LENDER'S CONSENT.

          Unless otherwise expressly provided for herein, whenever the Lender's
consent is required to be obtained under this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents as a condition to any action, inaction, condition or event, the Lender
shall be authorized to give or withhold such consent in its sole and absolute
discretion exercised in good faith and to condition its consent upon the giving
of additional collateral, the payment of money or any other matter.

          11.15     EXCEPTIONS.

          The representations, warranties and covenants contained herein shall
be independent of each other, and no exception to any representation, warranty
or covenant shall be deemed to be an exception to any other representation,
warranty or covenant contained herein unless expressly provided, nor shall any
such exceptions be deemed to permit any action or omission that would be in
contravention of applicable Law.

          11.16     CONSENT TO FORUM; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
                                           
EACH LOAN PARTY AND THE LENDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY AND THE UNITED
STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, AND WAIVES
PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH
SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL DIRECTED TO SUCH
PERSON AT THE ADDRESSES PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 11.6  AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL
BE DEEMED TO BE COMPLETED UPON ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF.  EACH LOAN PARTY AND THE
LENDER WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF ANY ACTION INSTITUTED
AGAINST IT AS PROVIDED HEREIN AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY DEFENSE BASED ON LACK
OF JURISDICTION OR VENUE.  THE LENDER AND EACH LOAN PARTY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY
JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT.


                                         -69-

<PAGE>

EACH LOAN PARTY (I) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL IN
CONNECTION WITH THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, (II) CERTIFIES
THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE LENDER HAS REPRESENTED,
EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION,
SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, AND (III) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE ENTERING
INTO OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT BY THE LENDER HAS BEEN INDUCED BY, AMONG OTHER
THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.
          
          11.17     JOINDER OF GUARANTORS.

               Any Subsidiary of the Borrower which is required to join this
Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 8.2.9  shall execute and deliver to
the Lender (i) a Guarantor Joinder in substantially the form attached hereto as
EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(1) pursuant to which it shall join as a Guarantor each of the
documents to which the Guarantors are parties; (ii) documents in the forms
described in Section 7.1 [First Loans] modified as appropriate to relate to such
Subsidiary; and (iii) documents necessary to grant and perfect Prior Security
Interests to the Lender in all Collateral held by such Subsidiary.  The Loan
Parties shall deliver such Guarantor Joinder and related documents to the Lender
at the time  of the filing of such Subsidiary's articles of incorporation if the
Subsidiary is a corporation, the date of the filing of its certificate of
limited partnership if it is a limited partnership or the date of its
organization if it is an entity other than a limited partnership or corporation.


               [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON THE NEXT PAGE.]


                                         -70-

<PAGE>

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, by their officers
thereunto duly authorized, have executed this Agreement as of the day and year
first above written.
                                        
                                        
                                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY


                                        By: /s/ Brian Parker
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Brian Parker
                                            Senior Vice President and Chief
                                            Financial Officer
[Seal]
                                        
                                        EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARIES OF GRUBB & 
                                        ELLIS COMPANY SET FORTH ON THE ATTACHED 
                                        SCHEDULE I

                                        By: /s/ Brian Parker
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Brian Parker
                                            Senior Vice President and Chief 
                                            Financial Officer of each of the 
                                            subsidiaries listed on Schedule I

                                        PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                        
                                        By: /s/ Paul A. Palombo
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: Paul A. Palombo
                                        Title: Vice President



                                         -71-



<PAGE>

                                                                 Exhibit 4.15


                            SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT


     THIS SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT is dated as of March 13, 1997 and is made 
by and among GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, a Delaware corporation ( the "Borrower"), 
and EACH OF THE CORPORATIONS LISTED ON THE ATTACHED SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I 
(the "Subsidiaries" being collectively referred to herein together with 
Borrower as the "Companies" and individually as a "Company"), and for the 
benefit of PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the "Lender").  Each capitalized 
term used herein shall, unless otherwise defined herein, have the same 
meaning given to such term in the Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as 
it may hereafter be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified 
from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") by and among the Borrower, each of 
the Guarantors party thereto (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and the 
Lender.
                                WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lender intends to make or 
has made Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower as provided therein; 

     WHEREAS, the Companies are now or may hereafter become indebted to each 
other (all present and future indebtedness of the Companies to each other, 
whether created directly or acquired by assignment or otherwise, and interest 
and premiums, if any, thereon and other amounts payable in respect thereof 
are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "SUBORDINATED DEBT"); and

     WHEREAS, the obligation of the Lender to make Revolving Credit Loans is 
subject to the condition, among others, that the Companies subordinate the 
Subordinated Debt to the Obligations of the Loan Parties to the Lender 
pursuant to the Loan Documents (the "SENIOR DEBT") in the manner set forth 
herein.

     NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto 
covenant and agree as follows:

     1.   SUBORDINATED DEBT SUBORDINATED TO SENIOR DEBT.  The recitals set 
forth above are hereby incorporated by reference.  All Subordinated Debt 
shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior 
indefeasible payment in full of all Senior Debt pursuant to the provisions 
contained herein.

     2.   PAYMENT OVER OF PROCEEDS UPON DISSOLUTION, ETC.  Upon any 
distribution of assets of any Company (a) in the event of any insolvency or 
bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, 
reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other similar case 
or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to any such Company or to its 
assets, or (b) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of 
Default or Potential Default under the Credit Agreement or any liquidation, 
dissolution or other winding up of any such Company, whether voluntary or 
involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or
<PAGE>

bankruptcy, or (c) in the event of any assignment for the benefit of 
creditors or any marshalling of assets and liabilities of any such Company (a 
Company distributing assets as set forth herein being referred to in such 
capacity as a "DISTRIBUTING COMPANY"), then and in any such event the Lender 
shall be entitled to receive indefeasible payment in full of all amounts due 
at the time of such event and which are incurred by the Lender thereafter 
which are payable by the Borrower under the Credit Agreement(whether or not 
an Event of Default has occurred under the terms of the Loan Documents or the 
Senior Debt has been declared due and payable prior to the date on which it 
would otherwise have become due and payable) on or in respect of any and all 
Senior Debt before the holder of any Subordinated Debt owed by the 
Distributing Company is entitled to receive any payment on account of the 
principal of or interest on such Subordinated Debt, and to that end the 
Lender shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment of the 
Senior Debt, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in 
cash, property or securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect 
of the Subordinated Debt owed by the Distributing Company in any such case, 
proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up or event.

     3.   NO COMMENCEMENT OF ANY PROCEEDING.  Each Company agrees that, so 
long as the Senior Debt shall remain unpaid, it will not commence, or join 
with any creditor other than the Lender in commencing, any collection or 
enforcement proceeding against any other Company, including, but not limited 
to, those described in Section 2 hereof, or any other enforcement action of 
any kind against any Company in respect of the Subordinated Debt.

     4.   PRIOR PAYMENT OF SENIOR DEBT UPON ACCELERATION OF SUBORDINATED 
DEBT.  If any portion of the Subordinated Debt owed by any Company becomes or 
is declared due and payable before its stated maturity based upon a defualt 
or an event of default under any loan document evidencing the Subordinated 
Debt, then and in such event the Lender shall be entitled to receive 
indefeasible payment in full of all amounts due and to become due on or in 
respect of the Senior Debt (whether or not an Event of Default has occurred 
under the terms of the Credit Agreement or the Senior Debt has been declared 
due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due 
and payable) before the holder of any such Subordinated Debt is entitled to 
receive any payment thereon.

     5.   NO PAYMENT WHEN SENIOR DEBT IN DEFAULT.  If any Event of Default 
under the Credit Agreement shall have occurred and be continuing or such an 
Event of Default would result from or exist after giving effect to a payment 
with respect to any portion of the Subordinated Debt, unless the Lender shall 
have consented to or waived the same, so long as any of the Senior Debt shall 
remain outstanding, no payment shall be made by the Company owing such 
Subordinated Debt on account of principal or interest on any portion of the 
Subordinated Debt.

     6.   PAYMENT PERMITTED IF NO DEFAULT.  Nothing contained in this 
Agreement shall prevent any of the Companies, at any time, except during the 
pendency of any of the conditions described in Sections 2, 4 and 5, from 
making the regularly scheduled payments of the Subordinated Debt, or the 
retention thereof by any of the Companies of any money deposited with it for 
the regularly scheduled payments of or on account of the Subordinated Debt.

                                     -2-
<PAGE>

     7.   RECEIPT OF PROHIBITED PAYMENTS.  If, notwithstanding the foregoing 
provisions of Sections 2, 4, 5 and 6, a Company which is owed Subordinated 
Debt by a Distributing Company shall have received any payment or 
distribution of assets from the Distributing Company of any kind or 
character, whether in cash, property or securities, other than as expressly 
permitted by the terms of this Agreement, then and in such event such payment 
or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Lender, shall 
be segregated from other funds and property held by such Company, and shall 
be forthwith paid over to the Lender in the same form as so received (with 
any necessary endorsement) to be applied (in the case of cash) to or held as 
collateral (in the case of non-cash property) for the payment or prepayment 
of the Senior Debt in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

     8.   RIGHTS OF SUBROGATION.  Each Company agrees that no payment or 
distribution to the Lender pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall 
entitle the Company to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof 
until the Senior Debt shall have been indefeasibly paid in full and the 
Commitment under the Credit Agreement shall have terminated.

     9.   INSTRUMENTS EVIDENCING SUBORDINATED DEBT.  At the request of the 
Lender, each Company shall cause each instrument which now or hereafter 
evidences all or a portion of the Subordinated Debt to be conspicuously 
marked as follows: 

          "This instrument is subject to the terms of a Subordination Agreement 
     dated as of March 13, 1997, in favor of PNC Bank, National Association, 
     which Subordination Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.  
     Notwithstanding any contrary statement contained in the within instrument,
     no payment on account of the principal thereof or interest thereon shall 
     become due or payable except in accordance with the express terms of said 
     Subordination Agreement."

At the Lender's request, each Company will further mark its books of account 
in such a reasonable manner as shall be effective to give proper notice to 
the effect of this Agreement.

     10.  AGREEMENT SOLELY TO DEFINE RELATIVE RIGHTS.  The purpose of this 
Agreement is solely to define the relative rights of the Companies, on the 
one hand, and the Lender, on the other hand.  Nothing contained in this 
Agreement is intended to or shall prevent the Companies from exercising all 
remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under any 
agreement pursuant to which the Subordinated Debt is created, subject to 
Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hereof, including, without limitation, the rights 
under this Agreement of the Lender to receive cash, property or securities 
otherwise payable or deliverable with respect to the Subordinated Debt.

     11.  NO IMPLIED WAIVERS OF SUBORDINATION.  No right of the Lender to 
enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be 
prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any 
Company, by any act or failure to act by the Lender, or by any non-compliance 
by any Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of any agreement 
pursuant to which the Subordinated Debt is created, regardless of any 
knowledge thereof the Lender may have or be otherwise charged with.  Each 
Company by its acceptance hereof agrees that, so long as there is Senior Debt 
outstanding or any Commitment is in effect under the Credit Agreement, such 
Company shall not agree to sell, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise 
dispose

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

of, the obligations of the Subordinated Debt, other than by means of payment 
of such Subordinated Debt according to its terms, without the prior written 
consent of the Lender.

     Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, 
in accordance with the Credit Agreement, the Lender, at any time and from 
time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Companies, except to 
the extent required by the Credit Agreement or other Loan Documents, without 
incurring responsibility to the Companies and without impairing or releasing 
the subordination provided in this Agreement or the obligations hereunder of 
the Companies to the Lender, may do any one or more of the following:  (i) 
change the manner, place or terms of payment, or extend the time of payment, 
renew or alter the Senior Debt or otherwise amend, restate, supplement or 
otherwise modify the Senior Debt or the Credit Agreement; (ii) release any 
person liable in any manner for the payment or collection of the Senior Debt; 
and (iii) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against any of the 
Companies and any other person or entity.

     12.  ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARIES. The Companies covenant and agree that each 
of them shall cause any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, each 
direct or indirect Subsidiary) which it creates or acquires after the date 
hereof to become a party to this Agreement by executing a joinder to this 
Agreement in a form of the Guarantor Joinder attached to the Credit Agreement 
as Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) promptly after such Company acquires or creates such 
Subsidiary.

     13.  CONTINUING FORCE AND EFFECT.  This Agreement shall continue in 
force until all of the Senior Debt is indefeasibly paid in full and the 
Commitments under the Credit Agreement have terminated, it being contemplated 
that this Agreement be of a continuing nature.

     14.  MODIFICATION, AMENDMENTS OR WAIVERS.  Any and all agreements 
amending or changing any provision of this Agreement or the rights of the 
Lender hereunder, and any and all waivers or consents to any departures from 
the due performance of the Companies hereunder shall be made only by written 
agreement, waiver or consent signed by the Lender and the Loan Parties.

     15.  EXPENSES.  To the extent set forth in and subject to the Credit 
Agreement, the Companies each unconditionally and jointly and severally agree 
upon demand to pay to the Lender the amount of any and all reasonable and 
necessary out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements, including but not 
limited to reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, which may be incurred by 
the Lender in connection with (a) the exercise or enforcement of any of the 
rights of the Lender hereunder, or (b) the failure by the Companies to 
perform or observe any of the provisions hereof.

     16.  SEVERABILITY.  The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be 
severable.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or 
unenforceable in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, 
as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or 
unenforceability without in any manner affecting the validity or 
enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions 
hereof in any jurisdiction.

                                     -4-
<PAGE>

     17.  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be a contract under the 
internal laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for all purposes shall 
be construed in accordance with the laws of said Commonwealth without giving 
effect to its conflicts of law principles.

     18.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit 
of the Lender, and its successors and assigns, and the obligations of the 
Companies shall be binding upon their respective successors and assigns.  The 
duties and obligations of each of the Companies may not be delegated or 
transferred by it.

     19.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of 
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, 
each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but 
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     20.  ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT.  Each Company hereby authorizes and empowers the 
Lender, at its election and in the name of either itself, or in the name of 
each Company after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of 
Default, to execute and file proofs and documents and take any other action 
the Lender may deem advisable in good faith to enforce the Lender's interests 
relating to the Subordinated Debt created hereunder and their right of 
enforcement thereof as set forth herein, and to that end the Companies hereby 
irrevocably make, constitute and appoint the Lender, its officers, employees 
and Lenders, or any of them, with full power of substitution, as the true and 
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of such Company and with full power for 
such Company and in the name, place and stead of such Company for the purpose 
of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and 
executing, delivering, filing and recording any instruments which the Lender 
may deem necessary or advisable in good faith to accomplish the purposes 
hereof, which power of attorney, being given for security, is coupled with an 
interest and irrevocable. Each Company hereby ratifies and confirms and 
agrees to ratify and confirm all action taken by the Lender, its officers, 
employees or agents pursuant to and in accordance with the foregoing power of 
attorney.

     21.  REMEDIES.  In the event of a breach by any of the Companies in the 
performance of any of the terms of this Agreement, the Lender may demand 
specific performance of this Agreement and seek injunctive relief and may 
exercise any other remedy available at law or in equity, it being recognized 
that the remedies of the Lender at law may not fully compensate the Lender 
for the damages it may suffer in the event of a breach hereof.

     22.  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH COMPANY HEREBY 
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF COMMON 
PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AND THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.  EACH COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE 
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL 
BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, 
UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.  EACH COMPANY (i) ACKNOWLEDGES 
THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXECUTION AND 
DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, (ii)

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE LENDER HAS 
REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT 
OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, AND (iii) ACKNOWLEDGES 
THAT THE ENTERING INTO OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT BY THE LENDER HAS BEEN INDUCED 
BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS 
SECTION.

                    [Signatures Appear on the Next Page.]





                                      -6-
<PAGE>

              [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT]

  WITNESS the due execution hereof as of the day and year first above written.


                                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY


                                        By: /s/  Brian Parker
                                           -----------------------------
                                           Brian Parker
                                           Senior Vice President and
                                           Chief Financial Officer


                                        EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARIES LISTED
                                        ON THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE I


                                        By: /s/  Brian Parker
                                           -----------------------------
                                           Brian Parker
                                           Senior Vice President and
                                           Chief Financial Officer of each
                                           of the Subsidiaries listed on
                                           Schedule I





                                     -7-

<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 4.16
                                          
                                          
                                          
                               REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE
                                          
                                          
$15,000,000.00                                        Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
                                                                March 13, 1997

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, a Delaware 
corporation (the "Maker"), promises to pay to the order of PNC BANK, NATIONAL 
ASSOCIATION, ("Lender") in immediately available funds at the Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania office of Lender at One PNC Plaza, 249 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor, 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707, or at such other location as the holder 
hereof may designate from time to time, the lesser of (i) the principal sum 
of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) or (ii) the aggregate unpaid 
principal amount of all loans made by Lender to Maker pursuant to Section 2.1 
of the Credit Agreement dated as of March 13, 1997, among Lender and Maker 
(the "Credit Agreement"), on March 13, 2001, together with interest from the 
date hereof on the unpaid balance of the principal hereof (i) until maturity, 
at the rate set forth in Section 4.1 of the Credit Agreement, as selected by 
the Maker in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, payable in 
accordance with Section 5 of the Credit Agreement, and at maturity, and (ii) 
after maturity, whether by declaration, acceleration or otherwise, until paid 
at the rate set forth in Section 4.3 of the Credit Agreement, payable upon 
demand.  The aforesaid interest rates shall continue to apply whether or not 
judgment shall be entered on this Note.

     If any payment of principal or interest on this Note shall become due on 
a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next 
succeeding Business Day and such extension of time may in such case be 
included in computing interest in connection with such payment.

     This Note is the Note referred to in and issued pursuant to the Credit 
Agreement, and capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the 
meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement 
contains provisions, among other things, for the acceleration of the stated 
maturity of this Note upon the happening of certain stated events recited 
therein and also for late payment charges and prepayments on account of the 
principal hereof prior to maturity as provided therein.  

     The Maker hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or notice of any 
kind in connection with this Note.

     This Note shall bind the Maker and the successors and assigns of the 
Maker, and the benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its 
successors and assigns.  All references herein to "Maker" shall be deemed to 
apply to the Maker and to the successors and assigns of Maker, and all 
references herein to "Lender" shall be deemed to apply to Lender and its 
successors and assigns.

<PAGE>

                  [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE]
                                          
                                          
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Maker, intending to be legally bound, has executed 
this Note on the day and year first above written with the intention that 
this Note shall constitute a sealed instrument.
                                          
ATTEST:                                  GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY
                                          
                                          
                                          
/s/ Robert J. Walner                     By: /s/ Brian Parker
- -------------------------------             -----------------------------------
    Senior Vice President and                    Brian Parker
    Corporate Secretary                          Senior Vice President and Chief
                                                 Financial Officer


[Corporate Seal]

                                       -2-

<PAGE>

                                                      Exhibit 4.17

                                                 IBM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM Credit Corporation                           P.O. Box 105061
                                                 Atlanta, GA 30348-9990
  
                                March 12, 1997
  
Axiom Real Estate Management, Inc.
Six PPG Place
Pittsburgh, PA  15222

             Re: Acknowledgment of Payment
                 -------------------------
Gentlemen:
- ----------

            Reference is made to those certain loans made pursuant to 
Revolving Loan and Security Agreement dated October 19, 1995, by and between 
Axiom Real Estate Management, Inc. (the "Company") and IBM Credit Corporation 
(the "Lender") and all other documents executed in connection therewith 
(collectively, the "Agreement"). Further reference is made to the provisions 
therein relating to the terms for payment to be made by the Company under the 
Agreement and all notes issued thereunder.

           The Lender hereby acknowledges: (i) that all precedent stated in 
the Agreements have been satisfied, (ii) the receipt of payment in full of 
all amounts to be paid by the Company under the Agreements and (iii) the 
satisfaction and discharge of all obligations of the Company under the 
Agreements are hereby satisfied and discharged.

          The Lender hereby: (i) releases all liens, mortgages, pledges, 
security interests and other encumbrances on any of your property or assets, 
(ii) reassigns to you all our rights, title and interest in insurance 
policies, if any, and (iii) reassigns all property and assets heretofore 
transferred to us, in each case to secure any obligations under the 
Agreements or any related instruments or documents.

          We agree that we will do, execute, acknowledge and deliver or will 
cause to be done executed and delivered all and every such further acts, 
terminations, releases and assurances as reasonably may be required in 
furtherance of the purposes hereof.
  
                                                                                
                                 Very truly yours,
  
                                 /s/Robert J. Halapin
                                    ---------------------------
                                    Robert J. Halapin 
                                    Account Executive                


<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 10.1


                MASTER COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT RIGHTS

     THIS ASSIGNMENT is made and entered into the 13th day of March, 1997, by 
GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), and EACH OF 
THE CORPORATIONS LISTED AS A SUBSIDIARY ON THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE I (the 
"Subsidiaries" being collectively referred to herein together with the 
Borrower as the "Assignors" and each individually as an "Assignor"), in favor 
of PNC Bank, National Association, a national banking association 
("Assignee").

                                     WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement (as it may hereafter 
from time to time be restated, amended, modified or supplemented, the "Credit 
Agreement") dated March 13, 1997 between the Borrower and the Assignee, the 
Assignee has agreed to provide certain loans and issue certain letters of 
credit to the Borrower; and

     WHEREAS, in order to provide additional security for the Borrower's 
repayment and each of the other Assignor's Guaranty Agreement with respect to 
repayment of such loans, the parties hereto desire that Assignee be granted 
an assignment and security interest in all rights of each Assignor under 
those property management contracts and agreements to which such Assignor now 
is a party and those to which it shall hereafter become a party (the 
"Assigned Contracts").

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants contained 
herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency 
of which are acknowledged by each Assignor, and intending to be legally 
bound, each Assignor assigns to Assignee all of its right, title and interest 
in and to its Assigned Contracts to the extent assignable and to the fullest 
extent permitted by Law.

     1.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, capitalized terms 
used in this Assignment shall have the respective meanings given to them in 
the Credit Agreement.

