LOMAK PETROLEUM INC
S-3/A, 1997-02-14
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 14, 1997
    
 
   
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-20257
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
   
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
    
                               ------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
   
                                       TO
    
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ------------------
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
         LOMAK OPERATING COMPANY                      LOMAK GAS COMPANY
         LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY                    LOMAK ENERGY COMPANY
         LOMAK RESOURCES COMPANY                    LPI ACQUISITION, INC.
     BUFFALO OILFIELD SERVICES, INC.               LOMAK PRODUCTION I, L.P.
      LOMAK ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY                LOMAK RESOURCES, L.L.C.
   LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING COMPANY              LOMAK OFFSHORE L.P.
       LOMAK PIPELINE SYSTEMS, L.P.                 LPI OPERATING COMPANY
</TABLE>
    
 
           (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
                        DELAWARE                                               34-1312571
                          OHIO                                                 34-1198756
                        DELAWARE                                               75-1722213
                        DELAWARE                                               34-1772901
                          OHIO                                                 34-1458616
                        DELAWARE                                               75-2423912
                        DELAWARE                                              APPLIED FOR
                         TEXAS                                                APPLIED FOR
                        DELAWARE                                              APPLIED FOR
                        DELAWARE                                               52-1996729
                         TEXAS                                                 34-1704962
                         TEXAS                                                 75-2672382
                        OKLAHOMA                                               73-1504725
                          OHIO                                                APPLIED FOR
                          OHIO                                                 34-1570492
    (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or            (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
                      organization)
</TABLE>
    
 
                               ------------------
                            500 THROCKMORTON STREET
 
                            FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102
                                 (817) 870-2601
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of Registrants' principal executive offices)
                               ------------------
                               JOHN H. PINKERTON
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
                            500 THROCKMORTON STREET
                            FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102
                                 (817) 870-2601
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                                   Copies To:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
                     J. MARK METTS                                          GARY L. SELLERS
                 VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.                                SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT
                1001 FANNIN, SUITE 2300                                   425 LEXINGTON AVENUE
               HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6760                             NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017-3954
                     (713) 758-2222                                          (212) 455-2000
</TABLE>
 
                               ------------------
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
                               ------------------
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.   [ ]
 
    If any of the securities registered on this Form are being offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, please check the following box.   [ ]
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
   
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
    
                               ------------------
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
                                EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
   
     This Registration Statement contains two forms of Prospectus, one to be
used in connection with the offering of   % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007
(the "Notes Prospectus") and one to be used in a concurrent offering of Common
Stock (the "Common Stock Prospectus"). The closings of the Common Stock Offering
and the Notes Offering are contingent upon each other. The form of Common Stock
Prospectus immediately follows this page and is followed by alternate pages of
the form of Notes Prospectus. In addition to the section captioned "Description
of the Notes," the form of Notes Prospectus contains the same sections as the
Common Stock Prospectus (modified as reflected in the alternate pages), except
that the form of Notes Prospectus does not contain the section "Price Range of
Common Stock and Dividend Policy."
    
<PAGE>   3
 
   
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
    
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
    
   
Issued February 14, 1997
    
   
                                4,000,000 SHARES
    
 
                              LOMAK PETROLEUM LOGO
 
   
                                  COMMON STOCK
    
                      ------------------------------------
 
   
All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (the "Shares") are being sold
by Lomak Petroleum, Inc. ("Lomak" or the "Company"). The Company's Common
  Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LOM." On
    February 13, 1997, the reported last sale price of the Common Stock on
      the New York Stock Exchange was $19 per share. See "Price Range of
                       Common Stock and Dividend Policy."
 
The offering of the Shares (the "Common Stock Offering") is being conducted
concurrently with an offering (the "Notes Offering") of $100,000,000 aggregate
  principal amount of     % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Notes")
    of the Company. The proceeds of the Common Stock Offering and the Notes
     Offering (collectively, the "Offerings") will be used to repay certain
       indebtedness incurred to fund a portion of the purchase price of
       the Cometra Acquisition described herein. The closings of the
         Common Stock Offering and the Notes Offering are contingent
                                upon each other.
                      ------------------------------------
    
 
   
 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 HEREOF FOR INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
                      CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
    
                      ------------------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
         PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
             REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                      ------------------------------------
 
   
                             PRICE $       A SHARE
    
                      ------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                           UNDERWRITING
                                         PRICE TO         DISCOUNTS AND        PROCEEDS TO
                                          PUBLIC          COMMISSIONS(1)        COMPANY(2)
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------
 
Per Share                                   $                   $                   $
Total(3)                                    $                   $                   $
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended. See "Underwriting."
    
   
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $        .
    
   
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30
    days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an aggregate 600,000 additional
    Shares of Common Stock at the price to public less underwriting discounts
    and commissions, for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any. If the
    Underwriters exercise such option in full, the total price to public,
    underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds to Company will be
    $        , $        and $        , respectively. See "Underwriting."
    
                      ------------------------------------
 
   
The Shares are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by the
Underwriters named herein and subject to approval of certain legal matters by
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that
delivery of the Shares will be made on or about               , 1997, at the
offices of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, New York, New York, against
payment therefor in immediately available funds.
    
                      ------------------------------------
 
   
MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
    
   
          INCORPORATED
    
 
   
             PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
    
 
   
                          SMITH BARNEY INC.
    
 
   
                                      A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
    
 
   
                                                MCDONALD & COMPANY
    
                                                        SECURITIES, INC.
                 , 1997
<PAGE>   4
 
                                  [LOMAK LOGO]

[Graphic 1:  Map of the United States depicting the Company's core operating
             areas and the locations of its corporate offices.]




           GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Percent of
                                Present Value
                                -------------
<S>                             <C>
Midcontinent Region                  61%

Appalachian Region                   21%
      
Gulf Coast Region                    16%

Other                                 2%
                                    ---         
        Total                       100%
                                    ===
</TABLE>
 
[Graphic 2:  Bar chart showing the Company's reserve growth (in Bcfe) from 1992
             through 1996 and pro forma at December 31, 1996 including the 
             Cometra Acquisition.]                                     

                            ------------------------
 
   
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR
ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE
HEREOF OR SINCE THE DATES AS OF WHICH INFORMATION IS SET FORTH HEREIN. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
                      ------------------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Available Information.................................................................    4
 
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.....................................    4
 
Prospectus Summary....................................................................    5
 
Risk Factors..........................................................................   11
 
Forward-Looking Information...........................................................   16
 
Cometra Acquisition...................................................................   17
 
Notes Offering........................................................................   19
 
Use of Proceeds.......................................................................   19
 
Capitalization........................................................................   20
 
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy.......................................   21
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.................................   22
 
Selected Consolidated Financial Data..................................................   26
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations..........................................................................   27
 
Business..............................................................................   32
 
Management............................................................................   42
 
Principal Stockholders and Share Ownership of Management..............................   45
 
Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness.........................................   46
 
Underwriting..........................................................................   49
 
Legal Matters.........................................................................   50
 
Experts...............................................................................   50
 
Glossary..............................................................................   51
 
Index to Financial Statements.........................................................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                                        3
    
<PAGE>   6
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith
files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities of the Commission, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as the following regional offices: 7 World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies can be obtained
by mail at prescribed rates. Requests for copies should be directed to the
Commission's Public Reference Section, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission also maintains a Website
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission. In addition, reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the offices of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE"), 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005, on which the Common Stock is listed.
    
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Common Stock being offered by this
Prospectus and the Notes which are being offered by a separate prospectus. This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto. For further information with respect to the
Company and the Common Stock being offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. Statements contained in this
Prospectus concerning the provisions of documents filed with the Registration
Statement as exhibits are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the
applicable document filed with the Commission. All of these documents may be
inspected without charge at the offices of the Commission, the addresses of
which are set forth above, and copies may be obtained therefrom at prescribed
rates.
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents and information heretofore filed with the
Commission by the Company are hereby incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus:
 
     1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
       December 31, 1995.
 
     2. The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters
        ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996.
 
     3. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 19, 1996, and Form
        8-K/A, dated May 31, 1996.
 
     4. The description of the Common Stock contained in the Registration
        Statement on Form 8-A declared effective by the Commission on October 8,
        1996.
 
     All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the Common
Stock Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus. The Company will provide without charge
to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a
copy of any document described above (other than exhibits). Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lomak Petroleum, Inc., 500 Throckmorton Street,
Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Attn: Corporate Secretary, Telephone No. (817)
870-2601.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere, or incorporated by reference, in this
Prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires all references herein to
"Lomak" or the "Company" include Lomak Petroleum, Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries. Certain industry terms are defined in the Glossary. Pro forma
information gives effect to the Cometra Acquisition (as defined herein) and the
related financings (including the Offerings) and certain other acquisitions and
financings consummated in 1996, as described in the notes to the Unaudited Pro
Forma Consolidated Financial Statements. Unless otherwise indicated, the
information set forth herein assumes the Underwriters' over-allotment option
with respect to the Common Stock Offering will not be exercised.
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
     Lomak is an independent energy company engaged in oil and gas development,
exploration and acquisition primarily in three core areas: the Midcontinent,
Appalachia and the Gulf Coast. Over the past five years, the Company has
significantly increased its reserves and production through acquisitions and, to
a growing extent, development and exploration of its properties. On a pro forma
basis as of December 31, 1996, the Company had proved reserves of 644 Bcfe with
a Present Value of $974 million. On an Mcfe basis, the reserves were 63%
developed and 77% natural gas, with a reserve life in excess of 13 years.
Properties operated by the Company accounted for 94% of its pro forma Present
Value. The Company also owns over 2,000 miles of gas gathering systems and a gas
processing plant in proximity to its principal gas properties. On a pro forma
basis in 1996, the Company had revenues of $173 million and EBITDA of $104
million.
    
 
   
     From 1991 through 1996, the Company has made 63 acquisitions, including the
Cometra Acquisition, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $634
million and has spent $39 million on development and exploration activities.
These activities have added approximately 719 Bcfe of reserves at an average
cost of $0.76 per Mcfe. As a result, the Company has achieved substantial growth
since 1991:
    
 
   
     - Reserves increased from 20 Bcfe in 1991 to 644 Bcfe in 1996, a compound
       annual growth rate of 101%;
    
 
   
     - Production increased from 2 Bcfe in 1991 to 49 Bcfe in 1996, a compound
       annual growth rate of 88%;
    
 
   
     - EBITDA increased from $4 million in 1991 to $104 million in 1996, a
       compound annual growth rate of 96%; and
    
 
   
     - Net income increased from $427,000 in 1991 to $19 million in 1996, a
       compound annual growth rate of 113%.
    
 
   
     The Company emphasizes strict cost controls in all aspects of its business.
As a result, combined direct operating and administrative costs have been
reduced from $1.42 per Mcfe in 1991 to $0.82 per Mcfe in 1996 on a pro forma
basis. Consequently, while the average price realized by the Company has not
increased significantly over the last five years, operating margins have
increased from $1.17 per Mcfe in 1991 to $1.82 per Mcfe in 1996 on a pro forma
basis.
    
 
                            THE COMETRA ACQUISITION
 
   
     The Company recently acquired oil and gas properties located in West Texas,
South Texas and the Gulf of Mexico (the "Cometra Properties") from American
Cometra, Inc. ("Cometra") for a purchase price of $385 million (the "Cometra
Acquisition"). The Cometra Acquisition increased the Company's proved reserves
at December 31, 1996 by 68% to 644 Bcfe and increased its Present Value by 98%
to $974 million. The Cometra Properties, located primarily in the Company's core
operating areas, include 515 producing wells, 401 proven development projects
and substantial additional development and exploration potential on
approximately 150,000 gross acres (90,000 net acres). In addition, the Cometra
Properties include 265 miles of gas pipelines, a 25,000 Mcf/d gas processing
plant and an above-market gas contract with a major Texas gas utility covering
approximately 30% of the December 1996 production from the Cometra Properties.
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
                               BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
   
     The Company's objective is to maximize shareholder value through aggressive
growth in its reserves, production, cash flow and earnings through a balanced
program of development drilling and acquisitions, as well as a growing
exploration effort. Management believes that the Cometra Acquisition has
substantially enhanced the Company's ability to increase its production and
reserves through drilling activities. The Cometra Acquisition substantially
increased the Company's inventory of proven drilling locations and, to an even
greater degree, its exploration and exploitation drilling potential. The Company
has over 1,100 proven recompletion and development drilling projects. As a
result of the Cometra Acquisition, the Company believes that it can achieve
significant growth in reserves, production, cash flow and earnings over the next
several years, even if no future acquisitions are consummated. The Company
currently plans to spend $160 million over the next three years on the further
development and exploration of its properties. Consequently, while acquisitions
are expected to continue to play an important role in the Company's future
growth, the primary emphasis will shift towards exploiting the potential of the
Company's larger property base.
    
 
     In order to most effectively implement its operating strategy, the Company
has concentrated its activities in selected geographic areas. In each core area,
the Company has established separate acquisition, engineering, geological,
operating and other technical expertise. The Company believes that this
geographic focus provides it with a competitive advantage in sourcing and
evaluating new business opportunities within these areas, as well as providing
economies of scale in developing and operating properties.
 
     Lomak believes the competitive strengths described below will greatly
enhance its ability to achieve its long-term goals and objectives.
 
   
     - Diversified, Long Lived Reserve Base. Lomak has compiled a diversified
       group of predictable, long lived properties. The Company's oil and gas
       reserves are attributable to 7,280 producing wells that have a reserve
       life index in excess of 13 years. The reserves are concentrated in seven
       basins and are geographically and geologically diversified.
    
 
   
     - Substantial Inventory of Development and Exploration Projects. Lomak has
       over 1,100 proven development projects and a substantial number of
       exploration and exploitation drilling projects located within core
       operating areas in which the Company has significant operating and
       technical expertise.
    
 
   
     - Successful Acquisition Record. The Company's primary strength has
       historically been to identify and acquire properties that have increased
       reserves, production, cash flow and earnings. Excluding the Cometra
       Acquisition, since 1991 the Company has completed 62 acquisitions for an
       aggregate purchase price of $249 million, of which $237 million was
       attributable to proved oil and gas properties. These acquisitions have
       added proved reserves of approximately 396 Bcfe at an average acquisition
       cost of $0.60 per Mcfe.
    
 
   
     - Significant Operational Control. Lomak operates properties representing
       nearly 94% of its Present Value. This allows the Company to directly
       control operating and drilling costs and also allows it to dictate the
       timing of development and exploration activities.
    
 
   
     - High Operating Margins. The Company's low cost structure, coupled with
       the premium gas price it receives for a significant portion of its
       production, creates high operating margins. In 1996 on a pro forma basis,
       Lomak generated operating margins, after deducting direct operating and
       administrative costs, of $1.82 per Mcfe.
    
 
   
     - Experienced, Incentivized Management Team. The Company's board of
       directors, executive officers, technical staff and administrative
       personnel have considerable industry experience and will own,
       collectively, shares representing approximately 11% of the outstanding
       Common Stock after the Common Stock Offering. Over 75% of Lomak's
       employees either own, or hold options to acquire, shares of Common Stock.
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
                       FINANCING THE COMETRA ACQUISITION
 
   
     The purchase price for the Cometra Acquisition was approximately $385
million, consisting of $355 million in cash and 1,410,106 shares of Common
Stock. The Company financed the cash portion of the purchase price with $221
million of borrowings under a recently expanded bank credit facility (the
"Credit Agreement") and the issuance to Cometra of a $134 million non-interest
bearing promissory note due March 31, 1997, which is secured by a bank letter of
credit. The promissory note will be repaid at maturity through borrowings under
the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to obtain
revolving credit loans and issue letters of credit from time to time in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $400 million initially. Availability under the
Credit Agreement will be reduced to $325 million on August 13, 1997, unless
otherwise agreed to by the lenders. Upon consummation of the Offerings,
approximately $220.1 million will be outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
    
 
     The Company maintains its corporate headquarters at 500 Throckmorton
Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 and its telephone number is (817) 870-2601.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company..............    4,000,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding prior to the Offering...   16,220,936 shares(1)(2)
Common Stock to be Outstanding after the            20,220,936 shares(1)(2)
  Offering.......................................
Notes Offering...................................   Concurrently with the Common Stock
                                                    Offering, the Company is offering $100
                                                    million aggregate principal amount of
                                                    Notes to the public in the Notes Offering.
                                                    The closings of the Common Stock Offering
                                                    and the Notes Offering are contingent upon
                                                    each other. See "Notes Offering."
Use of Proceeds..................................   The Company will use the proceeds of the
                                                    Common Stock Offering and the Notes
                                                    Offering to repay a portion of the
                                                    indebtedness incurred to fund the purchase
                                                    price for the Cometra Properties. See "Use
                                                    of Proceeds."
NYSE Symbol......................................   "LOM"
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) As of February 14, 1997. Excludes 1,236,232 shares reserved for issuance
    upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, of which 523,632 are
    currently exercisable; 3,026,316 shares issuable upon conversion of the
    $2.03 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock, Series C (the "$2.03
    Convertible Preferred Stock"); and 2,857,143 shares issuable upon conversion
    of the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2007 ("6% Convertible
    Subordinated Debentures"). See "Description of Capital Stock and
    Indebtedness."
    
 
   
(2) Includes 1,410,106 shares issued to Cometra as partial consideration for the
    Cometra Properties.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
                SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
   
     The following tables set forth certain (i) historical and pro forma
financial data and (ii) reserve and operating data. The pro forma financial,
operating and reserve information includes the Cometra Acquisition and the
related financings and certain other acquisitions and financings consummated in
1996, as described in the notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Statements. The historical data should be read in conjunction with the
historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein.
See also "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The pro forma
information should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. Neither the historical nor
the pro forma results are necessarily indicative of future results.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      --------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                              PRO FORMA
                                                                        1994         1995         1996          1996
                                                                      --------     --------     --------     -----------
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Oil and gas sales.................................................  $ 24,461     $ 37,417     $ 68,054      $ 130,508
  Field services....................................................     7,667       10,097       14,223         14,463
  Gas transportation and marketing..................................     2,195        3,284        5,575         24,326
  Interest and other................................................       471        1,317        3,386          3,386
                                                                      --------     --------     --------       --------
                                                                        34,794       52,115       91,238        172,683
Expenses:
  Direct operating..................................................    10,019       14,930       24,456         39,394
  Field services....................................................     5,778        6,469       10,443         10,443
  Gas transportation and marketing..................................       490          849        1,674         13,152
  Exploration.......................................................       359          512        1,460          1,460
  General and administrative........................................     2,478        2,736        3,966          5,616
  Interest..........................................................     2,807        5,584        7,487         29,480
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization..........................    10,105       14,863       22,303         44,389
                                                                      --------     --------     --------       --------
                                                                        32,036       45,943       71,789        143,934
                                                                      --------     --------     --------       --------
Income before taxes.................................................     2,758        6,172       19,449         28,749
Income taxes........................................................       139        1,782        6,834         10,062
                                                                      --------     --------     --------       --------
Net income..........................................................  $  2,619     $  4,390     $ 12,615      $  18,687
                                                                      ========     ========     ========       ========
Earnings per common share...........................................  $   0.25     $   0.31     $   0.69      $    0.80
                                                                      ========     ========     ========       ========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (a)..........................................................  $ 16,029     $ 27,131     $ 50,699      $ 104,078
Net cash provided by operations.....................................    11,241       16,561       38,445            N/A
Capital expenditures................................................    70,024       88,530       79,390            N/A
Ratios:
  EBITDA to interest expense........................................      5.7x         4.9x         6.8x           3.5x
  Earnings to fixed charges (b).....................................      2.0x         2.1x         3.6x           2.0x
  Total debt to EBITDA..............................................      3.9x         3.1x         2.3x           3.8x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF PERIOD):
Cash and equivalents................................................  $  4,897     $  3,047     $  8,625      $   8,625
Total assets........................................................   141,768      214,788      282,547        670,847
Long-term debt (c)..................................................    62,592       83,088      116,806        399,606
Stockholders' equity................................................    43,248       99,367      117,529        223,029
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) EBITDA represents net income plus income taxes, exploration expense,
    interest expense and depletion, depreciation and amortization expense.
    EBITDA is not presented as an indicator of the Company's operating
    performance or as a measure of liquidity.
    
 
   
(b) For the purpose of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
    earnings are defined as income before taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed
    charges consist of interest expense.
    
 
(c) Long-term debt includes current portion.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
                       SUMMARY RESERVE AND OPERATING DATA
 
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER UNIT AMOUNTS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      --------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                              PRO FORMA
                                                                        1994         1995         1996          1996
                                                                      --------     --------     --------     -----------
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
PROVED RESERVES (A):
  Natural gas (Mmcf)................................................   149,370      232,887      295,594        497,600
  Oil and NGLs (Mbbls)..............................................     8,449       10,863       14,675         24,405
  Natural gas equivalents (Mmcfe)...................................   200,064      298,065      383,644        644,030
  Percent natural gas...............................................        75%          78%          77%            77% 
  Percent proved developed..........................................        68%          77%          71%            63% 
PRODUCTION VOLUMES:
  Natural gas (Mmcf)................................................     6,996       12,471       21,231         38,157
  Oil and NGLs (Mbbls)..............................................       640          913        1,068          1,890
  Natural gas equivalents (Mmcfe)...................................    10,836       17,949       27,641         49,497
RESERVE LIFE INDEX (YEARS) (B)......................................      18.5         16.6         13.9           13.0
PRODUCT PRICES (AT DECEMBER 31) (A):
  Natural gas (per Mcf).............................................  $   2.07     $   2.28     $   3.54     $     3.99
  Oil and NGLs (per Bbl)............................................     16.14        18.14        23.58          23.23
FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS (A):
  Undiscounted......................................................  $270,974     $412,638     $941,393     $1,790,768
  Present Value.....................................................   150,536      229,238      492,172        973,663
RESERVE ADDITIONS (MMCFE):
  Acquisitions......................................................   103,292      106,283      109,326        369,710
  Extensions, discoveries and revisions.............................     7,415       10,943       16,543         16,543
                                                                      --------     --------     --------     -----------
  Net additions.....................................................   110,707      117,226      125,869        386,253
COSTS INCURRED:
  Acquisition.......................................................  $ 59,501     $ 69,244     $ 63,579     $  316,579
  Development and exploration.......................................     9,710       10,184       14,561         14,561
                                                                      --------     --------     --------     -----------
  Total costs incurred..............................................  $ 69,211     $ 79,428     $ 78,140     $  331,140
FINDING COSTS (PER MCFE) (C)........................................  $   0.63     $   0.68     $   0.62     $     0.86
RESERVE REPLACEMENT (D).............................................     1,022%         653%         455%         1,397% 
WELLS DRILLED:
  Gross.............................................................      71.0         62.0         63.0            N/A
  Net...............................................................      58.2         39.6         51.9            N/A
  Success rate (net)................................................        97%          99%          89%           N/A
PER MCFE DATA:
  Oil and gas sales.................................................  $   2.26     $   2.08     $   2.46     $     2.64
  Direct operating expense (e)......................................      0.75         0.63         0.75           0.71
  General and administrative expense................................      0.23         0.15         0.14           0.11
                                                                      --------     --------     --------     -----------
  Operating margin (f)..............................................  $   1.28     $   1.30     $   1.57     $     1.82
                                                                      ========     ========     ========     ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) Proved reserves and future net cash flows were estimated in accordance with
    the Commission's guidelines. Prices and costs at December 31 for each of the
    years 1994 through 1996 were used in the calculation of proved reserves and
    future net cash flows and were held constant through the periods of
    estimated production, except as otherwise provided by contract, in
    accordance with the Commission's guidelines.
    
 
(b) The reserve life index is calculated as proved reserves (on an Mcfe basis)
divided by annual production.
 
(c) Finding costs are calculated as costs incurred divided by net reserve
    additions. The pro forma cost incurred for 1996 excludes $62 million
    attributable to unproved reserves ($0.16 per Mcfe impact). However, the pro
    forma cost incurred for 1996 includes the value attributable to an
    above-market gas contract of $38 million ($0.10 per Mcfe impact).
 
(d) Reserve replacement is calculated as net reserve additions divided by the
    Company's actual production for the period, both on an Mcfe basis.
 
   
(e) Direct operating expense per Mcfe is net of the Company's operating margin
    realized on its field service activities. The net operating margin realized
    on its field services activities is related primarily to reimbursements that
    the Company receives as operator of its properties. The Company intends to
    conform its financial statements for periods after December 31, 1996 to this
    presentation.
    
 
   
(f) Operating margin is calculated as oil and gas sales less direct operating
    expense and general and administrative expense.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Prior to making an investment decision, prospective investors should
carefully consider, together with the other information contained in this
Prospectus, the following risk factors:
 
VOLATILITY OF OIL AND GAS PRICES
 
   
     The Company's financial condition, operating results and future growth and
the carrying value of its oil and gas properties are substantially dependent on
prevailing prices of, and demand for, oil and gas. The Company's ability to
maintain or increase its borrowing capacity and to obtain additional capital on
attractive terms is also substantially dependent upon oil and gas prices.
Historically the markets for oil and gas have been volatile and are likely to
continue to be volatile in the future. Prices for oil and gas are subject to
large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and
demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors
beyond the control of the Company. These factors include weather conditions in
the United States and elsewhere, the economic conditions in the United States
and elsewhere, the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
("OPEC"), governmental regulation, political stability in the Middle East and
elsewhere, the supply and demand of oil and gas, the price of foreign imports
and the availability and prices of alternate fuel sources. Any substantial and
extended decline in the price of oil or gas would have an adverse effect on the
Company's carrying value of its proved reserves, borrowing capacity, the
Company's ability to obtain additional capital, and its financial condition,
revenues, profitability and cash flows from operations.
    
 
     Volatile oil and gas prices make it difficult to estimate the value of
producing properties for acquisition and often cause disruption in the market
for oil and gas producing properties, as buyers and sellers have difficulty
agreeing on such value. Price volatility also makes it difficult to budget for
and project the return on acquisitions and development and exploitation
projects.
 
UNCERTAINTY OF ESTIMATES OF RESERVES AND FUTURE NET REVENUES
 
     This Prospectus contains estimates of the Company's oil and gas reserves
and the future net revenues from those reserves which have been prepared by the
Company and certain independent petroleum consultants. Reserve engineering is a
subjective process of estimating the recovery from underground accumulations of
oil and gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any
reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of
engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Estimates of
economically recoverable oil and gas reserves and of future net cash flows
necessarily depend upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, such as
historical production from the area compared with production from other
producing areas, the assumed effects of regulations by governmental agencies and
assumptions concerning future oil and gas prices, future operating costs,
severance and excise taxes, development costs and workover and remedial costs,
all of which may in fact vary considerably from actual results. Because all
reserve estimates are to some degree speculative, the quantities of oil and gas
that are ultimately recovered, production and operation costs, the amount and
timing of future development expenditures and future oil and gas sales prices
may all vary from those assumed in these estimates and such variances may be
material. In addition, different reserve engineers may make different estimates
of reserve quantities and cash flows based upon the same available data.
 
   
     The present value of estimated future net cash flows referred to in this
Prospectus should not be construed as the current market value of the estimated
proved oil and gas reserves attributable to the Company's properties. In
accordance with applicable requirements of the Commission, the estimated
discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves are generally based on
prices and costs as of the date of the estimate, whereas actual future prices
and costs may be materially higher or lower. The calculation of the Present
Value of the Company's oil and gas reserves were based on prices on December 31,
1996. Average product prices at December 31, 1996 were $23.58 per barrel of oil
and $3.54 per Mcf of gas and pro forma average product prices at December 31,
1996 were $23.23 per barrel of oil and $3.99 per Mcf of gas, which prices were
substantially higher than historical prices used by the Company to calculate
Present Value in recent years. The closing price on the New York Mercantile
Exchange ("NYMEX") for the prompt month
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
   
contract delivered at Henry Hub on December 31, 1996 and January 31, 1997 was
$2.76 and $2.39, respectively. The closing price on NYMEX for the prompt month
contract delivered for West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil on December 31, 1996
and January 31, 1997 was $25.92 and $24.15, respectively. In addition, the
calculation of the present value of the future net revenues using a 10% discount
as required by the Commission is not necessarily the most appropriate discount
factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated
with the Company's reserves or the oil and gas industry in general. Furthermore,
the Company's reserves may be subject to downward or upward revision based upon
actual production, results of future development, supply and demand for oil and
gas, prevailing oil and gas prices and other factors. See "Business -- Oil and
Gas Reserves" and "Forward-Looking Information."
    
 
FINDING AND ACQUIRING ADDITIONAL RESERVES
 
     The Company's future success depends upon its ability to find or acquire
additional oil and gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Except to the
extent the Company conducts successful exploration or development activities or
acquires properties containing proved reserves, the proved reserves of the
Company will generally decline as they are produced. There can be no assurance
that the Company's planned development projects and acquisition activities will
result in significant additional reserves or that the Company will have success
drilling productive wells at economic returns. If prevailing oil and gas prices
were to increase significantly, the Company's finding costs to add new reserves
could increase. The drilling of oil and gas wells involves a high degree of
risk, especially the risk of dry holes or of wells that are not sufficiently
productive to provide an economic return on the capital expended to drill the
wells. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is uncertain, and
drilling or production may be curtailed or delayed as a result of many factors.
 
     The Company's business is capital intensive. To maintain its base of proved
oil and gas reserves, a significant amount of cash flow from operations must be
reinvested in property acquisitions, development or exploration activities. To
the extent cash flow from operations is reduced and external sources of capital
become limited or unavailable, the Company's ability to make the necessary
capital investments to maintain or expand its asset base would be impaired.
Without such investment, the Company's oil and gas reserves would decline.
 
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION RISKS
 
     The Company intends to increase its development and exploration activities.
Exploration drilling, and to a lesser extent development drilling, involve a
high degree of risk that no commercial production will be obtained or that the
production will be insufficient to recover drilling and completion costs. The
cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is uncertain. The Company's
drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of
numerous factors, including title problems, weather conditions, compliance with
governmental requirements and shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment.
Furthermore, completion of a well does not assure a profit on the investment or
a recovery of drilling, completion and operating costs. See
"Business -- Development Activities" and " -- Exploration Activities."
 
ACQUISITION RISKS
 
     The Company intends to continue acquiring oil and gas properties. It
generally is not feasible to review in detail every individual property involved
in an acquisition. Ordinarily, review efforts are focused on the higher-valued
properties. However, even a detailed review of all properties and records may
not reveal existing or potential problems nor will it permit the Company to
become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their
deficiencies and capabilities. Inspections are not always performed on every
well, and environmental problems, such as groundwater contamination, are not
necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. See
"Business -- Acquisition Activities."
 
   
     The Cometra Acquisition substantially increases the Company's reserves,
cash flow and production. The Company's ability to achieve any advantages from
the Cometra Acquisition will depend in large part on successfully integrating
the Cometra Properties into the operations of the Company. No assurances can be
made that the Company will be able to achieve such integration successfully.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
EFFECTS OF LEVERAGE
 
   
     On a pro forma basis giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition and the
related financings, at December 31, 1996, the Company's outstanding indebtedness
would have been $400 million and the Company's ratio of total debt to total
capitalization would have been 64%. The Company's level of indebtedness will
have several important effects on its future operations, including (i) a
substantial portion of the Company's cash flow from operations must be dedicated
to the payment of interest on its indebtedness and will not be available for
other purposes, (ii) covenants contained in the Company's debt obligations will
require the Company to meet certain financial tests, and other restrictions will
limit its ability to borrow additional funds or to dispose of assets and may
affect the Company's flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in
its businesses, including possible acquisition activities and (iii) the
Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working
capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other
purposes may be impaired. The Company's ability to meet its debt service
obligations and to reduce its total indebtedness will be dependent upon the
Company's future performance, which will be subject to oil and gas prices, the
Company's level of production, general economic conditions and to financial,
business and other factors affecting the operations of the Company, many of
which are beyond its control. There can be no assurance that the Company's
future performance will not be adversely affected by some or all of these
factors. See "Forward-Looking Information."
    
 
CAPITAL AVAILABILITY
 
   
     The Company's strategy of acquiring and developing oil and gas properties
is dependent upon its ability to obtain financing for such acquisitions and
development projects. The Company expects to utilize the Credit Agreement among
the Company and several banks (the "Banks") to borrow a portion of the funds
required for any given transaction or project. If funds under the Credit
Agreement are not available to fund acquisition and development projects, the
Company would seek to obtain such financing from the sale of equity securities
or other debt financing. There can be no assurance that any such other financing
would be available on terms acceptable to the Company. Should sufficient capital
not be available, the Company may not be able to continue to implement its
strategy.
    
 
   
     The Credit Agreement limits the amounts the Company may borrow to amounts,
determined by the Banks, in their sole discretion, based upon a variety of
factors including the discounted present value of the Company's estimated future
net cash flow from oil and gas production (the "Borrowing Base"). At February
14, 1997, the Borrowing Base was $400 million, of which the Company had
borrowings of $258.3 million outstanding. The Borrowing Base will be reduced to
$325 million on August 13, 1997, unless otherwise agreed to by the Banks. If oil
or gas prices decline below their current levels, the availability of funds and
the ability to pay outstanding amounts under the Credit Agreement could be
materially adversely affected. The Indenture for the Notes also contains
restrictions on the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, and
other contractual arrangements to which the Company may become subject to in the
future could contain similar restrictions. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
    
 
OPERATING HAZARDS AND UNINSURED RISKS; PRODUCTION CURTAILMENTS
 
   
     The oil and gas business involves a variety of operating risks, including,
but not limited to, unexpected formations or pressures, uncontrollable flows of
oil, gas, brine or well fluids into the environment (including groundwater
contamination), blowouts, cratering, fires, explosions, pipeline ruptures or
spills, pollution and other risks, any of which could result in personal
injuries, loss of life, damage to properties, environmental pollution,
suspension of operations and substantial losses. Although the Company carries
insurance which it believes is reasonable, it is not fully insured against all
risks. The Company does not carry business interrruption insurance. Losses and
liabilities arising from uninsured or under-insured events could have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
    
 
     From time to time, due primarily to contract terms, pipeline interruptions
or weather conditions, the producing wells in which the Company owns an interest
have been subject to production curtailments. The
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
curtailments vary from a few days to several months. In most cases the Company
is provided only limited notice as to when production will be curtailed and the
duration of such curtailments. The Company is currently not curtailed on any of
its production.
 
     Certain of the Cometra Properties are offshore operations in the Gulf of
Mexico which are subject to a variety of operating risks peculiar to the marine
environment, such as hurricanes or other adverse weather conditions, more
extensive governmental regulation, including regulations that may, in certain
circumstances, impose strict liability for pollution damage, and to interruption
or termination of operations by governmental authorities based on environmental
or other considerations.
 
HEDGING RISKS
 
   
     As of January 1, 1997, the Company had hedged approximately 12% of its
production through April 1997. These hedges have in the past involved fixed
price arrangements and other price arrangements at a variety of prices, floors
and caps. The Company may in the future enter into oil and natural gas futures
contracts, options and swaps. The Company's hedging activities, while intended
to reduce the Company's sensitivity to changes in market prices of oil and gas,
are subject to a number of risks including instances in which (i) production is
less than expected, (ii) there is a widening of price differentials between
delivery points required by fixed price delivery contracts to the extent they
differ from those of the Company's production or (iii) the Company's customers
or the counterparties to its futures contracts fail to purchase or deliver the
contracted quantities of oil or natural gas. Additionally, the fixed price sales
and hedging contracts limit the benefits the Company will realize if actual
prices rise above the contract prices. In the future, the Company may increase
the percentage of its production covered by hedging arrangements.
    
 
GAS CONTRACT RISK
 
     A significant portion of the Company's production is subject to fixed price
contracts. On a pro forma basis, approximately 47% of average gas production for
December 1996 was sold subject to fixed price sales contracts (including a
contract relating to the Cometra Properties described below). These fixed price
contracts are at prices ranging from $2.15 to $3.70 per Mcf. The fixed price
contracts with terms of less than one year, between one and five years and
greater than five years constitute approximately 31%, 65% and 4%, respectively,
of the volume sold under fixed price contracts. The fixed price sales contracts
limit the benefits the Company will realize if actual prices rise above the
contract prices.
 
   
     As part of the Cometra Acquisition, the Company acquired a gas sales
contract covering 20,000 acres currently producing approximately 20,000 Mcf/d.
The price paid pursuant to the contract was $3.70 per Mcf at December 31, 1996
(65% higher than average 1996 natural gas prices received by the Company) and
escalates at $0.05 per Mcf per annum. The contract is with a large gas utility
and expires in June 2000. This contract represents 15% of the Company's pro
forma December 1996 production on an Mcfe basis.
    
 
   
     The gas contract contains language that requires the purchaser to purchase
all of the gas legally produced on the designated acreage. The contract also
contains language that may be read to provide that the purchaser is not required
to purchase more than 80% of the Company's delivery capacity (up to a delivery
capacity of 20,000 Mcf/d). However, since the commencement of the contract in
1990 through the date hereof, the purchaser has purchased all of the gas
produced on the designated acreage.
    
 
   
     The Company believes that these fixed price contracts are enforceable and
it has not received any notice or other indication from any of the
counterparties that they intend to cease performing any of their obligations
under these contracts. However, there can be no assurance that one or more of
these counterparties will not attempt to totally or partially mitigate their
obligations under these contracts. If any of the purchasers under the contracts
should be successful in doing so, then the Company could be required to market
its production on less attractive terms, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash
flow.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
GAS GATHERING, PROCESSING AND MARKETING
 
   
     The Company's gas gathering, processing and marketing operations depend in
large part on the ability of the Company to contract with third party producers
to produce their gas, to obtain sufficient volumes of committed natural gas
reserves, to maintain throughput in the Company's processing plant at optimal
levels, to replace production from declining wells, to assess and respond to
changing market conditions in negotiating gas purchase and sale agreements and
to obtain satisfactory margins between the purchase price of its natural gas
supply and the sales price for such residual gas volumes and the natural gas
liquids processed. In addition, the Company's operations are subject to changes
in regulations relating to gathering and marketing of oil and gas. The inability
of the Company to attract new sources of third party natural gas or to promptly
respond to changing market conditions or regulations in connection with its
gathering, processing and marketing operations could materially adversely affect
the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
    
 
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
 
   
     The Company's operations are affected by extensive regulation pursuant to
various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the
exploration for and development, production, gathering, marketing,
transportation and storage of oil and gas. These regulations, among other
things, control the rate of oil and gas production, and control the amount of
oil that may be imported. The Company's operations are subject to numerous laws
and regulations governing plugging and abandonment, the discharge of materials
into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. These
laws and regulations require the acquisition of a permit before drilling
commences, restrict the types, quantities and concentration of various
substances that can be released into the environment in connection with drilling
and production activities, limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain
lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas, and impose
substantial liabilities for pollution which might result from the Company's
operations. The Company may also be subject to substantial clean-up costs for
any toxic or hazardous substance that may exist under any of its properties.
Moreover, the recent trend toward stricter standards in environmental
legislation and regulation is likely to continue. For instance, legislation has
been proposed in Congress from time to time that would reclassify certain crude
oil and natural gas exploration and production wastes as "hazardous wastes"
which would make the reclassified wastes subject to much more stringent
handling, disposal and clean-up requirements. If such legislation were to be
enacted, it could have a significant impact on the operating costs of the
Company, as well as the oil and gas industry in general. Initiatives to further
regulate the disposal of crude oil and natural gas wastes are also pending in
certain states, and these various initiatives could have a similar impact on the
Company. The Company could incur substantial costs to comply with environmental
laws and regulations.
    
 
COMPETITION
 
   
     The Company encounters substantial competition in acquiring properties,
marketing oil and gas, securing equipment and personnel and operating its
properties. The competitors in acquisitions, development, exploration and
production include major oil companies, numerous independent oil and gas
companies, individual proprietors and others. Many of these competitors have
financial and other resources which substantially exceed those of the Company
and have been engaged in the energy business for a much longer time than the
Company. Therefore, competitors may be able to pay more for desirable leases and
to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties or prospects
than the financial or personnel resources of the Company will permit.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     The Company depends, and will continue to depend in the foreseeable future,
on the services of its officers and key employees with extensive experience and
expertise in evaluating and analyzing producing oil and gas properties and
drilling prospects, maximizing production from oil and gas properties and
marketing oil and gas production, including John H. Pinkerton, the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer. However, the Company does not have
employment contracts with any of its officers or key employees. The ability of
the Company to retain its officers and key employees is important to the
continued success and
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
growth of the Company. The loss of key personnel could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. The Company does not maintain key man life insurance on
any of its officers or key employees. See "Management."
 
CERTAIN BUSINESS INTERESTS OF CHAIRMAN
 
   
     Thomas J. Edelman, Chairman of the Company, is also the President of Snyder
Oil Corporation ("SOCO"), an independent publicly traded oil and gas company,
and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Patina Oil & Gas Company
("Patina"), a publicly traded oil and gas company in which SOCO owns a majority
interest. The Company currently has no existing business relationships with
either SOCO or Patina, and neither SOCO nor Patina owns any of the Company's
securities. However, as a result of Mr. Edelman's position in these companies,
conflicts of interests may arise between them. The Company has, and it has been
advised that SOCO also has, board policies that require Mr. Edelman to give
notification of any potential conflicts that may arise between the Company and
SOCO. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will not compete with
SOCO or Patina for the same acquisition or encounter other conflicts of
interest. See "Management."
    
 
                          FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
   
     Information included in this Prospectus, including information incorporated
by reference herein, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including
projections, estimates and expectations. Those statements by their nature are
subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and will be influenced
by various factors. Should one or more of these statements or their underlying
assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results could vary materially.
Although the Company believes that such projections, estimates and expectations
are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that such
projections, estimates and expectations will be achieved. Important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements herein include political and economic developments in
the United States and foreign countries, federal and state regulatory
developments, the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, the extent
of success in acquiring oil and gas properties and in discovering, developing
and producing reserves and conditions of the capital markets and equity markets
during the periods covered by the forward-looking statements. See "Risk Factors"
for further information with respect to certain of such factors. In addition,
certain of such projections and expectations are based on historical results,
which may not be indicative of future performance. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements."
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
                              COMETRA ACQUISITION
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company recently acquired the Cometra Properties for a purchase price
of $385 million, consisting of $355 million in cash and 1,410,106 shares of
Common Stock. The Company financed the cash portion of the purchase price with
$221 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement and the issuance to
Cometra of a $134 million non-interest bearing promissory note due March 31,
1997, which is secured by a bank letter of credit. As a result of the Cometra
Acquisition, the Company has significantly expanded its inventory of both
development and exploration projects, increased its proved reserves at December
31, 1996 by 68% to 644 Bcfe and increased the Company's Present Value at
December 31, 1996 by 98% to $974 million.
    
 
COMETRA PROPERTIES
 
   
     The Cometra Properties include 150,000 gross acres (90,000 net) located
within the Company's core operating areas in West Texas, South Texas and the
Gulf of Mexico. Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum
consultants, estimated that at December 31, 1996, the Cometra Properties had
proved reserves of 202 Bcf of gas and 9.7 Mmbbls of oil with a Present Value of
$481 million. In December 1996, the Cometra Properties produced at a rate of 66
Mmcfe/d through 515 wells. The Cometra Properties include 265 miles of gas
pipelines and a 25,000 Mcf/d capacity gas processing plant.
    
 
     The West Texas properties are located in the Val Verde and Permian Basins
and account for 81% of the acquired reserves on a Present Value basis. The South
Texas/Gulf of Mexico properties account for 19% of the acquired reserves on a
Present Value basis. All of the Cometra Properties, except for the Gulf of
Mexico properties, are within the Company's existing core operating areas. As a
result, the Company expects to be able to quickly integrate the properties and
begin exploitation activities. To facilitate the integration, the Company plans
to offer positions to substantially all of Cometra's field and technical staff
associated with these properties.
 
     On a Present Value basis, 95% and 70%, respectively, of the West Texas and
South Texas/Gulf of Mexico properties are operated by the Company. The offshore
properties are operated by experienced third parties. Although the Company has
no definitive plans to do so at this time, the Company has previously announced
that it may elect to sell all or part of the Gulf of Mexico properties because
they are not located in the Company's core areas.
 
RESERVES
 
   
     The following table sets forth summary information with respect to the
proved reserves of the Cometra Properties by region at December 31, 1996:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PRESENT VALUE                                NATURAL
                                               ------------------                  NATURAL      GAS
                                                 AMOUNT              OIL & NGLS      GAS      EQUIV.
                                               (THOUSANDS)     %      (MBBLS)      (MMCF)     (MMCFE)
                                               -----------    ---    ----------    -------    -------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>    <C>           <C>        <C>
West Texas...................................   $ 387,852      81%      8,271      174,339    223,965
South Texas/Gulf of Mexico...................      93,639      19       1,459       27,667     36,422
                                                 --------     ----      -----      -------    -------
          Total..............................   $ 481,491     100%      9,730      202,006    260,387
                                                 ========     =====     =====      =======    =======
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The West Texas properties consist of 450 producing wells on 99,000 gross
acres (70,000 net) located principally in the Val Verde and Permian Basins. The
Company operates 95% of the properties on a Present Value basis and the
pipelines and gas processing plant. Existing production ranges in depth from
3,000 to 7,000 feet. The Company has identified 365 proven recompletion and
development drilling projects in this area. In the Val Verde Basin, the Company
benefits from a $3.70 per Mcf gas sales contract covering 20,000 acres currently
producing approximately 20,000 Mcf/d. The contract is with a large gas utility
and expires in June 2000.
    
 
   
     The South Texas/Gulf of Mexico properties consist of 65 producing wells on
51,000 gross acres (20,000 net). The Company operates 70% of the properties on a
Present Value basis, primarily in South Texas. The Gulf of Mexico properties
include 14 producing wells on seven offshore platforms, all of which are
operated by
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
   
third parties, including affiliates of National Fuel Gas Co., Noble Affiliates,
Inc. and British Borneo Petroleum Syndicate plc. Total net daily production from
the South Texas/Gulf of Mexico properties currently is 22,300 Mcfe. Onshore,
production comes from depths ranging from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, and has an
estimated reserve life in excess of seven years. In the Gulf of Mexico,
production ranges in depth from 8,000 to 14,000 feet, while water depths vary
from 50 to 220 feet. The Company has identified a total of 36 development
projects. Both shallower and deeper horizons hold potential exploration
opportunities, which the Company expects to evaluate further with the assistance
of 3-D seismic technology.
    
 
GAS PLANTS AND PIPELINES
 
   
     As part of the Cometra Acquisition, the Company has acquired 265 miles of
gas pipelines and a 25,000 Mcf/d capacity gas processing plant in the Permian
Basin. The gas plant, located outside Sterling City, Texas, was constructed in
1995 and is currently processing gas, approximately 50% of which is attributable
to Company operated wells, at the rate of 20,000 Mcf/d. The Company believes
that the plant's capacity could be expanded to 35,000 Mcf/d for an additional
capital expenditure of approximately $4.0 million.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
                                 NOTES OFFERING
 
   
     Concurrently with the Common Stock Offering, the Company is offering $100
million aggregate principal amount of its   % Senior Subordinated Notes due
2007. The closings of the Common Stock Offering and the Notes Offering are
contingent upon each other. The Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed on an
unsecured, senior subordinated basis, by each of the Company's Restricted
Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture for the Notes), provided that such
guarantees will terminate under certain circumstances. The Indenture for the
Notes will contain certain covenants, including, but not limited to, covenants
with respect to the following matters: (i) limitation on restricted payments;
(ii) limitation on the incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of Disqualified
Stock (as defined in the Indenture for the Notes); (iii) limitation on liens;
(iv) limitation on disposition of proceeds of asset sales; (v) limitation on
transactions with affiliates; (vi) limitation on dividends and other payment
restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries; (vii) restrictions on mergers,
consolidations and transfers of assets; and (viii) limitation on "layering"
indebtedness.
    
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds of the Common Stock Offering are estimated to be
approximately $75.5 million (assuming an offering price of $20 per share) and
the net proceeds of the Notes Offering are estimated to be approximately $96.7
million, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses. The
Company intends to use all of such net proceeds to repay certain indebtedness
incurred under the Credit Agreement to fund a portion of the cash purchase price
for the Cometra Properties. See "Cometra Acquisition" and "Notes Offering." At
February 11, 1997, indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, which expires in
February 2002, had a weighted average interest rate of 6.5%. For additional
information with respect to the interest rates, maturity and covenants related
to the Credit Agreement, see "Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness
- -- Credit Agreement."
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at
December 31, 1996, and the pro forma capitalization of the Company at December
31, 1996, giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition and the related financings
(including the application of the net proceeds from the Offerings as described
in "Use of Proceeds") as if such transactions occurred on December 31, 1996.
This table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial
Statements and Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto included herein, and "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                         -----------------------
                                                                          ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                                                                         --------    -----------
                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
                                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>
Current portion of debt................................................  $     26     $      26
                                                                         ========      ========
Long-term debt:
  Revolving credit facility............................................  $ 61,355     $ 244,155
    % Senior Subordinated Notes........................................        --       100,000
  6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (1)...........................    55,000        55,000
  Other long-term debt.................................................       425           425
                                                                         --------      --------
          Total long-term debt.........................................  $116,780     $ 399,580
                                                                         ========      ========
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $1 par value, 4,000,000 shares authorized:
     $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,150,000 shares
     outstanding ($28,750,000 liquidation preference)(2)...............     1,150         1,150
  Common Stock, $.01 par value, 35,000,000 shares authorized:
     14,750,537 issued and outstanding; 20,160,643 shares issued
     and outstanding pro forma (3).....................................       148           202
  Capital in excess of par value.......................................   110,248       215,694
  Retained earnings....................................................     5,291         5,291
  Unrealized gain on marketable securities.............................       692           692
                                                                         --------      --------
          Total stockholders' equity...................................   117,529       223,029
                                                                         --------      --------
               Total capitalization....................................  $234,309     $ 622,609
                                                                         ========      ========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures were issued on December 27, 1996.
    See "Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness."
 
   
(2) The $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock, may, at the election of the Company,
    be exchanged for an aggregate of $28,750,000 principal amount of 8.125%
    Convertible Subordinated Notes due December 31, 2005. See "Description of
    Capital Stock and Indebtedness."
    
 
   
(3) The pro forma column includes the 1,410,106 shares issued to Cometra as
    partial consideration for the Cometra Properties.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
   
     The Common Stock was listed on the NYSE on October 11, 1996 under the
symbol "LOM." Prior to listing on the NYSE, the Common Stock was listed on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "LOMK." At February 14, 1997, 16,220,936
shares were held by approximately 4,300 stockholders of record.
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported on
the NYSE Composite Transaction Tape or the Nasdaq National Market, as
applicable, on a quarterly basis for the periods indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               COMMON STOCK
                                                          HIGH        LOW       DIVIDENDS
                                                         -------    -------    ------------
     <S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
     1997
       First Quarter (through February 13).............  $23.500    $17.125          (a)
     1996
       Fourth Quarter..................................  $17.375    $13.125       $  .02
       Third Quarter...................................   14.875     12.750          .02
       Second Quarter..................................   15.500     11.625          .01
       First Quarter...................................   12.125      9.560          .01
     1995
       Fourth Quarter..................................  $ 7.500    $ 5.500       $  .01
       Third Quarter...................................    9.250      7.250           --
       Second Quarter..................................    8.188      7.250           --
       First Quarter...................................    7.375      5.500           --
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Since the fourth quarter of 1995, dividends have been declared at the
    beginning of the last month of each calendar quarter and have been paid at
    the end of such calendar quarter.
 
     Dividends on the Common Stock were initiated in December 1995 and have been
paid in each successive quarter. The $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock receives
cumulative quarterly dividends at the annual rate of $2.03 per share. If there
is any arrearage in dividends on the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock, the
Company may not pay dividends on the Common Stock. The Company has never been in
arrears in the payment of dividends on the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock.
See "Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness."
 
   
     The payment of dividends is subject to declaration by the Board of
Directors and may depend upon earnings, capital expenditures and market factors
existing from time to time. The Credit Agreement and the Indenture for the Notes
contain restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends on capital stock.
Under the most restrictive of these provisions, the Company could have paid
$5,000,000 of dividends as of December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
     The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements give
effect to: (i) the purchase by the Company of certain oil and gas properties
from Bannon Energy Incorporated (the "Bannon Acquisition") in April 1996 for $37
million, (ii) the Cometra Acquisition, (iii) the private placements of 600,000
shares of Common Stock and $55 million of 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures
(collectively referred to as the "Private Placements"), (iv) the Offerings and
(v) the application of the estimated net proceeds from the Private Placements
and the Offerings. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 1996 was prepared as if the Bannon Acquisition, the
Cometra Acquisition, the Private Placements and the Offerings (collectively, the
"Transactions") had occurred on January 1, 1996. The accompanying unaudited pro
forma consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 1996 has been
prepared as if the Transactions had occurred as of that date. The historical
information provided in the statement of income for the year ended December 31,
1996, includes results for the properties acquired in the Bannon Acquisition for
the period from January 1, 1996 until its purchase on March 31, 1996.
    
 
     This information is not necessarily indicative of future consolidated
results of operations and it should be read in conjunction with the separate
historical statements and related notes of the respective entities appearing
elsewhere in this Registration Statement or incorporated by reference herein.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
                     LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
   
                     PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
    
   
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
   
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
    
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     PRO FORMA
                                           BANNON        COMETRA      PRO FORMA      PRE-OFFERING    OFFERING       PRO FORMA
                                LOMAK    ACQUISITION   ACQUISITION   ADJUSTMENTS        LOMAK       ADJUSTMENTS       LOMAK
                               -------   -----------   -----------   -----------     ------------   -----------     ---------
<S>                            <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
REVENUES
  Oil and gas sales..........  $68,054     $ 1,703       $60,751      $                $130,508       $             $130,508
  Field services.............   14,223          --            --            240(a)       14,463                       14,463
  Gas transportation and
    marketing................    5,575          --         7,273         11,478(a)       24,326                       24,326
  Interest and other.........    3,386          --            --                          3,386                        3,386
                               -------     -------       -------                       --------                     --------
                                91,238       1,703        68,024                        172,683                      172,683
                               -------     -------       -------                       --------                     --------
EXPENSES
  Direct operating...........   24,456         562        14,376                         39,394                       39,394
  Field services.............   10,443          --            --                         10,443                       10,443
  Gas transportation and
    marketing................    1,674          --            --         11,478(a)       13,152                       13,152
  Exploration................    1,460          --            --                          1,460                        1,460
  General and
    administrative...........    3,966          --            --          1,650(a)        5,616                        5,616
  Interest...................    7,487          --            --         23,991(b)       31,478        (1,998)(e)     29,480
  Depletion, depreciation and
    amortization.............   22,303          --            --         22,086(c)       44,389                       44,389
                               -------     -------       -------                       --------                     --------
                                71,789         562        14,376                        145,932                      143,934
                               -------     -------       -------                       --------                     --------
Income before taxes..........   19,449       1,141        53,648                         26,751                       28,749
INCOME TAXES
  Current....................     (729)         --            --            (74)(d)        (803)          (59)(f)       (862) 
  Deferred...................   (6,105)         --            --         (2,455)(d)      (8,560)         (640)(f)     (9,200) 
                               -------     -------       -------                       --------                     --------
Net income...................  $12,615     $ 1,141       $53,648                       $ 17,388                     $ 18,687
                               =======     =======       =======                       ========                     ========
Net income applicable to
  common shares..............  $10,161                                                                              $ 16,383
                               =======                                                                              ========
Earnings per common share....  $  0.69                                                                              $   0.80
                               =======                                                                              ========
Weighted average shares
  outstanding................   14,812                                    1,583                         4,000         20,395
                               =======                                                                              ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
              See notes to pro forma combined financial statements
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   26
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
   
                        PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
    
   
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
   
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
    
                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  PRO FORMA
                                                 PRO FORMA      PRE-OFFERING      OFFERING       PRO FORMA
                                    LOMAK       ADJUSTMENTS        LOMAK         ADJUSTMENTS       LOMAK
                                   --------     -----------     ------------     -----------     ---------
<S>                                <C>          <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and equivalents.........    $  8,625      $                $  8,625         $             $   8,625
  Accounts receivable..........      18,121                         18,121                          18,121
  Marketable securities........       7,658                          7,658                           7,658
  Inventory and other..........         799                            799                             799
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
     Total current assets......      35,203                         35,203                          35,203
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
Oil and gas properties.........     282,519        325,000(g)      607,519                         607,519
     Accumulated depletion and
       amortization............     (53,102)                       (53,102)                        (53,102)
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
                                    229,417                        554,417                         554,417
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
Gas transportation and field
  service assets...............      21,139         60,000(g)       81,139                          81,139
     Accumulated
       depreciation............      (4,997)                        (4,997)                         (4,997)
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
                                     16,142                         76,142                          76,142
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
Other assets...................       1,785                          1,785           3,300(h)        5,085
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
                                   $282,547                       $667,547                       $ 670,847
                                   ========                       ========                       =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
  EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable.............    $ 14,433      $                $ 14,433         $             $  14,433
  Accrued liabilities..........       4,603                          4,603                           4,603
  Accrual payroll and benefit
     costs.....................       3,245                          3,245                           3,245
  Current portion of debt......          26                             26                              26
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
     Total current liabilities.      22,307                         22,307                          22,307
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
                                                                                  (96,700)(h)
Revolving credit facility......      61,355        355,000(g)      416,355        (75,500)(i)      244,155
%  Senior subordinated notes...          --                             --         100,000(h)      100,000
6% Convertible subordinated
  debentures...................      55,000                         55,000                          55,000
Other long-term debt...........         425                            425                             425
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
                                    116,780                        471,780                         399,580
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
Deferred income taxes..........      25,931                         25,931                          25,931
Stockholders' equity
  $2.03 Preferred stock, $1 par
     value.....................       1,150                          1,150                           1,150
  Common Stock, $.01 par
     value.....................         148             14(g)          162              40(i)          202
  Capital in excess of par
     value.....................     110,248         29,986(g)      140,234          75,460(i)      215,694
  Retained earnings
     (deficit).................       5,291                          5,291                           5,291
  Unrealized gain on marketable
     securities................         692                            692                             692
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
     Total stockholders' equity     117,529                        147,529                         223,029
                                   --------                       --------                       ---------
                                   $282,547                       $667,547                       $ 670,847
                                   ========                       ========                       =========
</TABLE>
   
              See notes to pro forma combined financial statements
    
                                                          24
<PAGE>   27
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
NOTE (1) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE TRANSACTIONS -- FOR THE YEAR ENDED
         DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
 
   
     The accompanying unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income for
the year ended December 31, 1996 has been prepared as if the Transactions had
occurred on January 1, 1996 and reflects the following adjustments:
    
 
   
     (a) To adjust historical field services revenues for income increases and
         costs reclassifications and general and administrative expenses for
         cost increases due to integration of the Bannon Acquisition and the
         Cometra Acquisition.
    
 
   
     (b) To adjust interest expense for the estimated amount that would have
         been incurred on the incremental borrowings for the Bannon Acquisition
         and the Cometra Acquisition, net of proceeds received from the Private
         Placements and the Offerings.
    
 
   
     (c) To record depletion expense for the Bannon Acquisition and the Cometra
         Acquisition at a rate of $0.87 per Mcfe, and to record depreciation
         expense on the gas processing plant purchased in the Cometra
         Acquisition.
    
 
   
     (d) To adjust the provision for income taxes for the change in taxable
         income resulting from the Bannon Acquisition, the Cometra Acquisition
         and the Private Placements and the effect on deferred taxes recorded at
         January 1, 1996 as if such Transactions had taken place at that time.
    
 
   
     (e) To adjust interest expense for the estimated amounts that would have
         been repaid with the net proceeds from the Offerings.
    
 
   
     (f) To adjust the provision for income taxes for the change in taxable
         income resulting from interest adjustments made to reflect the amounts
         of borrowings repaid with the net proceeds from the Offerings and the
         effect on deferred taxes recorded at January 1, 1996 as if the
         Offerings had taken place at that time.
    
 
   
NOTE (2) PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE COMETRA ACQUISITION AND THE
         OFFERINGS -- AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
    
 
   
     (g) To record the Cometra Acquisition.
    
 
   
     (h) To record the Notes Offering, net of offering costs and the application
         of proceeds therefrom.
    
 
   
     (i) To record the Common Stock Offering, net of offering costs and the
         application of proceeds therefrom.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   28
 
                          SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     The following tables present selected consolidated financial data covering
the five years ended December 31, 1996. Such data has been derived from, and
should be read in conjunction with, the audited Consolidated Financial
Statements and Notes thereto for each of the five years ended December 31, 1996,
the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included herein.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                    1992        1993        1994        1995        1996         1996
                                                  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    -----------
                                                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
 Oil and gas sales............................... $  7,703    $ 11,132    $ 24,461    $ 37,417    $ 68,054     $ 130,508
 Field services..................................    5,283       6,966       7,667      10,097      14,223        14,463
 Gas transportation and marketing................      332         559       2,195       3,284       5,575        24,326
 Interest and other..............................      577         418         471       1,317       3,386         3,386
                                                  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------      --------
                                                    13,895      19,075      34,794      52,115      91,238       172,683
Expenses:
 Direct operating................................    3,039       4,438      10,019      14,930      24,456        39,394
 Field services..................................    3,951       5,712       5,778       6,469      10,443        10,443
 Gas transportation and marketing................       --          13         490         849       1,674        13,152
 Exploration.....................................       36          86         359         512       1,460         1,460
 General and administrative......................    1,915       2,049       2,478       2,736       3,966         5,616
 Interest........................................      952       1,120       2,807       5,584       7,487        29,480
 Depletion, depreciation and amortization........    3,124       4,347      10,105      14,863      22,303        44,389
                                                  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------      --------
                                                    13,017      17,765      32,036      45,943      71,789       143,934
                                                  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------      --------
Income before taxes..............................      878       1,310       2,758       6,172      19,449        28,749
Income taxes.....................................      192         (81)        139       1,782       6,834        10,062
                                                  --------    --------    --------    --------    --------      --------
Net income....................................... $    686    $  1,391    $  2,619    $  4,390    $ 12,615     $  18,687
                                                  ========    ========    ========    ========    ========      ========
Earnings per common share........................ $   0.08    $   0.18    $   0.25    $   0.31    $   0.69     $    0.80
                                                  ========    ========    ========    ========    ========      ========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (a)....................................... $  4,990    $  6,863    $ 16,029    $ 27,131    $ 50,699     $ 104,078
Net cash provided by operations..................    5,168       4,305      11,241      16,561      38,445           N/A
Capital expenditures.............................    5,920      48,240      70,024      88,530      79,390           N/A
Ratios:
 EBITDA to interest expense......................     5.2x        6.1x        5.7x        4.9x        6.8x          3.5x
 Earnings to fixed charges (b)...................     1.9x        2.2x        2.0x        2.1x        3.6x          2.0x
 Total debt to EBITDA............................     2.6x        4.5x        3.9x        3.1x        2.3x          3.8x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (END OF PERIOD):
Cash and equivalents............................. $  2,261    $  2,019    $  4,897    $  3,047    $  8,625     $   8,625
Total assets.....................................   28,328      76,333     141,768     214,788     282,547       670,847
Long-term debt (c)...............................   13,127      31,108      62,592      83,088     116,806       399,606
Stockholders' equity.............................    9,504      32,263      43,248      99,367     117,529       223,029
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(a) EBITDA represents net income plus income taxes, exploration expense,
    interest expense and depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense.
    EBITDA is not presented as an indicator of the Company's operating
    performance or as a measure of liquidity.
    
 
   
(b) For the purpose of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
    earnings are defined as income before taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed
    charges consist of interest expense.
    
 
(c) Long-term debt includes current portion.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   29
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and the Selected
Consolidated Financial Data included elsewhere herein.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
     The Company has experienced significant growth in reserves, production,
cash flow and earnings over the past three years. The following tables set forth
selected financial and operating information as well as the annual percentage
change for each of the past three years:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                            -----------------------------------
                                                             1994          1995          1996
                                                            -------       -------       -------
                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PRICE
                                                                           DATA)
    <S>                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
    Revenues..............................................  $34,794       $52,115       $91,238
    Expenses..............................................   32,036        45,943        71,789
    Net Income............................................    2,619         4,390        12,615
    EBITDA(1).............................................   16,029        27,131        50,699
    Production Volumes:
      Natural Gas (Mmcf)..................................    6,996        12,471        21,231
      Oil and NGLs (Mbbls)................................      640           913         1,068
      Natural Gas Equivalents (Mmcfe).....................   10,836        17,949        27,641
    Average Prices:
      Natural Gas (per Mcf)...............................  $  2.10       $  1.79       $  2.24
      Oil and NGLs (per Bbl)..............................    15.23         16.57         19.12
      Natural Gas Equivalents (per Mcfe)..................     2.26          2.08          2.46
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PERCENTAGE CHANGE
                                                                            FROM PRIOR PERIOD
                                                                            -----------------
                                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            -----------------
                                                                            1995         1996
                                                                            ----         ----
    <S>                                                                    <C>          <C>
    Revenues.......................................................          50%          75% 
    Expenses.......................................................          43           56
    Net Income.....................................................          68          187
    EBITDA (1).....................................................          69           87
    Production Volumes:
      Natural Gas..................................................          78           70
      Oil and NGLs.................................................          43           17
      Natural Gas Equivalents......................................          66           54
    Average Prices:
      Natural Gas (per Mcf)........................................         (15)          25
      Oil and NGLs (per Bbl).......................................           9           15
      Natural Gas Equivalents (per Mcfe)...........................          (8)          18
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) EBITDA represents net income plus income taxes, exploration expense,
    interest expense and depletion, depreciation and amortization expense.
    EBITDA is not presented as an indicator of the Company's operating
    performance or as a measure of liquidity.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   30
 
   
Comparison of 1996 to 1995
    
 
   
     The Company reported net income for the year ended December 31, 1996 of
$12.6 million, a 187% increase over 1995. The increase is the result of higher
production volumes attributable to acquisition and development activities,
increased prices received from the sale of oil and gas products and gains from
asset sales. During the year, oil and gas production volumes increased 54% to
27.6 Bcfe, an average of 75,522 Mcfe/d. The increased revenues recognized from
production volumes were aided by an 18% increase in the average price received
per Mcfe of production to $2.46. The average oil price increased 15% to $19.12
per barrel while average gas prices increased 25% to $2.24 per Mcf. As a result
of the Company's larger base of producing properties and production, oil and gas
production expenses increased 64% to $24.5 million in 1996 versus $14.9 million
in 1995. The average operating cost per Mcfe produced increased 6% from $0.83 in
1995 to $0.88 in 1996 due to unsuccessful recompletion costs and increases in
personnel costs.
    
 
   
     Gas transportation and marketing revenues increased 70% to $5.5 million
versus $3.3 million in 1995 principally due to production growth. Gas
transportation and marketing expenses increased 97% to $1.7 million versus $0.8
million in 1995. The increase in expenses was due to production growth, as well
as the increase in gas transportation and marketing expense and higher
administrative costs associated with the growth in gas marketing.
    
 
   
     Field services revenues increased 41% in 1996 to $14.2 million. The higher
revenues were due primarily to a larger base of operated properties. Field
services expenses increased 61% in 1996 to $10.4 million versus $6.5 million.
The increase is attributed to the cost of operating a larger base of properties
and lower overall margins on Oklahoma well servicing. In December 1996, the
Company sold its brine disposal and well servicing activities in Oklahoma for
$2.7 million and recorded a gain of approximately $1.2 million, which is
included in interest and other income.
    
 
   
     Exploration expense increased 185% to $1.5 million due to the Company's
increased involvement in seismic and exploratory drilling. The Company
participated in 19 exploratory wells in 1996 versus 7 exploratory wells in 1995.
    
 
   
     General and administrative expenses increased 45% from $2.7 million in 1995
to $3.9 million in 1996. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative
expenses were 4% in 1996 as compared to 5% in 1995. This decreasing trend
reflects the spreading of administrative costs over a growing asset base.
    
 
   
     Interest and other income rose 157% to $3.4 million primarily due to $1.4
million on gains from sale of marketable securities, and $1.2 million from the
gain on the sale of the Oklahoma well servicing assets. Interest expense
increased 34% to $7.5 million as compared to $5.6 million in 1995. This was
primarily as a result of the higher average outstanding debt balance during the
year due to the financing of capital expenditures. The average outstanding
balances on the Credit Agreement were $73.3 million and $107.2 million for 1995
and 1996, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on these borrowings
were 7.3% and 6.7% for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
     Depletion, depreciation and amortization increased 50% compared to 1995 as
a result of increased production volumes during the year. The Company-wide
depletion, depreciation and amortization rate was $0.73 per Mcfe in 1995 and
1996.
    
 
Comparison of 1995 to 1994
 
     The Company reported net income for the year ended December 31, 1995 of
$4.4 million, a 68% increase over 1994. This increase is the result of higher
production volumes attributable to acquisition and development activities.
 
     During the year, oil and gas production volumes increased 66% to 17.9 Bcfe,
an average of 49.2 Mmcfe/d. The increased revenues recognized from production
volumes were partially offset by an 8% decrease in the average price received
per Mcfe of production to $2.08. The average oil price increased 9% to $16.57
per barrel while average gas prices dropped 15% to $1.79 per Mcf. As a result of
the Company's larger base of producing properties and production, oil and gas
production expenses increased 49% to $14.9 million in 1995 versus $10.0 million
in 1994. However, the average operating cost per Mcfe produced decreased 11%
from $0.93 in 1994 to $0.83 in 1995.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   31
 
     Gas transportation and marketing revenues increased 50% to $3.3 million
versus $2.2 million in 1994. Coupled with this increase in gas transportation
and marketing revenues was a 73% increase in associated expenses for the year.
These increases were due primarily to the acquisition of several pipeline
systems, as well as the expansion of the gas marketing efforts.
 
     Field services revenues increased 32% in 1995 to $10.1 million, despite the
September 1994 sale of virtually all well servicing and brine disposal assets in
Ohio. The decrease in activities due to this sale was more than offset by an
increase in well servicing and brine disposal activities in Oklahoma and well
operations on acquired properties. Field services expenses increased 12% in 1995
to $6.5 million versus $5.8 million. The increase is attributed to the Oklahoma
well servicing and the cost of operating a larger base of properties. The
increase in well operating costs was offset to a great extent by the disposal in
September 1994 of the Company's lower margin well servicing and brine hauling
and disposal businesses.
 
     Exploration expense increased 43% to $0.5 million due to the Company's
increased involvement in exploration projects. These costs include delay
rentals, seismic and exploratory drilling activities.
 
     General and administrative expenses increased 10% from $2.5 million in 1994
to $2.7 million in 1995. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative
expenses were 5% in 1995 as compared to 7% in 1994. This improvement reflects
the spreading of administrative costs over a growing asset base.
 
   
     Interest and other income rose 180% primarily due to higher sales of
non-strategic properties. Interest expense increased 99% to $5.6 million as
compared to $2.8 million in 1994. This was primarily as a result of the higher
average outstanding debt balance during the year due to the financing of capital
expenditures. The average outstanding balances on the Credit Agreement were
$42.0 million and $73.3 million for 1994 and 1995, respectively. The weighted
average interest rate on these borrowings was 6.3% and 7.3% for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
    
 
     Depletion, depreciation and amortization increased 47% compared to 1994 as
a result of increased production volumes during the year. The increased
depletion of oil and gas properties was partially offset by the reduction of
depreciation of field services assets due to the 1994 sale of field service
assets. The Company-wide depletion, depreciation and amortization rate for 1995
was $0.83 per Mcfe versus $0.93 per Mcfe in 1994 due to the addition of
properties at lower than historical Mcfe costs.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
General
 
   
     Working capital at December 31, 1996 was $12.9 million, representing an
$8.3 million increase over the corresponding amount at December 31, 1995. At
December 31, 1996, the Company had $8.6 million in cash and total assets of
$282.5 million. During 1996, long-term debt rose from $83.0 million to $116.8
million.
    
 
   
     At December 31, 1996, capitalization totaled approximately $234 million, of
which approximately 50% was represented by stockholders' equity and 50% by
long-term debt. Approximately $61.4 million of the long-term debt at that date
was comprised of borrowings under the Credit Agreement, $55 million being
comprised of 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures and the remaining $500,000
comprised of other indebtedness. The Credit Agreement currently provides for
quarterly payments of interest with principal due in February 2002.
    
 
   
     In December 1996, the Company sold $55 million of 6% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures in a private placement. Net proceeds to the Company of
approximately $53 million were used, together with internally generated funds,
to reduce the amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement to $61.4 million at
December 31, 1996. The 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by
the Company after February 1, 2000 and are convertible at the option of the
holder into Common Stock at any time prior to maturity or redemption at a
conversion price of $19.25 per share, subject to adjustment in certain
circumstances.
    
 
Cash Flow
 
     The Company has three principal operating sources of cash: (i) sales of oil
and gas; (ii) revenues from field services and (iii) revenues from gas
transportation and marketing. The Company's cash flow is highly
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   32
 
   
dependent upon oil and gas prices. Decreases in the market price of oil or gas
could result in reductions of both cash flow and the borrowing base under the
Credit Agreement which would result in decreased funds available, including
funds intended for planned capital expenditures.
    
 
   
     The Company's net cash provided by operations for the years ended December
31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $11.2 million, $16.6 million and $38.4 million,
respectively. The consistent increases in the Company's cash flow from
operations can be attributed to its growth primarily through acquisitions and
development.
    
 
   
     The Company's net cash used in investing for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996 was $29.5 million, $76.1 million and $69.7 million,
respectively. Investing activities for these periods are comprised primarily of
additions to oil and gas properties through acquisitions and development and, to
a lesser extent, exploitation and additions of field service assets. These uses
of cash have historically been partially offset through the Company's policy of
divesting those properties that it deems to be marginal or outside the Company's
core areas of operations. The Company's acquisition and development activities
have been financed through a combination of operating cash flow, bank borrowings
and capital raised through equity and debt offerings.
    
 
   
     The Company's net cash provided by financing for the years ended December
31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $21.2 million, $57.7 million and $36.8 million,
respectively. Sources of financing used by the Company have been primarily
borrowings under its Credit Agreement and capital raised through equity and debt
offerings.
    
 
Capital Requirements
 
   
     In 1996, $12.5 million and $2.0 million of expenses were incurred for
development activities and exploration activities, respectively. Although these
expenditures are principally discretionary, the Company is currently projecting
that it will spend approximately $160 million on development, exploitation and
exploration activities, which includes approximately $45 million on exploitation
and exploration expenditures, through 1999. Internally generated funds are
expected to be sufficient to fund development and exploration expenditures. See
"Business -- Development Activities" and "-- Exploration Activities."
    
 
   
Credit Agreement
    
 
   
     In connection with the financing of the Cometra Acquisition, the Company
and its subsidiaries expanded the existing credit facility with the bank
lenders. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to obtain revolving credit
loans and to issue letters of credit for the account of the Company from time to
time in an aggregate amount not to exceed $400 million (of which not more than
$150 million may be represented by letters of credit). The Borrowing Base, which
is initially $400 million, will be reduced to $325 million on August 13, 1997,
unless otherwise agreed by the lenders. The Borrowing Base is subject to
semi-annual determination and is calculated based upon a variety of factors,
including the discounted present value of estimated future net cash flow from
oil and gas production.
    
 
   
     The Company is required to make a mandatory prepayment of all amounts
outstanding under the Credit Agreement in excess of $325 million on August 13,
1997. At the Company's option, loans may be prepaid, and revolving credit
commitments may be reduced, in whole or in part at any time in certain minimum
amounts.
    
 
   
     The obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement are
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by each of the Company's direct and
indirect domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the "Bank Guarantors"). In
addition, the Credit Agreement is secured by first priority security interests
in (i) existing mortgaged oil and gas properties of the Company, including the
Cometra Properties, (ii) all accounts receivable, inventory and intangibles of
the Company and the Bank Guarantors, and (iii) all of the capital stock of the
Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries. Substantially all of the assets of
the Company will be pledged as collateral if, on May 15, 1997, the Borrowing
Base and amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement have not been reduced to
$325 million. Such additional security interests will be released upon the (i)
reduction of the amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement to $325 million
(or the then determined Borrowing Base) and (ii) issuance of $75 million of
Common Stock and/or the sale of Company assets in excess of the Borrowing Base
value attributable to such assets as agreed by the lenders (the "Trigger
Event").
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   33
 
   
     At the Company's option, the applicable interest rate per annum is either
the Eurodollar loan rate plus a margin ranging from 0.625% to 1.125% or the
Alternate Base Rate (as defined) plus a margin ranging from 0% to 0.25%. The
Alternate Base Rate is the highest of (a) the agent banks' reference rate, (b)
the secondary market rate for certificates of deposit (adjusted for maximum
statutory reserve requirements) plus 1.0% and (c) the federal funds effective
rate plus 0.5%. Until the occurrence of the Trigger Event, the interest rate
margins will be increased by 50 basis points prior to March 31, 1997 and 100
basis points thereafter.
    
 
   
     On February 14, 1997, approximately $392.3 million was outstanding
(including $134 million of then outstanding letters of credit to secure the
promissory note issued to Cometra as part of the purchase price in the Cometra
Acquisition) under the Credit Agreement. Upon consummation of the Offerings,
approximately $220.1 million will be outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
Furthermore, if the Common Stock is sold in the Common Stock Offering for at
least $20 per share (or at least $17.50 per share if the over-allotment option
applicable to the Common Stock Offering is exercised), the Company will receive
at least $75 million in net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering, resulting
in the occurrence of the Trigger Event. On February 13, 1997, the closing price
of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape was $19.00 per
share.
    
 
Hedging Activities
 
   
     Periodically, the Company enters into futures, option and swap contracts to
reduce the effects of fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices. At
December 31, 1996, the Company had open contracts for oil and gas price swaps of
300,000 barrels of oil at average prices ranging from $22.10 to $22.76 per
barrel of oil and 155,000 Mcf of gas at $2.04 per Mcf. While these transactions
have no carrying value, the Company's mark-to-market exposure under these
contracts at December 31, 1996 was a net loss of $1.1 million. These contracts
expire monthly through April 1997. The gains or losses on the Company's hedging
transactions is determined as the difference between the contract price and a
reference price, generally closing prices on the NYMEX. The resulting
transaction gains and losses are determined monthly and are included in the
period the hedged production or inventory is sold. Net gains or losses relating
to these derivatives for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
approximated $0, $217,000 and $(724,000), respectively.
    
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   34
                                    BUSINESS
GENERAL
   
     Lomak is an independent energy company engaged in oil and gas development,
exploration and acquisition primarily in three core areas: the Midcontinent,
Appalachia and the Gulf Coast. Over the past five years, the Company has
significantly increased its reserves and production through acquisitions and, to
a growing extent, development and exploration of its properties. On a pro forma
basis as of December 31, 1996, the Company had proved reserves of 644 Bcfe with
a Present Value of $974 million. On an Mcfe basis, the reserves were 63%
developed and 77% natural gas, with a reserve life in excess of 13 years.
Properties operated by the Company accounted for 94% of its pro forma Present
Value. The Company also owns over 2,000 miles of gas gathering systems and a gas
processing plant in proximity to its principal gas properties. On a pro forma
basis in 1996, the Company had revenues of $173 million and EBITDA of $104
million.
    
   
     From 1991 through 1996, the Company has made 63 acquisitions, including the
Cometra Acquisition, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $634
million and has spent $39 million on development and exploration activities.
These activities have added approximately 719 Bcfe at an average cost of $0.76
per Mcfe. As a result, the Company has achieved substantial growth since 1991:
    
   
     - Reserves increased from 20 Bcfe in 1991 to 644 Bcfe in 1996, a compound
       annual growth rate of 101%;
    
   
     - Production increased from 2 Bcfe in 1991 to 49 Bcfe in 1996, a compound
       annual growth rate of 88%;
    
   
     - EBITDA increased from $4 million in 1991 to $104 million in 1996, a
       compound annual growth rate of 96%; and
    
   
     - Net income increased from $427,000 in 1991 to $19 million in 1996, a
       compound annual growth rate of 113%.
    
   
     The Company emphasizes strict cost controls in all aspects of its business.
As a result, combined direct operating and administrative costs have been
reduced from $1.42 per Mcfe in 1991 to $0.82 per Mcfe in 1996 on a pro forma
basis. Consequently, while the average price realized by the Company has not
increased significantly over the last five years, operating margins have
increased from $1.17 per Mcfe in 1991 to $1.82 per Mcfe in 1996 on a pro forma
basis.
    
BUSINESS STRATEGY
   
     The Company's objective is to maximize shareholder value through aggressive
growth in its reserves, production, cash flow and earnings through a balanced
program of development drilling and acquisitions, as well as a growing
exploration effort. Management believes that the Cometra Acquisition has
substantially enhanced the Company's ability to increase its production and
reserves through drilling activities. The Cometra Acquisition substantially
increased the Company's inventory of proven drilling locations and, to an even
greater degree, its exploration and exploitation drilling potential. Including
the Cometra Properties, the Company has over 1,100 proven recompletion and
development drilling locations. As a result of the Cometra Acquisition, the
Company believes that it can achieve significant growth in reserves, production,
cash flow and earnings over the next several years, even if no future
acquisitions are consummated. The Company currently plans to spend $160 million
over the next three years on the further development and exploration of its
properties. Consequently, while acquisitions are expected to continue to play an
important role in the Company's future growth, the primary emphasis will shift
towards exploiting the potential of the Company's larger property base.
    
     In order to most effectively implement its operating strategy, the Company
has concentrated its activities in selected geographic areas. In each core area,
the Company has established separate acquisition, engineering, geological,
operating and other technical expertise. The Company believes that this
geographic focus provides it with a competitive advantage in sourcing and
evaluating new business opportunities within these areas, as well as providing
economies of scale in developing and operating properties.
 
     Lomak believes the competitive strengths described below will greatly
enhance its ability to achieve its long-term goals and objectives.
 
   
     - Diversified, Long Lived Reserve Base.  Lomak has compiled a diversified
       group of predictable, long lived properties. The Company's oil and gas
       reserves are attributable to 7,280 producing wells that have
    
                                       32
<PAGE>   35
 
       a reserve life index in excess of 13 years. The reserves are concentrated
       in seven basins and are geographically and geologically diversified.
 
   
     - Substantial Inventory of Development and Exploration Projects.  Lomak has
       over 1,100 proven development projects and a substantial number of
       exploration and exploitation drilling projects located within core
       operating areas in which the Company has significant operating and
       technical expertise.
    
