GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORP
10-K405, 1997-03-31
ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                  ----------
                                   FORM 10-K
                                  ----------
[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
      ACT OF 1934.
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                       OR
[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

            FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                       TO
                     COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: NOT ASSIGNED
                         GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

              NEW YORK                                         16-0834173
- -----------------------------------                         ----------------
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                            (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                             IDENTIFICATION NO.)

189 VAN RENSSELAER STREET, P.O. BOX 1271 BUFFALO, NY              14240
- -----------------------------------------------------       ----------------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                        (ZIP CODE)

REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER INCLUDING AREA CODE:  (716) 853-7500
                                                   ----------------

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

                  NONE                                    NONE
 --------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
(TITLE OF EACH CLASS)                           (NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
                                                  ON WHICH REGISTERED)

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

                                     NONE
               ------------------------------------------------
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)

INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED
TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THE REGISTRANT WAS REQUIRED
TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE PAST 90 DAYS.

                           YES   [X]        NO   [ ]

INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS PURSUANT TO ITEM 405
OF REGULATION S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN, AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED, TO THE
BEST OF REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION STATEMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY AMENDMENT TO THIS
FORM 10-K.   [X]

AT THE DATE OF THIS FILING, THERE WERE 100 SHARES OF $1.00 PAR VALUE COMMON
STOCK OUTSTANDING, ALL OF WHICH WAS OWNED BY GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC. NO VOTING
STOCK IS HELD BY NON-AFFILIATES NOR TRADED ON AN ESTABLISHED PUBLIC TRADING
MARKET.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

  NONE
<PAGE>
 
                         GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION
                                   FORM 10-K
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ITEM                                                                        PAGE
- ----                                                                        ----
                                     PART I
1.   Business............................................................     1
2.   Properties..........................................................    15
3.   Legal Proceedings...................................................    15
4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.................    15

                                    PART II
5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Equity
     and Related Stockholder Matters.....................................    16 
6.   Selected Financial Data.............................................    16
7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of
     Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......................    18
8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.........................    22

9.   Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
     Financial Disclosure................................................    44
               
                                   PART III
10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..................    44
11.  Executive Compensation..............................................    46
12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners                            
     and Management......................................................    54 
13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions......................    54

                                    PART IV
14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K....
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

  Graphic Controls Corporation (the "Company"), wholly-owned by Bessemer
Holdings, L.P. and its affiliates (collectively, "Bessemer") and management
(through their 100% ownership of Graphic Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), of which
the Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary), is a leading North American
manufacturer and marketer of disposable medical and surgical products and
industrial recording supplies.  Medical products, which represented 74% of the
Company's 1996 net sales, include four principal product lines: (i) patient data
supplies, including medical recording charts and diagnostic imaging media, (ii)
disposable diagnostic and monitoring electrodes and cables and leadwires used
with EKGs, EEGs and other instruments recording vital body functions, (iii)
fetal monitoring supplies used in labor and delivery rooms and (iv) Devon(R)
brand products used in surgical procedures and for infection control.
Industrial products,  which represented 26% of the Company's 1996 net sales,
include recording charts and marking systems used in recording physical
measurements such as temperature, humidity, rate and volume of flow, liquid
level, electric current and magnetic and seismic activity.

The Company offers a broad range of products to a large and diverse customer
base. The Company has grown through expanded sales of existing products,
development of new or modified products and through a series of acquisitions in
the medical industry where the Company has been able to leverage its sales and
market presence.

In February 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Devon Industries, Inc., ("Devon") a manufacturer and marketer of disposable
medical and surgical supplies, for a cost of $99 million, including expenses of
approximately $5 million, and up to an additional $7 million in deferred
consideration contingent upon Devon's future financial performance.  The Devon
Transaction was financed with approximately $67.5 million of bank indebtedness
and $31.5 million of new equity provided by Bessemer.

COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

The Company believes the following factors have been critical to its success to
date and will be important in realizing growth in the future:

Leading Manufacturer and Marketer. The Company believes that it is the leading
North American manufacturer and marketer of many of its products, including
medical charts, diagnostic electrodes, cables and leadwires and industrial
recording charts and marking systems. In 1996, net sales of these products
represented over 80% of the Company's net sales.

Broad Product Offering. The Company offers a broad range of products, selling
more than 90 types of medical products and more than 90 types of industrial
products (representing more than 100,000 medical and industrial SKUs). In the
medical products industry, the breadth of the Company's product offering has
become increasingly important as customers seek to reduce the number of
suppliers with whom they conduct business. With respect to the industrial
products market, the Company's extensive library of over 98,000 different charts
enables it to more effectively service the diverse needs of its customers and
often positions the Company as the sole source of supply of many such charts.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
Extensive and Focused Sales Organization. The Company has an extensive and
experienced sales organization comprised of 115 medical and 47 industrial sales
personnel. Unlike many of its competitors, who are primarily original equipment
manufacturers, the Company concentrates solely on providing supplies to its
customers. This focus enables the Company's sales force to provide its customers
with a broad line of supplies that are compatible with a wide range of medical
and industrial recording equipment. The composition of the Company's medical
products sales organization, which is divided between field sales and telesales
forces, permits the Company to effectively and efficiently provide coverage and
service to large hospital chains and other GPOs, as well as smaller hospitals,
medical practice groups and clinics. The field sales force employs value-added
selling techniques, such as on-site training seminars, and enhances the
Company's ability to communicate with doctors, nurses and other medical
personnel, which provides the Company with valuable feedback on its products.
The Company's industrial products sales force, which is divided between field
sales and tele salesforces, which the Company believes is the largest sales
organization dedicated to selling industrial recording supplies, permits it to
effectively service its large base of industrial customers. The Company believes
that its extensive and focused sales organizations enable it to achieve strong
market penetration for both existing and new products.

Established Relationships with GPOs and JIT Distributors. The Company has
contracts with the majority of the 40 national or regional GPOs in North
America, sales to which represented more than 50 percent of the Company's 1996
North American medical products net sales. The Company has also established
sales relationships with several of the largest national and regional
distributors, which effectively act as hospital logistics and purchasing agents.
The Company believes that it developed these relationships with distributors
earlier than many of its competitors and that these established relationships
with GPOs and distributors, together with its broad product offering, position
the Company to expand its sales because these large GPOs and distributors are
expected to represent an increasing proportion of medical products purchases and
to concentrate their purchases with fewer, larger suppliers.

Flexible and Cost-Effective Manufacturing. The Company believes that it is a
low-cost producer due to, among other things, volume efficiencies, modern
manufacturing techniques and a consistent focus on process improvements. The
Company operates diverse types of equipment for the production of recording
charts. Much of this equipment has been customized by Company engineers to
permit specialized manufacturing applications, such as the manufacture of both
medical and industrial recording charts using the same equipment and a
production line for the continuous printing of fetal charts, both of which
result in significant volume efficiencies. The Company has also developed and
built proprietary, high-speed equipment used to manufacture medical electrodes
with minimal labor content. The Company continuously applies its engineering
expertise in an effort to lower the costs of manufacturing other products. The
Company believes that it has the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to
specific customer requests and to fabricate a wide variety of customized
products, ranging from a simple identification heading being imprinted on a
medical chart to a specially packaged diagnostic electrode used for diagnostic
cardiac testing.

Customer Service Focus. The Company's large customer service department provides
its customers with fast, knowledgeable responses to their inquiries and with
fast and accurate order turnaround through its electronic data interchange order
system. The Company's flexible manufacturing and nationwide distribution network
enable it to ship virtually all its medical product orders within 24-48 hours of
receipt.

Experienced Management Team with Significant Equity Stake. Members of the
Company's senior operating management have an average of approximately 15 years
of experience in designing, manufacturing and marketing disposable medical and
industrial recording products. In addition, the senior operating management owns
on a fully diluted basis, approximately 10% of the capital stock of Holdings
(and indirectly of the Company).
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
INDUSTRY TRENDS

Medical Products.  Healthcare industry trends as well as broader population
demographic trends affect the sales of the Company's products.  The overriding
trend in the healthcare industry is the move to managed care and its resulting
emphasis on cost reduction.  This places significant pressure on pricing as well
as product utilization.  In addition, it has caused the consolidation of
suppliers, group purchasing organizations (GPOs), distributors and hospital or
customer consolidation.  For medical device manufacturers, the ability to
provide the customer with all of their product needs for a particular
application or across a broad product line provides leverage in achieving sole
source agreements for product lines.  As a result of the foregoing, the Company
has pursued a selective acquisition strategy to fill in the gaps in product line
offerings.  As part of the cost containment effort in healthcare, reducing the
length of stay (LOS) in a hospital is a primary goal.  Consequently, early
diagnosis or prevention of diseases is pursued with an increase in diagnostic
testing and minimally invasive surgery.  Many of the Company's products are used
in diagnostic testing so this trend may increase product usage.  Healthcare is
more often being provided in a variety of alternate care centers ranging from
subacute care to freestanding surgery centers and diagnostic imaging centers as
well as doctor's offices and clinics.  Hospital consolidation is a result of
overcapacity in most areas, and a need to rationalize specialties provided for a
given population density.  The number of procedures in which the Company's
products may be used continue to increase overall, but they are significantly
shifting from the acute care or hospital setting into the alternate care
channel.  Information systems are beginning to be used in hospitals in an effort
to reduce redundant testing and paperwork processing.  However, much of the
effort is still niche focused and not well integrated so as to truly affect
cost, improve access to data and deliver more efficient patient care.  A paper
record at the point of care is still mandatory for clinicians.  The focus on the
safety of healthcare workers favors the use of disposable, safety products in
the operating room as well as in-room sharps containers to avoid potential
contamination and the labor and energy required to clean and sterilize equipment
or products for re-use.