     2.  As security for the due and punctual payment and performance of the
Obligations as defined in the Credit Agreement, each Assignor does hereby grant,
bargain, sell, assign, transfer and set over unto Assignee, its successors and
assigns, all the rights, interests and privileges which such Assignor has or may
have in or under the Assigned Contracts, including without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the present and continuing right with full power
and authority, in its own name, or in the name of such Assignor, or otherwise,
but subject to the provisions and limitations of Section 3 hereof, (i) to make
claim for, enforce, perform, collect and receive any and all rights under the
Assigned Contracts, (ii) to do any and all things which such Assignor is or may
become entitled to do under the Assigned Contracts, and (iii) to make all

<PAGE>

waivers and agreements, give all notices, consents and releases and other 
instruments and to do any and all other things whatsoever which such Assignor 
is or may become entitled to do under the Assigned Contracts.  
Notwithstanding the foregoing assignment, each Assigned Contract which by its 
terms or by operation of law would become void, terminable, revocable, or in 
default if pledged or assigned hereunder or if a security interest therein 
were granted hereunder is expressly excepted and excluded from the lien and 
terms of this assignment to the extent necessary so to avoid such voidness, 
voidability, terminability or revocability.

     3.  The acceptance of this Assignment and the payment or performance 
under the Assigned Contracts shall not constitute a waiver of any rights of 
Assignee under the terms of the Note, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan 
Documents, it being understood that, until the occurrence of an Event of 
Default, and the exercise of Assignee's rights under Section 4 hereof, each 
Assignor shall have all rights to its respective Assigned Contracts and to 
retain, use and enjoy the same.

     4.  Each Assignor, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an 
Event of Default, hereby authorizes Assignee, at Assignee's option, to do all 
acts required or permitted under the Assigned Contracts as Assignee in its 
sole discretion may deem proper.  Each Assignor does hereby irrevocably 
constitute and appoint Assignee, while this Assignment remains in force and 
effect and, in each instance, to the full extent permitted by applicable Law, 
its true and lawful attorney in fact, coupled with an interest and with full 
power of substitution and revocation, for such Assignor and in its name, 
place and stead, to demand and enforce compliance with all the terms and 
conditions of its Assigned Contract and all benefits accrued thereunder, 
whether at law, in equity or otherwise; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Assignee 
shall not exercise any such power unless and until an Event of Default shall 
have occurred and is continuing.

     5.  Assignee shall not be obligated to perform or discharge any 
obligation or duty to be performed or discharged by any Assignor under the 
Assigned Contracts, and each Assignor hereby agrees to indemnify Assignee 
for, and to save Assignee harmless from, any and all liability arising under 
the Assigned Contracts, other than arising or resulting from Assignee's (or 
its agents, employees or contractors) gross negligence or willful misconduct.

     6.  Each Assignor agrees that this Assignment and the designation and 
directions herein set forth are irrevocable.

     7.  Neither this Assignment nor any action or inaction on the part of 
Assignee shall constitute an assumption on the part of Assignee of any 
obligations or duties under the Assigned Contracts.

     8.    Each Assignor covenants and warrants that:

          (a)  its Assigned Contracts are and shall be valid contracts, and 
that there are and shall be, to the extent ascertainable by such Assignor, no 
material defaults on the part of any of the parties thereto;

                                       -2-
<PAGE>

          (b)  other than with a respect to Permitted Liens, it will not 
assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Assigned Contracts without the prior 
written consent of Assignee;

          (c)  other than in the ordinary course of business, it will not 
cancel, terminate or accept any surrender of the Assigned Contracts;

          (d)  other than in the ordinary course of business, it will not 
waive or give any consent with respect to any material default or material 
variation in the performance under the Assigned Contracts, it will at all 
times take proper steps to enforce all of the provisions and conditions 
thereof, and it will forthwith notify Assignee of any material default under 
the Assigned Contracts;

          (e)  it will in all material respects perform and observe, or cause 
to be performed and observed, all of the terms, covenants and conditions on 
its part to be performed and observed with respect to the Assigned Contracts; 
and

          (f)  it will execute from time to time any and all additional 
assignments or instruments of further assurance to Assignee, as Assignee may 
at any time reasonably request to evidence the intent of this Assignment.

     9.  At such time as the Loans are indefeasibly paid in full and the 
Commitment has terminated, this Assignment and all of Assignee's right, title 
and interest hereunder with respect to the Assigned Contracts shall terminate.

     10.  This Assignment shall inure to the benefit of Assignee, its 
successors and assigns, and shall be binding upon each Assignor, their 
successors, successors in title and assigns.

     11.  This Assignment shall be governed by and construed in accordance 
with the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to 
its conflicts of Law principles.

     12.  The provisions of this Assignment are intended to be severable.  If 
any provision of this Assignment shall be held invalid or unenforceable in 
whole or in part in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such 
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or 
unenforceability without in any manner affecting the validity or 
enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions 
hereof in any jurisdiction.

     13.  This Assignment may be executed in any number of counterparts and 
by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which, when 
executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but all such 
counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

                      [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE]

                                       -3-

<PAGE>

             [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO MASTER COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF
                                   CONTRACT RIGHTS]

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this instrument under seal 
as of the day and year first above written.

                                     GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY
                                       By: /s/   Brian Parker   
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                 Brian Parker
                                                 Senior Vice President and
                                                 Chief Financial Officer




                                     EACH OF THE CORPORATIONS 
                                     LISTED AS A SUBSIDIARY ON THE 
                                     ATTACHED SCHEDULE I
                                           


                                     By: /s/  Brian Parker    
                                         --------------------------------------
                                              Brian Parker
                                              Senior Vice President and Chief
                                              Financial Officer of each of the
                                              Subsidiaries listed on Schedule I



                                     PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                        
                                     By: /s/  Paul A. Palombo
                                         --------------------------------------
                                     Title:  Vice President


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.2


                     MASTER AGREEMENT OF GUARANTY AND SURETYSHIP

     This Master Agreement of Guaranty and Suretyship (the "Guarantee") is 
made and entered into this 13th day of March, 1997, by and between  the 
undersigned corporations, with their respective principal offices as set 
forth on Schedule 1.1(b) of the Credit Agreement, or as otherwise notified 
from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement (collectively the 
"Guarantors" and individually a "Guarantor"), in favor of PNC Bank, National 
Association, a national banking association (the "Bank").

                                  BACKGROUND

    In order to induce the Bank to make and continue to make Loans to Grubb & 
Ellis Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), in accordance with 
that certain Credit Agreement dated March 13, 1997 (as it may hereafter from 
time to time be amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the "Credit 
Agreement") by and between the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Bank, each of 
the undersigned Guarantors hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees 
and becomes surety as though it was a primary obligor for the full and timely 
payment when due, whether at maturity, by declaration, acceleration or 
otherwise, of the principal of and interest and fees on the Loans (as defined 
in the Credit Agreement), of the Bank to the Borrower under the Credit 
Agreement and the Note issued by the Borrower in connection therewith and any 
extensions or renewals thereof, and each and every other obligation or 
liability (both those now in existence and those that shall hereafter arise 
and including, without limitation, all costs and expenses of enforcement and 
collection after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of 
Default, including reasonable attorney's fees) of the Borrower to the Bank 
under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as defined in the 
Credit Agreement) except this Guarantee, and any extensions or renewals 
thereof (hereinafter referred to as the "Guaranteed Indebtedness"), whether 
or not such Guaranteed Indebtedness or any portion thereof shall hereafter be 
released or discharged or is for any reason invalid or unenforceable.

     1.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall 
have such meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

     2.  Each Guarantor agrees to make such full payment forthwith upon 
demand of the Bank when the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any portion thereof is 
due to be paid by the Borrower to the Bank, whether at stated maturity, by 
declaration, acceleration or otherwise.  Each Guarantor agrees to make such 
full payment irrespective of whether or not any one or more of the following 
events has occurred:  (i) the Bank has made any demand on the Borrower or any 
other guarantor; (ii) the Bank has taken any action of any nature against the 
Borrower or any other guarantor; (iii) the Bank has pursued any rights which 
it has against any other Person who may be liable for the Guaranteed 
Indebtedness; (iv) the Bank holds or has resorted to any security for the 
Guaranteed Indebtedness; or (v) the Bank has invoked any other remedy or 
right it has available with respect to the Guaranteed Indebtedness.  Each 
Guarantor further agrees to 


<PAGE>

make full payment to the Bank even if circumstances exist which otherwise 
constitute a legal or equitable discharge of the Guarantor as surety or 
guarantor.

     3.  Each Guarantor warrants to the Bank that:  (i) no other agreement 
(other than the Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents), representation or 
special condition exists between the Guarantor and the Bank regarding the 
liability of such Guarantor hereunder, nor does any understanding exist 
between such Guarantor and the Bank that the obligations of the Guarantor 
hereunder are or will be other than as set forth herein; and (ii) as of the 
date hereof, such Guarantor has no defense whatsoever to any action or 
proceeding that may be brought to enforce this Guarantee.

     4.  Until indefeasible payment in full of the Loans and termination of 
all Letters of Credit and the Commitment, each Guarantor waives and agrees 
not to enforce any of the rights of the Guarantor against the Borrower or any 
other guarantor which arise as a result of this Guarantee, including, but not 
limited to:  (i) any right of the Guarantor to be subrogated in whole or in 
part to any right or claim with respect to any Guaranteed Indebtedness or any 
portion thereof to the Bank which might otherwise arise from payment by the 
Guarantor to the Bank on the account of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any 
portion thereof until all the Guaranteed Indebtedness is indefeasibly paid in 
full; and (ii) any right of the Guarantor to require the marshalling of 
assets of the Borrower or any other guarantor which might otherwise arise 
from payment by the Guarantor to the Bank on account of the Guaranteed 
Indebtedness or any portion thereof.  If any amount shall be paid to any 
Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, such amount shall be deemed 
to have been paid to the Guarantor for the benefit of, and held in trust for 
the benefit of, the Bank and shall forthwith be paid to the Bank to be 
credited and applied upon the Guaranteed Indebtedness, whether matured or 
unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.  Each 
Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from 
the financing arrangements contemplated by the Credit Agreement and that the 
waivers set forth in this Section are knowingly made in contemplation of such 
benefits.

     5.  Each Guarantor waives promptness and diligence by the Bank with 
respect to his rights under the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan 
Documents, including, but not limited to, this Guarantee.

     6.  Each Guarantor waives any and all notice with respect to:  (i) 
acceptance by the Bank of this Guarantee; (ii) the provisions of any note, 
instrument or agreement relating to the Guaranteed Indebtedness; and (iii) 
any default in connection with the Guaranteed Indebtedness.

     7.  Each Guarantor waives any presentment, demand, notice of dishonor or 
nonpayment, protest, and notice of protest in connection with the Guaranteed 
Indebtedness.