 
   
     - Successful Acquisition Record.  The Company's primary strength has
       historically been to identify and acquire properties that have increased
       reserves, production, cash flow and earnings. Excluding the Cometra
       Acquisition, since 1991 the Company has completed 62 acquisitions for an
       aggregate purchase price of $249 million, of which $237 million was
       attributable to proved oil and gas properties. These acquisitions have
       added proved reserves of approximately 396 Bcfe at an average acquisition
       cost of $0.60 per Mcfe.
    
 
   
     - Significant Operational Control.  Lomak operates properties representing
       nearly 94% of its Present Value. This allows the Company to directly
       control operating and drilling costs and also allows it to dictate the
       timing of development and exploration activities.
    
 
   
     - High Operating Margins.  The Company's low cost structure, coupled with
       the premium gas price it receives for a significant portion of its
       production, creates high operating margins. In 1996 on a pro forma basis,
       Lomak generated operating margins, after deducting direct operating and
       administrative costs, of $1.82 per Mcfe.
    
 
   
     - Experienced, Incentivized Management Team.  The Company's board of
       directors, executive officers, technical staff and administrative
       personnel have considerable industry experience and will own,
       collectively, shares representing approximately 11% of the outstanding
       shares of Common Stock, after giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition
       and the Common Stock Offering. Over 75% of Lomak's employees either own,
       or hold options to acquire, shares of Common Stock.
    
 
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company's development activities include recompletions of existing
wells, infill drilling and installation of secondary recovery projects.
Development projects are generated within core operating areas where the Company
has significant operational and technical expertise. Currently, as described
below, the Company has 1,163 proven development projects in inventory. These
projects are geographically diverse, vary between oil and gas and are balanced
with regard to risk. The following table sets forth information pertaining to
the Company's proven development inventory at December 31, 1996.
 
                          PROVEN DEVELOPMENT INVENTORY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NUMBER OF PROJECTS
                                                          -------------------------------------
                                                                            DRILLING
                                                          RECOMPLETIONS     LOCATIONS     TOTAL
                                                          -------------     ---------     -----
     <S>                                                  <C>               <C>           <C>
     Midcontinent Region
       Permian Basin....................................        85             129          214
       Val Verde Basin..................................        76             134          210
       Anadarko Basin...................................       117              86          203
       San Juan Basin...................................        18              29           47
                                                               ---             ---        -----
               Subtotal.................................       296             378          674
     Appalachian Region.................................        43             320          363
     Gulf Coast Region..................................        79              47          126
                                                               ---             ---        -----
               Total....................................       418             745        1,163
                                                               ===             ===        =====
</TABLE>
 
     The Company currently anticipates that it will initiate 175 to 200
development projects in 1997. Assuming that 200 projects are initiated per year,
the Company currently has more than a five year inventory of proven development
projects. Lomak expects to spend approximately $115 million over the next three
years for development.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   36
 
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company has a large inventory of moderate risk/moderate reward
exploitation drilling opportunities, as well as higher risk/higher reward
exploration projects. Lomak has identified 267 exploitation drilling projects on
the Cometra Properties, principally consisting of step-out drilling from
existing proved or proved undeveloped locations. In addition, the Company has
identified numerous other exploitation drilling opportunities within its
existing properties. Current exploration projects target deeper horizons within
existing Company-operated fields, as well as establishing new fields in
exploration trend areas in which Lomak's technical staff has experience. The
Company has not previously, and does not currently, plan to participate in
wildcat exploratory drilling outside its core operating areas.
 
     Lomak's strategy is based on limiting its risk by allocating no more than
10% of its cash flow to higher risk exploration activities and by participating
in a variety of projects with differing characteristics. The Company's existing
inventory of exploration projects and leads varies in risk and reward based on
their depth, location and geology. A significant portion of the existing, as
well as future, exploration projects will be enhanced by use of advanced
technology including 3-D seismic and improved completion techniques.
 
     In each of its core operating areas, the Company's geological and
geophysical staff generate both exploitation and exploration projects with the
assistance of the Company's reservoir engineers, landmen and production
engineers. The Company currently estimates that it will spend $25 million on
exploitation activities and $20 million on exploration activities over the next
three years. Existing exploitation and exploration project inventory is
described below.
 
   
     Midcontinent.  Exploitation projects in the Midcontinent region include 116
infill or step-out drilling locations on leasehold acreage held by currently
producing wells adjacent to the Company's production in the Sterling area of the
Permian Basin, as well as 134 infill or step-out locations on leasehold acreage
held by currently producing wells primarily in the Oakridge and Francis Hill
Fields in the Val Verde Basin. In the Big Lake area of the Permian Basin, the
Company is conducting an analysis to determine the potential for recovery of
additional reserves through increased density drilling. Based on the initial
results of the study, the Company believes there is potential for 200 economic
drill sites on its Big Lake area acreage.
    
 
     Current exploration projects include deeper drilling to the Ellenburger and
Fussleman formations in the Permian and Val Verde Basins. Several projects
targeting the Red Fork, Morrow and Hunton formations are in various stages of
development in the Anadarko Basin. In the San Juan Basin, the Company's acreage
holds exploration potential for production from the Pictured Cliffs, Gallup and
Dakota formations.
 
   
     Appalachia.  In the Appalachian region, the Company has identified
approximately 100 infill or step-out drilling projects on existing leasehold
acreage. In addition, the Company has identified several hundred additional
potential locations near Company-owned gathering systems on acreage the Company
believes will be available for leasing in the future. The Company believes that
the location of its pipelines will provide it with a competitive advantage in
leasing this acreage, which is currently unleased. These locations target the
blanket Clinton and Medina sandstones. Exploration activity in Appalachia
centers around the drilling of deeper formations from leasehold acreage
generally being held by existing production from shallower production. The
targeted formations are in the Knox Sequence trend, which includes the Rose Run,
Beekmantown and Trempealeau formations. Lomak currently owns leasehold acreage
aggregating over 250,000 net acres in the Knox Sequence trend area. With the
assistance of higher quality 2-D seismic as well as 3-D seismic, Lomak believes
the Knox Sequence trend area could generate substantial reserves over the next
five years.
    
 
   
     Gulf Coast.  Exploitation projects in the Gulf Coast region include 34
infill or step-out drilling locations for the Yegua and Frio formations in South
Texas and the Wilcox and Carrizo formations in East Texas. Deeper, higher risk
exploratory projects have been generated in South Texas targeting the Wilcox and
Vicksburg formations. On the offshore properties, 11 exploitation and
exploration projects have been identified to the Lenticulina and Marginulina
sands. There are four exploration projects targeting the Taylor sand of the
Cotton Valley formation in East Texas.
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   37
ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company seeks to acquire properties that are expected to be immediately
accretive to cash flow and earnings and provide long-term growth in reserves and
production. The Company focuses on acquisitions that generally meet the
following criteria.
   
     - Location.  The Company targets potential acquisitions located in its core
       operating areas which typically contain many small operators and where
       the major oil companies are less active.
    
   
     - Operating Efficiency.  The Company targets potential acquisitions in
       which it believes direct operating cost reductions and administrative
       cost efficiencies can be achieved.
    
   
     - Potential for Increasing Reserves.  The Company pursues properties that
       it believes have the potential for increased reserves and production
       through development and exploration activities.
    
   
     - Potential for Incremental Purchases.  The Company seeks acquisitions
       where opportunities to purchase additional interests in the same or
       adjoining properties exist.
    
   
     - Complex Transactions.  The Company often pursues transactions which are
       more complex as a result of ownership issues or financial structure as it
       believes such transactions will attract fewer potential buyers.
    
     The following table sets forth information pertaining to acquisitions
completed during the period January 1, 1991 through December 31, 1996 (including
the Cometra Acquisition):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 PURCHASE
              NUMBER OF          PRICE(1)          MMCFE          COST
 PERIOD      TRANSACTIONS     (IN THOUSANDS)      ACQUIRED     PER MCFE(2)
- ---------    ------------     ---------------     --------     -----------
<S>          <C>              <C>                 <C>          <C>
  1991             9             $  11,189          14,602        $0.75
  1992             7                 6,520          12,513         0.41
  1993            12                40,527          64,552         0.59
  1994            17                63,354          92,851         0.67
  1995             9                71,074         103,849         0.61
  1996             9               441,812         369,986         0.84
                                  --------         -------        -----
  Total           63             $ 634,476         658,353        $0.74
                                  ========         =======        =====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes purchase price for proved reserves as well as other acquired
    assets, including gas gathering systems and a processing plant, undeveloped
    leasehold acreage and field service assets.
 
   
(2) Includes purchase price for proved reserves only. For the Cometra
    Acquisition, the purchase price for proved reserves includes the amount
    attributable to the above-market gas contract. If the cost per Mcfe was
    adjusted for the above-market gas contract, the 1996 cost per Mcfe would be
    reduced from $0.84 to $0.73 and the total cost per Mcfe would be reduced
    from $0.74 to $0.69.
    
RECENT SIGNIFICANT ACQUISITIONS
 
     In addition to the Cometra Acquisition, the Company completed a number of
significant acquisitions in 1995 and 1996 as described below. See "Cometra
Acquisition" for a description of the Cometra Acquisition.
 
     Bannon Interests.  In April 1996, the Company acquired interests in
approximately 270 producing wells and 108 proven recompletion and development
drilling opportunities for $37.0 million. After giving effect to a subsequent
sale of certain Rocky Mountain region interests for $6.5 million, the acquired
properties were estimated to contain approximately 71 Bcfe of proved reserves.
Also included were 17,300 net undeveloped acres located in east and south Texas.
 
     Red Eagle Resources Corporation.  Through a series of transactions effected
in late 1994 and early 1995, the Company acquired Red Eagle Resources
Corporation for $30.0 million in cash and $15.0 million of Common Stock. Red
Eagle's assets included interests in approximately 370 producing wells located
primarily in the Okeene Field of Oklahoma's Anadarko Basin. Subsequently, the
Company acquired additional interests in over 100 Red Eagle wells for $3.9
million.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   38
 
     Eastern Petroleum Company.  In January 1996, the Company acquired proved
oil and gas reserves and 40 miles of gas gathering lines in Ohio for $13.7
million. In the second quarter of 1996, the Company initiated a program
extending purchase offers to other interest owners in these properties. Through
September 30, 1996, interests in 61 wells had been purchased for approximately
$100,000.
 
     Transfuel Interests.  In September 1995, the Company acquired proved oil
and gas reserves, 1,100 miles of gas gathering lines and 175,000 undeveloped
acres in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York from Transfuel, Inc. for $21.0 million.
 
     Parker & Parsley Interests.  In August 1995, the Company purchased proved
oil and gas reserves, 300 miles of gas gathering lines and 16,400 undeveloped
acres in Pennsylvania and West Virginia from Parker & Parsley Petroleum Company
for $20.2 million.
 
SIGNIFICANT PROPERTIES
 
     At December 31, 1996, on a pro forma basis, 98% of the Company's reserves
were located in the Midcontinent, Appalachian and Gulf Coast regions. At
December 31, 1996, the Company's properties included, on a pro forma basis,
working interests in 7,280 gross (5,586 net) productive oil and gas wells and
royalty interests in 310 additional wells. The Company also held interests in
243,100 gross (166,700 net) undeveloped acres on a pro forma basis at December
31, 1996. The following table sets forth summary information with respect to the
Company's estimated proved oil and gas reserves on a pro forma basis at December
31, 1996.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              PRESENT VALUE
                                    ---------------------------------      OIL &      NATURAL       NATURAL
                                        AMOUNT                             NGLS         GAS        GAS EQUIV.
                                    (IN THOUSANDS)           %            (MBBLS)      (MMCF)       (MMCFE)
                                    --------------          ---           -------     --------     ----------
     <S>                            <C>                <C>                <C>         <C>          <C>
     Midcontinent Region
       Permian Basin..............     $218,201                 %  22      12,468       54,833        129,642
       Val Verde Basin............      208,613                    21          34      126,579        126,783
       Anadarko Basin.............      125,143                    13       1,964       71,065         82,851
       San Juan Basin.............       43,845                     5       3,082       16,836         35,326
                                      ---------                   ---     --------    ---------     ---------
               Subtotal...........      595,802                    61      17,548      269,313        374,602
     Appalachian Region...........      201,215                    21       1,189      181,325        188,456
     Gulf Coast Region............      160,353                    16       4,179       46,403         71,477
     Other........................       16,293                     2       1,489          559          9,495
                                      ---------                   ---     --------    ---------     ---------
               Total..............     $973,663                 % 100      24,405      497,600        644,030
                                      =========                   ===     ========    =========     =========
</TABLE>
    
 
MIDCONTINENT REGION
 
     The Company's Midcontinent properties are situated in the Permian Basin of
west Texas, the Val Verde Basin of west Texas, the Anadarko Basin of western
Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle and the San Juan Basin of New Mexico. Reserves
in these basins represent 61% of total Present Value. Midcontinent proved
reserves total 375 Bcfe, of which approximately 57% are developed. On an Mcfe
basis, 72% of the reserves are natural gas. Combined net daily production from
these properties currently averages 3,300 barrels of oil and 52 Mmcf of natural
gas. At December 31, 1996, the Midcontinent properties had an inventory of 674
proven development projects.
 
     Permian Basin.  The Permian Basin properties contain 130 Bcfe of proved
reserves, or 22% of total Present Value. Net daily production currently averages
2,500 barrels of oil and 9 Mmcf of gas. Producing wells total 842 (617 net), of
which the Company operates 88% on a Present Value basis. Major producing
properties include the Sterling area and the Big Lake area. The Sterling area
properties produce gas from Canyon/Cisco sub-marine sand deposits at 4,000 to
8,000 feet and oil from Silurian Fussleman carbonates. The Sterling area
properties are complemented by a 25,000 Mcf/d gas plant, which processes gas
from the Company's operated properties, as well as gas produced by third
parties. The Big Lake area properties produce primarily oil from approximately
2,500 feet in various sequences of the San Andres/Grayburg formations. At
December 31, 1996, the Permian Basin properties contained 85 proven
recompletions and 129 development drilling locations.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   39
 
   
     Val Verde Basin.  The Val Verde Basin properties contain 127 Bcfe of proved
reserves, or 21% of total Present Value. From 205 gross wells (163 net), the
Company currently produces 27 Mmcf/d of natural gas. The Company operates 89% of
the wells on a Present Value basis. Production is from 15 different deltaic
Canyon/Cisco sandstones with complex stratigraphic traps at depths ranging from
2,600 to 6,000 feet. On a Present Value basis, the Oakridge and Francis Hill
Fields contribute 91% of the Val Verde Basin reserves. At December 31, 1996, the
Company had an inventory of 76 proven recompletions and 134 development drilling
locations.
    
 
   
     Anadarko Basin.  The Anadarko Basin properties contain 83 Bcfe of proved
reserves, or 13% of total Present Value. The 431 gross wells (345 net), of which
65% are operated by the Company on a Present Value basis. Net daily production
averages 440 barrels of oil and 14 Mmcf of natural gas. Over 250 operated wells
in the Okeene Field account for 55% of the reserves on a Present Value basis.
The Anadarko Basin wells produce from a variety of sands and carbonates in both
structural and stratigraphic traps in the Hunton, Red Fork and Morrow formations
at depths ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet. At December 31, 1996, 117 proven
recompletions and 86 development drilling locations had been identified with
respect to the Anadarko Basin properties.
    
 
     San Juan Basin.  The San Juan Basin properties contain 35 Bcfe of proved
reserves, or 5% of total Present Value. The properties consist of 122 gross
wells (116 net) located in the southeastern portion of the basin, all of which
are Company operated. On an Mcfe basis, 52% of the reserves are oil and natural
gas liquids. Current daily production averages 350 barrels of oil and natural
gas liquids and 2 Mmcf of gas. Producing depths range from 2,000 to 8,000 feet
in the tight blanket sands of the Gallup and Pictured Cliffs zones, as well as
the Dakota formation. These properties have an inventory of 18 proven
recompletions and 29 development drilling locations.
 
APPALACHIAN REGION
 
   
     The Appalachian properties contain 188 Bcfe of proved reserves, or 21% of
total Present Value. The reserves are attributable to 5,326 gross wells (4,417
net wells) located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York. The
Company operates 94% of these wells. The reserves, which on an Mcfe basis are
96% natural gas, produce principally from the Medina, Clinton and Rose Run
formations at depths ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 feet. Net daily production
currently totals 400 barrels of oil and 32 Mmcf of gas. After initial flush
production, these properties are characterized by gradual decline rates. Gas
production is transported through 1,900 miles of Company owned gas gathering
systems and is sold primarily to utilities and industrial end-users.
    
 
GULF COAST REGION
 
   
     The Gulf Coast region consists of onshore properties located in the East
Texas Basin and in South Texas, as well as offshore properties located in the
Gulf of Mexico. Reserves in these areas represent 16% of the Company's total
Present Value. Gulf Coast properties contain 71 Bcfe of proved reserves, of
which approximately 63% are developed. On an Mcfe basis, 65% of the reserves are
natural gas. Current net daily production from these properties averages 1,800
barrels of oil and 21 Mmcf of natural gas. At December 31, 1996, the Gulf Coast
properties were estimated to contain 126 proven development projects.
    
 
   
     South Texas/Gulf of Mexico.  The South Texas/Gulf of Mexico properties
contain 54 Bcfe of proved reserves, or 13% of total Present Value. On an Mcfe
basis, gas makes up 79% of the reserves. Current net daily production from the
South Texas/Gulf of Mexico properties totals 1,200 barrels of oil and 21 Mmcf of
gas. Onshore South Texas, these fields range in location from Brooks County in
deep South Texas to Galveston County, near Houston. Significant fields include
Hagist Ranch, Alta Mesa, Riverside, Keeran/Welder and Moses Bayou. These fields
produce from the Wilcox, Frio, Yegua, Vicksburg and Miocene at depths ranging
from 1,000 to 10,000 feet. In total, the onshore fields include 179 gross wells
(153 net), of which 92% are Company operated. The offshore properties in the
Gulf of Mexico include seven platforms offshore Texas and Louisiana in water
depths ranging from 50 to 220 feet. All 15 gross wells (4 net) are operated by
experienced third parties. The Company's working interest in these wells ranges
from 11% to 33%. The offshore properties produce from the Miocene and
Pleistocene age formations, at depths ranging from 8,000 to 14,000 feet. With
multiple producing horizons, untested formations and complex faulting, the South
Texas/Gulf of Mexico
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   40
 
properties contain substantial development and exploration potential, including
the continued use of 3-D seismic technology. At December 31, 1996, these
properties are estimated to contain 15 proven recompletions and 24 development
drilling locations.
 
     East Texas Basin.  The East Texas properties contain 18 Bcfe of proved
reserves accounting for 3% of total Present Value. On an Mcfe basis, 79% of the
reserves are oil. Gross wells total 126 (110 net), of which 74% are Company
operated. Current net daily production averages 620 barrels of oil and 150 Mcf
of gas. Production ranges from the shallow Carrizo section of the Wilcox
formation at a depth of approximately 1,600 feet to the tight Cotton Valley
Taylor blanket sands at approximately 12,000 feet. Approximately 79% of the
Present Value of the East Texas properties is ascribed to 64 operated wells in
the Laura LaVelle Field. At December 31, 1996, 64 proven recompletions and 23
development drilling locations had been identified in the East Texas properties.
 
OIL AND GAS RESERVES
 
     The following table sets forth estimated proved reserves for each year in
the five-year period ended December 31, 1996 and pro forma for the Cometra
Acquisition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31,                      PRO
                                            ----------------------------------------------    FORMA
                                             1992     1993      1994      1995      1996      1996
                                            ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Natural gas (Mmcf)
  Developed...............................  13,171    38,373    97,251   174,958   207,601   311,350
  Undeveloped.............................   4,444    36,190    52,119    57,929    87,993   186,250
                                            ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
          Total...........................  17,615    74,563   149,370   232,887   295,594   497,600
                                            ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Oil and NGLs (Mbbls)
  Developed...............................   1,643     3,344     6,431     8,880    10,703    15,298
  Undeveloped.............................     337     1,195     2,018     1,983     3,972     9,107
                                            ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
          Total...........................   1,980     4,539     8,449    10,863    14,675    24,405
                                            ------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total equivalents (Mmcfe).................  29,495   101,797   200,064   298,065   383,644   644,030
                                            ======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
   
     In connection with the evaluation of its reserves, the Company has engaged
the following independent petroleum consultants: Netherland, Sewell &
Associates, Inc. (Cometra Properties), Wright & Company, Inc. (Appalachia), H.J.
Gruy and Associates, Inc. (Midcontinent and Gulf Coast), Huddleston & Co., Inc.
(Midcontinent) and Clay, Holt & Klammer (Appalachia). These engineers have been
employed primarily based on geographic expertise as well as their history in
engineering certain of the acquired properties. At December 31, 1996,
approximately 95% of the proved reserves set forth above were evaluated by
independent petroleum consultants, while the remainder were evaluated by the
Company's engineering staff. All estimates of oil and gas reserves are subject
to significant uncertainty. See "Risk Factors -- Uncertainty of Estimates of
Reserves and Future Net Revenues."
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth on a pro forma basis at December 31, 1996
the estimated future net cash flow from and the present value of the proved
reserves. Future net cash flow represents future gross cash flow from the
production and sale of proved reserves, net of production costs (including
production taxes, ad valorem taxes and operating expenses) and future
development costs. Such calculations, which are prepared in accordance with the
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69 "Disclosures about Oil and
Gas Producing Activities" are based on constant cost and price factors. Average
product prices at December 31, 1996 were $23.58 per barrel of oil and $3.54 per
Mcf of gas and pro forma average product prices at December 31, 1996 were $23.23
per barrel of oil and $3.99 per Mcf of gas. These prices were substantially
higher than historical prices used by the Company to calculate Present Value in
recent years. A decline in prices relative to year end 1996 would cause a
substantial decline in Present Value. For example, a $0.10 decline in gas
prices, holding all other variables constant, would decrease Present Value by
1.9% or $18.7 million and a $1.00 decline in oil and NGL prices world decrease
Present Value by 1.7% or $16.6 million. Furthermore, there can be no assurance
that the proved reserves will be developed within the periods indicated and it
is likely that actual prices received in the future will vary from those used in
deriving
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   41
 
this information. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
reserves and related information and different reservoir engineers often arrive
at different estimates for the same properties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DEVELOPED       UNDEVELOPED           TOTAL
                                                   ----------     --------------     --------------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                                           <C>            <C>                <C>
     Estimated future net cash flow..............  $1,138,704        $652,064          $  1,790,768
     Present Value...............................     658,121         315,541               973,663
     Standardized Measure........................         N/A             N/A               665,035
</TABLE>
 
PRODUCING WELLS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information relating to productive
wells at December 31, 1996 on a pro forma basis. The Company owns royalty
interests in an additional 310 wells. Wells are classified as oil or gas
according to their predominant production stream.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    AVERAGE
                                                                GROSS      NET      WORKING
                                                                WELLS     WELLS     INTEREST
                                                                -----     -----     -------
     <S>                                                        <C>       <C>       <C>
     Oil......................................................  1,510       816       54%
     Natural gas..............................................  5,770     4,770       83%
                                                                -----     -----       ---
          Total...............................................  7,280     5,586       77%
                                                                =====     =====       ===
</TABLE>
 
ACREAGE
 
     The following table sets forth the developed and undeveloped gross and net
acreage held at December 31, 1996 on a pro forma basis.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    AVERAGE
                                                                                    WORKING
                                                             GROSS        NET       INTEREST
                                                            -------     -------     -------
     <S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
     Developed............................................  659,619     461,999       70%
     Undeveloped..........................................  243,088     166,725       69%
                                                            -------     -------       ---
          Total...........................................  902,707     628,724       70%
                                                            =======     =======       ===
</TABLE>
 
DRILLING RESULTS
 
     The following table summarizes actual drilling activities for the three
years ended December 31, 1996. The drilling results below do not reflect the
Cometra Acquisition (or any other acquisitions).
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             --------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1994                1995                1996
                                             ----------------    ----------------    ----------------
                                             GROSS      NET      GROSS      NET      GROSS      NET
                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
     Exploratory wells:
       Productive........................       3.0       0.1       5.0       0.4       4.0       0.8
       Dry...............................       6.0       1.5       2.0       0.2       7.0       3.7
     Development wells:
       Productive........................      61.0      56.3      53.0      38.8      49.0      45.2
       Dry...............................       1.0       0.3       2.0       0.2       3.0       2.2
                                               ----      ----      ----
          Total..........................      71.0      58.2      62.0      39.6      63.0      51.9
                                               ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
POSSIBLE DISPOSITION OF NON-STRATEGIC ASSETS
    
 
   
     In the ordinary course of its business, the Company regularly considers
transactions involving the disposition of non-strategic oil and gas assets.
Negotiations are currently in progress with respect to the possible disposition
of assets having a historical cost of approximately $5.0 million. Such assets
would be exchanged for approximately 20% of the common stock of a small publicly
traded company. The properties being considered for disposition are located
primarily outside the Company's core operating areas, with the largest portion
located in the state of Utah. There can be no assurance that any transaction
will be effected.
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   42
 
GAS GATHERING AND PROCESSING
 
   
     The Company's natural gas gathering and processing assets are primarily
comprised of (i) its Sterling system, which consists of 265 miles of gas
gathering pipelines and a gas processing plant in the Sterling area of the
Permian Basin, and (ii) over 1,900 miles of gas gathering pipelines in
Appalachia. The Sterling plant is a refrigerated turbo-expander cryogenic gas
plant that was placed in service in early 1995. The plant, designed for
approximately 25,000 Mcf/d, is currently operating at 87% of capacity. The
Company estimates that the plant's capacity can be increased to 35,000 Mcf/d for
approximately $4.0 million in additional capital expenditures.
    
 
     The Appalachian gas gathering systems serve to transport a majority of the
Company's Appalachian gas production as well as third party gas to major
trunklines and directly to industrial end-users. This affords the Company
considerable control and flexibility in marketing its Appalachian production.
Third parties who transport their gas through the systems are charged a
gathering fee ranging from $0.20 to $0.32 per Mcf.
 
OIL AND GAS MARKETING
 
     In order to handle more efficiently the sale of its natural gas, the
Company began to market its own gas production in 1993. On a pro forma basis,
the Company is currently marketing 173 Mmcf/d for its own account as well as
additional volumes for third party producers. The Company's gas production is
sold primarily to utilities and directly to industrial users.
 
     The Company has managed the impact of potential price declines by
developing a balanced portfolio of fixed price and market sensitive contracts
and commodity hedging. On a pro forma basis, approximately 47% of average gas
production at December 31, 1996 was sold subject to fixed price sales contracts.
These fixed price contracts are at prices ranging from $2.15 to $3.70 per Mcf.
The fixed price contracts with terms of less than one year, between one and five
years and greater than five years constitute approximately 31%, 65% and 4%,
respectively, of the volume sold under fixed price contracts.
 
     From time to time, the Company enters into oil and natural gas price hedges
to reduce its exposure to commodity price fluctuations. At December 31, 1996,
approximately 12% on an Mcfe basis of the Company's monthly production for the
period January 1997 to April 1997 was hedged under such arrangements. No
production after this period was hedged. In the future, the Company may hedge a
larger percentage of its production.
 
     Approximately 30% of the Company's pro forma December 1996 gas production
on an Mcfe basis was attributable to Appalachia. Gas production in Appalachia
has historically received a higher price, due to its proximity to the
northeastern gas markets.
 
     The Company's oil production is sold at the well site at posted field
prices tied to the spot oil markets. Oil purchasers are selected on the basis of
price and service.
 
   
     As part of the Cometra Acquisition, the Company acquired a gas contract,
which expires June 30, 2000, with a major Texas gas utility company representing
17% of the Company's pro forma December 1996 production on an Mcfe basis. The
price paid pursuant to the contract was $3.70 per Mcf at December 31, 1996 (55%
higher than average 1996 natural gas prices received by the Company) and
escalates at $0.05 per Mcf per annum. No other purchaser of the Company's oil or
gas during 1996 exceeded 10% of the Company's total revenues.
    
 
FACILITIES
 
   
     The Company owns a 24,000 square foot facility located on approximately
seven acres near Hartville, Ohio. The facility houses certain operating and
administrative personnel. The Company leases approximately 33,000 square feet in
Fort Worth and Oklahoma City under standard office lease arrangements that
expire at various times through March 2004. All facilities are adequate to meet
the Company's existing needs and can be expanded with minimal expense.
    
 
     The Company owns various rolling stock and other equipment which is used in
its field operations. Such equipment is believed to be in good repair and, while
such equipment is important to its operations, it can be readily replaced as
necessary.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   43
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
     As of February 14, 1997, the Company had approximately 300 full-time
employees, of whom approximately 190 were field personnel. None are covered by a
collective bargaining agreement and management believes that its relationship
with its employees is good.
    
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, such litigation and
claims will be resolved without a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position.
 
   
     The Company recently received notice from two parties, each of whom claims
that it is entitled to fees from the Company based upon a Yemen oil concession
that they claim Red Eagle Resources Corporation received in August 1992, which
was prior to the acquisition of Red Eagle by the Company. Based upon the
Company's examination of the available documentation relevant to such claims,
the Company believes that the claims are without merit because the claimed oil
concession was never obtained in Yemen. The Company has requested further
documentation from the two parties with respect to their claims but no such
documentation has yet been provided. The claims are for approximately $4.0
million in the aggregate (including the value of approximately 70,000 shares of
Common Stock that would be required to be issued if the oil concession had been
obtained). To date, no proceedings have been commenced with respect to either of
these claims.
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   44
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
     The current executive officers and Directors of the Company are listed
below, together with a description of their experience and certain other
information. Each of the Directors was re-elected for a one-year term at the
Company's 1996 annual meeting of stockholders. Executive officers are appointed
by the Board of Directors.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        HELD
                                       OFFICE
          NAME               AGE        SINCE                     POSITION WITH COMPANY
- -------------------------    ---     -----------     ------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>     <C>             <C>
Thomas J. Edelman            45          1988        Chairman and Chairman of the Board
John H. Pinkerton            42          1988        President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Robert E. Aikman             64          1990        Director
Anthony V. Dub               46          1995        Director
Allen Finkelson              50          1994        Director
Ben A. Guill                 45          1995        Director
C. Rand Michaels             59          1976        Vice Chairman and Director
Jeffery A. Bynum             42          1985        Vice President-Land
Steven L. Grose              48          1980        Vice President-Appalachia Region
Chad L. Stephens             41          1990        Vice President-Midcontinent Region
Thomas W. Stoelk             41          1994        Vice President-Finance and
                                                     Chief Financial Officer
Danny W. Sowell              46          1996        Vice President-Gas Management
John R. Frank                41          1990        Controller
Geoffrey T. Doke             30          1996        Treasurer
</TABLE>
    
 
     Thomas J. Edelman holds the office of Chairman and is Chairman of the Board
of Directors. Mr. Edelman joined the Company in 1988 and served as its Chief
Executive Officer until 1992. Since 1981, Mr. Edelman has been a director and
President of Snyder Oil Corporation ("SOCO"), an independent, publicly traded
oil and gas company. In 1996, Mr. Edelman was appointed Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Patina Oil & Gas Corporation, a publicly traded
affiliate of SOCO. Prior to 1981, Mr. Edelman was a Vice President of The First
Boston Corporation. From 1975 through 1980, Mr. Edelman was with Lehman Brothers
Kuhn Loeb Incorporated. Mr. Edelman received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from
Princeton University and his Masters Degree in Finance from Harvard University's
Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Edelman is also a director of
Petroleum Heat & Power Co., Inc., a Connecticut-based fuel oil distributor, Star
Gas Corporation, a private company, which is the general partner of Star Gas
Partners, L.P., a publicly-traded master limited partnership, which distributes
propane gas.
 
     John H. Pinkerton, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director,
joined the Company in 1988. He was appointed President in 1990 and Chief
Executive Officer in 1992. Previously, Mr. Pinkerton was a Senior Vice
President-Acquisitions of SOCO. Prior to joining SOCO in 1980, Mr. Pinkerton was
with Arthur Andersen & Co. Mr. Pinkerton received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Business Administration from Texas Christian University and his Master of Arts
Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas. Mr. Pinkerton is
also director of North Coast Energy, Inc. ("North Coast"), an exploration and
production company in which Lomak acquired an approximately 50% interest in
1996.
 
     Robert E. Aikman, a Director, joined the Company in 1990. Mr. Aikman has
more than 40 years experience in petroleum and natural gas exploration and
production throughout the United States and Canada. From 1984 to 1994 he was
Chairman of the Board of Energy Resources Corporation. From 1979 through 1984,
he was the President and principal shareholder of Aikman Petroleum, Inc. From
1971 to 1977, he was President of Dorchester Exploration Inc. and from 1971 to
1980, he was a Director and a member of the Executive Committee of Dorchester
Gas Corporation. Mr. Aikman is also Chairman of Provident Trade Company,
President of EROG, Inc., and President of The Hawthorne Company, an entity which
organizes joint ventures and provides advisory services for the acquisition of
oil and gas properties, including the financial restructuring, reorganization
and sale of companies. He was President of Enertec Corporation which was
reorganized under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in December 1994. In
addition, Mr. Aikman is a director of the Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners
Association and a member of the Independent
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   45
 
Petroleum Association of America, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners
Association and American Association of Petroleum Landmen. Mr. Aikman graduated
from the University of Oklahoma in 1952.
 
     Anthony V. Dub was elected to serve as a Director of the Company in 1995.
Mr. Dub is Managing Director-Senior Advisor of Credit Suisse First Boston, an
international investment banking firm with headquarters in New York City. Mr.
Dub joined Credit Suisse First Boston in 1971 and was named a Managing Director
in 1981. Mr. Dub received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Princeton University
in 1971.
 
     Allen Finkelson was appointed a Director in 1994. Mr. Finkelson has been a
partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore since 1977, with the exception of the period
from September 1983 through August 1985, when he was a managing director of
Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Incorporated. Mr. Finkelson was first employed by
Cravath, Swaine & Moore as an associate in 1971. Mr. Finkelson received his
Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Lawrence University and his Doctor of Laws
Degree from Columbia University School of Law.
 
     Ben A. Guill was elected to serve as a Director of the Company in 1995. Mr.
Guill is a Partner and Managing Director of Simmons & Company International, an
investment banking firm located in Houston, Texas focused exclusively on the oil
service and equipment industry. Mr. Guill has been with Simmons & Company since
1980. Prior to joining Simmons & Company, Mr. Guill was with Blyth Eastman
Dillon & Company from 1978 to 1980. Mr. Guill received his Bachelor of Arts
Degree from Princeton University and his Masters Degree in Finance from the
Wharton Graduate School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
 
     C. Rand Michaels, who holds the office of Vice Chairman and is a Director,
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 1976 through
1988 and Chairman of the Board from 1984 through 1988, when he became Vice
Chairman. Mr. Michaels received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Auburn
University and his Master of Business Administration Degree from the University
of Denver. Mr. Michaels is also a director of American Business Computers
Corporation of Akron, Ohio, a public company serving the beverage dispensing and
fast food industries, and North Coast.
 
     Jeffery A. Bynum, Vice President-Land and Secretary, joined the Company in
1985. Previously, Mr. Bynum was employed by Crystal Oil Company and Kinnebrew
Energy Group of Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr. Bynum holds a Professional
Certification with American Association of Petroleum Landmen and attended
Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Centenary College in
Shreveport, Louisiana.
 
     Steven L. Grose, Vice President-Appalachia Region, joined the Company in
1980. Previously, Mr. Grose was employed by Halliburton Services, Inc. as a
Field Engineer from 1971 until 1974. In 1974, he was promoted to District
Engineer and in 1978, was named Assistant District Superintendent based in
Pennsylvania. Mr. Grose is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a
trustee of The Ohio Oil and Gas Association. Mr. Grose received his Bachelor of
Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College. Mr. Grose is also
a director of North Coast.
 
     Chad L. Stephens, Vice President-Midcontinent Region, joined the Company in
1990. Previously, Mr. Stephens was a landman with Duer Wagner & Co., an
independent oil and gas producer, since 1988. Prior thereto, Mr. Stephens was an
independent oil operator in Midland, Texas for four years. From 1979 to 1984,
Mr. Stephens was a landman for Cities Service Company and HNG Oil Company. Mr.
Stephens received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance and Land Management
from the University of Texas.
 
     Thomas W. Stoelk, Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer,
joined the Company in 1994. Mr. Stoelk is a Certified Public Accountant and was
a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young LLP. Prior to rejoining Ernst & Young LLP in
1986 he was with Partners Petroleum, Inc. Mr. Stoelk received his Bachelor of
Science Degree in Industrial Administration from Iowa State University.
 
     Danny M. Sowell, Vice President-Gas Management, joined the Company in 1996.
Previously, Mr. Sowell was Chief Executive Officer and President of Jay Gas
Marketing, which Lomak acquired May 1, 1996. Prior to founding Jay Gas, Mr.
Sowell was Director of Marketing for a subsidiary of Oklahoma Gas & Electric
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   46
 
Company. Mr. Sowell received his Master and Bachelor of Science Degrees in
Mathematics from Lamar University.
 
     John R. Frank, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, joined the Company
in 1990. From 1989 until he joined Lomak in 1990, Mr. Frank was Vice President
Finance of Appalachian Exploration, Inc. Prior thereto, he held the positions of
Internal Auditor and Treasurer with Appalachian Exploration, Inc. beginning in
1977. Mr. Frank received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and
Management from Walsh College and attended graduate studies at the University of
Akron.
 
     Geoffrey T. Doke, Treasurer, joined the Company in 1991. He was appointed
Treasurer in 1996. Previously, Mr. Doke served in the accounting department of
Edisto Resources Corporation. Mr. Doke received his Bachelor of Business
Administration Degree in Finance and International Business from Baylor
University and his Master of Business Administration Degree from Case Western
Reserve University.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   47
 
   
            PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding (i) the share
ownership of the Company by each person known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii)
the share ownership of the Company by each Director, (iii) the share ownership
of the Company by certain executive officers and (iv) the share ownership of the
Company by all Directors and executive officers as a group, in each case as of
February 14, 1997 and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the Offerings. The
business address of each officer and Director listed below is: c/o Lomak
Petroleum, Inc., 500 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ACTUAL                         PRO FORMA
                                              -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                              NUMBER OF SHARES                NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                BENEFICIALLY     PERCENTAGE     BENEFICIALLY     PERCENTAGE
                                                   OWNED          OF CLASS         OWNED          OF CLASS
                                              ----------------   ----------   ----------------   ----------
<S>                                           <C>                <C>          <C>                <C>
Thomas J. Edelman.............................       979,541(1)      5.99%          979,541(1)       4.81%
John H. Pinkerton.............................       494,093(2)      3.01%          494,093(2)       2.42%
C. Rand Michaels..............................       296,598(3)      1.82%          296,598(3)       1.46%
Robert E. Aikman..............................        83,776(4)      0.52%           83,776(4)       0.41%
Anthony V. Dub................................        64,165(5)      0.40%           64,165(5)       0.32%
Allen Finkelson...............................         6,000(6)      0.04%            6,000(6)       0.03%
Ben A. Guill..................................        52,400(7)      0.32%           52,400(7)       0.26%
Chad L. Stephens..............................       111,651(8)      0.69%          111,651(8)       0.55%
Thomas W. Stoelk..............................        33,500(9)      0.21%           33,500(9)       0.17%
All Directors and executive officers as a
  group (14 persons)..........................     2,348,299(10)    13.92%        2,348,299(10)     11.25%
Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio
  (11)........................................     1,350,000         8.32%        1,350,000          6.68%
American Cometra, Inc. (12) ..................     1,410,106         8.69%        1,410,106          6.97%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
 (1) Includes 145,000 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days; 113,333
     shares held under IRA, KEOGH and pension plan accounts; 29,916 shares owned
     by Mr. Edelman's spouse; and 91,200 shares owned by Mr. Edelman's minor
     children, to which Mr. Edelman disclaims beneficial ownership.
    
 
   
 (2) Includes 171,667 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days; 115,899
     shares held under IRA and pension plan accounts; 1,572 shares owned by Mr.
     Pinkerton's minor children; and 743 shares owned by Mr. Pinkerton's spouse,
     to which Mr. Pinkerton disclaims beneficial ownership.
    
 
   
 (3) Includes 55,666 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days; 1,804 shares
     held under the IRA account; 107,011 shares owned by Mr. Michael's spouse;
     and 19,460 shares owned by Mr. Michael's minor children, to which Mr.
     Michaels disclaims beneficial ownership.
    
 
   
 (4) Includes 21,000 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days; 7,566 shares
     owned by Mr. Aikman's spouse; and 10,010 shares owned by Mr. Aikman's minor
     children, to which Mr. Aikman disclaims beneficial ownership.
    
 
   
 (5) Includes 2,400 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days.
    
 
   
 (6) Includes 6,000 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days.
    
 
   
 (7) Includes 2,400 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days.
    
 
   
 (8) Includes 56,167 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days; 10,000 shares
     owned by Mr. Stephens' spouse; and 3,879 shares owned by Mr. Stephens'
     minor children, to which Mr. Stephens disclaims beneficial ownership.
    
 
   
 (9) Includes 32,500 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days.
    
 
   
(10) Includes 644,682 shares which may be purchased under currently exercisable
     stock options or options that are exercisable within 60 days.
    
 
   
(11) Such stockholder's address is 227 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
    
 
   
(12) Such stockholder's address is 500 Throckmorton, Suite 2500, Fort Worth,
     Texas 76102.
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   48
 
                 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK AND INDEBTEDNESS
 
   
     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 4,000,000
shares of serial preferred stock, $1.00 par value and (ii) 35,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $.01 par value. As of February 14, 1997, the Company had
outstanding 16,220,936 shares of Common Stock and 1,150,000 shares of $2.03
Convertible Preferred Stock.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends if, when and as
declared by the Board of Directors of the Company out of funds legally available
therefor (however, the Indenture for the Notes and the Credit Agreement contain
certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends. If there is any arrearage
in the payment of dividends on any preferred stock, the Company may not pay
dividends upon, repurchase or redeem shares of its Common Stock. All shares of
Common Stock have equal voting rights on the basis of one vote per share on all
matters to be voted upon by stockholders. Cumulative voting for the election of
directors is not permitted. Shares of Common Stock have no preemptive,
conversion, sinking fund or redemption provisions and are not liable for further
call or assessment. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to share on a pro
rata basis in any assets available for distribution to the holders of the Common
Stock upon liquidation of the Company after satisfaction of any liquidation
preference on any series of the Company's preferred stock. All outstanding
shares of Common Stock have been, and all shares offered in the Common Stock
Offering will be when issued, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
    
 
OPTIONS
 
   
     The Company's stock option plan, which is administered by the Compensation
Committee, provides for the granting of options to purchase shares of Common
Stock to key employees and certain other persons who are not employees for
advice or other assistance or services to the Company. The plan permits the
granting of options to acquire up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock subject to
a limitation of 10% of the outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis. At
February 14, 1997, a total of 1,216,232 options had been granted under the plan
of which options to purchase 503,632 shares were exercisable at that date. The
options outstanding at February 14, 1997 were granted at an exercise price of
$3.38 to $13.88 per share. The exercise price of all such options was equal to
the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. All were options
granted for a term of five years, with 30% of the options becoming exercisable
after one year, an additional 30% becoming exercisable after two years and the
remaining options becoming exercisable after three years.
    
 
WARRANTS
 
   
     Warrants to acquire 20,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $12.88 per
share were outstanding at February 14, 1997. These warrants expire in December
1997.
    
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
     The Board of Directors of the Company, without action by stockholders, is
authorized to issue shares of serial preferred stock in one or more series and,
within certain limitations, to determine the voting rights (including the right
to vote as a series on particular matters), preferences as to dividends and the
liquidation, conversion, redemption and other rights of each such series. The
Board of Directors could issue a series with rights more favorable with respect
to dividends, liquidation and voting than those held by the holders of its
Common Stock. At February 14, 1997, 1,150,000 shares of Preferred Stock were
outstanding, designated as $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock.
    
 
     The $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock bears an annual dividend rate of
$2.03 payable quarterly. If dividends have not been paid on the $2.03
Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company cannot redeem or pay dividends on
shares of stock ranking junior to the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock. No new
serial preferred stock can be created with rights superior to those of the $2.03
Convertible Preferred Stock, as to dividends and liquidation rights, without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   49
 
   
In addition, the holders of the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled
to one vote for each share owned. Additionally, if dividends remain unpaid for
six full quarterly periods, or if any future class of preferred stockholders is
entitled to elect members of the Board of Directors based on actual missed and
unpaid dividends, the number of members of the Board of Directors will be
increased to such number as may be necessary to entitle the holders of the $2.03
Convertible Preferred Stock and such other future preferred stockholders, voting
as a single class, to elect one-third of the members of the Board of Directors.
The $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock has liquidation rights of $25 per share.
The Company may exchange the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock for an aggregate
of $28,750,000 principal amount of its 8.125% Convertible Subordinated Notes due
December 31, 2005. Each share of $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock is
convertible into Common Stock at a conversion price of $9.50 per share, subject
to adjustment under certain circumstances. The conversion price will be reduced
for a limited period (but to not less than $5.21) if a change in control or
fundamental change in the Company occurs at a time that the market price of the
Common Stock is less than the conversion price. The Company may redeem the $2.03
Convertible Preferred Stock at any time after November 1, 1998, at redemption
prices declining from $26.50 to $25.00 per share, plus cumulative unpaid
dividends.
    
 
   
6% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
    
 
   
     On December 27, 1996, the Company sold $55,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures in a private offering not
registered under the Securities Act. The 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures
are convertible at any time prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed or
repurchased, into shares of Common Stock, at a conversion price of $19.25 per
share, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The 6% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and subordinate to all senior and senior
subordinated indebtedness and do not restrict the incurrence of additional
indebtedness by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The 6% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures will mature on February 1, 2007. The Company may redeem
the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures, in whole or in part, on or after
February 1, 2000, at certain redemption prices, plus accrued but unpaid interest
at the date fixed for redemption. Upon certain changes of control of the
Company, the Company is required to offer to repurchase each holder's 6%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures at a purchase price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase.
    
 
   
     Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the
initial purchasers of the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures, the Company
has agreed to file a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration
Statement") relating to the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures and the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the 6% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to
maintain the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement until the third
anniversary of the issuance of the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures,
except that it shall be permitted to suspend the use of the Shelf Registration
Statement during certain periods under certain circumstances. If the Company
fails to meet certain of its obligations under the Shelf Registration Statement,
then a supplemental payment will be made to the holders of the 6% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures or shares of Common Stock actually issued upon
conversion of the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures. During the first 90
days of such a default, the supplemental payment will be $0.05 per week per
$1,000 principal amount of the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures and
$0.0005 per week per share of such Common Stock. The amount of such supplemental
payment will increase over time if the default continues, subject to a maximum
supplemental payment of $0.20 per week per $1,000 principal amount of 6%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures and $0.002 per week per share of Common
Stock.
    
 
   
CREDIT AGREEMENT
    
 
   
     In connection with the financing of the Cometra Acquisition, the Company
and its subsidiaries expanded the existing credit facility with the bank
lenders. The Credit Agreement permits the Company to obtain revolving credit
loans and to issue letters of credit for the account of the Company from time to
time in an aggregate amount not to exceed $400 million (of which not more than
$150 million may be represented by letters of credit). The Borrowing Base, which
is initially $400 million under the expanded facility, will be
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   50
 
   
reduced to $325 million on August 13, 1997, unless otherwise agreed by the
lenders. The Borrowing Base is subject to semi-annual determination and is
calculated based upon a variety of factors, including the discounted present
value of estimated future net cash flow from oil and gas production.
    
 
   
     The Company will be required to make a mandatory prepayment of all amounts
outstanding under the Credit Agreement in excess of $325 million on August 13,
1997. At the Company's option, loans may be prepaid, and revolving credit
commitments may be reduced, in whole or in part at any time in certain minimum
amounts. The Credit Agreement matures in February 2002.
    
 
   
     The obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement are
unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by the Bank Guarantors. In addition,
the Credit Agreement is secured by first priority security interests in (i)
existing mortgaged oil and gas properties of the Company and the Cometra
Properties, (ii) all accounts receivable, inventory and intangibles of the
Company and the Bank Guarantors, and (iii) all of the capital stock of the
Company's direct or indirect subsidiaries. Substantially all of the assets of
the Company will be pledged as collateral if, on May 15, 1997, the Borrowing
Base and amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement have not been reduced to
$325 million. Such additional security interests will be released upon the (i)
reduction of the amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement to $325 million
(or the then determined Borrowing Base) and (ii) issuance of $75 million of
Common Stock and/or the sale of Company assets in excess of the Borrowing Base
value attributable to such assets as agreed by the lenders (the "Trigger
Event").
    
 
   
     At the Company's option, the applicable interest rate per annum is either
the Eurodollar loan rate plus a margin ranging from 0.625% to 1.125% or the
Alternate Base Rate (as defined) plus a margin ranging from 0% to 0.25%. The
Alternate Base Rate is the highest of (a) the agent banks' reference rate, (b)
the secondary market rate for certificates of deposit (adjusted for maximum
statutory reserve requirements) plus 1.0% and (c) the federal funds effective
rate plus 0.5%. Until the occurrence of the Trigger Event, the interest rate
margins will be increased by 50 basis points prior to March 31, 1997 and 100
basis points thereafter.
    
 
   
     Immediately following the Cometra Acquisition, approximately $392.3 million
was outstanding (including $134 million of then outstanding letters of credit to
secure the promissory note issued to Cometra as part of the purchase price in
the Cometra Acquisition) under the Credit Agreement. Upon consummation of the
Offerings, approximately $220.1 million will be outstanding under the Credit
Agreement. Furthermore, if the Common Stock is sold in the Common Stock Offering
for at least $20 per share (or at least $17.50 per share if the over-allotment
option applicable to the Common Stock Offering is exercised), the Company will
receive at least $75 million in net proceeds from the Common Stock Offering,
resulting in the occurrence of the Trigger Event. On February 13, 1997, the
closing price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape
was $19.00 per share.
    
 
   
     The Credit Agreement contains various covenants that, among other things,
will restrict the ability of the Company to dispose of assets, incur additional
indebtedness, repay other indebtedness or amend other debt instruments, pay
dividends, create liens on assets, make investments or acquisitions, engage in
mergers or consolidations, make capital expenditures or engage in certain
transactions with affiliates. In addition, under the Credit Agreement, the
Company will be required to comply with specified minimum interest coverage and
maximum leverage ratios.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   51
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
   
     Subject to the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an
Underwriting Agreement dated the date hereof, the Underwriters named below, for
whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, PaineWebber Incorporated, Smith Barney
Inc., A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. are
serving as Representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and the Company
has agreed to sell to the Underwriters, an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of
Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock that each Underwriter has
agreed to purchase is set forth opposite its name below:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     NAME                             NUMBER OF SHARES
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>                                                           <C>
   
        Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.............................
    
        PaineWebber Incorporated......................................
        Smith Barney Inc. ............................................
        A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ....................................
        McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. ..........................
 
                                                                           ---------
                  Total...............................................     4,000,000
                                                                           =========
</TABLE>
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel
and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to take and pay
for all of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (other than those covered
by the over-allotment option described below) if any are taken.
 
     The Underwriters propose to offer part of the shares directly to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof and part to
certain dealers at a price which represents a concession not in excess of
$          per share under the public offering price. The Underwriters may
allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess on $
per share to certain other dealers.
 
     Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company has granted to the
Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to 600,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the
public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof, less underwriting
discounts and commissions. The Underwriters may exercise such option to purchase
solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection
with the Common Stock Offering. To the extent such option is exercised, each
Underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage of such additional shares as the number set
forth next to such Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total
number of shares of Common Stock offered hereby.
 
   
     The Company, each of its directors, certain of its officers and certain
other stockholders of the Company have agreed with the Underwriters not to sell,
offer to sell, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any
shares of or enter into any agreement to sell Common Stock for a period of 90
days after the date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of 
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated for the Underwriters, except that the Company
may issue shares of Common Stock and options to purchase Common Stock under its
existing stock purchase and stock option plans. Cometra has agreed with the
Company not to sell or otherwise dispose of the 1,410,106 shares it received
pursuant to the Cometra Acquisition until March 31, 1997.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   52
 
     The Company and the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the valid issuance, due
authorization, full payment and nonassessability of the Common Stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 2300 First
City Tower, Houston, Texas 77002-6760, and for the Underwriters by Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett (a partnership which includes professional corporations), 425
Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3909.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
     The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, as of December 31,
1995 and 1996 and for the three years then ended, included and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto included and incorporated by reference in this Prospectus in reliance
upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
    
 
   
     The statements of revenues and direct operating expenses of the American
Cometra Interests (referred to herein as the Cometra Properties) for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, included in the Registration Statement
have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
    
 
     The financial statements of the Bannon Interests as of December 31, 1995
and for the year then ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in
the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and
upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     Certain information with respect to the gas and oil reserves of the Company
derived from the respective reports of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.,
Wright & Company, Inc., H. J. Gruy and Associates, Inc., Huddleston & Co., Inc.
and Clay, Holt & Klammer, each of which is a firm of independent petroleum
consultants, has been included and incorporated herein and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts
with respect to the matters contained in their respective reports.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   53
 
                                    GLOSSARY
 
The terms defined in this glossary are used throughout this Prospectus.
 
Bbl.  One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein in
reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
 
Bcf.  One billion cubic feet.
 
Bcfe.  One billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, based on a ratio of 6
Mcf for each barrel of oil, which reflects the relative energy content.
 
Development well.  A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or natural
gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
 
Dry hole.  A well found to be incapable of producing either oil or natural gas
in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or gas well.
 
Exploratory well.  A well drilled to find and produce oil or gas in an unproved
area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of
oil or gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known reservoir.
 
Gross acres or gross wells.  The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in
which a working interest is owned.
 
   
Infill well.  A well drilled between known producing wells to better exploit the
reservoir.
    
 
Mbbl.  One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
 
Mcf.  One thousand cubic feet.
 
Mcfe.  One thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalents, based on a ratio of 6
Mcf for each barrel of oil, which reflects the relative energy content.
 
Mmbbl.  One million barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
 
Mmcf.  One million cubic feet.
 
Mmcfe.  One million cubic feet of natural gas equivalents.
 
Net acres or net wells.  The sum of the fractional working interests owned in
gross acres or gross wells.
 
Net oil and gas sales.  Oil and natural gas sales less oil and natural gas
production expenses.
 
Present Value. The pre-tax present value, discounted at 10%, of future net cash
flows from estimated proved reserves, calculated holding prices and costs
constant at amounts in effect on the date of the report (unless such prices or
costs are subject to change pursuant to contractual provisions) and otherwise in
accordance with the Commission's rules for inclusion of oil and gas reserve
information in financial statements filed with the Commission.
 
Productive well.  A well that is producing oil or gas or that is capable of
production.
 
Proved developed non-producing reserves.  Reserves that consist of (i) proved
reserves from wells which have been completed and tested but are not producing
due to lack of market or minor completion problems which are expected to be
corrected and (ii) provided reserves currently behind the pipe in existing wells
and which are expected to be productive due to both the well log characteristics
and analogous production in the immediate vicinity of the wells.
 
Proved developed producing reserves.  Proved reserves that can be expected to be
recovered from currently producing zones under the continuation of present
operating methods.
 
Proved developed reserves.  Proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered
through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.
 
Proved reserves.  The estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural
gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable
certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing
economic and operating conditions.
 
Proved undeveloped reserves.  Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered
from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively
major expenditure is required for recompletion.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   54
 
Recompletion.  The completion for production of an existing wellbore in another
formation from that in which the well has previously been completed.
 
Royalty interest.  An interest in an oil and gas property entitling the owner to
a share of oil and natural gas production free of costs of production.
 
Standardized Measure.  The present value, discounted at 10%, of future net cash
flows from estimated proved reserves after income taxes calculated holding
prices and costs constant at amounts in effect on the date of the report (unless
such prices or costs are subject to change pursuant to contractual provisions)
and otherwise in accordance with the Commission's rules for inclusion of oil and
gas reserve information in financial statements filed with the Commission.
 
Working interest.  The operating interest that gives the owner the right to
drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and a share of
production, subject to all royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens and
to all costs of exploration, development and operations and all risks in
connection therewith.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   55
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PAGE
                                                                                      NUMBER
                                                                                      ------
<S>                                                                                   <C>
LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
  Report of Independent Public Accountants..........................................    F-2
  Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1996.........................    F-3
  Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
     1996...........................................................................    F-4
  Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity for the years ended December 31,
     1994, 1995 and 1996............................................................    F-5
  Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995
     and 1996.......................................................................    F-6
  Notes to consolidated financial statements........................................    F-7
 
COMETRA INTERESTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
  Report of Independent Accountants.................................................   F-21
  Statement of revenues and direct operating expenses for the years ended December
     31, 1994, 1995 and 1996........................................................   F-22
  Notes to the statement of revenues and direct operating expenses..................   F-23
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   56
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
     Lomak Petroleum, Inc.
 
   
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lomak
Petroleum, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and
the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
    
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Lomak Petroleum, Inc. as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Cleveland, Ohio,
   
February 14, 1997
    
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   57
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                          1995          1996
                                                                        --------      --------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents................................................  $  3,047      $  8,625
  Accounts receivable.................................................    14,109        18,121
  Marketable securities...............................................       953         7,658
  Inventory and other.................................................     1,114           799
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                          19,223        35,203
                                                                        --------      --------
Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method.....................   210,073       282,519
  Accumulated depletion...............................................   (33,371)      (53,102)
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                         176,702       229,417
                                                                        --------      --------
Gas transportation and field service assets...........................    23,167        21,139
  Accumulated depreciation............................................    (4,304)       (4,997)
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                          18,863        16,142
                                                                        --------      --------
Other.................................................................        --         1,785
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                        $214,788      $282,547
                                                                        ========      ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable....................................................  $  9,084      $ 14,433
  Accrued liabilities.................................................     3,761         4,603
  Accrued payroll and benefit costs...................................     1,762         3,245
  Current portion of debt (Note 4)....................................        53            26
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                          14,660        22,307
                                                                        --------      --------
Long-term debt (Note 4)...............................................    83,035       116,780
 
Deferred taxes (Note 10)..............................................    17,726        25,931
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)................................
 
Stockholders' equity (Notes 7 and 8)
  Preferred stock, $1 par, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 7 1/2%
     convertible preferred, 200,000 issued (liquidation preference
     $5,000,000)......................................................       200            --
     $2.03 convertible preferred, 1,150,000 issued (liquidation
     preference $28,750,000)..........................................     1,150         1,150
  Common stock, $.01 par, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 13,322,738 and
     14,750,537 issued................................................       133           148
  Capital in excess of par value......................................   101,773       110,248
  Retained earnings (deficit).........................................    (4,013)        5,291
  Unrealized gain on marketable securities............................       124           692
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                          99,367       117,529
                                                                        --------      --------
                                                                        $214,788      $282,547
                                                                        ========      ========
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   58
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                 1994        1995        1996
                                                                -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues
  Oil and gas sales...........................................  $24,461     $37,417     $68,054
  Field services..............................................    7,667      10,097      14,223
  Gas transportation and marketing............................    2,195       3,284       5,575
  Interest and other..........................................      471       1,317       3,386
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                 34,794      52,115      91,238
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Expenses
  Direct operating............................................   10,019      14,930      24,456
  Field services..............................................    5,778       6,469      10,443
  Gas transportation and marketing............................      490         849       1,674
  Exploration.................................................      359         512       1,460
  General and administrative..................................    2,478       2,736       3,966
  Interest....................................................    2,807       5,584       7,487
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization....................   10,105      14,863      22,303
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                 32,036      45,943      71,789
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Income before taxes...........................................    2,758       6,172      19,449
Income taxes
  Current.....................................................       21          86         729
  Deferred....................................................      118       1,696       6,105
                                                                -------     -------     -------
                                                                    139       1,782       6,834
                                                                -------     -------     -------
Net income....................................................  $ 2,619     $ 4,390     $12,615
                                                                =======     =======     =======
Earnings per common share.....................................  $  0.25     $  0.31     $  0.69
                                                                =======     =======     =======
Weighted average shares outstanding...........................    9,051      11,841      14,812
                                                                =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   59
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      PREFERRED STOCK        COMMON STOCK
                                     -----------------     ----------------     CAPITAL IN     RETAINED
                                                 PAR                   PAR      EXCESS OF      EARNINGS
                                     SHARES     VALUE      SHARES     VALUE     PAR VALUE      (DEFICIT)
                                     ------     ------     ------     -----     ----------     --------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>            <C>
Balance, December 31, 1993.........    200      $  200      8,309     $  83      $  41,768     $ (9,788)
  Preferred dividends..............     --          --         --        --             --         (375)
  Common issued....................     --          --      1,504        15          9,220           --
  Common repurchased...............     --          --        (59)       (1)          (493)          --
  Net income.......................     --          --         --        --             --        2,619
                                     -----      ------     ------     -----      ---------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1994.........    200         200      9,754        97         50,495       (7,544)
  Preferred dividends..............     --          --         --        --             --         (731)
  Common dividends.................     --          --         --        --             --         (128)
  Common issued....................     --          --      3,609        36         24,953           --
  Common repurchased...............     --          --        (40)       --           (332)          --
  $2.03 preferred issued...........  1,150       1,150         --        --         26,657           --
  Net income.......................     --          --         --        --             --        4,390
                                     -----      ------     ------     -----      ---------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1995.........  1,350       1,350     13,323       133        101,773       (4,013)
  Preferred dividends..............     --          --         --        --             --       (2,454)
  Common dividends.................     --          --         --        --             --         (857)
  Common issued....................     --          --        887         9          8,882           --
  Common repurchased...............     --          --        (36)       --           (601)          --
  Conversion of 7 1/2% preferred...   (200)       (200)       577         6            194           --
  Net income.......................     --          --         --        --             --       12,615
                                     -----      ------     ------     -----      ---------     --------
Balance, December 31, 1996.........  1,150      $1,150     14,751     $ 148      $ 110,248     $  5,291
                                     =====      ======     ======     =====      =========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   60
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                               1994         1995         1996
                                                             --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operations:
  Net income...............................................  $  2,619     $  4,390     $ 12,615
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
     by operations:
     Depletion, depreciation and amortization..............    10,105       14,863       22,303
     Deferred income taxes.................................       118        1,335        6,105
     Changes in working capital net of effects of purchases
       of businesses:
       Accounts receivable.................................     3,106       (5,247)        (494)
       Marketable securities...............................      (534)        (296)      (5,264)
       Inventory and other.................................       (45)         278          137
       Accounts payable....................................    (2,126)         663        5,385
       Accrued liabilities and payroll and benefit costs...    (1,531)       1,778          781
     Gain on sale of assets and other......................      (471)      (1,203)      (3,123)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided by operations............................    11,241       16,561       38,445
Cash flows from investing:
  Acquisition of businesses, net of cash...................    (9,399)          --      (13,950)
  Oil and gas properties...................................   (22,251)     (69,992)     (59,137)
  Additions to property and equipment......................      (813)      (9,102)      (1,250)
  Proceeds on sale of assets...............................     2,927        2,981        4,671
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash used in investing.................................   (29,536)     (76,113)     (69,666)
Cash flows from financing:
  Proceeds from indebtedness...............................    22,235       21,304       85,201
  Repayments of indebtedness...............................    (1,024)        (808)     (53,268)
  Preferred stock dividends................................      (375)        (731)      (2,454)
  Common stock dividends...................................        --         (128)        (857)
  Proceeds from Common stock issuance......................       830       10,590        8,315
  Repurchase of Common stock...............................      (493)        (332)        (138)
  Proceeds from Preferred stock issuance...................        --       27,807           --
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided by financing.............................    21,173       57,702       36,799
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Change in cash.............................................     2,878       (1,850)       5,578
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period................     2,019        4,897        3,047
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Cash and equivalents at end of period......................  $  4,897     $  3,047     $  8,625
                                                             ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   61
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1)  ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
 
   
     Lomak Petroleum, Inc. ("Lomak" or the "Company") is an independent oil and
gas company engaged in development, exploration and acquisition primarily in
three core areas: the Midcontinent, Appalachia and the Gulf Coast. Historically,
the Company has increased its reserves and production through acquisitions,
development and exploration of its properties. Over the past six years, 62
acquisitions have been consummated at a total cost of $249 million and
approximately $37 million has been expended on development and exploration
activities. As a result, proved reserves and production have each grown during
this period at compounded rates of 90% and 70% per annum, respectively. At
December 31, 1996, proved reserves totaled 384 Bcfe, having a pre-tax present
value at constant prices on that date of $492 million and a reserve life index
of nearly 14 years.
    
 
   
     Effective January 1997, the Company acquired oil and gas properties from
American Cometra, Inc. for a purchase price of $385 million, subject to
adjustment. This transaction is more fully described in Note 15 Cometra
Acquisition.
    
 
   
     Lomak's objective is to maximize shareholder value through growth in its
reserves, production, cashflow and earnings through a balanced program of
development drilling and acquisitions, as well as, to a growing extent,
exploration effort. In order to effectively implement its operating strategy,
the Company has concentrated its activities in selected geographic areas. In
each core area, the Company has established separate acquisition, engineering,
geological, operating and other technical expertise. The Company believes that
this geographic focus provides it with a competitive advantage in sourcing and
evaluating new business opportunities within these areas, as well as providing
economies of scale in developing and operating its properties.
    
 
   
(2)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    
 
  Basis of Presentation
 
   
     The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Company,
all majority owned subsidiaries and its pro rata share of the assets,
liabilities, income and expenses of certain oil and gas partnerships and joint
ventures. Highly liquid temporary investments with an initial maturity of ninety
days or less are considered cash equivalents.
    
 
  Oil and Gas Properties
 
   
     The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and
gas properties. Exploratory costs which result in the discovery of reserves and
the cost of development wells are capitalized. Geological and geophysical costs,
delay rentals and costs to drill unsuccessful exploratory wells are expensed.
Depletion is provided on the unit-of-production method. Oil is converted to Mcfe
at the rate of six Mcf per barrel. The depletion rates per Mcfe were $.74, $.73
and $.73 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Approximately $4.3 million, $12.2
million and $22.8 million of oil and gas properties were not subject to
amortization as of December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. These costs
are assessed periodically to determine whether their value has been impaired,
and if impairment is indicated, the excess costs are charged to expense.
    
 
   
     Effective January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." Under Statement 121, the Company
periodically reviews the carrying value of its oil and gas properties for
impairment. If an impairment is indicated, the amount of the impairment is
charged to expense.
    
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   62
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Gas Transportation and Field Services Assets
 
     The Company owns and operates approximately 1,900 miles of gas gathering
lines in proximity to its principal gas properties. Depreciation is calculated
on the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from four to
fifteen years.
 
   
     The Company receives fees for providing field related services. These fees
are recognized as earned. Depreciation on field service assets is calculated on
the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from one to six
years, except for buildings which are being depreciated over ten to fifteen year
periods.
    
 
   
     During 1996 the majority of the Company's brine disposal and well servicing
activities were based in Oklahoma. In December 1996, the Company sold its brine
disposal and well servicing activities in Oklahoma for $2.7 million and recorded
a gain on sale of approximately $1.3 million which is included in interest and
other income. In 1994, the Company sold substantially all of its brine disposal
and well servicing assets located in Appalachia for approximately $1.8 million.
    
 
  Use of Estimates
 
   
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
    
 
  Nature of Business
 
   
     The Company operates in an environment with many financial and operating
risks, including, but not limited to, the ability to find or acquire additional
economically recoverable oil and gas reserves, the inherent risks of the search
for, development of and production of oil and gas, the ability to sell oil and
gas at prices which will provide attractive rates of return, the highly
competitive nature of the industry and worldwide economic conditions. The
Company's ability to expand its reserve base and diversify its operations is
also dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain the necessary capital
through operating cash flow, borrowings or the issuance of additional equity.
    
 
   
  Marketable Securities
    
 
   
     The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under
Statement No. 115, debt and marketable equity securities are required to be
classified in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale, or held to
maturity. The Company's equity securities qualify under the provisions of
Statement No. 115 as available-for-sale. Such securities are recorded at fair
value, and unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect,
are reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity. A decline in the
market value of an available-for-sale security that is deemed other than
temporary is charged to earnings and results in the establishment of a new cost
basis for the security. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific
identification method and are reflected in income.
    
 
   
  Debt Issuance Costs
    
 
   
     Expenses associated with the issuance of the 6% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures Due 2007 are included in Other Assets on the accompanying balance
sheet and are being amortized on the interest method over the term of the
debentures.
    
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   63
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Earnings per Common Share
 
     Net income per share is computed by subtracting preferred dividends from
net income and dividing by the weighted average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding. The calculation of fully diluted earnings per
share assumes conversion of convertible securities when the result would be
dilutive. Outstanding options and warrants are included in the computation of
net income per common share when their effect is dilutive.
 
  Reclassifications
 
     Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period presentation to
conform with current period classifications.
 
(3)  ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT
 
   
     All of the Company's acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases. The
purchase prices were allocated to the assets acquired based on the fair value of
such assets and liabilities at the respective acquisition dates. The
acquisitions were funded by working capital, advances under a revolving credit
facility and the issuance of equity.
    
 
   
     During 1996, the Company acquired oil and gas properties, equipment and
acreage from Bannon Energy, Incorporated for approximately $37.0 million and
acquired Eastern Petroleum Company for approximately $13.7 million. The Bannon
interests included 270 producing properties located in Texas, Oklahoma, New
Mexico and Wyoming. Eastern Petroleum Company owned interests in oil and gas
properties, equipment and acreage in Ohio.
    
 
   
     In 1995, the Company acquired oil and gas properties, equipment and acreage
from Transfuel, Inc. for $21 million, which included cash and approximately
$800,000 of Common Stock, and from Parker & Parsley Petroleum Company for $20.2
million. The Transfuel interests included developed and undeveloped properties
in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. The Parker & Parsley interests included
developed and undeveloped properties in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
    
 
   
     In 1994, the Company acquired Red Eagle Resources Corporation for $46.5
million which included cash and approximately 2.2 million shares of Common
Stock. Red Eagle's assets included 370 producing wells, equipment and acreage
located primarily in the Okeene Field of Oklahoma's Anadarko Basin. In addition,
the Company purchased Grand Banks Energy Company for $3.7 million and Gillring
Oil Company for $11.5 million. Grand Bank's assets included interests in 182
producing properties located in west Texas and Gillring's assets included $5.2
million of working capital and interests in 106 producing properties located in
south Texas.
    
 
   
  Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
    
 
   
     The following table presents unaudited, pro forma operating results as if
the transactions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented. The pro
forma operating results include the following acquisitions, all of which were
accounted for as purchase transactions; (i) the purchase of certain oil and gas
properties from a subsidiary of Parker & Parsley Petroleum Company (ii) the
purchase of certain oil and gas properties from Transfuel, Inc., (iii) the
purchase of certain oil and gas properties from Bannon Energy Incorporated, (iv)
the private placement of 1.15 million shares of Convertible Preferred Stock and
the application of the net proceeds therefrom and (v) the private placement of
1.8 million shares of Common Stock and (vi) the private
    
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   64
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
placement of $55 million of 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2007 and
the application of the net proceeds therefrom.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                          31,
                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                   1995         1996
                                                                 --------     --------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT
                                                                    PER SHARE DATA)
        <S>                                                      <C>          <C>
        Revenues...............................................  $ 69,664     $ 92,823
        Net income.............................................     6,808       12,481
        Earnings per share.....................................      0.31         0.68
        Total assets...........................................   252,442      282,547
        Stockholders' equity...................................    99,367      117,529
</TABLE>
    
   
     The pro forma operating results have been prepared for comparative purposes
only. They do not purport to present actual operating results that would have
been achieved had the acquisitions and financings been made at the beginning of
each period presented or to necessarily be indicative of future results of
operations.
    
   
(4)  INDEBTEDNESS
    
   
     The Company had the following debt outstanding as of the dates shown.
Interest rates at December 31, 1996 are shown parenthetically:
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      --------------------
                                                                       1995         1996
                                                                      -------     --------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                               <C>         <C>
    Bank credit facility (6.7%).....................................  $83,035     $ 61,355
    6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2007.................       --       55,000
    Other (5.9%-7.0%)...............................................       53          451
                                                                      -------      -------
                                                                       83,088      116,806
    Less amounts due within one year................................       53           26
                                                                      -------      -------
    Long-term debt, net.............................................  $83,035     $116,780
                                                                      =======      =======
</TABLE>
    
   
     The Company maintains a $250 million revolving bank credit facility. The
facility provides for a borrowing base which is subject to semi-annual
redeterminations. At December 31, 1996, the borrowing base on the credit
facility was $150 million. The facility bears interest at prime rate or LIBOR
plus 0.75% to 1.25% depending upon the percentage of the borrowing base drawn.
Interest is payable quarterly and the loan is payable in sixteen quarterly
installments beginning February 1, 1999. A commitment fee of  3/8% of the
undrawn balance is payable quarterly. It is the Company's policy to extend the
term period of the credit facility annually.
    
   
     The 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2007 (the "Debentures") are
convertible at the option of the holder at any time prior to maturity into
shares of the Company's Common Stock, at a conversion price of $19.25 per share,
subject to adjustment in certain events. Interest is payable semi-annually. The
Debentures will mature in 2007 and are not redeemable prior to February 1, 2000.
The Debentures are unsecured general obligations of the Company subordinated to
all senior indebtedness, as defined.
    
   
     The debt agreements contain various covenants relating to net worth,
working capital maintenance and financial ratio requirements. The Company is in
compliance with these various covenants as of December 31, 1996. Interest paid
during the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 totaled $2.8 million,
$4.9 million and $7.5 million, respectively.
    
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   65
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     Maturities of indebtedness as of December 31, 1996 were as follows (in
thousands):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                 <C>
                1997..............................................  $     26
                1998..............................................       413
                1999..............................................    15,354
                2000..............................................    15,339
                2001..............................................    15,339
                Remainder.........................................    70,335
                                                                    --------
                                                                    $116,806
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(5)  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
    
 
   
     The Company's financial instruments include cash and equivalents, accounts
receivable, accounts payable, debt obligations, commodity and interest rate
futures, options and swaps. The book value of cash and equivalents, accounts
receivable and payable and short term debt are considered to be representative
of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The Company
believes that the carrying value of its borrowings under its bank credit
facility approximates their fair value as they bear interest at rates indexed to
LIBOR. The Company's accounts receivable are concentrated in the oil and gas
industry. The Company does not view such a concentration as an unusual credit
risk. The Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $306,000
and $450,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
     A portion of the Company's crude oil and natural gas sales are periodically
hedged against price risks through the use of futures, option or swap contracts.
The gains and losses on these instruments are included in the valuation of the
production being hedged in the contract month and are included as an adjustment
to oil and gas revenue. The Company also manages interest rate risk on its
credit facility through the use of interest rate swap agreements. Gains and
losses on swap agreements are included as an adjustment to interest expense.
    
 
   
     The following table sets forth the book value and estimated fair values of
the Company's financial instruments:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31, 1995           DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                              ------------------------    ------------------------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                              BOOK VALUE    FAIR VALUE    BOOK VALUE    FAIR VALUE
                                              ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
    <S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
    Cash and equivalents....................   $  3,047      $   3,047    $    8,625    $    8,625
    Marketable securities...................        829            953         6,966         7,658
    Long-term debt..........................    (83,088)       (83,088)     (116,806)     (116,806)
    Commodity swaps.........................         --             93            --        (1,051)
    Interest rate swaps.....................         --            375            --            81
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     At December 31, 1996, the Company had open contracts for oil and gas price
swaps of 300,000 barrels and 155,000 Mcfs. The swap contracts are designed to
set average prices ranging from $22.10 to $22.76 per barrel and $2.04 per Mcf.
While these transactions have no carrying value, their fair value, represented
by the estimated amount that would be required to terminate the contracts, was a
net cost of approximately $1,051,000 at December 31, 1996. These contracts
expire monthly through April 1997. The gains or losses on the Company's hedging
transactions is determined as the difference between the contract price and the
reference price, generally closing prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The resulting transaction gains and losses are determined monthly and are
included in net income in the period the hedged production or inventory is sold.
Net gains or (losses) relating to these derivatives for the years ended December
31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 approximated $-0-, $217,000 and $(724,000),
respectively.
    
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   66
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
     Interest rate swap agreements, which are used by the Company in the
management of interest rate exposure, are accounted for on the accrual basis.
Income and expense resulting from these agreements are recorded in the same
category as expense arising from the related liability. Amounts to be paid or
received under interest rate swap agreements are recognized as an adjustment to
expense in the periods in which they accrue. At December 31, 1996, the Company
had $60 million of borrowings subject to three interest rate swap agreements at
rates of 5.25%, 5.49% and 5.64% through July 1997, October 1997 and October
1998, respectively. The interest rate swaps may be extended at the
counterparties' option for two years. The agreements require that the Company
pay the counterparty interest at the above fixed swap rates and require the
counterparties to pay the Company interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate. The closing
30-day LIBOR rate on December 31, 1996 was 5.53%. The fair value of the interest
rate swap agreements at December 31, 1996, is based upon current quotes for
equivalent agreements.
    
 
   
     These hedging activities are conducted with major financial or commodities
trading institutions which management believes entail acceptable levels of
market and credit risks. At times such risks may be concentrated with certain
counterparties or groups of counterparties. The credit worthiness of
counterparties is subject to continuing review and full performance is
anticipated.
    
 
(6)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Company is involved in various other legal actions and claims arising
in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, such
litigation and claims will be resolved without material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position.
 
   
     The Company recently received notice from two parties, each of whom claims
that it is entitled to fees from the Company based upon a Yemen oil concession
that they claim Red Eagle Resources Corporation received in August 1992, which
was prior to the acquisition of Red Eagle by the Company. Based upon the
Company's examination of the available documentation relevant to such claims,
the Company believes that the claims are without merit because the claimed oil
concession was never obtained in Yemen. The Company has requested further
documentation from the two parties with respect to their claims but no such
documentation has yet been provided. The claims are for approximately $4.0
million in the aggregate (including the value of approximately 70,000 shares of
Common Stock that would be required to be issued if the oil concession had been
obtained). To date, no proceedings have been commenced with respect to either of
these claims.
    
 
   
     The Company leases certain office space and equipment under cancelable and
non-cancelable leases, most of which expire within 10 years and may be renewed
by the Company. Rent expense under such arrangements totaled $202,000, $335,000
and $208,000 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Future minimum rental
commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows (in thousands):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                   <C>
        1997................................................................  $  270
        1998................................................................     270
        1999................................................................     233
        2000................................................................     195
        2001................................................................     210
        2002 and thereafter.................................................     270
                                                                              ------
                                                                              $1,448
                                                                              ======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   67
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(7)  EQUITY SECURITIES
 
   
     In 1993, $5,000,000 of 7 1/2% cumulative convertible exchangeable preferred
stock (the "7 1/2% Preferred Stock") was privately placed. In April and May
1996, the Company exercised its option and converted the 7 1/2% Preferred Stock
into 576,945 shares of Common Stock.
    
 
   
     In November 1995, the Company sold 1,150,000 shares of $2.03 convertible
exchangeable preferred stock (the "$2.03 Preferred Stock") for $28.8 million.
The $2.03 Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company's Common Stock at a
conversion price of $9.50 per share, subject to adjustment in certain events.
The $2.03 Preferred Stock is redeemable, at the option of the Company, at any
time on or after November 1, 1998, at redemption prices beginning at 105%. At
the option of the Company, the $2.03 Preferred Stock is exchangeable for the
Company's 8 1/8% convertible subordinated notes due 2005. The notes would be
subject to the same redemption and conversion terms as the $2.03 Preferred
Stock.
    
 
   
     In December 1995, the Company privately placed 1.2 million shares of its
Common Stock for $10.2 million to a state sponsored retirement plan. In April
1996, the Company privately placed 600,000 shares of its Common Stock to a
limited number of institutional investors for approximately $6.9 million.
Warrants to acquire 40,000 shares of common stock were exercised in October
1996. Additionally, warrants to acquire 20,000 shares of Common Stock at a price
of $12.88 per share were outstanding at December 31, 1996 and will expire in
December 1997.
    
 
   
(8)  STOCK OPTION AND PURCHASE PLAN
    
 
   
     The Company maintains a Stock Option Plan which authorizes the grant of
options on up to 2.0 million shares of Common Stock. However, no new options may
be granted which would result in there being aggregate outstanding options
exceeding 10% of the Company's common shares outstanding plus those shares
issuable under convertible securities. Under the plan, incentive and
non-qualified options may be issued to officers, key employees and consultants.
The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board. All options
issued under the plan vest 30% after one year, 60% after two years and 100%
after three years. The following is a summary of stock option activity:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  NUMBER OF OPTIONS                EXERCISE
                                          ----------------------------------      PRICE RANGE
                                           1994        1995          1996          PER SHARE
                                          -------     -------     ----------     -------------
    <S>                                   <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>
    Outstanding at beginning of year....  428,983     680,483        977,149     $ 3.38-$ 9.38
    Granted.............................  298,500     342,000        378,500      10.50- 13.88
    Canceled............................  (16,000)    (12,000)        (7,950)      7.00- 10.50
    Exercised...........................  (31,000)    (33,334)      (115,250)      3.38-  8.25
                                          -------     -------      ---------     -------------
    Outstanding at end of year..........  680,483     977,149      1,232,499     $ 3.38-$13.88
                                          =======     =======      =========     =============
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     In 1994, the stockholders approved the 1994 Outside Directors Stock Option
Plan (the "Directors Plan"). Only Directors who are not employees of the Company
are eligible under the Directors Plan. The Directors Plan covers a maximum of
200,000 shares. At December 31, 1996, 76,000 options were outstanding under the
Directors Plan of which 16,800 were exercisable as of that date. The exercise
price of the options ranges from $7.75 to $13.88 per share.
    
 
     In 1994, the stockholders approved the 1994 Stock Purchase Plan (the "1994
Plan") which authorizes the sale of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock to
officers, directors, key employees and consultants. Under the Plan, the right to
purchase shares at prices ranging from 50% to 85% of market value may be
granted. The Company had a 1989 Stock Purchase Plan (the "1989 Plan") which was
identical to the 1994 Plan except that it covered 333,333 shares. Upon adoption
of the 1994 Plan, the 1989 Plan was terminated. The plans are
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   68
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board. During the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Company sold 100,000 unregistered shares of Common Stock
to officers and outside directors.
    
 
   
     The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the
stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's two stock option
plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in
1995 and 1996 consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net
earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced in the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995       1996
                                                                        ------     -------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                      EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
    <S>                                                                 <C>        <C>
    Net earnings--as reported.........................................  $4,390     $12,615
    Earnings per share--as reported...................................  $ 0.31     $  0.69
    Net earnings--pro forma...........................................  $4,081     $11,996
    Earnings per share--pro forma.....................................  $ 0.28     $  0.64
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants: dividend yield of 1%; expected volatility of 38%;
risk-free interest rate of 6%; and expected lives of 4 years.
    