The market for the Company's products is also affected by the aging population
and an increase in high-risk obstetrics.  The increasing average age of the
population increases the use of cardiology and neurology services including EKG
and EEG testing and the use of related products.  The rise in high-risk
obstetrics results in a higher demand for fetal monitoring services and
products.

Industrial Products. The market for industrial charts and marking systems has
been and will continue to be affected by the digitization and computerization of
industrial recording equipment which, based on the Company's experience, has
resulted in declining unit volumes and accelerated industry consolidation as
competitors exit the business. The Company believes that the negative impact of
continued digitization will be partly mitigated by (i) the large installed base
of paper-based industrial recording equipment (estimated at approximately 4.7
million recorders worldwide), (ii) the continued development by many original
equipment manufacturers of paper-based recorders and/or digital recorders that
include paper chart functions, (iii) the significant cost of converting to
digital equipment compared to the limited savings resulting from reduced paper
usage and (iv) the continued Federal and state regulatory requirements to
maintain hard copy records of processes and business activities. In this market
environment, the Company believes that companies with economies of scale and
leadership positions in specific product categories or applications are expected
to outperform those without such competitive advantages.

COMPANY STRATEGY

The Company's strategic objective is to profitably grow its net sales and market
presence in North America and internationally. The Company's operating strategy
includes: (i) increasing its market presence in its existing North American
disposable medical supplies and industrial recording supplies markets; (ii)
leveraging its extensive sales organization through the sale of new medical
products acquired, licensed or developed internally; (iii) continuing to
increase operating efficiencies; and (iv) expanding its international medical
product operations.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Increase North American Market Presence. The Company is focused on increasing
its market presence by capitalizing on its competitive strengths, including the
breadth and quality of its product lines, the effectiveness of its sales
organization and the high level of its customer service. In order to meet the
expected growth in diagnostic and preventative medicine, the Company intends to
continue to increase its presence by targeting the specific product and service
needs of the cardiology, neurology and perinatology disciplines.  The Company
believes it is currently well-positioned within the disposable medical products
industry to benefit from certain industry trends including increased focus on
cost containment, end-user preferences for purchasing from medical suppliers
having a broad range of products and using disposable products, and certain
demographic trends such as an aging population and an increasing rate of high
risk births.  Additionally, the Company expects to continue to increase its
leading position in the industrial recording supplies industry as a result of
further industry consolidation, the comprehensive nature of the Company's chart
library and the Company's focused sales force.

Leverage Sales Organization through New Product Introductions. The Company's
extensive and focused sales organization is one of its primary competitive
strengths, providing it with strong customer relations and significant industry
and product knowledge. This sales force also enables the Company to effectively
sell new products to its existing customer base without incurring significant
incremental sales costs. The Company intends to leverage this strength by
obtaining new disposable medical products through selective acquisitions,
licensing agreements or through internal product development.

 .  Acquisitions of New Products. The Company intends to make selective
 acquisitions of companies and/or individual products in order to augment its
 existing product lines, add additional product lines or facilitate capacity
 consolidation and rationalization. In February 1993, the Company acquired
 Tronomed and Upbeat and began distributing their products through its existing
 sales force.

 .  Internal Development of New Products. Within the last few years, the Company
 has expanded its new product development activities with the hiring of seven
 new research and development personnel and has emphasized the integration of
 customer input into the product development process. The Company's development
 activities are focused on disposable FDA Class I and II products, which are
 defined as those medical products which cannot cause death if they malfunction
 and thus require shorter approval times. This focus enables the Company to
 bring new products to market faster and to minimize potential product liability
 exposure. The Company has concentrated on cardiology and perinatology in which
 it has extensive product knowledge and strong customer relationships. As a
 result of its recent efforts, the Company expects to introduce several new
 products in these areas within the next year.

Improve Operating Efficiencies. The Company is continually focused on reducing
costs and improving manufacturing and other operating efficiencies in order to
increase profitability and enhance its competitive position. As a result of such
efforts, the Company believes it is a low cost producer of many of its products.
The Company intends to continue to pursue cost reductions through, among other
things, increased automation, improved production processes, increased economies
of scale from increases in volume and new product introductions and plant
consolidations.

Expand International Sales. The Company believes it has significant growth
opportunities outside North America, particularly with regard to sales of
disposable medical products. In 1996, only approximately 6% of the Company's
medical products net sales were made outside North America. Industry sources,
however, estimate that over 50% of all medical products are sold in markets
outside North America. The Company intends to focus initially on markets in
Western Europe, by increasing its sales and marketing efforts and by considering
strategic partnerships and joint ventures with local companies.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
The foregoing discussion of competitive strengths, industry trends and Company
strategy includes forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on
reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its goals or strategies
will be achieved. Important factors that would cause actual results to differ
materially from those in the forward looking statements or projections included
herein include, among others, the pace and direction of change in the healthcare
industry, the degree and pace of digitization and computerization of industrial
recording equipment, the development of new products, competitive developments
and the timing and extent of the Company's efforts to implement the strategies
planned by management.

MEDICAL PRODUCTS

Products

  The Company offers a broad range of medical products to a large customer base.
The Company manufactures more than 90 principal types of medical products
comprised of approximately 4,000 SKUs. No single product type represented more
than 5% of the Company's 1996 net sales.

The table below sets forth certain information concerning the net sales of the
Company's medical products for each of the five years in the period ended
December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 Year Ended December 31,
                                 -------------------------------------------------------
                                  1992       1993       1994    1995/(3)/       1996
                                 ------  ------------  ------  -----------  ------------
                                                  (Dollars In Million)
<S>                              <C>     <C>           <C>     <C>          <C>
 
Medical product sales            $68.6   $ 84.8/(2)/   $97.4   $    105.6   $176.6/(4)/
Annual growth percentage/(1)/      4.5%   23.6%/(2)/    14.9%         8.4%         67.2%
Percentage of total net sales     49.4%         56.2%   60.0%        62.1%         74.2%
- ---------------
</TABLE>
(1)  Refers to the percentage change in the Company's medical products net sales
as compared to those of the prior year.
(2)  Includes the Company's acquisition of Tronomed and Upbeat in February 1993,
which together contributed net sales of $10.2 million during 1993.
(3)  As a result of the Acquisition on September 28, 1995, the 1995 sales
consist of the predecessor company's sales for the nine months ended September
28, 1995 and the Company's sales for the three months ended December 31, 1995.
(4)  As a result of the Devon acquisition on February 29, 1996, the 1996 sales
include of Devon(R) brand sales for the 10 months ended December 31, 1996 of
$60.6 million.

The Company's medical products, which represented 74% of its 1996 net sales, are
divided into five principal product lines: (i) cardiology and critical care, 
(ii) neurology, (iii) perinatology, (iv) infection control, and (v) Devon(R) 
brand operating room products. Virtually, all of the Company's medical products 
are disposable, FDA Class I or II devices that are noninvasive or minimally 
invasive. The Company focuses on this type of medical products in order to 
enable its customers to reduce labor costs and setup times and to take advantage
of shorter FDA approval times and reduced product liability exposure.

Cardiology and Critical Care. The Company's largest medical products line, 
cardiology and critical care items, consists of recording charts used with a 
large variety of electronic monitors in cardiology (EKGs) and cardiology 
electrodes.

The Company believes it is the leading manufacturer and marketer of cardiology 
medical charts in North America. These recording charts provide hard copy forms 
of data used by healthcare professionals in the diagnosis of illness and the 
treatment of patients. Cardiac charts are used for diagnostic EKGs (static, 
stress testing, ambulatory, echocardiography), pre-surgical patient testing, 
intensive care unit records, routine check-ups for cardiac (including high blood
pressure) patients, in-hospital monitoring, routine check-up and pre-birth 
monitoring of mothers, sports medicine and physical fitness training, and 
emergency room care.

The Company's diagnostic and monitoring electrodes product line includes 
disposable electrodes that self-adhere to a patient's body and are connected to 
EKG or other medical machines. They are required for both electronic digital and
paper-based recording machines which are used for cardiac related testing and 
monitoring. The Company believes that it is the leading North American 
manufacturer and marketer of diagnostic electrodes, which are worn for 20 to 30 
minutes at a time and are used for resting EKG tests and physical examinations, 
and a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of monitoring electrodes,
which are worn for extended periods of time ranging from 24 hours to 72 hours 
and are used to monitor heart rates. The Company has recently introduced several
new products such as the Q-Trace(R) Gold diagnostic electrode and the LT and MT 
series monitoring electrodes.

Neurology. The Company's neurology items consists of recording charts and other 
supplies used with a large variety of electronic monitors in 
electroencephalography (EEG) testing and monitoring, and this category also 
includes the diagnostic imaging media (DIM) product family.

Neurology charts are used in EEG departments and sleep analysis laboratories to 
monitor the electrical activity of the brain to help diagnose many neurological 
disorders such as epilepsy, narcolepsy, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's 
disease.



                                       5
<PAGE>

Diagnostic imaging media includes print media used for varied applications 
found in X-Ray, echo, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, endoscopy, cath lab, 
pathology, micro-surgery and the operating room. It also includes videotapes and
audio tapes used in diagnostic testing. Although most products are manufactures 
by the Company, certain diagnostic imaging media are sourced through other 
companies.

Perinatology. This category includes fetal monitoring charts, fetal monitoring 
electrodes, intrauterine pressure catheters, and related accessories.

Fetal monitoring charts are used in antepartum clinics and labor and delivery 
departments to monitor the fetal heart rate response to uterine contractions.

Fetal monitoring products are used in labor and delivery rooms to monitor the 
health and condition of mothers and fetuses and new born babies during and after
delivery. The Company's products include abdominal belts for the mother, fetal 
scalp electrodes, disposable leg plates and intrauterine pressure catheters 
(under the Company's LIFE-TRACE(R) trademark). Many of these products are used 
in normal births and particularly in high risk births, including those involving
mothers over 35 years of age and with medical ailments, drug addictions or other
impairments.