     8.  Each Guarantor agrees that the Bank may from time to time and as 
many times as the Bank, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, do any of 
the following without notice to such Guarantor and without adversely 
affecting the validity or enforceability of this Guarantee: (i) release, 
surrender, exchange, compromise, or settle the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any 
portion thereof; (ii) change, renew, or waive the terms of the Guaranteed 
Indebtedness or any portion thereof; (iii) change, renew, or waive the terms, 
including without limitation, the rate of 

<PAGE>

interest charged to the Borrower or the Guarantor, of any note, instrument, 
or agreement relating to the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any portion thereof; 
(iv) grant any extension or indulgence with respect to the payment to the 
Bank of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any portion thereof; (v) enter into 
any agreement of forbearance with respect to the Guaranteed Indebtedness or 
any portion thereof; (vi) release, surrender, exchange or compromise any 
security held by the Bank for the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (vii) release any 
Person who is a guarantor or surety or who has agreed to purchase the 
Guaranteed Indebtedness or any portion thereof; and (viii) release, 
surrender, exchange or compromise any security or Lien held by the Bank for 
the liabilities of any Person who is a guarantor or surety for the Guaranteed 
Indebtedness or any portion thereof.  Each Guarantor agrees that the Bank may 
do any of the above as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole 
discretion, without giving any notice to the Guarantor, and that the 
Guarantor will remain liable for full payment to the Bank of the Guaranteed 
Indebtedness.

     9.  If any amount owing hereunder shall have become due and payable (by 
acceleration or otherwise) and an Event of Default has occcured and is 
continuing, the Bank and any branch, subsidiary or affiliate of the Bank 
anywhere in the world shall each have the right, at any time and from time to 
time to the fullest extent permitted by Law, in addition to all other rights 
and remedies available to it, without prior notice to any Guarantor, to 
set-off against and to appropriate and apply to such due and payable amounts 
any debt owing to, and any other funds held in any manner for the account of 
the Guarantor by the Bank or any such branch, subsidiary or affiliate 
including, without limitation, all funds in all deposit accounts (whether 
time or demand, general or special, provisionally credited or finally 
credited, or otherwise) now or hereafter maintained by the Guarantor with the 
Bank or such branch, subsidiary or affiliate.  Such right shall exist whether 
or not the Bank shall have given notice or made any demand hereunder or under 
any of the Note or any other Loan Document, whether or not such debt owing to 
or funds held for the account of any Guarantor is or are matured or 
unmatured, and regardless of the existence or adequacy of any collateral, 
guarantee or any other security, right or remedy available to the Bank.  Each 
Guarantor hereby consents to and confirms the foregoing arrangements, and 
confirms the Bank's rights and each such branch's, subsidiary's and 
affiliate's rights of banker's lien and set-off. 

     10.  Each Guarantor recognizes and agrees that the Borrower, after the 
date hereof, may incur additional Indebtedness or other obligations, fees and 
expenses to the Bank under the Credit Agreement or pay existing Guaranteed 
Indebtedness, and that in any such transaction, even if such transaction is 
not now contemplated, the Bank will rely in any such case upon this Guarantee 
and the enforceability thereof against the Guarantor and that this Guarantee 
shall remain in full force and effect with respect to such Indebtedness of 
the Borrower to the Bank and such Indebtedness shall for all purposes 
constitute Guaranteed Indebtedness.

     11.  Each Guarantor further agrees that, if at any time all or any part 
of any payment, from whomever received, theretofore applied by the Bank to 
any of the Guaranteed Indebtedness is or must be rescinded or returned by the 
Bank for any reason whatsoever including, without limitation, the insolvency, 
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Guarantor, such liability shall, for the 
purposes of this Guarantee, to the extent that such payment is or must be 
rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence, 
notwithstanding such application by the 


<PAGE>

Bank, and this Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as 
the case may be, as to such liabilities, all as though such application by 
the Bank had not been made.

     12.  Each Guarantor agrees that no failure or delay on the part of the 
Bank to exercise any of its rights, powers or privileges under this Guarantee 
shall be a waiver of such rights, powers or privileges or a waiver of any 
default, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any of the Bank's 
rights, powers or privileges preclude other or further exercise thereof or 
the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or be construed as a 
waiver of any default. Each Guarantor further agrees that no waiver or 
modification of any rights of the Bank under this Guarantee shall be 
effective unless in writing and signed by the Bank.  Each Guarantor further 
agrees that each written waiver shall extend only to the specific instance 
actually recited in such written waiver and shall not impair the rights of 
the Bank in any other respect.

     13.  Each Guarantor unconditionally agrees to pay all reasonable costs and
expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred after the occurrence of
and during the continuance of an Event of Default by the Bank in enforcing this
Guarantee against such Guarantor.

     14. Each Guarantor agrees that this Guarantee and the rights and 
obligations of the parties hereto shall for all purposes be governed by 
and construed and enforced in accordance with the substantive law of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without giving effect to its principles of 
conflict of laws.

     15. Each Guarantor recognizes that this Guarantee when executed 
constitutes a sealed instrument and as a result the instrument will be 
enforceable as such without regard to any statute of limitations which might 
otherwise be applicable and without any consideration.

     16. Each Guarantor acknowledges that in addition to binding itself to 
this Guarantee, at the time of execution of this Guarantee the Bank offered 
to the Guarantor a copy of this Guarantee in the form in which it was 
executed and that by acknowledging this fact the Guarantor may not later be 
able to claim that a copy of the Guarantee was not received by it.

     17. Each Guarantor agrees that this Guarantee shall be binding upon each 
Guarantor, its successors and assigns; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Guarantor 
may not assign or transfer any of its rights and obligations hereunder or any 
interest herein.  Each Guarantor further agrees that (i) this Guarantee is 
freely assignable and transferable by the Bank in connection with any 
assignment or transfer of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in accordance with the 
Credit Agreement and (ii) this Guarantee shall inure to the benefit of the 
Bank, its successors and assigns.  Upon indefeasible payment in full of the 
Guaranteed Indebtedness, this Guarantee shall terminate and be of no further 
effect and the Bank shall execute any documents, instruments, agreements or 
any combination thereof as the Guarantors shall reasonably request to 
evidence such termination.

     18. Each Guarantor agrees that if such Guarantor fails to perform any 
covenant or agreement hereunder or if there occurs an Event of Default under 
the Credit Agreement, all or any part of the Guaranteed Indebtedness may be 
declared to be forthwith due and payable and, in the case of an Event of 
Default described in Sections 9.1.14 or 9.1.15 of the Credit Agreement, 

<PAGE>

the Guaranteed Indebtedness shall be immediately due and payable, in any case 
without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are 
hereby expressly waived.

     19.  Each Guarantor agrees that the enumeration of the Bank's rights and 
remedies set forth in this Guarantee is not intended to be exhaustive and the 
exercise by the Bank of any right or remedy shall not preclude the exercise 
of any other rights or remedies, all of which shall be cumulative and shall 
be in addition to any other right or remedy given hereunder or under any 
other agreement among the parties to the Loan Documents or which may now or 
hereafter exist at law or in equity or by suit or otherwise.

     20. Each Guarantor agrees that all notices, statements, requests, 
demands and other communications under this Guarantee shall be given to the 
Guarantor at the address set forth in Schedule 1.1(B) to the Credit Agreement 
in the manner provided in Section 11.6 of the Credit Agreement.

     21. Each Guarantor agrees that the provisions of this Guarantee are 
severable, and in an action or proceeding involving any state or federal 
bankruptcy, insolvency or other law affecting the rights of creditors 
generally:

         (a)  if any clause or provision shall be held invalid or unenforceable 
         in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, then such invalidity or 
         unenforceability shall affect only such clause or provision, or part 
         thereof, in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such 
         clause or provision in any other jurisdiction, or any other clause or 
         provision in this Guarantee in any jurisdiction.

         (b)  if this Guarantee would be held or determined to be void, invalid 
         or unenforceable on account of the amount of the Guarantor's aggregate
         liability under this Guarantee, then, notwithstanding any other 
         provision of this Guarantee to the contrary, the aggregate amount of 
         such liability shall, without any further action by the Bank, the 
         Guarantor or any other Person, be automatically limited and reduced to
         the highest amount which is valid and enforceable as determined in 
         such action or proceeding, which (without limiting the generality of 
         the foregoing) may be an amount which is not greater than the greater 
         of:

               (A) the fair consideration actually received by the Guarantor 
under the terms of and as a result of the Loan Documents, including, without 
limiting the generality of the foregoing, and to the extent not inconsistent 
with applicable federal and state laws affecting the enforceability of 
guarantees, distributions or advances made to the Guarantor with the proceeds 
of any credit extended under the Loan Documents in exchange for its guaranty 
of the Guaranteed Indebtedness, or

               (B) ninety-five percent (95%) of the excess of (1) the amount 
of the fair saleable value of the assets of the Guarantor as of the date of 
this Guarantee as determined in accordance with applicable federal and state 
laws governing determinations of the insolvency of debtors as in effect on 
the date thereof over (2) the amount of all liabilities of the 

<PAGE>

Guarantor as of the date of this Guarantee, also as determined on the basis 
of applicable federal and state laws governing the insolvency of debtors as 
in effect on the date thereof.

     22.  EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY 
APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY 
LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH 
THIS GUARANTEE.  EACH GUARANTOR (i) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED 
BY COUNSEL IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS GUARANTEE 
(ii) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE BANK HAS 
REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT 
OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, AND EXECUTION AND 
DELIVERY HEREOF BY THE GUARANTOR, AND (iii) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE ENTERING 
INTO OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT BY THE BANK HAS BEEN INDUCED BY, AMONG OTHER 
THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.

    Each Guarantor (i) hereby irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive 
jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, or any successor to said court, and to the nonexclusive 
jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Western District of 
Pennsylvania, or any successor to said court (hereinafter referred to as the 
"Pennsylvania Courts") for purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding 
which relates to this Guarantee or any other Loan Document, (ii) to the 
extent permitted by applicable Law, hereby waives and agrees not to assert by 
way of motion, as a defense or otherwise in any such suit, action or 
proceeding, any claim that he is not personally subject to the jurisdiction 
of the Pennsylvania Courts; that such suit, action or proceeding is brought 
in an inconvenient forum; that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding 
is improper; or that this Guarantee or any Loan Document may not be enforced 
in or by the Pennsylvania Courts, (iii) hereby agrees not to seek, and hereby 
waives, any collateral review by any other court, which may be called upon to 
enforce the judgment of any of the Pennsylvania Courts, of the merits of any 
such suit, action or proceeding or the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania 
Courts, and (iv) waives personal service of any and all process upon it and 
consents that all such service of process may be made by certified or 
registered mail addressed as provided in Schedule 1.1(B) of the Credit 
Agreement and service so made shall be deemed to be completed upon actual 
receipt thereof.  Nothing herein shall limit the Bank's right to bring any 
suit,

<PAGE>

action or other proceeding against any Guarantor or any of the Guarantor's
assets or to serve process on the Guarantor by any means authorized by Law.

                      [SIGNATURES BEGIN ON THE NEXT PAGE.]



<PAGE>

       [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO MASTER AGREEMENT OF GUARANTY AND SURETYSHIP]
                                          
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantors intending to be legally bound, have 
executed this Guarantee as of the date first above written with the intention 
that this Guarantee shall constitute a sealed instrument.
     