 
   
(9)  BENEFIT PLAN
    
 
   
     The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan for the benefit of its employees. The
Plan permits employees to make contributions on a pre-tax salary reduction
basis. The Company makes discretionary contributions to the Plan. Company
contributions for 1994, 1995 and 1996 were $226,000, $346,000 and $548,000,
respectively. The Company has no other employee benefit plans.
    
 
(10)  INCOME TAXES
 
   
     Federal income tax expense was $139,000, $1.8 million and $6.8 million for
the years 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The current portion of the income
tax provision represents alternative minimum tax currently payable. A
reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the Company's
effective federal income tax rate is as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1994        1995         1996
                                                           -------     -------     --------
    <S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
    Statutory tax rate.................................         34%         34%          34%
    Realization of valuation allowance.................        (29)         (5)          --
    Other..............................................         --          --            1
                                                           -------     -------     --------
    Effective tax rate.................................          5%         29%          35%
                                                           =======     =======     ========
    Income taxes paid..................................    $47,500     $60,000     $590,000
                                                           =======     =======     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The Company follows FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
Under Statement 109, the liability method is used in accounting for income
taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined
based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and
liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be
in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
    
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   69
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets
are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                        1995        1996
                                                                       -------     -------
    <S>                                                                <C>         <C>
    Deferred tax liabilities:
      Depreciation...................................................  $29,130     $31,726
                                                                       =======     =======
    Deferred tax assets:
      Net operating loss carryforwards...............................    6,193       2,625
      Percentage depletion carryforward..............................    4,388       2,589
      AMT credits and other..........................................      863         621
                                                                       -------     -------
      Total deferred tax assets......................................   11,444       5,835
    Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets......................      (40)        (40)
                                                                       -------     -------
    Net deferred tax assets..........................................  $11,404     $ 5,795
                                                                       =======     =======
    Net deferred tax liabilities.....................................  $17,726     $25,931
                                                                       =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     Due to uncertainty as to the company's ability to realize the tax benefit,
a valuation allowance was established for the full amount of the net deferred
tax assets. In 1995, income taxes were reduced from the statutory rate of 34% by
approximately $0.3 million through realization of a portion of the valuation
allowance, resulting in $40,000 of the allowance remaining at each of December
31, 1995 and 1996.
    
 
   
     The Company has entered into several business combinations accounted for as
purchases. In connection with these transactions, deferred tax assets and
liabilities of $7.7 million and $23.8 million, respectively, were recorded. In
1996 the Company acquired Eastern Petroleum Company in a taxable business
combination accounted for as a purchase. A net deferred tax liability of $2.1
million was recorded in the transaction.
    
 
   
     As a result of the Company's issuance of equity and convertible debt
securities, it experienced a change in control during 1988 as defined by Section
382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The change in control placed limitations to
the utilization of net operating loss carryovers. At December 31, 1996, the
Company had available for federal income tax reporting purposes net operating
loss carryovers of approximately $7.5 million which are subject to annual
limitations as to their utilization and otherwise expire between 1997 and 2010,
if unused. The Company has alternative minimum tax net operating loss carryovers
of $6.6 million which are subject to annual limitations as to their utilization
and otherwise expire from 1997 to 2009 if unused. The Company has statutory
depletion carryover of approximately $3.2 million and an alternative minimum tax
credit carryover of approximately $500,000. The statutory depletion carryover
and alternative minimum tax credit carryover are not subject to limitation or
expiration.
    
 
(11)  MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
   
     The Company markets its oil and gas production on a competitive basis. The
type of contract under which gas production is sold varies but can generally be
grouped into three categories: (a) life-of-the-well; (b) long-term (1 year or
longer); and (c) short-term contracts which may have a primary term of one year,
but which are cancelable at either party's discretion in 30-120 days.
Approximately 60% of the Company's gas production is currently sold under market
sensitive contracts which do not contain floor price provisions. For the year
ended December 31, 1996, no one customer accounted for more than 10% of the
Company's total oil and gas revenues. Management believes that the loss of any
one customer would not have a material adverse effect on the operations of the
Company. Oil is sold on a basis such that the purchaser can be changed on 30
days notice. The price received is generally equal to a posted price set by the
major purchasers in the area. The Company sells to oil purchasers on a basis of
price and service.
    
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   70
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(12)  OIL AND GAS ACTIVITIES
 
     The following summarizes selected information with respect to oil and gas
producing activities:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ----------------------------------
                                                           1994         1995         1996
                                                         --------     --------     --------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
    Oil and gas properties:
      Subject to amortization..........................  $129,082     $197,826     $259,681
      Not subject to amortization......................     4,291       12,247       22,838
                                                         --------     --------     --------
              Total....................................   133,373      210,073      282,519
      Accumulated depletion amortization...............   (20,409)     (33,371)     (53,102)
                                                         --------     --------     --------
              Net oil and gas properties...............  $112,964     $176,702     $229,417
                                                         ========     ========     ========
    Costs incurred:
      Acquisition......................................  $ 59,501     $ 69,244     $ 63,579
      Development......................................     9,518        9,968       12,536
      Exploration......................................       192          216        2,025
                                                         --------     --------     --------
              Total costs incurred.....................  $ 69,211     $ 79,428     $ 78,140
                                                         ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(13)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    
 
   
     Mr. Edelman, Chairman of the Company, is also an executive officer and
shareholder of Snyder Oil Corporation ("SOCO"). At December 31, 1996, Mr.
Edelman owned 5.7% of the Company's Common Stock. In 1995, the Company acquired
SOCO's interest in certain wells located in Appalachia for $4 million. The price
was determined based on arms-length negotiations through a third-party broker
retained by SOCO. Subsequent to the transaction, the Company and SOCO no longer
held interests in any of the same properties.
    
 
   
     During 1995, the Company incurred fees of $145,000, to the Hawthorne
Company in connection with acquisitions. Mr. Aikman, a director of the Company,
is an executive officer and a principal owner of the Hawthorne Company. The fees
were consistent with those paid by the Company to third parties for similar
services.
    
 
   
(14)  UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL RESERVE INFORMATION
    
 
     The Company's proved oil and gas reserves are located in the United States.
Proved reserves are those quantities of crude oil and natural gas which, upon
analysis of geological and engineering data, can with reasonable certainty be
recovered in the future from known oil and gas reservoirs. Proved developed
reserves are those proved reserves which can be expected to be recovered from
existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped
oil and gas reserves are proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from
new wells on undrilled acreage.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   71
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Quantities of Proved Reserves
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    CRUDE OIL     NATURAL GAS   
                                                                    ---------     -----------   
                                                                     (BBLS)          (MCF) 
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                             <C>           <C>
    Balance, December 31, 1993....................................     4,539         74,563
      Revisions...................................................        15            630
      Extensions, discoveries and additions.......................        15          6,605
      Purchases...................................................     4,599         75,698
      Sales.......................................................       (79)        (1,130)
      Production..................................................      (640)        (6,996)
                                                                      ------        -------
    Balance, December 31, 1994....................................     8,449        149,370
      Revisions...................................................       255         (3,513)
      Extensions, discoveries and additions.......................       475         10,076
      Purchases...................................................     2,618         90,575
      Sales.......................................................       (21)        (1,150)
      Production..................................................      (913)       (12,471)
                                                                      ------        -------
    Balance, December 31, 1995....................................    10,863        232,887
      Revisions...................................................       280         (7,545)
      Extensions, discoveries and additions.......................       952         16,696
      Purchases...................................................     3,884         86,022
      Sales.......................................................      (236)       (11,235)
      Production..................................................    (1,068)       (21,231)
                                                                      ------        -------
    Balance, December 31, 1996....................................    14,675        295,594
                                                                      ======        =======
    Proved developed reserves:
      December 31, 1994...........................................     6,430         97,251
                                                                      ======        =======
      December 31, 1995...........................................     8,880        174,958
                                                                      ======        =======
      December 31, 1996...........................................    10,703        207,601
                                                                      ======        =======
</TABLE>
    
 
     The "Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to
Proved Oil and Gas Reserves" (Standardized Measure) is a disclosure requirement
under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69 "Disclosures about Oil
and Gas Producing Activities". The Standardized Measure does not purport to
present the fair market value of proved oil and gas reserves. This would require
consideration of expected future economic and operating conditions, which are
not taken into account in calculating the Standardized Measure.
 
     Future cash inflows were estimated by applying year end prices to the
estimated future production less estimated future production costs based on year
end costs. Future net cash inflows were discounted using a 10% annual discount
rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   72
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Standardized Measure
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                       1994           1995           1996
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                             <C>             <C>           <C>
    Future cash inflows...........................  $   457,048     $ 729,566     $1,393,338
    Future costs:
      Production..................................     (133,972)     (256,374)      (365,753)
      Development.................................      (52,102)      (60,554)       (86,192)
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
    Future net cash flows.........................      270,974       412,638        941,393
    Income taxes..................................      (59,950)     (102,108)      (271,023)
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
    Total undiscounted future net cash flows......      211,024       310,530        670,370
    10% discount factor...........................      (91,475)     (136,480)      (319,481)
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
    Standardized measure..........................  $   119,549     $ 174,050     $  350,889
                                                    ===========     =========     ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
  Changes in Standardized Measure
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                       1994           1995           1996
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                             <C>             <C>           <C>
    Standardized measure, beginning of year.......  $    53,751     $ 119,549     $  174,050
    Revisions:
      Prices......................................        4,224        (4,100)       151,508
      Quantities..................................        2,240         2,267         (6,762)
      Estimated future development costs..........           --        (5,238)        (2,971)
      Accretion of discount.......................        6,512        15,054         22,924
      Income taxes................................      (19,624)      (24,200)       (86,095)
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
         Net revisions............................       (6,648)      (16,217)        78,604
    Purchases.....................................       84,836        87,741        125,871
    Extensions, discoveries and additions.........        2,402         7,419         22,816
    Production....................................      (14,442)      (22,487)       (43,598)
    Sales.........................................         (350)       (1,955)        (6,854)
                                                    -----------     ---------     ----------
    Standardized measure, end of year.............  $   119,549     $ 174,050     $  350,889
                                                    ===========     =========     ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(15)  COMETRA ACQUISITION
    
 
   
     Effective January 1, 1997, the Company acquired oil and gas properties
located in West Texas, South Texas and the Gulf of Mexico (the "Cometra
Properties") from American Cometra, Inc. ("Cometra") for a purchase price of
$385 million, subject to adjustment (the "Cometra Acquisition"). The Cometra
Acquisition increases the Company's proforma proved reserves at December 31,
1996 by 68% to 644 Bcfe and increases its Present Value by 98% to $974 million.
The Cometra Properties, located primarily in the Company's core operating areas,
include 515 producing wells, and additional development and exploration
potential on approximately 150,000 gross acres (90,000 net acres). In addition,
the Cometra Properties include gas pipelines, a 25,000 Mcf/d gas processing
plant and an above-market gas contract with a major Texas gas utility covering
approximately 30% of the current production from the Cometra Properties.
    
 
   
     The Company will finance the cash portion of the purchase price with $220
million of borrowings through expansion of its bank credit facility (the
"Amended Credit Facility") and the issuance to Cometra of a
    
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   73
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
$125 million non-interest bearing promissory note due March 31, 1997, which is
secured by a bank letter of credit. The promissory note will be repaid at
maturity through borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility. The Amended
Credit Facility will enable the Company to obtain revolving credit loans and
issue letters of credit from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$400 million initially. Availability under the Amended Credit Facility will be
reduced to $325 million 180 days after the funding of the Cometra Acquisition,
unless otherwise agreed to by the lenders.
    
 
   
     In January 1997, the Company filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission covering the sale of 4 million shares of
Common Stock and $100 million aggregate principal amount of ten year senior
subordinated notes. The proceeds from the offerings will be used to repay
indebtedness from the Cometra Acquisition.
    
 
   
  Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
    
 
   
     The following table presents unaudited pro forma operating results as if
the Cometra Acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 1996. The pro forma
operating results also include the following acquisitions, all of which were
accounted for as purchase transactions: (i) the purchase of certain oil and gas
properties from Bannon Energy Incorporated, (ii) the private placement of
600,000 shares of Common Stock and (iii) the private placement of $55 million of
6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2007 and the application of the net
proceeds therefrom. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma operating results give
effect to the sale of 4 million shares of Common Stock and $100 million
aggregate principal amount of ten year senior subordinated notes.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                      1996
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                      (IN
                                                                                  THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                               <C>
Revenues:
  Oil and gas sales.............................................................    $130,508
  Field services................................................................      14,463
  Gas transportation and marketing..............................................      24,326
  Interest and other............................................................       3,386
                                                                                    --------
                                                                                     172,683
                                                                                    --------
Expenses:
  Direct operating..............................................................      39,394
  Field services................................................................      10,443
  Gas transportation and marketing..............................................      13,152
  Exploration...................................................................       1,460
  General and administrative....................................................       5,616
  Interest......................................................................      29,480
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization......................................      44,389
                                                                                    --------
                                                                                     143,934
                                                                                    --------
Earnings before income taxes....................................................      28,749
Income taxes....................................................................      10,062
                                                                                    --------
Net income......................................................................    $ 18,687
                                                                                    ========
Earnings per common share.......................................................    $   0.80
                                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   74
 
                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED
                                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                      1996
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                      (IN
                                                                                  THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                               <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT DECEMBER 31, 1996):
Cash and equivalents............................................................    $  8,625
Total assets....................................................................     670,847
Long-term debt, including current portion.......................................     399,606
Stockholders' equity............................................................     223,029
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   75
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Lomak Petroleum, Inc.:
 
   
     We have audited the accompanying statements of revenues and direct
operating expenses of the American Cometra Interests, as described in Note 1,
for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. These financial statements
are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
    
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     The accompanying statements of revenues and direct operating expenses
reflect the revenues and direct operating expenses attributable to the American
Cometra Interests, as described in Note 1, and are not intended to be a complete
presentation of the revenues and expenses of the American Cometra Interests.
 
   
     In our opinion, the statements referred to above present fairly the
revenues and direct operating expenses of the American Cometra Interests, as
described in Note 1, for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
   
Fort Worth, Texas
February 7, 1997
    
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   76
 
                         THE AMERICAN COMETRA INTERESTS
 
              STATEMENTS OF REVENUES AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED        YEAR ENDED
                                                 DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                     1994            1995              1996
                                                 ------------    ------------    -----------------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>
Revenues:
  Oil and gas production.......................  $ 46,808,830    $ 43,513,982      $  60,751,200
  Marketing and gas plant operating activities
     (net).....................................     3,370,500       5,276,900          7,273,100
                                                 ------------    ------------      -------------
       Total revenues..........................    50,179,330      48,790,882         68,024,300
Direct operating expenses......................   (14,447,533)    (12,727,532)       (14,375,900)
                                                 ------------    ------------      -------------
       Excess of revenues over operating
          expenses.............................  $ 35,731,797    $ 36,063,350      $  53,648,400
                                                 ============    ============      =============
</TABLE>
    
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   77
 
                         THE AMERICAN COMETRA INTERESTS
 
                      NOTES TO THE STATEMENTS OF REVENUES
                         AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES
1.  GENERAL:
 
  Organization
 
     The accompanying statements present the revenues and direct operating
expenses of certain working and other interests in oil and gas properties and
the Sterling gas plant and related pipeline owned by American Cometra, Inc. (the
"American Cometra Interests") which were purchased by Lomak Petroleum, Inc.
("Lomak"). Such financial statements were derived from the historical records of
the predecessor owner and represent Lomak's interest.
 
  Basis of Presentation
 
     The historical financial statements reflecting financial position, results
of operations and cash flows required by generally accepted accounting
principles are not presented, as such information is neither readily available
on an individual property basis nor meaningful for the American Cometra
Interests. During the periods presented, the American Cometra Interests were not
accounted for as a separate entity. These statements do not include
depreciation, depletion and amortization, general and administrative, interest,
federal income tax expenses, or federal income tax credits allowed under Section
29 of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the accompanying financial
statements are not intended to be a complete presentation of the results of
operations of the American Cometra Interests in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
   
     Revenues are recognized when oil and gas production is sold. Direct
operating expenses are accrued when services are provided. Netted against
marketing and gas plant operating activities is $9,758,300, $7,700,000 and
$11,478,400 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively,
relating to costs associated with those activities.
    
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the
reporting of the revenues and direct operating expenses to prepare these
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
2.  SALES TO MAJOR CUSTOMERS:
 
   
     For the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 four purchasers
accounted for 33%, 54% and 74% of total revenues, respectively.
    
 
3.  OIL AND GAS RESERVES INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
 
   
     The estimates of the American Cometra Interests in proved oil and gas
reserves, which are located entirely in the United States, are based on
evaluations by an independent petroleum engineer, Netherland, Sewell &
Associates as of December 31, 1996. These reserves were estimated in accordance
with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission which
require that reserve reports be prepared under existing economic and operating
conditions with no provision for price escalations except by contractual
arrangements. Reserves as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 were derived from the
December 31, 1996 reserve estimates after considering production and drilling
activities.
    
 
     Lomak's management emphasizes that reserve estimates are inherently
imprecise. Accordingly, the estimates are expected to change as future
information becomes available.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   78
 
                         THE AMERICAN COMETRA INTERESTS
 
                      NOTES TO THE STATEMENTS OF REVENUES
                  AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES -- (CONTINUED)
 
   
3.  OIL AND GAS RESERVES INFORMATION (UNAUDITED), CONTINUED:
    
   
     The following unaudited table sets forth the estimated proved oil and gas
reserve quantities of the American Cometra Interests at December 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CRUDE OIL    NATURAL GAS
                                                                      (BBLS)        (MCFS)
                                                                     ---------    -----------
                                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                              <C>          <C>
    PROVED RESERVES:
      Balance, December 31, 1993...................................    10,107       194,508
         Production................................................      (404)      (14,372)
         Purchases.................................................        --         1,294
         Extensions, discoveries, renewals.........................       505        12,683
         Sales.....................................................        --            --
                                                                        -----       -------
      Balance, December 31, 1994...................................    10,208       194,113
         Production................................................      (626)      (15,212)
         Purchases.................................................        93         1,502
         Extensions, discoveries, renewals.........................        24         9,210
         Sales.....................................................       (14)           --
                                                                        -----       -------
      Balance, December 31, 1995...................................     9,685       189,613
         Production................................................      (803)      (16,124)
         Extensions, discoveries, renewals.........................       848        28,516
                                                                        -----       -------
      Balance, December 31, 1996...................................     9,730       202,005
                                                                        =====       =======
    PROVED DEVELOPED RESERVES:
      Balance, December 31, 1994...................................     5,062        97,269
                                                                        =====       =======
      Balance, December 31, 1995...................................     4,550        93,398
                                                                        =====       =======
      Balance, December 31, 1996...................................     4,595       103,749
                                                                        =====       =======
</TABLE>
    
 
     The "Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to
Proved Oil and Gas Reserves" (Standardized Measure) is a disclosure requirement
under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69. The Standardized
Measure does not purport to present the fair market value of proved oil and gas
reserves. This would require consideration of expected future economic and
operating conditions, which are not taken into account in calculating the
Standardized Measure.
 
   
     Future net cash flows for the periods presented were derived from the
December 31, 1996 reserve estimate after considering historical production and
drilling activities. December 31, 1996 prices in the reserve estimates were
adjusted for fixed and determinable escalations to the estimated future
production less estimated future production costs based on period-end costs and
future development costs. Future net cash inflows were discounted using a 10%
annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure. Future income tax
estimates are not included, as the historical tax basis of the properties is not
relevant.
    
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   79
 
                         THE AMERICAN COMETRA INTERESTS
 
                      NOTES TO THE STATEMENTS OF REVENUES
                  AND DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSES -- (CONTINUED)
 
3.  OIL AND GAS RESERVES INFORMATION (UNAUDITED), CONTINUED:
     The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to
proved oil and gas properties is as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        AS OF           AS OF            AS OF
                                                     DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1994            1995            1996
                                                     ------------    ------------    -------------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>
    Future cash inflows............................   $1,207,887      $1,179,424      $ 1,156,858
    Future costs:
      Production...................................     (243,413)       (232,040)        (219,098)
      Development..................................      (99,353)        (92,534)         (88,350)
                                                      ----------      ----------      -----------
    Future net cash flows..........................      865,121         854,850          849,410
    Income taxes...................................           --              --               --
                                                      ----------      ----------      -----------
    Undiscounted future net cash flows.............      865,121         854,850          849,410
    10% discount factor............................     (444,749)       (408,382)        (367,919)
                                                      ----------      ----------      -----------
    Standardized measure...........................   $  420,372      $  446,468      $   481,491
                                                      ==========      ==========      ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
     Changes in standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from
proved reserve quantities are as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                                     DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1994            1995            1996
                                                     ------------    ------------    -------------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>
    Standardized measure, beginning of year........   $  395,914      $  420,372       $ 446,468
    Purchases......................................          627           1,228              --
    Extensions, discoveries, additions.............       17,730          15,051          38,185
    Production.....................................      (33,490)        (32,141)        (47,809)
    Sales..........................................           --             (79)             --
    Accretion of discount..........................       39,591          42,037          44,647
                                                      ----------      ----------       ---------
    Standardized measure, end of year..............   $  420,372      $  446,468       $ 481,491
                                                      ==========      ==========       =========
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   80















 



   
                                  Lomak Logo
    



<PAGE>   81
 
   
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
    
 
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 14, 1997
    
PROSPECTUS
$100,000,000
                                                         [LOMAK PETROLEUM LOGO]
LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
       % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007
 
   
The    % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Notes") are being offered (the
"Notes Offering") by Lomak Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Lomak" or
the "Company"). The Company's payment obligations under the Notes will be
jointly, severally and unconditionally guaranteed (the "Guarantees") on a senior
subordinated basis by each Restricted Subsidiary (as defined) of the Company and
any future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (the "Subsidiary Guarantors").
    
 
   
Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of     % per annum and will be
payable semi-annually in arrears on         and         of each year, commencing
on            , 1997. The Notes mature on            , 2007, unless previously
redeemed. The Notes will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company,
in whole or in part, on or after            , 2002, at the redemption prices set
forth herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the
applicable redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as
defined), the Company will be required to offer to repurchase all or a portion
of each Holder's Notes at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate
principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon
to the date of repurchase. Prior to            , 2000, the Company may, at its
option, on any one or more occasions, redeem up to 33 1/3% of the original
aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to     % of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon
to the redemption date, with all or a portion of the net proceeds of public
sales of Common Stock of the Company. See "Description of the Notes -- Optional
Redemption."
    
 
   
Concurrently with the Notes Offering, the Company is offering 4,000,000 shares
of its Common Stock (the "Common Stock Offering" and together with the Notes
Offering, the "Offerings") by a separate prospectus. The closing of the Notes
Offering and the Common Stock Offering are contingent upon each other.
    
 
   
The Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Company and will be
subordinated in right of payment to Senior Debt (as defined) of the Company,
which will include borrowings under the Credit Agreement (as defined). As of
December 31, 1996, after giving pro forma effect to the Offerings, the
application of the proceeds therefrom, as described under "Use of Proceeds," and
the consummation of the Cometra Acquisition (as defined), the principal amount
of Senior Debt outstanding would have been $244 million, which represents
borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Company also has $55 million
principal amount outstanding of 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2007,
which are expressly subordinated to the Notes. See "Description of the Notes."
    
 
The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on any securities
exchange or inclusion of the Notes in any automated quotation system.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 11 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>                      <C>                      <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         PRICE TO                 UNDERWRITING             PROCEEDS TO
                                         PUBLIC(1)                DISCOUNT(2)              COMPANY(1)(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  PER NOTE                               %                        %                        %
  TOTAL                                  $                        $                        $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, from the date of issuance.
    
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses estimated at $        payable by the Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
The Notes are offered by Chase Securities Inc., NationsBanc Capital Markets,
Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston (together, the
"Underwriters"), subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued by the Company
and delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters, and subject to certain other
conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify
such offer and reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery
of the Notes will be made in New York, New York in book-entry form through the
facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about            , 1997.
    
 
CHASE SECURITIES INC.
                  NATIONSBANC CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
                                       BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
   
          , 1997                                 CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
    
 
<PAGE>   82
                                  [LOMAK LOGO]

[Graphic 1:  Map of the United States depicting the Company's core operating
             areas and the locations of its corporate offices.]




           GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Percent of
                                Present Value
                                -------------
<S>                             <C>
Midcontinent Region                  61%

Appalachian Region                   21%
      
Gulf Coast Region                    16%

Other                                 2%
                                    ---         
        Total                       100%
                                    ===
</TABLE>


[Graphic 2:  Bar chart showing the Company's reserve growth (in Bcfe) from 1992
             through 1996 and pro forma at December 31, 1996 including the 
             Cometra Acquisition.]                                     

        
 
   
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES OFFERED
HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET.
SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
    
 
   
     DURING THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH PERSONS PARTICIPATING
IN THE DISTRIBUTION MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS FOR THEIR OWN ACCOUNTS OR FOR THE
ACCOUNTS OF OTHERS IN THE NOTES PURSUANT TO EXEMPTIONS FROM RULES 10b-6 AND
10b-7 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
    
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   83
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith
files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements, and
other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities of the Commission, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as the following regional offices: 7 World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies can be obtained
by mail at prescribed rates. Requests for copies should be directed to the
Commission's Public Reference Section, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission also maintains a Website
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission. In addition, reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the offices of the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which
the Common Stock is listed.
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 ("Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), with respect to the Notes being offered by this Prospectus
and the Common Stock which is being offered by a separate prospectus. This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth on the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto. For further information with respect to the
Company and the Notes being offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. Statements contained in this
Prospectus concerning the provisions of documents filed with the Registration
Statement as exhibits are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the
applicable document filed with the Commission. All of these documents may be
inspected without charge at the offices of the Commission, the addresses of
which are set forth above, and copies may be obtained therefrom at prescribed
rates.
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents and information heretofore filed with the
Commission by the Company are hereby incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus:
 
          1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
             December 31, 1995.
 
          2. The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
             quarters ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30,
             1996.
 
          3. The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 19, 1996, and
             Form 8-K/A, dated May 31, 1996.
 
     All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the Notes
Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus
and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus. The Company will provide without charge
to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a
copy of any document described above (other than exhibits). Requests for such
copies should be directed to Lomak Petroleum, Inc., 500 Throckmorton Street,
Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Attn: Corporate Secretary, Telephone No. (817)
870-2601.
 
                                       A-3
<PAGE>   84
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
ISSUER........................   Lomak Petroleum, Inc.
 
SECURITIES OFFERED............   $100 million aggregate principal amount
                                 of     % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.
 
MATURITY......................                    , 2007.
 
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES........               and             of each year,
                                 commencing on                  , 1997.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION..........   None.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION...........   Except as otherwise described below, the Notes
                                 will not be redeemable at the Company's option
                                 prior to             , 2002. Thereafter, the
                                 Notes will be subject to redemption at the
                                 option of the Company, in whole or in part, at
                                 the redemption prices set forth herein, plus
                                 accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
                                 applicable redemption date. In addition, prior
                                 to             , 2000, the Company may, at its
                                 option, on any one or more occasions, redeem up
                                 to 33 1/3% of the original principal amount of
                                 the Notes at a redemption price equal to   % of
                                 the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
                                 unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption
                                 date, with all or a portion of the net proceeds
                                 of public sales of Common Stock of the Company;
                                 provided that at least 66 2/3% of the original
                                 aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains
                                 outstanding immediately after the occurrence of
                                 such redemption. See "Description of the
                                 Notes -- Optional Redemption."
 
   
CHANGE OF CONTROL.............   Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the
                                 Company will generally be required to offer to
                                 repurchase all or a portion of each Holder's
                                 Notes, at an offer price in cash equal to 101%
                                 of the aggregate principal amount of such
                                 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
                                 any, to the date of repurchase, and to
                                 repurchase all Notes tendered pursuant to such
                                 offer. The Credit Agreement will prohibit the
                                 Company from repurchasing any Notes pursuant to
                                 a Change of Control offer prior to the
                                 repayment in full of the Senior Debt under the
                                 Credit Agreement. Therefore, if a Change of
                                 Control were to occur, there can be no
                                 assurance that the Company or the Subsidiary
                                 Guarantors will have the financial resources or
                                 be permitted under the terms of their
                                 indebtedness to repurchase the Notes. If any
                                 Event of Default (as defined) occurs, the
                                 Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal
                                 amount of the Notes then outstanding may
                                 declare the principal of and the accrued and
                                 unpaid interest on such Notes to be due and
                                 payable immediately. However, such repayment
                                 would be subject to certain subordination
                                 provisions in the Indenture. See "Risk
                                 Factors--Risks Relating to a Change of Control"
                                 and "Description of the Notes--Subordination"
                                 and "--Repurchase at the Option of
                                 Holders--Change of Control," and "--Events of
                                 Default and Remedies."
    
 
   
RANKING.......................   The Notes will be general, unsecured
                                 obligations of the Company, will be
                                 subordinated in right of payment to Senior Debt
                                 of the Company, which includes borrowings under
                                 the Credit Agreement and any other permitted
                                 indebtedness which does not expressly
    
 
                                       A-4
<PAGE>   85
 
   
                                 provide that it is on a parity with or
                                 subordinated in right of payment to the Notes.
                                 As of December 31, 1996, on a pro forma basis
                                 after giving effect to the Offerings and the
                                 application of the proceeds therefrom, Senior
                                 Debt would have been approximately $244
                                 million, which represents borrowings under the
                                 Credit Agreement. See "Capitalization,"
                                 "Description of the Notes -- Subordination" and
                                 "Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness
                                 -- Credit Agreement."
    
 
   
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES.........   The Company's payment obligations under the
                                 Notes will be jointly, severally and
                                 unconditionally guaranteed on a senior
                                 subordinated basis (the "Guarantees") by each
                                 Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and any
                                 future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.
                                 The Guarantees will be subordinated to Senior
                                 Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantors to the same
                                 extent and in the same manner as the Notes are
                                 subordinated to Senior Debt. See "Description
                                 of the Notes -- Guarantees" and "Description of
                                 Capital Stock and Indebtedness -- Credit
                                 Agreement."
    
 
   
CERTAIN COVENANTS.............   The Notes will be issued pursuant to an
                                 indenture (the "Indenture") containing certain
                                 covenants that will, among other things, limit
                                 the ability of the Company and its Restricted
                                 Subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness
                                 and issue Disqualified Stock, pay dividends,
                                 make distributions, make investments, make
                                 certain other Restricted Payments, enter into
                                 certain transactions with affiliates, dispose
                                 of certain assets, incur liens securing
                                 Indebtedness (as defined) of any kind (other
                                 than Permitted Liens, as defined) and engage in
                                 mergers and consolidations. See "Description of
                                 the Notes--Certain Covenants."
    
 
USE OF PROCEEDS...............   The Company will use the proceeds of the Notes
                                 Offering and the Common Stock Offering to repay
                                 a portion of the indebtedness incurred to fund
                                 the purchase price for the Cometra Properties.
                                 See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain factors that should be
considered in connection with an investment in the Notes offered hereby,
including information regarding the Company's highly leveraged capital
structure, the uncertainty of oil and gas prices and certain risks associated
with an investment in the Notes offered hereby.
 
                                       A-5
<PAGE>   86
 
[NOTE: THESE RISK FACTORS SUPPLEMENT THE RISK FACTORS CONTAINED IN THE COMMON
STOCK PROSPECTUS.]
 
   
SUBORDINATION OF NOTES AND GUARANTEES
    
 
   
     The Notes will be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and
future Senior Debt of the Company, including borrowings under the Credit
Agreement. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of the
Company, the assets of the Company will be available to pay obligations on the
Notes only after all Senior Debt has been paid in full, and there may not be
sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the Notes
outstanding. The aggregate principal amount of Senior Debt of the Company, as of
December 31, 1996, would have been $244 million on a pro forma basis. The
Guarantees will be subordinated to Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors to
the same extent and in the same manner as the Notes are subordinated to Senior
Debt. Additional Senior Debt may be incurred by the Company from time to time,
subject to certain restrictions. In addition to being subordinated to all
existing and future Senior Debt of the Company, the Notes will not be secured by
any of the Company's assets, unlike the borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
See "Description of the Notes--Subordination."
    
 
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE
 
   
     The incurrence of indebtedness (such as the Notes) is subject to review
under relevant federal and state fraudulent conveyance statutes in a bankruptcy
or reorganization case or a lawsuit by or on behalf of other creditors of the
Company. The Company's obligations under the Notes will be guaranteed on a
senior subordinated basis by its Restricted Subsidiaries. To the extent that a
court were to find that (x) the Notes or a Guarantee was incurred with the
intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future creditor or that the
Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor contemplated insolvency with a design to
favor one or more creditors to the exclusion in whole or in part of others or
(y) the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor did not receive fair consideration or
reasonably equivalent value for issuing the Notes or Guarantee and, at the time
thereof, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor (i) was insolvent or rendered
insolvent by reason of the issuance of the Notes or the Guarantee, (ii) was
engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which its remaining
assets constituted unreasonably small capital or (iii) intended to incur, or
believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they
matured, a court could avoid or subordinate the Notes or Guarantee in favor of
other creditors. Among other things, a legal challenge of the Guarantee issued
by such Subsidiary Guarantor on fraudulent conveyance grounds may focus on the
benefits, if any, realized by such Subsidiary Guarantor as a result of the
issuance by the Company of the Notes. To the extent the Guarantee issued by a
Subsidiary Guarantor is voided as a fraudulent conveyance or held unenforceable
for any other reason, the holders of the Notes would cease to have any claim in
respect of such Subsidiary Guarantor and would be creditors solely of the
Company and any other Subsidiary Guarantors.
    
 
   
     On the basis of historical financial information, recent operating history
as discussed in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and other information currently available to it, the
Company believes that the Notes and the Guarantees issued concurrently with the
issuance of the Notes are being incurred for proper purposes and in good faith
and that, after giving effect to Indebtedness incurred in connection with the
issuance of the Notes and the issuance of the Guarantees, the Company and the
Subsidiary Guarantors are solvent, will have sufficient capital for carrying on
their respective businesses and will be able to pay their debts as such debts
become absolute and mature. There can be no assurance, however, that a court
passing on such questions would reach the same conclusions and, if not, a court
could, among other things, void all or a portion of the Company's or the
Subsidiary Guarantor's obligations to holders of Notes and/or subordinate the
Company's and the Subsidiary Guarantor's obligations under the Notes and
Guarantees to a greater extent than would otherwise be the case.
    
 
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR NOTES
 
     There is no existing market for the Notes and, although the Underwriters
have advised the Company that they currently intend to make a market in the
Notes, the Underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue such
market making at any time. The Company does not intend to apply for listing of
the Notes on a securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation through an
automated quotation system. Accordingly,
 
                                       A-6
<PAGE>   87
 
there can be no assurance that an active market will develop upon completion of
the Notes Offering or, if developed, that such market will be sustained or as to
the liquidity of any market. The initial offering price of the Notes will be
determined through negotiations between the Company and the Underwriters, and
may bear no relationship to the market price of the Notes after the Notes
Offering. Factors such as quarterly or cyclical variations in the Company's
financial results, variations in interest rates, future announcements concerning
the Company or its competitors, government regulation, general economic and
other conditions and developments affecting the oil and gas industry could cause
the market price of the Notes to fluctuate substantially.
 
RISKS RELATING TO A CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
   
     Upon a Change of Control (as defined herein), holders of the Notes will
have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such
holders' Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. The events that
constitute a Change of Control hereunder would constitute a default under the
Credit Agreement, which prohibits the purchase of the Notes by the Company in
the event of certain Change of Control events unless and until such time as the
Company's indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is repaid in full. There can
be no assurance that the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors would have
sufficient financial resources available to satisfy all of its or their
obligations under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in the event of a Change of
Control. The Company's failure to purchase the Notes would result in a default
under the Indenture and under the Credit Agreement, each of which could have
adverse consequences for the Company and the holders of the Notes. See
"Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness" and "Description of the Notes
- -- Repurchase at the Option of Holders -- Change of Control." The definition of
"Change of Control" in the Indenture includes a sale, lease, conveyance or other
disposition of "all or substantially all" of the assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to a person or group of persons. There is little
case law interpreting the phrase "all or substantially all" in the context of an
indenture. Because there is no precise established definition of this phrase,
the ability of a holder of the Notes to require the Company to repurchase such
Notes as a result of a sale, lease, conveyance or transfer of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets to a person or group of persons may be
uncertain.
    
 
                                       A-7
<PAGE>   88
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds of the Notes Offering are estimated to be approximately
$96.7 million and the net proceeds of the Common Stock Offering are estimated to
be approximately $75.5 million (assuming an offering price of $20 per share),
after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses. The Company
intends to use all of such net proceeds to repay certain indebtedness incurred
under the Credit Agreement to fund a portion of the cash purchase price for the
Cometra Properties. See "Cometra Acquisition." As of February 11, 1997,
indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, which expires in February 2002, had a
weighted average interest rate of 6.5%. For additional information with respect
to the interest rates, maturity and covenants related to the Credit Agreement,
see "Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness -- Credit Agreement."
    
 
                                       A-8
<PAGE>   89
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") will be issued pursuant to an
Indenture (the "Indenture") among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and
Fleet National Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Indenture in
substantially the form in which it is to be executed is filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and will be
made available to prospective purchasers of the Notes upon request. The
Indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The terms of the Notes include those stated
in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of the Notes
are referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement
thereof. The following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Indenture, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. The
definitions of certain terms used in the following summary are set forth below
under "-- Certain Definitions."
    
 
   
     The Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Company and will be
subordinated in right of payment to Senior Debt. The Notes will be guaranteed on
a senior subordinated basis by each of the Restricted Subsidiaries of the
Company and any future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company. The obligations of
the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Guarantees will be general unsecured
obligations of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors and will be subordinated in
right of payment to all obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of
Senior Debt. See "-- Guarantees" and "Risk Factors -- Subordination."
    
 
   
     For purposes of this section, the term "Company" means Lomak Petroleum,
Inc. As of the date of the Indenture, all of the Company's Subsidiaries will be
Restricted Subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, however, the Company will
be able to designate current and future Subsidiaries as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to many of the
restrictive convenants set forth in the Indenture. See "--Certain Covenants."
    
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and
any other payment obligations of the Company in respect of the Notes (including
any obligation to repurchase the Notes) will be subordinated in certain
circumstances in right of payment, as set forth in the Indenture, to the prior
payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt, whether outstanding on the date of
the Indenture or thereafter incurred.
 
   
     Upon any payment or distribution of property or securities to creditors of
the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or in a bankruptcy,
reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the
Company or its property, or in an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any
marshalling of the Company's assets and liabilities, the holders of Senior Debt
will be entitled to receive payment in full of all Obligations due in respect of
such Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement of any such
proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt, whether or not a
claim for such interest would be allowed in such proceeding) before the Holders
of the Notes will be entitled to receive any payment with respect to the Notes,
and until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt are paid in full, any
distribution to which the Holders of the Notes would be entitled shall be made
to the holders of Senior Debt (except in each case that Holders of the Notes may
receive securities that are subordinated at least to the same extent as the
Notes are subordinated to Senior Debt and any securities issued in exchange for
Senior Debt and payments made from the trust described under "-- Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance").
    
 
   
     The Company may not make any payment (whether by redemption, purchase,
retirement, defeasance or otherwise) upon or in respect of the Notes (except in
such subordinated securities or from the trust described under "-- Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance") if (i) a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Designated Senior Debt occurs or
(ii) any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to Designated
Senior Debt that permits, or with the giving of notice or passage of time or
both (unless cured or waived) will permit, holders of the Designated Senior Debt
as to which such default
    
 
                                       A-9
<PAGE>   90
 
   
relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a notice of such
default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from the Company or the holders of any
Designated Senior Debt. Cash payments on the Notes shall be resumed (a) in the
case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or
waived and (b) in case of a nonpayment default, the earliest of the date on
which such nonpayment default is cured or waived, the date on which the
applicable Payment Blockage Notice is retracted by written notice to the Trustee
or 90 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is
received, unless the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated
or a default of the type described in clause (ix) under the caption "Events of
Default" has occurred and is continuing. No new period of payment blockage may
be commenced unless and until 360 days have elapsed since the date of
commencement of the payment blockage period resulting from the immediately prior
Payment Blockage Notice. No nonpayment default in respect of Designated Senior
Debt that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment
Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent
Payment Blockage Notice.
    
 
     The Indenture will further require that the Company promptly notify holders
of Senior Debt if payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of
Default.
 
   
     As a result of the subordination provisions described above, in the event
of a liquidation or insolvency of the Company, Holders of the Notes may recover
less ratably than creditors of the Company who are holders of Senior Debt. On a
pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition, the related
financing transactions and the application of the proceeds therefrom, the
principal amount of Senior Debt outstanding at December 31, 1996 would have been
approximately $244 million, which represents borrowings under the Credit
Agreement. See "Description of Capital Stock and Indebtedness." The Indenture
will limit, subject to certain financial tests, the amount of additional
Indebtedness, including Senior Debt, that the Company and its Subsidiaries can
incur. See "-- Certain Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Disqualified Stock."
    
 
GUARANTEES
 
   
     The Company's payment obligations under the Notes will be jointly,
severally and unconditionally guaranteed (the "Guarantees") by each Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company and any future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.
The Guarantees will be subordinated to Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors
to the same extent and in the same manner as the Notes are subordinated to the
Senior Debt. Each Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor will be limited in an
amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by the applicable
Subsidiary Guarantor without rendering such Guarantee, as it relates to such
Subsidiary Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent
conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting rights of creditors
generally.
    
 
     The Indenture will provide that no Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate
with or merge with or into (whether or not such Subsidiary Guarantor is the
surviving Person), another Person whether or not affiliated with such Subsidiary
Guarantor, unless (i) subject to the provisions of the following paragraph, the
Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than
such Subsidiary Guarantor) assumes all the obligations of such Subsidiary
Guarantor pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee in respect of the Notes, the Indenture and the
Guarantees; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default
or Event of Default exists; and (iii) such transaction does not violate any of
the covenants described under the heading "-- Certain Covenants."
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that in the event of a sale or other disposition
of all or substantially all of the assets of a Subsidiary Guarantor to a third
party or an Unrestricted Subsidiary in a transaction that does not violate any
of the covenants in the Indenture, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise,
or a sale or other disposition of all of the capital stock of a Subsidiary
Guarantor, then such Subsidiary Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other
disposition, by way of such a merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the
capital stock of such Subsidiary Guarantor) or the Person acquiring the property
(in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor) will be released from and relieved of any
obligations under its Guarantee; provided that the Net Proceeds of such sale or
other disposition are applied in
    
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>   91
 
accordance with the covenant described under the caption "-- Repurchase at the
Option of Holders -- Asset Sales."
 
   
     Any Subsidiary Guarantor that is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture shall be released and relieved of its
obligations under its Guarantee and any Unrestricted Subsidiary and any newly
formed or newly acquired Subsidiary that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary will be
required to execute a Guarantee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
    
 
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST
 
   
     The Notes will be limited in aggregate principal amount to $100 million and
will mature on             , 2007. Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate
of  % per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears
on          -          and          -          of each year, commencing on
            , 1997, to Holders of the Notes of record on the immediately
preceding        and        . Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most
recent date on which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid,
from the date of original issuance.
    
 
   
     Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of
twelve 30-day months. Principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will
be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose
within the City and State of New York or, in the event the Notes do not remain
in book-entry form, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be
made by check mailed to the Holders of the Notes at their respective addresses
set forth in the applicable register of Holders of the Notes. Until otherwise
designated by the Company, the Company's office or agency in New York will be
the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. The Notes will be fully
registered as to principal and interest in minimum denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
    
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     Except as otherwise described below, the Notes will not be redeemable at
the Company's option prior to             , 2002. Thereafter, the Notes will be
subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, upon
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during
the twelve-month period beginning on             of the years indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                YEAR                   PERCENTAGE
- -------------------------------------  ----------
<S>                                    <C>
2002.................................         %
2003.................................         %
2004.................................         %
2005 and thereafter..................      100%
</TABLE>
 
   
     Prior to             , 2000, the Company may, at its option, on any one or
more occasions, redeem up to 33 1/3% of the original aggregate principal amount
of the Notes at a redemption price equal to   % of the principal amount thereof,
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the redemption date, with
all or a portion of the net proceeds of public sales of Equity Interests of the
Company; provided that at least 66 2/3% of the original aggregate principal
amount of the Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such
redemption; and provided, further, that such redemption shall occur within 60
days of the date of the closing of the related sale of such Equity Interests.
    
 
SELECTION AND NOTICE
 
   
     In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the Notes for
redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of
the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are
listed, or, if such Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by
such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate; provided that no
Note of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption shall be
mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
redemption date
    
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>   92
 
to each Holder of the Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any
Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to
such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof
will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the
original Note. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue
on the Notes or portions of them called for redemption.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
 
     Except as set forth below under "-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders,"
the Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund
payments with respect to the Notes.
 
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
 
  Change of Control
 
   
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of the Notes will
have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes pursuant to the
offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash
equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control
Payment"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail
a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that
constitute the Change of Control and offer to repurchase the Notes pursuant to
the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such notice. The
Change of Control Payment shall be made on a business day not less than 30 days
nor more than 60 days after such notice is mailed (the "Change of Control
Payment Date"). The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1
under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder
to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control.
    
 
   
     On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent
lawful, (i) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an
amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all the Notes or
portions thereof so tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the
aggregate principal amount of such Notes or portions thereof being purchased by
the Company. The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of the Notes so
tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will
promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to
each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of
the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note will be in a
principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Company will
publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as
practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
    
 
     Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the
Indenture will not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the Notes to
require that the Company repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a
takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
 
   
     The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer if a
third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and
otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture
applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all
Notes (or portions thereof) validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change
of Control Offer.
    
 
   
     The Credit Agreement will prohibit the Company from repurchasing any Notes
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer prior to the repayment in full of the
Senior Debt under the Credit Agreement. Moreover, the occurrence of certain
change of control events identified in the Credit Agreement will constitute a
default under the Credit Agreement. Any future Credit Facilities or other
agreements relating to the Senior Debt to which the Company becomes a party may
contain similar restrictions and provisions. If a Change of Control were to
occur, the Company may not have sufficient available funds to pay the Change of
Control Payment for all Notes that might be delivered by Holders of the Notes
seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer after
    
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>   93
 
   
first satisfying its obligations under the Credit Agreement or other agreements
relating to Senior Debt, if accelerated. The failure of the Company to make or
consummate the Change of Control Offer or pay the Change of Control Payment when
due will constitute a Default under the Indenture and will otherwise give the
Trustee and the Holders of the Notes the rights described under "--Events of
Default and Remedies."
    
 
   
     The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale,
lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all"
of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although
there is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially
all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable
law. Accordingly, the ability of a Holder of the Notes to require the Company to
repurchase such Notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition of less than all of the assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain.
    
 
  Asset Sales
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in an Asset Sale unless (i) the
Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration
at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (as
determined in good faith by a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in
an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee, which determination shall be
conclusive evidence of compliance with this provision) of the assets or Equity
Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of and (ii) at least 85% of the
consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in
such Asset Sale, plus all other Asset Sales since the date of the Indenture, on
a cumulative basis, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that
the amount of any liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Restricted
Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet) of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their
terms subordinated to the Notes or any guarantee thereof) that are assumed by
the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation agreement
that releases the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from further liability.
    
 
   
     Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale,
the Company may apply such Net Proceeds, at its option, (a) to reduce Senior
Debt, (b) to acquire a controlling interest in another Oil and Gas Business, (c)
to make capital expenditures in respect of the Company's or its Restricted
Subsidiaries' Oil and Gas Business, (d) to purchase long-term assets that are
used or useful in such Oil and Gas Business or (e) to repurchase any Notes.
Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may
temporarily reduce Senior Debt that is revolving debt or otherwise invest such
Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture. Any Net
Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied as provided in the first sentence
of this paragraph will (after the expiration of the periods specified in this
paragraph) be deemed to constitute "Excess Proceeds."
    
 
   
     When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10 million, the
Company will be required to make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, to
the extent required by the terms thereof, to all holders or lenders of Pari
Passu Indebtedness (an "Asset Sale Offer") to purchase the maximum principal
amount of the Notes and any such Pari Passu Indebtedness to which the Asset Sale
Offer applies that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer
price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon to the date of purchase, or, in the case, of any other
Pari Passu Indebtedness, 100% of the principal amount thereof (or with respect
to discount Pari Passu Indebtedness, the accreted value thereof) on the date of
purchase, in each case, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
Indenture or the agreements governing the Pari Passu Indebtedness, as
applicable. To the extent that the aggregate principal amount (or accreted
value, as the case may be) of the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered
pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company
may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the
aggregate principal amount of the Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and the
aggregate principal amount or accreted value of other Pari Passu Indebtedness
surrendered by holders or lenders thereof, collectively, exceeds the amount of
Excess Proceeds, the Trustee and the trustee or other lender representatives for
the Pari Passu Indebtedness shall select the Notes and other Pari Passu
Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis, based on the aggregate
principal amount (or
    
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>   94
 
   
accreted value, as applicable) thereof surrendered in such Asset Sale Offer.
Upon completion of such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be
reset at zero.
    
 
   
     The Credit Agreement will prohibit the Company from purchasing any Notes
from the Net Proceeds of Asset Sales. Any future credit agreements or other
agreements relating to Senior Debt to which the Company becomes a party may
contain similar restrictions and provisions. In the event an Asset Sale Offer
occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from purchasing the Notes, the
Company could seek the consent of its lenders to the purchase or could attempt
to refinance the Senior Debt that contain such prohibition. If the Company does
not obtain such a consent or repay such Senior Debt, the Company may remain
prohibited from purchasing the Notes. In such case, the Company's failure to
purchase tendered Notes would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture
which would, in turn, constitute a default under the Credit Agreement and
possibly a default under other agreements relating to Senior Debt. In such
circumstances, the subordination provisions in the Indenture would likely
restrict payments to the Holders of the Notes.
    
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  Restricted Payments
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly: (i) declare or
pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of the
Company's Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment to
holders of the Company's Equity Interests in connection with any merger or
consolidation involving the Company) to the direct or indirect holders of the
Company's Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or
distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the
Company); (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent or other
Affiliate of the Company that is not a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company; (iii) make any principal payment on, or purchase, redeem, defease or
otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to
the Notes, except at final maturity; or (iv) make any Restricted Investment (all
such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above
being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless, at the time of
and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
    
 
          (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and
 
          (b) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and
     after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had
     been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been
     permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
     the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of
     the covenant described below under the caption "-- Incurrence of
     Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock"; and
 
   
          (c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of all other
     Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
     after the date of the Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by
     clauses (2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) of the next succeeding paragraph), is
     less than the sum of (i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company
     for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the
     first fiscal quarter commencing after the date of the Indenture to the end
     of the Company's most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal
     financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment
     (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less
     100% of such deficit), plus (ii) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds
     received by the Company from the issue and sale since the date of the
     Indenture of Equity Interests of the Company or of debt securities of the
     Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity
     Interests (other than Equity Interests (or convertible debt securities)
     sold to a Subsidiary of the Company and other than Disqualified Stock or
     debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock), plus
     (iii) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the
     date of the Indenture is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid
     for cash, the lesser of (A) the net proceeds of such sale, liquidation or
     repayment and (B) the initial amount of such Restricted Investment;
     provided,
    
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>   95
 
   
     however, that the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (c) will not
     prohibit Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20
     million.
    
 
   
     The foregoing provisions will not prohibit: (1) the payment of any dividend
within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at said date of
declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the
Indenture; (2) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of
any Equity Interests of the Company in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of,
the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of
other Equity Interests of the Company (other than any Disqualified Stock);
provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any
such redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition shall be excluded
from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph; (3) the defeasance, redemption
or repurchase of Subordinated Indebtedness with the net cash proceeds from an
incurrence of subordinated Permitted Refinancing Debt or the substantially
concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of Equity Interests
of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock); provided that the amount of any
such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase,
retirement or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (c)(ii) of the
preceding paragraph; (4) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company held by any of the Company's (or any of its Subsidiaries') employees
pursuant to any management equity subscription agreement or stock option
agreement in effect as of the date of the Indenture; provided that the aggregate
price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity
Interests shall not exceed $2 million in any twelve-month period; and provided
further that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing immediately after such transaction; (5) repurchases of Equity
Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Equity
Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options; (6) the
redemption of the 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures; provided that the
average closing price of the Company's common stock for the 30 trading days
prior to the date of such redemption is greater than 120% of the conversion
price and (7) conversion or exchange of the $2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock in
accordance with its terms.
    
 
   
     The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair
market value (as determined in good faith by a resolution of the Board of
Directors set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee, which
determination shall be conclusive evidence of compliance with this provision) on
the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) proposed to be transferred by
the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
pursuant to the Restricted Payment. Not later than five days after the date of
making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and
setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by the covenant
"Restricted Payments" were computed.
    
 
   
  Designation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries
    
 
   
     The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Restricted
Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if such designation would not cause
a Default. For purposes of making such determination, all outstanding
Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent
repaid in cash) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted
Payments at the time of such designation and will reduce the amount available
for Restricted Payments under clause (c) of the first paragraph of the covenant
"Restricted Payments." All such outstanding Investments will be deemed to
constitute Investments in an amount equal to the greater of the fair market
value or the book value of such Investments at the time of such designation.
Such designation will only be permitted if such Restricted Payment would be
permitted at such time and if such Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the
definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
    
 
  Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur,
issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable,
contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur") any
Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and that the Company will not issue any
Disqualified Stock and will not permit any of its
    
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>   96
 
   
Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock; provided,
however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or
issue shares of Disqualified Stock if:
    
 
          (i) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company's most recently
     ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are
     available immediately preceding the date on which such additional
     Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have
     been at least 2.5 to 1, determined on a pro forma basis as set forth in the
     definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio; and
 
          (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing at the time such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such
     Disqualified Stock is issued or would occur as a consequence of the
     incurrence of the additional Indebtedness or the issuance of the
     Disqualified Stock.
 
   
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture will not prohibit any of the
following (collectively, "Permitted Indebtedness"): (a) the Indebtedness
evidenced by the Notes; (b) the incurrence by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness pursuant to Credit Facilities, so long
as the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness outstanding under all
Credit Facilities does not, at any one time, exceed the greater of (i) $400
million (or, if there is any permanent reduction in the aggregate principal
amount permitted to be borrowed under the Credit Agreement, such lesser
aggregate principal amount) and (ii) an amount equal to the sum of (a) $50
million plus (b) 30% of Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets determined
after the incurrence of such Indebtedness (including the application of the
proceeds therefrom); (c) the guarantee by any Subsidiary Guarantor of any
Indebtedness that is permitted by the Indenture to be incurred by the Company;
(d) all Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence
as of the date of the Indenture after giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition,
the related financing transactions and the application of the proceeds thereof;
(e) intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that (i) if the Company is the
obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinate to the
payment in full of all Obligations with respect to the Notes and (ii)(A) any
subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such
Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary and (B) any sale or other transfer of any such
Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence
of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
may be; (f) Indebtedness in connection with one or more standby letters of
credit, guarantees, performance bonds or other reimbursement obligations, in
each case, issued in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with
the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit (other than
advances or credit on open account, includible in current liabilities, for goods
and services in the ordinary course of business and on terms and conditions
which are customary in the Oil and Gas Business, and other than the extension of
credit represented by such letter of credit, guarantee or performance bond
itself), not to exceed in the aggregate at any given time 5% of Total Assets;
(g) Indebtedness under Interest Rate Hedging Agreements entered into for the
purpose of limiting interest rate risks, provided that the obligations under
such agreements are related to payment obligations on Indebtedness otherwise
permitted by the terms of this covenant and that the aggregate notional
principal amount of such agreements does not exceed 105% of the principal amount
of the Indebtedness to which such agreements relate; (h) Indebtedness under Oil
and Gas Hedging Contracts, provided that such contracts were entered into in the
ordinary course of business for the purpose of limiting risks that arise in the
ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; (i)
the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness not otherwise permitted to be
incurred pursuant to this paragraph, provided that the aggregate principal
amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of all Indebtedness incurred pursuant
to this clause (i), together with all Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred
pursuant to clause (j) of this paragraph in respect of Indebtedness previously
incurred pursuant to this clause (i), does not exceed $10 million at any one
time outstanding; (j) Permitted Refinancing Debt incurred in exchange for, or
the net proceeds of which are used to refinance, extend, renew, replace, defease
or refund, Indebtedness that was permitted by the Indenture to be incurred
(including Indebtedness previously incurred pursuant to this clause (j)); (k)
accounts payable or other obligations of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary to trade creditors created or assumed by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business in connection with the
obtaining of goods or services; (l) Indebtedness consisting of obligations in
respect of
    
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>   97
 
purchase price adjustments, guarantees or indemnities in connection with the
acquisition or disposition of assets; and (m) production imbalances that do not,
at any one time outstanding, exceed 2% of the Total Assets of the Company.
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not permit any
Unrestricted Subsidiary to incur any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
provided, however, if any such Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt, such
event shall be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by the
Company.
    
 
  No Layering
 
     The Indenture will provide that (i) the Company will not incur, create,
issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that is
subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt and senior in any
respect in right of payment to the Notes and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantors will
not directly or indirectly incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise
become liable for any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of
payment to any guarantees issued in respect of Senior Debt and senior in any
respect in right of payment to the Guarantees, provided, however, that the
foregoing limitations will not apply to distinctions between categories of
Indebtedness that exist by reason of any Liens arising or created in respect of
some but not all such Indebtedness.
 
  Liens
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause
or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien securing Indebtedness of any
kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its property or assets, now owned
or hereafter acquired, unless all payments under the Notes are secured by such
Lien prior to, or on an equal and ratable basis with, the Indebtedness so
secured for so long as such Indebtedness is secured by such Lien.
    
 
  Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i)(x) pay dividends
or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (1) on its Capital Stock or (2) with respect to any other interest
or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or (y) pay any indebtedness
owed by it to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) make loans
or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii)
transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by
reason of (a) the Credit Agreement as in effect as of the date of the Indenture,
and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases,
supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof or any other
Credit Facility, provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements,
renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements, refinancings or
other Credit Facilities are no more restrictive taken as a whole with respect to
such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Credit
Agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (b) the Indenture and the
Notes, (c) applicable law, (d) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital
Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except, in the case of
Indebtedness, to the extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or
in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not
applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than
the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its
Subsidiaries, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such
Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be incurred, (e) by
reason of customary non-assignment provisions in leases and customary provisions
in other agreements that restrict assignment of such agreement or rights
thereunder, entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practices, (f) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the
ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature described in
clause (iii) above on the property so acquired, or (g) Permitted Refinancing
Debt, provided that the restrictions contained in the
    
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>   98
 
agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Debt are no more restrictive
than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being
refinanced.
 
  Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company may not consolidate or merge
with or into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell,
assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to another
Person, and the Company may not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
enter into any such transaction or series of transactions if such transaction or
series of transactions would, in the aggregate, result in a sale, assignment,
transfer, lease, conveyance, or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the properties or assets of the Company to another Person, in either case unless
(i) the Company is the surviving corporation or the Person formed by or
surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to
which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition
shall have been made (the "Surviving Entity") is a corporation organized or
existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District
of Columbia; (ii) the Surviving Entity (if the Company is not the continuing
obligor under the Indenture) assumes all the obligations of the Company under
the Notes and the Indenture pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a form
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee; (iii) immediately before and after
giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions no Default or Event
of Default exists; (iv) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or a
series of transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness not
previously an obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries which becomes the
obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of such
transaction or series of transactions as having been incurred at the time of
such transaction or series of transactions), the Consolidated Net Worth of the
Company and its Subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity (if the Company is not the
continuing obligor under the Indenture) is equal to or greater than the
Consolidated Net Worth of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to
such transaction or series of transactions and (v) the Company or the Surviving
Entity (if the Company is not the continuing obligor under the Indenture) will,
at the time of such transaction or series of transactions and after giving pro
forma effect thereto as if such transaction or series of transactions had
occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to
incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the test set forth
in the first paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "--
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock." Notwithstanding
the restrictions described in the foregoing clauses (iv) and (v), any Restricted
Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its
properties and assets to the Company, and any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and
assets to another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.
    
 
  Transactions with Affiliates
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any
property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any contract, agreement,
understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any of
its Affiliates (each of the foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless (i)
such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company
or the relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a
comparable transaction by the Company or such Subsidiary with an unrelated
Person and (ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee (a) with respect to any
Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving
aggregate consideration in excess of $1.0 million but less than or equal to $5.0
million, an Officers' Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction
complies with clause (i) above, (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or
series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in
excess of $5.0 million but less than or equal to $10.0 million, a resolution of
the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers' Certificate certifying that
such Affiliate Transaction or series of Affiliate Transactions complies with
clause (i) above and that such Affiliate Transaction or series of Affiliate
Transactions has been approved in good faith by a majority of the members of the
Board of Directors who are disinterested with respect to such Affiliate
Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions, which resolution shall
be conclusive evidence of compliance with this provision, and (c) with respect
to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions
involving aggregate
    
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>   99
 
   
consideration in excess of $10.0 million, the Company delivers a resolution of
the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers' Certificate certifying that
such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions complies
with clause (i) above and that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions has been approved in good faith by a resolution adopted
by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company who are
disinterested with respect to such Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions and an opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such
Subsidiary of such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions (which resolution and fairness opinion shall be conclusive evidence
of compliance with this provision) from a financial point of view issued by an
accounting, appraisal, engineering or investment banking firm of national
standing; (which resolution and fairness opinion shall be conclusive evidence of
compliance with this provision); provided that the following shall not be deemed
Affiliate Transactions: (1) transactions contemplated by any employment
agreement or other compensation plan or arrangement entered into by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with the past practice of the Company or such Subsidiary, (2) transactions
between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries, (3) Restricted
Payments and Permitted Investments that are permitted by the provisions of the
Indenture described above under the caption "-- Restricted Payments," and (4)
indemnification payments made to officers, directors and employees of the
Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to charter, bylaw, statutory or contractual
provisions.
    
 
  Additional Subsidiary Guarantees
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that if the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries shall acquire or create another Restricted Subsidiary after the
date of the Indenture, then such newly acquired or created Restricted Subsidiary
will be required to execute a Guarantee and deliver an opinion of counsel, in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
    
 
  Business Activities
 
   
     The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
engage in any material respect in any business other than the Oil and Gas
Business.
    
 
  Commission Reports
 
   
     Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to remain subject to
the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to the
extent permitted by the Exchange Act the Company will file with the Commission
and provide, within 15 days after such filing, the Trustee and Holders and
prospective Holders (upon request) with the annual reports and the information,
documents and other reports which are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (but without exhibits in the case of the Holders and prospective
Holders). In the event that the Company is not permitted to file such reports,
documents and information with the Commission, the Company will provide
substantially similar information to the Trustee, the Holders, and prospective
Holders (upon request) as if the Company were subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company also will
comply with the other provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.
    
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
   
     The Indenture will provide that each of the following constitutes an Event
of Default: (i) a default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the
Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of the
Indenture); (ii) a default in payment when due of the principal of or premium,
if any, on the Notes (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions
of the Indenture); (iii) the failure by the Company to comply with its
obligations under "Certain Covenants -- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets"
above; (iv) the failure by the Company for 30 days after notice from the Trustee
or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding
to comply with the provisions described under the captions "Repurchase at the
Option of Holders and "Certain Covenants" other than the provisions described
under "-- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets"; (v) failure by the Company
for 60 days after notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with
    
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>   100
 
   
any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Notes; (vi) except as
permitted by the Indenture, any Guarantee shall be held in any judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in
full force and effect or a Subsidiary Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf
of such Subsidiary Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its
Guarantee; (vii) a default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under
which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or
is created after the date of the Indenture, which default (a) is caused by a
failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness
prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the
date of such default (a "Payment Default") or (b) results in the acceleration of
such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal
amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other
such Indebtedness under which there is then existing a Payment Default or the
maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10 million or more;
provided, that if any such default is cured or waived or any such acceleration
rescinded, or such Indebtedness is repaid, within a period of 10 days from the
continuation of such default beyond the applicable grace period or the
occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of Default under
the Indenture and any consequential acceleration of the Notes shall be
automatically rescinded; (viii) the failure by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final, non-appealable judgments aggregating in
excess of $5 million, which judgments remain unpaid or discharged for a period
of 60 days; and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to
the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries
that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary.
    
 
   
     If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may
declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on such Notes to be due
and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event
of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect
to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that,
taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes
will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the
Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the
Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding may direct the Trustee in its exercise of
any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of
any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default
relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.
    
 
   
     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding
by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive
any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the
Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of
interest or premium on, or the principal of, the Notes.
    
 
     The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement
regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, within
five business days of becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to
deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
   
     The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its
obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ("Legal
Defeasance") except for (i) the rights of Holders of such outstanding Notes to
receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on
such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to below, (ii) the
Company's obligations with respect to such Notes concerning issuing temporary
Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes
and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security
payments held in trust, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities
of the Trustee, and the Company's obligations in connection therewith and (iv)
the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In addition, the Company may,
at its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Company
released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture
("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any
    
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>   101
 
omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event
of Default. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not
including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency
events) described under "Events of Default and Remedies" will no longer
constitute an Event of Default.
 
     In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i)
the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit
of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government
Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in
the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants,
to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding Notes
on the stated maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be,
and the Company must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to maturity or
to a particular redemption date; (ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United
States reasonably acceptable to such Trustee confirming that (A) the Company has
received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a
ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the
applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based
thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the
outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (iii) in the
case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to such Trustee
confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant
Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant
Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or
Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such
deposit) or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events
are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date
of deposit: (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in
a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement
or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
bound; (vi) the Company must have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel
to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds
will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally; (vii) the
Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that the
deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of
the Notes over the other creditors of the Company, or with the intent of
defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or others;
and (viii) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and
an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for
relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied
with.
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
     A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may
require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected
for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any
Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of the Notes to be redeemed.
 
     The registered Holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of it for all
purposes.
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
   
     Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture,
the Notes or the Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of
the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with
a purchase of,
    
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>   102
 
   
or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), and any existing default or
compliance with any provision of such Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees may
be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a
tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes).
    
 
   
     Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not
(with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (i) reduce the
principal amount of the Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver, (ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity
of any Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes
(other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the
caption "-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders"), (iii) reduce the rate of or
change the time for payment of interest on any Note, (iv) waive a Default or
Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest
on the Notes (except a recision of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of
at least a majority in principal amount of such Notes and a waiver of the
payment default that resulted from such acceleration), (v) make any Note payable
in money other than that stated in the Notes, (vi) make any change in the
provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights
of Holders of the Notes to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any,
or interest on the Notes or (vii) make any change in the foregoing amendment and
waiver provisions. In addition, any amendment to the provisions described under
"-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders" or the provisions of Article 10 of the
Indenture (which relate to subordination) will require the consent of the
Holders of at least 66 2/3% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding if
such amendment would adversely affect the rights of Holders of such Notes.
However, no amendment may be made to the subordination provisions of the
Indenture that adversely affects the rights of any holder of Senior Debt then
outstanding unless the holders of such Senior Debt (or any group or
representative thereof authorized to give a consent) consents to such change.
    
 
   
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Holder of the
Notes the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the
Notes to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for
uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to
provide for the assumption of the Company's obligations to Holders of the Notes
in the case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide
any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not
adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, to
secure the Notes or to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to
effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture
Act.
    
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest, it must
eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission
to continue or resign.
 
     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default
shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the
exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct
of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request of any Holder of the Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to
such Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss,
liability or expense.
 
   
GOVERNING LAW
    
 
   
     The Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees provide that they will be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
    
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>   103
 
   
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
    
 
   
     The Notes to be sold as set forth herein will be issued in the form of a
fully registered Global Certificate (the "Global Certificate"). The Global
Certificate will be deposited on the date of the closing of the sale of the
Notes offered hereby (the "Closing Date") with, or on behalf of, The Depository
Trust Company, New York, New York (the "Depositary") and registered in the name
of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary (such nominee being referred to
herein as the "Global Certificate Holder").
    
 
   
     Except as set forth below, the Global Certificate may be transferred, in
whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a
successor of the Depositary or its nominee.
    
 
   
     The Depositary has advised the Company and the Underwriters as follows: it
is a limited-purpose trust company which was created to hold securities for its
participating organizations (the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of transactions in such securities between Participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. Participants
include securities brokers and dealers (including the Underwriters), banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access
to the Depositary's book-entry system is also available to others, such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly
("indirect participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own
securities held by the Depositary only through Participants or indirect
participants.
    
 
   
     The Depositary has also advised that pursuant to procedures established by
it (i) upon the issuance by the Company of the Notes, the Depositary will credit
the accounts of Participants designated by the Underwriters with the principal
amount of the Notes purchased by the Underwriters, and (ii) ownership of
beneficial interests in the Global Certificate will be shown on, and the
transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Depositary (with respect to Participants' interests), the Participants and
the indirect participants. The laws of some states require that certain persons
take physical delivery in definitive form of securities which they own.
Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Global
Certificate is limited to such extent.
    
 
   
     All payments on the Global Certificate registered in the name of the
Depositary's nominee will be made by the Company through the Paying Agent to the
Depositary's nominee as the registered owner of the Global Certificate. Under
the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee will treat the persons
in whose names the Notes are registered as the owners of such Notes for the
purpose of receiving payments of principal and interest on such Notes and for
all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore, neither the Company, the Trustee nor
the Paying Agent has any direct responsibility or liability for the payment of
principal or interest on the Notes to owners of beneficial interests in the
Global Certificate. The Depositary has advised the Company and the Trustee that
its present practice is, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest,
to credit immediately the accounts of the Participants with payment in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial
interests in the Global Certificate as shown on the records of the Depositary.
Payments by Participants and indirect participants to owners of beneficial
interests in the Global Certificate will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name" and will be
the responsibility of such Participants or indirect participants.
    
 
   
     So long as the Global Certificate Holder is the registered owner of the
Global Certificate, the Global Certificate Holder will be considered the sole
Holder under the Indenture of any Notes evidenced by the Global Certificate.
Beneficial owners of Notes evidence by the Global Certificate will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose,
including with respect to the giving of any directions, instructions or
approvals to the Trustee thereunder. Neither the Company nor the Trustee will
have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of the
Depositary or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the
Depositary relating to the Notes.
    
 
   
     As long as the Notes are represented by a Global Certificate, the
Depositary's nominee will be the only entity that can exercise a right to
repurchase the Notes. See "-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders." Notice by
Participants or indirect participants or by owners of beneficial interests in a
Global Certificate held
    
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>   104
 
   
through such Participants or indirect participants of the exercise of the option
to elect repurchase of beneficial interests in Notes represented by a Global
Certificate must be transmitted to the Depositary in accordance with its
procedures on a form required by the Depositary and provided to Participants. In
order to ensure that the Depositary's nominee will timely exercise a right to
repurchase with respect to a particular Note, the beneficial owner of such Note
must instruct the broker or other Participant or indirect participant through
which it holds an interest in such Note to notify the Depositary of its desire
to exercise a right to repurchase. Different firms have different cut-off times
for accepting instructions from their customers and, accordingly, each
beneficial owner should consult the broker or other Participant or indirect
participant through which it holds an interest in a Note in order to ascertain
the cut-off time by which such an instruction must be given in order for timely
notice to be delivered to the Depositary. The Company will not be liable for any
delay in delivery to the Paying Agent of notices of the exercise of any option
to elect repurchase.
    
 
   
     The Company will issue Notes in definitive form in exchange for the Global
Certificate if, and only if, either (i) the depositary is at any time unwilling
or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed
by the Company within 90 days, (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and the Notes registrar has received a request from the Depositary to
issue Notes in definitive form in lieu of all or a portion of the Global
Certificate (in which case the Company shall deliver Notes in definitive form
within 30 days of such request), or (iii) the Company determines not to have the
Notes represented by a Global Certificate. In any instance, an owner of a
beneficial interest in the Global Certificate will be entitled to have Notes
equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest registered in its name and
will be entitled to physical delivery of such Notes in definitive form. Notes so
issued in definitive form will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof and will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.
    
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for a full definition of all such terms, as well as any
other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
     "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person, (i)
Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is
merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including,
without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a
Subsidiary of such specified Person, and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien
encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
 
   
     "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means (without duplication), as
of the date of determination, (i) the sum of (a) discounted future net revenues
from proved oil and gas reserves of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
calculated in accordance with the Commission's guidelines before any state or
federal income taxes, with no less than 80% of the discounted future net
revenues estimated by one or more nationally recognized firms of independent
petroleum engineers in a reserve report prepared as of the end of the Company's
most recently completed fiscal year, as increased by, as of the date of
determination, the estimated discounted future net revenues from (1) estimated
proved oil and gas reserves acquired since the date of such year-end reserve
report, and (2) estimated oil and gas reserves attributable to upward revisions
of estimates of proved oil and gas reserves since the date of such year-end
reserve report due to exploration, development or exploitation activities, in
each case calculated in accordance with the Commission's guidelines (utilizing
the prices utilized in such year-end reserve report) increased by the accretion
of the discount from the date of the reserve report to the date of
determination, and decreased by, as of the date of determination, the estimated
discounted future net revenues from (3) estimated proved oil and gas reserves
produced or disposed of since the date of such year-end reserve report and (4)
estimated oil and gas reserves attributable to downward revisions of estimates
of proved oil and gas reserves since the date of such year-end reserve report
due to changes in geological conditions or other factors which would, in
accordance with standard industry practice, cause such revisions, in each case
calculated in accordance with the Commission's guidelines (utilizing the prices
utilized in such year-end reserve report); provided that, in the case of each of
the determinations made pursuant to clause (1) through (4), such increases and
decreases shall be as estimated
    
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>   105
 
   
by the Company's petroleum engineers, unless in the event that there is a
Material Change as a result of such acquisitions, dispositions or revisions,
then the discounted future net revenues utilized for purposes of this clause
(i)(a) shall be confirmed in writing by one or more nationally recognized firms
of independent petroleum engineers, (b) the capitalized costs that are
attributable to oil and gas properties of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries to which no proved oil and gas reserves are attributable, based on
the Company's books and records as of a date no earlier than the date of the
Company's latest annual or quarterly financial statements, (c) the Net Working
Capital on a date no earlier than the date of the Company's latest annual or
quarterly financial statements and (d) the greater of (1) the net book value on
a date no earlier than the date of the Company's latest annual or quarterly
financial statements or (2) the book value of other tangible assets (including,
without duplication, investments in unconsolidated Restricted Subsidiaries) of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as of the date no earlier than the
date of the Company's latest annual or quarterly financial statements, minus
(ii) the sum of (a) minority interests, (b) any gas balancing liabilities of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries reflected in the Company's latest
audited financial statements, and (c) the discounted future net revenues,
calculated in accordance with the Commission's guidelines, attributable to
reserves subject to Dollar-Denominated Production Payments which, based on the
estimates of production and price assumptions included in determining the
discounted future net revenues specified in (i)(a) above, would be necessary to
fully satisfy the payment obligations of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries with respect to Dollar-Denominated Production Payments on the
schedules specified with respect thereto. If the Company changes its method of
accounting from the successful efforts method to the full cost method or a
similar method of accounting, "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" will
continue to be calculated as if the Company was still using the successful
efforts method of accounting. At December 31, 1996 the Adjusted Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets was $1.1 billion.
    
 
     "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by"
and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean
the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided that
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a Person shall
be deemed to be control.
 
   
     "Asset Sale" means (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition
(but excluding the creation of a Lien) of any assets including, without
limitation, by way of a sale and leaseback (provided that the sale, lease,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions
of the Indenture described above under the caption "-- Repurchase at the Option
of Holders -- Change of Control" and/or the provisions described above under the
caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets" and
not by the provisions described above under "-- Repurchase at the Option of
Holders -- Asset Sales"), and (ii) the issuance or sale by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries of Equity Interests of any of the Company's
Subsidiaries (including the sale by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of
Equity Interests in an Unrestricted Subsidiary), in the case of either clause
(i) or (ii), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions
(a) that have a fair market value in excess of $5 million or (b) for net
proceeds in excess of $5 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following
shall not be deemed to be Asset Sales: (i) a transfer of assets by the Company
to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or by a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or to another Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) an issuance of Equity Interests by a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or to another
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) a Restricted Payment or
Permitted Investment that is permitted by the covenant described above under the
caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Restricted Payments," (iv) the abandonment,
farm-out, lease or sublease of undeveloped oil and gas properties in the
ordinary course of business, (v) the trade or exchange by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any oil and gas property owned or held
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary for any oil and gas property owned
or held by another Person, which the Board of Directors of the Company
determines in good faith to be of approximately equivalent value, (vi) the trade
or exchange by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of any oil and gas
property owned or
    
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>   106
 
   
held by the Company or such Subsidiary for Equity Interests in another Person
engaged primarily in the Oil and Gas Business which, together with all other
such trades or exchanges (to the extent excluded from the definition of Asset
Sale pursuant to this clause (vi)) since the date of the Indenture, do not
exceed 5% of Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets determined after such
trade or exchange and (vii) the sale or transfer of hydrocarbons or other
mineral products or surplus or obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of
business.
    
 
     "Attributable Debt" in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means,
at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the rate of
interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP) of
the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term
of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction (including any
period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the
lessor, be extended).
 
     "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date, the aggregate amount of borrowing
availability as of such date under all Credit Facilities that determine
availability on the basis of a borrowing base or other asset-based calculation.
 
     "Capital Lease Obligation" means, at the time any determination thereof is
to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would
at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with
GAAP.
 
   
     "Capital Stock" means (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock,
(ii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares,
interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of
corporate stock, (iii) in the case of a partnership, partnership interests
(whether general or limited), (iv) in the case of a limited liability company or
similar entity, any membership or similar interests therein and (v) any other
interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share
of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
    
 
   
     "Cash Equivalents" means (i) United States dollars, (ii) securities issued
or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or
any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than six
months from the date of acquisition, (iii) certificates of deposit and
eurodollar time deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of
acquisition, bankers' acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and
overnight bank deposits, in each case with any lender party to the Credit
Agreement or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in
excess of $500 million and a Thompson Bank Watch Rating of "B" or better, (iv)
repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying
securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above entered into
with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause
(iii) above, (v) commercial paper having a rating of at least P1 from Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. (or its successor) and a rating of at least A1 from
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (or its successor) Rating Group (or its
successor) and (vi) investments in money market or other mutual funds
substantially all of whose assets comprise securities of the types described in
clauses (ii) through (v) above.
    
 
   
     "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the
sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of
merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole to any "person" or group of related "persons" (a "Group") (as such terms
are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), (ii) the adoption of a plan
relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, (iii) the
consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any purchase,
sale, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation) the result of which is
that any "person" (as defined above) or Group becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of
more than 40% of the aggregate voting power of all classes of Capital Stock of
the Company having the right to elect directors under ordinary circumstances or
(iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors
of the Company are not Continuing Directors.
    
 
     "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>   107
 
   
     "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
such period plus (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss, plus any net
loss realized in connection with an Asset Sale (together with any related
provision for taxes), to the extent such losses were included in computing such
Consolidated Net Income, plus (ii) provision for taxes based on income or
profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the
extent that such provision for taxes was included in computing such Consolidated
Net Income, plus (iii) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including,
without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest
payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the
interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations,
imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and
other fees and charges incurred in respect of letters of credit or bankers'
acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Interest Rate
Hedging Agreements), to the extent that any such expense was included in
computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iv) depreciation, depletion and
amortization expenses (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles)
for such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent
that such depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses were included in
computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) exploration expenses for such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent such
exploration expenses were included in computing such Consolidated Net Income,
plus (vi) other non-cash charges (excluding any such non-cash charge to the
extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any
future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior
period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the
extent that such other non-cash charges were included in computing such
Consolidated Net Income, in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in
accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on
the income or profits of, and the depreciation, depletion and amortization and
other non-cash charges and expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent
Person shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash
Flow only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the Net Income of such
Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of
such Person and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of
determination to be dividended to the referent Person by such Restricted
Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and
without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and
all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and
governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders.
    
 
   
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such
period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided
that (i) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted
Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be
included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in
cash to the referent Person or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary thereof,
(ii) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent
that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that
Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination
permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained)
or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental
regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, (iii)
the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for
any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be excluded and (iv) the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded.
    
 
   
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means the total of the amounts shown on the
balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as of the end of the
most recent fiscal quarter of the Company ending prior to the taking of any
action for the purpose of which the determination is being made and for which
internal financial statements are available (but in no event ending more than
135 days prior to the taking of such action), as (i) the par or stated value of
all outstanding Capital Stock of the Company, plus (ii) paid-in capital or
capital surplus relating to such Capital Stock plus (iii) any retained earnings
or earned surplus less (A) any accumulated deficit and (B) any amounts
attributable to Disqualified Stock.
    
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>   108
 
   
     "Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member
of the Board of Directors of the Company who (i) was a member of such Board of
Directors on the date of original issuance of the Notes or (ii) was nominated
for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a
majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the time
of such nomination.
    
 
   
     "Credit Agreement" means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of
February 14, 1997, by and among the Company, the Subsidiaries, BankOne, as
administrative agent and as a lender, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as syndication
agent and as a lender, NationsBank, as documentation agent and as a lender, and
certain other banks, financial institutions and other entities, as lenders,
providing for up to $400 million of Indebtedness, including any related notes,
guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, and in each case as amended, restated, modified, renewed,
refunded, replaced or refinanced, in whole or in part, from time to time,
whether or not with the same lenders or agents.
    
 
     "Credit Facilities" means, with respect to the Company, one or more debt
facilities (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement) or commercial
paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders providing for
revolving credit loans, term loans, production payments, receivables financing
(including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose
entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters
of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time. Indebtedness under
Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which the Notes are first issued
and authenticated under the Indenture (after giving effect to the use of
proceeds thereof) shall be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance
on the exception provided by clause (b) of the definition of Permitted
Indebtedness.
 
     "Default" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
 
     "Designated Senior Debt" means (i) the Credit Agreement and (ii) any other
Senior Debt permitted under the Indenture the principal amount of which is $25
million or more and that has been designated by the Company as "Designated
Senior Debt."
 