Infection Control. The Company's infection control products include Sharps 
containers and disposable systems used in infection control. These items are 
collection units used by medical professionals to safely dispose of used and 
potentially contaminated sharp objects such as needles, syringes, scalpel 
blades, suture needles, etc. The Company believes that sales of disposable 
products will continue to grow in response to continuing concerns over hospital 
personnel safety and controlling spread of infectious diseases that may spread 
by needle sticks or medical waste.

Devon(R) Brand Operating Room Supplies. Devon-brand products are used in 
virtually all types of surgical procedures. The product line includes disposable
needle and blade counting and containment systems, disposable surgical light 
handles and covers, surgical markers, instrument protection products, operating 
utility products, non-sterile surgical supplies, patient positioning devices, 
and other products. The Company also assembles surgical kits, which include 
several products used regularly in many surgical procedures.


                                                                     SCHEDULE II

                        VALUATION & QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                  GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARIES
                                (In thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                    Balance at         Additions                      Balance
                                    Beginning   Charged to  Charged to                at End
     Description                    of Period    Expense    Other Accts  Deductions  of Period
     -----------                    ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------  ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
Year ended December 31, 1996:
 Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts      $338       $   16         $49       $   21(1)    $382
  Allowance for returns                 362        2,426                    2,388(2)     400
                                       ----       ------         ---       ------       ----
     Total                             $700       $2,442         $49       $2,409       $782
                                       ====       ======         ===       ======       ====

Period ended December 31, 1995:
 Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts      $474       $  (43)                  $   93(1)    $338
  Allowance for returns                 334          470                      442(2)     362
                                       ----       ------         ---       ------       ----
     Total                             $808       $  427         $ 0       $  535       $700
                                       ====       ======         ===       ======       ====

Period ended September 28, 1995:
 Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts      $403       $   96                   $   25(1)    $474
  Allowance for returns                 406        1,614                    1,686(2)     334
                                       ----       ------         ---       ------       ----
     Total                             $809       $1,710         $ 0       $1,711       $808
                                       ====       ======         ===       ======       ====

Year ended December 31, 1994:
 Deducted from asset accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts      $420       $  160                   $  177(1)    $403
  Allowance for returns                 512        2,374                    2,484(2)     406
                                       ----       ------         ---       ------       ----
     Total                             $936       $2,534         $ 0       $2,661       $809
                                       ====       ======         ===       ======       ====
</TABLE> 

(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(2) Returns from customers during the year.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 Customers

  The Company's products are typically sold directly to end user customers or
pursuant to supply agreements in which the purchaser specifies whether such
products are to be supplied through a national or regional distributor.  The
Company's healthcare business comprises hospitals, national and regional
distributors, group purchasing organizations, integrated healthcare networks,
original equipment manufacturers, medical centers, clinics, physicians offices,
alternate care facilities, nursing homes and dialysis centers.

 Sales and Marketing

   A primary strength of the Company is its experienced and dedicated 115 person
direct sales organization for medical products, consisting of an 88 person acute
care field sales force and a 27 person alternate care sales force which is
predominately telesales.  The field sales force calls on hospitals and large
hospital chains as well as GPOs, regional integrated healthcare networks (IHNs)
and distributors.  The field sales force employs value-added selling techniques,
such as in-servicing products and providing cost saving analysis for accounts
on a quarterly basis.  The sales force facilitates communication with clinicians
which helps to obtain customer input for the new product development process,
and to identify customer needs for services and programs.  Sales are made to
end-users in specific hospital departments (e.g., operating room, EKG
department, sleep labs,  stress and holter, emergency room, intensive care unit,
critical care unit, telemetry, labor and delivery) as well as to materials
management and infection control personnel.  The Company has numerous long-term
relationships with customers including contracts with GPOs covering over 60% of
all hospital beds in the United States.

  The alternate care sales force calls on specialty dealers for coverage of
this extensive and evolving customer base.  Telesales member of the alternate
care sales force call on the end-user in smaller or remotely located hospitals
as well as freestanding surgery centers, multi-specialty group practices,
physician's offices, ambulatory care centers, emergency medical services and
diagnostic imaging centers.

  The industrial sales force is also augmenting the medical sales of sharps
disposal and collection systems by calling on medical waste haulers.  The trend
in the industry appears to be the bundling of both waste disposal services and
the sale of the containers themselves.

  The Company provides marketing support for its sales forces with a mix of
direct mail, trade show participation, advertising and other promotional
techniques.

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

Products

  The Company has an extensive offering of industrial products. The Company
manufactures more than 90 principal types of industrial products comprised of
approximately 8,000 stock SKUs and approximately 90,000 nonstock SKUs. No single
industrial product type represented more than 4% of the Company's 1996 net
sales.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
The table below sets forth information concerning the net sales of the Company's
industrial products for each of the five years in the period ended December 31,
1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
                                                                 -----------------------
 
                                     1992        1993     1994    1995/(1)/       1996
                                 ------------   ------   ------   ----------   -----------
                                                       (Dollars In Million)
<S>                              <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>          <C> 
Industrial Product sales.......  $       70.3   $ 66.0   $ 64.9   $     64.4          61.4
Annual growth percentage/(3)/..   (9.1)%/(2)/    (6.1)%   (1.7)%        (.8)%        (4.7%)
Percentage of total net sales..          50.6%    43.8%    40.0%        37.9%         25.8
</TABLE>
_______________

(1)  As a result of the Acquisition on September 28, 1995, the 1995 sales
consist of the predecessor company's sales for the nine months ended September
28, 1995 and the Company's sales for the three months ended December 31, 1995.

(2)  In February 1992, the Company sold its Mexican operations, which accounted
for approximately $2.3 million of industrial product sales in 1991.

(3)  Refers to the percentage change in the Company's industrial products net
sales as compared to those of the prior year.

The Company's industrial products, which represented 26% of its 1996 net sales,
are divided into two principal product lines: (i) industrial recording charts
and (ii) marking systems. These industrial products are used for recording
physical measurements such as temperature, humidity, rate and volume of flow,
liquid level, electric current/voltage and magnetic and seismic activity, for
purposes such as monitoring and control device process flow, environmental
compliance assessment and wastewater monitoring. The Company, which has been
engaged in the industrial products business for over 85 years, believes it is
the leading manufacturer and marketer of industrial recording charts and marking
systems in North America.

The Company's recording charts include a wide combination of printed charts
configured in various forms (such as circular, strip, roll and Z-folded) and
printed on ink-absorbing, pressure sensitive or thermal papers. The Company's
marking systems include the pens and inks used to record relevant information on
these recording charts. These products are sold for a large variety of
electronic monitors made by recording device companies, including devices
manufactured by Honeywell Inc., General Electric Company, The Foxboro Company,
Yokogawa Electric Corporation and Leeds & Northrup Company, and provide hard
copy forms of data used by customers for monitoring and archiving data. Many of
the Company's products are used by customers in their efforts to satisfy
compliance obligations imposed by various Federal, state and local governmental
regulations. In many cases, the Company believes it is the sole source of supply
for certain industrial charts because of its extensive collection of over
100,000 printing plates.

Customers

  The Company has a large, diverse and established customer base of over 60,000
customers, including a variety of participants in the oil and gas, chemical,
pulp and paper, electric and gas utility, pharmaceutical, food, aerospace and
automotive industries. In addition to end users, the Company's customers include
manufacturers of recording equipment who wish to market their own branded
supplies and third party regional distributors who offer industrial customers
several specialty product lines, including the Company's recording supplies.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's industrial products sales are made to a highly diversified group
of customers representing a variety of industries, which helps protect the
Company's business from economic downturns in any one industry. In 1996, the
Company's top 20 customers of industrial products accounted for approximately
15% of the Company's industrial products net sales, and no single industrial
customer represented more than 3% of such net sales.  Customers located in North
America accounted for approximately 91% of the Company's 1996 industrial
products net sales.

Sales and Marketing

  The Company sells its industrial products directly to industrial customers as
well as through private label manufacturers and specialty distributors. The
Company employs a 47 person sales organization for its industrial products,
consisting of a 52 person field sales force and an 8 person telesales
force. The Company believes that it maintains the largest sales organization
dedicated to selling industrial recording supplies. Such sales organization,
which focuses principally on maintaining and servicing the Company's large
existing base of customers, makes sales by calling upon the purchasing and
materials managers and engineers in maintenance, manufacturing controls and
environmental departments of a variety of industrial customers, including public
utilities and oil and gas refineries. The field sales force focuses on larger
customers near major cities, while the telesales force covers smaller customers
in smaller cities and more geographically dispersed locations.

The Company also concentrates on making sales to private label manufacturers of
recording devices, who wish to market the Company's products under their own
brand. The Company's sales force works with these manufacturers in customizing
the Company's products to meet their particular requirements.  Several of these
manufacturers have turned over responsibility for the distribution of their
products to the Company. Agreements with other customers allow the Company to
produce private label products for distribution by both the Company and the
customer.

The Company also sells its industrial products to selected regional third party
dealers who offer industrial customers several specialty product lines,
including the Company's recording supplies. Sales through these dealers
generally provides the Company exposure in focused niches where customer size
and buying patterns make direct sales a less efficient means of distribution.

INTERNATIONAL SALES

  The Company's business outside of North America, with 1996 sales of $14.1
million or 5.7% of the Company's net sales, is conducted through two operating
groups: a Spanish subsidiary which represented approximately 41% of the
Company's 1996 international net sales and a Buffalo-based direct/export sales
effort which represented approximately 45% of the Company's 1996 international
net sales. Through these operating groups, the Company has entered into sales
distribution agreements for its products in approximately 87 countries
worldwide, including those in Latin America, Continental Europe and the Far
East. The Company's direct international business sells through national
distributors in the foreign jurisdictions by means of the Company's multi-
lingual customer service department and through direct sales presentations
conducted by a group of three professionals.  