                                       EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARIES
                                       LISTED ON SCHEDULE I 
                                       ATTACHED HERETO
     

                                       By: /s/  Brian Parker
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Brian Parker
                                           Senior Vice President and Chief
                                           Financial Officer of each of the
                                           Subsidiaries listed on Schedule I 
                                             attached hereto


<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 10.3

                                           
                               PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                           
         THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of March 13, 1997, among GRUBB & ELLIS 
COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), each of the undersigned 
Subsidiaries of the Borrower, identified in Schedule I attached hereto and 
made a part hereof (each a "Guarantor" and collectively with the Borrower the 
"Pledgors"), and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Lender"), is delivered 
pursuant to the terms of that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March 13, 
1997, among the Borrower, the Guarantors and the Lender (the "Credit 
Agreement") 

                                   WITNESSETH THAT:

         WHEREAS, each Pledgor is the legal and beneficial owner and the 
holder of its respective Pledged Collateral (as defined in Section 1(b) 
hereof) as set forth on Exhibit A hereto; and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement the Lender may make 
certain loans to the Borrower and the Lender may issue certain letters of 
credit for the account of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; and

         WHEREAS, the obligations of the Lender to make loans and issue 
letters of credit under the Credit Agreement are subject to the condition, 
among others, that each Pledgor secure its obligations to the Lender under 
the Credit Agreement in the manner set forth therein and herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties 
hereto covenant and agree as follows:

    1.   DEFINITIONS.
Terms which are defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined 
herein are used herein as defined therein.  In addition to the words and 
terms defined elsewhere in this Pledge Agreement (the "Pledge Agreement"), 
the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, 
respectively, unless the context hereof otherwise clearly requires:

         (a)   "Code" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or other applicable jurisdiction on the date 
hereof and as the same may subsequently be amended from time to time.

         (b) "Pledged Collateral" shall mean and include with respect to each 
Pledgor (i) the securities listed on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a 
part hereof, with respect to each Pledgor, and all rights and privileges 
pertaining thereto, including, without limitation, all


<PAGE>

securities and additional securities receivable in respect of or in exchange 
for such securities, all rights to subscribe for securities incident to or 
arising from ownership of such securities, all cash, interest, stock and 
other dividends or distributions paid or payable on such securities, and all 
books and records pertaining to the foregoing, including, without limitation, 
all stock record and transfer books, (ii) any and all other securities 
hereafter pledged to the Lender to secure the Obligations and the Pledgor's 
obligations hereunder, and all rights and privileges pertaining thereto, 
including, without limitation, all securities and additional securities 
receivable in respect of or in exchange for such securities, all rights to 
subscribe for securities incident to or arising from ownership of such 
securities, all cash, interest, stock and other dividends or distributions 
paid or payable on such securities, and all books and records pertaining to 
the foregoing, including, without limitation, all stock record and stock 
transfer books, and (iii) whatever is received when any of the foregoing is 
sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of, including any proceeds as such term 
is defined in the Code.

    2.   PLEDGE.
As security for the due and punctual payment and performance of the 
Obligations in full, each Pledgor hereby agrees that the Lender shall have, 
and each Pledgor hereby grants to and creates in favor of the Lender, a first 
priority security interest under the Code in and to all of the Pledged 
Collateral which constitutes a Prior Security Interest.

    3.   DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, ETC.
Upon the execution and delivery of this Pledge Agreement, each Pledgor has 
delivered to and deposited with the Lender in pledge, stock certificates and 
any other instruments evidencing the Pledged Collateral, together with 
undated stock powers signed in blank by such Pledgor as the Lender shall have 
required. 

    4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Each Pledgor represents and warrants to the Lender as follows:

         (a)   The Pledgor has good and marketable title to the Pledged 
Collateral;

         (b) Any shares of capital stock of a Subsidiary forming part of the 
Pledged Collateral have been duly authorized and validly issued to the 
Pledgor, are fully paid and nonassessable and constitute all of the issued 
and outstanding stock of such Subsidiary, and there are no outstanding 
options or rights to purchase or acquire any additional shares of capital 
stock of such Subsidiary;

         (c) Other than the security interest granted to and created in favor 
of the Lender hereunder, all of the Pledged Collateral is free and clear of 
any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, option or rights of others, 
other than Permitted Liens and except to the extent transfer of the Pledged 
Collateral may be restricted by the federal Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, and state securities laws; and


                                     -2-


<PAGE>

         (d) The Pledgor has delivered to the Lender a true and correct copy 
of the articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws and other 
organizational documents of each Subsidiary of a Pledgor the shares of 
capital stock of which constitute part of the Pledged Collateral.

    5.   FURTHER ASSURANCES.
Each Pledgor will faithfully preserve and protect the Lender's security 
interest in the Pledged Collateral as a first priority perfected security 
interest under the Code, and will do all such other acts and things, and will 
upon request therefor by the Lender execute and deliver all such other 
documents and instruments, including, without limitation, further pledges, 
assignments, documents and powers of attorney with respect to its Pledged 
Collateral consistent with the terms of this Pledge Agreement and the Credit 
Agreement, as the Lender may deem necessary or advisable from time to time in 
order to preserve, perfect and protect said security interest.

    6.   CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE PLEDGOR.
Each Pledgor covenants and agrees that (a) it will defend the Lender's right, 
title and security interest in and to the Pledged Collateral and the proceeds 
thereof against the claims and demands of all persons whomsoever other than 
any Person claiming a right in the Pledged Collateral pursuant to an 
agreement between such Person and the Lender and other than the holder of a 
Permitted Lien; (b) it will have like title to and right to pledge any other 
property at any time hereafter pledged to the Lender pursuant to the Credit 
Agreement and will likewise defend the Lender's right thereto and security 
interest therein; (c) except as permitted by the Credit Agreement it will not 
assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber any of its right, title or 
interest under, in or to the Pledged Collateral other than pursuant hereto; 
(d) except as permitted by the Credit Agreement it will not take or omit to 
take any action, or permit any Subsidiary, any shares of capital stock of 
which constitute a part of the Pledged Collateral, to take or omit to take 
any action, the taking or the omission of which might result in an alteration 
or impairment of the Pledged Collateral or of this Pledge Agreement; (e) it 
will not permit any Subsidiary, any shares of capital stock of which 
constitute a part of the Pledged Collateral, to repeal, amend or modify its 
articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational 
documents, other than as permitted under the terms of the Credit Agreement; 
(f) it will cause each Subsidiary, any shares of capital stock of which 
constitute a part of the Pledged Collateral, to maintain accurate stock 
record and stock transfer books, and upon request of the Lender, provide the 
Lender with access to and copies of such stock record and stock transfer 
books; (g) it will not, without the prior written consent of the Lender, 
waive or release any obligation of any party to the Pledged Collateral; and 
(h) it will execute and deliver to the Lender and record such supplements to 
this Pledge Agreement and additional assignments as the Lender reasonably may 
request to evidence and confirm the pledge herein contained.

    7.   PROTECTION OF THE LENDER'S INTEREST IN THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL 
         AGAINST OTHERS.
Each Pledgor assumes full responsibility for taking any and all necessary 
steps to preserve the Lender's rights, other than Permitted Liens, with 
respect to its Pledged Collateral against all others, including the 
respective issuers of capital stock forming part of the Pledged Collateral.  

                                     -3-


<PAGE>


The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody 
and preservation of the Pledged Collateral in its possession if the Lender 
takes such action for that purpose as the Pledgor shall request in writing 
(or in the absence of such request, if the Bank deals with it in the same 
manner that it deals with similar property for its own account), provided 
that such requested action will not, in the judgment of the Lender, impair 
the security interest in the Pledged Collateral created hereby or the 
Lender's rights in, or the value of, the Pledged Collateral, and provided 
further that such written request is received by the Lender in sufficient 
time to permit the Lender to take the requested action.

    8.   CONTINUATION OF PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST.
Each Pledgor shall at such Pledgor's own cost and expense cause the security 
interest in its Pledged Collateral granted to and created in favor of the 
Lender under this Pledge Agreement to be perfected and continue to be 
perfected as long as the Obligations or any part thereof is outstanding and 
unpaid or not performed in full, and for such purpose such Pledgor shall from 
time to time deliver possession to the Lender of and execute, deliver and 
file or record (or cause to be filed or recorded) such instruments, documents 
and notices (including, without limitation, amendments or supplements to this 
Pledge Agreement, financing statements and continuation statements) as the 
Lender may deem necessary or advisable from time to time in order to confirm, 
perfect and preserve such security interest.  The Lender is hereby 
irrevocably appointed attorney-in-fact of each Pledgor to do all acts and 
things which the Lender, in the exercise of its responsibilities under the 
Credit Agreement, may deem necessary or advisable to perfect and continue 
perfected the Lender's security interest in the Pledged Collateral.

    9.   VOTING RIGHTS; DIVIDENDS; ETC.

         (a)  So long as no Event of Default or Potential Default shall have 
occurred and is continuing:

              (i)  Each Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all 
              voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged
              Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent
              with the terms of this Pledge Agreement or the Credit Agreement;
              PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such Pledgor shall not exercise or refrain
              from exercising any such right if such action or inaction would
              REASONABLY BE LIKELY to have a material adverse effect on the
              value of the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof;

              (ii) Any and all instruments and other property (other than cash
              dividends) received, receivable or otherwise distributed in
              respect of, or in exchange for, any of the Pledged Collateral
              shall be forthwith delivered to the Lender to hold as part of the
              Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by any Pledgor, be
              received in trust for the benefit of the Lender, be segregated
              from the other property or funds of such Pledgor, and be forthwith
              delivered to the Lender as Pledged Collateral in the same form as
              so received (with any necessary endorsement).  To the extent
              permitted

                                     -4-

<PAGE>

              by the Credit Agreement, a Pledgor may receive and retain cash
              dividends from any of the Subsidiaries; and

              (iii) The Lender shall execute and deliver (or cause to be
              executed and delivered) to any Pledgor all such proxies and other
              instruments as such Pledgor may reasonably request for the purpose
              of enabling such Pledgor to exercise the voting and other rights
              which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (i) above,
              and to receive the dividends which it is authorized to receive and
              retain pursuant to paragraph (ii) above.

         (b)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of 
Default or Potential Default under the terms of the Credit Agreement:

              (i)  All rights of any Pledgor to exercise the voting and other
              consensual rights which it would otherwise be entitled to exercise
              pursuant to Section 9(a)(i) and to receive the dividends which it
              would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to
              Section 9(a)(ii) shall cease, and all such rights shall, upon
              notice by the Lender to such Pledgor, become vested in the Lender,
              who shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting
              and other consensual rights and the sole right to receive and hold
              as Pledged Collateral such dividends and apply them to payment of
              the Obligations; and

              (ii) All dividends which are received by any Pledgor contrary to
              the provisions of paragraph (i) of this Section 9(b) shall be
              received in trust for the benefit of the Lender, shall be
              segregated from other funds of such Pledgor and shall be forthwith
              paid over to the Lender as Pledged Collateral in the same form as
              so received (with any necessary endorsement).