   
     "Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock to the extent that, by its
terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which
it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior
to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature.
    
 
     "Dollar-Denominated Production Payments" means production payment
obligations recorded as liabilities in accordance with GAAP, together with all
undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.
 
     "Equity Interests" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other
rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>   109
 
   
     "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means with respect to any Person for any
period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period
to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees or
redeems any Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings) or issues
preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the date on which the
calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"),
then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect
to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such
issuance or redemption of preferred stock, as if the same had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for
purposes of making the computation referred to above, (i) acquisitions that have
been made by the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing
transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such
reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date (including, without
limitation, any acquisition to occur on the Calculation Date) shall be deemed to
have occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and
Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated without
giving effect to clause (iii) of the proviso set forth in the definition of
Consolidated Net Income, (ii) the net proceeds of Indebtedness incurred or
Disqualified Stock issued by the referent Person pursuant to the first paragraph
of the covenant described under the caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Incurrence
of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock" during the four-quarter
reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the
Calculation Date shall be deemed to have been received by the referent Person or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the first day of the four-quarter
reference period and applied to its intended use on such date, (iii) the
Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the
Calculation Date, shall be excluded, and (iv) the Fixed Charges attributable to
discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations
or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but
only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will
not be obligations of the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
following the Calculation Date.
    
 
   
     "Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum,
without duplication, of (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued (including,
without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest
payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the
interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations,
imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and
other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers'
acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant to Interest Rate
Hedging Agreements), (ii) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period, (iii)
any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by
such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets
of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or not such
guarantee or Lien is called upon) and (iv) the product of (a) all cash dividend
payments (and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Person that is a
Restricted Subsidiary) on any series of preferred stock of such Person or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one
and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal,
state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in
each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.
    
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession, which are in effect from time to time.
 
     "Guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or
indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any
Indebtedness.
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>   110
 
     "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, (a)
any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (i) in respect of
borrowed money, (ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar
instruments, (iii) evidenced by letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof) or banker's acceptances, (iv) representing Capital Lease
Obligations, (v) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase
price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued
expense or trade payable, (vi) representing any obligations in respect of
Interest Rate Hedging Agreements or Oil and Gas Hedging Contracts, and (vii) in
respect of any Production Payment, (b) all indebtedness of others secured by a
Lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by
such Person), (c) obligations of such Person in respect of production
imbalances, (d) Attributable Debt of such Person, and (e) to the extent not
otherwise included in the foregoing, the guarantee by such Person of any
indebtedness of any other Person, provided that the indebtedness described in
clauses (a)(i), (ii), (iv) and (v) shall be included in this definition of
Indebtedness only if, and to the extent that, the indebtedness described in such
clauses would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared
in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Interest Rate Hedging Agreements" means, with respect to any Person, the
obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest
rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements and (ii) other
agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations
in interest rates.
 
   
     "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or
indirect loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations, but
excluding trade credit and other ordinary course advances customarily made in
the oil and gas industry), advances or capital contributions (excluding
commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the
ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration
of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items
that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in
accordance with GAAP; provided that the following shall not constitute
Investments: (i) an acquisition of assets, Equity Interests or other securities
by the Company for consideration consisting of common equity securities of the
Company, (ii) Interest Rate Hedging Agreements entered into in accordance with
the limitations set forth in clause (g) of the second paragraph of the covenant
described under the caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness
and Issuance of Disqualified Stock", (iii) Oil and Gas Hedging Agreements
entered into in accordance with the limitations set forth in clause (h) of the
second paragraph of the covenant described under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock" and
(iv) endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course
of business.
    
 
   
     "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset,
whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law
(including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in
the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security
interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under
the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction other
than a precautionary financing statement with respect to a lease not intended as
a security agreement).
    
 
   
     "Material Change" means an increase or decrease (excluding changes that
result solely from changes in prices) of more than 20% during a fiscal quarter
in the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and gas
reserves of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, calculated in
accordance with clause (i)(a) of the definition of Adjusted Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets; provided, however, that the following will be excluded from the
calculation of Material Change: (i) any acquisitions during the quarter of oil
and gas reserves that have been estimated by one or more nationally recognized
firms of independent petroleum engineers and on which a report or reports exist
and (ii) any disposition of properties existing at the beginning of such quarter
that have been disposed of as provided in the "Asset Sales" covenant.
    
 
     "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of
such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in
respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any gain (but not
loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain (but not
loss), realized in connection with (a) any Asset Sale (including, without
limitation, dispositions pursuant to sale and
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>   111
 
   
leaseback transactions) or (b) the disposition of any securities by such Person
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness
of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) any extraordinary
or nonrecurring gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for
taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss).
    
 
   
     "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including,
without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any
non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale, but excluding cash amounts
placed in escrow, until such amounts are released to the Company), net of the
direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal,
accounting and investment banking fees and expenses, and sales commissions) and
any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or
deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to
the repayment of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under any Credit
Facility) secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such
Asset Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such
asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP and any reserve established
for future liabilities.
    
 
   
     "Net Working Capital" means (i) all current assets of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, minus (ii) all current liabilities of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, except current liabilities included in
Indebtedness, in each case as set forth in financial statements of the Company
prepared in accordance with GAAP.
    
 
   
     "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness (i) as to which neither the Company
nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides any guarantee or credit
support of any kind (including any undertaking, guarantee, indemnity, agreement
or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), or (b) is directly or
indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise); and (ii) no default with
respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take
enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit (upon
notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other
Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to
its stated maturity; and (iii) the explicit terms of which provide that there is
no recourse against any of the assets of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries.
    
 
     "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under
the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
   
     "Oil and Gas Business" means (i) the acquisition, exploration, development,
operation and disposition of interests in oil, gas and other hydrocarbon
properties, (ii) the gathering, marketing, treating, processing, storage,
distribution, selling and transporting of any production from such interests or
properties, (iii) any business relating to exploration for or development,
production, treatment, processing, storage, transportation or marketing of oil,
gas and other minerals and products produced in association therewith and (iv)
any activity that is ancillary to or necessary or appropriate for the activities
described in clauses (i) through (iii) of this definition.
    
 
     "Oil and Gas Hedging Contracts" means any oil and gas purchase or hedging
agreement, and other agreement or arrangement, in each case, that is designed to
provide protection against oil and gas price fluctuations.
 
     "Pari Passu Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that ranks pari passu in right
of payment to the Notes.
 
     "Permitted Indebtedness" has the meaning given in the covenant described
under the caption "-- Certain Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of Disqualified Stock."
 
   
     "Permitted Investments" means (a) any Investment in the Company or in a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (b) any Investment in Cash
Equivalents or securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by
the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof having
maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition; (c) any
Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a
Person if, as a result of such Investment and any related
    
 
                                      A-31
<PAGE>   112
 
   
transactions that at the time of such Investment are contractually mandated to
occur, (i) such Person becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company or (ii) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into,
or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is
liquidated into, the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company; (d) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance
with the covenant described above under the caption "-- Repurchase at the Option
of Holders -- Asset Sales"; (e) other Investments in any Person or Persons
having an aggregate fair market value (measured on the date each such Investment
was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken
together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (e) that are at
the time outstanding, not to exceed $10 million; (f) any Investment acquired by
the Company in exchange for Equity Interests in the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock); (g) shares of Capital Stock received in connection with any
good faith settlement of a bankruptcy proceeding involving a trade creditor; (h)
entry into operating agreements, joint ventures, partnership agreements, working
interests, royalty interests, mineral leases, processing agreements, farm-out
agreements, contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil and
natural gas, unitization agreements, pooling arrangements, area of mutual
interest agreements, production sharing agreements or other similar or customary
agreements, transactions, properties, interests or arrangements, and Investments
and expenditures in connection therewith or pursuant thereto, in each case made
or entered into the ordinary course of the Oil and Gas Business, excluding,
however, Investments in corporations other than any Investment received pursuant
to the Asset Sale provision and (i) the acquisition of any Equity Interests
pursuant to a transaction of the type described in clause (vi) of the exclusions
from the definition of "Asset Sale."
    
 
   
     "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Subsidiary or
Liens securing Senior Debt that is outstanding on the date of issuance of the
Notes (after giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition, the related financing
transactions and the application of the proceeds therefrom) and Liens securing
Senior Debt that are permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be incurred;
(ii) Liens in favor of the Company; (iii) Liens on property existing at the time
of acquisition thereof by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and Liens
on property or assets of a Subsidiary existing at the time it became a
Subsidiary, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the
contemplation of the acquisition and do not extend to any assets other than the
acquired property; (iv) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course
of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or
other kinds of social security, or to secure the payment or performance of
tenders, statutory or regulatory obligations, surety or appeal bonds,
performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary
course of business (including lessee or operator obligations under statutes,
governmental regulations or instruments related to the ownership, exploration
and production of oil, gas and minerals on state or federal lands or waters);
(v) Liens existing on the date of the Indenture (after giving effect to the
Cometra Acquisition, the related financing transactions and the application of
proceeds therefrom); (vi) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges
or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded,
provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in
conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor; (vii) statutory liens of
landlords, mechanics, suppliers, vendors, warehousemen, carriers or other like
Liens arising in the ordinary course of business; (viii) judgment Liens not
giving rise to an Event of Default so long as any appropriate legal proceeding
that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have
been finally terminated or the period within which such proceeding may be
initiated shall not have expired; (ix) Liens on, or related to, properties or
assets to secure all or part of the costs incurred in the ordinary course of the
Oil and Gas Business for the exploration, drilling, development, or operation
thereof; (x) Liens in pipeline or pipeline facilities that arise under operation
of law; (xi) Liens arising under operating agreements, joint venture agreements,
partnership agreements, oil and gas leases, farm-out agreements, division
orders, contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil or natural
gas, unitization and pooling declarations and agreements, area of mutual
interest agreements and other agreements that are customary in the Oil and Gas
Business, (xii) Liens reserved in oil and gas mineral leases for bonus or rental
payments and for compliance with the terms of such leases, (xiii) Liens securing
the Notes and (xiv) Liens not otherwise permitted by clauses
    
 
                                      A-32
<PAGE>   113
 
   
(i) through (xiii) that are incurred in the ordinary course of business of the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with respect to obligations that do not
exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding.
    
 
   
     "Permitted Refinancing Debt" means any Indebtedness of the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of
which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other
Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under a Credit Facility) of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that: (i) the principal
amount of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal
amount of the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased
or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection
therewith); (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity
date on or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average
Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity
of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
refunded; (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed,
replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes,
such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the
final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on
terms at least as favorable taken as a whole to the Holders of the Notes as
those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and (iv) such Indebtedness
is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary who is the
obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded.
    
 
     "Production Payments" means Dollar-Denominated Production Payments and
Volumetric Production Payments, collectively.
 
     "Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
 
   
     "Restricted Subsidiary" means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the
Company that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
    
 
     "Senior Debt" means (i) Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company under or in respect of any Credit Facility, whether for principal,
interest (including interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating
any proceeding pursuant to any bankruptcy law, whether or not the claim for such
interest is allowed as a claim in such proceeding), reimbursement obligations,
fees, commissions, expenses, indemnities or other amounts, and (ii) any other
Indebtedness permitted under the terms of the Indenture, unless the instrument
under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a
parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Notes. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the foregoing sentence, Senior Debt will not include
(w) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the
Company, (x) any Indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries or other
Affiliates, (y) any trade payables or (z) any Indebtedness that is incurred in
violation of the Indenture (other than Indebtedness under (i) any Credit
Agreement or (ii) any other Credit Facility that is incurred on the basis of a
representation by the Company to the applicable lenders that it is permitted to
incur such Indebtedness under the Indenture).
 
   
     "Significant Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary that for the most recent
fiscal year of such Subsidiary had consolidated revenues greater than $10
million or as at the end of such fiscal year had assets greater than $10
million.
    
 
     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation,
association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of shares of Capital Stock, entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees
thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such
Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination
thereof) and (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing
general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b)
the only general partners of which are such Person or of one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).
 
   
     "Subsidiary Guarantors" means each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
existing on the date of the Indenture (such Subsidiaries being Lomak Operating
Company, Lomak Production Company, Lomak Resources Company, Buffalo Oilfield
Services, Inc., Lomak Energy Services Company, Lomak Energy
    
 
                                      A-33
<PAGE>   114
 
   
Company, LPI Acquisition, Inc., Lomak Production I, L.P., Lomak Resources,
L.L.C., Lomak Offshore L.P., Lomak Pipeline Systems, L.P., Lomak Gathering &
Processing Company, Lomak Gas Company and LPI Operating Company), any other
future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Guarantee in
accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and, in each case, their
respective successors and assigns.
    
 
   
     "Total Assets" means, with respect to any Person, the total consolidated
assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most
recent balance sheet of such Person.
    
 
   
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company which at
the time of determination shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by
the Board of Directors of the Company, as provided below) and (ii) any
Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company
may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or
newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger or
consolidation or Investment therein) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if
(a) such Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock of, or own or hold any Lien
on any property of, any other Subsidiary of the Company which is not a
Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated or otherwise an Unrestricted
Subsidiary; (b) all the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall, at the date of
designation, and will at all times thereafter, consist of Non-Recourse Debt; (c)
the Company certifies that such designation complies with the "Limitation on
Restricted Payments" covenant; (d) such Subsidiary, either alone or in the
aggregate with all other Unrestricted Subsidiaries, does not operate, directly
or indirectly, all or substantially all of the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries; (e) such Subsidiary does not, directly or indirectly, own any
Indebtedness of or Equity Interest in, and has no investments in, the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary; (f) such Subsidiary is a Person with respect to which
neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or
indirect obligation (1) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (2) to
maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to cause such Person
to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and (g) on the date such
Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary is not a
party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary with terms substantially less favorable to the
Company than those that might have been obtained from Persons who are not
Affiliates of the Company. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the
Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company giving effect to such
designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation
complied with the foregoing conditions. If, at any time, any Unrestricted
Subsidiary would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for
purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be
deemed to be incurred as of such date. The Board of Directors of the Company may
designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
that (i) immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a
consequence thereof and the Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness (excluding Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to the first paragraph
of the "Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock" covenant
on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation and (ii) such
Subsidiary executes a Guarantee pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
    
 
     "Volumetric Production Payments" means production payment obligations
recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with GAAP, together with all
undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.
 
     "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the
products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of
principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal
amount of such Indebtedness.
 
                                      A-34
<PAGE>   115
 
   
     "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" of any Person means a Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other
ownership interests of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at
the time be owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.
    
 
                                      A-35
<PAGE>   116
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement
(the "Underwriting Agreement") among the Company and the underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters"), the Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriters,
and the Underwriters have severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the
following respective principal amounts of Notes:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PRINCIPAL
                                 UNDERWRITERS                                  AMOUNT
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
     <S>                                                                    <C>
     Chase Securities Inc.................................................  $
     NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.....................................
     Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc..............................................
     Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation...............................
                                                                            ------------
               Total......................................................  $100,000,000
                                                                            ============
</TABLE>
    
 
     In the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters have agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all of the Notes offered
hereby if any are purchased. The Company has been advised by the Underwriters
that the Underwriters propose to offer the Notes to the public initially at the
public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, and to
certain dealers initially at such price less a discount not in excess of     %
of the principal amount of the Notes. The Underwriters may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a concession to certain other dealers not in excess
of     % of the principal amount of the Notes. After the initial offering of the
Notes to the public, the Underwriters may change the public offering price,
concession and discount.
 
     The Notes comprise new issues of securities with no established trading
market. The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters
currently intend to make a market in the Notes, as permitted by applicable laws
and regulations. No assurance can be given, however, that the Underwriters will
make a market in the Notes, or as to the liquidity of, or the trading market
for, the Notes.
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain civil
liabilities including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to
payments which the Underwriters might be required to make in respect thereof.
 
   
     The Company has agreed with the Underwriters not to sell or otherwise
dispose of any debt securities registered under the Securities Act or sold
pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder for a period of 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus without the prior written consent of Chase Securities Inc.
    
 
     The Chase Manhattan Bank, an affiliate of Chase Securities Inc., and
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., an affiliate of NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.,
are each an agent and a lender under the Credit Facility. See "Description of
Capital Stock and Indebtedness." Net proceeds of the Notes Offering will be
applied to repay indebtedness under the Credit Facility. See "Use of Proceeds."
In addition, The Chase Manhattan Bank and NationsBank of Texas, N.A., and their
affiliates, may perform financial and banking services for the Company in the
ordinary course of business. Anthony Dub, a Director of the Company, is a
Managing Director of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, one of the
Underwriters.
 
   
     The Notes Offering is being made pursuant to the provisions of Section
2710(c)(8) of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns") has agreed to act as
Qualified Independent Underwriter for the Notes Offering, and as such has
assumed the responsibilities of pricing the Notes and conducting due diligence
and the public offering price of the Notes will not be higher than the price
recommended by Bear Stearns.
    
 
                                      A-36
<PAGE>   117
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the Notes offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 2300 First
City Tower, Houston, Texas 77002-6760, and for the Underwriters by Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett (a partnership which includes professional corporations), 425
Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3909.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
     The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, as of December 31,
1995 and 1996 and for the three years then ended, included and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto included and incorporated by reference in this Prospectus in reliance
upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
    
 
   
     The statements of revenues and direct operating expenses of the American
Cometra Interests (referred to herein as the Cometra Properties) for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, included in the Registration Statement
have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. independent accountants, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
    
 
     The financial statements of the Bannon Interests as of December 31, 1995
and for the year then ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in
the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and
upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     Certain information with respect to the gas and oil reserves of the Company
derived from the respective reports of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.,
Wright & Company, Inc., H. J. Gruy and Associates, Inc., Huddleston & Co., Inc.
and Clay, Holt & Klammer, each of which is a firm of independent petroleum
consultants, has been included and incorporated herein and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts
with respect to the matters contained in their respective reports.
 
                                      A-37
<PAGE>   118
 
   NO DEALER, SALES PERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
   INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
   THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED HEREIN, AND, IF
   GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
   AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS
   PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN
   OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES
   OR ANY OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SUCH
   SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS
   UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
   HEREUNDER WILL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE
   HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR
   THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT
   TO ITS DATE.
 
          ------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
   TABLE OF CONTENTS
    
 
   
<TABLE>
   <S>                                     <C>
   Available Information.................
   Incorporation of Certain Information
     by Reference........................
   Prospectus Summary....................
   Risk Factors..........................
   Forward-Looking Information...........
   Cometra Acquisition...................
   Use of Proceeds.......................
   Capitalization........................
   Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
     Financial Statements................
   Selected Consolidated Financial
     Data................................
   Management's Discussion and Analysis
     of Financial Condition and Results
     of Operations.......................
   Business..............................
   Management............................
   Principal Stockholders and Share
     Ownership of Management.............
   Description of the Notes..............
   Description of Capital Stock and
     Indebtedness........................
   Underwriting..........................
   Legal Matters.........................
   Experts...............................
   Glossary..............................
   Index to Financial Statements.........
</TABLE>
    
 
   
PROSPECTUS
    
 
$100,000,000
 
LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
       % SENIOR SUBORDINATED
NOTES DUE 2007
LOMAK LOGO
CHASE SECURITIES INC.
 
NATIONSBANC CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
 
BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
   
              , 1997
    
<PAGE>   119
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     The expenses of the Offerings are estimated to be as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee......................    $ 59,644
NASD filing fee..........................................................      20,500
New York Stock Exchange listing fee......................................           *
Legal fees and expenses..................................................           *
Accounting fees and expenses.............................................           *
Blue Sky fees and expenses (including legal fees)........................           *
Printing expenses........................................................           *
Rating agency fees.......................................................           *
Trustee fees and expenses................................................           *
Transfer Agent fees......................................................           *
Engineering fees and expenses............................................           *
Miscellaneous............................................................           *
                                                                             --------
  TOTAL..................................................................    $      *
                                                                             ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
     * To be provided by amendment.
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Section 145 of the DGCL authorizes, inter alia, a corporation to indemnify
any person ("indemnitee") who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action
by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the fact that such person
is or was an officer or director of such corporation, or is or was serving at
the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The
indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that he acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believes to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. A
Delaware corporation may indemnify past or present officers and directors of
such corporation or of another corporation or other enterprise at the former
corporation's request, in an action by or in the right of the corporation to
procure a judgment in its favor under the same conditions, except that no
indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if such person is
adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action referred to
above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the corporation must
indemnify him against the expenses (including attorneys' fees) which he actually
and reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Section 145 further provides
that any indemnification shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in
each specific case upon a determination by the (i) stockholders, (ii) Board of
Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not
parties to such action, suit or proceeding or (iii) independent counsel if a
quorum of disinterested directors so directs. Section 145 provides that
indemnification pursuant to its provision is not exclusive of other rights of
indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement,
vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
 
     Section 145 of the DGCL also empowers the Company to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was an officer or director of the
Company against liability asserted against or incurred by him in any such
capacity, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such
officer or director against such liability under the provisions of Section 145.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   120
 
     Article SEVENTH, section (5) of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
provides:
 
          Any former, present or future director, officer or employee of the
     Company or the legal representative of any such director, officer or
     employee shall be indemnified by the Company
 
             (a) against reasonable costs, disbursements and counsel fees paid
        or incurred where such person has been successful on the merits or
        otherwise in any pending, threatened or completed civil, criminal,
        administrative or arbitrative action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal
        therein and any inquiry or investigation which could lead to such
        action, suit or proceeding, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
        therein, by reason of such person being or having been such director,
        officer or employee, and
 
             (b) with respect to any such action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or
        investigation for which indemnification is not made under (a) above,
        against reasonable costs, disbursements (which shall include amounts
        paid in satisfaction of settlements, judgments, fines and penalties,
        exclusive, however, of any amount paid or payable to the Company) and
        counsel fees if such person also had no reasonable cause to believe the
        conduct was unlawful, with the determination as to whether the
        applicable standard of conduct was met to be made by a majority of the
        members of the Board of Directors (sitting as a committee of the Board)
        who were not parties to such inquiry, investigation, action, suit or
        proceeding or by any one or more disinterested counsel to whom the
        question may be referred to the Board of Directors; provided, however,
        in connection with any proceeding by or in the right of the Company, no
        indemnification shall be provided as to any person adjudged by any court
        to be liable for negligence or misconduct except as and to the extent
        determined by such court.
 
     Article EIGHTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides:
 
          No director of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or
     its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
     director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
     loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions
     not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
     violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
     Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
     derived an improper personal benefit. This paragraph shall not eliminate or
     limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior
     to the effective date of its adoption. If the General Corporation Law of
     the State of Delaware is hereafter amended to authorize corporate action
     further limiting or eliminating the personal liability of directors, then
     the liability of a director to the Corporation shall be limited or
     eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law
     of the State of Delaware, as so amended from time to time. No repeal or
     modification of this Article VIII, directly or by adoption of an
     inconsistent provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, by the
     stockholders of the Corporation shall be effective with respect to any
     cause of action, suit claim or other matter, but for this Article VIII,
     would accrue or arise prior to such repeal or modification.
 
     Article XII of the Company's Bylaws, incorporating the above provisions,
provides for an indemnification agreement to be entered into by directors' and
designated officers of the Company. All directors of the Company have executed
an indemnification agreement the form of which was approved by stockholders at
the Company's 1994 annual stockholders meeting.
 
     Article XII of the Company's Bylaws also allows the Company to purchase
liability insurance for officers and directors. As of the date hereof, there is
no such insurance in place.
 
     Article XIII of the Company's Bylaws, with certain specified exceptions,
limits the personal liability of the directors to Lomak or its stockholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty to the fullest extent permitted by
Delaware law, including any changes in Delaware law adopted in the future.
 
   
     The form of the Underwriting Agreements filed as Exhibit 1.1 and 1.2 to
this Registration Statement contains certain provisions for indemnification of
directors and officers of the Company and the Underwriters against civil
liabilities under the Securities Act.
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   121
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     (a) Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>     <C>
      *1.1       --     Form of Common Stock Underwriting Agreement
       1.2       --     Form of Notes Underwriting Agreement
     **2.1       --     Purchase and Sale Agreement between Cometra Energy, L.P. and Cometra
                        Production Company, L.P., as seller, and Lomak Petroleum, Inc., as
                        buyer, dated December 31, 1996, including First Amendment to Purchase
                        and Sale Agreement, dated January 10, 1997.
     **2.2       --     Purchase and Sale Agreement between Rockland, L.P., as seller, and
                        Lomak Petroleum, Inc., as buyer, dated December 31, 1996
       4.1       --     Specimen certificate for Common Stock
       4.2       --     Specimen certificate for Notes (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3)
       4.3       --     Form of Trust Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes due
                        2007 between Lomak Petroleum, Inc. and Fleet National Bank as trustee.
       4.4(a)    --     Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated March 24, 1980
                        (incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement (No.
                        33-31558)).
       4.4(b)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated July 22, 1981 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
       4.4(c)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated September 8, 1982 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
       4.4(d)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated December 28, 1988 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
       4.4(e)    --     Certificate of Amendment by Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated August 31, 1989 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
      *4.4(f)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated May 30, 1991.
      *4.4(g)    --     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
                        Company dated November 20, 1992.
       4.4(h)    --     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
                        Company dated May 24, 1996.
       4.4(i)    --     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
                        Company dated October 2, 1996.
      *4.4(j)    --     Restated Certificate of Incorporation as required by Item 102 of
                        Regulation S-T.
      *4.5       --     By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
      *5.1       --     Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
      12.1       --     Statement re computation of ratios
      23.1       --     Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (contained in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
      23.2       --     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
    **23.3       --     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
      23.4       --     Consent of Coopers & Lybrand LLP
    **23.5       --     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
    **23.6       --     Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.
    **23.7       --     Consent of Wright & Company, Inc.
    **23.8       --     Consent of H.J. Gruy and Associates, Inc.
    **23.9       --     Consent of Huddleston & Co., Inc.
    **23.10      --     Consent of Clay, Holt & Klammer
    **24.1       --     Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration
                        Statement)
      25.1       --     Statement of eligibility of trustee
      27.1       --     Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 * To be filed by amendment.
   
** Previously filed.
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   122
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
    the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
    registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
    prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
    497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this
    registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
(2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
    each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
    deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
    therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
    be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   123
 
                                     SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on February 14, 1997.
    
                                            LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
 
   
                                            By  /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
    
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                               Thomas W. Stoelk
    
   
                                               Chief Financial Officer and Vice
                                               President
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                                    TITLE                            DATE
- -----------------------------------   ----------------------------------------   ------------------
<S>                                   <C>                                        <C>
 
 Thomas J. Edelman*                   Chairman and Chairman of the Board          February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
Thomas J. Edelman
 
 John H. Pinkerton*                   President, Chief Executive Officer, and     February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------   Director (Chief Executive Officer)
John H. Pinkerton
 
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                  Chief Financial Officer and Vice            February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------   President -- Finance (Principal
Thomas W. Stoelk                      Financial Officer)
 
 John R. Frank*                       Chief Accounting Officer and Controller     February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------   (Principal Accounting Officer)
John R. Frank
 
 Robert E. Alkman*                    Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
Robert E. Alkman
 
 Allen Finkelson*                     Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
Allen Finkelson
 
 Anthony V. Dub*                      Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
Anthony V. Dub
 
 Ben A. Guill*                        Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
Ben A. Guill
 
 C. Rand Michaels*                    Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
C. Rand Michaels
 
*By: /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
     ------------------------------
     Thomas W. Stoelk
     Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   124
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on February 14, 1997.
    
 
                                            LOMAK OPERATING COMPANY
                                            LOMAK ENERGY COMPANY
                                            LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY
                                            LOMAK RESOURCES COMPANY
                                            LOMAK RESOURCES, L.L.C.
                                            LPI ACQUISITION, INC.
                                            BUFFALO OILFIELD SERVICES, INC.
                                            LOMAK ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
 
   
                                            By  /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
    
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                               Thomas W. Stoelk
    
   
                                               Chief Financial Officer and Vice
                                               President
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                                   TITLE                           DATE
- -----------------------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                       <C>
 
John H. Pinkerton*                   President, Chief Executive Officer, and     February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Director (Chief Executive Officer)
John H. Pinkerton
 
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                 Vice President -- Finance, Chief            February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Financial Officer and Director (Chief
Thomas W. Stoelk                     Financial Officer)
 
John R. Frank*                       Chief Accounting Officer and Controller     February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  (Principal Accounting Officer)
John R. Frank
 
C. Rand Michaels*                    Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
C. Rand Michaels
 
By  /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
  ---------------------------------
    Thomas W. Stoelk
    Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   125
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on February 14, 1997.
    
                                            LOMAK PRODUCTION I, L.P.
   
                                            By: LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY
    
 
   
                                            By /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
    
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                                 Thomas W Stoelk
    
   
                                                 Chief Financial Officer and
                                                 Vice President
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons
in the capacities indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                                  TITLE                         DATE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                    <C>
 
 John H. Pinkerton*                  President, Chief Executive Officer,      February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  and Director (Chief Executive
John H. Pinkerton                    Officer)
 
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                 Vice President -- Finance, Chief         February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Financial Officer and Director
Thomas W. Stoelk                     (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 John R. Frank*                      Chief Accounting Officer and             February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Controller (Principal Accounting
John R. Frank                        Officer)
 
 C. Rand Michaels*                   Director                                 February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
C. Rand Michaels
 
*By: /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
     ------------------------------
     Thomas W. Stoelk
     Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   126
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on February 14, 1997.
    
 
   
                                            LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING
    
   
                                              COMPANY
    
   
                                            LOMAK GAS COMPANY
    
   
                                            LPI OPERATING COMPANY
    
 
   
                                            By  /s/ John H. Pinkerton
    
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                               John H. Pinkerton
    
   
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                               Officer
    
 
   
     KNOW BY ALL THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned directors and
officers of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby constitute and appoints John H.
Pinkerton and Thomas W. Stoelk, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and on his
behalf and in his name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign,
execute and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state
securities regulatory board or commission any documents relating to the proposed
issuance and registration of the securities offered pursuant to this
Registration Statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, including
any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments and amendments
thereto) to this Registration Statement on Form S-3 and any registration
statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to
Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, with all exhibits and any and all
documents required to be filed with respect thereto with any regulatory
authority, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do if personally present, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of
them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
    
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                                   TITLE                           DATE
- -----------------------------------  ----------------------------------------  -------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                       <C>
 
/s/ John H. Pinkerton                President, Chief Executive Officer, and     February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Director (Chief Executive Officer)
John H. Pinkerton
 
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                 Vice President -- Finance, Chief            February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Financial Officer and Director (Chief
Thomas W. Stoelk                     Financial Officer)
 
/s/ John R. Frank                    Chief Accounting Officer and Controller     February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  (Principal Accounting Officer)
John R. Frank
 
/s/ C. Rand Michaels                 Director                                    February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
C. Rand Michaels
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>   127
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on February 14, 1997.
    
   
                                            LOMAK OFFSHORE, L.P.
    
   
                                            By: LPI OPERATING COMPANY
    
 
   
                                            By /s/ John H. Pinkerton
    
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                                 John H. Pinkerton
    
   
                                                 President and Chief Executive
                                                 Officer
    
 
   
     KNOW BY ALL THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned directors and
officers of the registrant hereby constitute and appoints John H. Pinkerton and
Thomas W. Stoelk, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and on his behalf and in his
name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state securities regulatory board
or commission any documents relating to the proposed issuance and registration
of the securities offered pursuant to this Registration Statement on Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933, including any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments and amendments thereto) to this Registration Statement
on Form S-3 and any registration statement for the same offering that is to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
with all exhibits and any and all documents required to be filed with respect
thereto with any regulatory authority, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do
if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                                  TITLE                         DATE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                    <C>
 
/s/  John H. Pinkerton               President, Chief Executive Officer,      February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  and Director (Chief Executive
John H. Pinkerton                    Officer)
 
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                 Vice President -- Finance, Chief         February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Financial Officer and Director
Thomas W. Stoelk                     (Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/  John R. Frank                   Chief Accounting Officer and             February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Controller (Principal Accounting
John R. Frank                        Officer)
 
/s/  C. Rand Michaels                Director                                 February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
C. Rand Michaels
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-9
<PAGE>   128
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this amendment to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio, on February 14, 1997.
    
   
                                            LOMAK PIPELINE SYSTEMS, L.P.
    
   
                                            By:LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING
                                               COMPANY
    
 
   
                                            By /s/ John H. Pinkerton
    
                                             -----------------------------------
   
                                                 John H. Pinkerton
    
   
                                                 President and Chief Executive
                                                 Officer
    
 
   
     KNOW BY ALL THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned directors and
officers of the registrant hereby constitute and appoints John H. Pinkerton and
Thomas W. Stoelk, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and on his behalf and in his
name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign, execute and file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state securities regulatory board
or commission any documents relating to the proposed issuance and registration
of the securities offered pursuant to this Registration Statement on Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933, including any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments and amendments thereto) to this Registration Statement
on Form S-3 and any registration statement for the same offering that is to be
effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
with all exhibits and any and all documents required to be filed with respect
thereto with any regulatory authority, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to
effectuate the same as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do
if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
    
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement on Form S-3 has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               NAME                                  TITLE                         DATE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------------------  -------------------
<S>                                  <C>                                    <C>
 
/s/  John H. Pinkerton               President, Chief Executive Officer,      February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  and Director (Chief Executive
John H. Pinkerton                    Officer)
 
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                 Vice President -- Finance, Chief         February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Financial Officer and Director
Thomas W. Stoelk                     (Principal Financial Officer)
 
/s/  John R. Frank                   Chief Accounting Officer and             February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------  Controller (Principal Accounting
John R. Frank                        Officer)
 
/s/  C. Rand Michaels                Director                                 February 14, 1997
- -----------------------------------
C. Rand Michaels
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-10
<PAGE>   129
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT NO.                                      INDEX TO EXHIBITS
- ---------------         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>     <C>
      *1.1       --     Form of Common Stock Underwriting Agreement
       1.2       --     Form of Notes Underwriting Agreement
     **2.1       --     Purchase and Sale Agreement between Cometra Energy, L.P. and Cometra
                        Production Company, L.P., as seller, and Lomak Petroleum, Inc., as
                        buyer, dated December 31, 1996, including First Amendment to Purchase
                        and Sale Agreement, dated January 10, 1997.
     **2.2       --     Purchase and Sale Agreement between Rockland, L.P., as seller, and
                        Lomak Petroleum, Inc., as buyer, dated December 31, 1996
       4.1       --     Specimen certificate for Common Stock
       4.2       --     Specimen certificate for Notes (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.3)
       4.3       --     Form of Trust Indenture relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes due
                        2007 between Lomak Petroleum, Inc. and Fleet National Bank as trustee.
       4.4(a)    --     Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated March 24, 1980
                        (incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement
                        (No.33-31558)).
       4.4(b)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated July 22, 1981 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
       4.4(c)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated September 8, 1982 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
       4.4(d)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated December 28, 1988 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
       4.4(e)    --     Certificate of Amendment by Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated August 31, 1989 (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
      *4.4(f)    --     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
                        dated May 30, 1991.
      *4.4(g)    --     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
                        Company dated November 20, 1992.
       4.4(h)    --     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
                        Company dated May 24, 1996.
       4.4(i)    --     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
                        Company dated October 2, 1996.
      *4.4(j)    --     Restated Certificate of Incorporation as required by Item 102 of
                        Regulation S-T.
      *4.5       --     By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                        Registration Statement (No. 33-31558)).
      *5.1       --     Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
      12.1       --     Statement re computation of ratios
      23.1       --     Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (contained in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
      23.2       --     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
    **23.3       --     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
      23.4       --     Consent of Coopers & Lybrand LLP
    **23.5       --     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
    **23.6       --     Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.
    **23.7       --     Consent of Wright & Company, Inc.
    **23.8       --     Consent of H.J. Gruy and Associates, Inc.
    **23.9       --     Consent of Huddleston & Co., Inc.
    **23.10      --     Consent of Clay, Holt & Klammer
    **24.1       --     Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration
                        Statement)
      25.1       --     Statement of eligibility of trustee
      27.1       --     Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 * To be filed by amendment.
   
** Previously filed.
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 1.2

                                                                   DRAFT 2/10/97



                              LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

                                  $100,000,000

                ____________% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
                             ----------------------

                                                           ___________ ___, 1997

CHASE SECURITIES INC.
NATIONSBANC CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
BEAR, STEARNS & CO., INC.
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
c/o Chase Securities Inc.
270 Park Avenue
New York, New York  10017

Dear Sirs:

                  Lomak Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
proposes to issue and sell $100,000,000 principal amount of its __% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Notes"). The Notes are to be issued pursuant
to an Indenture dated as of ________ __, 1997 (the "Indenture") to be entered
into between the Company and ______________, as trustee (the "Trustee"), the
form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (as
defined below). The Notes will be jointly, severally and unconditionally
guaranteed (the "Guarantees" and, together with the Notes, the "Securities") on
a senior subordinated basis by each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (as
defined in the Indenture) and any future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
(the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). It is understood by all parties that the Company
is concurrently entering into an agreement, dated the date hereof (the "Common
Stock Underwriting Agreement") providing for the sale by the Company of an
aggregate of 4,000,000 shares (plus up to 600,000 shares to cover
over-allotments, if any) of the Company's Common Stock to certain underwriters
for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Paine Webber Incorporated, Smith
Barney Inc., A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc.
are acting as representatives. This is to confirm the agreement concerning the
purchase of the Securities from the Company by the several Underwriters named in
Schedule 1 hereto (the "Underwriters").

1. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY. The Company
represents and warrants to and agrees with the several Underwriters on and as of
the date hereof and the Closing Date (as defined in Section 3) that:




<PAGE>   2


                                                                               2



                  (a) A registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-    ),
         including a form of prospectus, relating to the Securities has been
         prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements of the
         Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the
         rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the Securities
         and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and has been filed by the
         Company with the Commission. The Company may have filed one or more
         amendments thereto, including the related preliminary prospectus, each
         of which has previously been furnished to you. The Company will next
         file with the Commission either (i) prior to effectiveness of such
         registration statement, a further amendment to such registration
         statement (including the form of final prospectus) or (ii) after
         effectiveness of such registration statement, a final prospectus in
         accordance with Rules 430A and 424(b)(1) or (4). In the case of clause
         (ii), the Company has included (or incorporated by reference) in such
         registration statement, as amended at the Effective Time (as defined
         below), all information (other than information permitted to be omitted
         from the Registration Statement when it becomes effective pursuant to
         Rule 430A ("Rule 430A Information")) required by the Securities Act and
         the rules thereunder to be included in the final prospectus with
         respect to the Securities and the offering thereof. As filed, such
         amendment and form of final prospectus, or such final prospectus, shall
         contain all Rule 430A Information, together with all other such
         required information, with respect to the Securities and the offering
         thereof and, except to the extent the Underwriters shall agree in
         writing to a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the
         form furnished to you prior to the execution of this Agreement or, to
         the extent not completed at such time, shall contain only such specific
         additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the
         latest Preliminary Prospectus) as the Company has advised you, prior to
         the execution of this Agreement, will be included or made therein. For
         purposes of this Agreement, "Effective Time" means the date and time as
         of which such registration statement, or the most recent post-effective
         amendment thereto, if any, was or is declared effective by the
         Commission, and "Preliminary Prospectus" means each prospectus included
         in such registration statement, or amendments thereof, before it
         becomes effective under the Securities Act, any prospectus filed with
         the Commission by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(a) and the
         prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Time
         that omits Rule 430A Information. Such registration statement, as
         amended at the Effective Time, including all Rule 430A Information, if
         any, and any documents incorporated by reference therein at such time
         is hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Statement", and the
         form of prospectus relating to the Securities, as first filed with the
         Commission pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 424(b) or, if no
         such filing is required, as included in the Registration Statement is
         hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus". Reference made herein to
         any Preliminary Prospectus or to the Prospectus shall be deemed to
         refer to and include any documents incorporated by reference therein
         pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Securities Act, as of the
         date of such Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may
         be, and any reference to any amendment or supplement to any Preliminary
         Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include
         any document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
         amended (the "Exchange Act"), after the date of such Preliminary
         Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be, and incorporated by
         reference in such Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case
         may be; and any reference to any amendment to the Registration
         Statement shall be deemed to include any annual report of the Company
         filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the

<PAGE>   3
                                                                               3


         Exchange Act after the Effective Time that is incorporated by reference
         in the Registration Statement.

                  (b) At the Effective Time, the Registration Statement did or
         will, and when the Prospectus is first filed (if required) in
         accordance with Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus
         (and any supplements thereto) will, comply in all material respects
         with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), and the
         respective rules thereunder; at the Effective Time, the Registration
         Statement did not or will not include any untrue statement of a
         material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
         therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not
         misleading; at the Effective Time and on the Closing Date, the
         Indenture did or will conform in all material respects with the
         applicable requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and the rules
         thereunder; and, at the Effective Time, the Prospectus, if not filed
         pursuant to Rule 424(b), did not or will not, and on the date of any
         filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus
         (together with any supplement thereto) will not, include any untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
         in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
         circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding
         sentence does not apply to (i) that part of the Registration Statement
         which shall constitute the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification
         (Form T-1) of the Trustee under the Trust Indenture Act or (ii)
         information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement or
         the Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in
         conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on
         behalf of any Underwriter specifically for use therein (the
         "Underwriters' Information"). The parties acknowledge and agree that
         the Underwriters' Information consists solely of the statements
         relating to the Underwriters contained in the second, third and fifth
         paragraphs under the caption "Underwriting" in the Prospectus.

                  (c) The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus,
         when they were filed with the Commission conformed in all material
         respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and
         regulations of the Commission thereunder, and none of such documents
         contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state
         any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
         the statements therein not misleading; and any further documents so
         filed and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, when such
         documents are filed with Commission will conform in all material
         respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and
         regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not contain any
         untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
         required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
         therein not misleading. The Company and the transactions contemplated
         by this Agreement meet the requirements for use of Form S-3 under the
         Act.

                  (d) No action has been taken and no statute, rule, regulation
         or order has been enacted, adopted or issued by any governmental agency
         or body which prevents the issuance of the Securities or suspends the
         sale of the Securities in any jurisdiction; no injunction, restraining
         order or order of any nature by any federal or state court of competent
         jurisdiction has been issued with respect to the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries which would prevent or suspend the issuance or sale of the
         Securities or the use of the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus
         in any jurisdiction; no action, suit or proceeding is pending

<PAGE>   4
                                                                               4


         against or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened against or
         affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries before any court or
         arbitrator or any governmental agency, body or official, domestic or
         foreign, which could reasonably be expected to interfere with or
         adversely affect the issuance of the Securities or in any manner draw
         into question the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the
         Indenture or any other related agreement or any action taken or to be
         taken pursuant thereto; and the Company has complied with any and all
         requests by any securities authority in any jurisdiction for additional
         information to be included in the Preliminary Prospectus and the
         Prospectus.

                  (e) The Company and each of its subsidiaries have been duly
         organized and are validly existing as corporations or limited
         partnerships in good standing under the laws of their respective
         jurisdictions of organization, are duly qualified to do business and
         are in good standing as foreign corporations or limited partnerships in
         each jurisdiction in which their respective ownership or lease of
         property or the conduct of their respective businesses requires such
         qualification, and have all power and authority necessary to own or
         hold their respective properties and to conduct the businesses in which
         they are engaged, except where the failure to so qualify or have such
         power or authority would not have, singularly or in the aggregate, a
         material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise),
         results of operations, business or prospects of the Company and its
         subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect").

                  (f) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth
         in the Prospectus, and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the
         Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully
         paid and non-assessable and conform to the description thereof
         contained in the Prospectus. All the outstanding shares of capital
         stock or partnership interests, as the case may be, of each subsidiary
         of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully
         paid and nonassessable and, except to the extent set forth in the
         Registration Statement, are owned by the Company directly or indirectly
         through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries, free and clear of any
         claim, lien, encumbrance, security interest, restriction upon voting or
         transfer or any other claim of any third party.

                  (g) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement,
         the Indenture, the Notes and the agreement (the "Cometra Acquisition
         Agreement"), dated December 31, 1996, between the Company and American
         Cometra, Inc. ("Cometra") by the Company and the Guarantees by each of
         the Subsidiary Guarantors, the issuance, authentication, sale and
         delivery of the Securities and compliance by the Company with the terms
         thereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
         and thereby will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation
         of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under,
         any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other
         agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
         is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound
         or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries is subject, nor will such actions result in any violation
         of the provisions of the charter, partnership agreement, by-laws or
         other organizational documents of the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries or any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any
         court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties or
         assets; and except for the

<PAGE>   5
                                                                               5


         registration of the Securities under the Securities Act, the
         qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act and such
         consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as
         may be required under the Exchange Act and applicable state securities
         laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities
         by the Underwriters, no consent, approval, authorization or order of,
         or filing or registration with, any such court or governmental agency
         or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance of this
         Agreement, the Indenture and the Notes by the Company and the
         Guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors, the issuance, authentication,
         sale and delivery of the Securities and compliance by the Company with
         the terms thereof, and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated hereby and thereby.

                  (h) The oil and gas reserve estimates of the Company and its
         subsidiaries contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
         have been prepared primarily by independent petroleum consultants
         listed in the Prospectus in accordance with the Commission guidelines
         applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, and
         neither of the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any reason to
         believe that such estimates do not fairly reflect the oil and gas
         reserves of the Company and its subsidiaries at the dates indicated.

                  (i) There are no contracts or other documents which are
         required to be described in the Prospectus or filed as exhibits to the
         Registration Statement by the Securities Act or by the Rules and
         Regulations and which have not been so described or filed.

                  (j) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to
         which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any
         property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the
         subject which, singularly or in the aggregate, if determined adversely
         to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, are reasonably likely to
         have a Material Adverse Effect; and to the best of the Company's
         knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by
         governmental authorities or threatened by others.

                  (k) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries (i) is in
         violation of its charter, partnership agreement, by-laws or other
         organizational documents, (ii) is in default in any material respect,
         and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both,
         would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance
         of any term, covenant or condition contained in any material indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or
         instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or to which
         any of its property or assets is subject or (iii) is in violation in
         any respect of any law, ordinance, governmental rule, regulation or
         court decree to which it or its properties or assets may be subject.

                  (l) The Company and each of its subsidiaries possess all
         material licenses, certificates, authorizations and permits issued by,
         and have made all declarations and filings with, the appropriate state,
         federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies which are necessary or
         desirable for the ownership of their respective properties or the
         conduct of their respective businesses as described in the Prospectus,
         except where the failure to possess or make the same would not have,
         singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and the

<PAGE>   6
                                                                               6


         Company has not received notification of any revocation or modification
         of any such license, authorization or permit and has no reason to
         believe that any such license, certificate, authorization or permit
         will not be renewed in the ordinary course.

                  (m) The Company has full right, power and authority to execute
         and deliver this Agreement, the Indenture and the Notes and to perform
         its obligations hereunder and thereunder; and all corporate action
         required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution
         and delivery of this Agreement, the Indenture and the Notes and the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly
         and validly taken.

                  (n) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding
         agreement of the Company.

                  (o) Each Subsidiary Guarantor has full right, power and
         authority to execute and deliver the Indenture and the Guarantees and
         to perform its obligations thereunder; and all corporate action
         required to be taken for the due and proper authorization, execution
         and delivery of the Indenture and the Guarantees and the consummation
         by each Subsidiary Guarantor of the transactions contemplated by the
         Indenture and the Guarantees have been duly and validly taken.

                  (p) The Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and
         each Subsidiary Guarantor and, when duly executed by the proper
         officers of the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor and delivered by
         the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor, will constitute a valid and
         binding agreement of the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor
         enforceable against the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor in
         accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar
         laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, and by
         general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforceability
         is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Notes have
         been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly executed,
         authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture, will
         be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid
         and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the
         Indenture and enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as
         enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or
         affecting creditors' rights generally, and by general equitable
         principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
         a proceeding in equity or at law); and each Guarantee has been duly
         authorized by each Subsidiary Guarantor and, when duly executed,
         authenticated, issued and delivered as provided in the Indenture, will
         be duly and validly issued and outstanding and will constitute valid
         and binding obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor entitled to the
         benefits of the Indenture and enforceable in accordance with its terms,
         except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or
         affecting creditors' rights generally, and by general equitable
         principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
         a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Indenture and the Securities
         conform to the descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectus.


<PAGE>   7
                                                                               7


                  (q) There are no persons with registration or other similar
         rights either to have any securities registered pursuant to the
         Registration Statement or to have any securities otherwise registered
         by the Company under the Securities Act in connection with or as a
         result of the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
         except as described in the Prospectus, there are no outstanding
         subscriptions, rights, warrants, calls or options to acquire, or
         instruments convertible into or exchangeable for, or agreements or
         understandings with respect to the sale or issuance of, any shares of
         capital stock of or other equity or other ownership interest in the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries..

                  (r) The Company and each of its subsidiaries have filed all
         federal, state, local and foreign income and franchise tax returns
         required to be filed through the date hereof and have paid all taxes
         due thereon, and no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries which has had (nor does the Company
         or any of its subsidiaries have any knowledge of any tax deficiency
         which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries, could reasonably be expected to have) a Material Adverse
         Effect.

                  (s) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (i) an
         "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act
         of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), and the rules and
         regulations of the Commission thereunder or (ii) a "holding company" or
         a "subsidiary company" of a holding company or an "affiliate" thereof
         within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935,
         as amended.

                  (t) The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system
         of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
         assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with
         management's general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are
         recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
         conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to
         maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only
         in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and
         (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the
         existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken
         with respect to any differences.

                  (u) The Company and each of its subsidiaries own or possess
         adequate rights to use all material patents, patent applications,
         trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations,
         service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses and know-how
         (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable
         proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures)
         necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses and have no
         reason to believe that the conduct of their respective businesses will
         conflict with, and have not received any notice of any claim of
         conflict with, any such rights of others.

                  (v) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have (i) good and
         defensible title to all its interests in its oil and gas properties,
         title investigations having been carried out by or on behalf of the
         Company or its subsidiaries in accordance with good practice in the oil
         and gas industry in the areas in which they operate; and (ii) good and
         marketable title in fee simple to, or have valid rights to lease or
         otherwise use, all items of real or personal property which are
         material to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
         whole, in each

<PAGE>   8
                                                                               8


         case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims and defects
         except such as (i) do not materially interfere with the use made and
         proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its
         subsidiaries or (ii) could not reasonably be expected to have a
         Material Adverse Effect.

                  (w) No labor disturbance by or dispute with the employees of
         the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the best knowledge
         of the Company, is contemplated or threatened.

                  (x) There has been no storage, generation, transportation,
         handling, treatment, disposal, discharge, emission, or other release of
         any kind of toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances,
         including, but not limited to, brine, crude oil, natural gas liquids
         and other petroleum materials, by, due to, or caused by the Company or
         any of its subsidiaries (or, to the best of the Company's knowledge,
         any other entity for whose acts or omissions the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries is or may be liable) upon any of the property now or
         previously owned or leased by the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
         or upon any other property, in violation of any statute or any
         ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or which
         would, under any statute or any ordinance, rule (including rule of
         common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, give rise
         to any liability, except for any violation or liability which would not
         have, singularly or in the aggregate with all such violations and
         liabilities, a Material Adverse Effect; there has been no disposal,
         discharge, emission or other release of any kind onto such property or
         into the environment surrounding such property of any toxic or other
         wastes or other hazardous substances with respect to which the Company
         or any of its subsidiaries have knowledge, except for any such
         disposal, discharge, emission, or other release of any kind which would
         not have, singularly or in the aggregate with all such discharges and
         other releases, a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (y) As of the date hereof, (1) all royalties, rentals,
         deposits and other amounts due on the oil and gas properties of the
         Company and its subsidiaries have been properly and timely paid, and no
         proceeds form the sale or production attributable to the oil and gas
         properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are currently being held
         in suspense by any purchaser thereof, except where such amounts due
         could not, singly or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect
         on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, prospects or
         results of operation of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
         whole and (2) there are no claims under take-or-pay contracts pursuant
         to which natural gas purchasers have any make-up rights affecting the
         interest of the Company and its subsidiaries in its oil and gas
         properties, except where such claims could not, singly or in the
         aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (z) As of date hereof, the aggregate undiscounted monetary
         liability of the Company and its subsidiaries for petroleum taken or
         received under any operating or gas balancing and storage agreement
         relating to its oil and gas properties that permits any person to
         receive any portion of the interest of the Company and its subsidiaries
         in any petroleum or to receive cash or other payments to balance any
         disproportionate allocations of petroleum could not, singly or in the
         aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;



<PAGE>   9
                                                                               9


                  (aa) No "prohibited transaction" (as defined in Section 406 of
         the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended,
         including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder
         ("ERISA"), or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
         amended from time to time (the "Code")) or "accumulated funding
         deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) or any of the events
         set forth in Section 4043(b) of ERISA (other than events with respect
         to which the 30-day notice requirement under Section 4043 of ERISA has
         been waived) has occurred with respect to any employee benefit plan
         which could have a Material Adverse Effect; each employee benefit plan
         is in compliance in all material respects with applicable law,
         including ERISA and the Code; the Company has not incurred and does not
         expect to incur liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the
         termination of, or withdrawal from, any "pension plan"; and each
         "pension plan" (as defined in ERISA) for which the Company would have
         any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of
         the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing has
         occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, which could cause the
         loss of such qualification.

                  (bb) Arthur Andersen LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, Coopers & Lybrand
         L.L.P. and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, are each independent certified public
         accountants with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries as
         required by the Act and the Rules and Regulations. The financial
         statements (including the related notes and supporting schedules)
         contained or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus comply in all
         material respects with the requirements under the Securities Act and
         the Exchange Act (except that certain supporting schedules are
         omitted); such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
         with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
         throughout the periods covered thereby and fairly present the financial
         position of the entities purported to be covered thereby at the
         respective dates indicated and the results of their operations and
         their cash flows for the respective periods indicated; and the
         financial information contained in the Prospectus under the headings "
         Prospectus Summary--Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data",
         "Capitalization", "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" "Management's
         Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
         Condition" and "Executive Compensation" are derived from the accounting
         records of the Company and its subsidiaries and fairly present the
         information purported to be shown thereby. The pro forma financial
         statements and other pro forma financial information and data contained
         in the Prospectus: (i) present fairly in all material respects the
         information shown therein, (ii) have been prepared in accordance with,
         and contain all material adjustments to the historical financial
         statements required by, the Commission's rules and guidelines with
         respect to pro forma financial statements, (iii) have been properly
         compiled on the basis described therein, and (iv) the assumptions used
         in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used
         therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and
         circumstances referred to therein. The other historical financial and
         statistical information and data included in the Prospectus are, in all
         material respects, fairly presented.

                  (cc) The Company and each of its subsidiaries have insurance
         covering their respective properties, operations, personnel and
         businesses, which insurance is in amounts

<PAGE>   10
                                                                              10


         and insures against such losses and risks as are adequate to protect
         the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective businesses.
         Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received notice
         from any insurer or agent of such insurer that capital improvements or
         other expenditures are required or necessary to be made in order to
         continue such insurance.

                  (dd) The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or
         indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected
         to cause or result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of
         the Securities and the Company has not distributed and will not
         distribute any offering material in connection with the offering and
         sale of the Securities other than any preliminary prospectus filed with
         the Commission or the Prospectus or other materials, if any, permitted
         by the Act or the Rules or Regulations; the Company has not taken and
         will not take, directly or indirectly, any action prohibited by Rule
         10b-6 under the Exchange Act in connection with the offering of the
         Securities.

                  (ee) Since the date as of which information is given in the
         Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (i) there has been no
         material adverse change or any development involving a prospective
         material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in
         the earnings, business affairs, management or business prospects of the
         Company, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business,
         (ii) the Company has not incurred any material liability or obligation,
         direct or contingent, other than in the ordinary course of business,
         (iii) the Company has not entered into any material transaction other
         than in the ordinary course of business and (iv) there has not been any
         change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company, or any
         dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the
         Company on any class of its capital stock.

                  (ff) Neither the Company nor, to the best knowledge of the
         Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or other person
         associated with or acting on behalf of the Company has (i) used any
         corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or
         other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any
         direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic
         government official or employee from corporate funds; (iii) violated or
         is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
         of 1977; or (iv) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment,
         kickback or other unlawful payment.

                  (gg) On and immediately after the Closing Date, the Company
         (after giving effect to the issuance of the Securities and to the other
         transactions related thereto as described in the Prospectus) will be
         Solvent. As used in this paragraph, the term "Solvent" means, with
         respect to a particular date, that on such date (i) the present fair
         market value (or present fair saleable value) of the assets of the
         Company is not less than the total amount required to pay the probable
         liabilities of the Company on its total existing debts and liabilities
         (including contingent liabilities) as they become absolute and matured,
         (ii) the Company is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts
         and other liabilities, contingent

<PAGE>   11
                                                                              11


         obligations and commitments as they mature and become due in the normal
         course of business, (iii) assuming the sale of the Securities as
         contemplated by this Agreement and the Prospectus, the Company is not
         incurring debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay as such debts
         and liabilities mature and (iv) the Company is not engaged in any
         business or transaction, and is not about to engage in any business or
         transaction, for which its property would constitute unreasonably small
         capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in
         the industry in which the Company is engaged. In computing the amount
         of such contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that such
         liabilities will be computed at the amount that, in the light of all
         the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the
         amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured
         liability.

                  (hh) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries owns any
         "margin securities" as that term is defined in Regulations G and U of
         the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal
         Reserve Board"), and none of the proceeds of the sale of the Securities
         will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or
         carrying any margin security, for the purpose of reducing or retiring
         any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any
         margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the
         Securities to be considered a "purpose credit" within the meanings of
         Regulation G, T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

                  (ii) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a
         party to any contract, agreement or understanding with any person that
         would give rise to a valid claim against the Company or the
         Underwriters for a brokerage commission, finder's fee or like payment
         in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities.

                  (jj) No forward looking statement within the meaning to
         Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act
         contained in the Registration Statement has been made or reaffirmed
         without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good
         faith.

                  2. PURCHASE BY THE UNDERWRITERS. On the basis of the
representations, warranties and agreements contained herein, and subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue and sell to
each of the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, and each of the
Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company,
the principal amount of Notes together with the related Guarantees set forth
opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule 1 hereto at a purchase price
equal to _____% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, if any,
from _______ __, 1997 to the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined).

                  The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any of the
Securities except upon payment for all the Securities to be purchased as
provided herein.


<PAGE>   12
                                                                              12


                  3. DELIVERY OF AND PAYMENT FOR THE SECURITIES. Delivery of and
payment for the Securities shall be made at the office of Simpson Thacher &
Bartlett, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017, or at such other place as
shall be agreed upon by the Underwriters and the Company, at 10:00 A.M., New
York City time, on ________ __, 1997, or at such other date or time, not later
than seven full business days thereafter, as shall be agreed upon by the
Underwriters and the Company (such date and time being referred to herein as the
"Closing Date"). On the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Underwriters certificates for the Securities in global
registered form against payment to or upon the order of the Company of the
purchase price by certified or official bank check or checks drawn in New York
Clearing House funds or similar next-day funds. Time shall be of the essence,
and delivery at the time and place specified pursuant to this Agreement is a
further condition of the obligation of each Underwriter hereunder. Upon
delivery, the Securities shall be in definitive fully registered form, in such
denominations and registered in such names as the Underwriters shall have
requested in writing not less than two full business days prior to the Closing
Date. The Company shall make the certificates for the Securities available for
inspection by the Underwriters in New York, New York, not later than one full
business day prior to the Closing Date.

                  4. FURTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY. The Company agrees with
each of the several Underwriters:

                  (a) That, if the Effective Time is prior to the execution and
         delivery of this Agreement, to file the Prospectus with the Commission
         pursuant to and in accordance with subparagraph (1) (or, if applicable
         and if consented to by the Underwriters, subparagraph (4)) of Rule
         424(b) within the time period prescribed by such rule and will provide
         evidence satisfactory to the Underwriters of such timely filing; to
         file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information
         statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission
         pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
         subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so long as the
         delivery of a Prospectus is required in connection with the offering
         and sale of the Securities;

                  (b) To advise the Underwriters promptly of any proposal to
         amend or supplement the registration statement as filed or the related
         prospectus or the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and not to
         effect such amendment or supplementation without the consent of the
         Underwriters; to advise the Underwriters promptly of the receipt of any
         comments from the Commission and of the effectiveness of the
         Registration Statement (in each case if the Effective Time is
         subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement) and of any
         amendment or supplementation of the Registration Statement or the
         Prospectus, or of any request by the Commission therefor, and of the
         issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any
         proceedings for that purpose; to advise the Underwriters promptly of
         any order preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating
         to the Securities, of the suspension of the qualification of such
         Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction and of the
         initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose; and
         to use best

<PAGE>   13
                                                                              13


         efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or of any such order
         preventing or suspending the use of any prospectus relating to the
         Securities or suspending any such qualification and, if any such stop
         order or order or suspension is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof
         at the earliest possible time;

                  (c) To furnish promptly to each of the Underwriters and
         counsel for the Underwriters a signed copy of the Registration
         Statement as originally filed with the Commission, and each amendment
         thereto filed with the Commission, including all consents and exhibits
         filed therewith; and to deliver promptly without charge to the
         Underwriters such number of the following documents as the Underwriters
         may from time to time reasonably request: (i) conformed copies of the
         Registration Statement as originally filed with the Commission and each
         amendment thereto (in each case excluding exhibits other than this
         Agreement, the Indenture, the Guarantees, the computation of the ratio
         of earnings to fixed charges and the computation of per share
         earnings), (ii) each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any
         amended or supplemented Prospectus and (iii) any document incorporated
         by reference in the Prospectus (excluding exhibits thereto);

                  (d) If the delivery of a prospectus is required at any time in
         connection with the sale of the Securities and if at such time any
         events shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then
         amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material
         fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
         statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
         were made when such Prospectus is delivered, not misleading, or if for
         any other reason it shall be necessary or advisable at such time to
         amend or supplement the Prospectus or to file under the Exchange Act
         any document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to
         comply with the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or with a request
         from the Commission, to notify the Underwriters immediately thereof,
         and to promptly prepare and file with the Commission an amended
         Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such
         statement or omission or effect such compliance;

                  (e) As soon as practicable to make generally available to the
         Company's security holders and to deliver to the Underwriters an
         earning statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not
         be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the
         Rules and Regulations (including, at the option of the Company, Rule
         158);

                  (f) For so long as the Securities are outstanding, to furnish
         to the Underwriters copies of any annual reports, quarterly reports and
         current reports filed by the Company with the Commission on Forms 10-K,
         10-Q and 8-K, or such other similar forms as may be designated by the
         Commission, and such other documents, reports and information as shall
         be furnished by the Company to the Trustee or to the holders of the
         Securities pursuant to the Indenture or the Exchange Act or any rule or
         regulation of the Commission thereunder;


<PAGE>   14
                                                                              14


                  (g) For a period of 180 days from the date of the Prospectus,
         to not offer for sale, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of,
         directly or indirectly, or file a registration statement for, or
         announce any offering of, any debt securities of the Company (other
         than the Securities) without the prior written consent of the
         Underwriters.

                  (h) Not to, for so long as the Securities are outstanding, be
         or become, or be or become owned by, an investment company, unit
         investment trust or face-amount certificate company that is or is
         required to be registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company
         Act, and to not be or become, or be or become owned by, a closed-end
         investment company required to be registered, but not registered
         thereunder;

                  (i) In connection with the offering of the Securities, until
         the Underwriters shall have notified the Company of the completion of
         the distribution of the Securities, not to, and to cause its affiliated
         purchasers (as defined in Rule 10b-6 under the Exchange Act) not to,
         either alone or with one or more other persons, bid for or purchase,
         for any account in which it or any of its affiliated purchasers has a
         beneficial interest, any Securities, or attempt to induce any person to
         purchase any Securities; and not to, and to cause its affiliated
         purchasers not to, make bids or purchase for the purpose of creating
         actual, or apparent, active trading in or of raising the price of the
         Securities;

                  (j) In connection with the offering of the Securities, to make
         its officers, employees, independent accountants and legal counsel
         reasonably available upon request by the Underwriters;

                  (k) To furnish to each of the Underwriters on the date hereof
         a copy of the independent accountants' reports included in the
         Prospectus signed by the accountants rendering such report;

                  (l) To do and perform all things required to be done and
         performed by it under this Agreement that are within its control prior
         to or after the Closing Date, and to use its best efforts to satisfy
         all conditions precedent on its part to the delivery of the Securities;

                  (m) To not take any action prior to the execution and delivery
         of the Indenture which, if taken after such execution and delivery,
         would have violated any of the covenants contained in the Indenture;

                  (n) To not take any action prior to the Closing Date which
         would require the Prospectus to be amended or supplemented pursuant to
         Section 4(d);

                  (o) Prior to the Closing Date, not to issue any press release
         or other communication directly or indirectly or hold any press
         conference with respect to the Company, its condition, financial or
         otherwise, or earnings, business affairs or business prospects (except
         for routine oral marketing communications in the ordinary course of
         business and consistent with the past practices of the Company and of
         which the

<PAGE>   15
                                                                              15


         Underwriters are notified), without the prior written consent of the
         Underwriters, unless in the judgment of the Company and its counsel,
         and after notification to the Underwriters, such press release or
         communication is required by law; and

                  (p) To apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities
         as set forth in the Prospectus under the heading "Use of Proceeds".

                  5. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The respective
obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy,
when made and on the Closing Date, of the representations and warranties of the
Company contained herein, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company made
in any certificates pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the
Company of its obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional
terms and conditions:

                  (a) If the Effective Time is not prior to the execution and
         delivery of this Agreement, the Registration Statement shall have
         become effective and the Indenture shall have been qualified under the
         Trust Indenture Act, and the Representative shall have received notice
         thereof, not later than (i) 6:00 p.m. New York City time on the date of
         determination of the public offering price, if such determination
         occurred at or prior to 3:00 p.m. New York City time on such date or
         (ii) 12:00 noon New York City time on the business day following the
         day on which the offering price was determined if such determination
         occurred after 3:00 p.m. New York City time on such date. If the
         Effective Time is prior to the execution and delivery of this
         Agreement, the Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the
         Commission in accordance with Section 4(a) of this Agreement. Prior to
         the Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
         Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been issued and
         no proceeding for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened
         by the Commission; and any request of the Commission for inclusion of
         additional information in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
         or otherwise shall have been complied with to the reasonable
         satisfaction of the Underwriters.

                  (b) The Prospectus (and any amendments or supplements thereto)
         shall have been printed and copies distributed to the Underwriters as
         promptly as practicable on or following the date of this Agreement or
         at such other date and time as to which the Underwriters may agree.

                  (c) None of the Underwriters shall have discovered and
         disclosed to the Company on or prior to the Closing Date that the
         Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto contains an untrue
         statement of a fact which, in the opinion of counsel for the
         Underwriters, is material or omits to state any fact which, in the
         opinion of such counsel, is material and is required to be stated
         therein or is necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.


<PAGE>   16
                                                                              16


                  (d) All corporate or partnership proceedings and other legal
         matters incident to the authorization, form and validity of this
         Agreement, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Indenture, the Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus, and all other legal matters relating to
         this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
         reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to counsel for the
         Underwriters, and the Company shall have furnished and shall have
         caused its subsidiaries to have furnished to such counsel all documents
         and information that they may reasonably request to enable them to pass
         upon such matters.

                  (e) Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. shall have furnished to the
         Underwriters their written opinion, as counsel to the Company and its
         subsidiaries, addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date,
         in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters,
         substantially to the effect set forth in Annex A hereto.

                  (f) The Representative shall have received from Simpson
         Thacher & Bartlett, counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or
         opinions, dated the Closing Date, with respect to such matters as the
         Underwriters may reasonably require, and the Company and its
         subsidiaries shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as
         they request for enabling them to pass upon such matters.

                  (g) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         letter from Arthur Andersen LLP, dated the date of delivery thereof
         (which, if the Effective Time is prior to the execution and delivery of
         this Agreement, shall be on or prior to the date of this Agreement or,
         if the Effective Time is subsequent to the execution and delivery of
         this Agreement, shall be prior to the filing of the amendment or
         post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement to be filed
         shortly prior to the Effective Time), in form and substance
         satisfactory to the Underwriters, substantially to the effect set forth
         in Annex B hereto.

                  (h) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         letter from Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., dated the date of delivery
         thereof (which, if the Effective Time is prior to the execution and
         delivery of this Agreement, shall be on or prior to the date of this
         Agreement or, if the Effective Time is subsequent to the execution and
         delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to the filing of the
         amendment or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement to
         be filed shortly prior to the Effective Time), in form and substance
         satisfactory to the Underwriters, substantially to the effect set forth
         in Annex C hereto.

                  (i) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         letter from each of Ernst & Young LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, dated
         the date of delivery thereof (which, if the Effective Time is prior to
         the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be on or prior to
         the date of this Agreement or, if the Effective Time is subsequent to
         the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to the
         filing of the amendment or post-effective amendment to the Registration
         Statement to be filed shortly

<PAGE>   17
                                                                              17


         prior to the Effective Time), in form and substance satisfactory to the
         Underwriters, substantially to the effect set forth in Annex D hereto.

                  (j) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         letter (the "bring-down letter") from each of Arthur Andersen LLP,
         Ernst & Young LLP, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
         addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date confirming, as
         of the date of such bring-down letter (or, with respect to matters
         involving changes or developments since the respective dates as of
         which specified financial information is given in the Prospectus, as of
         a date not more than three days prior to the date of the bring-down
         letter), the conclusions and findings of such firm with respect to the
         financial information and other matters covered by such firms letter
         delivered to the Underwriters concurrently with the execution of this
         Agreement and described in paragraph (g), (h) or (i) as the case may be
         (each, an "initial letter"). In addition, if the Effective Time is
         prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Arthur Andersen
         LLP and Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. shall confirm in their bring-down
         letters that they have performed the procedures specified in clause
         (iii) of Annex B and Annex C, respectively, with respect to certain
         amounts, percentages and financial information specified by the
         Underwriters and deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement
         pursuant to Rule 430A(b) and have found such amounts, percentages and
         financial information to be in agreement with the records specified in
         clause (iii) of Annex B and Annex C, respectively.

                  (k) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         letter from each of Netherlands, Sewell and Associates , Inc., Wright &
         Co., Inc., H.J. Gruy and Associates, Inc., Huddleston & Co., Inc. and
         Clay, Holt & Klammer (the "Independent Petroleum Engineers") dated the
         date of delivery thereof (which, if the Effective Time is prior to the
         execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be on or prior to the
         date of this Agreement or, if the Effective Time is subsequent to the
         execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to the filing
         of the amendment or post-effective amendment to the Registration
         Statement to be filed shortly prior to the Effective Time), in form and
         substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, confirming that they are
         independent petroleum consultants with respect to the Company and its
         subsidiaries, attaching their report with respect to the Company's and
         its subsidiaries oil and gas reserves and stating that as of the date
         of such letter they have no reason to believe that the conclusions and
         findings of such firm contained in such report are not true or correct.

                  (l) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         letter (the "bring-down letter") from each of Independent Petroleum
         Engineers, addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date
         confirming, as of the date of the bring-down letter, the conclusions
         and findings of such firm with respect to the information and other
         matters covered by their letter delivered to the Underwriters
         concurrently with the execution of this Agreement and described in
         paragraph (k) and confirming in all material respects the conclusions
         and findings set forth in such prior letter.


<PAGE>   18
                                                                              18


                  (m) The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a
         certificate, dated the Closing Date, of its Chairman of the Board, its
         President or a Vice President and its chief financial officer stating
         that (A) such officers have carefully examined the Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus, (B) in their opinion, as of the Effective
         Time, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus did not include any
         untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a
         material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
         statements therein not misleading and since the Effective Time, no
         event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or
         amendment to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus pursuant to
         Section 4(d) hereof and (C) to the best of his or her knowledge after
         reasonable investigation, as of the Closing Date, the representations
         and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct,
         the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all
         conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or
         prior to the Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness
         of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for
         that purpose have been instituted or, to the best of his or her
         knowledge, are contemplated by the Commission, and subsequent to the
         date of the most recent financial statements included or incorporated
         by reference in the Prospectus, there has been no material adverse
         change in the financial position or results of operation of the Company
         and its subsidiaries, or any change, or any development including a
         prospective change, in or affecting the condition (financial or
         otherwise), results of operations, business or prospects of the Company
         and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except as set forth in the
         Prospectus.

                  (n) The Indenture shall have been duly executed and delivered
         by the Company and the Trustee, the Notes shall have been duly executed
         and delivered by the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee and
         the Guarantees shall have been duly executed and delivered by each of
         the Subsidiary Guarantors.

                  (o) If any event shall have occurred that requires the Company
         under Section 4(d) to prepare an amendment or supplement to the
         Prospectus, such amendment or supplement shall have been prepared, the
         Underwriters shall have been given a reasonable opportunity to comment
         thereon, and copies thereof shall have been delivered to the
         Underwriters reasonably in advance of the Closing Date.

                  (p) No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule,
         regulation or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any
         governmental agency or body which would, as of the Closing Date,
         prevent the issuance or sale of the Securities; and no injunction,
         restraining order or order of any other nature by any federal or state
         court of competent jurisdiction shall have been issued as of the
         Closing Date which would prevent the issuance or sale of the
         Securities.

                  (q) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement
         or, if earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the
         Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof) and the
         Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there shall not have
         been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company
         or any of

<PAGE>   19
                                                                              19


         its subsidiaries or any change, or any development involving a
         prospective change, in or affecting the condition (financial or
         otherwise), results of operations, business or prospects of the Company
         and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, the effect of which, in any such
         case described above, is, in the judgment of the Underwriters, so
         material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to
         proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Securities on
         the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus (exclusive
         of any supplement).

                  (r) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement
         (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the
         Securities or any of the Company's other debt securities by any
         "nationally recognized statistical rating organization", as that term
         is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) of the
         Rules and Regulations and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly
         announced that it has under surveillance or review (other than an
         announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading), its
         rating of the Securities or any of the Company's other debt securities.

                  (s) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement
         there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) trading in
         securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
         Exchange or the over-the-counter market shall have been suspended or
         limited, or minimum prices shall have been established on either of
         such exchanges or such market by the Commission, by such exchange or by
         any other regulatory body or governmental authority having
         jurisdiction, or trading in securities of the Company on any exchange
         or in the over-the-counter market shall have been suspended or (ii) any
         moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by
         Federal or New York State authorities or (iii) an outbreak or
         escalation of hostilities or a declaration by the United States of a
         national emergency or war or (iv) a material adverse change in general
         economic, political or financial conditions (or the effect of
         international conditions on the financial markets in the United States
         shall be such) the effect of which, in the case of this clause (iv),
         is, in the judgment of the several Underwriters, so material and
         adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the
         public offering or the sale and delivery of the Securities on the terms
         and in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Prospectus.

                  (t) The closing under the Common Stock Underwriting Agreement
         shall have occurred concurrently with the closing hereunder.

                  All opinions, letters, evidence and certificates mentioned
above or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to be in compliance with
the provisions hereof only if they are in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters.

                  6. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall become effective upon the
later of (i) when the Underwriters and the Company shall have received
notification of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or (ii) the
execution of this Agreement. The obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may
be terminated by the Underwriters, in their absolute discretion, by

<PAGE>   20
                                                                              20


notice given to and received by the Company prior to delivery of and payment for
the Securities if, prior to that time, any of the events described in Sections
5(p), 5(q), 5(r), or 5(s) shall have occurred.

                  7. DEFAULTING UNDERWRITERS. (a) If, on the Closing Date, any
Underwriter or Underwriters defaults in the performance of its or their
obligations under this Agreement, the remaining non-defaulting Underwriters may
make arrangements for the purchase of such Securities by other persons
satisfactory to the Company and the non-defaulting Underwriters, but if no such
arrangements are made by the Closing Date, then each remaining non-defaulting
Underwriter shall be severally obligated to purchase the Securities which the
defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase on the
Closing Date in the respective proportions which the principal amount of Notes
set forth opposite the name of each remaining non-defaulting Underwriter in
Schedule 1 hereto bears to the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth
opposite the names of all the remaining non-defaulting Underwriters in Schedule
1 hereto; provided, however, that the remaining non-defaulting Underwriters
shall not be obligated to purchase any of the Securities on the Closing Date if
the aggregate principal amount of Notes which the defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase on such date exceeds one-eleventh of
the aggregate principal amount of the Notes to be purchased on the Closing Date,
and any remaining non-defaulting Underwriter shall not be obligated to purchase
in total more than 110% of the principal amount of the Notes which it agreed to
purchase on the Closing Date pursuant to the terms of Section 2. If the
foregoing maximums are exceeded and the remaining Underwriters or other
underwriters satisfactory to the remaining Underwriters and the Company do not
elect to purchase the Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase, this Agreement shall terminate
without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company,
except that the Company will continue to be liable for the payment of expenses
to the extent set forth in Sections 8 and 12 and except that the provisions of
Sections 9 and 10 shall not terminate and shall remain in effect. As used in
this Agreement, the term "Underwriter" includes, for all purposes of this
Agreement unless the context otherwise requires, any party not listed in
Schedule 1 hereto who, pursuant to this Section 7, purchases Securities which a
defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to purchase.

                  (b) Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting
Underwriter of any liability it may have for damages caused by its default. If
other underwriters are obligated or agree to purchase the Securities of a
defaulting Underwriter, either the remaining Underwriters or the Company may
postpone the Closing Date for up to seven full business days in order to effect
any changes that in the opinion of counsel for the Company or counsel for the
Underwriters may be necessary in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or
in any other document or arrangement, and the Company agrees to file promptly
any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus that
effects any such changes.

                  8. REIMBURSEMENT OF UNDERWRITERS' EXPENSES. If (a) no notice
shall have been given pursuant to Section 6 causing this Agreement to become
effective, (b) the Company shall fail to tender the Securities for delivery to
the Underwriters for any reason permitted under this Agreement or (c) the
Underwriters shall decline to purchase the Securities for any reason

<PAGE>   21
                                                                              21


permitted under this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for
the fees and expenses of their counsel and for such other out-of-pocket expenses
as shall have been reasonably incurred by them in connection with this Agreement
and the proposed purchase of the Securities, and upon demand the Company shall
pay the full amount thereof to the Underwriters. If this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to Section 7 by reason of the default of one or more Underwriters, the
Company shall not be obligated to reimburse any defaulting Underwriter on
account of those expenses.

                  9. INDEMNIFICATION. (a) The Company shall indemnify and hold
harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, their respective officers, directors,
employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if any, who controls any
Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act
(collectively referred to for the purposes of this Section 9 and Section 10 as
the Underwriter) from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or
several, or any action in respect thereof (including, without limitation, any
loss, claim, damage, liability or action relating to purchases and sales of the
Securities), to which that Underwriter may become subject, whether commenced or
threatened, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or
state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon (i) any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any
amendment or supplement thereto or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, and shall reimburse each Underwriter promptly upon demand
for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by that Underwriter in
connection with investigating or preparing to defend or defending against or
appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon an
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission
from any such document in reliance upon and in conformity with any Underwriters'
Information.

                  (b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its affiliates, their respective
officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if
any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act (collectively referred to for the purposes of this Section 9 and
Section 10 as the Company), from and against any loss, claim, damage or
liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof, to which the
Company may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law or
regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action arises out of or is based upon (i) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Preliminary
Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any amendment or
supplement thereto or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the untrue
statement

<PAGE>   22
                                                                              22


or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance
upon and in conformity with any Underwriters' Information, and shall reimburse
the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company
in connection with investigating or preparing to defend or defending against or
appearing as third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred.

                  (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 9 of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, the
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the
indemnifying party pursuant to Section 9(a) or 9(b), notify the indemnifying
party in writing of the claim or the commencement of that action; provided,
however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it
from any liability which it may have under this Section 9 except to the extent
that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive
rights or defenses) by such failure; and, provided, further, that the failure to
notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it
may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 9. If any
such claim or action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall
notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled
to participate therein and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other
similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof with
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. After notice from the
indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the
defense of such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to
the indemnified party under this Section 9 for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense
thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that an
indemnified party shall have the right to employ its own counsel in any such
action, but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel for the
indemnified party will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (1)
the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized in
writing by the indemnifying party, (2) the indemnified party has reasonably
concluded (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified party) that there may
be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are
different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, (3)
a conflict or potential conflict exists (based upon advice of counsel to the
indemnified party) between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in
which case the indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense
of such action on behalf of the indemnified party) or (4) the indemnifying party
has not in fact employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified
party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after
receiving notice of the commencement of the action, in each of which cases the
reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel will be at the
expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is understood that the
indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or
related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees,
disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in
addition to any local counsel) at any one time for all such indemnified party or
parties. Each indemnified party, as a condition of the indemnity agreements
contained in Sections 9(a) and 9(b), shall use all reasonable efforts to
cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense of any such action or
claim. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any such
action effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld), but if settled with

<PAGE>   23
                                                                              23


its written consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any
such action, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any
indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such
settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written
consent of the indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld), effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in
respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and
indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such
settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all
liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.

                  The obligations of the Company and the Underwriters in this
Section 9 and in Section 10 are in addition to any other liability which the
Company or the Underwriters, as the case may be, may otherwise have, including
in respect of any breaches of representations, warranties and agreements made
herein by any such party.

                  10. CONTRIBUTION. If the indemnification provided for in
Section 9 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party
under Section 9(a) or (b), then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of
indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or
action in respect thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to
reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Securities or (ii) if the
allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on
the one hand and the Underwriters on the other with respect to the statements or
omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in
respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters
on the other with respect to such offering shall be deemed to be in the same
proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities
purchased under this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the
Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the
Underwriters with respect to the Securities purchased under this Agreement, in
each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The
relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the
Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other, the intent of the
parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company and the
Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions
pursuant to this Section 10 were to be determined by pro rata allocation (even
if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other
method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable
considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified
party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect
thereof, referred to above in this Section 10 shall be deemed to include, for
purposes of this Section 10, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any

<PAGE>   24
                                                                              24


such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10, no
Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount
by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such
Underwriter exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has
otherwise paid or become liable to pay by reason of any untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute as
provided in this Section 10 are several in proportion to their respective
underwriting obligations and not joint.