  On September 30, 1996, the Company completed the sale of its Australian
medical products and industrial products businesses to two separate buyers,
while entering into sales and distribution agreements with both. The Company's
Australian subsidiary accounted for approximately 14% of the Company's 1996
international net sales.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in the United States as well as
in each of the foreign countries in which it operates. See "--Properties".
Principal manufacturing facilities are in Buffalo, New York (patient data
supplies), Gananoque, Ontario (electrode and fetal monitoring supplies), Cherry
Hill, New Jersey (marking systems and medical devices), Methuen, Massachusetts
(electrode and fetal monitoring supplies), Chatsworth, California (Devon(R)
brand products) and Rock Hill, South Carolina (Devon(R) brand products).

  The Company possesses diverse types of equipment for the production of
recording charts.  The Company has assembled what it believes to be the largest
library of chart printing plates in the world. The Company has developed and
built automated machinery used in the manufacture of medical electrodes which it
believes provides it with a cost advantage over most of its competitors. As
fetal monitoring supplies sales increase, the Company is using its manufacturing
and engineering expertise developed with charts and electrodes to lower
manufacturing costs in this area.

Much of the Company's production equipment has been customized and manufactured
by Company engineers for specialized manufacturing applications.  The Company
has developed and built proprietary, high speed equipment used to manufacture
medical electrodes with minimal labor content. The Company's manufacturing
facilities are linked to its data processing center in Buffalo, New York,
enabling production scheduling and inventory requirements to be computer
controlled.

  The Company has expanded its offering of disposable medical supplies through
its acquisition of Devon Industries, Inc. in February 1996.  This acquisition
has increased the Company's molding capabilities, allowing it to provide Sharps
Containers used in the disposal of needles and infectious waste materials.  The
Chatsworth and Rock Hill facilities also produce kits used for surgical
procedures.

  The Gananoque, Ontario and Methuen, Massachusetts facilities have increased
their capacity to produce monitoring and diagnostic electrodes to service
worldwide requirements.  In addition, Gananoque continues to produce a growing
number of belts and straps used in hospital applications.

  The Cherry Hill, New Jersey facility produces Industrial Markers.  In
addition, Cherry Hill has introduced water-based Ink Jet products that have been
designed and developed at that facility.  Cherry Hill also produces the
intrauterine transducer-tipped catheter which was a new product introduced in
1996.  Production of cables and leadwires was transferred from the former San
Juan Capistrano, California facility to the Cherry Hill facility in September
1996.  The San Juan Capistrano facility ceased all significant manufacturing
operations during 1996.

The Company has established extensive product quality programs to ensure
customer requirements are fully met. Quality assurance includes documentation of
device master records and new product development activities, coordination of
all engineering change order requests, inspection of in-process manufacturing
and finished goods. The Company coordinates all its quality assurance
activities, in all its manufacturing facilities through a Quality Council that
concerns itself with global quality issues not limited to manufacturing
activities. Currently, all of the Company's North American manufacturing
facilities have been awarded ISO 9001 certification, indicating that the Company
has achieved and sustained a high degree of quality and consistency with respect
to its products. ISO 9001 certification meets the stringent European Community
manufacturing standards and therefore permits the products manufactured in these
facilities to be sold in the European Common Market.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
INVENTORY CONTROL AND DISTRIBUTION

The Company stocks a variety of different products in finished goods inventory
which, coupled with its computerized inventory control system, electronic data
interchange system, and its order management system, enables it to respond
rapidly and accurately to customer orders and requests.  Virtually all orders
for stocked items are shipped within 24-48 hours of receipt.

With the acquisition of Devon Industries, the Company re-evaluated its
distribution network and strategy and embarked on a plan to outsource some of
the distribution function to a third party supplier.  A new third party
warehousing arrangement allows the Company to meet the space requirements
necessitated by the rapid growth the Company is experiencing at continued high
service levels to customers at reduced costs.

As the Company's medical products business has grown, the need for various new
applications and technologies such as electronic data interchange (EDI) and
barcoding have increased.  Approximately 40% of the Company's North American
order volume is now through EDI and the Company barcodes all its products.

The Company is now analyzing its order entry and order fulfillment processes, as
well as its computer systems to improve cycle times from order receipt to
delivery of product while reducing inventory levels.

RAW MATERIALS

Paper is the Company's largest raw material component in dollar terms and it
represented over 30% of the Company's 1996 raw material purchases.  It is
purchased in a variety of sizes, weights and specified grades from major paper
suppliers.  Other raw materials such as resins, foams, wire and packaging
materials are also procured from a number of major suppliers.

The Company continues to shift its thermal paper purchases from Japanese sources
to North American-based sources.  Throughout 1996 the Company experienced some
paper price decreases as well as decreases in resin costs.  The Company does not
believe that operations would be seriously affected by the loss of products or
services by any one supplier.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed approximately 1,820 persons, of
whom approximately 61% were employed in manufacturing and distribution, 16%
were in sales and marketing and the balance of 23% were in executive and
administrative positions. The Company considers its employee relations to be
good and has never experienced a work stoppage or strike. None of the Company's
North American employees is represented by a union.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table presents information, as of December 31, 1996, with respect
to the principal real properties owned or leased by the Company:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                       Approximate
                                       Square         Nature  of
Location                               Footage        Occupancy         Primary Use
- --------                               -------        ---------         -----------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>             <C>
                                                                
Buffalo, New York....................  580,000        Owned           Administrative offices, chart
                                                                      manufacturing, warehousing
Rock Hill, South Carolina............  128,496        Leased          Offices, warehouse and Devon(R) brand product
                                                                      manufacturing
Chatsworth, California...............  121,000        Leased          Offices, warehouse and Devon(R) brand product
                                                                      manufacturing
Gananoque, Ontario...................   76,000        Owned           EEG chart, electrode and fetal
                                                                      monitoring supplies manufacturing
Cherry Hill, New Jersey..............   65,000        Owned           Marking systems and medical
                                                                      device manufacturing
Methuen, Massachusetts...............   60,000        Leased          Electrode and fetal monitoring
                                                                      supplies manufacturing
San Juan Capistrano, CA..............   27,300        Leased          Sales office
Madrid, Spain........................   19,000        Leased          Chart manufacturing
Houston, Texas.......................   14,400        Leased          Distribution center
St. Laurent, Quebec..................    1,500        Leased          Service center
</TABLE>

All the Company's leased properties are held pursuant to operating leases with
expiration dates ranging from November 30, 1998 to September 30, 2004, subject
in most cases to renewal at the option of the Company.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company's medical products are subject to regulation by several governmental
authorities, including in particular the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
("FDA"). The Company's manufacturing facilities and medical products are
required to be registered with, and are subject to periodic inspection by or
approval of, the FDA. Such products are all registered with the FDA as Class I,
Class II or Class III devices and therefore must comply with Good Manufacturing
Practices and Standards of Performance promulgated by the FDA to ensure that
they are safe and effective. New medical products also are subject to these
regulations and must be approved by the FDA prior to their release. The Company
believes that it is in material compliance with all applicable FDA regulations.

The Company produces certain toxic wastes as by-products of its manufacturing
operations. The Company disposes of certain hazardous material through
contractors that transport the material to regulated sites.  From time to time,
the Company has been required to perform certain environmental removal and
remedial work at certain of its facilities.  The Company does not believe that
any of its facilities currently require significant environmental removal or
remedial actions.  The Company is also engaged in certain routine litigation
arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company does not believe
that an adverse determination of any pending litigation, either singly or in the
aggregate, would have a material adverse effect upon its business or financial
condition.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS

There is no established public trading market for the Common Stock of the
Company and the Company has only one shareholder of record, Graphic Holdings,
Inc.  The Company has not routinely paid in the past, and has no intention of
paying in the foreseeable future, cash dividends on its Common Stock.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following tables set forth selected historical financial data of the Company
for the five years ended December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                               Year Ended December 31,
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1992            1993         1994      1995/(1)/         1996
                                       --------------  --------------  ---------  ------------  --------------
                                                               (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                    <C>             <C>             <C>        <C>           <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net Sales:
   Medical products..................  $      68,554    $84,763/(2)/   $ 97,353   $   105,602   $176,601/(3)/
   Industrial products...............         70,298          65,970     64,882        64,413          61,423
                                       -------------    ------------   --------   -----------   -------------
                                             138,852         150,733    162,235       170,015         238,024
                                       -------------    ------------   --------   -----------   -------------
  Gross profit.......................         69,035          71,827     76,649        77,886         108,134
  Selling, general and
     administrative expenses.........         43,401          48,470     49,651        48,630          70,270
  Nonrecurring and other charges.....             --      3,018/(4)/         --            --      7,721/(5)/
  Amortization.......................            853             870        897         2,074           8,058
  Operating income...................         24,781          19,469     26,101        27,182          22,085
  Interest expense (net).............         10,891           4,840      4,513         7,344          21,104
  Income from continuing operations
     before income taxes,
     accounting change and
     extraordinary charge............         13,890          14,629     21,588        19,838             981
  Income tax expense.................          6,839           6,273      8,437         6,890           2,073
  Income (loss) from continuing
     operations before accounting
     change and extraordinary
     charge..........................          7,051           8,356     13,151        12,948          (1,092)
  Income (loss) from discontinued
     operation (net).................           (270)         (1,582)       160          (298)             --
  Extraordinary charge...............   (3,913)/(6)/              --         --    (791)/(6)/              --
  Accounting change..................   (4,557)/(7)/              --         --            --              --
                                       -------------    ------------   --------   -----------   -------------
  Net income (loss)..................  $      (1,689)   $      6,774   $ 13,311   $    11,859   $      (1,092)
                                       =============    ============   ========   ===========   =============
 