In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Section 9 
and Section 9.2.5 of the Credit Agreement, the terms of the Credit Agreement 
shall control.
                                           
    10.  REMEDIES UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT.
If there shall have occurred and is then continuing an Event of Default under 
the terms of the Credit Agreement, then the Lender shall have such rights and 
remedies with respect to the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof and the 
proceeds thereof as are provided by the Code and such other rights and 
remedies with respect thereto which it may have at law or in equity or under 
this Pledge Agreement, including without limitation, to the extent not 
inconsistent with the provisions of the Code, the right to (a) transfer all 
or any part of the Pledged Collateral into the Lender's name or into the name 
of its nominee and thereafter receive all cash, stock and other dividends or 
distributions paid or payable in respect thereof, and otherwise act with 
respect thereto for the benefit of the Lender as the absolute owner thereof, 
and (b) sell, assign, give an option or options to purchase or otherwise 
dispose of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral at


                                    -5-


<PAGE>

any public or private sale at such place or places and at such time or times 
and upon such terms, whether for cash or on credit, and in such manner as the 
Lender may determine, and apply the proceeds so received in accordance with 
the terms of the Credit Agreement.  Each Pledgor shall be liable for any 
deficiency if the proceeds of any sale, assignment, giving of an option or 
options to purchase or other disposition of its Pledged Collateral is 
insufficient to pay all amounts to which the Lender is entitled.

    11.  NOTICE OF SALE OF THE PLEDGED COLLATERAL BY THE LENDER.
If any notification of intended sale of any of the Pledged Collateral is 
required by law, such notification shall be deemed reasonable if provided at 
least ten (10) days before such sale, addressed to the Pledgor as provided in 
Section 11.6 of the Credit Agreement.

    12.  NATURE OF SALE.  Each Pledgor recognizes that the Lender may be 
compelled to resort to one or more private sales of the Pledged Collateral to 
a restricted group of purchasers who will be obliged to agree, among other 
things, to acquire such securities for their own account for investment and 
not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof.  Each Pledgor 
acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may result in prices and 
other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale 
and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale 
shall not, for such reason alone, be deemed to have been made in a 
commercially unreasonable manner.  The Lender shall not be under any 
obligation to delay a sale of any of the Pledged Collateral for the period of 
time necessary to permit the issuer of such securities to register such 
securities for public sale under the federal Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, or under applicable state securities laws, even if the issuer would 
agree to do so.

    13.  TERMINATION.  Upon payment in full of the Loans, Reimbursement 
Obligations and Letter of Credit Borrowings and interest thereon, expiration 
or termination of all Letters of Credit, satisfaction of all of the Loan 
Parties' other Obligations and the termination of the Commitment, this Pledge 
Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, and the 
Lender shall thereupon promptly return to each Pledgor such of the Pledged 
Collateral and such other documents delivered by such Pledgor hereunder as 
may then be in the Lender's possession and execute such documents, 
instruments, agreements or any combination thereof as the Pledgors shall 
reasonably request to evidence such termination..  Until such time, however, 
this Pledge Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the 
parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns.

    14.  NO WAIVER.  No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in 
exercising any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a 
waiver thereof or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege of the 
Lender hereunder; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, 
remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or 
the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights and 
remedies of the Lender under this Pledge Agreement are cumulative and not 
exclusive of any rights or remedies which it may otherwise have.


                                     -6-

<PAGE>

    15.  NOTICES.  All notices, statements, requests and demands given to or 
made upon either party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this 
Pledge Agreement shall be given or made as provided in Section 11.6 of the 
Credit Agreement.

    16.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Pledge Agreement shall be binding upon 
and inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors and assigns, and 
each Pledgor and its successors and assigns, except that the Pledgors may not 
assign or transfer the respective Pledgor's obligations hereunder or any 
interest herein.

    17.  GOVERNING LAW.  This Pledge Agreement shall be deemed to be a 
contract under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for all 
purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of 
said Commonwealth excepting its rules relating to conflicts of Law.

    18.  SURVIVAL.  Any provision of this Pledge Agreement which is 
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the 
remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in 
any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision 
in any other jurisdiction.


                                     -7-


<PAGE>

                 [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO PLEDGE AGREEMENT]
                                           
                                           
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, by their officers thereunto 
duly authorized, have executed and delivered this Pledge Agreement as of the 
day and year first above set forth.

                                            GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY
                                            
                                           
                                            By /s/  Brian Parker
                                               -------------------------------
                                                    Brian Parker
                                                    Senior Vice President and
                                                    Chief Financial Officer
                                           
                                           
                                             AXIOM REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, INC.
                                           
                                           
                                             By /s/  Brian Parker 
                                               -------------------------------
                                                     Brian Parker
                                                     Senior Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                           
                                           
                                             HSM INC.
                                                      
                                           
                                             By /s/  Brian Parker
                                               -------------------------------
                                                     Brian Parker
                                                     Senior Vice President and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer

                                            
                                            PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                            
                                           
                                            By /s/  Paul A. Palombo
                                               -------------------------------
                                            Title   Vice President
                                                  ----------------------------


<PAGE>

                                                                Exhibit 10.4


                              SECURITY AGREEMENT

     THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated March 13, 1997, is 
entered into by and among GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the 
"Borrower"), and EACH OF THE CORPORATIONS LISTED AS A SUBSIDIARY ON THE 
ATTACHED SCHEDULE I (the "Subsidiaries" being collectively referred to herein 
together with the Borrower as the "Debtors" and individually as a "Debtor"), 
and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (the 
"Bank");

                                WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS, each Debtor is (or will be with respect to after-acquired 
property) the legal and beneficial owner and the holder of its respective 
Collateral (as defined in Section 1 hereof); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement (as it may hereafter 
from time to time be restated, amended, modified or supplemented, the "Credit 
Agreement") of even date herewith among, INTER ALIA, the Bank, Grubb & Ellis 
Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), and the Debtor, the Bank 
has agreed to make certain loans to the Borrower and issue letters of credit 
for the account of the Borrower and the Guarantors; and

     WHEREAS, the obligation of the Bank to make loans and issue letters of 
credit under the Credit Agreement is subject to the condition, among others, 
that each of the Debtors secure its obligations to the Bank under the Credit 
Agreement and the other Loan Documents in the manner set forth herein.

     NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto 
covenant and agree as follows:

     1. Terms which are defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise 
defined herein are used herein as defined therein.  The following words and 
terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context 
hereof otherwise clearly requires:

        (a)  "Code" means the Uniform Commercial Code of each state as in 
effect on the date hereof and as the same may subsequently be amended from 
time to time, the substantive provisions of which are applicable to any of 
the property of the Debtors in which the Bank is granted a security interest 
pursuant to this Agreement.

        (b)  "Collateral" means, in the case of each Debtor, all of its 
right, title and interest in, to and under the following described property 
of such Debtor (each capitalized term used in this Section 1(b) shall have in 
this Agreement the meaning given to it by Article 9 of the Code as in effect 
in Pennsylvania):

<PAGE>

             (i) all now existing and hereafter acquired and arising 
Accounts, General Intangibles, Chattel Paper, Investment Property, Documents, 
Instruments, Letters of Credit, Advices of Credit, Equipment, and Inventory, 
all Products of and Accessions to the foregoing and all Proceeds of all of 
the foregoing (including without limitation all insurance policies and 
proceeds thereof); 

             (ii) to the extent, if any, not included in clause (i) above, 
each and every other item of personal property and fixtures, both those that 
are now owned and those that hereafter arise or are acquired, regardless of 
whether Article 9 of the Code is applicable to any extent to the creation, 
perfection or enforcement of Liens thereon or therein.

Without limiting the foregoing and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, 
Collateral includes all business records and information, including computer 
tapes and other storage media containing the same and computer programs and 
software (including without limitation, source code, object code and related 
manuals and documentation and all licenses to use such software) for 
accessing and manipulating such information.

The definition of Collateral shall not include the general or limited 
partnership interests of the Debtors in the Existing Partnerships to the 
extent that the grant of a security interest in such partnerships interests 
is not permitted under the terms of the applicable partnership agreement.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the other 
Loan Documents, the Bank will not take any action pursuant to this Agreement, 
the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document that would constitute or 
result in any assignment of any rights under or with respect to any General 
Intangible, license, permit or authorization without first obtaining the 
prior approval of the applicable federal, state or local governmental 
authority, if, under the existing Law, such assignment of any rights under or 
with respect to any General Intangible, license, permit or authorization 
would require the prior approval of such federal, state or local governmental 
authority.  Prior to the exercise by the Bank of any power, right, privilege 
or remedy pursuant to this Agreement which requires any consent, approval, 
recording, qualification or authorization of any federal, state or local 
governmental authority or instrumentality, appropriate Debtor will execute 
and deliver, or will cause the execution and delivery of, all applications, 
certificates, instruments and other documents and papers that the Bank may be 
required to obtain for such governmental consent, approval, recording, 
qualification or authorization.  Without limiting the generality of the 
foregoing, such Debtor will use its best efforts upon the request of the Bank 
to obtain from the appropriate governmental authorities the necessary 
consents and approvals, if any (i) for the granting to the Bank pursuant 
hereto of the security interest provided for in this Agreement to the extent, 
if any, such security interest may be granted under existing statutes or 
regulations and (ii) for the assignment or transfer of such authorizations, 
licenses and permits to the Bank or its designee upon or following the 
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.

        (c)  "Debt" means, collectively, all now existing and hereafter 
arising Indebtedness of the Borrower and the other Debtors to the Bank under 
the Credit Agreement, the Guaranty Agreement of the Debtors and other Loan 
Documents, including without limitation, all

                                      -2-

<PAGE>

Indebtedness, whether of principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise, of 
the Borrower and the Debtors to the Bank now existing or hereafter incurred 
under the Credit Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement of the Debtors or the 
Note, or any of the other Loan Documents referred to therein as any of the 
same or any one or more of them may from time to time be amended, restated, 
modified or supplemented, together with any and all extensions, renewals, 
refinancings or refundings thereof in whole or in part.

        (d)  "Receivables" means all of the Collateral except Equipment and 
Inventory.

     2. As security for the due and punctual payment and performance of the 
Debt in full, each Debtor hereby agrees that the Bank shall have, and each  
Debtor hereby grants to and creates in favor of the Bank, a first priority 
security interest under the Code and lien in and to each Debtor's respective 
Collateral subject only to Permitted Liens.  Without limiting the generality 
of Section 4 below, each Debtor further agrees that with respect to each item 
of Collateral as to which (i) the creation of a valid and enforceable 
security interest is not governed exclusively by the Code or (ii) the 
perfection of a valid and enforceable security interest therein under the 
Code cannot be accomplished either by the Bank taking possession thereof or 
by the filing in appropriate locations of appropriate Code financing 
statements executed by the Debtor, such Debtor will at its expense execute 
and deliver to the Bank such documents, agreements, notices, assignments and 
instruments and take such further actions as may be requested by the Bank 
from time to time for the purpose of creating a valid and perfected first 
priority Lien on such item, subject only to Permitted Liens, enforceable 
against the Debtor and all third parties to secure the Debt.

     3. Each Debtor jointly and severally  represents and warrants to the 
Bank that (a) such Debtor has good and marketable title to its Collateral, 
and (b) except for the security interest granted to and created in favor of 
the Bank hereunder and Permitted Liens, all the Collateral is free and clear 
of any Lien.