                  11. PERSONS ENTITLED TO BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company,
and their respective successors. This Agreement and the terms and provisions
hereof are for the sole benefit of only those persons, except as provided in
Sections 9 and 10 with respect to affiliates, officers, directors, employees,
representatives, agents and controlling persons of the Company and the Initial
Purchasers. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give
any person, other than the persons referred to in this Section 11, any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any
provision contained herein.

                  12. EXPENSES. The Company agrees with the Underwriters to pay
(a) the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale, preparation,
printing and delivery of the Notes and the related Guarantees and any stamp
duties and transfer taxes payable in that connection; (b) the costs incident to
the preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the
Registration Statement and any amendments and exhibits thereto; (c) the costs of
printing and distributing the Registration Statement as originally filed and
each amendment thereto and any post-effective amendments thereof (including, in
each case, exhibits), any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and any
amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, all as provided in this Agreement;
(d) the costs of printing, reproducing and distributing the Indenture, this
Agreement and any other underwriting and selling group documents by mail, telex
or other means of communications; (e) the filing fees incident to securing any
required review by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. of the
terms of sale of the Notes and the related Guarantees; (f) the fees and expenses
of the Company's counsel and independent accountants; (g) the fees and expenses
of preparing, printing and distributing Blue Sky Memoranda (including related
fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters); (h) any fees charged by
securities rating services for rating the Securities; (i) all fees and expenses
of the Trustee and any paying agent (including related fees and expenses of any
counsel to such parties); and (j) all other costs and expenses incident to the
performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement; provided
that, except as otherwise provided in this Section 12 and in Section 8, the
Underwriters shall pay their own costs and expenses, including the costs and
expenses of their counsel.

                  13. SURVIVAL. The respective indemnities, rights of
contribution, representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and the
Underwriters contained in this Agreement or made by or on behalf on them,
respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall survive the delivery of and
payment for the Securities and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless
of any

<PAGE>   25
                                                                              25


termination or cancellation of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on
behalf of any of them or any person controlling any of them.

                  14. NOTICES, ETC. All statements, requests, notices and
agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and:

                  (a) if to the Underwriters, shall be delivered or sent by
         mail, telex or facsimile transmission to Chase Securities Inc., 270
         Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Lawrence S. Landry,
         fax: (212) 270-0994;

                  (b) if to the Company, shall be delivered or sent by mail,
         telex or facsimile transmission to the address of the Company set forth
         in the Registration Statement, Attention: John H. Pinkerton;

provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 8(c)
shall be delivered or sent by mail to such Underwriter at its address set forth
on Schedule 2 hereto. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall
take effect at the time of receipt thereof. The Company shall be entitled to act
and rely upon any request, consent, notice or agreement given or made on behalf
of the Underwriters.

                  15. DEFINITIONS OF CERTAIN TERMS. For purposes of this
Agreement, (a) "business day" means any day on which the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. is open for trading and (b) "subsidiary" has the meaning set
forth in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations.

                  16. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

                  17. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

                  18. HEADINGS. The headings herein are inserted for convenience
of reference only and are not intended to be part of, or to affect the meaning
or interpretation of, this Agreement.


<PAGE>   26
                                                                              26


                  If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of
the agreement between the Company and the several Underwriters, kindly indicate
your acceptance in the space provided for that purpose below.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.


                                        By ________________________________
                                           Name:
                                           Title:

Accepted:

CHASE SECURITIES INC.
NATIONSBANC CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
BEAR, STEARNS & CO., INC.
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION

By: Chase Securities Inc.



By ____________________________________
           Authorized Signatory







<PAGE>   27


                                   SCHEDULE 1


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Principal
                                                                   Amount
Underwriters                                                      of Notes
- ------------                                                      --------
<S>                                                              <C>         
Chase Securities Inc...........................................  $
NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc...............................
Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc.......................................
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation.........................



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



<PAGE>   28

                                   Schedule 2
                              ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES

Chase Securities Inc.
One Chase Plaza, 25th Floor
New York, New York  10081
Attention:  Legal Department

NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
100 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28255 Attention:

Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc.
245 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10167
Attention:

Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
3030 Texas Commerce Tower
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention:




<PAGE>   29



                                                                         ANNEX A


                  [Form of Opinion of Counsel for the Company]

Vinson & Elkins shall have furnished to the Initial Purchasers their written
opinion, as counsel to the Company, addressed to the Underwriters and dated the
Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters,
substantially to the effect set forth below:

                           (i) The Company and each of its subsidiaries have
                  been duly organized and are validly existing as corporations
                  or limited partnerships in good standing under the laws of
                  their respective jurisdictions of organization, are duly
                  qualified to do business and are in good standing as foreign
                  corporations or limited partnerships in each jurisdiction in
                  which their respective ownership or lease of property or the
                  conduct of their respective businesses requires such
                  qualification, and have all power and authority necessary to
                  own or hold their respective properties and to conduct the
                  businesses in which they are engaged (except where the failure
                  to so qualify or have such power and authority would not have
                  a Material Adverse Effect);

                           (ii) The Company has the authorized capitalization
                  set forth in the Prospectus, and all of the issued shares of
                  capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly
                  authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and
                  conform to the description thereof contained in the
                  Prospectus; and all of the issued shares of capital stock or
                  partnership interests, as the case may be, of each subsidiary
                  of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and
                  issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and (except for
                  directors' qualifying shares) are owned directly or indirectly
                  by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
                  equities or claims;

                           (iii) The Registration Statement was declared
                  effective under the Securities Act and the Indenture was
                  qualified under the Trust Indenture Act as of the date and
                  time specified in such opinion; the Prospectus was filed with
                  the Commission pursuant to the subparagraph of Rule 424(b) of
                  the Rules and Regulations specified in such opinion on the
                  date specified therein; and no stop order suspending the
                  effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued
                  and, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no proceeding
                  for that purpose is pending or threatened by the Commission;

                           (iv) The Registration Statement and the Prospectus
                  and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration
                  Statement or the Prospectus made by the Company and the
                  Subsidiary Guarantors prior to the Closing Date (other than
                  the financial statements and related schedules therein, as to
                  which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form
                  in all material respects with the requirements of the
                  Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations;

                           (v) The documents incorporated by reference in the
                  Prospectus and the Registration Statement, as of the dates
                  they were filed with the Commission or

<PAGE>   30
                                                                               2


                  became effective, as the case may be, comply as to form in all
                  material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act
                  or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and the rules and
                  regulations thereunder (other than financial statements and
                  related schedules therein, as to which such counsel need
                  express no opinion);

                           (vi) The Indenture complies as to form in all
                  material respects with the requirements of the Trust Indenture
                  Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
                  thereunder;

                           (vii) the descriptions in the Offering Memorandum of
                  statutes, legal and governmental proceedings and contracts and
                  other documents are accurate in all material respects; and to
                  the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no contracts
                  or other documents which are required to be described in the
                  Prospectus or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement
                  by the Securities Act or by the Rules and Regulations and
                  which have not been so described or filed;

                           (viii) (x) The Company has full right, power and
                  authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Indenture
                  and the Notes and to perform its obligations hereunder and
                  thereunder, (y) each Subsidiary Guarantor has the full right,
                  power and authority to execute and deliver the Guarantees and
                  to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder; and all
                  corporate action required to be taken for the due and proper
                  authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
                  Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees and the consummation
                  of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been
                  duly and validly taken;

                           (ix) The Underwriting Agreement has been duly
                  authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;

                           (x) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed
                  and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and
                  binding agreement of the Company enforceable against the
                  Company in accordance with its terms, except to the extent
                  that such enforceability may be limited by applicable
                  bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization,
                  moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
                  generally and by general equitable principles (whether
                  considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

                           (xi) The Notes have been duly authorized and executed
                  by the Company and, upon the due authentication and delivery
                  thereof by the Trustee and upon payment and delivery in
                  accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and
                  binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of
                  the Indenture and enforceable in accordance with their terms,
                  except to the extent that such enforceability may be limited
                  by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
                  reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting
                  creditors' rights generally and by general equitable
                  principles (whether considered in a

<PAGE>   31
                                                                               3


                  proceeding in equity or at law); and the Indenture and the
                  Securities conform to the descriptions thereof contained in
                  the Prospectus;

                           (xii) The Guarantees have been duly authorized,
                  executed and delivered by each Subsidiary Guarantor and
                  constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the parties
                  thereto enforceable against the parties thereto in accordance
                  with their terms, except to the extent that such
                  enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
                  insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium
                  and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally
                  and by general equitable principles (whether considered in a
                  proceeding in equity or at law);

                           (xiii) The execution, delivery and performance of
                  this Agreement, the Cometra Acquisition Agreement, the
                  Indenture and the Notes by the Company, the Guarantees by each
                  of the Subsidiary Guarantors, the issuance, authentication,
                  sale and delivery of the Securities and compliance by the
                  Company with the terms thereof and the consummation of the
                  transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not conflict
                  with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or
                  provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the
                  creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
                  any property or assets of the Company or any of its
                  subsidiaries pursuant to, any material indenture, mortgage,
                  deed of trust, loan agreement or other material agreement or
                  instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
                  a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
                  bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company
                  or any of its subsidiaries is subject, nor will such actions
                  result in any violation of the provisions of the charter,
                  partnership agreements, by-laws or other organizational
                  documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any
                  statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court,
                  arbitrator or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction
                  over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
                  properties or assets; and except for the registration of the
                  Securities under the Securities Act, the qualification of the
                  Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act and such consents,
                  approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as
                  may be required under the Exchange Act and applicable state
                  securities laws in connection with the purchase and
                  distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, no
                  consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing or
                  registration with, any such court, arbitrator or governmental
                  agency or body under any such statute, judgment, order,
                  decree, rule or regulation is required for the execution,
                  delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Indenture, the
                  Notes and the Guarantees by the Company and the Subsidiary
                  Guarantors, the issuance, authentication, sale and delivery of
                  the Securities and compliance by the Company with the terms
                  thereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
                  hereby and thereby;

                           (xiv) To the best of such counsel's knowledge and
                  except as set forth in the Prospectus, there are no pending
                  actions or suits or judicial, arbitral, rule-making,
                  administrative or other proceedings to which the Company or
                  any of its

<PAGE>   32
                                                                               4


                  subsidiaries is a party or of which any property or assets of
                  the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject which (A)
                  singularly or in the aggregate, if determined adversely to the
                  Company or any of its subsidiaries, could reasonably be
                  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (B) questions
                  the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, the
                  Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees or any action taken or
                  to be taken pursuant thereto; and, to the best of such
                  counsel's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or
                  contemplated by governmental authorities or threatened by
                  others;

                           (xv) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries
                  is an "investment company" within the meaning of the
                  Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the
                  Commission thereunder, without taking account of any exemption
                  under the Investment Company Act arising out of the number of
                  holders of the Company's securities or (B) a "holding company"
                  or a "subsidiary company" of a holding company or an
                  "affiliate" thereof within the meaning of the Public Utility
                  Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended; and

                           (xvi) neither the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement nor the sale, issuance,
                  execution or delivery of the Securities will violate
                  Regulation G, T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board;

                  References to the Prospectus in such counsel's opinion shall
         include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date.

         Such counsel shall also state that they have participated in
conferences with representatives of the Company and with representatives of its
independent accountants and counsel at which conferences the contents of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment and supplement
thereto and related matters were discussed and, although such counsel assumes no
responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the Prospectus, any
amendment or supplement thereto (except as expressly provided above), nothing
has come to the attention of such counsel to cause such counsel to believe that
the Registration Statement (or any post-effective amendment thereto), at the
time of its effective date (including the information deemed to be part of the
Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A or
Rule 434, if applicable), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement thereto as of its date and the Closing Date contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading or that any document incorporated by reference in
the Prospectus when they were filed with the Commission contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading (other than the financial statements and other financial
and statistical information contained therein, as to which such counsel need
express no belief) .


<PAGE>   33
                                                                               5


         In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters of fact,
to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers
of the Company and public officials which are furnished to the Underwriters.



<PAGE>   34



                                                                         ANNEX B


             [Form of Initial Comfort Letter of Arthur Andersen LLP]

                  The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a letter
from Arthur Andersen LLP, dated the date of delivery thereof (which, if the
Effective Time is prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall
be on or prior to the date of this Agreement or, if the Effective Time is
subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to
the filing of the amendment or post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement to be filed shortly prior to the Effective Time), in form and
substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, substantially to the effect set
forth below:

                           (i) they are independent public accountants with
                  respect to the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning
                  of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the
                  applicable requirements relating to the qualification of
                  accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the
                  Commission;

                           (ii) in their opinion the consolidated financial
                  statements and financial statement schedules audited by them
                  and included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
                  Statement and the Prospectus comply as to form in all material
                  respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the
                  Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the Rules and
                  Regulations;

                           (iii) based upon the procedures of the American
                  Institute of Certified Public Accountants for a review of
                  interim financial information as described in Statement of
                  Auditing Standards No. 71 ("SAS No. 71"), reading of the
                  minutes, inquiries of certain officials of the Company and its
                  subsidiaries who have responsibility for financial and
                  accounting matters and certain other limited procedures
                  requested by the Underwriters and described in detail in such
                  letter, nothing has come to their attention that causes them
                  to believe that: (A) any unaudited financial statements
                  included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
                  Statement and the Prospectus do not comply as to form in all
                  material respects with the accounting requirements; (B) any
                  material modifications should be made to the unaudited
                  condensed consolidated financial statements included or
                  incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
                  the Prospectus for them to be in conformity with generally
                  accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
                  substantially consistent with that of the audited financial
                  statements included in the Registration Statement and the
                  Prospectus; (C) the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
                  statements included or incorporated by reference in the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus do not comply as to
                  form in all material respects with the applicable requirements
                  of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the related
                  published rules and regulations; (D) at the date of last
                  available balance sheet, there was any change in the capital
                  stock, increase in long-term debt, decrease in net current
                  assets or stockholders' equity as compared with the amounts
                  shown in the ___________, 199_ unaudited condensed
                  consolidated balance sheet included in the Registration
                  Statement and the Prospectus or (E) for

<PAGE>   35
                                                                               2

                  the period from ________, 199_ to the last date included in
                  the period covered by the latest available income statement
                  there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding
                  period in the preceding year in net revenues, income from
                  operations or EBITDA or in total or per share amounts of net
                  income of the Company and its subsidiaries except, in all
                  instances for changes, increases or decreases set forth in
                  such letter, in which case the letter shall be accompanied by
                  an explanation by the Company as to the significance thereof
                  unless said explanation is not deemed necessary by the
                  Underwriters.

                           (iv) based upon the procedures detailed in such
                  letter with respect to the period subsequent to the date of
                  the last available balance sheet, including reading of minutes
                  and inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have
                  responsibility for financial and accounting matters, nothing
                  has come to their attention that causes them to believe that
                  (A) at a specified date not more than three business days
                  prior to the date of such letter, there was any change in
                  capital stock, increase in long-term debt or decrease in net
                  current assets or stockholders' equity as compared with the
                  amounts shown in the __________ ___, 199_ unaudited balance
                  sheet included in the Prospectus or (B) for the period from
                  __________ ____, 199_ to a specified date not more than three
                  business days prior to the date of such letter, there were any
                  decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the
                  preceding year, in net revenues, income from operations,
                  EBITDA or in total or per share net income, except in all
                  instances for changes, increases or decreases that the
                  Prospectus discloses have occurred or which are set forth in
                  such letter, in which case the letter shall be accompanied by
                  an explanation by the Company as to the significance thereof
                  unless said explanation is not deemed necessary by the
                  Underwriters;

                           (v) they have performed certain other specified
                  procedures as a result of which they determined that certain
                  information of an accounting, financial or statistical nature
                  (which is limited to accounting, financial or statistical
                  information derived from the general accounting records of the
                  Company and its subsidiaries) set forth in the Registration
                  Statement and the Prospectus agrees with the accounting
                  records of the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding any
                  questions of legal interpretation; and

                           (vi) on the basis of a reading of the unaudited pro
                  forma financial statements and information included in the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus; carrying out
                  certain specified procedures; inquiries of certain officials
                  of the Company who have responsibility for financial and
                  accounting matters; and proving the arithmetic accuracy of the
                  application of the pro forma adjustments to the historical
                  amounts in the pro forma financial statements, nothing came to
                  their attention which caused them to believe that the pro
                  forma financial statements and information do not comply in
                  form in all material respects with the applicable accounting
                  requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X or that the pro
                  forma adjustments have not been properly applied to the
                  historical amounts in the compilation of such statements and
                  information.


<PAGE>   36
                                                                               3


References to the Prospectus in such comfort letter include any supplement
thereto at the date of the letter.



<PAGE>   37



                                                                         ANNEX C


          [Form of Initial Comfort Letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.]


                  The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a letter
from Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., dated the date of delivery thereof (which, if the
Effective Time is prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall
be on or prior to the date of this Agreement or, if the Effective Time is
subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to
the filing of the amendment or post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement to be filed shortly prior to the Effective Time), in form and
substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, substantially to the effect set
forth below:

                                  (i) they are independent public accountants
                  with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries within the
                  meaning of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the
                  applicable requirements relating to the qualification of
                  accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the
                  Commission;

                                 (ii) in their opinion the consolidated
                  financial statements and financial statement schedules of
                  America Cometra, Inc. ("Cometra") audited by them and included
                  in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply as to
                  form in all material respects with the applicable accounting
                  requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and
                  Regulations;

                                (iii) based upon the procedures of the American
                  Institute of Certified Public Accountants for a review of
                  interim financial information as described in Statement of
                  Auditing Standards No. 71 ("SAS No. 71"), inquiries of certain
                  officials of Cometra who have responsibility for financial and
                  accounting matters and certain other limited procedures
                  requested by the Underwriters and described in detail in such
                  letter, nothing has come to their attention that causes them
                  to believe that: (A) any unaudited Cometra financial
                  statements included or incorporated by reference in the
                  Registration Statement and Prospectus do not comply as to form
                  in all material respects with the accounting requirements; (B)
                  any material modifications should be made to the unaudited
                  condensed consolidated Cometra financial statements included
                  or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
                  the Prospectus for them to be in conformity with generally
                  accepted accounting principles; (C) the unaudited condensed
                  consolidated Cometra financial statements included or
                  incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
                  the Prospectus do not comply as to form in all material
                  respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities
                  Act and the related published rules and regulations; (D) (1)
                  at the date of last available balance sheet for Cometra, there
                  was any increase in long-term debt, decrease in consolidated
                  net current assets or stockholders' equity as compared with
                  the amounts shown in the ___________, 199_ unaudited condensed
                  consolidated balance sheet included in the Registration
                  Statement or (2) for the period from _________, 199_ to the
                  last date included in the period covered by the latest
                  available income statement there were any decreases, as
                  compared with the corresponding period in the

<PAGE>   38


                  preceding year in net revenues, income from operations, EBITDA
                  or in total or per share amounts of net income of Cometra
                  except, in all instances for changes, increases or decreases
                  set forth in such letter, in which case the letter shall be
                  accompanied by an explanation by Cometra as to the
                  significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed
                  necessary by the Underwriters.

                                    (iv) based upon the procedures detailed in
                  such letter with respect to the period subsequent to the date
                  of the last available balance sheet, including reading of
                  minutes and inquiries of certain officials of Cometra who have
                  responsibility for financial and accounting matters, nothing
                  has come to their attention that causes them to believe that
                  (A) at a specified date not more than three business days
                  prior to the date of such letter, there was any increase in
                  long-term debt or decrease in net current assets as compared
                  with the amounts shown in the ____________ ____, 199_
                  unaudited balance sheet included in the Prospectus or (B) for
                  the period from _____________ _____, 199_ to a specified date
                  not more than three business days prior to the date of such
                  letter, there were any decreases, as compared with the
                  corresponding period in the preceding year, in net revenues,
                  income from operations, EBITDA or total or per share amounts
                  of net income, except in all instances for changes, increases
                  or decreases that the Prospectus discloses have occurred or
                  which are set forth in such letter, in which case the letter
                  shall be accompanied by an explanation by Cometra as to the
                  significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed
                  necessary by the Underwriters;

                                  (v) they have performed certain other
                  specified procedures as a result of which they determined that
                  certain information of an accounting, financial or statistical
                  nature (which is limited to accounting, financial or
                  statistical information derived from the general accounting
                  records of the Company and its subsidiaries) set forth in the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus agrees with the
                  accounting records of Cometra and its subsidiaries, excluding
                  any questions of legal interpretation; and

References to the Prospectus in such comfort letter include any supplement
thereto at the date of the letter.



<PAGE>   39

                                                                         ANNEX D


 [Form of Initial Comfort Letter of Ernst & Young LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP]


                  The Company shall have furnished to the Underwriters a letter
from each of Ernst & Young LLP and KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, dated the date of
delivery thereof (which, if the Effective Time is prior to the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, shall be on or prior to the date of this Agreement
or, if the Effective Time is subsequent to the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, shall be prior to the filing of the amendment or post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement to be filed shortly prior to the
Effective Time), in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters,
substantially to the effect set forth below:



                           (i) they are independent public accountants with
                  respect to the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning
                  of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the
                  applicable requirements relating to the qualification of
                  accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the
                  Commission; and

                           (ii) in their opinion the consolidated financial
                  statements and financial statement schedules audited by them
                  and included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
                  Statement and the Prospectus comply as to form in all material
                  respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the
                  Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations.

References to the Prospectus in such comfort letters include any supplement
thereto at the date of the letter.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 4.1


COMMON STOCK                         THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN
  PAR VALUE $0.01                  CLEVELAND, OHIO AND NEW YORK, NEW YORK



                                                                          SHARES

                                 [GRAPHIC]





INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS            CUSIP 541509 30 3
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE               SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

                                    L O M A K
                                 PETROLEUM, INC.

THIS CERTIFIES THAT







IS THE OWNER OF



                 FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE COMMON SHARES OF

Lomak Petroleum, Inc. transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder
hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this
certificate properly endorsed.

  This certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by the
  Transfer Agent and Registrar. Witness the facsimile signatures of its duly
  authorized officers.

Dated:

 Countersigned and Registered:
   KEYCORP SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, INC.
         (Cleveland, Ohio)
                   Transfer Agent and Registrar


                                  /s/ Jeffery A. Bynum     /s/ John H. Pinkerton
          Authorized Signature        Corporate Secretary      President & CEO
<PAGE>   2
                            LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

        The Corporation will furnish without charge to any Shareholder who so
requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights of each class and series of shares which the
Corporation is authorized to issue and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.  Such request may be made to
the secretary of the Corporation:

        The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face
of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>
TEN COM - as tenants in common       UNIF GIFT MIN ACT-______Custodian__________
                                                       (Cust.)          (Minor)
TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties                   

JT TEN  - as joint tenants with right             under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
         of survivorship and not as               
         tenants in common                        ---------------------------------
                                                               (State)
                                           

</TABLE>

   Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.


        For Value Received,                              hereby sell, assign
                           ------------------------------
and transfer unto

Please insert social security or other
identifying number of assignee
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of
assignee

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

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

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

of the Capital Stock represented by the within certificate, and do hereby

                                               Shares
- -----------------------------------------------
irrevocably constitute and appoint 


- ------------------------------------------------------------------
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation with

                                                     Attorney
- -----------------------------------------------------
full power of substitution in the premises.    

Dated             19   .
     -------------  ---    


                                   --------------------------------------------
                                   NOTICE:  THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT
                                   MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN     
                                   UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE, IN EVERY
                                   PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR 
                                   ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.



Signature(s) Guaranteed:


- -----------------------------------------------
THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED
BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, 
STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND 
CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED 
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM), 
PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17AD-15.




<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.3
                                       

                  INDENTURE dated as of ____________ ___, 1997 among Lomak
Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), as issuer, the
Subsidiary Guarantors (as hereinafter defined) as guarantors and Fleet National
Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee").

                  The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee agree
as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit
of the Holders of the ___% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 of the Company
(the "Notes"):

                                  ARTICLE 1
                                      
                        DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
                                 BY REFERENCE
                                      
                  Section 1.1.  Definitions.
                                -----------

                  "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person
(i) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is
merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including,
without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a
Subsidiary of such specified Person, and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien
encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

                  "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means (without
duplication), as of the date of determination, (i) the sum of (a) discounted
future net revenues from proved oil and gas reserves of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with the Commission's
guidelines before any state or federal income taxes, with no less than 80% of
the discounted future net revenues estimated by one or more nationally
recognized firms of independent petroleum engineers in a reserve report prepared
as of the end of the Company's most recently completed fiscal year, as increased
by, as of the date of determination, the estimated discounted future net
revenues from (1) estimated proved oil and gas reserves acquired since the date
of such year-end reserve report, and (2) estimated oil and gas reserves
attributable to upward revisions of estimates of proved oil and gas reserves
since the date of such year-end reserve report due to exploration, development
or exploitation activities, in each case calculated in accordance with the
Commission's guidelines (utilizing the prices utilized in such year-end reserve
report) increased by the accretion of the discount from the date of the reserve
report to the date of determination, and decreased by, as of the date of
determination, the estimated discounted future net revenues from (3) estimated
proved oil and gas reserves produced or disposed of since the date of such
year-end reserve report and (4) estimated oil and gas reserves attributable to
downward revisions of estimates of proved oil and gas reserves since the date of
such year-end reserve report due to changes in geological conditions or other
factors which would, in accordance with standard industry



<PAGE>   2


                                                                               2

practice, cause such revisions, in each case calculated in accordance with the
Commission's guidelines (utilizing the prices utilized in such year-end reserve
report); provided that, in the case of each of the determinations made pursuant
to clause (1) through (4), such increases and decreases shall be as estimated by
the Company's petroleum engineers, unless in the event that there is a Material
Change as a result of such acquisitions, dispositions or revisions, then the
discounted future net revenues utilized for purposes of this clause (i)(a) shall
be confirmed in writing by one or more nationally recognized firms of
independent petroleum engineers, (b) the capitalized costs that are attributable
to oil and gas properties of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to
which no proved oil and gas reserves are attributable, based on the Company's
books and records as of the date no earlier than the date of the Company's
latest annual or quarterly financial statements, (c) the Net Working Capital on
a date no earlier than the date of the Company's latest annual or quarterly
financial statements and (d) the greater of (1) the net book value on a date no
earlier than the date of the Company's latest annual or quarterly financial
statements or (2) the book value of other tangible assets (including, without
duplication, investments in unconsolidated Restricted Subsidiaries) of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as of the date no earlier than the date
of the Company's latest annual or quarterly financial statements, minus (ii) the
sum of (a) minority interests, (b) any gas balancing liabilities of the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries reflected in the Company's latest audited
financial statements and (c)the discounted future net revenues, calculated in
accordance with the Commission's guidelines, attributable to reserves subject to
Dollar-Denominated Production Payments which, based on the estimates of
production and price assumptions included in determining the discounted future
net revenues specified in (i)(a) above, would be necessary to fully satisfy the
payment obligations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect
to Dollar-Denominated Production Payments on the schedules specified with
respect thereto. If the Company changes its method of accounting from the
successful efforts method to the full cost method or a similar method of
accounting, "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" will continue to be
calculated as if the Company was still using the successful efforts method of
accounting. At December 31, 1996 the Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets
was $1.1 billion.

                  "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition,
"control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling,"
"controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any
Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise;
provided that beneficial

                                                            


<PAGE>   3


                                                                               3

ownership of 10% or more of the voting securities of a Person
shall be deemed to be control.

                  "Agent" means any Registrar, Paying Agent or
co-registrar.

                  "Asset Sale" means (i) the sale, lease, conveyance or other
disposition (but excluding the creation of a Lien) of any assets including,
without limitation, by way of a sale and leaseback; provided that the sale,
lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole shall be governed by
Sections 4.13 and/or 5.1 hereof and not by Section 4.10 hereof), and (ii) the
issuance or sale by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Equity
Interests of any of the Company's Subsidiaries (including the sale by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of Equity Interests in an Unrestricted
Subsidiary), in the case of either clause (i) or (ii), whether in a single
transaction or a series of related transactions (a) that have a fair market
value in excess of $5.0 million or (b) for net proceeds in excess of $5.0
million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not be deemed to be
Asset Sales: (1) a transfer of assets by the Company to a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or by a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company to the Company or to another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company, (2) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or to another Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company, (3) a Permitted Investment or a Restricted Payment
that is permitted by Section 4.7, (4) the abandonment, farm-out, lease or
sublease of undeveloped oil and gas properties in the ordinary course of
business, (5) the trade or exchange by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company of any oil and gas property owned or held by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary for any oil and gas property owned or held by another
Person, which the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith to
be of approximately equivalent value, (6) the trade or exchange by the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company of any oil and gas property owned or held by
the Company or such Subsidiary for Equity Interests in another Person engaged
primarily in the Oil and Gas Business which, together with all other such trades
or exchanges (to the extent excluded from the definition of Asset Sale pursuant
to this clause (6)) since the date of the Indenture, do no exceed 5% of Adjusted
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets determined after such trade or exchange and (7)
the sale or transfer of hydrocarbons or other mineral products or other
inventory or surplus or obsolete equipment in the ordinary course of business.

                  "Attributable Debt" in respect of a sale and leaseback
transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value (discounted
at the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance
with GAAP) of the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   4


                                                                               4

obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of
the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction (including any period
for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be
extended).

                  "Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United States
Code, as amended.

                  "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the
Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, or any authorized committee of
such Board of Directors.

                  "Borrowing Base" means, as of any date, the aggregate amount
of borrowing availability as of such date under all Credit Facilities that
determine availability on the basis of a borrowing base or other asset-based
calculation.

                  "Business Day" means any day other than a Legal
Holiday.

                  "Capital Lease Obligation" means, at the time any
determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a
capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance
sheet in accordance with GAAP.

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

                  "Cash Equivalents" means (i) United States dollars, (ii)
securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United
States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of
not more than six months from the date of acquisition, (iii) certificates of
deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of six months or less from
the date of acquisition, bankers' acceptances with maturities not exceeding six
months and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any lender party to the
Credit Agreement or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus
in excess of $500 million and a Thompson Bank Watch Rating of "B" or better,
(iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for
underlying securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above
entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified
in clause (iii) above, (v) commercial paper having a rating of at least P1 from
Moody's or a rating of at least A1 from S&P, and (vi) investments in money
market or other mutual funds

                                                                   


<PAGE>   5


                                                                               5

substantially all of whose assets comprise securities of the types described in
clauses (ii) through (v) above.

                  "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the
following: (i) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other
than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related
transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "person" or group of related "persons" (as
such terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), (ii) the adoption
of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, (iii) the
consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any purchase,
sale, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation) the result of which is
that any "person" (as defined above) or group of related "persons" becomes the
"beneficial owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under
the Exchange Act) of more than 40% of the aggregate voting power of all classes
of Capital Stock of the Company having the right to elect directors under
ordinary circumstances or (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors of the Company are not Continuing Directors.

                  "Closing Date" the date of the closing of the sale of
the Notes offered pursuant to the Offering.

                  "Cometra Acquisition" means the acquisition by the Company of
certain oil and gas properties from American Cometra, Inc. pursuant to an
agreement, dated December 31, 1996, between the Company and American Cometra,
Inc.

                  "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                  "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person for
any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period plus (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss
plus any net loss realized in connection with an Asset Sale (together with any
related provision for taxes), to the extent such losses were included in
computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (ii) provision for taxes based on
income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was included in computing
such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iii) consolidated interest expense of such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued
(including, without limitation, amortization of original issue discount,
non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment
obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt,
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter
of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant
to Interest Rate Hedging

                                                                   


<PAGE>   6


                                                                               6

Agreements), to the extent that any such expense was included in computing such
Consolidated Net Income, plus (iv) depreciation, depletion and amortization
expenses (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles) for such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such
depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses were included in computing
such Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) exploration expenses for such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent such exploration
expenses were included in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (vi)
other non-cash charges (excluding any such non-cash charge to the extent that it
represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or
amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such
other non cash charges were included in computing such Consolidated Net Income,
in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on the income or profits
of, and the depreciation, depletion and amortization and other non-cash charges
and expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent Person shall be added
to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow only to the extent
(and in same proportion) that the Net Income of such Restricted Subsidiary was
included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and only if a
corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be
dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior
governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or
indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements,
instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental
regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

                  "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person
for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its
Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP; provided that (i) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is
not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of
accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or
distributions paid in cash to the referent Person or a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary thereof, (ii) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be
excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the
date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that
has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of
its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule
or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders, (iii) the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of
interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall
be excluded and (iv) the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   7


                                                                               7

cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be
excluded.

                  "Consolidated Net Worth" means the total of the amounts shown
on the balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Restricted
Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as of
the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Company ending prior to the
taking of any action for the purpose of which the determination is being made
and for which internal financial statements are available (but in no event
ending more than 135 days prior to the taking of such action), as (i) the par or
stated value of all outstanding Capital Stock of the Company, plus (ii) paid-in
capital or capital surplus relating to such Capital Stock, plus (iii) any
retained earnings or earned surplus, less (a) any accumulated deficit and (b)
any amounts attributable to Disqualified Stock.

                  "Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination,
any member of the Board of Directors of the Company who (i) was a member of such
Board of Directors on the date of original issuance of the Notes or (ii) was
nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval
of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the
time of such nomination.

                  "Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee" shall be at the
address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.2 hereof or such other address as
to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.

                  "Credit Agreement" means that certain Credit Agreement, dated
as of February 14, 1997, by and among the Company, the Subsidiaries, BankOne, as
administrative agent and as a lender, The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as
syndication agent and as a lender, NationsBank, as documentation agent and as a
lender, and certain other banks, financial institutions and other entities, as
lenders, providing for up to $400.0 million of Indebtedness, including any
related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements
executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, restated,
modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced, in whole or in part, from
time to time, whether or not with the same lenders or agents.

                  "Credit Facilities" means, with respect to the Company, one or
more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement) or
commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders providing
for revolving credit loans, term loans, production payment financing,
receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders
or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such
receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified,
renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.
Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   8


                                                                               8

Notes are first issued and authenticated under this Indenture (after giving
effect to the use of proceeds thereof) shall be deemed to have been incurred on
such date in reliance on the exception provided by clause (b) of the definition
of Permitted Indebtedness set forth in Section 4.9 hereof.

                  "Default" means any event that is or with the passage of time
or the giving of notice or both would be an Event of Default.

                  "Depository" means, with respect to the Notes issued in the
form of one or more Global Notes, The Depository Trust Company or another Person
designated as Depository by the Company, which must be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act.

                  "Designated Senior Debt" means (i) the Credit Agreement and
(ii) any other Senior Debt permitted under this Indenture the principal amount
of which is $25 million or more and that has been designated by the Company as
"Designated Senior Debt."

                  "Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock that, by its
terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which
it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
redeemable at the option of the Holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior
to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature.

                  "Dollar-Denominated Production Payments" means production
payment obligations recorded as liabilities in accordance with GAAP, together
with all undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

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

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

                  "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means with respect to any Person
for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such
period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees or
redeems Indebtedness (other than revolving credit borrowings) or issues
preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the date on which the
calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"),
then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect

                                                                   


<PAGE>   9


                                                                               9

to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee or redemption of Indebtedness, or such
issuance or redemption of preferred stock, as if the same had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for
purposes of making the computation referred to above, (i) acquisitions that have
been made by the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing
transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such
reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date (including, without
limitation, any acquisition to occur on the Calculation Date) shall be deemed to
have occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and
Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated without
giving effect to clause (iii) of the proviso set forth in the definition of
Consolidated Net Income, (ii) the net proceeds of Indebtedness incurred or
Disqualified Stock issued by the referent Person pursuant to the first paragraph
of Section 4.9 hereof during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to
such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be deemed to
have been received by the referent Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and applied to its
intended use on such date, (iii) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to
discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations
or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded and
(iv) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the
Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations
giving rise to such Fixed Charges shall not be obligations of the referent
Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date.

                  "Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the sum, without duplication, of (i) the consolidated interest expense
of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or
accrued (including, without limitation, amortization of original issue discount,
non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment
obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt,
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter
of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net payments (if any) pursuant
to Interest Rate Hedging Agreements); (ii) the consolidated interest expense of
such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such
period; (iii) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is
guaranteed by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a
Lien on assets of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or
not such guarantee or Lien is called upon) and (iv) the product of (a) all cash
dividend payments (and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Person that
is a Restricted

                                                                   


<PAGE>   10


                                                                              10

Subsidiary) on any series of preferred stock of such Person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and
the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state
and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each
case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

                  "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set
forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other
statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment
of the accounting profession, which are in effect from time to time.

                  "Government Securities" means securities that are (a) direct
obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its
full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of
America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full
faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either
case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and
shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section
3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government
Security or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such
Government Security held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such
depository receipt; provided, that (except as required by law) such custodian is
not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of
such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of
the Government Security or the specific payment of principal of or interest on
the Government Security evidenced by such depository receipt.

                  "guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of
negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business),
direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of
credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of
any Indebtedness.

                  "Guarantee" means each of the Guarantees of the Notes
by the Subsidiary Guarantors hereunder.

                  "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Note is
registered on the Registrar's books.

                  "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without
duplication, (a) any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (i)
in respect of borrowed money, (ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or
similar instruments, (iii) evidenced by letters of credit (or reimbursement
agreements

                                                                   


<PAGE>   11


                                                                              11

in respect thereof) or banker's acceptances, (iv) representing Capital Lease
Obligations, (v) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase
price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued
expense or trade payable, (vi) representing any obligations in respect of
Interest Rate Hedging Agreements or Oil and Gas Hedging Contracts, and (vii) in
respect of any Production Payment, (b) all indebtedness of others secured by a
Lien on any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by
such Person, (c) obligations of such Person in respect of production imbalances,
(d) Attributable Debt of such Person and (e) to the extent not otherwise
included in the foregoing, the guarantee by such Person of any indebtedness of
any other Person, provided that the indebtedness described in clauses (a)(i),
(ii), (iv) and (v) shall be included in this definition of Indebtedness only if,
and to the extent that, the indebtedness described in such clauses would appear
as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with
GAAP.

                  "Indenture" means this Indenture, as amended or
supplemented from time to time.

                  "Interest Rate Hedging Agreements" means, with respect to any
Person, the obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements,
interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements and (ii) other
agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations
in interest rates.

                  "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all
investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form
of direct or indirect loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness or other
obligations, but excluding trade credit and other ordinary course advances
customarily made in the oil and gas industry), advances or capital contributions
(excluding commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees
made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for
consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together
with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet
prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided that the following shall not
constitute Investments: (i) an acquisition of assets, Equity Interests or other
securities by the Company for consideration consisting of common equity
securities of the Company, (ii) Interest Rate Hedging Agreements entered into in
accordance with the limitations set forth in clause (g) of the definition of
"Permitted Indebtedness" set forth in Section 4.9 hereof, (iii) Oil and Gas
Hedging Contracts entered into in accordance with the limitations set forth in
clause (h) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" set forth in Section
4.9 hereof and (iv) endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the
ordinary course of business. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or
indirect Restricted Subsidiary

                                                                   


<PAGE>   12


                                                                              12

of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition,
such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be
deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition
equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not
sold or disposed of.

                  "Legal Holiday" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which
banking institutions in the City of New York, the City of Chicago or at a place
of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain
closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may
be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday,
and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

                  "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien,
pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such
asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable
law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any
lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a
security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing
statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any
jurisdiction other than a precautionary financing statement with respect to a
lease not intended as a security agreement).

                  "Material Change" means an increase or decrease (excluding
changes that result solely from changes in prices) of more than 20% during a
fiscal quarter in the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved oil
and gas reserves of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, calculated in
accordance with clause (i)(a) of the definition of Adjusted Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets; provided, however, that the following will be excluded from the
calculation of Material Change: (i) any acquisitions during the quarter of oil
and gas reserves that have been estimated by one or more nationally recognized
firms of independent petroleum engineers and on which a report or reports exist
and (ii) any disposition of properties existing at the beginning of such quarter
that have been disposed of as provided in Section 4.10 hereof.

                  "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its
successors.

                  "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, the net income
(loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any
reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any
gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain
(but not loss), realized in connection with (a) any Asset Sale (including,
without limitation, dispositions pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions) or
(b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries or the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   13


                                                                              13

extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries and (ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss),
together with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or
nonrecurring gain (but not loss).

                  "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale
(including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other
disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale, but
excluding cash amounts placed in escrow, until such amounts are released to the
Company), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including,
without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees and expenses,
and sales commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof,
taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any
available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness
under any Credit Facility) secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were
the subject of such Asset Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the
sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP and any
reserve established for future liabilities.

                  "Net Working Capital" means (i) all current assets of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, minus (ii) all current liabilities of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except current liabilities included
in Indebtedness, in each case as set forth in financial statements of the
Company prepared in accordance with GAAP.

                  "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness (i) as to which neither
the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides any guarantee or
credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, guarantee, indemnity or
agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly
or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise); (ii) no default with respect
to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take
enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit (upon
notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other
Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to
its stated maturity; and (iii) the explicit terms of which provide that there is
no recourse against any of the assets of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries.

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

                                                                   


<PAGE>   14


                                                                              14

                  "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under
the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

                  "Offering" means the offering of the Notes by the
Company.

                  "Officer" means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of
the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer,
the Controller, the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary or any Vice-President of
such Person.

                  "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed on behalf
of the Company, by two Officers of the Company, one of whom must be the
principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or
the principal accounting officer of the Company, that meets the requirements of
Section 12.5 hereof.

                  "Oil and Gas Business" means (i) the acquisition, exploration,
development, operation and disposition of interests in oil, gas and other
hydrocarbon properties, (ii) the gathering, marketing, distribution, treating,
processing, storage, selling and transporting of any production from such
interests or properties, (iii) any business relating to exploration for or
development, production, treatment, processing, storage, transportation or
marketing of oil, gas and other minerals and products produced in association
therewith and (iv) any activity that is ancillary to or necessary or appropriate
for the activities described in clauses (i) through (iii) of this definition.

                  "Oil and Gas Hedging Contracts" means any oil and gas purchase
or hedging agreement, and other agreement or arrangement, in each case, that is
designed to provide protection against oil and gas price fluctuations.

                  "Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion from legal counsel who
is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section
12.5 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, any
Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee.

                  "Pari Passu Indebtedness" means indebtedness which ranks pari
passu in right of payment to the Notes.

                  "Permitted Investments" means (a) any Investment in the
Company or in a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (b) any
Investment in Cash Equivalents or securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or
instrumentality thereof having

                                                                   


<PAGE>   15


                                                                              15

maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition; (c) any
Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a
Person if, as a result of such Investment and any related transactions that at
the time of such Investment are contractually mandated to occur, (i) such Person
becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (ii) such Person
is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all
or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (d) any Investment made as a
result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made
pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof; (e) other Investments in
any Person or Persons having an aggregate fair market value (measured on the
date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent
changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant
to this clause (e) that are at the time outstanding not to exceed $10.0 million;
(f) any Investment acquired by the Company in exchange for Equity Interests in
the Company (other than Disqualified Stock), (g) shares of Capital Stock
received in connection with any good faith settlement of a bankruptcy proceeding
involving a trade creditor, (h) entry into operating agreements, joint ventures,
partnership agreements, working interests, royalty interests, mineral leases,
processing agreements, farm-out agreements, contracts for the sale,
transportation or exchange of oil and natural gas, unitization agreements,
pooling arrangements, area of mutual interest agreements, production sharing
agreements or other similar or customary agreements, transactions, properties,
interest or arrangements, and Investments and expenditures in connection
therewith or pursuant thereto, in each case made or entered into in the ordinary
course of the Oil and Gas Business, excluding, however, Investments in
corporations other than any Investment received pursuant to the Asset Sale
provision and (i) the acquisition of any Equity Interests pursuant to a
transaction of the type described in clause (6) of the exclusion from the
definition of "Asset Sale".

                  "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens securing Indebtedness of a
Subsidiary or Liens securing Senior Debt, in each case, that is outstanding on
the date of issuance of the Notes (after giving effect to the Cometra
Acquisition, the related financing transactions and the application of the
proceeds therefrom) and Liens securing Senior Debt that are permitted by the
terms of the Indenture to be incurred, (ii) Liens in favor of the Company, (iii)
Liens on property or assets existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and Liens on property or assets of a
Subsidiary existing at the time it became a Subsidiary; provided, that such
Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of the acquisition and do not
extend to any assets other than the acquired property, (iv) Liens incurred or
deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance or other kinds of social security, or to
secure the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   16


                                                                              16

payment or performance of tenders, statutory or regulatory obligations, surety
or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature
incurred in the ordinary course of business (including lessee or operator
obligations under statutes, governmental regulations or instruments related to
the ownership, exploration and production of oil, gas and minerals on state or
federal lands or waters), (v) Liens existing on the date of the Indentures
(after giving effect to the Cometra Acquisition, the related financing
transactions and the application of proceeds therefrom), (vi) Liens for taxes,
assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or
that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded; provided, that any reserve or other
appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have
been made therefor, (vii) statutory liens of landlords, mechanics, suppliers,
vendors, warehousemen, carriers or other like Liens arising in the ordinary
course of business, (viii) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default
so long as any appropriate legal proceeding that may have been duly initiated
for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the
period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have expired,
(ix) Liens on, or related to, properties or assets to secure all or part of the
costs incurred in the ordinary course of the Oil and Gas Business for the
exploration, drilling, development or operation thereof, (x) Liens in pipelines
or pipeline facilities that arise under operation of law, (xi) Liens arising
under operating agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements,
oil and gas leases, farm-out agreements, division orders, contracts for the
sale, transportation or exchange of oil or natural gas, unitization and pooling
declarations and agreements, area of mutual interest agreements and other
agreements that are customary in the Oil and Gas Business, (xii) Liens reserved
in oil and gas mineral leases for bonus and rental payments and for compliance
with the terms of such leases, (xiii) Liens securing the Notes and (xiv) Liens
not otherwise permitted by clauses (i) through (xiii) that are incurred in the
ordinary course of business of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with
respect to obligations that do not exceed $5.0 million at any one time
outstanding.

                  "Permitted Refinancing Debt" means any Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net
proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or
refund other Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under a Credit
Facility) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that:
(i) the principal amount of such Permitted Refinancing Debt does not exceed the
principal amount of the Indebtedness so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in
connection therewith); (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Debt has a final maturity
date on or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted

                                                                   


<PAGE>   17


                                                                              17

Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to
Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded; (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced,
renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to
the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Debt has a final maturity date later than
the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to, the
Notes on terms at least as favorable taken as a whole, to the Holders of the
Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being
extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and (iv) such
Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary
who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed,
replaced, defeased or refunded.

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

                  "Production Payments" means Dollar-Denominated
Production Payments and Volumetric Production Payments,

collectively.

                  "Repurchase Offer" means an offer made by the Company to
purchase all or any portion of a Holder's Notes pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.13
hereof.

                  "Responsible Officer" when used with respect to the Trustee,
means any officer within the Corporate Trust Department of the Trustee (or any
successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily
performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated
officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter,
any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of
and familiarity with the particular subject.

                  "Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than
a Permitted Investment.

                  "Restricted Subsidiary" means any direct or indirect
Subsidiary of the Company that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

                  "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and its
successors.

                  "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.

                  "Significant Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary that for
the most recent fiscal year of such Subsidiary had consolidated

                                                                   


<PAGE>   18


                                                                              18

revenues greater than $10.0 million or as at the end of such fiscal year, had
assets greater than $10.0 million.

                  "Subordinated Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (whether outstanding on the date of the
issuance of the Notes or thereafter incurred) which is subordinate or junior in
right of payment to the Notes pursuant to a written agreement.

                  "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any
corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the
total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the
occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or
trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a
combination thereof) and (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or
the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such
Person or (b) the only general partners of which are such Person or of one or
more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).

                  "Subsidiary Guarantors" means each Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company existing on the date hereof (such subsidiaries being Lomak Operating
Company, Lomak Production Company, Lomak Resources Company, Buffalo Oilfield
Services, Inc., Lomak Energy Services Company, Lomak Energy Company, LPI
Acquisition, Inc., Lomak Production I, L.P., Lomak Resources, L.L.C. Lomak
Offshore I,L.P., Lomak Pipeline Systems, L.P., Lomak Gathering & Processing
Company and Lomak Gas Company) and any other future Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company and in each case their respective successors and assigns.

                  "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C.
Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date on which this Indenture

is qualified under the TIA.

                  "Total Assets" means, with respect to any Person, the total
consolidated assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on
the most recent balance sheet of such Person.

                  "Trustee" means the party named as such in the preamble to
this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable
provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving
hereunder.

                  "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the
Company which at the time of determination shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary
(as designated by the Board of Directors of the Company, as provided below) and
(ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the
Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly
acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a

                                                                   


<PAGE>   19


                                                                              19

Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment therein) to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary only if: (a) such Subsidiary does not own any Capital
Stock of, or own or hold any Lien on any property of, any other Subsidiary of
the Company which is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated or
otherwise an Unrestricted Subsidiary; (b) all the Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary shall at the date of designation, and will at all times thereafter
consist of, Non-Recourse Debt; (c) the Company certifies that such designation
was permitted by Section 4.7; (d) such Subsidiary, either alone or in the
aggregate with all other Unrestricted Subsidiaries, does not operate, directly
or indirectly, all or substantially all of the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries; (e) such Subsidiary does not, directly or indirectly, own any
Indebtedness of or Equity Interest in, and has no Investments in, the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary; (f) such Subsidiary is a Person with respect to which
neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or
indirect obligation (1) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (2) to
maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to cause such Person
to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and (g) on the date such
Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary is not a
party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary with terms substantially less favorable to the
Company than those that might have been obtained from Persons who are not
Affiliates of the Company. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the
Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company giving effect to such
designation and an Officer's Certificate certifying that such designation
complied with the foregoing conditions. If, at any time, any Unrestricted
Subsidiary would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for
purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be
deemed to be incurred as of such date. The Board of Directors of the Company may
designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
that (1) immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a
consequence thereof and the Company could incur at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness (excluding Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to Section 4.9 on a pro
forma basis taking into account such designation and (2) such Subsidiary
executes a Guarantee pursuant to Section 11.4 of this Indenture.

                  "Volumetric Production Payments" means production payment
obligations recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with GAAP, together with
all undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

                  "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied
to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by

                                                                   


<PAGE>   20


                                                                              20

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

                  "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means, with respect to
any Person, a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person, all of the outstanding
Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors'
qualifying shares) are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one
or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.

                  Section 1.2.  Other Definitions.
                                -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Defined in
                 Term                                                        Section
    <S>                                                                   <C>

     "Affiliate Transaction"............................................        4.11
     "Asset Sale Offer".................................................        3.9
     "Bankruptcy Law"...................................................       10.2
     "Change of Control Offer"..........................................        4.13
     "Change of Control Payment"........................................        4.13
     "Change of Control Payment Date"...................................        4.13
     "Closing Date".....................................................        2.1
     "Covenant Defeasance"..............................................        8.3
     "Custodian"........................................................        6.1
     "DTC"..............................................................        2.3
     "Event of Default".................................................        6.1
     "Excess Proceeds"..................................................        4.10
     "Global Note" .....................................................        2.1
     "Global Note Holder"...............................................        2.1
     "incur"............................................................        4.9
     "Legal Defeasance".................................................        8.2
     "Notice of Default"................................................        6.1
     "Offer Amount".....................................................        3.9
     "Offer Period".....................................................        3.9
     "Paying Agent".....................................................        2.3
     "Payment Blockage Notice"..........................................       10.4
     "Payment Default"..................................................        6.1
     "Permitted Indebtedness"...........................................        4.9
     "Purchase Date"....................................................        3.9
     "Registrar"........................................................        2.3
     "Restricted Payments"..............................................        4.7
     "Senior Debt"......................................................       10.2

</TABLE>

                 Section 1.3. Incorporation By Reference of Trust Indenture Act.
                               -------------------------------------------------

                 Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the
provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   21


                                                                              21

                  The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the
following meanings:

                  "indenture securities" means the Notes;

                  "indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture;

                  "indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means
the Trustee;

                  "obligor" with respect to the Notes means the Company and with
respect to the Guarantees means the Subsidiary Guarantors and any successor
obligor upon the Notes and the Guarantees, respectively.

                  All other terms used in this indenture that are defined by the
TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by rule enacted by
the Commission under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

                  Section 1.4.  Rules of Construction.
                                ----------------------

                  Unless the context otherwise requires:

                  (1)      a term has the meaning assigned to it;

                  (2)      an accounting term not otherwise defined has the
         meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

                  (3)      "or" is not exclusive;

                  (4)      words in the singular include the plural, and in
         the plural include the singular;

                  (5)      provisions apply to successive events and
         transactions; and

                  (6) references to sections of or rules under the Securities
         Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor
         sections or rules adopted by the Commission from time to time.

                                  ARTICLE 2
                                      
                                  THE NOTES

                  Section 2.1.  Form and Dating.
                                ----------------

                  The Notes and the Trustee's certificate of authentication
shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Guarantees of the
Subsidiary Guarantors shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto,
the terms of which are incorporated in and made part of this indenture. The
Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law,

                                                                   


<PAGE>   22


                                                                              22

stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its issuance
and shall show the date of its authentication. The Notes will be fully
registered as to principal and interest in minimum denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

                  The Notes offered and sold may be issued initially in the form
of one or more fully registered global Notes (each being called a "Global
Note"), with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company and registered in
the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depository (such nominee being
referred to herein as the "Global Note Holder"), or will remain in the custody
of the Registrar pursuant to the Fast Balance Certificate Agreement between the
Depository and the Registrar and shall bear the legend set forth as Exhibit B.
Except as set forth in Section 2.6, the Global Notes may be transferred, in
whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the Depository or to a
successor of the Depository or its nominee.

                  The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall
constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the
Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and
delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and (as
to the Trustee, to the extent such terms and provisions pertain to the Trustee)
to be bound thereby.

                  Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form
of Exhibit A attached hereto (including the legend on Exhibit B). Notes issued
in certificated form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached
hereto (but without including the legend on Exhibit B). Each Global Note shall
represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each
shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of outstanding Notes
from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of outstanding
Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as
appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global
Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of
outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Note
Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions
given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.6 hereof.

                  Section 2.2.  Execution and Authentication.
                                -----------------------------

                  Two Officers shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or
facsimile signature. The Company's seal shall be reproduced on the Notes and may
be in facsimile form.

                  If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds
that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be
valid.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   23


                                                                              23

                  A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual
signature of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the
Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

                  The Trustee shall, upon a written order of the Company signed
by two Officers, authenticate Notes for original issue up to the aggregate
principal amount of $100,000,000. The aggregate principal amount of Notes
outstanding at any time may not exceed $100,000,000, except as provided in
Section 2.7 hereof.

                  The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to
the Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate
Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to
authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An
authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company or
an Affiliate of the Company.

                  Section 2.3.  Registrar and Paying Agent.
                                ---------------------------

                  The Company shall maintain an office or agency in the Borough
of Manhattan, The City of New York where (i) Notes may be presented for
registration of transfer or for exchange ("Registrar") and (ii) Notes may be
presented for payment ("Paying Agent"). The Registrar shall keep a register of
the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or
more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term
"Registrar" includes any co-registrar and the term "Paying Agent" includes any
additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar
without notice to any Holder. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of
the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Company
fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the
Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as
Paying Agent or Registrar.

                  The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company
("DTC")to act as Depository with respect to the Global Notes.

                  The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the
Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Note Custodian with respect to the
Global Notes.

                  Section 2.4.  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
                                ------------------------------------

                  The Company shall require each Paying Agent, including the
Trustee (who shall be deemed to have agreed by its execution of this Indenture),
to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of
Holders or the Trustee (unless the Paying Agent is the Trustee, in which case it
shall hold in trust for the Holders) all money held by the Paying Agent

                                                                   


<PAGE>   24


                                                                              24

for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, on the Notes, and
shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the
Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.
The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it
to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other
than the Company or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money.
If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold
in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as
Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the
Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee shall serve as sole Paying Agent
for the Notes.

                  Section 2.5.  Holder Lists.
                                -------------

                  The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is
reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and
addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA ss. 312(a). If the
Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company and/or the Subsidiary Guarantors shall
furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each interest payment
date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in
such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names
and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors shall otherwise comply with TIA ss. 312(a).

                  Section 2.6.  Transfer and Exchange.
                                ----------------------

                  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.13, when Notes are
presented to the Registrar with a request to register the transfer of such Notes
or to exchange such Notes for an equal principal amount of Notes of other
authorized denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the
exchange as requested if its requirements for such transaction are met;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Notes surrendered for transfer or exchange shall be
duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed
by the Holder thereof (or his attorney duly authorized in writing) in form
satisfactory to the Company and to the Registrar. In order to permit
registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the
Trustee shall authenticate Notes at the Registrar's written request. No service
charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange or of
redemption, but the Company may, by notice to the Trustee, require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable
in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or other
governmental charge payable upon exchanges or transfers pursuant to Sections
2.2, 2.3, 3.6, 3.7(b) or 3.9). The Registrar shall not be required to register
the transfer of or exchange of any Note (i) during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before the mailing of a notice

                                                                   


<PAGE>   25


                                                                              25

of redemption of Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such
mailing and (ii) selected for redemption in whole or in part pursuant to Article
Three, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

                  Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of
any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person
in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the
purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes, and
neither the Trustee, any Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to
the contrary.

                  Section 2.7.  Replacement Notes.
                                ------------------

                  If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee, or the
Company and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the
destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company shall issue and the Trustee,
upon the receipt of a written authentication order of the Company signed by two
Officers of the Company, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee's
requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity
bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the
Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any
authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is
replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge for its expenses in replacing a
Note.

                  Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the
Company and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally
and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

                  Section 2.8.  Outstanding Notes.
                                ------------------

                  The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes
authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered
to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note
effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those
described in this Section as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.9
hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an
Affiliate of the Company holds the Note.

                  If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof, it
ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it
that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

                  If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under
Section 4.1 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to
accrue. Notes will also cease to be

                                                                   


<PAGE>   26


                                                                              26

outstanding for certain purposes hereunder as provided in Article
8 hereof.

                  If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or
an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money
sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such
Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue
interest.

                  Section 2.9.  Treasury Notes.
                                ---------------

                  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal
amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned
by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, or by any Affiliate of the Company or
any Subsidiary Guarantor, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except
that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in
relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Trustee
actually knows are registered in the names of the Company, any Subsidiary
Guarantor or any of their Affiliates or are certified as such by the Company in
an Officer's Certificate delivered to the Trustee shall be so disregarded.

                  When the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any of their
Affiliates repurchases or otherwise acquires Notes, the Company shall notify the
Trustee, in writing, of the aggregate principal amount of such Notes so
repurchased or otherwise acquired. The Trustee may require an Officer's
Certificate listing Notes owned by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any
of their Affiliates.

                  Section 2.10.  CUSIP Number.
                                 -------------

                  The Company in issuing the Notes may use a "CUSIP" number, and
if so, the Trustee shall use the CUSIP number in notices of redemption or
exchange as a convenience to Holders; PROVIDED that any such notice may state
that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP
number printed in the notice or on the Notes and that reliance may be placed
only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes.

                  Section 2.11.  Cancellation.
                                 -------------

                  The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for
cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any
Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The
Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of
transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy
cancelled Notes (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange
Act). Certification of the destruction of all cancelled Notes shall be delivered
to the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   27


                                                                              27

Company.  The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes
that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation.

                  Section 2.12.  Defaulted Interest.
                                 -------------------

                  If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes,
it shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent
lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are
Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided
in the Notes and in Section 4.1 hereof. The Company shall notify the Trustee in
writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and
the date of the proposed payment. The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed
each such special record date and payment date, provided that no such special
record date shall be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for
such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the
Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name
and at the expense of the Company) shall mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a
notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the
amount of such interest to be paid.

                  Section 2.13.  Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes.
                                 ---------------------------------------

                  (a) The Global Notes initially shall (i) be registered in the
name of Cede & Co., as the nominee of The Depository Trust Company, (ii) be
delivered to the Registrar as custodian for such Depository and (iii) bear
legends as set forth in Exhibit B.

                  (b) Members of, or participants in, the Depository ("Agent
Members") shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global
Note held on their behalf by the Depository, or the Registrar or the Trustee as
its custodian, or under the Global Note, and the Depository may be treated by
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the
absolute owner of the Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any
agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written
certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or
impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of
customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any
Note.

                  (c) Transfers of Global Notes shall be limited to transfers in
whole, but not in part, to the Depository, its successors or their respective
nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Notes may be transferred
or exchanged for Certificated Notes in accordance with the rules and procedures
of the Depository. In addition, Certificated Notes shall be transferred to all
beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in Global Notes if
(i) the Company notifies

                                                                   


<PAGE>   28


                                                                              28

the Registrar that the Depository is unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository for any Global Note and a successor Depository is not appointed by
the Company within 90 days of such notice or (ii) the Company, at its option,
notifies the Registrar in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Notes
in definitive form under the Indenture or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and the Registrar has received a request from the Depository
to issue Certificated Notes.

                  (d) In connection with any transfer or exchange of a portion
of the beneficial interest in any Global Note to beneficial owners pursuant to
paragraph (c), the Registrar shall (if one or more Certificated Notes are to be
issued) reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the
principal amount of the Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount
of the beneficial interest in the Global Note to be transferred, and the Company
shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, one or more
Certificated Notes of like tenor and amount.

                  (e) In connection with the transfer of Global Notes as an
entirety to beneficial owners pursuant to the second sentence of paragraph (c),
the Global Notes shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for
cancellation, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate
and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depository in exchange
for its beneficial interest in the Global Notes, an equal aggregate principal
amount of Certificated Notes of authorized denominations.

          (f) The Holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise
authorize any person, including Agent Members and persons that may hold
interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled
to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                            REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

                  Section 3.1.  Notices to Trustee.
                                -------------------

                  If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional
redemption provisions of Section 3.7 hereof, then it shall furnish to the
Trustee, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, an
Officers' Certificate setting forth (i) the paragraph of the Notes and/or
Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the
redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the
redemption price.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   29


                                                                              29

                  Section 3.2.  Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.
                                ----------------------------------

                  If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time,
selection of Notes for redemption shall be made by the Trustee in compliance
with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on
which the Notes are listed, or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata
basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate;
provided that no Notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. In the event
of partial redemption by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be
selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60
days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not
previously called for redemption.

                  The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of
the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for
partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Notes and
portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of
$1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the
entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple
of $1,000, shall be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the
unredeemed portion thereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder thereof
upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the redemption date, unless
the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, interest ceases to
accrue on Notes or portions of them called for redemption. Except as provided in
this Section 3.2, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for
redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

                  The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs of this Section
3.2 shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a Global Note,
whether such Global Note is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In case of any
such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the
Global Note shall be in an authorized denomination.

                  Section 3.3.  Notice of Redemption.
                                ---------------------

                  Subject to the provisions of Section 3.9 hereof, at least 30
days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company shall mail
or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each
Holder of Notes to be redeemed at such Holder's registered address.

                  The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall
state:

                  (a)  the redemption date;

                  (b)  the redemption price;

                                                                   


<PAGE>   30


                                                                              30

                  (c) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the
principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date
upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to
the unredeemed portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Note;

                  (d)      the name and address of the Paying Agent;

                  (e)      that Notes called for redemption must be
surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

                  (f) that, unless the Company defaults in making such
redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption cease to accrue on
and after the redemption date;

                  (g)      the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this
Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are
being redeemed; and

                  (h)      that no representation is made as to the
correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in

such notice or printed on the Notes.

                  If any of the Notes to be redeemed is in the form of a Global
Note, then such notice shall be modified in form but not substance to the extent
appropriate to accord with the procedures of the Depository applicable to
redemptions.

                  At the Company's request and expense, the Trustee shall give
the notice of redemption in the Company's name; provided, however, that the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days prior to the
redemption date, an Officers' Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such
notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided
in the preceding paragraph.

                  Section 3.4.  Effect of Notice of Redemption.
                                -------------------------------

                  Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section
3.3 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on
the redemption date at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be
conditional.

                  Section 3.5.  Deposit of Redemption Price.
                                ----------------------------

                  On or prior to the redemption date, the Company shall deposit
with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption
price of and accrued interest on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The
Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Company any money
deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the
amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on, all
Notes to be redeemed.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   31


                                                                              31

                  If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding
paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on
the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed
on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest
payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person
in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record
date. If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for
redemption because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding
paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption
date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not
paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes
and in Section 4.1 hereof.

                  Section 3.6.  Notes Redeemed in Part.
                                -----------------------

                  Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Company
shall issue and, upon the receipt of a written authentication order of the
Company signed by two Officers of the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate
for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal
amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered.

                  Section 3.7.  Optional Redemption.
                                --------------------

                  (a) Except as set forth in clause (b) of this Section 3.7, the
Company shall not have the option to redeem the Notes pursuant to this Section
3.7 prior to ____________, 2002. From and after ____________, 2002, the Company
shall have the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the
redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below
plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the applicable redemption date, if
redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on ____________ of each of the
years indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       Percentage of
         Year                                        Principal Amount
         ----                                        ----------------

         <S>                                          <C>    
         2002....................................                  %

         2003....................................                  %

         2004 ...................................                  %

         2005 and thereafter.....................           100.000%
</TABLE>


                  (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) of this
Section 3.7, at any time prior to ___________, 2000, the Company may, at its
option, on any one or more occasions, redeem up to $33,333,000 in aggregate
principal amount of Notes at a redemption price of ___% of the principal amount
thereof, plus

                                                                   


<PAGE>   32


                                                                              32

accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the redemption date with all or
a portion of the net proceeds of public sales of Equity Interests of the
Company; provided that at least $66,667,000 in aggregate principal amount of
Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption;
and provided, further, that such redemption shall occur within 60 days of the
date after the closing of the related sale of such Equity Interests.

                  (c) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall be made
pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.1 through 3.6 hereof.

                  Section 3.8.  Mandatory Redemption.
                                ---------------------

                  Except as set forth under Sections 4.10 and 4.13 hereof, the
Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund
payments with respect to the Notes.

                  Section 3.9.  Offer to Purchase By Application of
Excess Proceeds.                -----------------------------------
- ---------------
                  In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the
Company shall be required to commence an offer to all Holders of Notes and, to
the extent required by the terms thereof, to all holders or lenders of other
Pari Passu Indebtedness, to purchase Notes and any such Pari Passu Indebtedness
(an "Asset Sale Offer"), it shall follow the procedures specified below.

                  The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20
Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent
that a longer period is required by applicable law (the "Offer Period"). No
later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the
"Purchase Date"), the Company shall purchase the principal amount of Notes
required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, giving effect to any
related offer for Pari Passu Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.10, (the "Offer
Amount") or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered
in response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be
made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

                  If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date
and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid
interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the
close of business on such record date, and no additional interest shall be
payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

                  Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the
Company shall send, by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee
and each of the Holders.  The notice shall contain all
instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to
tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.  The Asset Sale

                                                                   


<PAGE>   33


                                                                              33

Offer shall be made to all Holders. The notice, which shall govern the terms of
the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

                  (a) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this
         Section 3.9 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset
         Sale Offer shall remain open;

                  (b)      the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the
         Purchase Date;

                  (c)      that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment
         shall continue to accrue interest;

                  (d) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment,
         any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall
         cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

                  (e) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to
         an Asset Sale Offer may only elect to have all of such Note purchased
         and may not elect to have only a portion of such Note purchased;

                  (f) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to
         any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the
         form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of
         the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company,
         a Depository, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the
         address specified in the notice at least three Business Days before the
         Purchase Date;

                  (g) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election
         if the Company, the Depository or the Paying Agent, as the case may be,
         receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a
         telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the
         name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder
         delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing
         his election to have such Note purchased;

                  (h) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes
         surrendered by Holders exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company shall
         select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such
         adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only
         Notes in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, shall
         be purchased) in the manner provided in Section 4.10; and

                  (i) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall
         be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased
         portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry
         transfer).

                                                                   


<PAGE>   34


                                                                              34

                  If any of the Notes subject to an Asset Sale Offer is in the
form of a Global Note, then such notice may be modified in form but not
substance to the extent appropriate to accord with the procedures of the
Depository applicable to repurchases.

                  On or before the Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the
extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary,
the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Asset
Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes
tendered, and shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that
such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in
accordance with the terms of this Section 3.9. The Company, the Depository or
the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later
than five days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder
an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and
accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company shall promptly issue a new
Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a written authentication order of the
Company signed by two Officers of the Company shall authenticate and mail or
deliver such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any
unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be
promptly mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company
shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Purchase
Date.

                  Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.9, any
purchase pursuant to this Section 3.9 shall be made pursuant to the provisions
of Sections 3.1 through 3.6 hereof.

                                    ARTICLE 4

                                    COVENANTS

                  Section 4.1.  Payment of Notes.
                                -----------------

                  The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner
provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be
considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company
or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date
money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for
and sufficient to pay all such amounts then due.

                  The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition
interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the
rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the
Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition
interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of
interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the
extent lawful.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   35


                                                                              35

                  Section 4.2.  Maintenance of Office or Agency.
                                --------------------------------

                  The Company shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the
City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or
an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where principal,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be paid and where Notes may be
surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be
served. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the
location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any
time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or
shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee.

                  The Company may also from time to time designate one or more
other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for
any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations;
provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner
relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the
Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes. The Company shall
give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission
and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

                  The Company hereby designates the following office of an
Affiliate of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in
accordance with Section 2.3: _____________________.

                  Section 4.3.  Reports.
                                --------

                  Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to remain
subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act, to the extent permitted by the Exchange Act, the Company shall file with
the Commission and provide, within 15 days after such filing, the Trustee and
Holders and prospective Holders (upon request) with the annual reports and the
information, documents and other reports that are specified in Sections 13 and
15(d) of the Exchange Act (but without exhibits in the case of the Holders and
prospective Holders). In the event that the Company is not permitted to file
such reports, documents and information with the Commission, the Company will
provide substantially similar information to the Trustees, the Holders and
prospective Holders (upon request) as if the Company were subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Company
shall at all times comply with TIA Section 314(a).

                                                                   


<PAGE>   36


                                                                              36

                  Section 4.4.  Compliance Certificate.
                                -----------------------

                  (a) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days
after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers' Certificate stating that a
review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the
preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing
Officers with a view to determining whether the Company has kept, observed,
performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further
stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of
his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled
each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the
performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this
Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing
all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and
what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and
that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in
existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of, premium,
if any, or interest on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a
description of the event and what action the Company is taking or proposes to
take with respect thereto. As of the date hereof, the Company's fiscal year ends
on December 31 of each calendar year. In the event the Company changes its
fiscal year, it shall promptly notify the Trustee of such change.

                  (b) So long as not contrary to the then current
recommendations of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the
fiscal year-end financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 4.3(a) above
shall be accompanied by a written statement of the Company's independent public
accountants (who shall be a firm of established national reputation) that in
making the examination necessary for certification of such financial statements,
nothing has come to their attention that would lead them to believe that the
Company has violated any provisions of Article 4 or Article 5 hereof or, if any
such violation has occurred, specifying the nature and period of existence
thereof, it being understood that such accountants shall not be liable directly
or indirectly to any Person for any failure to obtain knowledge of any such
violation.

                  (c) The Company shall, so long as any of the Notes are
outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within five Business Days of any Officer
becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate
specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is
taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

                  Section 4.5.  Taxes.
                                ------

                  The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its
Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency all material taxes,

                                                                   


<PAGE>   37


                                                                              37

assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith
and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is
not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

                  Section 4.6.  Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
                                -------------------------------

                  Each of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors covenants
(to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist
upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage
of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time
hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this
Indenture; and each of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors (to the extent
that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of
any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law,
hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the
Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though
no such law has been enacted.

                  Section 4.7.  Restricted Payments.
                                --------------------

                  The Company shall not and shall not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly: (i) declare or pay any
dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of the Company's
Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment to holders of the
Company's Equity Interests in connection with any merger or consolidation
involving the Company) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Company's
Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or
distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the
Company); (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent or other
Affiliate of the Company that is not a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company; (iii) make any principal payment on, or purchase, redeem, defease or
otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to
the Notes, except at final maturity; or (iv) make any Restricted Investment (all
such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above
being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless, at the time of
and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

                  (a)      no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
         and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;
         and

                  (b) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment
         and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment
         had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,
         have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
         pursuant to the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   38


                                                                              38

         Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first
         paragraph of Section 4.9 hereof; and

                  (c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of
         all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted
         Subsidiaries after the date of this Indenture (excluding Restricted
         Payments permitted by clauses (2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) of the next
         succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum of (i) 50% of the
         Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one
         accounting period) from the beginning of the first fiscal quarter
         commencing after the date of this Indenture to the end of the Company's
         most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial
         statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if
         such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of
         such deficit), plus (ii) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds
         received by the Company from the issue and sale since the date of this
         Indenture of Equity Interests in the Company or of debt securities of
         the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity
         Interests (other than Equity Interests (or convertible debt securities)
         sold to a Subsidiary of the Company and other than Disqualified Stock
         or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock),
         plus (iii) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made
         after the date of this Indenture is sold for cash or otherwise
         liquidated or repaid for cash, the lesser of (A) the net proceeds of
         such sale, liquidation or repayment and (B) the initial amount of such
         Restricted Investment; provided, however, that the foregoing provisions
         of this paragraph (c) will not prohibit Restricted Payments in an
         aggregate amount not to exceed $20 million.

                  The foregoing provisions shall not prohibit (1) the payment of
any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at said
date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this
Indenture; (2) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of
any Equity Interests of the Company in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of,
the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of
other Equity Interests of the Company (other than any Disqualified Stock);
provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any
such redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition shall be excluded
from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph; (3) the defeasance, redemption
or repurchase of Subordinated Indebtedness with the net cash proceeds from an
incurrence of subordinated Permitted Refinancing Debt or the substantially
concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of Equity Interests
of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock); provided that the amount of any
such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase,
retirement or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (c)(ii) of the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   39


                                                                              39

preceding paragraph; (4) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company held by any of the Company's (or any of its Subsidiaries') employees
pursuant to any management equity subscription agreement or stock option
agreement in effect as of the date of this Indenture; provided that the
aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired
Equity Interests shall not exceed $2.0 million in any twelve-month period; and
provided further that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing immediately after such transaction; (5) repurchases of Equity
Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Equity
Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options; (6) the
redemption of the Company's 6% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due February
1, 2007; provided that the average closing price of the Company's common stock
for the 30 trading days prior to the date of such redemption is greater than
120% of the conversion price and (7) conversion or exchange of the Company's
$2.03 Convertible Preferred Stock into Common Stock in accordance with its
terms.

                  The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall
be the fair market value (as determined in good faith by a resolution of the
Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an Officers' Certificate
delivered to the Trustee, which determination shall be conclusive evidence of
compliance with this provision) on the date of the Restricted Payment of the
asset(s) proposed to be transferred by the Company or the applicable Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. Not later
than five days after the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company
shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such
Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the
calculations required by this Section 4.7 were computed.

                  In computing Consolidated Net Income for purposes of this
Section 4.7, (i) the Company shall use audited financial statements for the
portion of the relevant period for which audited financial statements are
available on the date of determination and unaudited financial statements and
other current financial data based on the books and records of the Company for
the remaining portion of such period and (ii) the Company shall be permitted to
rely in good faith on the financial statements and other financial data derived
from the books and records of the Company that are available on the date of
determination. If the Company makes a Restricted Payment which, at the time of
the making of such Restricted Payment, would on the good faith determination of
the Company be permitted under the requirements of this Indenture, such
Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been made in compliance with this
Indenture notwithstanding any subsequent adjustments made in good faith to the
Company's financial statements affecting Consolidated Net Income of the Company
for any period.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   40


                                                                              40

                  The Board of Directors may designate any Restricted Subsidiary
to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if such designation would not cause a Default.
For purposes of making such determination, all outstanding Investments by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid in cash) in
the Subsidiary so designated shall be deemed to be Restricted Payments at the
time of such designation and shall reduce the amount available for Restricted
Payments under clause (c) of the first paragraph of this covenant. All such
outstanding Investments shall be deemed to constitute Investments in an amount
equal to the greater of the fair market value or the book value of such
Investments at the time of such designation. Such designation shall only be
permitted if such Restricted Payment would be permitted at such time and if such
Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary.

                  Section 4.8.  Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions
Affecting Subsidiaries.         ---------------------------------------
- -----------------------

                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or
suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i)(x) pay dividends or make any other
distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (1) on its
Capital Stock or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or
measured by, its profits, or (y) pay any indebtedness owed by it to the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) make loans or advances to the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) transfer any of its
properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (a)
the Credit Agreement as in effect as of the date of this Indenture, and any
amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements,
refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof or any other Credit Facility,
provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases,
supplements, refundings, replacements, refinancings or any other Credit
Facilities are no more restrictive taken as a whole with respect to such
dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Credit
Agreement as in effect on the date of this Indenture, (b) this Indenture and the
Notes, (c) applicable law, (d) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital
Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except, in the case of
Indebtedness, to the extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or
in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not
applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than
the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its
Subsidiaries, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such
Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be

                                                                   


<PAGE>   41


                                                                              41

incurred, (e) by reason of customary non-assignment provisions in leases and
customary provisions in other agreements that restrict assignment of such
agreements or rights thereunder, entered into in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with past practices, (f) purchase money obligations for property
acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the
nature described in clause (iii) above on the property so acquired or (g)
Permitted Refinancing Debt, provided that the restrictions contained in the
agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Debt are no more restrictive
than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being
refinanced.

                  Section 4.9.  Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance
of Disqualified Stock.          ---------------------------------------
- ----------------------

                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create incur, issue, assume,
guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or
otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness (including
Acquired Debt) and the Company shall not issue any Disqualified Stock and shall
not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred
stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including
Acquired Debt) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock if:

                        (i) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company's
         most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal
         financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on
         which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified
         Stock is issued would have been at least 2.5 to 1, determined on a pro
         forma basis as set forth in the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage
         Ratio; and

                       (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
         and be continuing at the time such additional Indebtedness is incurred
         or such Disqualified Stock is issued or would occur as a consequence of
         the incurrence of the additional Indebtedness or the issuance of the
         Disqualified Stock.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Indenture shall not
prohibit any of the following (collectively, "Permitted Indebtedness"): (a) the
Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes; (b) the incurrence by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness pursuant to Credit Facilities, so
long as the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness outstanding under all
Credit Facilities does not, at any one time, exceed the greater of (1) $400.0
million (or, if there is any permanent reduction in the aggregate principal
amount permitted to be borrowed under the Credit Agreement, such lesser
aggregate principal amount) and (2) an amount equal to the sum of [(x) $25
million plus (y) 30% of Adjusted Consolidated Net

                                                                   


<PAGE>   42


                                                                              42

Tangible Assets] determined after the incurrance of such Indebtedness (including
the application of the proceeds therefrom; (c) the guarantee by any Subsidiary
Guarantor of any Indebtedness that is permitted by this Indenture to be incurred
by the Company; (d) all Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in existence as of the date of the Indenture after giving effect to
the Cometra Acquisition, the related financing transactions and the application
of the proceeds thereof; (e) intercompany Indebtedness between or among the
Company and any of its Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that (i) if the Company is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness
is expressly subordinate to the payment in full of all Obligations with respect
to the Notes and (ii)(A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests
that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the
Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and (B) any sale or other
transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or
a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed, in each case, to
constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be; (f) Indebtedness in connection with one or more
standby letters of credit, guarantees, performance bonds or other reimbursement
obligations, in each case, issued in the ordinary course of business and not in
connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or credit
(other than advances or credit on open account, includible in current
liabilities, for goods and services in the ordinary course of business and on
terms and conditions which are customary in the Oil and Gas Business, and other
than the extension of credit represented by such letter of credit guarantee or
performance bond itself), not to exceed in the aggregate at any given time 5.0%
of Total Assets; (g) Indebtedness under Interest Rate Hedging Agreements entered
into for the purpose of limiting interest rate risks, provided that the
obligations under such agreements are related to payment obligations on
Indebtedness otherwise permitted by the terms of this covenant and that the
aggregate notional principal amount of such agreements does not exceed 105% of
the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such agreements relate; (h)
Indebtedness under Oil and Gas Hedging Contracts, provided that such contracts
were entered into in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of limiting
risks that arise in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries; (i) the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness not
otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to this paragraph, provided that the
aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of all
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (i), together with all Permitted
Refinancing Debt incurred pursuant to clause (j) of this paragraph in respect of
Indebtedness previously incurred pursuant to this clause (i), does not exceed
$10.0 million at any one time outstanding; (j) Permitted Refinancing Debt
incurred in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refinance,
extend, renew, replace, defease or refund, Indebtedness that was

                                                                   


<PAGE>   43


                                                                              43

permitted by this Indenture to be incurred (including Indebtedness previously
incurred pursuant to this clause (j)); (k) accounts payable or other obligations
of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to trade creditors created or
assumed by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of
business in connection with the obtaining of goods or services; (l) Indebtedness
consisting of obligations in respect of purchase price adjustments, guarantees
or indemnities in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets; and
(m) production imbalances that do not, at any one time outstanding, exceed 2% of
the Total Assets of the Company.

                  The Company shall not permit any of its Unrestricted
Subsidiary to incur any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt; provided,
however, if any such Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt, such event
shall be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by the Company.

                  Section 4.10.  Asset Sales.
                                 ------------

                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company (or
the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the
time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (as determined
in good faith by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth
in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee, which determination shall
be conclusive evidence of compliance with this provision) of the assets or
Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of and (ii) at least 85%
of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary in such Asset Sale, plus all other Asset Sales since the date of this
Indenture, on a cumulative basis, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents;
provided that the amount of any liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such
Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet), of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that
are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any guarantee thereof) that are
assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation
agreement that releases the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from further
liability.

                  Within 360 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an
Asset Sale, the Company may apply such Net Proceeds, at its option: (a) to
reduce Senior Debt, (b) to acquire controlling interests in another Oil and Gas
Business, (c) to make capital expenditures in respect of the Company's or its
Restricted Subsidiaries' Oil and Gas Business, (d) to purchase long-term assets
that are used or useful in such Oil and Gas Business or (e) to repurchase any
Notes. Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may
temporarily reduce Senior Debt that is revolving debt or otherwise invest such
Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this

                                                                   


<PAGE>   44


                                                                              44

Indenture.  Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not
applied as provided in the first sentence of this paragraph shall
(after the expiration of the periods specified in this paragraph)
be deemed to constitute "Excess Proceeds."