OTHER DATA AND RATIOS:
  EBITDA/(8)/........................         30,961          29,109     32,872        34,316          44,275
  Depreciation and amortization......          6,180           6,622      6,771         7,134          14,469
  Capital expenditures...............          3,749           3,979      3,569         2,319           6,281
  Dividends paid.....................          1,620              --         --       118,652              --
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
  Cash and cash equivalents..........          1,290           2,008      1,517         1,481             563
  Total assets.......................         87,844          83,751     77,788       250,912         365,017
  Total long-term debt...............         73,590          67,369     51,425       160,131         227,743
  Stockholders' equity (deficit).....        (23,072)        (17,262)    (4,096)       51,499          81,765
 
</TABLE>
                                           (Footnotes on following page)

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
_________________

(1) As a result of the Acquisition on September 28, 1995, results of operations
represents the results of the predecessor company for the nine months ended
September 28, 1995 and the results of the Company for the three months ended
December 31, 1995.
(2) Includes the Company's acquisition of Tronomed and Upbeat in February 1993,
which together contributed net sales of $10.2 million during 1993.
(3) Includes Devon(R) brand sales for the 10 months since its acquisition on
February 29, 1996 of $60.6 million.
(4) Represents a $2.0 million restructuring charge taken by the Company for
employee severance and losses arising from the disposal of property and
equipment related to consolidating the Company's Clayton, New York operations
into the Buffalo, New York facility and revising its corporate management
structure, and a $1.0 million charge taken by the Company for its share of the
environmental cleanup costs pertaining to the Company's no-longer active
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania facility pursuant to a settlement with the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources.
(5) These consist primarily of consolidation expenses pertaining to the Devon
Acquisition, the physical move of Tronomed manufacturing from California to New
Jersey, outsourcing of distribution to a third party provider and the sale of
the Australian subsidiary.
(6) Represents an extraordinary charge associated with early retirement of debt.
(7) Represents the effects of an accounting change made by the Company in 1992
that related to accounting for postretirement benefits.
(8) "EBITDA" means earnings from continuing operations before interest expense,
taxes, depreciation, amortization, nonrecurring and other charges, extraordinary
items and accounting changes. EBITDA is included because it is commonly used by
certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare on the basis of operating
performance and to determine a company's ability to service and incur debt.
EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net
income, cash flows from operating activities or other consolidated income or
cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles or as a measure of profitability or liquidity.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.

General

The Company's net sales reflect the manufacturing, marketing and reselling of
medical and industrial supplies to both North American and international
customers. In 1996, 74% of the Company's net sales were derived from the sale of
medical products, with the remaining net sales derived from the sale of
industrial products. Approximately 94% of the Company's 1996 net sales were made
to North American customers, with the remaining net sales made to international
customers.

In general, the Company's gross margins reflect the following characteristics:
(i) gross margins on industrial product sales are significantly higher than
those realized on medical products sales; (ii) gross margins on North American
sales are higher than those realized on international sales; and (iii) gross
margins on products manufactured by the Company are higher than those realized
on products sold under distribution agreements.

Selling, general and administrative expenses supporting sales of medical
products are slightly higher than those supporting sales of industrial products.

As a result of the foregoing, operating margins realized on sales of industrial
products are higher than those realized on sales of medical products, and in
1996, operating income from sales of industrial products accounted for
approximately 42% of the Company's total income from continuing operations. See
Note L, "Business Segment Information", of the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements appearing elsewhere in this Report.

Results of Operations

Change in Ownership.  On September 28, 1995, the Company was acquired by
Bessemer, affiliates of Bessemer and management. The description of the results
of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 includes the results
of the predecessor company for the nine months ended September 28, 1995 and the
results of the Company for the three months ended December 31, 1995.

The following table sets forth, on a comparative basis, certain income statement
data as a percentage of net sales for the last three years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Year Ended December 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                         1994     1995    1996
                                                        ------   ------  ------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>     <C>
Net sales:                                                     
  Medical products...........................            60.0%    62.1%   74.2%
  Industrial products........................            40.0%    37.9%   25.8%
                                                        -----    -----   -----
     Total net sales.........................           100.0%   100.0%  100.0%
Cost of goods sold...........................            52.8     54.2    54.6
Gross profit.................................            47.2     45.8    45.4
Selling, general and administrative expense..            30.6     28.6    29.5
Nonrecurring and other costs.................              --       --     3.2
Amortization.................................              .5      1.2     3.4
Operating income.............................            16.1     16.0     9.3
</TABLE>

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

NET SALES.  Net sales increased by $68.0 million or 40% from $170.0 million in
1995 to $238.0 million in 1996. The increase was primarily attributable to the
incremental sales from the acquisition of Devon Industries, Inc. ("Devon") which
was completed on February 29, 1996 (the "Devon Acquisition").  Domestic Medical
sales excluding Devon brand products increased by 8.5% for the year ended
December 31, 1996, primarily the result of increased market penetration and new
fetal monitoring product sales.  Domestic Industrial product sales declined by
3.1% from the prior year which is in line with the historical trend.
International sales increased by 6.3%.

GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit increased from $77.9 million in 1995 to $108.1
million in 1996.  The Company's gross profit percentage was 45.4% in 1996
compared to 45.8% in 1995.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the
continued increased product mix of lower margin medical products.  In 1996,
medical sales accounted for 74.2% of total sales compared to 62.1% to total
sales in 1995.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses increased
by $21.6 million or 44.5% from $48.6 million in 1995 to $70.3 million in 1996
due primarily to the Devon Acquisition.   As a percentage of net sales, SG&A
increased to 29.5% in 1996 from 28.6% in 1995.  The integration of Devon and
Graphic Controls was completed in June of 1996 which resulted in cost savings
from the elimination of duplicate SG&A expenses.  These savings are expected to
be fully realized in 1997.

NONRECURRING AND OTHER COSTS.  For 1996, the Company incurred nonrecurring and
other costs of $7.7 million.  These costs consist primarily of consolidation
expenses pertaining to the Devon Acquisition, the physical move of the Tronomed
manufacturing from California to New Jersey, outsourcing of the Company's
distribution operations to a third party provider and the sale of the Company's
Australian subsidiary.

AMORTIZATION EXPENSES.  Amortization expenses increased from $2.1 million in
1995 to $8.1 million in 1996.  The increase is primarily attributable to the
increased goodwill expense due to the acquisition of the Company by Bessemer and
management (the "Acquisition") and the Company's subsequent acquisition of
Devon.

OPERATING INCOME.  Operating income decreased from $27.2 million in 1995 to
$22.1 million in 1996.  Excluding the nonrecurring costs and the amortization
charges mentioned above, income from operations increased from $29.3 million in
1995 to $37.9 million in 1996 or an increase of 29.4%.

INTEREST EXPENSE NET.  Net interest expense increased to $21.1 million in 1996
from $7.3 million in 1995.  The increase was the result of the increased
indebtedness in connection with the Acquisition and the Devon Acquisition.

INCOME TAX EXPENSES.  Taxes on income decreased $4.8 million.  This was due to
the impact of the reported net loss, which is primarily attributable to the
increased non-recurring expense, higher non-cash amortization expense
attributable to the Acquisition and Devon Acquisition, and higher interest
charges.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

NET SALES.  Net sales increased by $7.8 million or 4.8% from $162.2 million in
1994 to $170.0 million in 1995. The increase in net sales was due to higher
sales in medical products. Medical product sales increased by $8.2 million or
8.5% in 1995. This increase was primarily a result of increased volume in almost
all of the Company's major medical product lines. In particular, the Company
experienced significant sales growth on its electrode products which increased
by 21.2% from the prior year due in part to continued expansion of national
accounts and the introduction of new products, on sales of diagnostic imaging
products which increased by 28.7% from the prior year due to strong demand and
significantly higher volume of international sales which increased by 24.8% from
the previous year resulting from increased sales focus and favorable foreign
exchange rates. Partially offsetting the medical products growth was lower sales
in the Company's cable and leadwire products. Sales in those products declined
by 25% from the previous year as its primary customer base of medical original
equipment manufacturers experienced reduced demand for their products. Excluding
sales of cables and leadwires, the Company's medical products experienced growth
of 13.8% in 1995. Industrial product sales declined by $.4 million or .7% in
1995. The rate of decline slowed compared to prior years due in part to the
acquisition of Leeds and Northrup Company's chart business in June of 1994 and
an increase in export chart product sales.

GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit increased by $1.3 million or 1.7% from $76.6 million
in 1994 to $77.9 million in 1995. This increase was primarily due to the higher
sales volume in medical products. Overall, gross margins declined from 47.2% to
45.8%. This decrease was the result of the increased sales in medical product
sales which have lower margins than industrial products and unfavorable
manufacturing variances relating to the reduced cable and leadwire volume. In
addition, gross margins were further impacted by significant raw material cost
increases on paper materials consistent with the overall market trends in paper
prices. The cost increase was partially offset by selling price increases on the
Company's industrial products and selected medical products. 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("SG&A") EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses increased
by $.2 million or .4% from $50.5 million in 1994 to $50.7 million in 1995.
Expressed as a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased from 31.1% in 1994
to 29.8% in 1995. The decrease was partly the result of the consolidation of
sales, marketing and administrative departments supporting the Company's
industrial products and lower costs at Tronomed due principally to volume
related cost reductions resulting from the lower cable and leadwire sales.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.  Interest expense, net, increased by $2.8 million from
$4.5 million in 1994 to $7.3 million in 1995. The increase was the result of the
increased indebtedness in connection with the Acquisition. Prior to the
Acquisition, interest expense for the nine months ended September 28,
1995 declined by $.4 million or 11.1% from the prior period as a result of lower
debt levels.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE.  Income tax expense decreased by $1.5 million from $8.4
million in 1994 to $6.9 million in 1995. The effective income tax rate decreased
from 38.9% in 1994 to 34.8% in 1995. The decrease was primarily attributable to
(1) the decrease in taxable earnings; (2) an increase in usable foreign tax
credits of $.5 million; (3) the donation of pollution control emissions credits
of $.4 million; and (4) reduced state and local tax rates of $.2 million.
Offsetting the decrease in taxes was an increase in non-deductible goodwill
amortization of $.4 million.



DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS.  In 1993, the Company announced its intention to divest
its plotter and fax supplies business unit. The net loss on disposal of these
discontinued operations of $1.5 million was provided for in 1993 and 1994, and
revised in 1995 by an additional $.3 million based on actual results.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
NET INCOME.   Net income decreased by $1.4 million or 10.5% from $13.3 million
in 1994 to $11.9 million in 1995. This decrease reflects the factors discussed
above.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES.  The Company's primary capital requirements
consist of debt service related to the financing for the Acquisition and Devon
Acquisition, the Company's capital expenditures, the Company's working capital
needs and the short-term payments related to the nonrecurring and other costs
(as described above). In connection with the Acquisition and Devon acquisition,
the Company borrowed approximately $235,000,000. In addition, the book value of
certain tangible and intangible assets increased in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the Company's results of operations
include a significant level of non-cash expenses related to the depreciation of
fixed assets and the amortization of intangible assets, including goodwill.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $7,335,000 in 1996.

Cash flow provided by operating activities was $4,952,000 for 1996 as compared
to $23,478,000 provided from operations in 1995.  Operating cash flows for 1996
were impacted by the net loss which was partially attributable to the $7,721,000
increase in nonrecurring and other costs and the increase in interest expense of
$13,692,000 in connection with the Company acquisitions. Cash flow provided by
operations increased due to the increase in depreciation and amortization in
1996 which is primarily attributable to the Company acquisition. Cash flows from
operations were negatively impacted by increases in working capital, primarily
increases in inventory, accounts receivable, and a decrease in accrued expenses.
The increase in working capital is related to higher sales in the fourth quarter
1996 compared to the fourth quarter 1995. In addition, outstanding accounts
receivable has increased due to startup interruptions caused by the installation
of a new accounting system. The Company incurred $6,281,000 in capital
expenditures during 1996, primarily for the purchase of machinery and equipment.
In 1996, the Company acquired all the outstanding common stock of Devon
Industries, Inc. for a total cost of approximately $97,000,000, including
expenses of approximately $5,000,000. The Devon Acquisition was financed with
$67,500,000 of bank debt and $31,500,000 of new equity provided by Bessemer.
During the year, the Company made $6,125,000 in term loan payments.

As a result of identifying several new areas of potential costs savings, in 1996
the Company spent $7.8 million (representing almost twice the budgeted amount of
$4 million) on a one-time basis to achieve what management expects will be 
substantial future cost savings and increased efficiencies. In connection with 
such increased expenditure, on March 31, 1997, the Company received a waiver 
from compliance with certain covenants under the agreement governing its bank 
debt. The waiver expires 60 days from March 31, 1997, prior to which date 
management expects that an amendment to the agreement modifying the relevant 
covenants will have been obtained.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Set forth below are the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company
and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for the periods in
the three years ended December 31, 1996.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

DECEMBER 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
<S>                                                           <C>
Report of Independent Auditors..............................  20
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.................................  21
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.......................  22
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity..  23
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.......................  24
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  25
</TABLE>

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




The Board of Directors
Graphic Controls Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Graphic Controls
Corporation and subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Graphic Holdings,
Inc.) as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements
of income, changes in shareholder's equity and cash flows for the three-month
period ended December 31, 1995 and the year ended December, 1996. We have also
audited the consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholder's
equity (deficit) and cash flows of the Pre-Acquisition Company and subsidiaries
for the year ended December 31, 1994 and the nine-month period ended September
28,1995.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in
the Index at Item 14(a).  These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Graphic
Controls Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and  1996, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the three-
month period ended December 31, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion,
the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated results of the operations and cash flows of
the Pre-Acquisition Company and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31,
1994 and the nine-month period ended September 28, 1995 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.   Also, in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.



                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Buffalo, New York
February 14, 1997

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                           DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

                                                        1995       1996
                                                        ----       ----
                                  A S S E T S
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Current Assets:
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>
 Cash and cash equivalents...........................  $  1,481  $    563
 Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful
  accounts and returns (1995-$700, 1996-$782)........    25,430    37,208
 Inventories.........................................    22,009    32,697
 Income taxes recoverable............................        --     1,755
 Other...............................................       858     1,138
                                                       --------  --------
    Total current assets.............................    49,778    73,361
Property, plant and equipment:
 Land................................................     1,097     1,097
 Buildings and improvements..........................     7,766    11,160
 Machinery and equipment.............................    12,976    29,589
                                                       --------  --------
                                                         21,839    41,846
 Less accumulated depreciation.......................       585     6,750
                                                       --------  --------
    Net property, plant and equipment................    21,254    35,096
Deferred income taxes................................       581        --
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of
 $1,035 (1995)and $6,553(1996).......................   164,719   229,693
Financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of
 $321 (1995) and $2,338 (1996).......................     9,203    11,150
Acquisition escrow accounts..........................     4,376     9,002
Other assets.........................................     1,001     6,715
                                                       --------  --------
                                                       $250,912  $365,017
                                                       ========  ========
<CAPTION> 
                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>
 Cash overdraft.......................................  $     --   $  2,954
 Accounts payable.....................................    10,186     14,261
 Employees' compensation..............................     5,561      7,154
 Accrued expenses.....................................     6,797      5,009
 Income taxes payable.................................       357         --
 Deferred income taxes................................       679      1,970
 Current portion of long-term debt....................     2,131      8,015
                                                        --------   --------
    Total current liabilities.........................    25,711     39,363
Long-term debt........................................   158,000    219,728
Deferred income taxes.................................        --      1,199
Other non-current liabilities.........................    15,702     22,962
Shareholder's equity:
 Common stock ($1 par)
 Authorized - 5,000,000 shares; issued & outstanding
   100 shares.........................................        --         --
 Additional paid-in capital...........................    50,866     82,366
 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)..............       804       (288)
 Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation..      (171)      (313)
                                                        --------   --------
    Total shareholder's equity........................    51,499     81,765
                                                        --------   --------
                                                        $250,912   $365,017
                                                        ========   ========
</TABLE>
                             See accompanying notes

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                           -----------------------------
                                                                 YEAR         NINE MOS.  THREE MOS.     YEAR
                                                                ENDED           ENDED       ENDED       ENDED
                                                               DEC. 31        SEPT. 28     DEC. 31     DEC. 31
                                                                 1994           1995         1995       1996
                                                           ----------------  -----------  ----------  ---------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>          <C>         <C>
 
Net sales................................................         $162,235     $127,895    $ 42,120   $238,024
 
Cost of sales............................................           85,586       69,440      22,689    129,890
    Selling, general and administration expenses.........           49,651       37,011      11,619     70,270
Nonrecurring and other costs.............................               --           --          --      7,721
Amortization.............................................              897          668       1,406      8,058
                                                                  --------     --------    --------   --------
                                                                   136,134      107,119      35,714    215,939
                                                                  --------     --------    --------   --------
 
 Operating income........................................           26,101       20,776       6,406     22,085
 
 Interest income.........................................              155           56          50         38
 Interest expense........................................           (4,668)      (3,125)     (4,325)   (21,142)
                                                                  --------     --------    --------   --------
 Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    and extraordinary charge.............................           21,588       17,707       2,131        981
 
 Income tax expense......................................            8,437        5,563       1,327      2,073
                                                                  --------     --------    --------   --------
 
 Income (loss) from continuing operations before
    extraordinary charge.................................           13,151       12,144         804     (1,092)
 
 Discontinued operations (Note B):
 Income (loss) from disposal, net of income tax
      (expense) benefit of ($107) for 1994 and
      $190 for the nine months ended September 28, 1995..              160         (298)         --         --
                                                                  --------     --------    --------   --------
 
 
 Income (loss) before extraordinary charge...............           13,311       11,846         804     (1,092)
 
 Extraordinary charge from early retirement of debt,
      net of income taxes of $505........................               --          791          --         --
                                                                  --------     --------    --------   --------
 
 Net income (loss).......................................         $ 13,311     $ 11,055    $    804   $ (1,092)
                                                                  ========     ========    ========   ========
</TABLE>



                             See accompanying notes

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Equity
                                          Retained     Adj From
                                  Add'l   Earnings      Foreign
                                  Common   Paid-In   (Accumulated     Currency
                                  Stock    Capital     Deficit)     Translation     Total
                                  ------  ---------  -------------  ------------  ----------
<S>                               <C>     <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>
 
 
Balance at January 1, 1994
(Pre-Acquisition)...............  $  --   $ 19,467      $ (35,985)        $(744)  $ (17,262)
 Net income for 1994............      --        --         13,311            --      13,311
 Translation losses.............      --        --             --          (145)       (145)
                                  ------  --------      ---------         -----   ---------
 
Balance at December 31, 1994
(Pre-Acquisition)...............      --    19,467        (22,674)         (889)     (4,096)
 Net income for nine months
   ended September 28, 1995.....      --        --         11,055            --      11,055
 Income tax benefit of stock
   options exercised............      --        --            525            --         525
 Translation gains..............      --        --             --           640         640
 Dividends ($1,186,520 per
   share).......................      --   (19,467)       (99,185)           --    (118,652)
                                  ------  --------      ---------         -----   ---------
 
Balance at September 28, 1995
(Pre-Acquisition)...............  $  --   $    --       $(110,279)        $(249)  $(110,528)
                                  ======  ========      =========         =====   =========
 
Balance at September 28, 1995.    $  --   $    --    $     --       $     --      $     --
 Capital contribution...........      --    50,866             --            --      50,866
 Net income for three months
   ended December 31, 1995......      --        --            804            --         804
 Translation losses.............      --        --             --          (171)       (171)
                                  ------  --------      ---------         -----   ---------
 