     4. Each Debtor will faithfully preserve and protect the Bank's security 
interest in such Debtor's Collateral as a prior perfected security interest 
under the Code, superior and prior to the rights of all third Persons, except 
for Permitted Liens, and will, upon request therefor by the Bank, do all such 
other acts and things and will, upon request therefor by the Bank, execute, 
deliver, file and record all such other documents and instruments, including, 
without limitation, financing statements, security agreements, assignments 
and documents and powers of attorney with respect to the Collateral, and pay 
all filing fees and taxes related thereto, as the Bank in its reasonable 
discretion deems necessary or advisable from time to time in order to attach, 
continue, preserve, perfect and protect said security interest; and each 
Debtor hereby irrevocably appoints the Bank, its officers, employees and 
agents, or any of them, as attorneys-in-fact for such Debtor to execute, 
deliver, file and record such items for such Debtor and in such Debtor's 
name, place and stead.  This power of attorney, being coupled with an 
interest, shall be irrevocable for the life of this Agreement.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>

     5. Each Debtor jointly and severally covenants and agrees that:

        (a)  it will defend the Bank's right, title and security interest in 
and to the Collateral and the proceeds thereof against the claims and demands 
of all Persons whomsoever, other than any Person claiming a right in the 
Collateral pursuant to an agreement between such Person and the Bank and 
other than the holder of a Permitted Lien;

        (b)  it will not suffer or permit to exist on any Collateral any Lien 
except for Permitted Liens;

        (c)  it will not take or omit to take any action, the taking or the 
omission of which might result in a material alteration or impairment of the 
Collateral or of the Bank's rights under this Agreement;

        (d)  except as permitted by the Credit Agreement it will not sell, 
assign or otherwise dispose of any portion of the Collateral;

        (e)  it will (i) obtain and maintain sole and exclusive possession or 
control of the Collateral, (ii) keep the Collateral and all records 
pertaining thereto at the locations specified on the Security Interest Data 
Summary attached as SCHEDULE A hereto, unless it shall have given the Bank 
prior notice and taken any action reasonably requested by the Bank to 
maintain its security interest therein, (iii) deliver to the Bank upon the 
Bank's request therefor all Collateral consisting of Chattel Paper 
immediately upon such Debtor's receipt of a request therefor, and (iv) keep 
materially accurate and complete books and records concerning the Collateral 
and such other books and records as the Bank may from time to time reasonably 
require;

        (f)  it will promptly furnish to the Bank such information and 
documents relating to the Collateral as the Bank may reasonably request, 
including, without limitation, all invoices, Documents, contracts, Chattel 
Paper, Instruments and other writings pertaining to such Debtor's contracts 
or the performance thereof; all of the foregoing to be certified upon request 
of the Bank by an Authorized Officer of such Debtor;

     6. Each Debtor assumes full responsibility for taking any and all 
necessary steps to preserve the Bank's rights with respect to the Collateral 
against all Persons other than anyone asserting rights in respect of a 
Permitted Lien.  The Bank shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care 
in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in its possession if the 
Bank takes such action for that purpose as the Debtors shall request in 
writing or in the absence of such request, if the Bank deals with it in the 
same manner that it deals with similar property for its own account, provided 
that such requested action will not, in the judgment of the Bank, impair the 
security interest in the Collateral created hereby or the Bank's rights in, 
or the value of, the Collateral, and provided further that such written 
request is received by the Bank in sufficient time to permit the Bank to take 
the requested action.

                                      -4-

<PAGE>

     7.  (a)  At any time and from time to time whether or not an Event of 
Default then exists and without prior notice to or consent of the Debtors, 
the Bank may at its option take such actions as the Bank deems appropriate 
(i) to attach, perfect, continue, preserve and protect the Bank's prior 
security interest in the Collateral, and/or (ii) inspect, audit and verify 
the Collateral, including reviewing all of the Debtors' books and records and 
copying and making excerpts therefrom, provided that prior to an Event of 
Default or a Potential Default, the same is done with advance notice during 
normal business hours to the extent access to any of the Debtors' premises is 
required, and to add all liabilities, obligations, costs and expenses 
reasonably incurred in connection with the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) to 
the Debt, to be paid by the Debtors to the Bank upon demand;

         (b)  At any time and from time to time after an Event of Default 
exists and is continuing and without prior notice to or consent of the 
Debtors, the Bank may at its option take such action as the Bank deems 
appropriate (i) to maintain, repair, protect and insure the Collateral, 
and/or (ii) to perform, keep, observe and render true and correct any and all 
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties of the Debtors 
hereunder, and to add all liabilities, obligations, costs and expenses 
reasonably incurred in connection with the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) to 
the Debt, to be paid by the Debtors to the Bank upon demand.

     8. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of 
Default under the Credit Agreement:

         (a)  The Bank shall have and may exercise all the rights and 
remedies available to a secured party under the Code in effect at the time, 
and such other rights and remedies as may be provided by Law and as set forth 
below, including without limitation to take over and collect all the Debtors' 
Receivables and all other Collateral, and to this end each Debtor hereby 
appoints the Bank, its officers, employees and agents, as its irrevocable, 
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact with all necessary power and authority to 
(i) take possession immediately, with or without notice, demand, or legal 
process, of any of or all of the Collateral wherever found, and for such 
purposes, enter upon any premises upon which the Collateral may be found and 
remove the Collateral therefrom, (ii) require the Debtors to assemble the 
Collateral and deliver it to the Bank or to any place designated by the Bank 
at the Debtors' expense, (iii) receive, open and dispose of all mail 
addressed to any Debtor and notify postal authorities to change the address 
for delivery thereof to such address as the Bank may designate, (iv) demand 
payment of the Receivables, (v) enforce payment of the Receivables by legal 
proceedings or otherwise, (vi) exercise all of the Debtors' rights and 
remedies with respect to the collection of the Receivables, (vii) settle, 
adjust, compromise, extend or renew the Receivables, (viii) settle, adjust or 
compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect the Receivables, (ix) to 
the extent permitted by applicable Law, sell or assign the Receivables upon 
such terms, for such amounts and at such time or times as the Bank deems 
advisable, (x) discharge and release the Receivables, (xi) take control, in 
any manner, of any item of payment or proceeds from any account debtor, (xii) 
prepare, file and sign the Debtor's name on any Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy 
or similar document against any account debtor, (xiii) prepare, file and sign 
the Debtor's name on any notice of Lien, assignment or satisfaction of Lien 
or similar document in connection with the Receivables, (xiv) do all acts and 
things necessary, in the Bank's sole discretion, exercised in good faith, to 
fulfill the Debtors'

                                      -5-

<PAGE>

obligations under the Loan Documents, (xv) endorse the name of the Debtor 
upon any check, Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, invoice, freight bill, 
bill of lading or similar document or agreement relating to the Receivables 
or Inventory; (xvi) use the Debtor's stationery and sign the Debtor's name to 
verifications of the Receivables and notices thereof to account debtors; 
(xvii) access and use the information recorded on or contained in any data 
processing equipment or computer hardware or software relating to the 
Receivables, Inventory, or other Collateral or proceeds thereof to which the 
Debtor has access, (xviii) demand, sue for, collect, compromise and give 
acquittances for any and all Collateral, (xix) prosecute, defend or 
compromise any action, claim or proceeding with respect to any of the 
Collateral, and (xx) take such other action as the Bank may deem appropriate 
with respect to the Collateral, including extending or modifying the terms of 
payment of the Debtor's debtors.  This power of attorney, being coupled with 
an interest, shall be irrevocable for the life of this Agreement.  To the 
extent permitted by Law, each Debtor hereby waives all claims of damages due 
to or arising from or connected with any of the rights or remedies exercised 
by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, except claims for physical damage to 
the Collateral arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the 
Bank.

        (b)  The Bank shall have the right to lease, sell or otherwise 
dispose of all or any of the Collateral at public or private sale or sales 
for cash, credit or any combination thereof, with such notice as may be 
required by Law (it being agreed by each Debtor that, in the absence of any 
contrary requirement of Law, ten (10) days' prior notice of a public or 
private sale of Collateral shall be deemed reasonable notice), in lots or in 
bulk, for cash or on credit, all as the Bank, in its sole discretion 
exercised in good faith, may deem advisable.  Such sales may be adjourned 
from time to time with or without notice.  The Bank shall have the right to 
conduct such sales on any Debtor's premises or elsewhere and shall have the 
right to use any Debtor's premises without charge for such sales for such 
time or times as the Bank may see fit.  The Bank may purchase all or any part 
of the Collateral at public or, if permitted by Law, private sale and, in 
lieu of actual payment of such purchase price, may set off the amount of such 
price against the Debt.

     9. The security interest in each Debtor's Collateral granted to and 
created in favor of the Bank by this Agreement shall be for the benefit of 
the Bank.  Each of the rights, privileges, and remedies provided to the Bank 
hereunder or otherwise by Law with respect to each Debtor's Collateral shall 
be exercised by the Bank only for its own benefit, and any of the Debtor's 
Collateral or proceeds thereof held or realized upon at any time by the Bank 
shall be applied as set forth in Section 9.2.5 of the Credit Agreement.  Each 
Debtor shall remain liable to the Bank for and shall pay to the Bank any 
deficiency which may remain after such sale or collection.

     10. If the Bank repossesses or seeks to repossess any of the Collateral 
pursuant to the terms hereof because of the occurrence and continuance of an 
Event of Default, then to the extent it is commercially reasonable for the 
Bank to store any Collateral on any Debtor's premises, such Debtor, to the 
extent it has the right to do so, hereby agrees to lease to the Bank on a 
month-to-month tenancy for a period not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) 
days at the Bank's election, at a rental of One Dollar ($1.00) per month, the 
premises on which the Collateral is located, provided it is located on 
premises owned or leased by such Debtor.

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

     11. Upon indefeasible payment in full of the Debt, expiration of the 
Letters of Credit and termination of the Credit Agreement, this Agreement 
shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, and the Bank shall 
thereupon promptly return to each Debtor such of its Collateral and such 
other documents delivered by such Debtor hereunder as may then be in the 
Bank's possession and execute such documents, instruments, agreements or any 
combination thereof as the Debtors shall reasonably request to evidence such 
termination.  Until such time, however, this Agreement shall be binding upon 
and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective 
successors and permitted assigns.  Upon any sale or other transfer of any 
Collateral which sale is not prohibited by and which disposition is made in 
accordance with the Credit Agreement, the Bank shall (i) release its security 
interest on the Collateral being sold or transferred and (ii) execute such 
documents, instruments, agreements or any combination thereof as the Debtor 
shall request to evidence such termination.

     12. No failure or delay on the part of the Bank in exercising any right, 
remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof or of 
any other right, remedy, power or privilege of the Bank hereunder; nor shall 
any single or partial exercise of any such right, remedy, power or privilege 
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other 
right, remedy, power or privilege.  No waiver of a single Event of Default 
shall be deemed a waiver of a subsequent Event of Default.  All waivers under 
this Agreement must be in writing.  The rights and remedies of the Bank under 
this Agreement are cumulative and in addition to any rights or remedies which 
it may otherwise have, and the Bank may enforce any one or more remedies 
hereunder successively or concurrently at its option.

     13. All notices, statements, requests and demands given to or made upon 
either party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall 
be given or made as provided in Section 11.6 of the Credit Agreement.

     14. Each Debtor agrees that as of the date hereof, all information 
contained on the Security Interest Data Schedule attached hereto as
SCHEDULE A is accurate and complete and contains no omission or
misrepresentation. The Debtors shall promptly notify the Bank of any changes in
the information set forth thereon.