                  When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0
million, the Company shall make an Asset Sale Offer to purchase the maximum
principal amount of Notes and any other Pari Passu Indebtedness to which the
Asset Sale Offer applies that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an
offer price in cash in an amount equal to, in the case of the Notes, 100% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of
purchase or, in the case of any other Pari Passu Indebtedness, 100% of the
principal amount thereof (or with respect to discount Pari Passu Indebtedness,
the accreted value thereof) on the date of purchase, in each case, in accordance
with the procedures set forth in Section 3.9 hereof or the agreements governing
Pari Passu Indebtedness, as applicable. To the extent that the aggregate
principal amount (or accreted value, as the case may be) of the Notes and Pari
Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the
Excess Proceeds, the Company may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general
corporate purposes. If the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes
surrendered by Holders thereof, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount or
accreted value, as the case may be, of other Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered
by holders or lenders thereof, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the
Trustee and the trustee or other lender representatives for the Pari Passu
Indebtedness shall select the Notes and other Pari Passu Indebtedness to be
purchased on a pro rata basis, based on the aggregate principal amount (or
accreted value, as applicable) thereof surrendered in such Asset Sale Offer.
Upon completion of such Asset Sale Offer, the Excess Proceeds shall be reset at
zero.

                  Section 4.11.  Transactions with Affiliates.
                                 -----------------------------

                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or
assets from, or enter into or make or amend any contract, agreement,
understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any of
its Affiliates (each of the foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless (i)
such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company
or the relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a
comparable transaction by the Company or such Subsidiary with an unrelated
Person and (ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee (a) with respect to an
Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving
aggregate consideration in excess of $1,000,000 but less than or equal to
$5,000,000, an Officers' Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such
Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above, (b) with respect to any
Affiliate Transaction or

                                                                   


<PAGE>   45


                                                                              45

series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in
excess of $5,000,000 but less than or equal to $10,000,000, a resolution of the
Board of Directors set forth in an Officer's Certificate certifying that such
Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions complies with
clause (i) above and that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions has been approved in good faith by a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors of the Company who are disinterested with
respect to such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions (which resolution shall be conclusive evidence of compliance with
this provision) and (c) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of
related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration of $10,000,000
or more, a resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers'
Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions complies with clause (i) above and that such Affiliate
Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions has been approved in
good faith by a resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors of the Company who are disinterested with respect to such Affiliate
Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions and an opinion as to the
fairness to the Company or such Subsidiary of such Affiliate Transaction or
series of related Affiliate Transactions from a financial point of view issued
by an accounting, appraisal, engineering or investment banking firm of national
standing (which resolution and fairness opinion shall be conclusive evidence of
compliance with this provision), provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
apply to (1) transactions contemplated by any employment agreement or other
compensation plan or arrangement entered into by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with the past
practice of the Company or such Subsidiary, (2) transactions between or among
the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiary, (3) Permitted Investments and
Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.7 hereof, and (4) any
indemnification payment made to any director, officer or employee of the Company
or any Subsidiary pursuant to charter, bylaw, statutory or contractual
provisions.

                  Section 4.12.  Liens.
                                 ------

                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer
to exist or become effective any Lien securing Indebtedness of any kind (other
than Permitted Liens) upon any of its property or assets, now owned or hereafter
acquired, unless all payments under the Notes are secured by such Lien prior to,
or on an equal and ratable basis with, the Indebtedness so secured for so long
as such Indebtedness is secured by such Lien.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   46


                                                                              46

                  Section 4.13.  Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.
                                 -------------------------------------------

                  (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of
the Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any
part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes
pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an
offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
plus accrued and unpaid interest if any, thereon to the date of purchase (the
"Change of Control Payment"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control,
the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder stating: (1) a description of the
transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control; (2) that the
Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.13 and that all
Notes tendered shall be accepted for payment; (3) the purchase price and the
purchase date described below (the "Change of Control Payment Date"); (4) that
any Note not tendered shall continue to accrue interest, if any; (5) that,
unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all
Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease
to accrue interest, if any, after the Change of Control Payment Date; (6) that
Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control
Offer shall be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled "Option
of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Notes completed, to the
Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of
business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;
(7) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying
Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day
preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal
amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is
withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased; and (8) that Holders whose
Notes are being purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in
principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which
unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral
multiple thereof. The Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall comply with
the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities
laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are
applicable to such party in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a
result of a Change of Control.

                  (b) On a Business Day that is no earlier than 30 days nor
later than 60 days from the date that the Company mails or causes to be mailed
notice of the Change of Control to the Holders (the "Change of Control Payment
Date"), the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (i) accept for payment all
Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control
Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal

                                                                   


<PAGE>   47


                                                                              47

to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all the Notes or portions thereof
so tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes
so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate
principal amount of such Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the
Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of the Notes so
tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee shall
promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to
each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of
the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a
principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Company shall
publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as
practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

                  The Change of Control provisions described above shall be
applicable whether or not any other provisions of this Indenture are applicable.

                  The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control
Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control
Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the
requirements set forth in this Section 4.13 and purchases all Notes (or portions
thereof) validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

                  Section 14.4.  Additional Subsidiary Guarantees.
                                 ---------------------------------

                  In the event that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall
acquire or create a Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, such newly
acquired or created Subsidiary shall be deemed to make the guarantee set forth
in Section 11.1 and the Company shall cause such Subsidiary to evidence such
guarantee in the manner set forth in Section 11.2.

                  Section 14.5.  Corporate Existence.
                                 --------------------

                  Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company and the Subsidiaries
shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full
force and effect (i) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or
other existence of each of the Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective
organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the
Company or any such Subsidiary and (ii) the rights (charter, partnership
agreement and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and the
Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company and the Subsidiaries shall not
be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate,
partnership or other existence of any of the Subsidiaries, if the Board of
Directors of the relevant Person shall determine that the preservation thereof
is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   48


                                                                              48

Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any
material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

                  Section 4.16.  No Senior Subordinated Debt.
                                 ----------------------------

                  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.9 hereof, (i) the
Company shall not incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become
liable for any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to
any Senior Debt of the Company and senior in any respect in right of payment to
the Notes and (ii) the Subsidiary Guarantors shall not directly or indirectly
incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any
Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any guarantees
issued in respect of Senior Debt of the Company and senior in any respect in
right of payment to the Guarantees; provided, however, that the foregoing
limitations shall not apply to distinctions between categories of Indebtedness
that exist by reason of any Liens arising or created in respect of some but not
all such Indebtedness.

                  Section 4.17.  Business Activities.
                                 --------------------

                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, engage in any material respect in any business other than the Oil
and Gas Business.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                                   SUCCESSORS

                  Section 5.1.  Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Substantially
All Assets.                     -----------------------------------------------
- -----------

                  The Company shall not consolidate or merge with or into
(whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign,
transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its
properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to another Person,
and the Company may not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to enter into
any such transaction or series of transactions if such transaction or series of
transactions would, in the aggregate, result in a sale, assignment, transfer,
lease, conveyance, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties or assets of the Company to another Person, in either case unless (i)
the Company is the surviving corporation or the Person formed by or surviving
any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such
sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have
been made (the "Surviving Entity") is a corporation organized or existing under
the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
(ii) the Surviving Entity (if the Company is not the continuing obligor under
the Indenture) assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes and
the Indenture pursuant to a supplemented indenture in a form reasonably
satisfactory to the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   49


                                                                              49

Trustee; (iii) immediately before and after giving effect to such transaction or
series of transactions no Default or Event of Default exists; (iv) immediately
after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma
basis (and treating any Indebtedness not previously an obligation of the Company
or any of its Subsidiary which becomes the obligation of the Company or any of
its Subsidiary as a result of such transaction or series of transactions as
having been incurred at the time of such transaction or series of transactions),
the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company and its Subsidiaries or the Surviving
Entity (if the Company is not the continuing obligor under this Indenture) is
equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company and its
Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions and
(v) the Company or Surviving Entity (if the Company is not the continuing
obligor under the Indenture) will, at the time of such transaction or series of
transactions and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction or
series of transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable
four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness pursuant to the test set forth in the first paragraph of Section
4.9 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (iv) and (v), any Restricted
Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its
properties and assets to the Company, and any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and
assets to another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.

                  Section 5.2.  Successor Corporation Substituted.
                                ----------------------------------

                  Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment,
transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1 hereof, the Surviving
Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date
of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the
provisions of this Indenture referring to the "Company" shall refer instead to
the Surviving Entity and not to the Company), and may exercise every right and
power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such
successor Person had been named as the Company herein; provided, however, that
the predecessor Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the
principal of and interest on the Notes except in the case of a sale of all of
the Company's assets that meets the requirements of Section 5.1 hereof.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   50


                                                                              50

                                    ARTICLE 6

                              DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

                  Section 6.1.  Events of Default.
                                ------------------

                  An "Event of Default" occurs if:

               (1) the Company defaults in the payment of interest, if any, on
          the Notes when the same becomes due and payable and the Default
          continues for a period of 30 days, whether or not such payment is
          prohibited by the provisions of Article 10 hereof;

               (2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of or
          premium, if any, on the Notes, whether or not such payment is
          prohibited by the provisions of Article 10 hereof;

               (3) the Company fails to observe or perform any covenant,
          condition or agreement on the part of the Company to be observed or
          performed pursuant to Article 5 hereof;

               (4) the Company fails to observe or perform any covenant,
          condition or agreement on the part of the Company to be observed or
          performed pursuant to Sections 4.3, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12,
          4.13, 4.14, 4.16 and 4.17 hereof and the Default continues for the
          period and after the notice specified below;

               (5) the Company fails to comply with any of its other agreements
          or covenants in, or provisions of, the Notes or this Indenture and the
          Default continues for consecutive days after the notice specified
          below;

               (6) except as permitted herein, any Guarantee shall be held in
          any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease
          for any reason to be in full force and effect or a Subsidiary
          Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of a Subsidiary Guarantor,
          shall deny or disaffirm such Subsidiary Guarantor's obligation under
          its Guarantee;

               (7) a default occurs under any mortgage, indenture or instrument
          under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or
          evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of
          its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by
          the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such
          Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or shall be created hereafter,
          which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of or
          premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness prior to the
          expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the
          date of such default (a "Payment Default") or (b) results in the
          acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and,
          in each

                                                                   


<PAGE>   51


                                                                              51

          case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the
          principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there is
          then existing a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so
          accelerated, aggregates $10 million or more; provided, that if any
          such default is cured or waived or any such acceleration rescinded, or
          such Indebtedness is repaid, within a period of 10 days from the
          continuation of such default beyond the applicable grace period or the
          occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of
          Default under this Indenture and any consequential acceleration of the
          Notes shall be automatically rescinded;

               (8) a final non-appealable judgment or order or final
          non-appealable judgments or orders are rendered against the Company or
          any Restricted Subsidiary that remain unpaid or discharged for a
          period of 60 days and that require the payment of money, either
          individually or in an aggregate amount, in excess of $5 million;

               (9) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of
          Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant
          Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

                    (a) commences a voluntary case or proceeding,

                    (b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it
               in an involuntary case or proceeding,

                    (c) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for
               all or substantially all of its property or

                    (d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
               creditors;

               (10) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree
          under any Bankruptcy Law that:

                    (a) is for relief against the Company or any Significant
               Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together,
               would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in an involuntary case
               or proceeding,

                    (b) appoints a Custodian of the Company, any Significant
               Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together,
               would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or
               substantially all of the property of the Company, any Significant
               Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together,
               would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or

                    (c) orders the liquidation of the Company, any Significant
               Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries

                                                                   


<PAGE>   52


                                                                              52

               that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary,

         and in each case the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for
         60 consecutive days.

                  The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee,
liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

                   A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default until
the Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal
amount of the then outstanding Notes notify the Company and the Trustee, of the
Default and the Company does not cure the Default within 30 consecutive days
after receipt of the notice. A Default under clause (5) is not an Event of
Default until the Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25%
in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes notify the Company and the
Trustee, of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within 60 days
after receipt of the notice. The notice must specify the Default, demand that it
be remedied and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."

                  Section 6.2.  Acceleration.
                                -------------

                  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default
specified in clauses (9) and (10) of Section 6.1 hereof) relating to the Company
or any Subsidiary Guarantor occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to
the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare
the unpaid principal amount of and any accrued and unpaid interest on all the
Notes to be due and payable immediately. If payment of the Notes is accelerated
because of an Event of Default, the Company or the Trustee shall notify the
holders of Designated Senior Debt of such acceleration. Upon such declaration
the principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately; provided,
however, that so long as any Designated Senior Debt or any commitment therefor
is outstanding, any such notice or declaration shall not become effective until
the earlier of (a) five Business Days after such notice is delivered to the
representative for the Designated Senior Debt or (b) the acceleration of any
Designated Senior Debt and thereafter, payments on the Notes pursuant to this
Article 6 shall be made only to the extent permitted pursuant to Article 10
herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Event of Default specified in
clause (9) or (10) of Section 6.1 hereof relating to the Company, any
Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary occurs, such an amount shall ipso facto
become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act
or notice on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   53


                                                                              53

                  After a declaration of acceleration under this Indenture, but
before a judgment or decree for payment of principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes due under this Article 6 has been obtained by the Trustee,
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by
written notice to the Company and the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and
its consequences if (i) the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor has paid or
deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay (a) all sums paid or advanced
by the Trustee under this Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and (b) all
overdue interest on the Notes, if any, (ii) the rescission would not conflict
with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (iii) all
existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or
interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured
or waived.

                  Section 6.3.  Other Remedies.
                                ---------------

                  If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if
any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of
the Notes or this Indenture.

                  The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not
possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A
delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right
or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy
or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies
are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

                  Section 6.4.  Waiver of Past Defaults.
                                ------------------------

                  Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of
the Holders of all of the Notes waive an existing Default or Event of Default
and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default
in the payment of principal of, premium and liquidated damages, if any, or
interest on, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase)
(provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences,
including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration).
Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose
of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   54


                                                                              54

                  Section 6.5.  Control by Majority.
                                --------------------

                  Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any
trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any
direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines
may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may
involve the Trustee in personal liability it being understood that (subject to
Section 7.1) the Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not such
actions or forebearances are unduly prejudicial to such holders.

                  Section 6.6.  Limitation on Suits.
                                --------------------

                  A Holder of a Note may pursue a remedy with respect to this
Indenture or the Notes only if:

                    (a) the Holder of a Note gives to the Trustee written notice
               of a continuing Event of Default;

                    (b) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
               then outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to
               pursue the remedy;

                    (c) such Holder of a Note or Holders of Notes offer and, if
               requested, provide to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the
               Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

                    (d) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60
               days after receipt of the request and the offer and, if
               requested, the provision of indemnity; and

                    (e) during such 60-day period the Holders of a majority in
               principal amount of the then outstanding Notes do not give the
               Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another
Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a
Note.

                  Section 6.7.  Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.
                                ----------------------------------------------

                  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the
right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium, if any,
and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the
Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for
the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective

                                                                   


<PAGE>   55


                                                                              55

dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of
such Holder.

                  Section 6.8.  Collection Suit by Trustee.
                                ---------------------------

                  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(1) or (2)
occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its
own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, and
interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to
the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to
cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel.

                  Section 6.9.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
                                ---------------------------------

                  The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and
other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the
claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and
the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the
Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors (or any other obligor upon the
Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to
collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding
is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in
the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly
to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof. To
the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements
and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due
the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding,
shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien
on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money,
securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in
such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or
arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize
the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any
Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition
affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to
vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding provided,
however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election
of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and may be a member of the
creditors' committee.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   56


                                                                              56

                  Section 6.10.  Priorities.
                                 -----------

                  If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article, it
shall, subject to the provisions of Article 10, pay out the money in the
following order:

                  First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts
due under Sections 6.8 and 7.7 hereof, including payment of all compensation,
expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the
costs and expenses of collection;

                  Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the
Notes for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, ratably, without
preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on
the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, as the case may
be, respectively; and

                  Third: to the Company or to such party as a court of competent
jurisdiction shall direct.

                  The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any
payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10.

                  Section 6.11.  Undertaking for Costs.
                                 ----------------------

                  In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under
this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or
omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by
any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit,
and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including
reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due
regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party
litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a
Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more
than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

                                    ARTICLE 7

                                     TRUSTEE

                  Section 7.1.  Duties of Trustee.
                                ------------------

                  (a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a
prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   57


                                                                            57

                  (b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

                        (i) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely
         by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need
         perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this
         Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall
         be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

                       (ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee
         may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the
         correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any notices,
         requests, statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee
         and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the
         Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine
         whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

                  (c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its
own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:

                        (i)  this paragraph does not limit the effect of
         paragraph (b) of this Section;

                       (ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
         judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is
         proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent
         facts; and

                      (iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
         action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a
         direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5 hereof.

                  (d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every
provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section.

                  (e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee
to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee shall be
under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this
Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder shall have furnished
to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss,
liability or expense.

                  (f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money
received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.
Money held in trust by the Trustee

                                                                   


<PAGE>   58


                                                                              58

need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

                  Section 7.2.  Rights of Trustee.
                                ------------------

                  (a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document
believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper
Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the
document.

                  (b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may
require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee
shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in
reliance on such Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may
consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of
Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability
in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good
faith and in reliance thereon.

                  (c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and
shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed
with due care.

                  (d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or
omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the
rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

                  (e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture,
any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company or such
Subsidiary Guarantor.

                  (f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any
of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or
direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have furnished to the
Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or
direction.

                  (g) Except with respect to Sections 4.1 and 4.4 hereof, the
Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Company's
covenants in Article 4 hereof. In addition, the Trustee shall not be deemed to
have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default except (i) any Event of
Default occurring pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.4 and 6.1(1) or (2) hereof or (ii)
any Default or Event of Default of which the Trustee shall have received written
notification or obtained actual knowledge. For the purposes of this clause (g)
only, "actual knowledge" shall mean the actual fact or statement of knowing,
without any duty to make investigation with regard thereto.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   59


                                                                              59

                  (h) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or
surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.

                  (i) The Trustee shall not be bound to ascertain or inquire as
to the performance or observance of any covenants, conditions, or agreements on
the part of the Company, except as otherwise set forth herein, but the Trustee
may require of the Company full information and advice as to the performance of
the covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein and shall be entitled
in connection herewith to examine the books, records and premises of the
Company.

                  (j) The permissive rights of the Trustee to perform the acts
enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty and the Trustee
shall not be answerable for other than its negligence or willful misconduct.

                  Section 7.3.  Individual Rights of Trustee.
                                -----------------------------

                  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become
the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company, the
Subsidiary Guarantors or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it
would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee
acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90
days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue as trustee or resign.
Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also
subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

                  Section 7.4.  Trustee's Disclaimer.
                                ---------------------

                  The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no
representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Notes, or
the Guarantees, it shall not be accountable for the Company's use of the
proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company's
direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for
the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the
Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or
in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or any statement in the Notes or
any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this
Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

                  Section 7.5.  Notice of Defaults.
                                -------------------

                  If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and
if it is actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of
Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it
occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may

                                                                   


<PAGE>   60


                                                                              60

withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in
good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the
Holders of the Notes.

                  Section 7.6.  Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.
                                -------------------------------------------

                  Within 60 days after each _____________ beginning with the
________________ following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes
remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief
report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA ss. 313(a) (but if
no event described in TIA ss. 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months
preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also
shall comply with TIA ss. 313(b)(2) and transmit by mail all reports as required
by TIA ss. 313(c).

                  A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the
Holders of Notes shall be mailed to the Company and filed with the Commission
and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA ss.
313(d). The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed
on any stock exchange.

                  Section 7.7.  Compensation and Indemnity.
                                ---------------------------

                  The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall pay to the
Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its acceptance of this
Indenture and services hereunder, including, without limitation, extraordinary
services such as default administration. The Trustee's compensation shall not be
limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company
and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request
for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it
in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include
the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee's agents
and counsel.

                  The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall indemnify the
Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its
duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this
Indenture against the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors (including this
Section 7.7) and investigating or defending itself against any claim (whether
asserted by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors or any Holder or any other
person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of
its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or
expense may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. The Trustee shall
notify the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors promptly of any claim for which
it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company and the
Subsidiary

                                                                   


<PAGE>   61


                                                                              61

Guarantors shall not relieve the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors of their
obligations hereunder. The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall defend
the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have
separate counsel and the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall pay the
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors need not pay for any settlement made without their consent, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                  The obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors
under this Section 7.7 are joint and several and shall survive the satisfaction
and discharge of this Indenture.

                  To secure the Company's and the Subsidiary Guarantors' payment
obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on
all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in
trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive
the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

                  When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an
Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(9) or (10) hereof occurs, the expenses
and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its
agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under
any Bankruptcy Law.

                  The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA section
313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

                  Section 7.8.  Replacement of Trustee.
                                -----------------------

                  A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a
successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee's
acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section.

                  The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be
discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company. The
Holders of Notes of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing.
The Company may remove the Trustee if:

                    (a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;

                    (b) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an
               order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any
               Bankruptcy Law;

                    (c) a Custodian or public officer takes charge of the
               Trustee or its property; or

                                                                   


<PAGE>   62


                                                                              62

                    (d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

                  If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in
the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a
successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may
appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the
Company.

                  If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days
after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the
Company, or the Holders of Notes of at least 10% in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Trustee.

                  If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder of a Note
who has been a Holder of a Note for at least six months, fails to comply with
Section 7.10, such Holder of a Note may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor
Trustee.

                  A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its
appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the
successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee
under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its
succession to Holders of the Notes. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer
all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, provided all sums
owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided
for in Section 7.7 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant
to this Section 7.8, the Company's obligations under Section 7.7 hereof shall
continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

                  Section 7.9.  Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
                                ---------------------------------

                  If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or
transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another
corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the
successor Trustee.

                  Section 7.10.  Eligibility; Disqualification.
                                 ------------------------------

                  There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a
corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of
America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise
corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by
federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at

                                                                   


<PAGE>   63


                                                                              63

least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of
condition.

                  This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the
requirements of TIA sections 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to
TIA sections 310(b).

                  Section 7.11.  Preferential Collection of Claims Against 
                                 -----------------------------------------
Company.
- --------

                  The Trustee is subject to TIA Section 311(a), excluding any
creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned 
or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated 
therein.

                                    ARTICLE 8

                    LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

                  Section 8.1.  Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant 
                                ---------------------------------------------
Defeasance.
- -----------

                  The Company may, at the option of its Board of Directors
evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers' Certificate, at any time,
elect to have either Section 8.2 or 8.3 hereof be applied to all outstanding
Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

                  Section 8.2  Legal Defeasance and Discharge.
                               -------------------------------

                  Upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the
option applicable to this Section 8.2, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors
shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4
hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to
all outstanding Notes and the Guarantees thereof on the date the conditions set
forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "Legal Defeasance"). For this purpose,
Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and
discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, which
shall thereafter be deemed to be "outstanding" only for the purposes of Section
8.5 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b)
below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes and this
Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company,
shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the
following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or
discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive
payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such
Notes when such payments are due from the trust fund described in Section 8.4
hereof, and as more fully set forth in such Section, (b) the Company's
obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 and Section 4.2 hereof,
(c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties

                                                                   


<PAGE>   64


                                                                              64

and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company's obligations in
connection therewith and (d) this Article 8. Subject to compliance with this
Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.2
notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.3 hereof.

                  Section 8.3. Covenant Defeasance.
                               --------------------

                  Upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the
option applicable to this Section 8.3, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors
shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4
hereof, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in
Sections 4.3, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.16 and 4.17
hereof and in clause (iv) of Section 5.1 and the covenants contained in the
Guarantees with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the
conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "Covenant Defeasance"),
and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not "outstanding" for the purposes of
any compliance certificate, direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of
Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants,
but shall continue to be deemed "outstanding" for all other purposes hereunder
(it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for
accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with
respect to the outstanding Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and shall
have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in
any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference
elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such
covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such
omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under
Section 6.1 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this
Indenture, such Notes and such Guarantees shall be unaffected thereby. In
addition, upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the option
applicable to this Section 8.3 hereof, subject to the satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 8.4 hereof, Sections 6.1(3) (but only with
respect to the Company's failure to observe or perform the covenants, conditions
and agreements of the Company under clause (iv) of Section 5.1), 6.1(4), 6.1(7)
and 6.1(8) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.

                  Section 8.4.  Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.
                                -------------------------------------------

                  The following shall be the conditions to the application of
either Section 8.2 or 8.3 hereof to the outstanding Notes:

                  In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance:

                                                                   


<PAGE>   65


                                                                              65

                  (a) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in
trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in United States
dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such
amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest, on the outstanding Notes on the stated maturity or on the applicable
redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the
Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

                  (b) in the case of an election under Section 8.2 hereof, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United
States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) the Company has
received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a
ruling or (B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the
applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based
thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the
outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

                  (c) in the case of an election under Section 8.3 hereof, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United
States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the
outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

                  (d) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default
resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) or insofar
as Section 6.1(9) or 6.1(10) hereof is concerned, at any time in the period
ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit;

                  (e) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not
result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material
agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is bound;

                  (f) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion
of Counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit, the
trust funds will not be subject to the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   66


                                                                              66

effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws
affecting creditors' rights generally;

                  (g) the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent
of preferring the Holders of the Notes over the other creditors of the Company,
or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of
the Company or others; and

                  (h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

                  Section 8.5.  Deposited Money and Government Securities
                                -----------------------------------------
to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
- ----------------------------------------------------

                  Subject to Section 8.6 hereof, all money and non-callable
Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the
Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section
8.5, the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 8.4 hereof in respect of the outstanding
Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the
provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or
through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the
Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to
become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but
such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required
by law.

                  The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall pay and
indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or
assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited
pursuant to Section 8.4 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect
thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the
account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

                  Anything in this Article 8 to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the
request of the Company any money or non-callable Government Securities held by
it as provided in Section 8.4 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written
certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion
delivered under Section 8.4(a) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that
would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance
or Covenant Defeasance.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   67


                                                                              67

                  Section 8.6.  Repayment to Company.
                                ---------------------

                  Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or
then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such
principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid
to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) shall be
discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as a
general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all
liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money,
and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease;
provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required
to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be
published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national
edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date
specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such
notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining
shall be repaid to the Company.

                  Section 8.7.  Reinstatement.
                                --------------

                  If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United
States dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section
8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any
court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
such application, then the obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be revived
and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.2 or 8.3
hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that if the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company
or such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of
such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying
Agent.

                                    ARTICLE 9

                        AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

                  Section 9.1.  Without Consent of Holders of Notes.
                                ------------------------------------

                  Notwithstanding Section 9.2 of this Indenture, the Company,
the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this
Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees without the consent of any Holder of a
Note:

                  (a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

                                                                   


<PAGE>   68


                                                                            68

                    (b) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in
               place of certificated Notes;

                    (c) to provide for the assumption of the Company's
               obligations to the Holders of the Notes in the case of a merger
               or consolidation pursuant to Article 5 hereof;

                    (d) to make any change that would provide any additional
               rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not
               adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder of the
               Note;

                    (e) to secure the Notes; or

                    (f) to comply with requirements of the Commission in order
               to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under
               the TIA.

                  Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, as
the case may be, authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental
indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section
7.2 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized
or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate
agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall
not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture that
affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

                  Section 9.2.  With Consent of Holders of Notes.
                                ---------------------------------

                  Except as provided below in this Section 9.2, the Company, the
Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture,
the Notes and the Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including,
without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or
tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.4 and
6.7 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or
Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration
that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the
Notes or the Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without
limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer
or exchange offer for the Notes).

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of at least
662/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then

                                                                   


<PAGE>   69


                                                                              69

outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or
tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), no waiver or amendment to this
Indenture may make any change in the provisions of Sections 3.9, 4.10 and 4.13
hereof that adversely affect the rights of any Holder of Notes. In addition, any
amendment to the provisions of Article 10 of this Indenture shall require the
consent of the Holders of at least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding if such amendment would adversely affect the rights of
Holders of Notes; provided that, no amendment may be made to the provisions of
Article 10 of this Indenture that adversely affects the rights of any holder of
Senior Debt then outstanding unless the holders of such Senior Debt (or any
group or representative thereof authorized to consent) consent to such change.

                  Subject to Sections 6.4 and 6.7 hereof, the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may waive
compliance in a particular instance by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor
with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees. However,
without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not
(with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

                    (a) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must
               consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

                    (b) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of
               any Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption
               of the Notes (except as provided above with respect to Sections
               3.9, 4.10 and 4.13 hereof);

                    (c) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of
               interest on any Note;

                    (d) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of
               principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes (except
               a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at
               least a majority in principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of
               the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

                    (e) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in
               the Notes;

                    (f) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture
               relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of
               Notes to receive payments of principal or premium, if any, or
               interest on the Notes; or

                    (g) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver
               provisions.

                  Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Company and each of

                                                                   


<PAGE>   70


                                                                              70

the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, authorizing the execution of any
such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of
evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as
aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section
7.2 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture unless
such amended or supplemental indenture affects the Trustee's own rights, duties
or immunities under this indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may
in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or
supplemental indenture.

                  It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of
Notes under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed
amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the
substance thereof.

                  After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section
becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected
thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any
failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not,
however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or
supplemental indenture or waiver.

                  Section 9.3.  Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
                                ------------------------------------

                  Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes
shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental Indenture that complies with
the TIA as then in effect.

                  Section 9.4.  Revocation and Effect of Consents.
                                ----------------------------------

                  Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a
consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a
Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences
the same debt as the consenting Holder's Note, even if notation of the consent
is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder
of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written
notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes
effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance
with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

                  Section 9.5.  Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
                                ---------------------------------

                  The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an
amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The
Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate
new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   71


                                                                              71

                  Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note
shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or
waiver.

                  Section 9.6.  Trustee to Sign Amendment, etc.
                                -------------------------------

                  The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture
authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not
adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.
Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary Guarantor may sign an amendment or
supplemental Indenture until its respective Board of Directors approves it. In
executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled
to receive and (subject to Section 7.1) shall be fully protected in relying
upon, an Officer's Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the
execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted
by this Indenture and that there has been compliance with all conditions
precedent.

                                   ARTICLE 10

                                  SUBORDINATION

                  Section 10.1.  Agreement to Subordinate.
                                 -------------------------

                  The Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor agree, and each
Holder by accepting a Note and the related Guarantee agrees, that (i) the
Indebtedness evidenced by (a) the Notes, including, but not limited to, the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, and any
other payment Obligation of the Company in respect of the Notes (including any
obligation to repurchase the Notes) is subordinated in right of payment, to the
extent and in the manner provided in this Article, to the prior payment in full
in cash of all Senior Debt of the Company (whether outstanding on the date
hereof or hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed), and (b) the
Guarantees and other payment Obligations in respect of the Guarantees are
subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in
this Article, to the prior payment in full in cash of all Senior Debt of each
Subsidiary Guarantor and (ii) the subordination is for the benefit of the
Holders of Senior Debt.

                  Section 10.2.  Certain Definitions.
                                 --------------------

                  "Bankruptcy Law" means title 11, U.S. Code or any similar
Federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

                  "Representative" means the indenture trustee or other trustee,
agent or representative for any Senior Debt.

                  "Senior Debt" means (i) Indebtedness of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company under or in respect of any Credit Facility, whether
for principal, interest (including interest

                                                                   


<PAGE>   72


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accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding pursuant to
any Bankruptcy Law, whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a
claim in such proceeding), reimbursement obligations, fees, commissions,
expenses, indemnities or other amounts and (ii) any other Indebtedness of the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company permitted under the terms of this
Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred
expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing
sentence, Senior Debt will not include (w) any liability for federal, state,
local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company, (x) any Indebtedness of the
Company to any of its Subsidiaries or other Affiliates, (y) any trade payables
or (z) any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of this Indenture (other
than Indebtedness under (i) any Credit Agreement or (ii) any other Credit
Facility that is incurred on the basis of a representation by the Company to the
applicable lenders that it is permitted to incur such Indebtedness under this
Indenture).

                  A "distribution" may consist of cash, securities or other
property, by set-off or otherwise.

                  All Designated Senior Debt now or hereafter existing and all
other Obligations relating thereto shall not be deemed to have been paid in full
unless the holders or owners thereof shall have received payment in full in cash
(or other form of payment consented to by the holders of such Designated Senior
Debt) with respect to such Designated Senior Debt and all other Obligations with
respect thereto.

                  Section 10.3.  Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy.
                                 -------------------------------------

                  (a) Upon any payment or distribution of property or securities
to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or in
a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding
relating to the Company or its property, or in an assignment for the benefit of
creditors or any marshalling of the Company's assets and liabilities:

                  (1) the holders of Senior Debt of the Company shall be
         entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Obligations in
         respect of such Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement
         of any such proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable Senior
         Debt, whether or not a claim for such interest would be allowed in such
         proceeding) before the Holders of Notes shall be entitled to receive
         any payment with respect to the Notes and related Obligations (except
         in each case that Holders of Notes may receive securities that are
         subordinated at least to the same extent as the Notes to Senior Debt
         and any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and payments made
         from any defeasance trust created pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof

                                                                   


<PAGE>   73


                                                                              73

         provided that the applicable deposit does not violate Article 8 or 10
         of this Indenture); and

                  (2) until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt of the
         Company (as provided in subsection (1) above) are paid in full in cash,
         any payment or distribution to which the Holders of Notes and the
         related Guarantees would be entitled shall be made to holders of Senior
         Debt of the Company (except that Holders of Notes and the related
         Guarantees may receive securities that are subordinated at least to the
         same extent as the Notes to Senior Debt and any securities issued in
         exchange for Senior Debt and payments made from any defeasance trust
         created pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof provided that the applicable
         deposit does not violate Article 8 or 10 of this Indenture).

                  (b) Upon any payment or distribution of property or securities
to creditors of a Subsidiary Guarantor in a liquidation or dissolution of such
Subsidiary Guarantor or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency,
receivership or similar proceeding relating to such Subsidiary Guarantor or its
property, or in an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any marshalling of
such Subsidiary Guarantor's assets and liabilities:

                  (1) the holders of Senior Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor
         shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Obligations
         in respect of such Senior Debt (including interest after the
         commencement of any such proceeding at the rate specified in the
         applicable Senior Debt, whether or not a claim for such interest would
         be allowed in such proceeding) before the Holders of Notes and the
         related Guarantees shall be entitled to receive any payment or
         distribution with respect to the Guarantee made by such Subsidiary
         Guarantor (except in each case that Holders of Notes and the related
         Guarantees may receive securities that are subordinated at least to the
         same extent as the Notes to Senior Debt and any securities issued in
         exchange for Senior Debt and payments made from any defeasance trust
         created pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof provided that the applicable
         deposit does not violate Article 8 or 10 of this Indenture); and

                  (2) until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt of such
         Subsidiary Guarantor (as provided in subsection (1) above) are paid in
         full in cash, any payment or distribution to which the Holders of Notes
         and the related Guarantees would be entitled shall be made to holders
         of Senior Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor (except that Holders of
         Notes and the related Guarantees may receive securities that are
         subordinated at least to the same extent as the Notes to Senior Debt
         and any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and payments made
         from any defeasance trust created

                                                                   


<PAGE>   74


                                                                              74

         pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof provided that the applicable deposit
         does not violate Article 8 or 10 of this Indenture).

                  Under the circumstances described in this Section 10.3, the
Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy,
liquidating trustee, agent or other similar person making any payment or
distribution of cash or other property or securities is authorized or instructed
to make any payment or distribution to which the Holders of the Notes and the
related Guarantees would otherwise be entitled (other than securities that are
subordinated at least to the same extent as the Notes to Senior Debt and any
securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and payments made from any
defeasance trust referred to in the second parenthetical clause of each of
clauses (a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1), (a)(2), (b)(2) and (c)(2) above, which shall be
delivered or paid to the Holders of Notes as set forth in such clauses) directly
to the holders of the Senior Debt of the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor,
as applicable, (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts
of Senior Debt of the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, held
by such holders) or their Representatives, or to any trustee or trustees under
any other indenture pursuant to which any such Senior Debt may have been issued,
as their respective interests appear, to the extent necessary to pay all such
Senior Debt in full, in cash or cash equivalents after giving effect to any
concurrent payment, distribution or provision therefor to or for the holders of
such Senior Debt.

                  To the extent any payment of or distribution in respect of
Senior Debt (whether by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor,
as proceeds of security or enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise) is
declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be paid to
any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other similar
Person under any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, fraudulent conveyance or
similar law, then if such payment or distribution is recovered by, or paid over
to, such receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other
similar Person, the Senior Debt or part thereof originally intended to be
satisfied shall be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment
had not occurred. To the extent the obligation to repay any Senior Debt is
declared to be fraudulent, invalid or otherwise set aside under any bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership, fraudulent conveyance or similar law, then the
obligation so declared fraudulent, invalid or otherwise set aside (and all other
amounts that would come due with respect thereto had such obligation not been so
affected) shall be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as Senior Debt for
all purposes hereof as if such declaration, invalidity or setting aside had not
occurred.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   75


                                                                              75

                  Section 10.4.  Default on Designated Senior Debt.
                                 ----------------------------------

                  The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors may not make any
payment (whether by redemption, purchase, retirements, defeasance or otherwise)
upon or in respect of the Notes and the related Guarantees (other than
securities that are subordinated at least to the same extent as the Notes to
Senior Debt and any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt and payments
and other distributions made from any defeasance trust created pursuant to
Section 8.1 hereof if the applicable deposit does not violate Article 8 or 10 of
this Indenture) until all principal and other Obligations with respect to the
Senior Debt of the Company have been paid in full if:

                        (i)  a default in the payment of any principal of,
         premium, if any, or interest on Designated Senior Debt
         occurs; or

                       (ii) any other default occurs and is continuing with
         respect to Designated Senior Debt that permits, or with the giving of
         notice or passage of time or both (unless cured or waived) would
         permit, holders of the Designated Senior Debt as to which such default
         relates to accelerate its maturity and the Trustee receives a notice of
         the default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from the Company or the
         holders of any Designated Senior Debt. If the Trustee receives any such
         Payment Blockage Notice, no subsequent Payment Blockage Notice shall be
         effective for purposes of this Section unless and until 360 days shall
         have elapsed since the date of commencement of the payment blockage
         period resulting from the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice. No
         nonpayment default in respect of any Designated Senior Debt that
         existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment
         Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a
         subsequent Payment Blockage Notice.

                  The Company shall resume payments on and distributions in
respect of the Notes and any Subsidiary Guarantor shall resume making payments
and distributions pursuant to the Guarantees upon:

                  (1) in the case of a default referred to in Section
         10.4(i) hereof the date upon which the default is cured or
         waived, or

                  (2) in the case of a default referred to in Section 10.4(ii)
         hereof, the earliest of (1) the date on which such nonpayment default
         is cured or waived, (2) the date the applicable Payment Blockage Notice
         is retracted by written notice to the Trustee and (3) 90 days after the
         date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received unless
         (A) the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated or
         (B) a Default or Event of Default under Section 6.1(9) or (10) has
         occurred and is continuing,

                                                                   


<PAGE>   76


                                                                              76

if this Article otherwise permits the payment, distribution or acquisition at
the time of such payment or acquisition.

                  Section 10.5.  Acceleration of Notes.
                                 ----------------------

                  If payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of
Default, the Company shall promptly notify holders of Senior Debt of the
acceleration.

                  Section 10.6.  When Distribution Must Be Paid Over.
                                 ------------------------------------

                  In the event that the Trustee or any Holder receives any
payment or distribution of or in respect of any Obligations with respect to the
Notes or the Guarantees at a time when such payment or distribution is
prohibited by Section 10.3 or Section 10.4 hereof, such payment or distribution
shall be held by the Trustee (if the Trustee has actual knowledge that such
payment or distribution is prohibited by Section 10.3 or 10.4) or such Holder,
in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid forthwith over and delivered to,
the holders of Senior Debt as their interests may appear or their Representative
under the indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant to which such Senior
Debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, for
application to the payment of all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt
remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such Obligations in full in
accordance with their terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or
distribution to or for the holders of Senior Debt.

                  With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee
undertakes to perform only such obligations on the part of the Trustee as are
specifically set forth in this Article 10, and no implied covenants or
obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Debt shall be read into this
Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any
fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt, and, except as provided in Section
10.12, shall not be liable to any such holders if the Trustee shall pay over or
distribute to or on behalf of Holders of Notes or the Company, the Subsidiary
Guarantors or any other Person money or assets to which any holders of Senior
Debt shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 10, except if such payment is
made as a result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Trustee.

                  Section 10.7.  Notice by Company.
                                 ------------------

                  The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall promptly
notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of any facts known to the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor that would cause a payment of any Obligations with respect
to the Notes or the related Guarantees to violate this Article, but failure to
give such notice shall not affect the subordination of the Notes and the related
Guarantees to the Senior Debt as provided in this Article.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   77


                                                                              77

                  Section 10.8  Subrogation.
                                ------------

                  After all Senior Debt is paid in full and until the Notes are
paid in full, Holders of Notes and the related Guarantees shall be subrogated
(equally and ratably with all other Indebtedness pari passu with the Notes and
the Guarantees) to the rights of holders of Senior Debt to receive distributions
and payments applicable to Senior Debt to the extent that distributions and
payments otherwise payable to the Holders of Notes and the related Guarantees
have been applied to the payment of Senior Debt. A payment or distribution made
under this Article to holders of Senior Debt that otherwise would have been made
to Holders of Notes and the related Guarantees is not, as between the Company
and Holders of Notes, a payment by the Company on the Notes.

                  Section 10.9  Relative Rights.
                                ----------------

                  This Article defines the relative rights of Holders of Notes
and the related Guarantees and holders of Senior Debt.

Nothing in this Indenture shall:

                  (1) impair, as between the Company and Holders of Notes, the
         obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
         principal of and interest on the Notes in accordance with their terms;

                  (2) affect the relative rights of Holders of Notes and the
         related Guarantees and creditors of the Company other than their rights
         in relation to holders of Senior Debt; or

                  (3) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its
         available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default, subject to the
         rights of holders and owners of Senior Debt to receive distributions
         and payments otherwise payable to Holders of Notes and the related
         Guarantees.

                  If the Company fails because of this Article to pay principal
of or interest on a Note on the due date, the failure is still a Default or
Event of Default.

                  Section 10.10.  Subordination May Not Be Impaired by
                                  ------------------------------------
Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors.
- -------------------------------------

                  No right of any present or future holders of any Senior Debt
to enforce subordination as provided in this Article Ten will at any time in any
way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the
Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or by any act or failure to act, in good
faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor with the terms of this Indenture, regardless of any
knowledge thereof that any such holder of Senior Debt may have or otherwise be
charged with. The provisions of this

                                                                   


<PAGE>   78


                                                                              78

Article Ten are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable
directly by, the holders of Senior Debt.

                  Section 10.11. Payment, Distribution or Notice to
                                 ----------------------------------
Representative.
- ---------------

                  Whenever a payment or distribution is to be made or a notice
given to holders of Senior Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice
given to their Representative.

                  Upon any payment or distribution of assets or securities of
the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor referred to in this Article 10, the
Trustee and the Holders of Notes and the related Guarantees shall be entitled to
rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction or
upon any certificate of such Representative or of the liquidating trustee or
agent or other Person making any payment or distribution to the Trustee or to
the Holders of Notes and the related Guarantees for the purpose of ascertaining
the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders
of the Senior Debt and other Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or
distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 10.

                  Section 10.12.  Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent.
                                  -----------------------------------

                  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 10 or any other
provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of
the existence of any facts that would prohibit the making of any payment or
distribution by the Trustee, and the Trustee and the Paying Agent may continue
to make payments on the Notes and the Guarantees, unless the Trustee shall have
received at its Corporate Trust Office at least one Business Day prior to the
date of such payment written notice of facts that would cause the payment of any
Obligations with respect to the Notes or Guarantees to violate this Article,
which notice shall specifically refer to Section 10.3 or 10.4 hereof. Only the
Company or a Representative may give the notice. Nothing in this Article 10
shall impair the claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to
Section 7.7 hereof.

                  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold
Senior Debt with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent
may do the same with like rights.

                  Section 10.13.  Authorization to Effect Subordination.
                                  --------------------------------------

                  Each Holder by the Holder's acceptance thereof authorizes and
directs the Trustee on the Holder's behalf to take such action as may be
necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this
Article 10, and appoints the Trustee to act as the Holder's attorney-in-fact for
any and all such purposes. If the Trustee does not file a proper proof of

                                                                   


<PAGE>   79


                                                                            79

claim or proof of debt in the form required in any proceeding referred to in
Section 6.9 hereof at least 30 days before the expiration of the time to file
such claim, each lender under the Credit Agreement is hereby authorized to file
an appropriate claim for and on behalf of the Holders of the Notes and the
related Guarantees.

                  Section 10.14.  Amendments.
                                  -----------

                  No amendment may be made to the provisions of or the
definitions of any terms appearing in this Article 10, or to the provisions of
Section 6.2 relating to the Designated Senior Debt, that adversely affects the
rights of any holder of Senior Debt then outstanding unless the holders of such
Senior Debt (or any group or Representative authorized to give a consent)
consent to such change.

                  Section 10.15.  No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.
                                  --------------------------------------

                  Without in any way limiting the generality of Section 10.9 of
this Indenture, the holders of Senior Debt may, at any time and from time to
time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders, without
incurring responsibility to the Holders and without impairing or releasing the
subordination provided in this Article Ten or the obligations hereunder of the
Holders to the holders of Senior Debt, do any one or more of the following: (a)
change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of,
or renew or alter, Senior Debt or any instrument evidencing the same or any
agreement under which Senior Debt is outstanding or secured; (b) sell, exchange,
release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise
securing Senior Debt; (c) release any Person liable in any manner for the
collection of Senior Debt; and (d) exercise or refrain from exercising any
rights against the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor and any other Person.

                                   ARTICLE 11

                                 THE GUARANTEES

                  Section 11.1.  The Guarantees.
                                 ---------------

                  Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby, jointly and
severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and
delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns,
irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or
the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that: (a) the principal
of and premium and interest, on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when
due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest
on the overdue principal of and interest on premium and interest, on the Notes,
if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or
the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in

                                                                   


<PAGE>   80


                                                                              80

full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b)
in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of
such other obligations, that the same shall be promptly paid in full when due or
performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at
stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any
amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the
Subsidiary Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same
immediately. The Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations
hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to
enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with respect to any
provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company,
any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise
constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each of the
Subsidiary Guarantors hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment,
filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the
Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest,
notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Guarantee shall not be
discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the
Notes and this Indenture. If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court
or otherwise to return to the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, or any
Custodian, Trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to
either the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, any amount paid by either to
the Trustee or such Holder, this Guarantee, to the extent theretofore
discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect. Each of the Subsidiary
Guarantors agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in
relation to the Holders of Notes in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby
until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each of the
Subsidiary Guarantors further agrees that, as between the Subsidiary Guarantors,
on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the
maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in
Article 6 for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay,
injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the
obligations guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any declaration of
acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6, such obligations
(whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the
Subsidiary Guarantors for the purpose of this Guarantee. The Subsidiary
Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any Subsidiary
Guarantor not paying so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the
rights of the Holders under the Guarantees.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   81


                                                                              81

                  Section 11.2.  Execution and Delivery of Guarantees.
                                 -------------------------------------

                  (i) To evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.1, each
of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that a notation of such Guarantee
substantially in the form of Exhibit C shall be endorsed by an officer of such
Subsidiary Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee,
that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor by
its President or one of its Vice Presidents and attested to by an Officer and
that such Subsidiary Guarantor shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel that the foregoing have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
such Subsidiary Guarantor and that such Guarantee is a valid and legally binding
obligation of such Subsidiary Guarantor, enforceable against such Subsidiary
Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

                  Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set
forth in Section 11.1 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any
failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Guarantee.

                  If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the
applicable Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee
authenticates the Note on which such Guarantee is endorsed, such Guarantee shall
be valid nevertheless.

                  The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the
authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the
Guarantees set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

                  Section 11.3.  Subsidiary Guarantors May Consolidate,
                                 --------------------------------------
etc., on Certain Terms.
- -----------------------

                  No Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or
into (whether or not such Subsidiary Guarantor is the Surviving Person), another
Person, whether or not affiliated with such Subsidiary Guarantor, unless:

                  (a) subject to the provisions of Section 11.4 hereof, the
         Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if
         other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) assumes all the obligations of
         such Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form
         reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee in respect of the Notes, this
         Indenture and such Subsidiary Guarantor's Guarantee;

                  (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no 
         Default or Event of Default exists; and

                  (c) such transaction does not violate any of Sections 4.3,
         4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.16 and 4.17.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   82


                                                                              82

Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be
permitted to consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such
Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person), another corporation, Person or
entity pursuant to the preceding sentence if such consolidation or merger would
not be permitted by Section 5.1 hereof.

                  In case of any such consolidation or merger and upon the
assumption by the successor corporation, by supplemental indenture, executed and
delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the
Guarantee endorsed upon the Notes and the due and punctual performance of all of
the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by such
Subsidiary Guarantor, such successor corporation shall succeed to and be
substituted for such Subsidiary Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been
named herein as a Subsidiary Guarantor. Such successor corporation thereupon may
cause to be signed any or all of the Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the
Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the
Company and delivered to the Trustee. All the Guarantees so issued shall in all
respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the
Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of
this Indenture as though all of such Guarantees had been issued at the date of
the execution hereof.

                  Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, nothing
contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes shall prevent any
consolidation or merger of any Subsidiary Guarantor with or into the Company or
another Subsidiary Guarantor, or shall prevent any sale or conveyance of the
property of any Subsidiary Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an
entirety to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor.

                  Section 11.4.  Releases of Guarantees.
                                 -----------------------

                  In the event of a sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of any Subsidiary Guarantor or a sale or other
disposition of all of the capital stock of any Subsidiary Guarantor, to any
corporation or other Person (including an Unrestricted Subsidiary) by way of
merger, consolidation, or otherwise, in a transaction that does not violate any
of the covenants of this Indenture, then such Subsidiary Guarantor (in the event
of a sale or other disposition, by way of such merger, consolidation or
otherwise, of all the capital stock of such Subsidiary Guarantor) shall be
released and relieved of any obligations under its Guarantee and such acquiring
corporation or other Person (in the event of a sale or other disposition of all
or substantially all of the assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor), if other than
a Subsidiary Guarantor, shall have no obligation to assume or otherwise become
liable under such Guarantee; provided, that the Net Proceeds of such sale or
other disposition are applied in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof. Upon
delivery by the Company to the Trustee

                                                                   


<PAGE>   83


                                                                              83

of an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such
sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the
provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.10, the
Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the
release of any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under its Guarantee.

                  Any Subsidiary Guarantor not released from its obligations
under its Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and
interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor
under this Indenture as provided in this Article 11.

                  Any Subsidiary Guarantor that is designated an Unrestricted
Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture shall be released from
and relieved of its obligations under its Guarantee and any Unrestricted
Subsidiary that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and any newly created or newly
acquired Subsidiary that is or becomes a Subsidiary shall be required to execute
a Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

                  Section 11.5.  Limitation on Subsidiary Guarantor Liability.
                                 ---------------------------------------------

                  For purposes hereof, each Subsidiary Guarantor's liability
shall be that amount from time to time equal to the aggregate liability of such
Subsidiary Guarantor thereunder, but shall be limited to the lesser of (i) the
aggregate amount of the Obligations of the Company under the Notes and this
Indenture and (ii) the amount, if any, which would not have (A) rendered such
Subsidiary Guarantor "insolvent" (as such term is defined in the federal
Bankruptcy Law and in the Debtor and Creditor Law of the State of New York) or
(B) left it with unreasonably small capital at the time its Guarantee of the
Notes was entered into, after giving effect to the incurrence of existing
Indebtedness immediately prior to such time; provided that, it shall be a
presumption in any lawsuit or other proceeding in which such Subsidiary
Guarantor is a party that the amount guaranteed pursuant to its Guarantee is the
amount set forth in clause (i) above unless any creditor, or representative of
creditors of such Subsidiary Guarantor, or debtor in possession or trustee in
bankruptcy of such Subsidiary Guarantor, otherwise proves in such a lawsuit that
the aggregate liability of such Subsidiary Guarantor is limited to the amount
set forth in clause (ii). In making any determination as to the solvency or
sufficiency of capital of a Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with the previous
sentence, the right of such Subsidiary Guarantor to contribution from other
Subsidiary Guarantors and any other rights such Subsidiary Guarantor may have,
contractual or otherwise, shall be taken into account.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   84


                                                                              84

                  Section 11.6.  "Trustee" to Include Paying Agent.
                                 ----------------------------------

                  In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee
shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term
"Trustee" as used in Article 10 and this Article 11 shall in such case (unless
the context shall otherwise require) be construed as extending to and including
such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully and for all intents and purposes
as if such Paying Agent were named in Article 10 and this Article 11 in place of
the Trustee.

                  Section 11.7.  Subordination of Guarantees.
                                 ----------------------------

                  The obligations of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors under its
Guarantee pursuant to this Article 11 shall be junior and subordinated to the
Senior Debt of the Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to Article 10 hereof. For the
purposes of the foregoing sentence, the Trustee and the Holders shall have the
right to receive and/or retain payments or distributions by or on behalf of any
of the Subsidiary Guarantors only at such times as they may receive and/or
retain payments in respect of the Notes pursuant to this Indenture, including
Article 10 hereof.

                                   ARTICLE 12

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  Section 12.1.  Trust Indenture Act Controls.
                                 -----------------------------

                  If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or
conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA ss. 318(c), the imposed duties shall
control. If any provisions of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision
of the TIA that may be so modified or excluded, the letter provision shall be
deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or excluded, as the case may
be.

                  Section 12.2.  Notices.
                                 --------

                  Any notice or communication by the Company or the Subsidiary
Guarantors or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and
delivered in Person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified,
return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next
day delivery, to the others' address:

                  If to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

                              Lomak Petroleum, Inc.            
                              500 Throckmorton Street          
                              Fort Worth, Texas  76102         
                                                               
                              Telecopier No.:  (817) 870-2914  
                              Attention:  John H. Pinkerton    
                              
                                                                   


<PAGE>   85


                                                                            85

                  With a copy to:

                         Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.            
                         1001 Fannin, Suite 2300           
                         Houston, Texas  77002-6760        
                         Telecopier No.:  (713) 615-5605   
                         Attention:  J. Mark Metts         
                         
                  If to the Trustee:

                         Telecopier No.:
                         Attention:  Indenture Trust Administration
                                         Division

                  The Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee, by
notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for
subsequent notices or communications.

                  All notices and communications (other than those sent to
Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand,
if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail,
postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if by telecopy; and the
next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air
courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

                  Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by
first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by
overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the
register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so
mailed to any Person described in TIA ss. 313(c), to the extent required by the
TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it
shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

                  If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided
above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee
receives it.

                  If the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor mails a notice or
communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at
the same time.

                  Section 12.3.  Communication by Holders of Notes with
                                 --------------------------------------
Other Holders of Notes.
- -----------------------

                  Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA ss. 312(b) with
other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture
or the Notes.  The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the

                                                                   


<PAGE>   86


                                                                              86

Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA Section
312(c).

                  Section 12.4.  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions
                                 ----------------------------------------
Precedent.
- ----------
                  Upon any request or application by the Company or any
Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the
Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the
Trustee:

                    (a) an Officers' Certificate in form and substance
               reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the
               statements set forth in Section 12.5 hereof) stating that, in the
               opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants,
               if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed
               action have been complied with; and

                    (b) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably
               satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements
               set forth in Section 12.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of
               such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have
               been complied with.

                  Section 12.5.  Statements Required in Certificate or
                                 -------------------------------------
Opinion.
- --------

                  Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate
provided pursuant to TIA Section 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of 
TIA Section 314(e) and shall include:

                    (a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or
               opinion has read such covenant or condition;

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

                    (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or
               she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to
               enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or
               not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

                    (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such
               Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   87


                                                                              87

                  Section 12.6.  Rules by Trustee and Agents.
                                 ----------------------------

                  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a
meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and
set reasonable requirements for its functions.

                  Section 12.7.  No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, 
                                 ---------------------------------------------
Employees and Stockholders.
- ---------------------------

                  No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of
the Company, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the
Company under the Notes or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect
of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes,
by accepting a Note, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may
not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it
is the view of the Commission that such a waiver is against public policy.

                  Section 12.8.  Governing Law.
                                 --------------

                  THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE
USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

                  Section 12.9.  No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
                                 ----------------------------------------------

                  This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other
indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or their respective
Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement
may not be used to interpret this Indenture and the Guarantees.

                  Section 12.10.  Successors.
                                  -----------

                  All agreements of the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor in
this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall bind its respective
successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its
successors.

                  Section 12.11.  Severability.
                                  -------------

                  In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

                                                                   


<PAGE>   88


                                                                              88

                  Section 12.12.  Counterpart Originals.
                                  ----------------------

                  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.
Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the
same agreement.

                  Section 12.13.  Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.
                                  ---------------------------------

                  The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of
the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience
of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall
in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

                         [Signatures on following page]

                                                                   


<PAGE>   89


                                                                              89

                                   SIGNATURES

Dated as of
___________, 1997

                               LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

Attest:                        By________________________________
                               Name:______________________________

__________________________     Title:_____________________________

                               LOMAK OPERATING COMPANY

Attest:                        By________________________________
                               Name:______________________________

__________________________     Title:_____________________________

                               LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY

Attest:                        By________________________________
                               Name:______________________________

__________________________     Title:_____________________________

                               LOMAK RESOURCES COMPANY

Attest:                        By________________________________
                               Name:______________________________

__________________________     Title:_____________________________

                               BUFFALO OILFIELD SERVICES, INC.

Attest:                        By________________________________
                               Name:______________________________

__________________________     Title:_____________________________

                               LOMAK ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY

Attest:                        By________________________________
                               Name:______________________________

__________________________     Title:_____________________________

                                                                   


<PAGE>   90


                                                                              90

                                LOMAK ENERGY COMPANY

Attest:                         By________________________________
                                Name:______________________________

__________________________      Title:_____________________________

                                LPI ACQUISITION, INC.

Attest:                         By________________________________
                                Name:______________________________

__________________________      Title:_____________________________

                                LOMAK PRODUCTION I, L.P.

Attest:                         By________________________________
                                Name:______________________________

__________________________      Title:_____________________________

                                LOMAK RESOURCES, L.L.C.

Attest:                         By________________________________
                                Name:______________________________

__________________________      Title:_____________________________

                                LOMAK OFFSHORE I, L.P.

Attest:                         By________________________________
                                Name:______________________________

__________________________      Title:_____________________________

                                LOMAK PIPELINE SYSTEMS, L.P.

Attest:                         By________________________________
                                Name:______________________________

__________________________      Title:_____________________________

                                                                   


<PAGE>   91


                                                                              91

                                     LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING
                                     COMPANY

Attest:                              By________________________________
                                     Name:______________________________

__________________________           Title:_____________________________

                                     LOMAK GAS COMPANY

Attest:                              By________________________________
                                     Name:______________________________

__________________________           Title:_____________________________

                                                   


<PAGE>   92



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





                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 (Face of Note)

                    _____% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007

No.                                                                $__________
Cusip Number:

                              LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

promises to pay to

or registered assigns,

the principal sum of

DOLLARS on ___________, 2007.

Interest Payment Dates:  _____________ and ____________

Record Dates:  __________________ and ___________________

                                   Dated:  _______________, ____ 
                                                                 
                                   LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.         
                                                                 
                                   By_______________________     
                                     Name:                       
                                                                 
                                     Title:                      
                                                                 
                                   By_______________________     
                                     Name:                       
                                                                 
                                     Title:                      
                                   
This is one of the Notes referred
to in the within-mentioned                                    (SEAL)
Indenture:

[Name of Trustee],
as Trustee

By____________________________
         Authorized Signatory


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

                                       A-1

                                                                   


<PAGE>   93



                                 (Back of Note)

                     ____% Senior Subordinated Note due 2007

                  Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned
to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

1. INTEREST. Lomak Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate of
____% per annum, which interest shall be payable in cash semiannually in arrears
on _________________ and __________________, or if any such day is not a
Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an "Interest Payment
Date"); provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be ________________,
1997. Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which
interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of
original issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.

                  2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. On each Interest Payment Date the
Company will pay interest to the Person who is the Holder of record of this Note
as of the close of business on the ________________ or ________________
immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date, even if this Note is cancelled
after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as
provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest.
Principal, premium if any and interest on this Note will be payable at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within the City and
State of New York or, in the event the Notes do not remain in book-entry form,
at the option of the Company, payment of interest, may be made by check mailed
to the Holder of this Note at its address set forth in the register of Holders
of Notes; provided that all payments with respect to the Global Notes and
definitive Notes having an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million or more
the Holders of which have given wire transfer instructions to the Company at
least 10 Business Days prior to the applicable payment date will be required to
be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the Holders thereof. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency
of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for
payment of public and private debts.

                  3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially,
______________________________________, the Trustee under the Indenture, will
act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or
Registrar without notice to any

                                       A-2

                                                                   


<PAGE>   94






Holder. The Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other of the Company's
Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

                  4. INDENTURE. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture
dated as of ________________, 1997 ("Indenture") among the Company, the
Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those
stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code Sections 77aaa-77bbbb). 
The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the 
Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. The Notes are general 
unsecured obligations of the Company equal in an aggregate principal amount to
$100,000,000 and will mature on ____________, 2007.
        
                  5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

                  (a) The Notes are not redeemable at the Company's option prior
to __________________, 2002. From and after ___________________, 2002, the Notes
will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part,
upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during
the twelve-month period beginning on ____________ of the years indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         YEAR                                                   PERCENTAGE
         ----                                                   ----------

       <S>                                                     <C>
         2002.........................................                  %
         2003.........................................                  %
         2004 ........................................                  %
         2005 and thereafter .........................           100.000%
</TABLE>

                  (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) of this
Paragraph 5, prior to ________________, 2000 the Company may, at its option, on
any one or more occasions, redeem up to $33,333,000 in aggregate principal
amount of Notes at a redemption price equal to ____% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the redemption
date, with the net proceeds of sales of Equity Interests (other than
Disqualified Stock) of the Company; provided that at least $66,667,000 in
aggregate principal amount of Notes must remain outstanding immediately after
the occurrence of such redemption; and provided, further, that any such
redemption shall occur within 60 days after the date of the closing of the
related sale of such Equity Interests.

                  6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION.

                  Except as set forth in paragraph 7 below, the Company shall
not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with
respect to the Notes.

                                       A-3

                                                                   


<PAGE>   95


                       7. REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF HOLDER.

                  (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of
Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part
(equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder's Notes
pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an
offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of purchase (the
"Change of Control Payment"). The right of the Holders of the Notes to require
the Company to repurchase such Notes upon a Change of Control may not be waived
by the Trustee without the approval of the Holders of the Notes required by
Section 9.2 of the Indenture. Within 30 days following any Change of Control,
the Company will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or
transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase
Notes pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such
notice. The Change of Control Payment shall be made on a business day not less
than 30 days nor more than 60 days after such notice is mailed. The Company and
each Subsidiary Guarantor will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under
the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control.

                  (b) If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary consummates any
Asset Sales permitted by the Indenture, when the aggregate amount of Excess
Proceeds exceeds $5.0 million, the Company shall make an Asset Sale Offer to
purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and any other Pari Passu
Indebtedness to which the Asset Sale Offer applies that may be purchased out of
the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to, in the
case of the Notes, 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the date of purchase or, in the case of any Pari Passu
Indebtedness, 100% of the principal amount thereof (or with respect to discount
Pari Passu Indebtedness, the accreted value thereof) on the date of purchase, in
each case, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.9 of the
Indenture or the agreements governing the Pari Passu Indebtedness, as
applicable. To the extent that the aggregate principal amount (or accreted
value, as the case may be) of Notes, and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered
pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company
may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the sum
of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof
and (ii) the aggregate principal amount or accreted value, as the case may be,
of Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders thereof exceeds the
amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee and the trustee or other lender
representative for the Pari Passu Indebtedness shall select the Notes and the
other Pari Passu

                                       A-4

                                                                   


<PAGE>   96






Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis, based on the aggregate
principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) thereof surrendered in such
Asset Sale Offer. Upon completion of such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess
Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

                  8. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. Notice of redemption will be mailed
at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each
Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in
denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole
multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be
redeemed. On and after the redemption date interest ceases to accrue on Notes or
on the aggregate principal amount of the Notes called for redemption, as the
case may be.

                  9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes may be issued
initially in the form of one or more fully registered Global Notes. The Notes
may also be issued in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations
of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer of Notes may be
registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The
Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish
appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a
Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.
The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of
a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note
being redeemed in part. Also, it need not exchange or register the transfer of
any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or
during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment
Date.

                  10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS.  The registered Holder of a
Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

                  11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain
exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the
consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in
connection with a purchase of, or the tender offer or exchange offer for, such
Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default under, or compliance with
any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.
Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes may be
amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to
provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated
Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company's obligations to Holders of
the Notes in case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that

                                       A-5

                                                                   


<PAGE>   97






would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or
that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such
Holder, or to comply with the requirements of the Commission in order to effect
or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

                  12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. Events of Default include: (i)
default for 30 consecutive days in the payment when due of interest on the Notes
(whether or not prohibited by the provisions of Article 10 of the Indenture);
(ii) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any, on the
Notes (whether or not prohibited by the provisions of Article 10 of the
Indenture); (iii) failure by the Company to comply with the provisions of
Article 5 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by the Company for 30 consecutive days
after notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with the provisions of
Sections 4.3, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.16, and 4.17 of the
Indenture; (v) failure by the Company for 60 consecutive days after notice from
the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding to comply with any of its other agreements or covenants
in, or provisions of, this Note or in the Indenture; (vi) except as permitted by
the Indenture, any Guarantee shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be
unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and
effect or a Subsidiary Guarantor or any Person acting on behalf of a Subsidiary
Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm such Subsidiary Guarantor's obligations under
its Guarantee; (vii) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under
which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after the date
of the Indenture, which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of
or premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of
the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a
"Payment Default") or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior
to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of any such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness
under which there is then existing a Payment Default or the maturity of which
has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more; provided, that if any
such default is cured or waived or any such acceleration rescinded, or such
indebtedness is repaid, within a period of 10 days from the continuation of such
default beyond the applicable grace period or the occurrence of such
acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of Default under the Indenture and
any consequential acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically
rescinded;(viii) a final non-appealable judgment or order or final
non-appealable judgments or orders are rendered against the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary that remain unpaid or discharged for a period of 60 days
and that require the

                                       A-6

                                                                   


<PAGE>   98






payment in money, either individually or in an aggregate amount, that is more
than $5.0 million; and (ix) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with
respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary. If
any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (x)
above) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be
due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an
Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with
respect to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, all outstanding Notes will
become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Notes
may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture.
Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or
power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any
continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default
relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on
behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of
Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or
Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium on, or the principal of,
the Notes. The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a
statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required,
within 5 Business days after becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default,
to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of
Default.

                  13. SUBORDINATION. The Notes are subordinated to Senior Debt
of the Company. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Debt must be
paid before the Notes may be paid. The Company agrees, and each Holder by
accepting a Note agrees, that the Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes,
including, but not limited to, the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes, and any other payment Obligation of the Company in
respect of the Notes is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in
the manner provided in the Indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash of
all Senior Debt of the Company (whether outstanding on the date hereof or
hereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed) and authorizes the Trustee
to give effect and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.

                  14. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH COMPANY. The Indenture contains
certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of
the Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on
certain property received in

                                       A-7

                                                                   


<PAGE>   99






respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be
permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any
conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to
the Commission for permission to continue or resign.

                  15. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No director, officer,
employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company, as such, shall have any
liability for any obligations of the Company under the Notes or the Indenture or
for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or
their creation. Each Holder of Notes, by accepting a Note, waives and releases
all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for
issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities
under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the Commission that such
a waiver is against public policy.

                  16. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be valid until
authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an

authenticating agent.

                  17. ABBREVIATIONS. Customary abbreviations may be used in the
name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT
(= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of
survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (=
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act.

                  18. CUSIP NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by
the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has
caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP
numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation
is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as
contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the
other identification numbers placed thereon.

                  The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request
and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:

                           Lomak Petroleum, Inc.
                           500 Throckmorton Street
                           Fort Worth, Texas  76102
                           Telecopier No.:  (817) 870-2914
                           Attention:  Secretary

[NOTE: THE FORM OF GUARANTEE ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT C TO THE INDENTURE IS TO BE
ATTACHED TO THIS NOTE.]

                                       A-8

                                                                   


<PAGE>   100






                                 ASSIGNMENT FORM

         To assign this Security, fill in the form below:  (I) or
(we) assign and transfer this Security to

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Insert assignee's Social Security or tax I.D. No.)

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



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



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



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint      
                       --------------------------------------------------------
agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company.  The
agent may substitute another to act for him.

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



Date:                        
     ------------------

                                    Your Signature:                            
                                                   ----------------------------
        (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Security)

                                    Signature Guarantee:*                    
                                                        -----------------------

- --------
*/       Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion
         Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the
         Trustee).

                                       A-9

                                                                   


<PAGE>   101






                       OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

                  If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.13 of the Indenture, check the box below:

                     [ ] Section 4.10                [ ]  Section 4.13


                  If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased
by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.13 of the Indenture, state
the principal amount you elect to have purchased: $______________

Date:                      Your Signature:

        (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Security)

                                    Signature Guarantee:*                   
                                                        -----------------------

- --------
*/       Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion
         Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the
         Trustee).

                                      A-10

                                                                   


<PAGE>   102



                                    EXHIBIT B

                        (Form of Legend for Global Note)

         Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in
definitive form, this Note may not be transferred except as a whole by the
Depository to a nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to
the Depository or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any
such nominee to a successor Depository or a nominee of such successor
Depository. Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative
of The Depository Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) ("DTC"),
to the issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment,
and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such other
name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment
is made to Cede & Co. or such other entity as may be requested by an authorized
representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.

                                       B-1

                                                                   


<PAGE>   103







                    SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF DEFINITIVE NOTES

                         [To be attached to Global Note]

                  The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for
definitive Notes have been made:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   Amount of                  Amount of                Principal Amount               Signature of
                                  decrease in                increase in                of this Global                 authorized
                               Principal Amount            Principal Amount             Note following                 officer of
         Date of                of this Global              of this Global              such decrease               Trustee or Note
        Exchange                     Note                        Note                   (or increase)                  Custodian
        --------                     ----                        ----                   -------------                  ---------
<S>                           <C>                         <C>                         <C>                           <C> 
</TABLE>
   
                                       B-2

                                                                   


<PAGE>   104



                                    EXHIBIT C

                                    Guarantee

                  Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, if any, hereby, jointly and
severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and
delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns,
irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or
the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that: (a) the principal
of and premium and interest on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when
due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest
on the overdue principal of and interest on premium and interest on the Notes,
if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or
the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in full or performed,
all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any
extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other
obligations, that same shall be promptly paid in full when due or performed in
accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any amount
so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason and the
Subsidiary Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same
immediately.

                  The obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors to the Holders of
Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to this Guarantee and the Indenture (including
the subordination provisions thereof) are expressly set forth in Article 11 of
the Indenture, and reference is hereby made to such Indenture for the precise
terms of this Guarantee. The terms of Article 11 of the Indenture are
incorporated herein by reference.

                  This is a continuing Guarantee and shall remain in full force
and effect and shall be binding upon each of the Subsidiary Guarantors and its
respective successors and assigns to the extent set forth in the Indenture until
full and final payment of all of the Company's Obligations under the Notes and
the Indenture and shall inure to the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of
Notes and their successors and assigns and, in the event of any transfer or
assignment of rights by any Holder of Notes or the Trustee, the rights and
privileges herein conferred upon that party shall automatically extend to and be
vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions
hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Subsidiary Guarantor that satisfies
the provisions of Section 11.4 of the Indenture shall be released of its
obligations hereunder. This is a Guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of
collection.

                  This Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any
purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Note upon

                                       C-1

                                                                   


<PAGE>   105






which this Guarantee is noted shall have been executed by the Trustee under the
Indenture by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers.

                  For purposes hereof, each Subsidiary Guarantor's liability
will be that amount from time to time equal to the aggregate liability of such
Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder but shall be limited to the lesser of (i) the
aggregate amount of the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the
Indenture and (ii) the amount, if any, which would not have (A) rendered such
Subsidiary Guarantor "insolvent" (as such term is defined in the federal
Bankruptcy Law and in the Debtor and Creditor law of the State of New York) or
(B) left it with unreasonably small capital at the time its Guarantee of the
Notes was entered into, after giving effect to the incurrence of existing
Indebtedness immediately prior to such time; provided that, it shall be a
presumption in any lawsuit or other proceeding in which such Subsidiary
Guarantor is a party that the amount guaranteed pursuant to its Guarantee is the
amount set forth in clause (i) above unless any creditor, or representative of
creditors of such Subsidiary Guarantor, or debtor in possession or trustee in
bankruptcy of such Subsidiary Guarantor, otherwise proves in such a lawsuit that
the aggregate liability of such Subsidiary Guarantor is limited to the amount
set forth in clause (ii). The Indenture provides that, in making any
determination as to the solvency or sufficiency of capital of a Subsidiary
Guarantor in accordance with the previous sentence, the right of such Subsidiary
Guarantor to contribution from other Subsidiary Guarantors and any other rights
such Subsidiary Guarantor may have, contractual or otherwise, shall be taken
into account.

                  Capitalized terms used herein have the same meanings given in
the Indenture unless otherwise indicated.

                              LOMAK OPERATING COMPANY,                 
                                                                       
                              a Texas corporation                      
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                                                                       
                              LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY                 
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                                                                       
                                       C-2

                                                                   


<PAGE>   106


                              LOMAK RESOURCES COMPANY                   
                                                                        
                              By:_____________________________________  
                              Name:___________________________________  
                              Title:__________________________________  
                                                                        
                              BUFFALO OILFIELD SERVICES, INC.           
                                                                        
                              By:_____________________________________  
                              Name:___________________________________  
                              Title:__________________________________  
                                                                        
                              LOMAK ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY             
                                                                        
                              By:_____________________________________  
                              Name:___________________________________  
                              Title:__________________________________  
                                                                        
                              LOMAK ENERGY COMPANY                      
                                                                        
                              By:_____________________________________  
                              Name:___________________________________  
                              Title:__________________________________  
                                                                        
                              LPI ACQUISITION, INC.                     
                                                                        
                              By:_____________________________________  
                              Name:___________________________________  
                              Title:__________________________________  
                                                                        
                              LOMAK PRODUCTION I, L.P.                  
                                                                        
                              By:_____________________________________  
                              Name:___________________________________  
                              Title:__________________________________  
                              

                                       C-3

                                                                   


<PAGE>   107


                              LOMAK RESOURCES, L.L.C.                  
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                                                                       
                              LOMAK OFFSHORE I, L.P.                   
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                                                                       
                              LOMAK PIPELINE SYSTEMS, L.P.             
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                                                                       
                              LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING COMPANY     
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                                                                       
                              LOMAK GAS COMPANY                        
                                                                       
                              By:_____________________________________ 
                              Name:___________________________________ 
                              Title:__________________________________ 
                              

                                       C-4

                                                                   


<PAGE>   108








                                                                 Draft - 2/11/97

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





                              LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

                                    As Issuer

                             LOMAK OPERATING COMPANY
                            LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY
                             LOMAK RESOURCES COMPANY
                         BUFFALO OILFIELD SERVICES, INC.
                          LOMAK ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
                              LOMAK ENERGY COMPANY
                              LPI ACQUISITION, INC.
                            LOMAK PRODUCTION I, L.P.
                             LOMAK RESOURCES, L.L.C.
                              LOMAK OFFSHORE I,L.P.
                          LOMAK PIPELINE SYSTEMS, L.P.
                      LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING COMPANY
                                LOMAK GAS COMPANY

                                  As Guarantors

                    ____% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2007

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

                                    INDENTURE

                         Dated as of ____________, 1997

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




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


                               FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                                   As Trustee

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





                                                                   


<PAGE>   109





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

                                                                   


<PAGE>   110
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                              CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

Trust Indenture                                                                                           Indenture
 Act Section                                                                                                Section

<S>        <C>                                                                                                <C> 
310     (a)(1)....................................................................................            7.10
        (a)(2)....................................................................................            7.10
        (a)(3)....................................................................................            N.A.
        (a)(4)....................................................................................            N.A.
        (a)(5)....................................................................................            7.10
        (b).......................................................................................            7.10
        (c).......................................................................................            N.A.
311     (a).......................................................................................            7.11
        (b).......................................................................................            7.11
        (c).......................................................................................            N.A.
312     (a).......................................................................................             2.5
        (b).......................................................................................            12.3
        (c).......................................................................................            12.3
313     (a).......................................................................................             7.6
        (b)(1)....................................................................................            N.A.
        (b)(2)....................................................................................             7.7
        (c).......................................................................................       7.6; 12.2
        (d).......................................................................................             7.6
314     (a).......................................................................................       4.3; 12.2
        (b).......................................................................................            N.A.
        (c)(1)....................................................................................            12.4
        (c)(2)....................................................................................            12.4
        (c)(3)....................................................................................            N.A.
        (d).......................................................................................       10.3-10.5
        (e).......................................................................................            12.5
        (f).......................................................................................            N.A.
315     (a).......................................................................................             7.1
        (b).......................................................................................       7.5; 12.2
        (c).......................................................................................             7.1
        (d).......................................................................................             7.1
        (e).......................................................................................            6.11
316     (a)(last sentence)........................................................................             2.9
        (a)(1)(A)..............................................................................6.5
        (a)(1)(B)..............................................................................6.4
        (a)(2)....................................................................................            N.A.
        (b).......................................................................................             6.7
        (c).......................................................................................            2.12
317     (a)(1)....................................................................................             6.8
        (a)(2)....................................................................................             6.9
        (b).......................................................................................             2.4
318     (a).......................................................................................            12.1
        (b).......................................................................................            N.A.
        (c).......................................................................................            12.1

<FN>

- -------------
N.A. means not applicable.

*This Cross-Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.