Balance at December 31, 1995....      --    50,866            804          (171)     51,499
 Capital contribution...........      --    31,500             --            --      31,500
 Net loss for 1996..............      --        --         (1,092)           --      (1,092)
  Translation losses............      --        --             --          (142)       (142)
                                  ------  --------      ---------         -----   ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996....  $  --   $ 82,366      $    (288)        $(313)  $  81,765
                                  ======  ========      =========         =====   =========
</TABLE>



                             See accompanying notes

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                            ----------------------------------
                                                              YEAR      NINE MOS.  THREE MOS.      YEAR
                                                              ENDED       ENDED       ENDED       ENDED
                                                             DEC. 31    SEPT. 28     DEC. 31     DEC. 31
                                                              1994        1995        1995         1996     
                                                             ------     ---------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
Cash flows from operating activities: 
  Net income (loss).......................................  $ 13,311    $  11,055     $   804   $  (1,092)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash                                        
    provided by operating activities:                                                           
    Depreciation and amortization.........................     6,771        5,143       1,991      14,469
    Write-off of unamortized financing costs..............        --        1,296          --          --
    Deferred income taxes.................................       634         (253)        277       3,071
    Disposal of discontinued operations...................      (160)         298          --          --
    Change in assets and liabilities excluding effects                                          
    from purchases or sales of businesses:                                                      
      Accounts receivable.................................       830        1,176      (1,503)     (5,368)
      Inventory...........................................      (315)      (2,627)      1,774      (1,980)
      Other current assets................................      (102)         582          58         370
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses...............    (3,316)       1,800       2,911      (2,803)
      Income taxes........................................      (164)      (1,044)        (37)     (2,176)
      Other non-current liabilities.......................       312           12        (261)        590
      Other, net..........................................      (230)          37         (11)       (129)
                                                            --------    ---------     -------   ---------
       Total Adjustments..................................     4,260        6,420       5,199       6,044
                                                            --------    ---------     -------   ---------
       Net cash provided by operating activities..........    17,571       17,475       6,003       4,952
                                                                                                
Cash flows from investing activities:                                                           
  Additions to property, plant, and equipment.............    (3,569)      (1,505)       (814)     (6,281)
  Payments for businesses acquired........................      (275)          --          --     (96,251)
  Payments for other assets...............................        --           --          --      (1,496)
  Payment of acquisition fees.............................        --       (2,212)         --          --
  Net proceeds from sale of product line..................       656          463          --          --
  Payments on notes receivable............................       964           --          --          --
                                                            --------    ---------     -------   ---------
       Net cash used in investing activities..............    (2,224)      (3,254)       (814)   (104,028)
                                                                                                
Cash flows from financing activities:                                                           
  Proceeds from senior bank facilities....................        --       92,000          --      73,541
  Cash overdraft..........................................        --           --          --       2,954
  Capital contribution....................................        --           --          --      31,500
  Proceeds from senior subordinated notes.................        --       75,000          --          --
  Repayment of senior debt................................   (15,944)     (51,178)     (7,116)     (6,125)
  Financing fees..........................................        --       (9,524)         --      (3,964)
  Dividends paid..........................................        --     (118,652)         --          --
  Other...................................................        --           --          --         196
                                                            --------    ---------     -------   ---------
     Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities..   (15,944)     (12,354)     (7,116)     98,102
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash...................       106           26          (2)         56
                                                            --------    ---------     -------   ---------
                                                                                                
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents......      (491)       1,893      (1,929)       (918)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..........     2,008        1,517       3,410       1,481
                                                            --------    ---------     -------   ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................  $  1,517    $   3,410     $ 1,481   $     563
                                                            ========    =========     =======   =========
                                                                                                
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                                              
  Cash paid during the period for:                                                              
     Interest.............................................  $  5,388    $   3,116     $   330   $  22,650
     Income taxes.........................................     7,970        6,309         974       1,167
 
</TABLE>
                                See accompanying notes

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                        
NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- ---------------------------------------------------

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:  Graphic Controls Corporation (the "Company") (a
- ---------------------------                                                  
wholly-owned subsidiary of Graphic Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings")) is a leading
manufacturer and marketer of a number of disposable single use medical products
and industrial recording supplies. Medical products, which represent a majority
of the Company's net sales, include five principal product lines: (i) Cardiology
and critical care, (ii) neurology, (iii) perinatology, (iv) infection control 
and (v) Devon(R) brand operating room products. Industrial products include
recording charts and marking systems used in recording physical measurements
such as temperature, humidity, rate and volume of flow, liquid level, electric
current and magnetic and seismic activity. Medical products are sold primarily
to healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices and
other alternate care providers. Industrial products are sold to customers
primarily in the oil and gas, chemical, pulp and paper, electric and gas
utility, pharmaceutical, feed, aerospace and automotive industries. The Company
markets its products both domestically and internationally.

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:  On September 28, 1995, GH Acquisition
- --------------------------------------                                        
Corporation, a newly organized subsidiary of Bessemer Holdings, L.P.
("Bessemer"), merged with and into Holdings, with Holdings being the surviving
corporation and becoming a direct subsidiary of Bessemer (The "Acquisition").
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  The
total purchase price, including fees and expenses related to the Acquisition and
its financing, was approximately $218,000,000.

 In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company borrowed $92,000,000 of senior
debt and $75,000,000 of senior subordinated notes.  These proceeds were used to
pay existing debt, pay acquisition and financing fees and pay a dividend of
$118,652,000 to Holdings.  Holdings used the proceeds from the dividend for the
redemption of the prior shareholders.  The cash flows related to the transaction
are reflected in the statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September
28, 1995.

 The Acquisition permits Bessemer to hold approximately $4,300,000 of the
purchase price in escrow for potential liabilities related to matters such as
taxes, environmental issues, transaction expenses and other indemnified
liabilities.  The agreement calls for escrow funds to be released to the selling
shareholders starting on the first anniversary of the transaction and ending on
the fifth anniversary of the transaction.  During 1996, no escrow funds were
released to the selling shareholders.  Escrow funds totalling approximately
$200,000 were returned to the Company during 1996 as reimbursement for certain
environmental expenditures.  The escrow amount is recorded in acquisition escrow
accounts in the Company's balance sheets with a corresponding liability to the
selling shareholders in other long-term liabilities.

 In conjunction with the Acquisition, the Company repaid the existing
indebtedness outstanding under its credit agreement and wrote off the
unamortized financing fees related to this indebtedness.  This write-off has
been shown as an extraordinary charge, net of income taxes, in the consolidated
statement of operations of the Company for the nine months ended September 28,
1995.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:  The consolidated financial statements include the
- ---------------------------                                                    
accounts of Graphic Controls Corporation and its subsidiaries.  All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The Company's
total investment in its foreign subsidiaries is approximately $16,800,000 at
December 31, 1995 and $17,600,000 at December 31, 1996.

REVENUE RECOGNITION:  The Company recognizes revenue at the point of passage of
- --------------------                                                           
title, which is generally at the time of shipment to the customer.  The Company
provides for probable future returns and uncollectible accounts as revenue is
recognized.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:  The Company considers all highly liquid debt
- -------------------------                                               
instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be
cash equivalents.

INVENTORIES:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  The cost
- -----------                                                                   
of substantially all domestic inventories is determined under the last-in,
first-out (LIFO) method.  The cost of the remaining inventories, principally at
foreign operations, is determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method
(see Note C).

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:  Land, buildings and improvements, and machinery
- -----------------------------                                                  
and equipment are carried on the basis of cost.  Expenditures for maintenance
and repairs are charged directly against income; major renewals and betterments
are capitalized.  Depreciation is provided over estimated useful lives using the
straight-line method for buildings and improvements and the double declining
balance method for machinery and equipment, except for used equipment which is
depreciated on the straight-line method.  Depreciation expense was $5,874,000
for 1994, $4,475,000 for the period ended September 28, 1995, $585,000 for the
period ended December 31, 1995, and $6,411,000 for 1996.

GOODWILL:  Goodwill is being amortized over forty years on a straight-line
- --------                                                                  
basis.  The Company periodically reviews goodwill to assess recoverability.
Impairments would be recognized in operating results if a permanent reduction in
value were to occur.

FINANCING COSTS:  Financing costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis
- ---------------                                                               
over the term of the credit facilities.

INCOME TAXES:  Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of
- ------------                                                                   
temporary differences by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future
years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the
tax bases of existing assets and liabilities.  The effect on deferred taxes of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date. The significant temporary differences include accounting for
property, plant and equipment, pension and other postretirement benefits,
accrued liabilities, inventory valuation, and discontinued operations.

 The provision for income taxes includes Federal, foreign, state, and local
income taxes. Investment tax credits are accounted for using the flow-through
method.

 It is the Company's policy to repatriate approximately 50% of the earnings of
its foreign subsidiaries.  All remaining undistributed earnings are reinvested
in these subsidiaries. Total undistributed earnings for which no federal income
taxes have been provided, including those earnings reinvested in the
subsidiaries, are approximately $12,700,000.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                        


NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - (CONTINUED)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES:  The financial statements of the Company's
- ---------------------------------                                            
foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the applicable local
currency as the functional currency.  Accordingly, balance sheet accounts are
translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenue
and expense accounts are translated using an average exchange rate during the
year.  Resulting translation adjustments are made directly to a separate
component of shareholder's equity.  Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)
included in the determination of net income approximated $287,000 for 1994,
($132,000) for the period ended September 28, 1995, $(102,000) for the period
ended December 31, 1995 and ($56,000) for 1996.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND ROYALTY ARRANGEMENTS:  Product research and
- -------------------------------------------------------                       
development costs are charged to expense as incurred.  Research  and development
expense approximated $5,369,000 for 1994, $2,897,000 for the period ended
September 28, 1995, $1,199,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1995 and
$4,651,000 for 1996.