     15. Each Debtor acknowledges that the provisions hereof giving the Bank 
rights of access to books, records and information concerning the Collateral 
and such Debtor's operations and providing the Bank access to such Debtor's 
premises are intended to afford the Bank with immediate access to current 
information concerning such Debtor and its activities, including without 
limitation, the value, nature and location of the Collateral so that the Bank 
can, among other things, make an appropriate determination after the 
occurrence of an Event of Default, whether and when to exercise its other 
remedies hereunder and at Law, including without limitation, instituting a 
replevin action should such Debtor refuse to turn over any Collateral to the 
Bank.  Each Debtor further acknowledges that should such Debtor at any time 
fail to promptly provide such information and access to the Bank, such Debtor 
acknowledges that the Bank would have no adequate remedy at Law to promptly 
obtain the same.  Each Debtor agrees that the provisions hereof may be 
specifically enforced by the Bank and waives any claim or defense in any such 
action or proceeding that the Bank has an adequate remedy at Law.

                                      -7-

<PAGE>

     16. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the 
Bank and its successors and assigns, and each Debtor and their successors and 
assigns, except that the Debtors may not assign or transfer the Debtor's 
obligations hereunder or any interest herein.

     17. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract under the laws of 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for all purposes shall be governed by 
and construed in accordance with the laws of said Commonwealth excluding its 
rules relating to conflicts of Law.

     18. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable 
in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and 
any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not 
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. 


                         [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE] 



                                      -8-

<PAGE>

                  [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO SECURITY AGREEMENT]

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, by their officers thereunto duly 
authorized, have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day and year 
first above set forth.
     
                                         GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY
         


                                         By: /s/  Brian Parker   
                                            ------------------------------- 
                                                  Brian Parker
                                                  Senior Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer
    

                                          EACH OF THE CORPORATIONS
                                          LISTED AS A SUBSIDIARY ON THE
                                          ATTACHED SCHEDULE I
         
                                          By: /s/  Brian Parker   
                                             ------------------------------
                                                    Brian Parker
                                                    Senior Vice President and
                                                    Chief Financial Officer



                                          PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                          By: /s/ Paul A. Palombo 
                                             ------------------------------
                                          Name:  Paul A. Palombo
                                          Title: Vice President 





<PAGE>

                                                                 Exhibit 10.5

                          TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT



    FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby 
acknowledged, the undersigned GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY ("Debtor"), a Delaware 
corporation, hereby conveys a security interest to PNC BANK, NATIONAL 
ASSOCIATION ("Lender"), a national banking association, its successors and 
assigns, all of the Debtor's right, title and interest in and to (i) the 
trademarks and any applications therefor listed on EXHIBIT A hereto and (ii) 
any United States federally registered other trademarks and applications 
therefor which Debtor shall hereafter acquire, in each case including without 
limitation all proceeds thereof, (all of the aforesaid property being 
hereinafter referred to as the "Collateral") as security for the payment when 
due whether by declaration, acceleration or otherwise of the principal of and 
interest on each and every loan of Lender to the Debtor and each and every 
other liability of Debtor to Lender, including (i) all "Obligations", as such 
term is defined in the Credit Agreement of even date herewith among, inter 
alia, the Debtor and the Lender, as the same may be amended and modified from 
time to time (the "Credit Agreement"), (ii) liabilities now in existence, 
(iii) liabilities incurred or arising contemporaneously herewith, and (iv) 
liabilities that shall hereafter be incurred or arise (collectively, the 
"Liabilities").  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have 
the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement unless the context clearly 
indicates otherwise.

    1.   Debtor covenants and warrants that as of the date hereof and to the 
best of its knowledge:

<PAGE>

         (a)  Each of the trademarks constituting a part of the Collateral is 
subsisting and has not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable;

         (b)  All of the trademarks constituting a part of the Collateral are 
valid and enforceable;

         (c)  No claim has been made that the use of any of the trademarks 
constituting a part of the Collateral does or may violate the rights of any 
third person;

         (d)  With the exception of licenses of the Collateral, the Debtor is 
the sole and exclusive owner of the entire and unencumbered right, title and 
interest in and to all of the trademarks constituting a part of the 
Collateral, free and clear of any liens, charges and encumbrances other than 
Permitted Liens (as defined in the Credit Agreement);

         (e)  Debtor has the unqualified right to enter into this Agreement 
and perform its terms;

         (f)  Debtor has used, and shall continue to use for the duration of 
this Agreement, consistent standards of quality in its services sold under 
any trademarks constituting part of the Collateral.

    2.   Debtor agrees that, until such time as all of the Liabilities shall 
have been satisfied in full, it shall not enter into any agreement  which is 
inconsistent with Debtor's obligations under this Agreement, without Lender's 
prior written consent;.

    3.   If, during the term of this Agreement, Debtor shall at any time or 
from time to time acquire any additional material United States federally 
registered trademarks and/or applications therefor not then listed on Exhibit 
A, the Debtor shall give to Lender prompt notice thereof in writing and the 
provisions hereof shall automatically apply thereto.


<PAGE>

    4.   In any case mentioned in Section 3 hereof, Debtor authorizes Lender 
to modify this Agreement by amending Exhibit A to include any material United 
States federally registered trademarks and/or applications therefor so 
acquired by Debtor.

    5.   In addition to the rights and remedies available to Lender 
hereunder, Lender shall have such rights and remedies as are set forth in the 
Credit Agreement.  At such time as Debtor shall have satisfied in full all of 
the Liabilities and the Commitment is terminated, this Agreement shall 
terminate and Lender shall execute and deliver to Debtor all documents, 
instruments, agreement or any combination thereof as may be necessary or 
proper as the Debtors shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.

    6.   To the extent set forth in, and subject to, the Credit Agreement, 
any and all reasonable fees, costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature 
incurred by Lender in connection with the filing or recording of any 
documents, and the payment or discharge of reasonable counsel fees, 
maintenance fees or other costs of protecting, maintaining or preserving of 
any of the Collateral, or of defending or prosecuting any actions or 
proceedings arising out of or related to any of the Collateral, shall be 
borne and paid by Debtor on demand by Lender and until so paid shall be added 
to the principal amount of the Liabilities and shall bear interest at default 
rate prescribed in the instrument or instruments evidencing such Liabilities.

    7.   Debtor shall have the duty to prosecute diligently any application 
with respect to any material trademarks constituting a part of the Collateral 
pending as of the date of this Agreement or thereafter until the Liabilities 
shall have been paid in full, to make any necessary federal application with 
respect thereto, to file and prosecute opposition and cancellation 
proceedings, and to do any and all acts which are necessary to preserve and 
maintain all rights in 


<PAGE>

all of the material trademarks constituting a part of the Collateral. Any 
expenses incurred in connection with the Collateral shall be borne by Debtor. 
Debtor shall not abandon any of the trademarks constituting a part of the 
Collateral, without the consent of Lender, which consent shall not be 
unreasonably withheld.  

    8.   If Debtor fails to comply with any of its obligations hereunder, 
Lender may after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of 
Default do so in Debtor's name or in Lender's name, but at Debtor's expense, 
and Debtor hereby agrees to in accordance with, and subject to the Credit 
Agreement, reimburse Lender in full for all expenses, including reasonable 
attorneys' fees, incurred by Lender in protecting, defending and maintaining 
any of the trademarks constituting a part of the Collateral.

    9.   No course of dealing between Debtor and Lender, nor any failure to 
exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of Lender, any right, 
power or privilege hereunder or under any note or instrument evidencing any 
of the Liabilities or any agreement pursuant to which they were incurred 
shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise 
of any right, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other 
or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or 
privilege.

    10.  All of Lender's rights and remedies with respect  to any of the 
trademarks constituting a part of the Collateral, whether established hereby 
or by any instrument or instruments evidencing any of the Liabilities or by 
any other agreements or by law, shall be cumulative and may be exercised 
singularly or concurrently.

    11.  If any provision of this Agreement is hereafter determined to be 
unlawful, and if the unlawful provision can be deleted without altering the 
essence of this Agreement, the 


<PAGE>

unlawful provision and only that provision shall be severed from this 
Agreement and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

    12.  This Agreement is subject to modification only by a writing signed 
by the parties, except as provided in Section 4 hereof.

    13.  The benefits and burdens of this Agreement shall inure to the 
benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and permitted 
assigns of the parties.

    14.  This Trademark Security Agreement and any other documents delivered 
in connection herewith and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto 
and thereto shall for all purposes be governed by and construed and enforced 
in accordance with the substantive law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws.

                       [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE]


<PAGE>

                        [SIGNATURE PAGE 1 OF 1 TO TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT]



WITNESS the due execution hereof this 13th day of March, 1997.



                                            GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY



                                            By: /s/ Brian Parker
                                               --------------------------------
                                                    Brian Parker
                                                    Senior Vice President and
                                                    Chief Financial Officer



<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 11 


                        GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       EXHIBIT (11) STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF
                            PER SHARE EARNINGS - FORM 10-Q
                     for the three and nine months periods ended
                               March 31, 1997 and 1996
                                     (Unaudited)
               (in thousands, except for shares and per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           For the Three Months           For the Nine Months
                                              Ended March 31,              Ended March 31,
                                         -------------------------     -------------------------
                                          1997           1996            1997           1996
                                          ----           ----            ----           ----
<S>                                    <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Primary income (loss) per 
  share applicable to Common 
  Stock:

Weighted average common shares 
  and equivalents outstanding          19,963,770      8,883,970     15,150,338      8,861,519
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------



Net income (loss)                          $  534      $  (5,116)     $  10,553         $  812

Earnings applicable to 
  Senior Preferred Stock                        -           (557)        (1,032)        (1,590)
  Junior Preferred Stock                        -           (214)             -           (627)
                                        ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Net income (loss) applicable 
  to Common Stockholders                   $  534      $  (5,887)      $  9,521      $  (1,405)
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Net income (loss) per common 
  shares and equivalents 
  applicable to Common Stock-
      From operations                     $  (.07)       $  (.66)        $  .26        $  (.16)
      From extraordinary gain                 .10              -            .37              -
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                           $  .03        $  (.66)        $  .63        $  (.16)
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Fully-diluted income (loss) 
  per share applicable to 
  Common Stock:

Weighted average common shares 
  and equivalents outstanding          20,162,084      8,883,970     18,787,134      8,861,519
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Net income (loss) applicable 
  to Common Stockholders                   $  534       $ (5,887)      $ 10,553      $  (1,405)
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

Net income (loss) per common 
  share and equivalents 
  applicable to Common Stock-
      From operations                     $  (.07)       $  (.66)        $  .26        $  (.16)
      From extraordinary gain                 .10              -            .30              -
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                           $  .03        $  (.66)        $  .56        $  (.16)
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                       ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
</TABLE>

                                          


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          13,106
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    8,918
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,615
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                23,033
<PP&E>                                          22,285
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,079
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  30,433
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           13,376
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           196
<OTHER-SE>                                       4,400
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    30,433
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               169,350<F1>
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   84,455
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                78,392
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,431
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,072
<INCOME-TAX>                                        95
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              4,977
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  5,576
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,553
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .63
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .58
<FN>
<F1>INTEREST INCOME AND OTHER INCOME, NET ARE INCLUDED UNDER TOTAL REVENUES.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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