                                                                   
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   111
<TABLE>



                                                                                                               Page

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----

                                                     ARTICLE 1

                                           DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
       <S>                       <C>                                                                            <C>

                                                   BY REFERENCE...................................................1

         Section 1.1.                Definitions..................................................................1
         Section 1.2.                Other Definitions.......................................................... 18
         Section 1.3.                Incorporation By Reference of Trust
                                         Indenture Act.......................................................... 19
         Section 1.4.                Rules of Construction...................................................... 19

                                                     ARTICLE 2
                                                     THE NOTES.................................................. 20

         Section 2.1.                Form and Dating............................................................ 20
         Section 2.2.                Execution and Authentication............................................... 21
         Section 2.3.                Registrar and Paying Agent................................................. 21
         Section 2.4.                Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust........................................ 22
         Section 2.5.                Holder Lists............................................................... 22
         Section 2.6.                Transfer and Exchange...................................................... 22
         Section 2.7.                Replacement Notes.......................................................... 23
         Section 2.8.                Outstanding Notes.......................................................... 24
         Section 2.9.                Treasury Notes............................................................. 24
         Section 2.10.               CUSIP Number............................................................... 25
         Section 2.11.               Cancellation............................................................... 25
         Section 2.12.               Defaulted Interest......................................................... 25
         Section 2.13.               Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes..................................... 25

                                                     ARTICLE 3
                                             REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT.......................................... 27

         Section 3.1.                Notices to Trustee......................................................... 27
         Section 3.2.                Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.......................................... 27
         Section 3.3.                Notice of Redemption....................................................... 28
         Section 3.4.                Effect of Notice of Redemption............................................. 29
         Section 3.5.                Deposit of Redemption Price................................................ 29
         Section 3.6.                Notes Redeemed in Part..................................................... 29
         Section 3.7.                Optional Redemption........................................................ 29
         Section 3.8.                Mandatory Redemption....................................................... 30
         Section 3.9.                Offer to Purchase By Application
                                         of Excess Proceeds..................................................... 30

                                                     ARTICLE 4
                                                     COVENANTS.................................................. 33

         Section 4.1.                Payment of Notes........................................................... 33
         Section 4.2.                Maintenance of Office or Agency............................................ 33
         Section 4.3.                Reports.................................................................... 34
         Section 4.4.                Compliance Certificate..................................................... 34
         Section 4.5.                Taxes...................................................................... 35
</TABLE>

                                       -i-

                                                                   


<PAGE>   112



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
       <S>                       <C>                                                                            <C>

         Section 4.6.                Stay, Extension and Usury Laws............................................. 35
         Section 4.7.                Restricted Payments........................................................ 35
         Section 4.8.                Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions
                                         Affecting Subsidiaries................................................. 38
         Section 4.9.                Incurrence of Indebtedness and
                                         Issuance of Disqualified Stock......................................... 39
         Section 4.10.               Asset Sales................................................................ 41
         Section 4.11.               Transactions with Affiliates............................................... 42
         Section 4.12.               Liens...................................................................... 43
         Section 4.13.               Offer to Repurchase Upon Change
                                         of Control............................................................. 44
         Section 4.14.               Additional Subsidiary Guarantees........................................... 45
         Section 4.15.               Corporate Existence........................................................ 45
         Section 4.16.               No Senior Subordinated Debt................................................ 46
         Section 4.17.               Business Activities........................................................ 46

                                                     ARTICLE 5
                                                    SUCCESSORS.................................................. 46

         Section 5.1.                Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of
                                         Substantially All Assets............................................... 46
         Section 5.2.                Successor Corporation Substituted.......................................... 47

                                                     ARTICLE 6
                                               DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES............................................ 48

         Section 6.1.                Events of Default.......................................................... 48
         Section 6.2.                Acceleration............................................................... 50
         Section 6.3.                Other Remedies............................................................. 51
         Section 6.4.                Waiver of Past Defaults.................................................... 51
         Section 6.5.                Control by Majority........................................................ 52
         Section 6.6.                Limitation on Suits........................................................ 52
         Section 6.7.                Rights of Holders of Notes to
                                         Receive Payment........................................................ 52
         Section 6.8.                Collection Suit by Trustee................................................. 53
         Section 6.9.                Trustee May File Proofs of Claim........................................... 53
         Section 6.10.               Priorities................................................................. 54
         Section 6.11.               Undertaking for Costs...................................................... 54

                                                     ARTICLE 7
                                                      TRUSTEE................................................... 54

         Section 7.1.                Duties of Trustee.......................................................... 54
         Section 7.2.                Rights of Trustee.......................................................... 56
         Section 7.3.                Individual Rights of Trustee............................................... 57
         Section 7.4.                Trustee's Disclaimer....................................................... 57
         Section 7.5.                Notice of Defaults......................................................... 57
         Section 7.6.                Reports by Trustee to Holders of
                                         the Notes.............................................................. 58
         Section 7.7.                Compensation and Indemnity................................................. 58
         Section 7.8.                Replacement of Trustee..................................................... 59
         Section 7.9.                Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. ......................................... 60
</TABLE>

                                      -ii-

                                                                   


<PAGE>   113



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
       <S>                       <C>                                                                            <C>

         Section 7.10.               Eligibility; Disqualification.............................................. 60
         Section 7.11.               Preferential Collection of Claims
                                         Against Company........................................................ 61

                                                     ARTICLE 8
                                     LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE................................... 61

         Section 8.1.                Option to Effect Legal Defeasance
                                         or Covenant Defeasance................................................. 61

         Section 8.2.                Legal Defeasance and Discharge............................................. 61
         Section 8.3.                Covenant Defeasance........................................................ 62
         Section 8.4.                Conditions to Legal or Covenant
                                         Defeasance............................................................. 62

         Section 8.5.                Deposited Money and Government
                                         Securities to be Held in Trust;
                                         Other Miscellaneous Provisions......................................... 64

         Section 8.6.                Repayment to Company....................................................... 65
         Section 8.7.                Reinstatement.............................................................. 65

                                                     ARTICLE 9
                                         AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER....................................... 65

         Section 9.1.                Without Consent of Holders of Notes........................................ 65
         Section 9.2.                With Consent of Holders of Notes........................................... 66
         Section 9.3.                Compliance with Trust Indenture Act........................................ 68
         Section 9.4.                Revocation and Effect of Consents.......................................... 68
         Section 9.5.                Notation on or Exchange of Notes........................................... 68
         Section 9.6.                Trustee to Sign Amendment, etc. ........................................... 69

                                                    ARTICLE 10
                                                   SUBORDINATION................................................ 69

         Section 10.1.               Agreement to Subordinate................................................... 69
         Section 10.2.               Certain Definitions........................................................ 69
         Section 10.3.               Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy....................................... 70
         Section 10.4.               Default on Designated Senior Debt.......................................... 73
         Section 10.5.               Acceleration of Notes...................................................... 74
         Section 10.6.               When Distribution Must Be Paid Over........................................ 74
         Section 10.7.               Notice by Company.......................................................... 74
         Section 10.8.               Subrogation................................................................ 75
         Section 10.9.               Relative Rights............................................................ 75
         Section 10.10.              Subordination May Not Be Impaired
                                         by Company............................................................. 75

         Section 10.11.              Payment, Distribution or Notice
                                         to Representative...................................................... 76
         Section 10.12.              Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent......................................... 76
         Section 10.13.              Authorization to Effect Subordination...................................... 76
         Section 10.14.              Amendments................................................................. 77
         Section 10.15.              No Waiver of Subordination Provisions...................................... 77
</TABLE>


                                      -iii-

                                                                   


<PAGE>   114



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
       <S>                       <C>                                                                            <C>

                                                    ARTICLE 11
                                                  THE GUARANTEES................................................ 77

         Section 11.1.               The Guarantees............................................................. 77
         Section 11.2.               Execution and Delivery of Guarantees....................................... 78
         Section 11.3.               Subsidiary Guarantors May Consolidate,
                                         etc., on Certain Terms................................................. 79
         Section 11.4.               Releases of Guarantees..................................................... 80
         Section 11.5.               Limitation on Subsidiary Guarantor
                                         Liability.............................................................. 81
         Section 11.6.               "Trustee" to Include Paying Agent.......................................... 81
         Section 11.7.               Subordination of Guarantees................................................ 82

                                                    ARTICLE 12
                                                   MISCELLANEOUS................................................ 82

         Section 12.1.               Trust Indenture Act Controls............................................... 82
         Section 12.2.               Notices.................................................................... 82
         Section 12.3.               Communication by Holders of Notes with
                                         Other Holders of Notes................................................. 83
         Section 12.4.               Certificate and Opinion as to
                                         Conditions Precedent................................................... 83
         Section 12.5.               Statements Required in Certificate
                                         or Opinion............................................................. 84
         Section 12.6.               Rules by Trustee and Agents................................................ 84
         Section 12.7.               No Personal Liability of Directors,
                                         Officers, Employees and Stockholders................................... 85
         Section 12.8.               Governing Law.............................................................. 85
         Section 12.9.               No Adverse Interpretation of Other
                                         Agreements............................................................. 85
         Section 12.10.              Successors................................................................. 85
         Section 12.11.              Severability............................................................... 85
         Section 12.12.              Counterpart Originals...................................................... 85
         Section 12.13.              Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. ......................................... 85
</TABLE>



                                                     EXHIBITS

Exhibit A         FORM OF NOTE
Exhibit B         FORM OF LEGEND FOR GLOBAL NOTE
Exhibit C         FORM OF GUARANTEE

                                      -iv-

                                                                   

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 4.4(h)

                           CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

                                    TO THE

                       CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF

                            LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

      (Pursuant to Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law)


Lomak Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), DOES HEREBY
CERTIFY:

        FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is Lomak Petroleum, Inc.

       SECOND:  The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation effected by this certificate shall provide:

                that the number of authorized shares of the Corporations
                Common Stock be increased from 20 million shares to 35
                million shares; and that the number of authorized shares
                of the Corporation's Preferred Stock be increased from
                2 million shares to 4 million shares.

        THIRD:  To accomplish the foregoing amendment, the present Article
FOURTH is hereby amended to begin as follows:

                "FOURTH.  The total number of shares of all classes of
                stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue
                is 39 million shares, divided into classes as follows:

                35 million      Common shares having a par value of
                                $.01 per share; and

                4 million       Preferred shares having a par value of
                                $1.00 per share.

        FOURTH: The remainder of Article FOURTH shall remain unchanged.

        FIFTH:  The above amendment to the Certiciate of Incorporation of the
Corporation was duly adopted by unanimous approval of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation and has
<PAGE>   2
been duly approved by the stockholders owning more than a majority of the
Corporation's outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in accordance with
the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Lomak Petroleum, Inc. has caused this
Certificate to be signed by Jeffrey A. Bynum, its Vice President - Land and
Corporate Secretary, and attested by Amy L. Laubscher, its Assistant Secretary,
as of the 24th day of May, 1996.


                                        LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

                                        By: /s/ Jeffery A. Bynum
                                           ----------------------------------
                                           Jeffery A. Bynum
                                           Vice President - Land and
                                           Corporate Secretary



ATTEST:

By: /s/ Amy L. Laubscher
  ----------------------------------
  Amy L. Laubscher
  Assistant Secretary

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 4.4(i)

                            CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

                                       TO

                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

                                   ----------

                        (Pursuant to Section 242 of the
                       Delaware General Corporation Law)

                                   ----------


          LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC., A Delaware Corporation (the "Corporation"),

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:     

          FIRST: The name of the Corporation is LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

          SECOND: The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the 

Corporation effected by this certificate shall provide for addition of a new 

Article VIII to such Certificate of Incorporation which shall read as follows:

                                  ARTICLE VIII

          No director of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation
     or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
     as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the
     director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders,
     (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
     intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
     Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any
     transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
     benefit. This paragraph shall not eliminate or limit the liability of
     a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the effective
     date of its adoption. If the General Corporation Law of the State of
     Delaware is hereafter amended to authorize corporate action further
     limiting or eliminating the personal liability of directors, then the
     liability of a director to the Corporation shall be limited or
     eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation
     Law of the State of Delaware, as so amended from time to time. No
     repeal or modification of the Article VIII, directly or by adoption of
     an inconsistent provision of this Certificate of Incorporation, by the
     stockholders of the Corporation shall be effective with respect to any
     cause of action, suit claim or other matter, but for this Article
     VIII, would accrue or arise prior to such repeal or modification.

          THIRD: The above amendment to the Certificate was duly adopted by the

unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors of the Corporation and

has been duly

<PAGE>   2


approved by the stockholders of the Corporation at the annual meeting of 

stockholders of the Corporation held on May 25, 1994 by ninety-eight point 

sixty-three percent (98.63%) of the outstanding shares of the Corporation's 

capital stock entitled to vote in accordance with the Certificate and the 

provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of 

Delaware.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lomak petroleum, Inc. has caused this certificate to

be signed by Jeffery A. Bynum, its Vice President - Land and Corporate

Secretary, and attested to by Amy L. Laubscher, its Assistant

Secretary, as of the 2nd day of October 1996.

                                                

                                         LOMAK PETROLEUM INC.

                                         By: /s/ Jeffery A. Bynum
                                            -------------------------
                                                 Jeffery A. Bynum
                                                 Vice President - Land and
                                                 Corporate Secretary



ATTEST:



By:  /s/ Amy L. Laubscher
    ---------------------
         Amy L. Laubscher
         Assistant Secretary

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1


                             LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.

                             COMPUTATIONS OF RATIOS
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              
                                                    Year Ended December 31,                    
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Pro Forma
                                   1992      1993      1994      1995       1996      1996
                                  -------   -------   -------   -------  ---------  --------- 
                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>
EBITDA:                                                                             
  Net income....................  $   686   $ 1,391   $ 2,619   $ 4,390   $12,615    $ 18,931
  Taxes.........................      192       (81)      139     1,782     6,834      10,194
  Exploration expense...........       36        86       359       512     1,460       1,460
  Interest expense..............      952     1,120     2,807     5,584     7,487      29,104
  Depletion, depreciation and                                              
    amortization................    3,124     4,347    10,105    14,863    22,303      44,389
                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------
    EBITDA......................    4,990     6,863    16,029    27,131    50,699     104,078
EBITDA to Interest Expense......     5.2x      6.1x      5.7x      4.9x      6.8x        3.6x
                                                                           
Earnings:                                                                  
  Income before taxes...........      878     1,310     2,758     6,172    19,449      29,125
  Interest expense..............      952     1,120     2,807     5,584     7,487      29,104
                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------
    Earnings....................    1,830     2,430     5,565    11,756    26,936      58,229
                                                                           
Fixed charges:                                                             
  Interest expense..............      952     1,120     2,807     5,584     7,487      29,104
Earnings to fixed charges.......     1.9x      2.2x      2.0x      2.1x      3.6x        2.0x
                                                                           
Total Debt......................   13,127    31,108    62,592    83,088   116,806     309,106
Total Debt to EBITDA............     2.6x      4.5x      3.9x      3.1x      2.3x        3.7x
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1
 
   
                                                                   Exhibit 23.2


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
   
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
(and to all references to our firm), included in, or incorporated by reference,
in this registration statement.
    
 
   
                                                      Arthur Andersen LLP


Cleveland, Ohio,
    
   
February 14, 1997.
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 23.4


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                      ----------------------------------


We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our
report dated February 7, 1997, on our audits of the statements of revenues and
direct operating expenses of the American Cometra Interests, for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the caption "Experts".

                                        /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P

                                        COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P


Fort Worth, Texas
February 14, 1997



<PAGE>   1
                                                        Exhibit 25.1


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   ----------

                                    FORM T-1

                                   ----------

              STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION UNDER THE
                  TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A CORPORATION
                          DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                                   ----------

                    / / CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
             ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)


                            FLEET NATIONAL BANK
          ---------------------------------------------------------
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
       Not applicable                               04-317415
- -------------------------------             -----------------------------
   (State of incorporation                       (I.R.S. Employer
    if not a national bank)                     Identification No.)



 One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA                    01102
- ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)
</TABLE>



    Pat Beaudry, 777 Main Street, Hartford, CT  06115 (203) 728-2065
     --------------------------------------------------------------
       (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


                   
                    LOMAK PETROLEUM, INC.
                    LOMAK OPERATING COMPANY
                    LOMAK PRODUCTION COMPANY
                    LOMAK RESOURCES COMPANY
                    BUFFALO OILFIELD SERVICES, INC.
                    LOMAK ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
                    LOMAK GATHERING & PROCESSING COMPANY
                    LOMAK PIPELINE SYSTEMS, L.P.
                    LOMAK GAS COMPANY
                    LOMAK ENERGY COMPANY
                    LPI ACQUISITION, INC.
                    LOMAK PRODUCTION I, L.P.
                    LOMAK RESOURCES, L.L.C.
                    LOMAK OFFSHORE, L.P.
                    LPI OPERATING COMPANY
             ---------------------------------------------------
             (Exact names of obligors as specified in their charters)



<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>

Delaware                                                  34-1312571
Ohio                                                      34-1198756
Delaware                                                  75-1722213
Delaware                                                  34-1772901
Ohio                                                      34-1458616
Delaware                                                  75-2423912
Delaware                                                  applied for
Texas                                                     applied for
Delaware                                                  applied for
Delaware                                                  52-1996729
Texas                                                     34-1704962
Texas                                                     75-2672382
Oklahoma                                                  73-1504725
Ohio                                                      applied for
Ohio                                                      34-1570492
- -------------------------------             -----------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                    (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                   Identification No.)




500 Throckmorton Street, Forth Worth, Texas 76102
- ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)
</TABLE>


                Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2007
       ------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (Title of the indenture securities)



<PAGE>   2

Item 1.         General Information.

Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

          (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
                which it is subject,

                        The Comptroller of the Currency,
                        Washington, D.C.

                        Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
                        Boston, Massachusetts

                        Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
                        Washington, D.C.

          (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise
                corporate trust powers:

                        The trustee is so authorized.

Item 2.         Affiliations with obligor and underwriter.  If the obligor or
                any underwriter for the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee,
                describe each such affiliation.

                None with respect to the trustee.



Item 16.        List of exhibits.

                List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of
                eligibility and qualification.

                (1)  A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee as
                     now in effect.

                (2)  A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the trustee
                     to do business.

                (3)  A copy of the Certification of Fiduciary Powers of the
                     trustee.

                (4)  A copy of the By-Laws of the trustee as now in effect.

                (5)  Consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b)
                     of the Act.

                (6)  A copy of the latest Consolidated Reports of Condition
                     and Income of the trustee published pursuant to law or
                     the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.




                                    NOTES


In as much as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the trustee
of all facts on which to base answers to Item 2, the answers to said Items are
based upon imcomplete information.  Said Items may, however, be considered
correct unless amended by an amendment to this Form T-1.





<PAGE>   3


                                   SIGNATURE



               Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
the trustee, Fleet National Bank, a national banking association organized and
existing under the laws of the United States, has duly caused this statement of
of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Hartford, and State of
Connecticut, on the 11th day of February, 1997.

                                         FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                                         AS TRUSTEE




                               By:  /s/ Elizabeth C. Hammer
                                        -------------------------







<PAGE>   4









                                   EXHIBIT 1


                            ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
                                     OF
                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK


FIRST.  The title of this Association, which shall carry on the business of
banking under the laws of the United States, shall be "Fleet National Bank."

SECOND.  The main office of the Association shall be in Springfield, Hampden
County Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The general business of the Association
shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.

THIRD.  The board of directors of this Association shall consist of not less
than five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25) shareholders, the exact number of
directors within such minimum and maximum limits to be fixed and determined
from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or
by resolution of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof.
Unless otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, any vacancy in the
board of directors for any reason, including an increase in the number thereof,
may be filled by action of the board of directors.

FOURTH.  The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors
and the transaction of whatever other business may be brought before said
meeting shall be held at the main office or such other place as the board of
directors may designate, on the day of each year specified therefore in the
bylaws, but if no election is held on that day, it may be held on any
subsequent day according to the provisions of law; and all elections shall be
held according to such lawful regulations as may be prescribed by the board of
directors.

FIFTH.  The authorized amount of capital stock of this Association shall be
eight million five hundred thousand (8,500,000) shares of which three million
five hundred thousand (3,500,000) shares shall be common stock with a
par value of six and 25/100 dollars ($6.25) each, and of which five million
(5,000,000) shares without par value shall be preferred stock.  The capital
stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, in accordance with
the provisions of the laws of the United States.

No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the Association shall
have any pre-emptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any
class of stock of the Association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to
any obligations convertible into stock of the Association, issued or sold, nor
any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the board
of directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such
price as the board of directors may from time to time fix.



<PAGE>   5

The board of directors of the Association is authorized, subject to limitations
prescribed by law and the provisions of this Article, to provide for the
issuance from time to time in one or more series of any number of the preferred
shares, and to establish the number of shares be included in each series, and
to fix the designation, relative rights, preferences, qualifications and
limitations of the shares of each such series.  The authority of the board of
directors with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to,
determination of the following:

a.  The number of shares constituting that series and the distinctive
    designation of that series;

b.  The dividend rate on the shares of that series, whether dividends shall be
    cumulative, and, if so, from which date or dates, and whether they shall be
    payable in preference to, or in another relation to, the dividends payable
    to any other class or classes or series of stock;

c.  Whether that series shall have voting rights, in addition to the voting
    rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights;

d.  Whether that series shall have conversion or exchange privileges, and,
    if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange, including
    provision for the adjustment of the conversion or exchange rate in such
    events as the board of directors shall determine;

e.  Whether or not the shares of that series shall be redeemable, and, if so,
    the terms and conditions of such redemption, including the manner of
    selecting shares for redemption if less than all shares are to be redeemed,
    the date or dates upon or after which they shall be redeemable, and the
    amount per share payable in case of redemption, which amount may vary under
    different conditions and at different redemption dates;

f.  Whether that series shall be entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund to
    be applied to the purchase or redemption of shares of that series, and, if
    so, the terms and amounts of such sinking fund;

g.  The right of the shares of that series to the benefit of conditions and
    restrictions upon the creation of indebtedness of the Association or any
    subsidiary, upon the issue of any additional stock (including additional
    shares of such series or of any other series) and upon the payment of
    dividends or the making of other distributions on, and the purchase,
    redemption or other acquisition by the Association or any subsidiary of
    any outstanding stock of the Association;

h.  The right of the shares of that series in the event of voluntary or
    involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Association and
    whether such rights shall be in preference to, or in another relation to,
    the comparable rights of any other class or classes or series of stock; and

i.  Any other relative, participating, optional or other special rights,
    qualifications, limitations or restrictions of that series.

Shares of any series of preferred stock which have been redeemed (whether
through the operation of a sinking fund or otherwise) or which, if convertible
or exchangeable, have been converted into or exchanged for shares of stock of
any other class or classes shall have the status of authorized and unissued
shares of preferred stock of the same series and may be reissued as a part of
the series of which they were originally a part or may be reclassified and
reissued as part of a new series of preferred stock to be created by resolution
or resolutions of the board of directors or as part of any other series or
preferred stock, all subject to the conditions and the restrictions adopted by
the board of directors providing for the issue of any series of preferred
stock and by the provisions of any applicable law.

Subject to the provisions of any applicable law, or except as otherwise
provided by the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of any series
of preferred stock, the holders of outstanding shares of common stock shall
exclusively possess voting power for the election of directors and for all
purposes, each holder of record of shares of common stock being entitled to one
vote for each share of common stock standing in his name on the books of the
Association.

Except as otherwise provided by the resolution or resolutions providing for the
issue of any series of preferred stock, after payment shall have been made to
the holders of preferred stock of the full amount of dividends to which they
shall be entitled pursuant to the resolution or resolutions providing for the
issue of any other series of preferred stock, the holders of common stock shall
be entitled, to the exclusion of the holders of preferred stock of any and all
series, to receive such dividends as from time to time may be declared by the
board of directors.

Except as otherwise provided by the resolution or resolutions for the issue
of any series of preferred stock, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Association, whether voluntary or involuntary, after
payment shall have been made to the holders of preferred stock of the full
amount to which they shall be entitled pursuant to the resolution or
resolutions providing for the issue of any series of preferred stock the
holders of common stock shall be entitled, to the exclusion of the holders of
preferred stock of any and all series, to share, ratable according to the
number of shares of common stock held by them, in all remaining assets of the
Association available for distribution to its shareholders.

The number of authorized shares of any class may be increased or decreased by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the
Association entitled to vote.
<PAGE>   6
SIXTH.  The board of directors shall appoint one of its members president of
this Association, who shall be chairman of the board, unless the board appoints
another director to be the chairman.  The board of directors shall have the
power to appoint one or more vice presidents; and to appoint a secretary and
such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the business
of this Association.

The board of directors shall have the power to define the duties of the
officers and employees of the Association; to fix the salaries to be paid to
them; to dismiss them; to require bonds from them and to fix the penalty
thereof; to regulate the manner in which any increase of the capital of the
Association shall be made; to manage and administer the business and affairs of
the Association; to make all bylaws that it may be lawful for them to make; and
generally to do and perform all acts that it may be legal for a board of
directors to do and perform.

SEVENTH.  The board of directors shall have the power to change the location of
the main office to any other place within the limits of the City of Hartford,
Connecticut, without the approval of the shareholders but subject to the
approval of the Comptroller of the Currency; and shall have the power to
establish or change the location of any branch or branches of the Association
to any other location, without the approval of the shareholders but subject to
the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency.

EIGHTH.  The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until
terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

NINTH.  The board of directors of this Association, or any three or more
shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not less than ten percent (10%) of the
stock of this Association, may call a special meeting of shareholders at any
time.  Unless otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, a notice of
the time, place and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the
shareholders shall be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, mailed at
least ten (10) days prior to the date of such meeting to each shareholder of
record at his address as shown upon the books of this Association.

TENTH. (a)  Right to Indemnification.  Each person who was or is made a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or
she is or was a director, officer or employee of the Association or is or was
serving at the request of the Association as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited
liability company, trust, or other enterprise, including service with respect
to an employee benefit plan, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the
Association to the fullest extent authorized by the law of the state in which
the Association's ultimate parent company is incorporated, except as provided
in subsection (b).  The aforesaid indemnity shall protect the indemnified
person against all expense, liability and loss (including attorney's fees,
judgements, fines ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in
settlement) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such a
proceeding.  Such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased
to be a director, officer or employee and shall inure to the benefit of his or
her heirs, executors, and administrators, but shall only cover such person's
period of service with the Association.  The Association may, by action of its
Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification to agents of the
Association and to any director, officer, employee or agent of any of its
subsidiaries with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification
of directors and officers.

(b)   Restrictions on Indemnification.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no
person shall be indemnified hereunder by the Association against expenses,
penalties, or other payments incurred in an administrative proceeding or action
instituted by a federal bank regulatory agency which proceeding or action
results in a final order assessing civil money penalties against that person,
requiring affirmative action by that person in the form of payments to the
Association, or removing or prohibiting that person from service with the
Association, and any advancement of expenses to that person in that proceeding
must be repaid; and (ii) no person shall be indemnified hereunder by the
Association and no advancement of expenses shall be made to any person
hereunder to the extent such indemnification or advancement of expenses would
violate or conflict with any applicable federal statute now or hereafter in
force or any applicable final regulation or interpretation now or hereafter
adopted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") or the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").  The Association shall comply with any
requirements imposed on it by any such statue or regulation in connection with
any indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder by the Association.
With respect to proceedings to enforce a claimant's rights to indemnification,
the Association shall indemnify any such claimant in connection with such a
proceeding only as provided in subsection (d) hereof.

(c)   Advancement of Expenses.  The conditional right to indemnification
conferred in this section shall be a contract right and shall include the
right to be paid by the Association the reasonable expenses (including
attorney's fees) incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final
disposition (an "advancement of expenses"); provided, however, that an
advancement of expenses shall be made only upon (i) delivery to the Association
of a binding written undertaking by or on behalf of the person receiving the
advancement to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined
that such person is not entitled to be indemnified in such proceeding,
including if such proceeding results in a final order assessing civil money
penalties against that person, requiring affirmative action by that person
in the form of payments to the Association, or removing or prohibiting that
person from service with the Association, and (ii) compliance with any other
actions or determinations required by applicable law, regulation or OCC or FDIC
interpretation to be taken or made by the Board of Directors of the Association

<PAGE>   7
or other persons prior to an advancement of expenses.  The Association shall
cease advancing expenses at any time its Board of Directors believes that any
of the prerequisites for advancement of expenses are no longer being met.

(d)   Right of Claimant to Bring Suit.  If a claim under subsection (a) of the
section is not paid in full by the Association within thirty (30) days after
written claim has been received by the Association, the claimant may at any time
thereafter bring suit against the Association to recover the unpaid amount
of the claim.  If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a
suit brought by the Association to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant
to the terms of an undertaking, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also
the expense of prosecuting or defending such claim.  It shall be a defense to
any such action brought by the claimant to enforce a right to indemnification
hereunder (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for an advancement
of expenses where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the
Association) that the claimant has not met any applicable standard for
indemnification under the law of the state in which the Association's ultimate
parent company is incorporated.  In any suit brought by the Association to
recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the
Association shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final
adjudication that the claimant has not met any applicable standard for
indemnification standard for indemnification under the law of the state in
which the Association's ultimate parent company is incorporated.

(e)   Non-Exclusivity of Rights.  The rights to indemnification and the
advancement of expenses conferred in this section shall not be exclusive of any
other right which any person may have or hereafter acquired under any statute,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

(f)   Insurance.  The Association may purchase, maintain, and make payment or
reimbursement for reasonable premiums on, insurance to protect itself and any
director, officer, employee or agent of the Association or another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense,
liability or loss, whether or not the Association would have the power to
indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the law of
the state in which the Association's ultimate parent company is incorporated;
provided however, that such insurance shall explicitly exclude insurance
coverage for a final order of a federal bank regulatory agency assessing civil
money penalties against an Association director, officer, employee or agent.

ELEVENTH.  These articles of association may be amended at any regular or
special meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the stock of this Association, unless the vote of the holders of
greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the vote of the
holders of such greater amount.  The notice of any shareholders' meeting at
which an amendment to the articles of association of this Association is to be
considered shall be given as hereinabove set forth.

I hereby certify that the articles of association of this Association, in their
entirety, are listed above in items first through eleventh.


                                                   Secretary/Assistant Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------



Dated at                                         ,  as of                      .
         ---------------------------------------           --------------------




Revision of February 15, 1996






<PAGE>   8


                                   EXHIBIT 2

[LOGO]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL BANKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington, D.C. 20219



                                  CERTIFICATE


I, Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify
that:

(1)       The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes
324, et seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession,
custody and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and
supervision of all National Banking Associations.

(2)       "Fleet National Bank", (Charter No. 1338), is a National Banking
Association formed under the laws of the United States and is authorized
thereunder to transact the business of banking on the date of this Certificate.

                                       IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
                                       subscribed my name and caused my seal of
                                       office to be affixed to these presents at
                                       the Treasury Department, in the City of
                                       Washington and District of Columbia, this
                                       3rd day of October, 1996.


                                       /s/ EUGENE A. LUDWIG
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Comptroller of the Currency




<PAGE>   9
                                  EXHIBIT 2


[LOGO]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL BANKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington, D.C. 20219



                       Certification of Fiduciary Powers

I, Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify
the records in this Office evidence "Fleet National Bank", (Charter No. 1338),
was granted, under the hand and seal of the Comptroller, the right to act in
all fiduciary capacities authorized under the provisions of The Act of Congress
approved September 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 668, 12 U.S.C. 92a.  I further certify
the authority so granted remains in full force and effect.


                                       IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
                                       subscribed my name and caused my seal of
                                       Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
                                       to be affixed to these presents at the
                                       Treasury Department, in the City of
                                       Washington and District of Columbia, this
                                       3rd day of October, 1996.


                                       /s/ EUGENE A. LUDWIG
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Comptroller of the Currency




<PAGE>   10

                                   EXHIBIT 4


                        AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS OF

                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                                   ARTICLE I

                            MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS


Section 1. Annual Meeting.  The regular annual meeting of the shareholders for
the election of Directors and the transaction of any other business that may
properly come before the meeting shall be held at the Main Office of the
Association, or such other place as the Board of Directors may designate, on
the fourth Thursday of April in each year at 1:15 o'clock in the afternoon
unless some other hour of such day is fixed by the Board of Directors.

If, from any cause, an election of Directors is not made on such day, the Board
of Directors shall order the election to be held on some subsequent day, of
which special notice shall be given in accordance with the provisions of law,
and of these bylaws.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders may be called
at any time by the Board of Directors, the President, or any shareholders
owning not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the stock of the Association.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings of Shareholders.  Except as otherwise provided
by law, notice of the time and place of annual or special meetings of the
shareholders shall be mailed, postage prepaid, at least ten (10) days before
the date of the meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat
at his address as shown upon the books of the Association; but any failure to
mail such notice to any shareholder or any irregularity therein, shall not
affect the validity of such meeting or of any of the proceedings thereat.
Notice of a special meeting shall also state the purpose of the meeting.

Section 4. Quorum; Adjourned Meetings.  Unless otherwise provided by law, a
quorum for the transaction of business at every meeting of the shareholders
shall consist of not less than two-fifths (2/5) of the outstanding capital
stock represented in person or by proxy; less than such quorum may adjourn the
meeting to a future time.  No notice need be given of an adjourned annual or
special meeting of the shareholders if the adjournment be to a definite place
and time.

Section 5. Votes and Proxies.  At every meeting of the shareholders, each
share of the capital stock shall be entitled to one vote except as otherwise
provided by law.  A majority of the votes cast shall decide every question
or matter submitted to the shareholder at any meeting, unless otherwise
provided by law or by the Articles of Association or these By-laws.  Share-
holders may vote by proxies duly authorized in writing and filed with the
Cashier, but no officer, clerk, teller or bookeeper of the Association may act
as a proxy.




<PAGE>   11

Section 6. Nominations to Board of Directors.  At any meeting of shareholders
held for the election of Directors, nominations for election to the Board of
Directors may be made, subject to the provisions of this section, by any share-
holder of record of any outstanding class of stock of the Association entitled
to vote for the election of Directors.  No person other than those whose names
are stated as proposed nominees in the proxy statement accompanying the notice
of the meeting may be nominated as such meeting unless a shareholder shall have
given to the President of the Association and to the Comptroller of the
Currency, Washington, DC written notice of intention to nominate such other
person mailed by certified mail or delivered not less than fourteen (14) days
nor more than fifty (50) days prior to the meeting of shareholders at which
such nomination is to be made; provided, however, that if less than twenty-one
(21) days' notice of such meeting is given to shareholders, such notice of
intention to nominate shall be mailed by certified mail or delivered to said
President and said Comptroller on or before the seventh day following the day
on which the notice of such meeting was mailed.  Such notice of intention to
nominate shall contain the following information to the extent known to the
notifying shareholder: (a) the name and address of each proposed nominee; (b)
the principal occupation of each proposed nominee; (c) the total number of
shares of capital stock of the Association that will be voted for each proposed
nominee; (d) the name and residence address of the notifying shareholder; and
(e) the number of shares of capital stock of the Association owned by the
notifying shareholder. In the event such notice is given, the proposed nominee
may be nominated either by the shareholder giving such notice or by any other
shareholder present at the meeting at which such nomination is to be made.
Such notice may contain the names of more than one proposed nominee, and if
more than one is named, any one or more of those named may be nominated.

Section 7. Action Taken Without a Shareholder Meeting.  Any action requiring
shareholder approval or consent may be taken without a meeting and without
notice of such meeting by written consent of the shareholders.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                   DIRECTORS



Section 1. Number.  The Board of Directors shall consist of such number of
shareholders, not less than five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25), as from
time to time shall be determined by a majority of the votes to which all of its
shareholders are at the time entitled, or by the Board of Directors as
hereinafter provided.

Section 2. Mandatory Retirement for Directors.  No person shall be elected a
director who has attained the age of 68 and no person shall continue to serve
as a director after the date of the first meeting of the stockholders of the
Association held on or after the date on which such person attains the age of
68; provided, however, that any director serving on the Board as of December
15, 1995 who has attanined the age of 65 on or prior to such date shall be
permitted to continue to serve as a director until the date of the first
meeting of the stockholders of the Association held on or after the date on
which such person attains the age of 70.

                                 -2-


<PAGE>   12

Section 3. General Powers.  The Board of Directors shall exercise all the
coporate powers of the Association, except as expressly limited by law, and
shall have the control, management, direction and dispositon of all its
property and affairs.

Section 4. Annual Meeting.  Immediately following a meeting of shareholders
held for the election of Directors, the Cashier shall notify the directors-
elect who may be present of their election and they shall then hold a meeting
at the Main Office of the Association, or such other place as the Board of
Directors may designate, for the purpose of taking their oaths, organizing the
new Board, electing officers and transacting any other business that may come
before such meeting.

Section 5. Regular Meeting.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall
be held without notice at the Main Office of the Association, or such other
place as the Board of Directors may designate, at such dates and times as the
Board shall determine.  If the day designated for a regular meeting falls on a
legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next business day.

Section 6. Special Meetings.  A special meeting of the Board of Directors may
be called at anytime upon the written request of the Chairman of the Board, the
President, or of two Directors, stating the purpose of the meeting.  Notice of
the time and place shall be given not later than the day before the date of the
meeting, by mailing a notice to each Director at his last known address, by
delivering such notice to him personally, or by telephoning.

Section 7. Quorum; Votes.  A majority of the Board of Directors at the time
holding office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business,
except when otherwise provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn
a meeting from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without
further notice.  If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative
vote of a majority of Directors present is the act of the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Action by Directors Without a Meeting.  Any action requiring
Director approval or consent may be taken without a meeting and without notice
of such meeting by written consent of all the Directors.

Section 9. Telephonic Participation in Directors' Meetings.  A Director or
member of a Committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of
the Board or of such Committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or of
such Committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment enabling all Directors participating in the meeting to hear one
another, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person
at such a meeting.

Section 10. Vacancies.  Vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled by
the remaining members of the Board at any regular or special meeting of the
Board.

Section 11. Interim Appointments.  The Board of Directors shall, if the share-
holders at any meeting for the election of Directors have determined a number
of Directors less than twenty-five (25), have the power, by affirmative vote of
the majority of all the Directors, to increase such number of Directors to not
more than twenty-five (25) and to elect Directors to fill the resulting
vacancies and to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or the
next election of Directors; provided, however, that the number of Directors
shall not be so increased by more than two (2) if the number last determined
by shareholders was fifteen (15) or less, or increased by more than four (4) if
the number last determined by shareholders was sixteen (16) or more.

Section 12. Fees.  The Board of Directors shall fix the amount and direct the
payment of fees which shall be paid to each Director for attendance at any
meeting of the Board of Directors or of any Committees of the Board.



                                  ARTICLE III

                            COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Section 1. Executive Committee.  The Board of Directors shall appoint from its
members an Executive Committee which shall consist of such number of persons as
the Board of Directors shall determine; the Chairman of the Board and the
President shall be members ex-officio of the Executive Committee with full
voting power.  The Chairman of the Board or the President may from time to time
appoint from the Board of Directors as temporary additional members of the
Executive Committee, with full voting powers, not more than two members to serve
for such periods as the Chairman of the Board or the President may determine.
The Board of Directors shall designate a member of the Executive Committee to
serve as Chairman thereof.  A meeting of the Executive Committee may be called
at any time upon the written request of the Chairman of the Board, the President
or the Chairman of the Executive Committee, stating the purpose of the meeting.
Not less than twenty four hours' notice of said meeting shall be given to each
member of the Committee personally, by telephoning, or by mail.  The Chairman of
the Executive Committee or, in his absence, a member of the Committee chosen by
a majority of the members present shall preside at meetings of the Executive
Committee.


                                      -3-


<PAGE>   13
The Executive Committee shall possess and may exercise all the powers of the
Board when the Board is not in session except such as the Board, only, by law,
is authorized to exercise; it shall keep minutes of its acts and proceedings
and cause same to be presented and reported at every regular meeting and at any
special meeting of the Board including specifically, all its actions relating
to loans and discounts.

All acts done and powers and authority conferred by the Executive Committee,
from time to time, within the scope of its authority, shall be deemed to be,
and may be certified as being, the acts of and under the authority of the
Board.

Section 2. Risk Management Committee.  The Board shall appoint from its
members a Risk Management Committee which shall consist of such number as the
Board shall determine.  The Board shall designate a member of the Risk
Management Committee to serve as Chairman thereof.  It shall be the duty of the
Risk Management Committee to (a) serve as the channel of communication with
management and the Board of Directors of Fleet Financial Group, Inc. to assure
that formal processes supported by management information systems are in place
for the identification, evaluation and management of significant risks inherent
in or associated with lending activities, the loan portfolio, asset-liablity
management, the investment portfolio, trust and investment advisory activities,
the sale of nondeposit investment products and new products and services and
such additional activities or functions as the Board may determine from time
to time; (b) assure the formulation and adoption of policies approved by the
Risk Management Committee or Board governing lending activities, management of
the loan portfolio, the maintenance of an adequate allowance for loan and lease
losses, asset-liability management, the investment portfolio, the retail
sale of non-deposit investment products, new products and services and such
additional activities or functions as the Board may determine from time to time
(c) assure that a comprehensive independent loan review program is in place for
the early detection of problem loans and review significant reports of the loan
review department, management's responses to those reports and the risk
attributed to unresolved issues; (d) subject to control of the Board, exercise
general supervision over trust activities, the investment of trust funds, the
disposition of trust investments and the acceptance of new trusts and the terms
of such acceptance, and (e) perform such additional duties and exercise such
additional powers of the Board as the Board may determine from time to time.

Section 3.  Audit Committee.  The Board shall appoint from its members and
Audit Committee which shall consist of such number as the Board shall determine
no one of whom shall be an active officer or employee of the Association or
Fleet Financial Group, Inc. or any of its affiliates.  In addition, members of
the Audit Committee must not (i) have served as an officer or employee of the
Association or any of its affiliates at any time during the year prior to their
appointment; or (ii) own, control, or have owned or controlled at any time
during the year prior to appointment, ten percent (10%) or more of any
outstanding class of voting securities of the Association.  At least two (2)
members of the Audit Committee must have significant executive, professional,
educational or regulatory experience in financial, auditing, accounting,
or banking matters.  No member of the Audit Commitee may have significant
direct or indirect credit or other relationships with the Association, the
termination of which would materially adversely affect the Association's
financial condition or results of operations.

The Board shall designate a member of the Audit Committee to serve as Chairman
thereof.  It shall be the duty of the Audit Committee to (a) cause a continuous
audit and examination to be made on its behalf into the affairs of the
Association and to review the results of such examination; (b) review
significant reports of the internal auditing department, management's responses
to those reports and the risk attributed to unresolved issues; (c) review the
basis for the reports issued under Section 112 of The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation Improvement Act of 1991; (d) consider, in consultation with the
independent auditor and an internal auditing executive, the adequacy of the
Association's internal controls, including the resolution of identified material
weakness and reportable conditions; (e) review regulatory communications
received from any federal or state agency with supervisory jurisdiction or
other examining authority and monitor any needed corrective action by
management; (f) ensure that a formal system of internal controls is in place
for maintaining compliance with laws and regulations; (g) cause an audit of the
Trust Department at least once during each calendar year and within 15 months
of the last such audit or, in liew thereof, adopt a continuous audit system and
report to the Board each calendar year and within 15 months of the previous
report on the performance of such audit function; and (h) perform such
additional duties and exercise such additional powers of the Board as the Board
may determine from time to time.

The Audit Committee may consult with internal counsel and retain its own
outside counsel without approval (prior or otherwise) from the Board or
management and obligate the Association to pay the fees of such counsel.





                                      -4-



<PAGE>   14

Section 4. Community Affairs Committee.  The Board shall appoint from its
members a Community Affairs Committee which shall consist of such number as the
Board shall determine.  The Board shall designate a member of the Community
Affairs Committee to serve as Chairman thereof.  It shall be the duty of the
Commmunity Affairs Committee to (a) oversee compliance by the Association with
the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended, and the regulations
promulgated thereunder; and (b) perform such additional duties and exercise such
additional powers of the Board as the Board may determine from time to time.

Section 5. Regular Meetings.  Except for the Executive Committee which shall
meet on an ad hoc basis as set forth in Section 1 of this Article, regular
meetings of the Committees of the Board of Directors shall be held, without
notice, at such time and place as the Committee or the Board of Directors may
appoint and as often as the business of the Association may require.

Section 6. Special Meetings.  A Special Meeting of any of the Committees of
the Board of Directors may be called upon the written request of the Chairman
of the Board or the President, or of any two members of the respective
Committee, stating the purpose of the meeting.  Not less than twenty-four
hours' notice of such special meeting shall be given to each member of the
Committee personally, by telephoning, or by mail.

Section 7. Emergency Meetings.  An Emergency Meeting of any of the Committees
of the Board of Directors may be called at the request of the Chairman of the
Board or the President, who shall state that an emergency exists, upon not
less than one hour's notice to each member of the Committee personally or by
telephoning.

Section 8. Action Taken Without a Committee Meeting.  Any Committee of the
Board of Directors may take action without a meeting and without notice of such
meeting by resolution assented to in writing by all members of such Committee.

Section 9. Quorum.  A majority of a Committee of the Board of Directors shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at any meeting of such
Committee.  If a quorum is not available, the Chairman of the Board or the
President shall have power to make temporary appointments to a Committee of-
members of the Board of Directors, to act in the place and stead of members who
temporarily cannot attend any such meeting; provided, however, that any
temporary appointment to the Audit Committee must meet the requirements for
members of that Committee set forth in Section 3 of this Article.

Section 10. Record.  The committes of the Board of Directors shall keep a
record of their respective meetings and proceedings which shall be presented
at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held in the calendar month
next following the meetings of the Committees.  If there is no regular Board
of Directors meeting held in the calendar month next following the meeting of
a Committee, then such Committee's records shall be presented at the next
regular Board of Directors meeting held in a month subsequent to such Committee
meeting.

Section 11. Changes and Vacancies.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to change the members of any Committee at any time and to fill vacancies on any
Committee; provided, however, that any newly appointed member of the Audit
Committee must meet the requirements for members of that Committee set forth in
Section 3 of this Article.

Section 12. Other Committees.  The Board of Directors may appoint, from time
to time, other committees of one or more persons, for such purposes and with
such powers as the Board may determine.



                                   ARTICLE IV

                          WAIVER OF NOTICE  OF MEETINGS

Section 1. Waiver.  Whenever notice is required to be given to any shareholder,
Director, or member of a Committee of the Board of Directors, such notice may
be waived in writing either before or after such meeting by any shareholder,
Director or Committee member respectively, as the case may be, who may be
entitled to such notice; and such notice will be deemed to be waived by
attendance at any such meeting.






                                      -5-



<PAGE>   15




                                 ARTICLE V

                             OFFICERS AND AGENTS

Section 1. Officers.  The Board shall appoint a Chairman of the Board and a
President, and shall have the power to appoint one or more Executive Vice
Presidents, one or more Senior Vice Presidents, one or more Vice Presidents, a
Cashier, a Secretary, an Auditor, a Controller, one or more Trust Officers and-
such other officers as are deemed necessary or desirable for the proper
transaction of business of the Association.  The Chairman of the Board and the
President shall be appointed from members of the Board of Directors.  Any two
or more offices, except those of President and Cashier, or Secretary, may be
held by the same person.  The Board may, from time to time, by resolution
passed by a majority of the entire Board, designate one or more officers of the
Association or of an affiliate or of Fleet Financial Group, Inc. with power to
appoint one or more Vice Presidents and such other officers of the Association
below the level of Vice President as the officer or officers designated in such
resolution deem necessary or desirable for the proper transaction of the
business of the Association.

Section 2. Chairman of the Board.  The chairman of the Board shall preside at
all meetings of the Board of Directors.  Subject to definition by the Board of
Directors, he shall have general executive powers and such specific powers and
duties as from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned to him by the
Board of Directors.

Section 3. President.  The President shall preside at all meetings of the
Board of Directors if there be no Chairman or if the Chairman be absent.
Subject to definition by the Board of Directors, he shall have general
executive powers and such specific powers and duties as from time to time may
be conferred upon or assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

                                      -6-



<PAGE>   16

Section 4. Cashier and Secretary.  The Cashier shall be the Secretary of the
Board and of the Executive Committee, and shall keep accurate minutes of their
meetings and of all meetings of the shareholders.  He shall attend to the
giving of all notices required by these By-laws.  He shall be custodian of the
corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the Association.  He shall
have such powers and perform such duties as pertain by law or regulation to the
office of Cashier, or as are imposed by these By-laws, or as may be delegated
to him from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board
or the President.

Section 5. Auditor.  The Auditor shall be the chief auditing officer of the
Association.  He shall continuously examine the affairs of the Association and
from time to time shall report to the Board of Directors.  He shall have such
powers and perform such duties as are conferred upon, or assigned to him by
these By-laws, or as may be delegated to him from time to time by the Board
of Directors.

Section 6. Officers Seriatim.  The Board of Directors shall designate from
time to time not less than two officers who shall in the absence or disability
of the Chairman or President or both, succeed seriatim to the duties and
responsibilities of the Chairman and President respectively.

Section 7. Clerks and Agents.  The Board of Directors may appoint, from time
to time, such clerks, agents and employees as it may deem advisable for the
prompt and orderly transaction of the business of the Association, define
their duties, fix the salaries to be paid them and dismiss them.  Subject to
the authority of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the
President, or any other officer of the Association authorized by either of them
may appoint and dismiss all or any clerks, agents and employees and prescribe
their duties and the conditions of their employment, and from time to time
fix their compensation.

Section 8. Tenure.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President
shall, except in the case of death, resignation, retirement or disqualification
under these By-laws, or unless removed by the affirmative vote of at least two-
thirds of all of the members of the Board of Directors, hold office for the
term of one year or until their respective successors are appointed.  Either
of such officers appointed to fill a vacancy occurring in an unexpired term
shall serve for such unexpired term of such vacancy.  All other officers,
clerks, agents, attorneys-in-fact and employees of the Association shall hold
office during the pleasure of the Board of Directors or of the officer or
committee appointing them respectively.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                TRUST DEPARTMENT

Section 1. General Powers and Duties.  All fiduciary powers of the Association
shall be exercised through the Trust Department, subject to such regulations as
the Comptroller of the Currency shall from time to time establish.  The Trust
Department shall be to placed under the management and immediate supervision
of an officer or officers appointed by the Board of Directors.  The duties of
all officers of the Trust Department shall be to cause the policies and
instructions of the Board and the Risk Management Committee with respect to the
trusts under their supervision to be carried out, and to supervise the due
performance of the trusts and agencies entrusted to the Association and under
their supervision, in accordance with law and in accordance with the terms of
such trusts and agencies.




                                      -7-



<PAGE>   17


                                  ARTICLE VII

                                 BRANCH OFFICES

Section 1. Establishment.  The Board of Directors shall have full power to
establish, to discontinue, or, from time to time, to change the location of any
branch office, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Section 2. Supervision and Control.  Subject to the general supervision and
control of the Board of Directors, the affairs of branch offices shall be
under the immediate supervision and control of the President or of such other
officer or officers, employee or employees, or other individuals as the Board
of Directors may from time to time determine, with such powers and duties as
the Board of Directors may confer upon or assign to him or them.


                                   ARTICLE VIII

                                 SIGNATURE POWERS

Section 1. Authorization.  The power of officers, employees, agents and
attorneys to sign on behalf of and to affix the seal of the Association shall
be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee or by
both; provided that the President is authorized to restrict such power of any
officer, employee, agent or attorney to the business of a specific department
or departments, or to a specific branch office or branch offices.  Facsimile
signatures may be authorized.


                                     -8-


<PAGE>   18

                                  ARTICLE IX

                            STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFERS

Section 1. Stock Records.  The Trust Department shall have custody of the
stock certificate books and stock ledgers of the Association, and shall make
all transfers of stock, issue certificates thereof and disburse dividends
declared thereon.


Section 2. Form of Certificate.  Every shareholder shall be entitled to a
certificate conforming to the requirements of law and otherwise in such form
as the Board of Directors may approve.  The certificates shall state on the
face thereof that the stock is transferable only on the books of the
Association and shall be signed by such officers as may be prescribed from time
to time by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee.  Facsimile signatures
may be authorized.

Section 3. Transfers of Stock.  Transfers of stock shall be made only on the
books of the Association by the holder in person, or by attorney duly
authorized in writing, upon surrender of the certificate therefor properly
endorsed, or upon the surrender of such certificate accompanied by a properly
executed written assignment of the same, or a written power of attorney to
sell, assign or transfer the same or the shares represented thereby.

Section 4. Lost Certificate.  The Board of Directors or Executive Committee
may order a new certificate to be issued in place of a certificate lost or
destroyed, upon proof of such loss or destruction and upon tender to the
Association by the shareholder, of a bond in such amount and with or without
surety, as may be ordered, indemnifying the Association against all liability,
loss, cost and damage by reason of such loss or destruction and the issuance
of a new certificate.

Section 5. Closing Transfer Books.  The Board of Directors may close the
transfer books for a period not exceeding thirty days preceding any regular
or special meeting of the shareholders, or the day designated for the payment
of a dividend or the allotment of rights.  In lieu of closing the transfer
books the Board of Directors may fix a day and hour not more than thirty days
prior to the day of holding any meeting of the shareholders, or the day
designated for the payment of a dividend, or the day designated for the
allotment of rights, or the day when any change of conversion or exchange of
capital stock is to go into effect, as the day as of which shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at such meetings or entitled to such dividend
or to such allotment of rights or to exercise the rights in respect of any
such change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, shall be determined, and
only such shareholders as shall be shareholders of record on the day and hour
so fixed shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or to
receive payment of such dividend or to receive such allotment of rights or to
exercise such rights, as the case may be.


                              ARTICLE X

                          THE CORPORATE SEAL

Section 1. Seal.  The following is an impression of the seal of the
Association adopted by the Board of Directors.


                              ARTICLE  XI

                             BUSINESS HOURS

Section 1. Business Hours.  The main office of this Association and each
branch office thereof shall be open for business on such days, and for such
hours as the Chairman, or the President, or any Executive Vice President, or
such other officer as the Board of Directors shall from time to time
designate, may determine as to each office to conform to local custom and
convenience, provided that any one or more of the main and branch offices or
certain departments thereof may be open for such hours as the President, or
such other officer as the Board of Directors shall from time to time designate,
may determine as to each office or department on any legal holiday on which
work is not prohibited by law, and provided further that any one or more of
the main and branch offices or certain departments thereof may be ordered
closed or open on any day for such hours as to each office or department as
the President, or such other officer as the Board of Directors shall from time
to time designate, subject to applicable laws regulations, may determine when
such action may be required by reason of disaster or other emergency condition.


                                ARTICLE IX

                              CHANGES IN BY-LAWS

Section 1. Amendments.  These By-laws may be amended upon vote of a majority
of the entire Board of Directors at any meeting of the Board, provided ten (10)
day's notice of the proposed amendment has been given to each member of the
Board of Directors.  No amendment may be made unless the By-law, as amended, is
consistent with the requirements of law and of the Articles of Association.
These By-laws may also be amended by the Association's shareholders.




A true copy

Attest:



                                        Secretary/Assistant Secretary
- ---------------------------------------



Dated at                                         , as of                       .
         ---------------------------------------         ----------------------

Revision of January 11, 1993






                                     -9-




<PAGE>   19
                                  EXHIBIT 5



                             CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
                           REQUIRED BY SECTION 321(b)
                       OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939


     The undersigned, as Trustee under the Indenture to be entered into between
Lomak Petroleum, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as Trustee, does hereby consent
that, pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, reports of
examinations with respect to the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or
District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request therefor.


                                           FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                                           AS TRUSTEE


                                    By:  /s/ Elizabeth C. Hammer
                                            -------------------------------

                                             Its: Vice President



Dated:  February 11, 1997




<PAGE>   20
                                                     Board of Governors of the
                                                     Federal Reserve System
                                                     OMB Number:  7100-0036

                                                     Federal Deposit Insurance
                                                     Corporation
                                                     OMB Number:  3064-0052

                                                     Office of the Comptroller
                                                     of the Currency
                                                     OMB Number:  1557-0081

                                                     Expires March 31, 1999


Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]                                                                      [1]
                                                Please refer to page i,
                                                Table of Contents, for
                                                the required disclosure
                                                of estimated burden.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONSOLIDATED REPORTS OF CONDITION AND INCOME FOR
A BANK WITH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN OFFICES -- FFIEC 031

                                                     (960930)
REPORT AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 30, 1996   --------
                                                    (RCRI 9999)

This report is required by law: 12 U.S.C. Section 324 (State member banks); 12
U.S.C. Section 1817 (State nonmember banks); and 12 U.S.C. Section 161
(National banks).

This report form is to be filed by banks with branches and consolidated
subsidiaries in U.S. territories and possessions, Edge or Agreement
subsidiaries, foreign branches, consolidated foreign subsidiaries, or
international Banking Facilities.

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

NOTE: The Reports of Condition and Income must be signed by an authorized
officer and the Report of Condition must be attested to by not less than two
directors (trustees) for State nonmember banks and three directors for State
member and National banks.

I, Giro S. DeRosa, Vice President
  ---------------------------------------------------
  Name and Title of Officer Authorized to Sign Report

of the named bank do hereby declare that these Reports of Condition and Income
(including the supporting schedules) have been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are
true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

/s/ Giro DeRosa
- -----------------------------------------------------
Signature of Officer Authorized to Sign Report

10/26/96
- -----------------------------------------------------
Date of Signature


The Reports of Condition and Income are to be prepared in accordance with
Federal regulatory authority instructions. 

NOTE: These instructions may in some cases differ from generally accepted
accounting principles.

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of this
Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) and declare that it
has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal
regulatory authority and is true and correct.

/s/ [SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE]
- -----------------------------------------------------
Director (Trustee)

/s/ [SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE]
- -----------------------------------------------------
Director (Trustee)

/s/ [SIGNATURE ILLEGIBLE]
- -----------------------------------------------------
Director (Trustee)

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

FOR BANKS SUBMITTING HARD COPY REPORT FORMS:

STATE MEMBER BANKS: Return the original and one copy to the appropriate Federal
Reserve District Bank.

STATE NONMEMBER BANKS: Return the original only in the special return address
envelope provided. If express mail is used in lieu of the special return
address envelope, return the original only to the FDIC, c/o Quality Data
Systems, 2127 Espey Court, Suite 204, Crofton, MD 21114.

NATIONAL BANKS: Return the original only in the special return address envelope
provided. If express mail is used in lieu of the special return address
envelope, return the original only to the FDIC, c/o Quality Data Systems, 2127
Espey Court, Suite 204, Crofton, MD 21114.

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

                          0 2 4 9 9
FDIC Certificate Number  -----------
                         (RCRI 9050)

                                                      [ADDRESS LABEL]

<PAGE>   21
                                                                      FFIEC 031
                                                                      Page i
                                                                      /2/

Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income for
  Bank With Domestic and Foreign Offices
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SIGNATURE PAGE                                                           COVER

REPORT OF INCOME

Schedule RI -- Income Statement ................................... RI-1, 2, 3

Schedule RI-A -- Changes in Equity Capital .............................. RI-4

Schedule RI-B -- Charge-offs and Recoveries and Changes in
   Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses ............................... RI-4, 5

Schedule RI-C -- Applicable Income Taxes by Taxing Authority ............ RI-5

Schedule RI-D -- Income from International Operations ................... RI-6

Schedule RI-E -- Explanations ........................................ RI-7, 8

REPORT OF CONDITION

Schedule RC -- Balance Sheet ......................................... RC-1, 2

Schedule RC-A -- Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions ..... RC-3

Schedule RC-B -- Securities ....................................... RC-3, 4, 5

Schedule RC-C -- Loans and Lease Financing
   Receivables:
   Part I.  Loans and Leases ......................................... RC-6, 7
   Part II. Loans to Small Businesses and Small Farms
            (included in the forms for June 30 only) ............... RC-7a, 7b

Schedule RC-D -- Trading Assets and Liabilities
   (to be completed only by selected banks) ............................. RC-8

Schedule RC-E -- Deposit Liabilities ............................ RC-9, 10, 11

Schedule RC-F -- Other Assets .......................................... RC-11

Schedule RC-G -- Other Liabilities ..................................... RC-11

Schedule RC-H -- Selected Balance Sheet Items for
   Domestic Offices .................................................... RC-12

Schedule RC-I -- Selected Assets and Liabilities of IBFs ............... RC-13

Schedule RC-K -- Quarterly Averages .................................... RC-13

Schedule RC-L -- Off Balance Sheet Items ....................... RC-14, 15, 16

Schedule RC-M -- Memoranda ......................................... RC-17, 18

Schedule RC-N -- Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans, Leases,
   and Other Assets ................................................ RC-19, 20

Schedule RC-O -- Other Data for Deposit Insurance Assessments ...... RC-21, 22

Schedule RC-R -- Regulatory Capital ................................ RC-23, 24

Optional Narrative Statement Concerning the Amounts Reported
   in the Reports of Condition and Income .............................. RC-25

Special Report (to be completed by all banks)

Schedule RC-J -- Repricing Opportunities (sent only to and to be
   completed only by savings banks)



DISCLOSURE OF ESTIMATED BURDEN

THE ESTIMATED AVERAGE BURDEN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INFORMATION COLLECTION IS
32.2 HOURS PER RESPONDENT AND IS ESTIMATED TO VARY FROM 15 TO 230 HOURS PER
RESPONSE, DEPENDING ON INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. BURDEN ESTIMATES INCLUDE THE
TIME FOR REVIEWING INSTRUCTIONS, GATHERING AND MAINTAINING DATA IN THE REQUIRED
FORM, AND COMPLETING THE INFORMATION COLLECTION, BUT EXCLUDE THE TIME FOR
COMPILING AND MAINTAINING BUSINESS RECORDS IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF A
RESPONDENT'S ACTIVITIES. COMMENTS CONCERNING THE ACCURACY OF THIS BURDEN
ESTIMATE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING THIS BURDEN SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE
OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET,
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503, AND TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

SECRETARY
BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20551

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ANALYSIS DIVISION
OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20219

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20429


For information or assistance, National and State nonmember banks should
contact the FDIC's Call Reports Analysis Unit, 550 17th Street, NW, Washington,
D.C. 20429, toll-free on (800) 688-FDIC(3342), Monday through Friday between
8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern time. State member banks should contact their
Federal Reserve District Bank.


<PAGE>   22

Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                
Address:                One Monarch Place                                  
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

Call Date: 9/30/96 
ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Page RI-1

CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF INCOME
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1996-SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

All Report of Income schedules are to be reported on a calendar year-to-date
basis in thousands of dollars.

SCHEDULE RI--INCOME STATEMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          I480
                                                                                         -------------------------
                                                         Dollars Amounts in Thousands      RIAD   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>            <C>        <C>
1. Interest income:
   a. Interest and fee income on loans:
      (1) In domestic offices:
          (a) Loans secured by real estate ..............................................  4011            854,388   1.a.(1)(a)
          (b) Loans to depository institutions ..........................................  4019              1,052   1.a.(1)(b)
          (c) Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers .......  4024                405   1.a.(1)(c)
          (d) Commercial and industrial loans ...........................................  4012            850,473   1.a.(1)(d)
          (e) Acceptances of other banks ................................................  4026                261   1.a.(1)(e)
          (f) Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures:
              (1) Credit cards and related plans ........................................  4054              13,229  1.a.(1)(f)(1)
              (2) Other .................................................................  4055             144,012  1.a.(1)(f)(2)
          (g) Loans to foreign governments and official institutions ..................... 4056                   0  1.a.(1)(g)
          (h) Obligations (other than securities and leases) of states and political
              subdivisions in the U.S.:                                                    
              (1) Taxable obligations ...................................................  4503                   0  1.a.(1)(h)(1)
              (2) Tax-exempt obligations ................................................  4504               7,756  1.a.(1)(h)(2)
          (i) All other loans in domestic offices .......................................  4058             115,822  1.a.(1)(1)
     
      (2) In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs .................  4059               2,981  1.a.(2)
   b. Income from lease financing receivables:
      (1) Taxable leases ................................................................  4505             114,095  1.b.(1)
      (2) Tax-exempt leases .............................................................  4307               1,130  1.b.(2)
   c. Interest income on balances due from depository institutions: (1) 
      (1) In domestic offices ...........................................................  4105               1,047  1.c.(1)
      (2) In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs .................. 4106                 142  1.c.(2)
   d. Interest and dividend income on securities:
      (1) U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency and corporation
          obligations ...................................................................  4027             323,294  1.d.(1)
      (2) Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.:
          (a) Taxable securities ........................................................  4506                   0  1.d.(2)(a)
          (b) Tax-exempt securities .....................................................  4507               4,736  1.d.(2)(b)
      (3) Other domestic debt securities ................................................  3657              12,668  1.d.(3)
      (4) Foreign debt securities .......................................................  3658               4,985  1.d.(4)
      (5) Equity securities (including investments in mutual funds) .....................  3659              15,296  1.d.(5)
   e. Interest income from trading assets ...............................................  4069                 429  i.e.
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Includes interest income on time certificates of deposit not held for 
    trading.

                                       3

<PAGE>   23
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96  
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City,  State  Zip:     Springfield, MA 01102                          Page RI-2
FDIC Certificate No.:  0 2 4 9 9
                      -----------

SCHEDULE RI--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    --------------
                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands           Year-to-date   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>   <C>            <C>        <C>         <C>
 1.  Interest income (continued)                                                RIAD  Bil Mil Thou
     f.  Interest income on federal funds sold and securities purchased under
         agreements to resell in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge
         and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs..............................  4020        25,381   1.f.
     g.  Total interest income (sum of items 1.a through 1.f).................  4107     2,493,582   1.g.
 2.  Interest expense:
     a.  Interest on deposits:
         (1)  Interest on deposits in domestic offices:
              (a)  Transaction accounts (NOW accounts, ATS accounts, and
                   telephone and preauthorized transfer accounts).............  4508        10,989   2.a.(1)(a)
              (b)  Nontransaction accounts:
                   (1)  Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs).................  4509       196,360   2.a.(1)(b)(1)
                   (2)  Other savings deposits................................  4511        38,216   2.a.(1)(b)(2)
                   (3)  Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more......  4174       130,069   2.a.(1)(b)(3)
                   (4)  All other time deposits...............................  4512       310,562   2.a.(1)(b)(4)
         (2)  Interest on deposits in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement
              subsidiaries, and IBFs..........................................  4172        74,619   2.a.(2)
     b.  Expense of federal funds purchased and securities sold under
         agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and of its
         Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs.........................  4180       221,536   2.b.
     c.  Interest on demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury, trading
         liabilities, and other borrowed money................................  4185       145,395   2.c.
     d.  Interest on mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized
         leases...............................................................  4072           630   2.d.
     e.  Interest on subordinated notes and debentures........................  4200        47,710   2.e.
     f.  Total interest expense (sum of items 2.a through 2.e)................  4073     1,176,086   2.f.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
 3.  Net interest income (item 1.g minus 2.f).................................                      RIAD 4074   1,317,496    3.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
 4.  Provisions:
                                                                                                   -----------------------
     a.  Provision for loan and lease losses..................................                      RIAD 4230      24,179    4.a.
     b.  Provision for allocated transfer risk................................                      RIAD 4243           0    4.b.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
 5.  Noninterest income:
     a.  Income from fiduciary activities.....................................  4070       217,705   5.a.
     b.  Service charges on deposit accounts in domestic offices..............  4080       169,866   5.b.
     c.  Trading revenue (must equal Schedule RI, sum of Memorandum
         items 8.a through 8.d)...............................................  A220        16,406   5.c.
     d.  Other foreign transaction gains (losses).............................  4076           781   5.d.
     e.  Not applicable
     f.  Other noninterest income:
         (1)  Other fee income................................................  5407       576,559   5.f.(1)
         (2)  All other noninterest income*...................................  5408       270,460   5.f.(2)
                                                                                                   -----------------------
     g.  Total noninterest income (sum of items 5.a through 5.f)..............                      RIAD 4079   1,251,777    5.g.
 6.  a.  Realized gains (losses) on held-to-maturity securities...............                      RIAD 3521           1    6.a.
     b.  Realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities.............                      RIAD 3196      16,196    6.b.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
 7.  Noninterest expense:
     a.  Salaries and employee benefits.......................................  4135       480,905   7.a.
     b.  Expenses of premises and fixed assets (net of rental income)
         (excluding salaries and employee benefits and mortgage interest).....  4217       164,769   7.b.
     c.  Other noninterest expense*...........................................  4092       942,296   7.c.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
     d.  Total noninterest expense (sum of items 7.a through 7.c).............                      RIAD 4093   1,587,970    7.d.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
 8.  Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary items and other
                                                                                                   -----------------------
     adjustments (item 3 plus or minus items 4.a, 4.b, 5.g, 6.a, 6.b, and 7.d)                      RIAD 4301     973,321    8.
 9.  Applicable income taxes (on item 8)......................................                      RIAD 4302     397,990    9.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
10.  Income (loss) before extraordinary items and other adjustments (item 8
                                                                                                   -----------------------
     minus 9).................................................................                      RIAD 4300     575,331   10.
                                                                                                   -----------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations.

                                       4



<PAGE>   24
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City,  State   Zip:    Springfield, MA  01102                         Page RI-3
FDIC Certificate No.:  0 2 4 9 9
                       ---------

SCHEDULE RI--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Year-to-date
                                                                                --------------------
                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands       RIAD   Bil Mil Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>  <C>         <C>       <C>
11. Extraordinary items and other adjustments:
    a. Extraordinary items and other adjustments, gross of income taxes* .....   4310              0   11.a.
    b. Applicable income taxes (on item 11.a)* ...............................   4315              0   11.b.
    c. Extraordinary items and other adjustments, net of income taxes
       (item 11.a minus 11.b) ................................................                         RIAD 4320          0  11.c
12. Net income (loss) (sum of items 10 and 11.c) .............................                         RIAD 4340    575,331  12.
                                                                                -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                    ------
                                                                                                                      I481   <-
Memoranda                                                                                                     ------------
                                                                                                              Year-to-date
                                                                                                      --------------------
                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands   RIAD   Bil Mil Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                    <C>    <C>            <C>
 1. Interest expense incurred to carry tax-exempt securities, loans, and leases acquired after
    August 7, 1986, that is not deductible for federal income tax purposes .........................   4513          2,092   M.1.
 2. Income from the sale and servicing of mutual funds and annuities in domestic offices
    (included in Schedule RI, item 8) ..............................................................   8431         33,068   M.2.
 3.-4. Not applicable
 5. Number of full-time equivalent employees on payroll at end of current period (round to                          Number
    nearest whole number) ..........................................................................   4150         12,552   M.5.
 6. Not applicable
 7. If the reporting bank has restated its balance sheet as a result of applying push down                        MM DD YY
    accounting this calendar year, report the date of the bank's acquisition .......................   9106       00/00/00   M.7.
 8. Trading revenue (from cash instruments and off-balance sheet derivative instruments)
    (sum of Memorandum items 8.a through 8.d must equal Schedule RI, item 5.c):                               Bil Mil Thou
    a. Interest rate exposures .....................................................................   8757          2,536   M.8.a.
    b. Foreign exchange exposures ..................................................................   8758         13,870   M.8.b.
    c. Equity security and index exposures .........................................................   8759              0   M.8.c.
    d. Commodity and other exposures ...............................................................   8760              0   M.8.d.
 9. Impact on income of off-balance sheet derivatives held for purposes other than trading:
    a. Net increase (decrease) to interest income ..................................................   8761         (1,530)  M.9.a.
    b. Net (increase) decrease to interest expense .................................................   8762         (7,731)  M.9.b.
    c. Other (noninterest) allocations .............................................................   8763            235   M.9.c.
10. Credit losses on off-balance sheet derivatives (see instructions) ..............................   A251              0   M.10.
                                                                                                      --------------------
</TABLE>

- ------------
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations.

                                       5

<PAGE>   25
Legal Title of Bank: Fleet National Bank
Address: One Monarch Place
City, State Zip: Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.: 02499

Call Date: 9/30/96
ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
Page RI-4


SCHEDULE RI-A--CHANGES IN EQUITY CAPITAL

Indicate decreases and losses in parentheses.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        I483     <-
                              Dollar Amounts in Thousands       RIAD    Bil     Mil     Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------      ----    ---     ---     ----
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>     <C>     <C>
 1. Total equity capital originally reported in the December
    31, 1995, Reports of Condition and Income................   3215               1,342,473    1.
 2. Equity capital adjustments from amended Reports of 
    Income, net*.............................................   3216                       0    2.
 3. Amended balance end of previous calendar year
    (sum of items 1 and 2)...................................   3217               1,342,473    3.
 4. Net income (loss) (must equal Schedule RI, item 12)......   4340                 575,331    4.
 5. Sale, conversion, acquisition, or retirement of
    capital stock, net.......................................   4346                       0    5.
 6. Changes incident to business combinations, net...........   4356               4,161,079    6.
 7. LESS: Cash dividends declared on preferred stock.........   4470                       0    7.
 8. LESS: Cash dividends declared on common stock............   4460                 625,239    8.
 9. Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
    from prior years* (see instructions for this schedule)...   4411                       0    9.
10. Corrections of material accounting errors from prior
    years* (see instructions for this schedule)..............   4412                       0   10.
11. Change in net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
    available-for-sale securities............................   8433                 (30,167)  11.
12. Foreign currency translation adjustments.................   4414                       0   12.
13. Other transactions with parent holding company* (not
    included in items 5, 7, or 8 above)......................   4415              (1,003,722)  13.
14. Total equity capital end of current period (sum of
    items 3 through 13) (must equal Schedule RC, item 28)....   3210               4,419,755   14.

- -----------
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations. 

</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RI-B--CHARGE-OFFS AND RECOVERIES AND CHANGES
               IN ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

PART I. CHARGE-OFFS AND RECOVERIES ON LOANS AND LEASES


Part I excludes charge-offs and recoveries through
the allocated transfer risk reserve.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                            I486      <-
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
                                                                      (Column A)               (Column B)
                                                                      Charge-offs              Recoveries      
                                                                ------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Calendar year-to-date
                                                                ------------------------------------------------        
                              Dollar Amounts in Thousands       RIAD  Bil   Mil   Thou   RIAD   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------      ----  ---   ---   ----   ----   ---   ---   ----
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>      <C>             <C>          <C>
1. Loans secured by real estate:                                ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
   a. To U.S. addressees (domicile).......................      4651              52,012   4661             10,568        1.a.
   b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile)...................      4652                   0   4662                  0        1.b.
2. Loans to depository institutions and acceptances
   of other banks:                                              ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
   a. To U.S. banks and other U.S. depository institutions      4653                   0   4663                  0        2.a.
   b. To foreign banks....................................      4654                   0   4664                  0        2.b.
3. Loans to finance agricultural production and other
   loans to farmers.......................................      4655                   6   4665                 89        3.
4. Commercial and industrial loans:                             ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
   a. To U.S. addressees (domicile).......................      4645              58,172   4617             39,649        4.a.
   b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile)...................      4646                   0   4618                102        4.b.
5. Loans to individuals for household, family, and              /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
   other personal expenditures:                                 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
   a. Credit cards and related plans......................      4656               1,340   4666              1,125        5.a.
   b. Other (includes single payment, installment, and all
      student loans)......................................      4657              17,633   4667              2,946        5.b.
6. Loans to foreign governments and official institutions..     4643                   0   4627                  0        6.
7. All other loans.........................................     4644               2,987   4628                750        7.
8. Lease financing receivables:                                 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
   a. Of U.S. addressees (domicile)........................     4658              11,644   4668              3,670        8.a.
   b. Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile)....................     4659                   0   4669                  0        8.b.
   Total (sum of items 1 through 8)........................     4635             143,794   4605             58,899        9.

 
</TABLE>

                                       6

<PAGE>   26
                                  Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
                                                                      Page RI-5

Legal Title of Bank:  Fleet National Bank
Address:              One Monarch Place
City, State  Zip:     Springfield, MA  01102
FDIC Certificate No.: 0 2 4 9 9
                      ---------
SCHEDULE RI-B -- CONTINUED

PART I. CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         -------------------------------------------
                                                                              (Column A)             (Column B)
                                                                             Charge-offs             Recoveries
                                                                         -------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Calendar year-to-date
                                                                         -----------------------------------------------
Memoranda                                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands    RIAD  Bil  Mil  Thou   RIAD   Bil  Mil  Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>   <C>                                                                <C>            <C>     <C>              <C>     <C>
1-3. Not applicable
4. Loans to finance commercial real estate, construction, and land
   development activities (not secured by real estate) included in
   Schedule RI-B, part I, items 4 and 7, above ......................... 5409              513    5410           1,374    M.4.
5. Loans secured by real estate in domestic offices (included in
   Schedule RI-B, part I, item 1, above):
   a. Construction and land development ................................ 3582              189    3583             253    M.5.a.
   b. Secured by farmland .............................................. 3584              145    3585             220    M.5.b.
   c. Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:
      (1) Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential
          properties and extended under lines of credit ................ 5411            3,647    5412             536    M.5.c.(1)
      (2) All other loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties.. 5413           23,744    5414           2,707    M.5.c.(2)
   d. Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties ........ 3588            4,055    3589             395    M.5.d.
   e. Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties ..................... 3590           20,232    3591           6,457    M.5.e.
                                                                         -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

PART II. CHANGES IN ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             --------------------
                                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands   RIAD  Bil  Mil  Thou
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>          <C>        <C>
1. Balance originally reported in the December 31, 1995, Reports of Condition and Income ..  3124         266,943    1.
2. Recoveries (must equal part I, item 9, column B above) .................................  4605          58,899    2.
3. LESS: Charge-offs (must equal part I, item 9, column A above) ..........................  4635         143,794    3.
4. Provision for loan and lease losses (must equal Schedule RI, item 4.a) .................  4230          24,179    4.
5. Adjustments* (see instructions for this schedule) ......................................  4815         634,542    5.
6. Balance end of current period (sum of items 1 through 5) (must equal Schedule RC,
   item 4.b) ..............................................................................  3123         840,769    6.
</TABLE>
- -----------------

* Describe on Schedule RI-E -- Explanations.


SCHEDULE RI-C -- APPLICABLE INCOME TAXES BY TAXING AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE RI-C IS TO BE REPORTED WITH THE DECEMBER REPORT OF INCOME.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           ---------
                                                                                                             I489      <-  
                                                                                                --------------------
                                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands  RIAD  Bil  Mil  Thou
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>                          <C>              <C>    <C>
1. Federal ...................................................................................  4780             N/A    1.
2. State and local ...........................................................................  4790             N/A    2.
3. Foreign ...................................................................................  4795             N/A    3.
4. Total (sum of items 1 through 3) (must equal sum of Schedule RI, items 9 and 11.b) ........  4770             N/A    4.
                                                                   ---------------------------
5. Deferred portion of item 4 ...................................  RIAD 4772               N/A                          5.
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       7

<PAGE>   27
                                  Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
                                                                      Page RI-6

Legal Title of Bank:  Fleet National Bank
Address:              One Monarch Place
City, State  Zip:     Springfield, MA  01102
FDIC Certificate No.: 0 2 4 9 9
                      ---------

SCHEDULE RI-D--INCOME FROM INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

For all banks with foreign offices, Edge or Agreement subsidiaries, or IBFs
where international operations account for more than 10 percent of total
revenues, total assets, or net income.

PART I. ESTIMATED INCOME FROM INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 -------
                                                                                                                   I492
                                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                                                           Year-to-date
                                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands      RIAD  Bil  Mil Thou  <-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                 <C>            <C>    <C>
1.  Interest income and expense booked at foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,         //////////////////
    and IBFs:                                                                                       //////////////////
    a.  Interest income booked...................................................................   4837           N/A    1.a.
    b.  Interest expense booked..................................................................   4838           N/A    1.b.
    c.  Net interest income booked at foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and         //////////////////
        IBFs (item 1.a minus 1.b)................................................................   4839           N/A    1.c.
2.  Adjustments for booking location of international operations:                                   //////////////////
    a.  Net interest income attributable to international operations booked at domestic offices..   4840           N/A    2.a.
    b.  Net interest income attributable to domestic business booked at foreign offices..........   4841           N/A    2.b.
    c.  Net booking location adjustment (item 2.a minus 2.b).....................................   4842           N/A    2.c.
3.  Noninterest income attributable to international operations:                                    //////////////////
    a.  Noninterest income attributable to international operations..............................   4097           N/A    3.a.
    b.  Provision for loan and lease losses attributable to international operations.............   4235           N/A    3.b.
    c.  Other noninterest expense attributable to international operations.......................   4239           N/A    3.c.
    d.  Net noninterest income (expense) attributable to international operations (item 3.a         //////////////////
        minus 3.b and 3.c).......................................................................   4843           N/A    3.d.
4.  Estimated pretax income attributable to international operations before capital allocation      //////////////////
    adjustment (sum of items 1.c, 2.c, and 3.d)..................................................   4844           N/A    4.
5.  Adjustment to pretax income for internal allocations to international operations to reflect     //////////////////
    the effects of equity capital on overall bank funding costs..................................   4845           N/A    5.
6.  Estimated pretax income attributable to international operations after capital allocation       //////////////////
    adjustment (sum of items 4 and 5)............................................................   4846           N/A    6.
7.  Income taxes attributable to income from international operations as estimated in item 6.....   4797           N/A    7.
8.  Estimated net income attributable to international operations (item 6 minus 7)...............   4341           N/A    8.
                                                                                                    ---------------------

Memoranda
                                                                                                    ---------------------
                                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands      RIAD  Bil  Mil Thou
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.  Intracompany interest income included in item 1.a above......................................   4847           N/A    M.1.
2.  Intracompany interest expense included in item 1.b above.....................................   4848           N/A    M.2.
                                                                                                    ---------------------


PART II. SUPPLEMENTARY DETAILS ON INCOME FROM INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS REQUIRED
BY THE DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND TREASURY FOR PURPOSES OF THE U.S.
INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND THE U.S. NATIONAL INCOME AND PRODUCT ACCOUNTS

                                                                                                    --------------------
                                                                                                           YEAR-to-date
                                                                                                    ---------------------
                                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands      RIAD  Bil  Mil Thou
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.  Interest income booked at IBFs...............................................................   4849           N/A    1.
2.  Interest expense booked at IBFs..............................................................   4850           N/A    2.
3.  Noninterest income attributable to international operations booked at domestic offices          //////////////////
    (excluding IBFs):                                                                               //////////////////
    a.  Gains (losses) and extraordinary items...................................................   5491           N/A    3.a.
    b.  Fees and other noninterest income........................................................   5492           N/A    3.b.
4.  Provision for loan and lease losses attributable to international operations booked at          //////////////////
    domestic offices (excluding IBFs)............................................................   4852           N/A    4.
5.  Other noninterest expense attributable to international operations booked at domestic           //////////////////
    offices (excluding IBFs).....................................................................   4853           N/A    5.
                                                                                                    ---------------------
</TABLE>

                                       8

<PAGE>   28
                                    Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
                                                                       Page RI-7
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank 
Address:                One Monarch Place
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RI-E--EXPLANATIONS

SCHEDULE RI-E IS TO BE COMPLETED EACH QUARTER ON A CALENDAR YEAR-TO-DATE BASIS.

Detail all adjustments in Schedule RI-A and RI-B, all extraordinary items and
other adjustments in Schedule RI, and all significant items of other noninterest
income and other noninterest expense in Schedule RI. (See instructions for
details.)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          I495   
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                      Year-to-date
                                                                                         -------------------------  <-
                                                         Dollars Amounts in Thousands      RIAD   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
1. All other noninterest income (from Schedule RI, item 5.f.(2))
   Report amounts that exceed 10% of Schedule RI, item 5.f.(2):
   a. Net gains on other real estate owned ..............................................  5415                  0   1.a.
   b. Net gains on sales of loans .......................................................  5416                  0   1.b.      
   c. Net gains on sales of premises and fixed assets ...................................  5417                  0   1.c.      
   Itemize and describe the three largest other amounts that exceed 10% of Schedule RI, 
   item 5.f.(2):
                                                                                                               
   d. TEXT 4461 Income on Mortgages Held For Resale                                        4461            115,563   1.d.     
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   e. TEXT 4462 Gain From Branch Divestitures                                              4462             77,976   1.e.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   f. TEXT 4463                                                                            4463                      1.f.
      --- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Other noninterest expense (from Schedule RI, item 7.c):
   a. Amortization expense of intangible assets .........................................  4531            207,168   2.a.
   Report amounts that exceed 10% of Schedule RI, item 7.c:
   b. Net losses on other real estate owned .............................................  5418                  0   2.b.
   c. Net losses on sales of loans ......................................................  5419                  0   2.c.
   d. Net losses on sales of premises and fixed assets ..................................  5420                  0   2.d.
   Itemize and describe the three largest other amounts that exceed 10% of Schedule RI,
   Item 7.c:

   e. TEXT 4464 Intercompany Corporate Support Function Charges                            4464            219,071   2.e.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   f. TEXT 4467 Intercompany Data Processing & Programming Charges                         4467            238,115   2.f.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   g. TEXT 4468                                                                            4468                      2.g.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Extraordinary items and other adjustments (from Schedule RI, item 11.a) and applicable
   income tax effect (from Schedule RI, item 11.b) (itemize and describe all 
   extraordinary items and other adjustments):
   a. (1) TEXT 4469                                                                        4469                      3.a.(1)
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (2) Applicable income tax effect                          RIAD 4486                                            3.a.(2)
          ------------                                         -----------
   b. (1) TEXT 4487                                                                        4487                      3.b.(1)
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    
      (2) Applicable income tax effect                          RIAD 4488                                            3.b.(2)   
          ------------                                         -----------
   c. (1) TEXT 4489                                                                        4489                      3.c.(1)
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (2) Applicable income tax effect                          RIAD 4491                                            3.c.(2)
                                                               ----------- 
4. Equity capital adjustments from amended Reports of Income (from Schedule RI-A, item 2)
   (itemize and describe all adjustments:
   a. TEXT 4492                                                                            4492                      4.a.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   b. TEXT 4493                                                                            4493                      4.b.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles from prior years
   (from Schedule RI-A, item 9) (itemize and describe all changes in accounting
   principles):
   a. TEXT 4494                                                                            4494                      5.a.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   B. TEXT 4495                                                                            4495                      5.b.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Corrections of material accounting errors from prior years (from Schedule RI-A,
   item 10) (itemize and describe all corrections):
   a. TEXT 4496                                                                            4496                      6.a.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   b. TEXT 4497                                                                            4497                      6.b.
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>
                                       9

<PAGE>   29
                                    Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
                                                                       Page RI-8
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                
Address:                One Monarch Place   
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RI-E--CONTINUED


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                      Year-to-date
                                                                                           -----------------------
                                                         Dollars Amounts in Thousands      RIAD   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
7. Other transactions with parent holding company (from Schedule RI-A, item 13)
   (itemize and describe all such transactions):               
   a. TEXT 4498 Fleet National Bank Surplus Distribution to FFG                            4498         (1,003,722)  7.a.
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   b. TEXT 4499                                                                            4499                      7.b
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Adjustments to allowance for loan and lease losses (from Schedule RI-B, part II,
   item 5) (itemize and describe all adjustments):
   a. TEXT 4521 12/31/95 ending Balance of Pooled Entities                                 4521            636,497   8.a.
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   b. TEXT 4522 Divested Allowance Related to Sold Loans                                   4522             (1,955)  8.b.
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------     -----------------------
9. Other explanations (the space below is provided for the bank to briefly describe,
   at its option, any other significant items affecting the Report of Income):               I498             I499   <-
   No comment /x/ (RIAD 4769)                                                              -----------------------
   Other explanations (please type or print clearly):
   (TEXT) 4769)
</TABLE>
                                       10

<PAGE>   30
                                    Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
                                                                       Page RC-1
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                
Address:                One Monarch Place   
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC--BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                        C400
                                                        Dollar Amounts in Thousands     RCFC    Bil Mil Thou    <-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>     <C>             <C>
ASSETS

 1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1).......................     0081       3,929,278    1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2)................................................     0071          30,710    1.b.

 2. Securities:
    a. Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A)..................     1754         284,288    2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D)................     1773       7,315,890    2.b.

 3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in
    domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
    and in IBFs:
    a. Federal funds sold..........................................................     0276          32,521    3.a.
    b. Securities purchased under agreements to resell.............................     0277               0    3.b.

 4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income
        (from Schedule RC-C).................................RCFD 2122   32,002,964                             4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses.............RCFD 3123      840,769                             4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve.................RCFD 3128            0                             4.c.
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve
        (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c)...............................................     2125      31,162,195    4.d.

 5. Trading assets (from Schedule RC-D)............................................     3545          48,111    5.

 6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases).......................     2145         560,725    6.

 7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)...................................     2150          22,784    7.

 8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies
     (from Schedule RC-M)..........................................................     2130               0    8.

 9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding...................     2155          14,235    9.

10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M).........................................     2143       2,311,234   10.

11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)..............................................     2160       3,699,236   11.

12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11).......................................     2170      49,411,207   12.
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

                                       11

<PAGE>   31
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City,  State   Zip:    Springfield, MA  01102                         Page RC-2
FDIC Certificate No.:  0 2 4 9 9
                       ---------

SCHEDULE RC--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                    Dollar Amounts in Thousands             Bil Mil Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C from Schedule RC-E,
       part I) .................................................................................  RCON 2200   33,574,312   13.a.
                                                                          ----------------------
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1) ......................................  RCON 6631   10,385,307                           13.a.(1)
       (2) Interest-bearing ............................................  RCON 6636   23,189,005                           13.a.(2)
                                                                          ----------------------
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs (from Schedule RC-E,
       part II) ................................................................................  RCFN 2200    1,817,711   13.b.
                                                                          ----------------------
       (1) Noninterest-bearing .........................................  RCFN 6631           36                           13.b.(1)
       (2) Interest-bearing ............................................  RCFN 6636    1,817,675                           13.b.(2)
                                                                          ----------------------
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in domestic
    offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs:
    a. Federal funds purchased .................................................................  RCFD 0278    4,393,064   14.a.
    b. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ..........................................  RCFD 0279      133,568   14.b
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ................................................  RCON 2840    1,589,048   15.a.
    b. Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) ................................................  RCFD 3548       34,078   15.b.
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With a remaining maturity of one year or less ...........................................  RCFD 2332      575,600   16.a.
    b. With a remaining maturity of more than one year .........................................  RCFD 2333      647,284   16.b.
17. Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases .............................  RCFD 2910       11,403   17.
18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ...................................  RCFD 2920       14,235   18.
19. Subordinated notes and debentures ..........................................................  RCFD 3200    1,213,219   19.
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) .....................................................  RCFD 2930      987,930   20.
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) .............................................  RCFD 2948   44,991,452   21.

22. Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus ...........................................  RCFD 3282            0   22.
EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ..............................................  RCFD 3838      125,000   23.
24. Common stock ...............................................................................  RCFD 3230       19,487   24.
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...................................  RCFD 3839    2,551,927   25.
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves ..................................................  RCFD 3632    1,739,604   26.a
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ..................  RCFD 8434      (16,263)  26.b
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ........................................  RCFD 3284            0   27.
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27) ..........................................  RCFD 3210    4,419,755   28.
29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital (sum of items 21,
    22, and 28) ................................................................................  RCFD 3300   49,411,207   29.
                                                                                                  ----------------------
</TABLE>

Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  Number
                                                                                                      ------------------
<S>                                                                                                   <C>         <C>     <C>
 1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the 
    most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external 
    auditors as of any date during 1995 ...........................................................   RCFD 6724      N/A   M.1.
                                                                                                      ------------------
</TABLE>

1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance with generally
    accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which
    submits a report on the bank

2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company conducted in
    accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public
    accounting firm which submits a report on the consolidated holding company
    (but not on the bank separately)

3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally
    accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be
    required by state chartering authority)

4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may
    be required by state chartering authority)

5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external auditors

6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external auditors

7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)

8 = No external audit work

- ------------
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
    deposits. 

                                     12


<PAGE>   32
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                     Page RC-3
City    State   Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-A--CASH AND BALANCES DUE FROM DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS

Exclude assets held for trading.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       C405
                                                                                --------------------------------------------
                                                                                    (Column A)               (Column B)
                                                                                    Consolidated              Domestic
                                                                                        Bank                   Offices
                                                                                --------------------   ---------------------
                                                Dollar Amounts in Thousands     RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou   RCON  Bil  Mil  Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>
1. Cash items in process of collection, unposted debits, and currency and
   coin.....................................................................    0022        3,629,071                         1.
   a. Cash items in process of collection and unposted debits...............                            0020       2,937,263  1.a.
   b. Currency and coin.....................................................                            0080         691,808  1.b.
2. Balances due from depository institutions in the U.S.....................                            0082         153,295  2.
   a. U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (including their IBFs)....    0083                0                         2.a.
   b. Other commercial banks in the U.S. and other depository institutions
      in the U.S. (including their IBFs)....................................    0085          153,370                         2.b
3. Balances due from banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks...                            0070           8,998  3.
   a. Foreign branches of other U.S. Banks..................................    0073              454                         3.a.
   b. Other banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks............    0074            9,045                         3.b.
4. Balances due from Federal Reserve Banks..................................    0090          168,048   0090         168,048  4.
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (total of column A must equal
   Schedule RC, sum of items 1.a and 1.b)...................................    0010        3,959,988   0010       3,959,412  5.
                                                                                --------------------------------------------


Memorandum                                                             Dollar Amounts in Thousands     RCON  Bil  Mil  Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
   Noninterest-bearing balances due from commercial banks in the U.S. (included in item 2,
   column B above)                                                                                        0050      122,585    M.1.
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-B--SECURITIES

Exclude assets held for trading.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       C410
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Held-to-maturity                             Available-for-sale
                                   -------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------
                                        (Column A)             (Column B)             (Column C)             (Column D)
                                      Amortized Cost           Fair Value           Amortized Cost          Fair Value(1)
                                   --------------------   --------------------   --------------------   --------------------
     Dollar Amounts in Thousands   RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou   RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou   RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou   RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>             <C>    <C>             <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
1. U.S. Treasury securities....... 0211            250    0213            250    1286       1,501,551   1287       1,483,819  1.
2. U.S. Government agency and
   corporation obligations 
   (exclude mortgage-backed
   securities):
   a. Issued by U.S. Government
      agencies(2)................. 1289              0    1290              0    1291              0    1293               0  2.a.
   b. Issued by U.S. Government-
      sponsored agencies(3)....... 1294              0    1295              0    1297            499    1298             503  2.b.
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Includes equity securities without readily determinable fair values at
    historical cost in item 6.c, column D.
(2) Includes Small Business Administration "Guaranteed Loan Pool Certificates,"
    U.S. Maritime Administration obligations, and Export-Import Bank 
    participation certificates.
(3) Includes obligations (other than mortgage-backed securities) issued by the
    Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Bank System, the Federal Home Loan
    Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the
    Financing Corporation, Resolution Funding Corporation, the Student Loan
    Marketing Association, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.




                                       13


<PAGE>   33
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                     Page RC-4
City,   State   Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-B--CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Held-to-maturity                        Available-for-sale
                                   ------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------      
                                     (Column A)           (Column B)         (Column C)           (Column D)
                                   Amortized Cost         Fair Value       Amortized Cost        Fair Value(1)
                                  -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   --------------------      
  Dollar Amounts in Thousands     RCFD Bil Mil Thou   RCFD Bil Mil Thou   RCFD Bil Mil Thou   RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou    
- -----------------------------     -----------------   -----------------   -----------------   --------------------
<S>                               <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>    <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>
3. Securities issued by states
   and political subdivisions
   in the U.S.:
   a. General obligations......    1676     172,838    1677     172,764    1678           0    1679              0     3.a.
   b. Revenue obligations......    1681      13,265    1686      13,268    1690           0    1691              0     3.b.
   c. Industrial development
      and similar obligations..    1694           0    1695           0    1696           0    1697              0     3.c.
 4. Mortgage-backed
    securities (MBS):
    a. Pass-through securities:
       (1) Guaranteed by
           GNMA................    1698           0    1699           0    1701     826,767    1702        821,306     4.a.(1)
       (2) Issued by FNMA
           and FHLMC...........    1703         886    1705         886    1706   4,672,031    1707      4,668,468     4.a.(2)
       (3) Other pass-through
           securities..........    1709           4    1710           4    1711           4    1713              0     4.a.(3)
    b. Other mortgage-backed
       securities (include 
       CMOs, REMICs, and
       stripped MBS):
       (1) Issued or 
           guaranteed by FNMA,
           FHLMC, or GNMA......    1714           0    1715           0    1716           0    1717              0     4.b.(1)
       (2) Collateralized by
           MBS issued or
           guaranteed by FNMA,
           FHLMC, or GNMA......    1718           0    1719           0    1731           0    1732              0     4.b.(2)
       (3) All other mortgage-
           backed securities...    1733           0    1734           0    1735         481    1736            481     4.b.(3)
5. Other debt securities:
    a. Other domestic debt
       securities..............    1737           0    1738           0    1739         715    1741            709     5.a.
    b. Foreign debt
       securities..............    1742      97,045    1743      84,773    1744           0    1746              0     5.b.
6. Equity securities:
    a. Investments in mutual
       funds...................                                            1747      28,870    1748         28,870     6.a.
    b. Other equity securities
       with readily determin-
       able fair values........                                            1749           0    1751              0     6.b.
    c. All other equity
       securities(1)...........                                            1752     311,734    1753        311,734     6.c.
7. Total (sum of items 1
   through 6) (total of 
   column A must equal
   Schedule RC, item 2.a)
   (total of column D must
   equal Schedule RC,
   item 2.b)..................     1754     284,288    1771     271,945    1772   7,342,648    1773      7,315,890     7.
</TABLE>

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

(1) Includes equity securities without readily determinable fair values at
    historical cost in item 6.c, column D.





                                       14

<PAGE>   34

Legal Title of Bank:  Fleet National Bank              Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:              One Monarch Place          ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City, State  Zip:     Springfield, MA 01102                     Page RC-5
FDIC Certificate No.: 0 2 4 9 9
                      ---------

SCHEDULE RC-B--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     --------
Memoranda                                                                                              C412
                                                                                          --------------------
                                                             Dollar Amounts in Thousands    RCFD Bil Mil Thou  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>     <C>        <C> 
1. Pledged securities(2) .................................................................  0416    3,825,264  M.1.
2. Maturity and repricing data for debt securities(2), (3), (4) (excluding those in
   nonaccrual status):
   a. Fixed rate debt securities with a remaining maturity of:
      (1) Three months or less ...........................................................  0343       70,352  M.2.a.(1)
      (2) Over three months through 12 months ............................................  0344      102,839  M.2.a.(2)
      (3) Over one year through five years ...............................................  0345    2,792,361  M.2.a.(3)
      (4) Over five years ................................................................  0346    2,959,066  M.2.a.(4)
      (5) Total fixed rate debt securities (sum of Memorandum items 2.a.(1) through
          2.a.(4) ........................................................................  0347    5,924,618  M.2.a.(5)
   b. Floating rate debt securities with a repricing frequency of:
      (1) Quarterly or more frequently ...................................................  4544      504,558  M.2.b.(1)
      (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly ................  4545      830,398  M.2.b.(2)
      (3) Every five years or more frequently, but less frequently than annually .........  4551            0  M.2.b.(3)
      (4) Less frequently than every five years ..........................................  4552            0  M.2.b.(4)
      (5) Total floating rate debt securities (sum of Memorandum items 2.b.(1) through
          2.b.(4) ........................................................................  4553    1,334,956  M.2.b.(5)
   c. Total debt securities (sum of Memorandum items 2.a.(5) and 2.b.(5)) (must equal
      total debt securities from Schedule RC-B, sum of items 1 through 5, columns A and D, 
      minus nonaccrual debt securities included in Schedule RC-N, item 9, column C) ......  0393    7,259,574  M.2.c.
3. Not applicable
4. Held-to-maturity debt securities restructured and in compliance with modified terms
   (included in Schedule RC-B, items 3 through 5, column A, above) .......................  5365            0  M.4.
5. Not applicable
6. Floating rate debt securities with a remaining maturity of one year or less(2), (4)
   (included in memorandum items 2.b.(1) through 2.b.(4) above) ..........................  5519        4,700  M.6.
7. Amortized cost of held-to-maturity securities sold or transferred to available-for-
   sale or trading securities during the calendar year-to-date (report the amortized cost
   at date of sale or transfer) ..........................................................  1778            0  M.7.
8. High-risk mortgage securities (included in the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale
   accounts in Schedule RC-B, item 4.b):
   a. Amortized cost .....................................................................  8780            0  M.8.a.
   b. Fair value .........................................................................  8781            0  M.8.b.
9. Structured notes (included in the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale accounts in
   Schedule RC-B, items 2, 3, and 5):
   a. Amortized cost .....................................................................  8782            0  M.9.a.
   b. Fair value .........................................................................  8783            0  M.9.b.
                                                                                          ---------------------
</TABLE>

- --------------
(2) Includes held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost and available-for-
    sale securities at fair value.
(3) Excludes equity securities, e.g., investments in mutual funds, Federal
    Reserve stock, common stock, and preferred stock.
(4) Memorandum items 2 and 6 are not applicable to savings banks that must
    complete supplemental Schedule RC-J.


                                       15


<PAGE>   35

Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank               Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:                One Monarch Place          ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
City,   State   Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102                      Page RC-6
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-C--LOANS AND LEASE FINANCING RECEIVABLES

PART I. LOANS AND LEASES
Do not deduct the allowance for loan and lease losses from amounts reported in
this schedule.  Report total loans and leases, net of unearned income. Exclude
assets held for trading.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               C415
                                                                  -----------------------     -----------------------
                                                                      (Column A)                     (Column B)
                                                                     Consolidated                     Domestic
                                                                         Bank                          Offices
                                                                  -----------------------     -----------------------
                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands                      RCFD   Bil   Mil   Thou     RCON   Bil   Mil   Thou    
- -------------------------------------------------------------     -----------------------     -----------------------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
 1. Loans secured by real estate.............................     1410         11,784,177                               1.
   a. Construction and land development......................                                 1415            548,373   1.a.
   b. Secured by farmland (including farm residential and
      other improvements)....................................                                 1420              2,097   1.b.
   c. Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:
      (1) Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family
          residential properties and extended under lines
          of credit..........................................                                 1797          1,993,022   1.c.(1)
      (2) All other loans secured by 1-4 family residential
          properties:
          (a) Secured by first liens.........................                                 5367          4,386,615   1.c.(2)(a)
          (b) Secured by junior liens........................                                 5368            492,852   1.c.(2)(b)
   d. Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential
      properties.............................................                                 1460            534,555   1.d.
   e. Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties...........                                 1480          3,826,663   1.e.
2. Loans to depository institutions:
   a. To commercial banks in the U.S. .......................                                 1505            184,751   2.a.
       (1) To U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks....     1506                  0                               2.a.(1)
       (2) To other commercial banks in the U.S. ............     1507            184,751                               2.a.(2)
    b. To other depository institutions in the U.S. .........     1517             13,595     1517             13,595   2.b.
    c. To banks in foreign countries.........................                                 1510              1,346   2.c.
       (1) To foreign branches of other U.S. banks...........     1513                160                               2.c.(1)
       (2) To other banks in foreign countries...............     1516              1,186                               2.c.(2)
 3. Loans to finance agricultural production and other 
    loans to farmers.........................................     1590              5,208     1590              5,208   3.
 4. Commercial and industrial loans:
    a. To U.S. addressees (domicile).........................     1763         13,126,493     1763         13,078,732   4.a.
    b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile).....................     1764             63,365     1764             30,053   4.b.
 5. Acceptances of other banks:
    a. Of U.S. banks.........................................     1756                  0     1756                  0   5.a.
    b. Of foreign banks......................................     1757                  0     1757                  0   5.b.
 6. Loans to individuals for household, family, and other
    personal expenditures (i.e., consumer loans) (includes
    purchased paper).........................................                                 1975          2,129,035   6.
    a. Credit cards and related plans (includes check credit
       and other revolving credit plans).....................     2008             98,959                               6.a.
    b. Other (includes single payment, installment, and all
       student loans)........................................     2011          2,030,076                               6.b.
 7. Loans to foreign governments and official institutions
    (including foreign central banks)........................     2081                  0     2081                  0   7.
 8. Obligations (other than securities and leases) of
    states and political subdivisions in the U.S. 
    (includes nonrated industrial development obligations)...     2107            155,642     2107            155,642   8.
 9. Other loans..............................................     1563          2,082,709                               9.
    a. Loans for purchasing or carrying securities
       (secured and unsecured)...............................                                 1545            157,698   9.a.
    b. All other loans (exclude consumer loans)..............                                 1564          1,925,011   9.b.
10. Lease financing receivables (net of  unearned income)....                                 2165          2,456,643  10.
    a. Of U.S. addressees (domicile).........................     2182          2,456,643                              10.a.
    b. Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile).....................     2183                  0                              10.b.
11. LESS: Any unearned income on loans reflected in
    items 1-9 above..........................................     2123                  0     2123                  0  11.
12. Total loans and leases, net of unearned income (sum
    of items 1 through 10 minus item 11) (total of
    column A must equal Schedule RC, item 4.a)...............     2122         32,002,964     2122         31,921,891  12.
</TABLE>



                                       16


<PAGE>   36

Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank               Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:                One Monarch Place          ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
City,   State   Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102                      Page RC-7
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-C--CONTINUED
PART I. CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      (Column A)              (Column B)
                                                                                     Consolidated              Domestic
                                                                                         Bank                   Offices
                                                                                   -----------------       -----------------
Memoranda                                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands     RCFD Bil Mil Thou       RCON Bil Mil Thou
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------       -----------------
<S>                                                                                <C>      <C>            <C>            <C> <C> 
1.  Commercial paper included in Schedule RC-C, part I, above ..................   1496            0       1496            0  M.1.

2.  Loans and leases restructured and in compliance with modified terms
    (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, above and not reported as past due
    or nonaccrual in Schedule RC-N, Memorandum item 1):
    a.  Loans secured by real estate:
        (1) To U.S. addressees (domicile) ......................................   1687        6,593       M.2.a.(1)             
        (2) To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ..................................   1689            0       M.2.a.(2)
    b.  All other loans and all lease financing receivables (exclude loans to
        individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures) ....   8691        1,770       M.2.b.
    c.  Commercial and industrial loans to and lease financing receivables
        of non-U.S. addresses (domicile) included in Memorandum item 2.b
        above...................................................................   8692            0       M.2.c.

3.  Maturity and repricing data for loans and leases(1) (excluding those in
    nonaccrual status):
    a.  Fixed rate loans and leases with a remaining maturity of:
        (1) Three months or less ...............................................   0348    1,695,265       M.3.a.(1)
        (2) Over three months through 12 months  ...............................   0349    1,681,892       M.3.a.(2)
        (3) Over one year through five years ...................................   0356    5,059,493       M.3.a.(3)
        (4) Over five years ....................................................   0357    1,758,418       M.3.a.(4)
        (5) Total fixed rate loans and leases (sum of Memorandum
            items 3.a.(1) through 3.a.(4))......................................   0358   10,195,068       M.3.a.(5)
    b.  Floating rate loans with a repricing frequency of:
        (1) Quarterly or more frequently .......................................   4554   18,981,879       M.3.b.(1)
        (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly ....   4555    1,675,386       M.3.b.(2)
        (3) Every five years or more frequently, but less frequently than
            annually ...........................................................   4561      758,500       M.3.b.(3)
        (4) Less frequently than every five years ..............................   4564       79,024       M.3.b.(4)
        (5) Total floating rate loans (sum of Memorandum items 3.b.(1) 
            through 3.b.(4)) ...................................................   4567   21,494,789       M.3.b.(5)
    c.  Total loans and leases (sum of Memorandum items 3.a.(5) and
        3.b.(5)) (must equal the sum of total loans and leases, net, from
        Schedule RC-C, part I, item 12, plus unearned income from
        Schedule RC-C, part I, item 11, minus total nonaccrual loans and
        leases from Schedule RC-N, sum of items 1 through 8, column C) .........   1479   31,689,857       M.3.c.
    d.  Floating rate loans with a remaining maturity of one year or less
        (included in Memorandum items 3.b.(1) through 3.b.(4) above) ...........   A246            0       M.3.d.

4.  Loans to finance commercial real estate, construction, and land
    development activities (not secured by real estate) included in
    Schedule RC-C, part I, items 4 and 9, column A, page RC-6(2) ...............   2746      305,298       M.4.

5.  Loans and leases held for sale (included in Schedule RC-C, part I,
    above) .....................................................................   5369            0       M.5.
                                                                                                           ------------------------
6.  Adjustable rate closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family                                  RCON   Bil Mil Thou  
    residential properties (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1.c.(2)(a),                            ------------------------
    column B, page RC-6) .......................................................                           <C>       <C>        <C>
                                                                                                           5370      1,706,916  M.6.

- --------------
(1)  Memorandum item 3 is not applicable to savings banks that must complete supplemental Schedule RC-J.
(2)  Exclude loans secured by real estate that are included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1, column A.
</TABLE>



                                       17


<PAGE>   37
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                     Page RC-8
City,   State   Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-D--TRADING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Schedule RC-D is to be completed only by banks with $1 billion or more in total
assets or with $2 billion or more in par/notional amount of off-balance sheet
derivative contracts (as reported in Schedule RC-L, items 14.a through 14.e,
columns A through D).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                      -----
                                                                                                                       C420
                                                                                                    -----------------------
                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands               Bil Mil Thou
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                                                                                 <C>             <C>     <C>

 ASSETS
 1.  U.S. Treasury securities in domestic offices ................................................  RCON 3531             0   1.

 2.  U.S. Government agency and corporation obligations in domestic offices (exclude mortgage-
     backed securities) ..........................................................................  RCON 3532             0   2.

 3.  Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S. in domestic offices ......  RCON 3533             0   3.

 4.  Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in domestic offices:
     a. Pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA .....................  RCON 3534             0   4.a.
     b. Other mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA
        (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS) .................................................  RCON 3535             0   4.b.
     c. All other mortgage-backed securities .....................................................  RCON 3536             0   4.c.

 5.  Other debt securities in domestic offices ...................................................  RCON 3537             0   5.

 6.  Certificates of deposit in domestic offices .................................................  RCON 3538             0   6.

 7.  Commercial paper in domestic offices ........................................................  RCON 3539             0   7.

 8.  Bankers acceptances in domestic offices .....................................................  RCON 3540             0   8.

 9.  Other trading assets in domestic offices ....................................................  RCON 3541             0   9.

10.  Trading assets in foreign offices ...........................................................  RCFN 3542             0  10.

11.  Revaluation gains on interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and other commodity and equity
     contracts:
     a. In domestic offices ......................................................................  RCON 3543        43,581  11.a.
     b. In foreign offices .......................................................................  RCFN 3544         4,530  11.b.

12.  Total trading assets (sum of items 1 through 11) (must equal Schedule RC, item 5) ...........  RCFD 3545        48,111  12.
                                                                                                    -----------------------
LIABILITIES                                                                                                    Bil Mil Thou
                                                                                                    -----------------------
13.  Liability for short positions ...............................................................  RCFD 3546             0  13.
14.  Revaluation losses on interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and other commodity and equity
     contracts ...................................................................................  RCFD 3547        34,078  14.
15.  Total trading liabilities (sum of items 13 and 14) (must equal Schedule RC, item 15.b) ......  RCFD 3548        34,078  15.
                                                                                                    -----------------------
</TABLE>


                                       18


<PAGE>   38

Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank               Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:                One Monarch Place          ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
City,   State   Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102                      Page RC-9
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-E--DEPOSIT LIABILITIES
PART I. DEPOSITS IN DOMESTIC OFFICES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                --------
                                                                                                                    C425
                                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           Nontransaction
                                                                     Transaction Accounts                     Accounts
                                                         -------------------------------------------     ---------------
                                                             (Column A)              (Column B)             (Column C)
                                                          Total transaction          Memo: Total             Total
                                                         accounts (including       demand deposits       nontransaction
                                                            total demand             (included in           accounts
                                                              deposits)                column A)        (including MMDAs)
                                                         -------------------     -------------------   -------------------
                           Dollar Amounts in Thousands   RCON   Bil Mil Thou     RCON   Bil Mil Thou   RCON   Bil Mil Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------   -------------------     -------------------   -------------------
<S>                                                      <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>         <C>      <C>
Deposits of:

1.  Individuals, partnerships, and corporations .......  2201      9,213,807     2240      8,820,326   2346     21,863,734 1.
2.  U.S. Government ...................................  2202         36,789     2280         36,769   2520         29,856 2.
3.  States and political subdivisions in the U.S. .....  2203        683,890     2290        461,287   2530        680,014 3.
4.  Commercial banks in the U.S. ......................  2206        653,505     2310        653,505   2550            771 4.
5.  Other depository institutions in the U.S. .........  2207        225,732     2312        225,732   2349          2,968 5.
6.  Banks in foreign countries ........................  2213         11,881     2320         11,881   2236              0 6.
7.  Foreign governments and official institutions
    (including foreign central banks) .................  2216          1,386     2300          1,386   2377              0 7.
8.  Certified and official checks .....................  2330        169,979     2330        169,979                       8.
9.  Total (sum of items 1 through 8) (sum of
    columns A and C must equal Schedule RC,
    item 13.a) ........................................  2215     10,996,969     2210     10,380,865   2385     22,577,343 9.
                                                         -------------------     -------------------   -------------------
</TABLE>

Memoranda

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands    RCON Bil Mil Thou
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    -----------------
<S>                                                                                                    <C>       <C>
1.  Selected components of total deposits (i.e., sum of item 9, columns A and C):
    a.  Total Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Keogh Plan accounts .......................... 6835      2,679,044 M.1.a.
    b.  Total brokered deposits ...................................................................... 2365      1,542,597 M.1.b.
    c.  Fully insured brokered deposits (included in Memorandum item 1.b above):
        (1) Issued in denominations of less than $100,000 ............................................ 2343          2,240 M.1.c.(1)
        (2) Issued either in denominations of $100,000 or in denominations greater than
            $100,000 and participated out by the broker in shares of $100,000 or less ................ 2344      1,540,357 M.1.c.(2)
    d.  Maturity data for brokered deposits:
        (1) Brokered deposits issued in denominations of less than $100,000 with a remaining
            maturity of one year or less (included in Memorandum item 1.c.(1) above) ................. A243            110 M.1.d.(a)
        (2) Brokered deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or more with a remaining
            maturity of one year or less (included in Memorandum item 1.b above) ..................... A244        601,205 M.1.d.(2)
    e.  Preferred deposits (uninsured deposits of states and political subdivisions in the U.S.
        reported in item 3 above which are secured or collateralized as required under state law) .... 5590        477,275 M.1.e.
2.  Components of total nontransaction accounts (sum of Memorandum items 2.a through 2.d
    must equal item 9, column C above):
    a.  Savings deposits:
        (1) Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs) .................................................... 6810     10,310,776 M.2.a.(1)
        (2) Other savings deposits (excludes MMDAs) .................................................. 0352      2,519,554 M.2.a.(2)
    b.  Total time deposits of less than $100,000 .................................................... 6648      7,097,828 M.2.b.
    c.  Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more ............................................. 6645      2,649,185 M.2.c.
    d.  Open-account time deposits of $100,000 or more ............................................... 6646              0 M.2.d.
3.  All NOW accounts (included in column A above) .................................................... 2398        616,104 M.3.
                                                                                                       -------------------
4.  Not applicable

</TABLE>


                                       19

                                        

<PAGE>   39
                                   Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                           Page PR-10
Address:                One Monarch Place 
City,  State  Zip:      Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-E--CONTINUED

PART I. CONTINUED

Memoranda (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Dollar Amounts in Thousands        RCON Bil Mil Thou
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>     <C>         <C>

5.  Maturity and repricing data for time deposits of less than $100,000 (sum of
    Memorandum items 5.a.(1) through 5.b.(3) must equal memorandum item 2.b above):(1)
    a.  Fixed rate time deposits of less than $100,000 with a remaining maturity of:
        (1) Three months or less ................................................................  A225    1,708,719   M.5.a.(1)
        (2) Over three months through 12 months .................................................  A226    3,119,370   M.5.a.(2)
        (3) Over one year .......................................................................  A227    2,182,483   M.5.a.(3)
    b.  Floating rate time deposits of less than $100,000 with a repricing frequency of:
        (1) Quarterly or more frequently ........................................................  A228       87,256   M.5.b.(1)
        (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly .....................  A229            0   M.5.b.(2)
        (3) Less frequently than annually .......................................................  A230            0   M.5.b.(3)
    c.  Floating rate time deposits of less than $100,000 with a remaining maturity of
        one year or less (included in memorandum items 5.b.(1) through 5.b.(3) above) ...........  A231       59,897   M.5.c.
6.  Maturity and repricing data for time deposits of $100,000 or more (i.e., time certificates
    of deposit of $100,000 or more and open-account time deposits of $100,000 or more)
    (sum of Memorandum items 6.a.(1) through 6.b.(4) must equal the sum of Memorandum
    items 2.c and 2.d above):(1)
    a.  Fixed rate time deposits of $100,000 or more with a remaining maturity of:
        (1) Three months or less ................................................................  A232      660,156   M.6.a.(1)
        (2) Over three months through 12 months .................................................  A233      868,600   M.6.a.(2)
        (3) Over one year through five years ....................................................  A234   1 ,111,843   M.6.a.(3)
        (4) Over five years .....................................................................  A235        8,586   M.6.a.(4)
    b.  Floating rate time deposits of $100,000 or more with a repricing frequency of:
        (1) Quarterly or more frequently ........................................................  A236            0   M.6.b.(1)
        (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly .....................  A237            0   M.6.b.(2)
        (3) Every five years or more frequently, but less frequently than annually ..............  A238            0   M.6.b.(3)
        (4) Less frequently than every five years ...............................................  A239            0   M.6.b.(4)
    c.  Floating rate time deposits of $100,000 or more with a remaining maturity of
        one year or less (included in Memorandum items 6.b.(1) through 6.b.(4) above) ...........  A240            0   M.6.c.
                                                                                                   -----------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------
(1) Memorandum items 5 and 6 are not applicable to savings banks that must
complete supplemental Schedule RC-J.


                                       20

<PAGE>   40
                                  Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                         Page RC-11
Address:                One Monarch Place                         
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-E--CONTINUED


PART II. DEPOSITS IN FOREIGN OFFICES (INCLUDING EDGE AND 
AGREEMENT SUBSIDIARIES AND IBFS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         -------------------------
                                                         Dollars Amounts in Thousands      RCFN   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Deposits of:
1. Individuals, partnerships, and corporations...........................................  2621          1,746,651   1.
2. U.S. banks (including IBFs and foreign branches of U.S. banks) .......................  2623                  0   2.
3. Foreign banks (including U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks,
     including their IBFs)...............................................................  2625                  0   3.
4. Foreign governments and official institutions (including foreign central banks).......  2650                  0   4.
5. Certified and official checks ........................................................  2330                  0   5.
6. All other deposits....................................................................  2668              71,060  6.
7. Total (sum of items 1 through 6) (must equal Schedule RC, item 13.b)..................  2200           1,817,711  7.

                                                                                         -------------------------
Memorandum                                               Dollars Amounts in Thousands      RCFN   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Time deposits with a remaining maturity of one year or less
     (included in Part II, item 7 above)................................................   A245           1,817,674  M.1.
</TABLE>


SCHEDULE RC-F--OTHER ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              C430
                                                                                         -----------------------------
                                                         Dollars Amounts in Thousands                 Bil   Mil   Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>               <C>         <C>
1. Income earned, not collected on loans.................................................  RCFD 2164           161,790   1.
2. Net deferred tax assets(1)............................................................  RCFD 2148                 0   2.
3. Excess residential mortgage servicing fees receivable.................................  RCFD 5371           153,788   3.
4. Other (itemize and describe amounts that exceed 25% of this item).....................  RCFD 2168         3,383,658   4.
       -------------                                            --------------------------  
   a.    TEXT 3549     Mortgages Held For Resale                 RCFD  3549     1,555,298                                4.a.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------    
   b.    TEXT 3550                                               RCFD  3550                                              4.b.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------
   c.    TEXT 3551                                               RCFD  3551                                              4.c.
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, item 11)....................  RCFD 2160         3,699,236   5.


                                                                                         -------------------------
Memorandum                                               Dollars Amounts in Thousands      RCFN   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Deferred tax assets disallowed for regulatory capital purposes........................  RCFD 5610             0  M.1.
</TABLE>


SCHEDULE RC-G--OTHER LIABILITIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              C435
                                                                                         -----------------------------
                                                         Dollars Amounts in Thousands                 Bil   Mil   Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>                 <C>       <C>
1. a. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits in domestic offices(2).....................  RCON 3645            47,460   1.a.
   b. Other expenses accrued and unpaid (includes accrued income taxes payable)..........  RCFD 3646           565,126   1.b.
2. Net deferred tax liabilities(1).......................................................  RCFD 3049           268,231   2.
3. Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries........................................  RCFD 3000                 0   3.
4. Other (itemize and describe amounts that exceed 25% of this item).....................  RCFD 2938           107,113   4.
       -------------                                            --------------------------  
   a.    TEXT 3552                                               RCFD  3552                                              4.a.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------    
   b.    TEXT 3553                                               RCFD  3553                                              4.b.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------
   c.    TEXT 3554                                               RCFD  3554                                              4.c.
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, item 20)....................  RCFD 2930           987,930   5.

</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) See discussion of deferred income taxes in Glossary entry on"income taxes."
    For savings banks, include "dividends" accrued and unpaid on deposits. 

                                      21

<PAGE>   41
                                   Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                           Page RC-12
Address:                One Monarch Place 
City,  State  Zip:      Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-H--SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ITEMS FOR DOMESTIC OFFICES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 --------
                                                                                                                   C440     <-
                                                                                                     --------------------  
                                                                                                       Domestic Offices
                                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                        Dollar Amounts in Thousands  RCON    Bil Mil Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>                                                                                                  <C>       <C>          <C>
 1. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ..................................  2155          14,235   1.
 2. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ......................................  2920          14,235   2.
 3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell ........................  1350          32,521   3.
 4. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase ....................  2800       4,526,632   4.
 5. Other borrowed money ..........................................................................  3190       1,222,884   5.
    EITHER                                                                                           ////////////////////
 6. Net due from own foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ...................  2163             N/A   6.
    OR                                                                                               ////////////////////
 7. Net due to own foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs .....................  2941       1,800,174   7.
 8. Total assets (excludes net due from foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and        ////////////////////
    IBFs) .........................................................................................  2192      49,324,712   8.
 9. Total liabilities (excludes net due to foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and     ////////////////////
    IBFs) .........................................................................................  3129      43,104,783   9.
                                                                                                     --------------------

<CAPTION>

Items 10-17 include held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities in domestic offices.

                                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                                     RCON    Bil Mil Thou
                                                                                                     --------------------
10. U.S. Treasury securities ......................................................................  1779       1,484,069  10.
11. U.S. Government agency and corporation obligations (exclude mortgage-backed                      ////////////////////
    securities) ...................................................................................  1785             503  11.
12. Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S. ............................  1786         186,103  12.
13. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS):                                                                ////////////////////
    a. Pass-through securities:                                                                      ////////////////////
       (1) Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA ...........................................  1787       5,490,660  13.a.(1)
       (2) Other pass-through securities ..........................................................  1869               4  13.a.(2)
    b. Other mortgage-backed securities (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS):                    ////////////////////
       (1) Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA ...........................................  1877               0  13.b.(1)
       (2) All other mortgage-backed securities ...................................................  2253             481  13.b.(2)
14. Other domestic debt securities ................................................................  3159             709  14.
15. Foreign debt securities .......................................................................  3160          97,045  15.
16. Equity securities:                                                                               ////////////////////
    a. Investments in mutual funds ................................................................  3161          28,870  16.a.
    b. Other equity securities with readily determinable fair values ..............................  3162               0  16.b.
    c. All other equity securities ................................................................  3169         311,734  16.c.
17. Total held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities (sum of items 10 through 16) .........  3170       7,600,178  17.
                                                                                                     --------------------

<CAPTION>

Memorandum (to be completed only by banks with ibfs and other "foreign" offices)

                                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                        Dollar Amounts in Thousands  RCON    Bil Mil Thou
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    EITHER                                                                                           ////////////////////
 1. Net due from the IBF of the domestic offices of the reporting bank ............................  3051               0 M.1.
    OR                                                                                               ////////////////////
 2. Net due to the IBF of the domestic offices of the reporting bank ..............................  3059             N/A M.2.
                                                                                                     --------------------
</TABLE>



                                                                 22

<PAGE>   42
                                   Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                           Page RC-13
Address:                One Monarch Place 
City,  State  Zip:      Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-I--SELECTED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF IBFs

To be completed only by banks with IBFs and other "foreign" offices.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 C445
                                                                                                 --------------------
                                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands    RCFN  Bil  Mil  Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                              <C>                <C> <C>
 1. Total IBF assets of the consolidated bank (component of Schedule RC, item 12)............... 2133               0   1.
 2. Total IBF loans and lease financing receivables (component of Schedule RC-C, part I,
    item 12, column A........................................................................... 2076               0   2.
 3. IBF commercial and industrial loans (component of Schedule RC-C, part I, item 4,
    column A)................................................................................... 2077               0   3.
 4. Total IBF liabilities (component of Schedule RC, item 21)................................... 2898               0   4.
 5. IBF deposit liabilities due to banks, including other IBFs (component of Schedule RC-E,
    part II, items 2 and 3)..................................................................... 2379               0   5.
 6. Other IBF deposit liabilities (component of Schedule RC-E, part II, items 1, 4, 5 and 6).... 2381               0   6.
                                                                                                 --------------------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-K--QUARTERLY AVERAGES(1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 C455
                                                                                       ------------------------------
                                                        Dollar Amounts in Thousands                    Bil  Mil  Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>                <C>
ASSETS
 1. Interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions........................ RCFD 3381               11,877   1.
 2. U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency and corporation 
    obligations(2).................................................................... RCFD 3382            7,015,138   2.
 3. Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.(2)............. RCFD 3383              170,402   3.
 4. a. Other debt securities(2)....................................................... RCFD 3647               98,284   4.a.
    b. Equity securities(3) (includes investments in mutual funds and Federal
       Reserve stock)................................................................. RCFD 3648              347,251   4.b.
 5. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in 
    domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
    and in IBFs....................................................................... RCFD 3365               34,682   5.
    Loans:
    a. Loans in domestic offices:
       (1) Total loans................................................................ RCON 3360           28,984,270   6.a.(1)
       (2) Loans secured by real estate............................................... RCON 3385           11,632,311   6.a.(2)
       (3) Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers........ RCON 3386                5,556   6.a.(3)
       (4) Commercial and industrial loans............................................ RCON 3387           12,739,363   6.a.(4)
       (5) Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal 
           expenditures............................................................... RCON 3388            2,145,195   6.a.(5)
    b. Total loans in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs...... RCFN 3360               70,538   6.b.
 7. Trading assets.................................................................... RCFD 3401               78,267   7.
 8. Lease financing receivables (net of unearned income).............................. RCFD 3484            2,345,903   8.
 9. Total assets(4)................................................................... RCFD 3368           48,195,765   9.
LIABILITIES
10. Interest-bearing transaction accounts in domestic offices (NOW accounts, ATS 
    accounts, and telephone and preauthorized transfer accounts) (exclude demand
    deposits)......................................................................... RCON 3485               621,447  10.
11. Nontransaction accounts in domestic offices:
    a. Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs).......................................... RCON 3486             9,575,516  11.a.
    b. Other savings deposits......................................................... RCON 3487             3,366,546  11.b.
    c. Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more............................... RCON 3345             2,591,101  11.c.
    d. All other time deposits........................................................ RCON 3469             7,248,888  11.d.
12. Interest-bearing deposits in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
    and IBFs.......................................................................... RCFN 3404             1,891,869  12.
13. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in
    domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in
    IBFs.............................................................................. RCFD 3353             5,441,316  13.
14. Other borrowed money.............................................................. RCFD 3355             1,166,403  14.
                                                                                       -------------------------------
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) For all items, banks have the option of reporting either (1) an average of
    daily figures for the quarter, or (2) an average of weekly figures (i.e., 
    the Wednesday of each week of the quarter).
(2) Quarterly averages for all debt securities should be based on amortized 
    cost.
(3) Quarterly averages for all equity securities should be based on historical 
    cost.
(4) The quarterly average for total assets should reflect all debt securities
    (not held for trading) at amortized cost, equity securities with readily
    determinable fair values at the lower of cost or fair value, and equity
    securities without readily determinable fair values at historical cost.

                                       23



<PAGE>   43
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                  <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                     Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                         Page RC-14
City,   State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:    0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

Schedule RC-L--Off-Balance Sheet Items

Please read carefully the instructions for the preparation of Schedule RC-L.
Some of the amounts reported in Schedule RC-L are regarded as volume indicators
and not necessarily as measures of risk.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            C460
                                                                                         ----------------------- 
                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands           RCFD   Bil   Mil   Thou     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------       ----------------------- 
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>           <C>
 1. Unused commitments:
    a. Revolving, open-end lines secured by 1-4 family residential properties,
       e.g., home equity lines....................................................       3814          1,603,462     1.a.
    b. Credit card lines..........................................................       3815             35,582     1.b.
    c. Commercial real estate, construction, and land development:
       (1) Commitments to fund loans secured by real estate.......................       3816            447,874     1.c.(1)
       (2) Commitments to fund loans not secured by real estate...................       6550            467,237     1.c.(2)
    d. Securities underwriting....................................................       3817                  0     1.d.
    e. Other unused commitments...................................................       3818         18,958,713     1.e.
 2. Financial standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees.............       3819          2,194,339     2.
    a. Amount of financial standby letters of credit conveyed to others
                                                           RCFD 3820       85,446                                    2.a.
 3. Performance standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees...........       3821             173,093    3.
    a. Amount of performance standby letters of credit conveyed to others
                                                           RCFD 3822       11,025                                    3.a.
 4. Commercial and similar letters of credit......................................       3411             155,635    4.
 5. Participations in acceptances (as described in the instructions)
    conveyed to others by the reporting bank......................................       3428              13,822    5.
 6. Participations in acceptances (as described in the instructions)
    acquired by the reporting (nonaccepting) bank.................................       3429              11,805    6.
 7. Securities borrowed...........................................................       3432                   0    7.
 8. Securities lent (including customers' securities lent where the customer
    is indemnified against loss by the reporting bank)............................       3433             200,546    8.
 9. Loans transferred (i.e., sold or swapped) with recourse that have been
    treated as sold for Call Report purposes:
    a. FNMA and  FHLMC residential mortgage loan pools:
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of mortgages transferred as of the
           report date............................................................       3650             239,132    9.a.(1)
       (2) Amount of recourse exposure on these mortgages as of the report date...       3651             239,132    9.a.(2)
    b. Private (nongovernment-issued or -guaranteed) residential mortgage loan
       pools:
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of mortgages transferred as of the
           report date............................................................       3652              32,676    9.b.(1)
       (2) Amount of recourse exposure on these mortgages as of the report date...       3653              32,676    9.b.(2)
    c. Farmer Mac agricultural mortgage loan pools:
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of mortgages transferred as of the
           report date............................................................       3654                   0    9.c.(1)
       (2) Amount of recourse exposure on these mortgages as of the report date...       3655                   0    9.c.(2)
    d. Small business obligations transferred with recourse under Section 208
       of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act
       of 1994:
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of small business obligations
           transferred as of the report date......................................       A249                   0    9.d.(1)
       (2) Amount of retained recourse on these obligations as of the
           report date............................................................       A250                   0    9.d.(2)
10. When-issued securities:
     a. Gross commitments to purchase.............................................       3434                   0   10.a.
     b. Gross commitments to sell.................................................       3435                   0   10.b.
11. Spot foreign exchange contracts...............................................       8765           1,897,509   11.
12. All other off-balance sheet liabilities (exclude off-balance sheet
    derivatives) (itemize and describe each component of this item over 25%
    of Schedule RC, item 28, "Total equity capital")..............................       3430                   0   12.
    a. TEXT 3555                                        RCFD 3555                                                   12.a.
    b. TEXT 3556                                        RCFD 3556                                                   12.b.
    c. TEXT 3557                                        RCFD 3557                                                   12.c.
    d. TEXT 3558                                        RCFD 3558                                                   12.d.
</TABLE>





                                       24

<PAGE>   44
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                    Page RC-15
City,   State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:    0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-L--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         -----------------------------
                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands       RCFD   Bil   Mil   Thou
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>                    <C>    
13. All other off-balance sheet assets (exclude off-balance sheet derivatives)
    itemize and describe each component of this item over 25% of Schedule RC,
    item 28, "Total equity capital")....................................................   5591                      0   13.

       -------------                                            --------------------------  
   a.    TEXT 5592                                               RCFD  5592                                              13.a.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------    
   b.    TEXT 5593                                               RCFD  5593                                              13.b.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------
   c.    TEXT 5594                                               RCFD  5594                                              13.c.
       ------------- ------------------------------------------
   d.    TEXT 5595                                               RCFD  5594                                              13.d.
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           -----------
                                                                                                              C461
                               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     (Column A)            (Column B)           (Column C)             (Column D)
Dollar Amounts in Thousands        Interest Rate        Foreign Exchange     Equity Derivative       Commodity and
- ------------------------------       Contracts             Contracts             Contracts          Other Contracts
Off-balance Sheet Derivatives  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Position Indicators         Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou  Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou  Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou  Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou    
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                    <C>                  <C>                    <C>
14. Gross amounts (e.g., 
    notional amounts) (for each
    column, sum of items 14.a
    through 14.e must equal
    sum of items 15, 16.a, and
    16.b):
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

                                              744,062                     0                     0               42,510   14.a.
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
    a. Futures contracts......        RCFD 8693             RCFD 8694             RCFD 8695            RCFD 8696 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

    b. Forward contracts......              2,569,500             1,809,728                     0               27,422   14.b.
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 8697             RCFD 8698             RCFD 8699            RCFD 8700 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

    c. Exchange-traded option 
       contracts:
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
       (1) Written options....                      0                     0                     0                    0   14.c.(1)
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 8701             RCFD 8702             RCFD 8703            RCFD 8704 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

       (2) Purchased options..                902,500                     0                     0                1,746   14.c.(2)
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      

    d. Over-the-counter option
       contracts:                     RCFD 8705             RCFD 8706             RCFD 8707            RCFD 8708 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
       (1) Written options....              1,251,332                 1,443                     0                    0   14.d.(1)
       
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 8709             RCFD 8710             RCFD 8711            RCFD 8712 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

       (2) Purchased options..             13,125,235                 1,443                     0                    0   14.d.(2)
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 8713             RCFD 8714             RCFD 8715            RCFD 8716 

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

    e. Swaps..................             18,810,986                     0                     0                    0   14.e.
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 3450             RCFD 3826             RCFD 8719            RCFD 8720 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

15. Total gross notional
    amount of derivative
    contracts held for
    trading...................              5,345,761             1,812,614                     0                1,746   15.
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD A126             RCFD A127             RCFD 8723            RCFD 8724 

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

16. Total gross notional
    amount of derivative
    contracts held for
    purposes other than
    trading:
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
    a. Contracts not marked to
       market.................              3,930,500                     0                     0               42,510   16.a.
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 8725             RCFD 8726             RCFD 8727            RCFD 8728 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------

    b. Contracts not marked
       to market..............             28,127,354                     0                     0               27,422   16.b.
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
                                      RCFD 8729             RCFD 8730             RCFD 8731            RCFD 8732 
                               ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
</TABLE>

                                      25

<PAGE>   45
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City,  State   Zip:    Springfield, MA  01102                        Page RC-16
FDIC  Certificate No.: 0 2 4 9 9
                       ---------

SCHEDULE RC--L--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    
                                         (Column A)            (Column B)            (Column C)            (Column D)
 Dollar Amounts in Thousands           Interest Rate        Foreign Exchange      Equity Derivative       Commodity and         
- -----------------------------             Contracts            Contracts              Contracts          Other Contracts     
Off-balance Sheet Derivatives        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Position Indicators             RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>             <C>   <C>             <C>  <C>
17. Gross fair values of
    derivative contracts:
    a. Contracts held for
       trading:
       (1) Gross positive
           fair value.............    8733       29,453     8734       18,658     8735            0      8736           61  17.a.(1)
       (2) Gross negative 
           fair value.............    8737       20,216     8738       13,862     8739            0      8740            0  17.a.(2)
    b. Contracts held for
       purposes other than
       trading that are marked
       to market:
       (1) Gross positive
           fair value.............    8741          655     8742            0     8743            0      8744        2,261  17.b.(1)
       (2) Gross negative 
           fair value                 8745        4,613     8746            0     8747            0      8748            0  17.b.(2)
    c. Contracts held for
       purposes other than
       trading that are not
       marked to market:
       (1) Gross positive
           fair value.............    8749       67,825     8750            0     8751            0      8752          123  17.c.(1)
       (2) Gross negative
           fair value.............    8753      112,527     8754            0     8755            0      8756            0  17.c.(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Memoranda                                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                   <C>       <C>
1.-2. Not applicable
3. Unused commitments with an original maturity exceeding one year that are reported in
   Schedule RC-L, items 1.a through 1.e, above (report only the unused portions of commitments
   that are fee paid or otherwise legally binding).................................................    3833     16,723,351  M.3.
   a. Participations in commitments with an original maturity              ------------------------
      exceeding one year conveyed to others.............................   RCFD 3834   |  1,632,422                         M.3.a.
                                                                           ------------------------      
4. To be completed only by banks with $1 billion or more in total assets:
   Standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees (both financial and performance) issued
   to non-U.S. addressees (domicile) included in Schedule RC-L, items 2 and 3, above...............    3377        332,359  M.4.
5. Installment loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures that
   have been securitized and sold without recourse (with servicing retained), amounts outstanding
   by type of loan:
   a. Loans to purchase private passenger automobiles (to be completed for the
      September report only).......................................................................    2741          6,842  M.5.a.
   b. Credit cards and related plans (TO BE COMPLETED QUARTERLY)...................................    2742              0  M.5.b.
   c. All other consumer installment credit (including mobile home loans) (to be completed for the
      September report only).......................................................................    2743              0  M.5.c.
                                                                                                       --------------------------- 
</TABLE>

                                       26


<PAGE>   46
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                    Page RC-17
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-M--MEMORANDA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 C465
                                                                                                  -------------------
                                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands     RCFD Bil   Mil Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>          <C>        
1. Extensions of credit by the reporting bank to its executive officers, directors, principal 
   shareholders, and their related interests as of the report date:

   a. Aggregate amount of all extensions of credit to all executive officers, directors, 
      principal shareholders, and their related interests......................................   6164           550,070 1.a

   b. Number of executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders to whom the amount of
      all extensions of credit by the reporting bank (including extensions of credit to related
      interests) equals or exceeds the lesser of $500,000 or 5 percent                  Number
                                                                             ----------------
      of total capital as defined for this purpose in agency regulations.    RCFD 6165     22                            1.b
                                                                             ----------------
2. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell with U.S. branches
   and agencies of foreign banks(1) (included in Schedule RC, items 3.a and 3.b)...............   3405                 0 2.

3. Not applicable.

4. Outstanding principal balance of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans serviced for others
   (include both retained servicing and purchased servicing):

   a. Mortgages serviced under a GNMA contract ................................................   5500       25,856,990 4.a.

   b. Mortgages serviced under a FHLMC contract:

      (1) Serviced with recourse to servicer...................................................   5501           54,298 4.b.(1)

      (2) Serviced without recourse to servicer................................................   5502       34,252,992 4.b.(2)

   c. Mortgages serviced under a FNMA contract:
 
      (1) Serviced under a regular option contract.............................................   5503          184,834 4.c.(1)

      (2) Serviced under a special option contract.............................................   5504       40,751,543 4.c.(2)

   d. Mortgages serviced under other servicing contracts.......................................   5505       11,239,928 4.d.

5. To be completed only by banks with $1 billion or more in total assets:
   Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding (sum of items 5.a and 5.b must
   equal Schedule RC, item 9):

   a. U.S. addressees (domicile)...............................................................   2103           14,104 5.a.

   b. Non-U.S. addressees (domicile)...........................................................   2104              131 5.b.

6. Intangible assets:

   a. Mortgage servicing rights...............................................................    3164        1,534,859 6.a.

   b. Other identifiable intangible assets:

      (1) Purchased credit card relationships.................................................    5506                0 6.b.(1)

      (2) All other identifiable intangible assets............................................    5507          116,198 6.b.(2)

   c. Goodwill................................................................................    3163          660,177 6.c.

   d. Total (sum of items 6.a through 6.c) (must equal schedule RC, item 10)..................    2143        2,311,234 6.d.

   e. Amount of intangible assets (included in item 6.b. (2) above) that have been 
      grandfathered or are otherwise qualifying for regulatory capital purposes...............    6442                0 6.e.

7. Mandatory convertible debt, net of common or perpetual stock dedicated to redeem the debt..    3295           75,000 7.

</TABLE>


- ------------
(1) Do not report federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements 
       to resell with other commercial banks in the U.S. in this item.



                                       27


<PAGE>   47
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96  
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City,  State  Zip:     Springfield, MA 01102                         Page RC-18
FDIC Certificate No.:  0 2 4 9 9
                       -----------

SCHEDULE RC-M--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            -------------------------
                                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands              Bil Mil Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>             <C>        <C>
 8. a. Other real estate owned:
       (1) Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures........................   RCFD 5372             0     8.a.(1)
       (2) All other real estate owned:
           (a) Construction and land development in domestic offices......................   RCON 5508         2,221     8.a.(2)(a)
           (b) Farmland in domestic offices...............................................   RCON 5509             0     8.a.(2)(b)
           (c) 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices......................   RCON 5510         9,228     8.a.(2)(c)
           (d) Multifamily (5 or more) residential properties in domestic offices.........   RCON 5511           441     8.a.(2)(d)
           (e) Nonfarm nonresidential properties in domestic offices......................   RCON 5512        10,894     8.a.(2)(e)
           (f) In foreign offices.........................................................   RCFN 5513             0     8.a.(2)(f)
       (3) Total (sum of items 8.a.(1) and 8.a.(2)) (Must equal Schedule RC, item 7)......   RCFD 2150        22,784     8.a.(3)
    b. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies:
       (1) Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures........................   RCFD 5374             0     8.b.(1)
       (2) All other investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies..   RCFD 5375             0     8.b.(2)
       (3) Total (sum of items 8.b.(1) and 8.b.(2)) (must equal Schedule RC, item 8)......   RCFD 2130             0     8.b.(3)
    c. Total assets of unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies...............   RCFD 5376             0     8.c.
 9. Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus included in Schedule RC,
    item 23, "Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus"..............................   RCFD 3778       125,000     9.
10. Mutual fund and annuity sales in domestic offices during the quarter (include
    proprietary, private label, and third party products):
    a. Money market funds.................................................................   RCON 6441       129,353    10.a.
    b. Equity securities funds............................................................   RCON 8427       105,157    10.b.
    c. Debt securities funds..............................................................   RCON 8428        10,646    10.c.
    d. Other mutual funds.................................................................   RCON 8429             0    10.d.
    e. Annuities..........................................................................   RCON 8430        97,532    10.e.
    f. Sales of proprietary mutual funds and annuities (included in items 10.a through
       10.e above)........................................................................   RCON 8784       220,741    10.f.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 --------------------
 Memorandum                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands   RCFD  Bil Mil Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                                                                                              <C>            <C>    <C>
 1. Interbank holdings of capital instruments (to be completed for the December report only):
    a. Reciprocal holdings of banking organizations' capital instruments.......................   3836           N/A    M.1.a.
    b. Nonreciprocal holdings of banking organizations' capital instruments....................   3837           N/A    M.1.b.
                                                                                                 --------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       28

<PAGE>   48
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96  
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City,  State  Zip:     Springfield, MA 01102                         Page RC-19
FDIC Certificate No.:  0 2 4 9 9
                       -----------


SCHEDULE RC-N--PAST DUE AND NONACCRUAL LOANS, LEASES,
               AND OTHER ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


The FFIEC regards the information reported in                                                                    ----
all of Memorandum item 1, in items 1 through 10,                                                                 C470
column A, and in Memorandum items 2 through 4,         --------------------------------------------------------------  <-
column A, as confidential.                                 (Column A)           (Column B)            (Column C)
                                                            Past due           Past due 90            Nonaccrual
                                                         30 through 89         days or more
                                                         days and still         and still
                                                            accruing             accruing
                                                       ------------------    ------------------    ------------------
                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands  RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou  
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                   <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>
 1. Loans secured by real estate:                      //////////////////    //////////////////    //////////////////
    a. To U.S. addresses (domicile) .................  1245                  1246        63,732    1247       236,175  1.a.
    b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............  1248                  1249             0    1250             0  1.b.
 2. Loans to depository institutions and acceptances   /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    of other banks:                                    /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    a. To U.S. banks and other U.S. depository         /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
       institutions .................................  5377                  5378           160    5379             0  2.a.
    b. To foreign banks .............................  5380                  5381             0    5382             0  2.b.
 3. Loans to finance agricultural production and       /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    other loans to farmers ..........................  1594                  1597             0    1583           715  3.
 4. Commercial and industrial loans:                   /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    a. To U.S. addressees (domicile) ................  1251                  1252         5,283    1253        60,030  4.a.
    b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............  1254                  1255             0    1256             0  4.b.
 5. Loans to individuals for household, family, and    /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    other personal expenditures:                       /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    a. Credit cards and related plans ...............  5383                  5384         1,272    5385           968  5.a.
    b. Other (includes single payment, installment,    /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
       and all student loans) .......................  5386                  5387        22,269    5388         9,380  5.b.
 6. Loans to foreign governments and official          /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    institutions ....................................  5389                  5390             0    5391             0  6.
 7. All other loans .................................  5459                  5460         7,982    5461           645  7.
 8. Lease financing receivables:                       /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    a. Of U.S. addressees (domicile) ................  1257                  1258           114    1259         5,194  8.a.
    b. Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............  1271                  1272             0    1791             0  8.b.
 9. Debt securities and other assets (exclude other    /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    real estate owned and other repossessed assets) .  3505                  3506             0    3507        25,944  9.
                                                       -----                 ------------------    ------------------

<CAPTION>

Amounts reported in items 1 through 8 above include guaranteed portions of past due and nonaccrual loans and
leases. Report in item 10 below certain guaranteed loans and have already been included in the amounts reported in
items 1 through 8.

                                                       ------------------    ------------------    ------------------
                                                       RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou  
10. Loans and leases reported in items 1               ------------------    ------------------    ------------------
    through 8 above which are wholly or partially      /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
    guaranteed by the U.S. Government ...............  5612                  5613        16,166    5614        15,817  10.
    a. Guaranteed portion of loans and leases          /////                 //////////////////    //////////////////
       included in item 10 above ....................  5615                  5616        15,781    5617        11,488  10.a.
                                                       ------------------    ------------------    ------------------
</TABLE>



                                       29


<PAGE>   49
<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>                                               <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  Fleet National Bank                                   Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
Address:              One Monarch Place                                                                      Page RC-20
City,  State  Zip:     Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.: 0 2 4 9 9
                      ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-N -- CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                                       C473
                                                                                                                      ------

                                                                (Column A)             (Column B)            (Column C)
                                                                 Past Due             Past Due 90            Nonaccrual
                                                              30 through 89           days or more
                                                              days and still           and still
Memoranda                                                        accruing               accruing
                                                             ------------------    ------------------   ------------------
                            Dollar Amounts in Thousands   RCFD  Bil Mil Thou    RCFD  Bil Mil Thou   RCFD  Bil Mil Thou  
                            ---------------------------   ------------------    ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                       <C>                   <C>                  <C>
1. Restructured loans and leases included in              ////
   Schedule RC-N, items 1 through 8, above (and not       ////
   reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, Memorandum          ////
   item 2)..............................................  1658
2. Loans to finance commercial real estate,               ////
   construction, and land development activities          ////
   (not secured by real estate) included in               /////                //////////////////    //////////////////
   Schedule RC-N, items 4 and 7, above.................   6558                 6559             0    6560         2,851  M.2.
                                                          ----                 ------------------    ------------------
                                                          
3. Loans secured by real estate in domestic offices       RCON                 RCON  Bil Mil Thou    RCON  Bil Mil Thou
                                                          ----                 ------------------    ------------------    
   (included in Schedule RC-N, item 1, above):           /////                //////////////////    //////////////////
   a. Construction and land development................   2759                 2769           589    3492        22,571  M.3.a.
   b. Secured by farmland..............................   3493                 3494             0    3495           159  M.3.b.
   c. Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:       /////                //////////////////    ////////////////// 
      (1) Revolving, open-end loans secured by            /////                //////////////////    //////////////////
          1-4 family residential properties and           /////                //////////////////    //////////////////
          extended under lines of credit...............   5398                 5399         3,769    5400        13,509  M.3.c.(1)
      (2) All other loans secured by 1-4 family           /////                //////////////////    //////////////////
          residential properties.......................   5401                 5402        53,378    5403        90,447  M.3.c.(2)
   d. Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential      /////                //////////////////    //////////////////
      properties.......................................   3499                 3500           774    3501         9,472  M.3.d.
   e. Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties.....   3502                 3503         5,222    3504       100,017  M.3.e.
                                                          ----                 ------------------    ------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          
                                                          ----                 ------------------    
                                                                                   (Column B)
                                                             Pa                    Past due 90
                                                           thr?                    days or more
                                                          ----                 ------------------
                                                          RCFD                 RCFD  Bil Mil Thou
                                                          ----                 ------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                   <C>
4. Interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and other        /////                //////////////////
   commodity and equity contracts:                        /////                //////////////////
   a. Book value of amounts carried as assets..........   3522                 3528             0  M.4.a.
   b. Replacement cost of contracts with a                /////                //////////////////
      positive replacement cost........................   3529                 3530             0  M.4.b.

</TABLE>


                                       30


<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
Legal Title of Bank: Fleet National Bank                                        Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  
Address:             One Monarch Place                                                                  Page RC-21
City, State Zip:     Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC    Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
SCHEDULE RC-O -- OTHER DATA FOR DEPOSIT INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            C475
                                                                                         ----------------------- 
                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands       RCON   Bil   Mil   Thou     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------       ----------------------- 
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>
 1. Unposted debits (see instructions):
    a. Actual amount of all unposted debits.......................................       0030                 64     1.a.
       OR
    b. Separate amount of unposted debits:
       (1) Actual amount of unposted debits to demand deposits....................       0031                N/A     1.b.(1)
       (2) Actual amount of unposted debits to time and savings deposits(1).......       0032                N/A     1.b.(2)
 2. Unposted credits (see instructions):
    a. Actual amount of all unposted credits......................................       3510                 64     2.a.
       OR
    b. Separate amount of unposted credits:
       (1) Actual amount of unposted credits to demand deposits...................       3512                 N/A    2.b.(1)
       (2) Actual amount of unposted credits to time and savings deposits(1)......       3514                 N/A    2.b.(2)
 3. Uninvested trust funds (cash) held in bank's own trust department (not 
    included in total deposits in domestic offices)...............................       3520             145,532    3.
 4. Deposits of consolidated subsidiaries in domestic offices and in insured 
    branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions (not included in 
    total deposits):
    a. Demand deposits of consolidated subsidiaries...............................       2211             194,247    4.a.
    b. Time and savings deposits(1) of consolidated subsidiaries..................       2351              17,598    4.b.
    c. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits of consolidated subsidiaries.......       5514                   9    4.c.
 5. Deposits in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories
    and possessions:
    a. Demand deposits in insured branches (included in Schedule RC-E, Part II)...       2229                   0    5.a.
    b. Time and savings deposits(1) in insured branches (included
       in Schedule RC-E, Part II).................................................       2383                   0    5.b.
    c. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits in insured branches
       (included in Schedule RC-G, item 1.b)......................................       5515                   0    5.c.

Item 6 is not applicable to state nonmember banks that have not been authorized
by the Federal Reserve to act as pass-through correspondents.

 6. Reserve balances actually passed through to the Federal Reserve by the 
    reporting bank on behalf of its respondent depository institutions that are
    also reflected as deposit liabilities of the reporting bank:
    a. Amount reflected in demand deposits (included in Schedule RC-E, Part I,
       item 4 or 5, column B).....................................................       2314                   0    6.a.
    b. Amount reflected in time and savings deposits(1) (included in
       Schedule RC-E, Part I, item 4 or 5, column A or C, but not column B).......       2315                   0    6.b.
 7. Unamortized premiums and discounts on time and savings deposits:(1)
    a. Unamortized premiums.......................................................       5516                 786    7.a.
    b. Unamortized discounts......................................................       5517                   0    7.b.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8. To be completed by banks with "Oakar deposits."
    Total "Adjusted Attributable Deposits" of all institutions acquired under 
    Section 5(d)(3) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (from most recent FDIC
    Oakar Transaction Worksheet(s))...............................................       5518          2,188,589    8.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. Deposits in lifeline accounts.................................................       5596                       9.
10. Benefit-responsive "Depository Institution Investment Contracts" (included in
    total deposits in domestic offices)...........................................       8432                   0   10.
</TABLE>

- ---------------
(1) For FDIC insurance assessment purposes, "time and savings deposits" consists
    of nontransaction accounts and all transaction accounts other than demand
    deposits.


                                       31

<PAGE>   51
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                    Page RC-22
City,  State    Zip:    Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-O--CONTINUED

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   ------------------
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands  RCON  Bil Mil Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>     <C>         <C>
11. Adjustments to demand deposits in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-E for               //////////////////
    certain reciprocal demand balances:                                                            //////////////////
    a. Amount by which demand deposits would be reduced if reciprocal demand balances              //////////////////
       between the reporting bank and savings associations were reported on a net basis            //////////////////
       rather than a gross basis in Schedule RC-E ...............................................  8785             0  11.a.
    b. Amount by which demand deposits would be increased if reciprocal demand balances            //////////////////
       between the reporting bank and U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks were             //////////////////
       reported on a gross basis rather than a net basis in Schedule RC-E .......................  A181             0  11.b.
    c. Amount by which demand deposits would be reduced if cash items in process of                //////////////////
       collection were included in the calaculation of net reciprocal demand balances between      //////////////////
       the reporting bank and the domestic offices of U.S. banks and savings associations          //////////////////
       in Schedule RC-E .........................................................................  A182             0  11.c.
                                                                                                   ------------------

<CAPTION>

Memoranda (To Be Completed Each Quarter Except As Noted)

                                                                                                   ------------------
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands  RCON  Bil Mil Thou
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Total deposits in domestic offices of the bank (sum of Memorandum items 1.a.(1) and            //////////////////
    1.b.(1) must equal Schedule RC, item 13.a):                                                    //////////////////
    a. Deposit accounts of $100,000 or less:                                                       //////////////////
       (1) Amount of deposit accounts of $100,000 or less .......................................  2702    18,512,871  M.1.a.(1)
       (2) Number of deposit accounts of $100,000 or less (to be                           Number  //////////////////
                                                                       --------------------------
           completed for the June report only) ....................... RCON 3779              N/A  //////////////////  M.1.a.(2)
                                                                       --------------------------
    b. Deposit accounts of more than $100,000:                                                     //////////////////
       (1) Amount of deposit accounts of more than $100,000 .....................................  2710    15,061,441  M.1.b.(1)
                                                                                           Number  //////////////////
                                                                       --------------------------
       (2) Number of deposit accounts of more than $100,000 .......... RCON 2722           28,530  //////////////////  M.1.b.(2)
                                                                       ----------------------------------------------
 2. Estimated amount of uninsured deposits in domestic offices of the bank:
    a. An estimate of your bank's uninsured deposits can be determined by multiplying the
       number of deposit accounts of more than $100,000 reported in Memorandum item 1.b.(2)
       above by $100,000 and subtracting the result from the amount of deposit accounts of
       more than $100,000 reported in Memorandum item 1.b.(1) above.

       Indicate in the appropriate box at the right whether your bank has a method or                     YES      NO
       procedure for determining a better estimate of uninsured deposits than the                  ------------------
       estimate described above .................................................................  6861       ///   x  M.2.a.
                                                                                                   ------------------ 
                                                                                                   RCON  Bil Mil Thou
    b. If the box marked YES has been checked, report the estimate of uninsured deposits           ------------------
       determined by using your bank's method or procedure ......................................  5597           N/A  M.2.b.
                                                                                                   ------------------

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Person to whom questions about the Reports of Condition and Income should be directed:                           C477  <-
                                                                                                                 ----
Pamela S. Flynn, Vice President                                                  (401) 278-5194
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------   --------------------------------------------
Name and Title (TEXT 8901)                                                       Area code/phone number/extension (TEXT 8902)

</TABLE>


                                       32

<PAGE>   52
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>                                                   <C>
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                                   Call Date: 9/30/96 ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
Address:                One Monarch Place                                                                      Page RC-23
City,  State  Zip:      Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------
</TABLE>

SCHEDULE RC-R--CONTINUED

This schedule must be completed by all banks as follows: Banks that reported
total assets of $1 billion or more in Schedule RC, item 12, for June 30, 1995,
must complete items 2 through 9 and Memoranda items 1 and 2. Banks with assets
of less than $1 billion must complete items 1 through 3 below or Schedule RC-R
in its entirety, depending on their response to item 1 below.

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                                       <C>       <C>       <C>   <C>
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                        C480
1. Test for determining the extent to which Schedule RC-R must be completed. To be                  ---------------
   completed only by banks with total assets of less than $1 billion. Indicate in the                Yes      No
   appropriate box at the right whether the bank has total capital greater than or        -------------------------
   equal to eight percent of adjusted total assets .....................................  RCFD 6056                  1.
                                                                                          -------------------------
     For purposes of this test, adjusted total assets equals total assets less cash, U.S. Treasuries, U.S. 
   Government agency obligations, and 80 percent of U.S. Government-sponsored agency obligations plus the 
   allowance for loan and lease losses and selected off-balance sheet items as reported on Schedule RC-L
   (see instructions).
     If the box marked YES has been checked, then the bank only has to complete items 2 and 3 below. If the
   box marked NO has been checked, the bank must complete the remainder of this schedule.
     A NO response to item 1 does not necessarily mean that the bank's actual risk-based capital ratio is
   less than eight percent or that the bank is not in compliance with the risk-based capital guidelines.
   -----------------------------------------------------------------
     NOTE: All banks are required to complete items 2 and 3 below.      
           See optional worksheet for items 3.a through 3.f.             ------------------------------------------
   -----------------------------------------------------------------          (Column A)            (Column B)
                                           Dollar Amounts in Thousands    Subordinated Debt(1)        Other
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------     and Intermediate       Limited-Life
2. Subordinated debt(1) and other limited-life capital instruments       Term Preferred Stock  Capital Instruments
   (original weighted average maturity of at least five years)           --------------------  --------------------
   with a remaining maturity of:                                         RDFD  Bil  Mil  Thou  RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou
                                                                         ------------------------------------------
   a. One year or less................................................   3780          25,737  3786               0  2.a.
   b. Over one year through two years.................................   3781             737  3787               0  2.b.
   c. Over two years through three years..............................   3782          10,745  3788               0  2.c.
   d. Over three years through four years.............................   3783               0  3789               0  2.d.
   e. Over four years through five years..............................   3784               0  3790               0  2.e.
   f. Over five years.................................................   3785       1,101,000  3791               0  2.f.
                                                                         ------------------------------------------
3. Amounts used in calculated regulatory capital ratios (report amounts
   determined by the bank for its own internal regulatory capital                              --------------------
   analyses consistent with applicable capital standards):                                     RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou
                                                                                               --------------------
   a. Tier 1 capital........................................................................   8274       3,659,643  3.a.
   b. Tier 2 capital........................................................................   8275       1,757,001  3.b.
   c. Total risk-based capital..............................................................   3792       5,416,644  3.c.
   d. Excess allowance for loan and lease losses............................................   A222         264,213  3.d.
   e. Risk-weighted assets (net of all deductions, including excess allowance)..............   A223      45,860,269  3.e.
   f. "Average total assets" (net of all assets deducted from Tier 1 capital)(2)............   A224      47,419,390  3.f.
                                                                         ------------------------------------------
                                                                             (Column A)           (Column B)
Items 4-9 and Memoranda items 1 and 2 are to be completed                      Assets           Credit Equiv-
by banks that answered NO to Item 1 above and                                 Recorded           alent Amount
by banks with total assets of $1 billion or more.                              on the           of Off-Balance
                                                                            Balance Sheet       Sheet Items(3)
                                                                         --------------------  --------------------
4. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items       RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou  RCFD  Bil  Mil  Thou
   assigned to the Zero percent risk category:                           --------------------  --------------------
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet:
      (1) Securities issued by, other claims on, and claims
          unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. Government
          and its agencies and other OECD central governments.........   3794       2,335,793                        4.a.(1)
      (2) All other...................................................   3795         968,339                        4.a.(2)
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items.............                         3796         296,454  4.b.
                                                                         ------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Exclude mandatory convertible debt reported in Schedule RC-M, item 7.
(2) Do not deduct excess allowance for loan and lease losses.
(3) Do not report in column B the risk-weighted amount of assets reported in
    column A.

                                       33



<PAGE>   53
                                   Call Date: 9/30/96  ST-BK: 25-0590  FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank:    Fleet National Bank                           Page RC-24
Address:                One Monarch Place 
City,  State  Zip:      Springfield, MA 01102
FDIC Certificate No.:   0 2 4 9 9
                        ---------

SCHEDULE RC-R--CONTINUED


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        (Column A)                   (Column B)
                                                                          Assets                    Credit Equiv-
                                                                         Recorded                   alent Amount
                                                                          on the                   of Off-Balance
                                                                       Balance Sheet               Sheet Items(1)
                                                                  -----------------------     -----------------------
                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands                      RCFD   Bil   Mil   Thou     RCFD   Bil   Mil   Thou    
- -------------------------------------------------------------     -----------------------     -----------------------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>
5. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance
   sheet items assigned to the 20 percent risk category:
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet:
      (1) Claims conditionally guaranteed by the U.S.
          Government and its agencies and other OECD
          central governments................................     3798            692,459                                 5.a.(1)
      (2) Claims collateralized by securities issued by the
          U.S. Government and its agencies and other OECD
          central governments; by securities issued by
          U.S. Government-sponsored agencies; and by cash
          on deposit.........................................     3799                  0                                 5.a.(2)
      (3) All other..........................................     3800          8,538,080                                 5.a.(3)
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items....                                 3801            926,409     5.b.
6. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance
   sheet items assigned to the 50 percent risk category:
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet...................     3802          5,601,621                                 6.a.
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items....                                 3803            413,089     6.b.
7. Assets and credit equivalent amount of off-balance
   sheet items assigned to the 100 percent risk category:
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet...................     3804         32,091,416                                 7.a.
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items....                                 3805          9,770,697     7.b.
8. Balance sheet asset values excluded from the
   calculation of the risk-based capital ratio(2)............     3806             24,268                                 8.
9. Total assets recorded on the balance sheet (sum of
   items 4.a, 5.a, 6.a, 7.a, and 8, column A) (must equal
   Schedule RC, item 12 plus items 4.b and 4.c)..............     3807         50,251,976                                 9.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands                                      RCFD   Bil   Mil   Thou    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      -----------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>            <C>
1. Current credit exposure across all off-balance sheet derivative contracts
   covered by the risk-based capital standards........................................     8764            118,571     M.1

</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                With a remaining maturity of
                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          (Column A)                     (Column B)                  (Column C)
                                        One year or less                Over one year              Over five years
                                                                      through five years
                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    RCFD  Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou   RCFD  Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou   RCFD  Tril  Bil  Mil  Thou
                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>              <C>         <C>
2. Notional principal amounts
   of off-balance sheet
   derivative contracts(3):
   a. Interest rate
      contracts.................    3809             8,972,794   8766            20,272,746   8767               719,181   M.2.a.
   b. Foreign exchange
      contracts.................    3812             1,431,018   8769                52,587   8770                     0   M.2.b.
   c. Gold contracts............    8771                15,034   8772                     0   8773                     0   M.2.c.
   d. Other previous metals
      contracts.................    8774                14,134   8775                     0   8776                     0   M.2.d.
   e. Other commodity
      contracts.................    8777                     0   8778                     0   8779                     0   M.2.e.
   f. Equity derivative
      contracts.................    A000                     0   A001                     0   A002                     0   M.2.f.
</TABLE>

(1) Do not report in column B the risk-weighted amount of assets reported in
    column A.
(2) Include the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of
    available-for-sale securities in item 8 and report the amortized cost of
    these securities in items 4 through 7 above. Item 8 also includes on-balance
    sheet asset values (or portions thereof) of off-balance sheet interest rate,
    foreign exchange rate, and commodity contracts and those contracts (e.g.,
    futures contracts) not subject to risk-based capital. Exclude from item 8
    margin accounts and accrued receivables not included in the calculation of
    credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet derivatives as well as any
    portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses in excess of the amount
    that may be included in Tier 2 capital.
(3) Exclude foreign exchange contracts with an original maturity of 14 days or
    less and all futures contracts.


                                                                 34

<PAGE>   54
Legal Title of Bank:   Fleet National Bank         Call Date: 9/30/96  
Address:               One Monarch Place               ST-BK: 25-0590 FFIEC 031
City, State  Zip:      Springfield, MA 01102                         Page RC-25
FDIC Certificate No.:  0 2 4 9 9
                       ----------

              OPTIONAL NARRATIVE STATEMENT CONCERNING THE AMOUNTS
                 REPORTED IN THE REPORTS OF CONDITION AND INCOME
                   AT CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

FLEET NATIONAL BANK              SPRINGFIELD              MASSACHUSETTS
- ----------------------------     -------------------,     ----------------------
Legal Title of Bank              City                     State

The management of the reporting bank may, if it wishes, submit a brief
narrative statement on the amounts reported in the Reports of Condition and
Income. This optional statement will be made available to the public, along
with the publicly available data in the Reports of Condition and Income, in
response to any request for individual bank report data. However, the
information reported in column A and in all of Memorandum item 1 of Schedule
RC-N is regarded as confidential and will not be released to the public. BANKS
CHOOSING TO SUBMIT THE NARRATIVE STATEMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE STATEMENT
DOES NOT CONTAIN THE NAMES OR OTHER IDENTIFICATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BANK
CUSTOMERS, REFERENCES TO THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN THE CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS IN
SCHEDULE RC-N, OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HAVE MADE
PUBLIC OR THAT WOULD COMPROMISE THE PRIVACY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. Banks choosing
not to make a statement may check the "No comment" box below and should make no
entries of any kind in the space provided for the narrative statement; i.e., 
DO NOT enter in this space such phrases as "No statement," "Not applicable," 
"N/A," "No comment," and "None."

The optional statement must be entered on this sheet. The statement should not
exceed 100 words. Further, regardless of the number of words, the statement
must not exceed 750 characters, including punctuation, indentation, and
standard spacing between words and sentences. If any submission should exceed
750 characters, as defined, it will be truncated at 750 characters with no
notice to the submitting bank and the truncated statement will appear as the
bank's statement both on agency computerized records and in computer-file
releases to the public.

All information furnished by the bank in the narrative statement must be
accurate and not misleading. Appropriate efforts shall be taken by the
submitting bank to ensure the statement's accuracy. The statement must be
signed, in the space provided below, by a senior officer of the bank who
thereby attests to its accuracy.

If, subsequent to the original submission, material changes are submitted for
the data reported in the Reports of Condition and Income, the existing
narrative statement will be deleted from the files, and from disclosure; the
bank, at its option, may replace it with a statement, under signature,
appropriate to the amended data.

The optional narrative statement will appear in agency records and in release
to the public exactly as submitted (or amended as described in the preceding
paragraph) by the management of the bank (except for the truncation of
statements exceeding the 750-character limit described above). THE STATEMENT
WILL NOT BE EDITED OR SCREENED IN ANY WAY BY THE SUPERVISORY AGENCIES FOR
ACCURACY OR RELEVANCE. DISCLOSURE OF THE STATEMENT SHALL NOT SIGNIFY THAT ANY
FEDERAL SUPERVISORY AGENCY HAS VERIFIED OR CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN. A STATEMENT TO THIS EFFECT WILL APPEAR ON ANY
PUBLIC RELEASE OF THE OPTIONAL STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF THE
REPORTING BANK.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No comment [X] (RCON 6979)                                   C471    C472    <-

BANK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT (please type or print clearly):
(TEXT 6980)








                             /s/ Guo DeRosa                       10/24/96
                   --------------------------------------     -----------------
                   Signature of Executive Officer of Bank     Date of Signature


                                       35


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           8,625
<SECURITIES>                                     7,658
<RECEIVABLES>                                   18,121
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                        799
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                35,203
<PP&E>                                         303,658
<DEPRECIATION>                                  58,099
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 282,547
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           22,307
<BONDS>                                        116,806
<COMMON>                                           148
                                0
                                      1,150
<OTHER-SE>                                      16,231
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   282,547
<SALES>                                         68,054
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                91,238
<CGS>                                           24,456
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   38,033
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                33,756
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               7,487
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 19,449
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,834
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             12,615
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    12,615
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.69
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.69
        

</TABLE>


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