Costs related to royalty arrangements are charged to expense as incurred.
Royalty expense approximated $811,000 for 1994, $650,000 for the period ended
September 28, 1995, $180,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1995 and
$502,000 for 1996.  Most of the Company's royalty agreements are in effect for
an indefinite period of time.

RETIREMENT PLANS AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS:  The Company has domestic non-
- ----------------------------------------------                              
contributory defined benefit retirement plans covering substantially all U.S.
employees.  Benefits under the plans are based on earnings and years of benefit
service.  The Company's foreign subsidiaries provide plans for employees
consistent with local practices.  Amounts charged to earnings relative to these
plans are determined in accordance with the Company's accounting practices
described in Note F.  The Company's policy is to fund the U.S. plans on a
current basis in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Certain employees may be eligible for post-retirement health care and life
insurance benefits upon retirement from the Company.  It is the Company's policy
to accrue the cost of these benefits during the active service period of the
employee.

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 amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS:  In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
- -----------------                                                          
issued Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of", which requires impairment losses
to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of
impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated
by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount.  Statement No. 121
also addresses the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be
disposed of.  The Company adopted Statement No. 121 in the first quarter of
1996. The impact of adoption was not material.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE B - ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
- --------------------------------------

  On February 28, 1996, the Company acquired all the outstanding common stock of
Devon Industries, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies
primarily for use in operating rooms (the "Devon Acquisition").  The total cost
of the transaction was approximately $99,000,000 including expenses of
approximately $5,000,000, plus up to an additional $7,000,000 in deferred
consideration contingent upon Devon's future financial performance.  The Devon
Acquisition was financed with $67,500,000 of bank debt and $31,500,000 of new
equity provided by Bessemer.  The Devon Acquisition agreement permits the
Company to hold $5,657,000 of the purchase price in escrow.

  The Devon Acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting and the resulting goodwill of approximately $70,200,000 is being
amortized over its forty year life. The results of the acquired entity are
included in the 1996 consolidated statement of operations since the February 28,
1996 acquisition date.

  The following condensed pro forma results of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1996, the three month period ended December 31, 1995 and the nine
month period ended September 28, 1995 were prepared based on the historical
statements of operations for the respective periods, adjusted to give effect to
the Devon Acquisition, the Acquisition and the related financing, as if each had
occurred on January 1, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          NINE MOS.  THREE MOS.     YEAR
                                            ENDED       ENDED       ENDED
                                           SEPT 28     DEC 31      DEC 31
                                            1995        1995        1996
                                          ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>        <C>          <C>
     Net sales..........................   $181,351     $58,389   $249,268
     Income before extraordinary items..   $  1,049     $  (542)  $ (1,312)
     Net income (loss)..................   $  1,049     $  (542)  $ (1,312)
</TABLE>

  During 1993, the Company announced its intention to divest its plotter and fax
supplies business units.  The loss on disposal of these discontinued operations
was initially provided in 1993 and revised in 1994 and 1995 based on actual
results.  The plotter supplies business was sold on September 9, 1994 and the
facsimile business was sold on April 28, 1995.
 
  The plotter and fax supplies business units have been reported as discontinued
operations. Revenue for the discontinued operations was $22,153,000 in 1994 and
$4,483,000 for the period ended September 28, 1995.

NOTE C - INVENTORIES
- --------------------

  Inventories at December 31, 1995 and 1996 consist of the following (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                          1995      1996
                        --------  --------
<S>                     <C>       <C>
   Finished products..   $13,846   $17,781
   Work in process....     1,239     2,094
   Raw materials......     6,924    12,822
                         -------   -------
                         $22,009   $32,697
                         =======   =======
</TABLE>

  Domestic inventories determined primarily on the last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method were $19,206,000 and $29,549,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, and would have been lower by $3,465,000 in 1996 had the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method been used exclusively. As a result of the Acquisition on
September 28, 1995, the value of reported inventory on the LIFO method is the
same as the FIFO method as of December 31, 1995.

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT
- -----------------------

 Long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 1995 and 1996 was as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  1995      1996
                                                --------  --------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>
   Senior bank facilities.....................  $ 85,000  $152,416
   Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 at 12%
     per annum................................    75,000    75,000
   Other......................................       131       327
                                                --------  --------
                                                 160,131   227,743
   Less:  current portion.....................     2,131     8,015
                                                --------  --------
                                                $158,000  $219,728
                                                ========  ========
</TABLE>

 Credit Agreement:  The Company has entered into a Credit Agreement which
provides an aggregate term loan of up to $150,000,000 (subject to the repayment
terms of the Credit Agreement described below) and revolving credit facility of
up to $30,000,000 (subject to an availability requirement described below).

 Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to
1.5% over the bank's base rate (as defined) or 2.5% over the Eurodollar rate (as
defined), at the option of the Company for $102,500,000 of the facility and 2.0%
over the bank's base rate or 3.0% over the Eurodollar rate for $77,500,000 of
the facility.  Interest is payable periodically in arrears.

 In connection with the Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement, the
Company has granted mortgages on the manufacturing facilities and offices owned
by the Company and security interests in its machinery and equipment, certain
accounts receivable, inventory and certain other collateral.  In addition, a
non-recourse guaranty by Holdings further secures the performance of the
Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement.

 The following is a summary of the other principal terms of the Credit
Agreement:
 
Terms Loans:  The term loans are repayable in quarterly installments, with a
    final maturity date in September 2003.  Amounts repaid under the term loans
    may not be reborrowed.

Revolving Credit:  Under the revolving credit facility, the Company may borrow,
   repay and reborrow from time to time up to the lesser of (a) $30,000,000 or
   (b) the Company's total availability.  The Credit Agreement defines the
   Company's total availability as the sum of 85% of eligible accounts
   receivable plus 60% of eligible raw material inventory plus 50% of eligible
   finished inventory plus 50% of the net book value of property, plant and
   equipment (limited to $5,000,000) acquired pursuant to a permitted business
   acquisition.

     All outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will mature
   in September 2002.  The amount the Company may borrow under the revolving
   credit facility also is reduced by the full amount of any letters of credit
   issued by the bank for the account of the Company.

 Senior Subordinated Notes:  On September 28, 1995, $75,000,000 of 12% Senior
Subordinated Notes were sold.  These notes will mature on September 15, 2005.
There are no sinking fund requirements. Interest is payable in arrears on March
15 and September 15.  The notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in
whole or in part, at any time on or after September 15, 2000, initially at 106%
of the principal amount, declining annually to 100% of the principal amount on
September 15, 2003, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. In
addition, at any time prior to September 15, 1998, the Company may redeem up to
$25,000,000 of the notes with the proceeds of one or more public equity
offerings at 112% of the principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of
redemption.  These notes are subordinated to all existing and future senior
indebtedness of the Company.  The indenture restricts, among other things, the
payment of cash dividends on, or other distributions in respect of, the
Company's capital stock.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE D- LONG-TERM DEBT - (CONTINUED)
- ------------------------------------

 The aggregate maturities of long-term debt, excluding contingent payments, if
any, are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           REVOLVING
                            TERM LOANS  CREDIT FACILITY   NOTES   OTHER   TOTAL
                            ----------  ---------------  -------  -----  --------
<S>                         <C>         <C>              <C>      <C>    <C>
 
              1997........    $  7,688  $   --           $   --    $327  $  8,015
              1998........      12,062               --       --     --    12,062
              1999........      13,250               --       --     --    13,250
              2000........      14,250               --       --     --    14,250
              2001........      15,125               --       --     --    15,125
              Thereafter..      84,000            6,041   75,000     --   165,041
                              --------  ---------------  -------  -----  --------
                              $146,375           $6,041  $75,000   $327  $227,743
                              ========  ===============  =======  =====  ========
</TABLE>

 Restrictive Covenants:  The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive
financial covenants.  At December 31, 1996, the Company was in compliance with
such requirements.  In addition to the financial covenants, the Credit Agreement
imposes certain other restrictions on the Company's business and operations.
The Company is prohibited from incurring consolidated capital expenditures in
excess of $8,500,000 per year.  The Company's ability to declare or pay
dividends on any class of stock, other than in shares of such stock, is limited.
The Credit Agreement also restricts the Company from incurring certain
additional indebtedness.

NOTE E - OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
- --------------------------------------

 Other non-current liabilities at December 31, 1995 and 1996 consist of (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             1995      1996
                                                           --------  --------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>
   Retiree health and life insurance benefit obligation..   $ 6,413   $ 6,683
   Accrued non-current pension costs.....................     4,343     5,345
   Purchase escrows......................................     4,376     9,002
   Lease provision.......................................        --     1,382
   Accrued long-term disability costs....................       250       250
   Minority interest.....................................       320       300
                                                            -------   -------
                                                            $15,702   $22,962
                                                            =======   =======
</TABLE>

NOTE F - RETIREMENT PLANS
- -------------------------

 The costs charged to earnings relative to the United States and Canadian plans
for the year ended December 31, 1994, the periods ended September 28, 1995, and
December 31, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1996 were determined in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87.  The
provisions of this Statement have not been applied to a foreign plan as it is
not material to the financial statements.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 ---------------------------------------------

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE F - RETIREMENT PLANS - (CONTINUED)
- ---------------------------------------

United States and foreign retirement plan expenses were $1,088,000 for 1994,
$934,000 for the period ended September 28, 1995, $311,000 for the period ended
December 31, 1995, and $1,931,000 for 1996.  This included net periodic pension
expense for the United States and Canadian plans of $1,082,000 for 1994,
$909,000 for the period ended September 28, 1995, $303,000 for the period ended
December 31, 1995, and $1,900,000 for 1996, which is comprised of the following
components (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                    PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                      -------------------------------------------
                                                        YEAR    NINE MOS.   THREE MOS.     YEAR
                                                       ENDED      ENDED        ENDED      ENDED
                                                      DEC. 31    SEPT 28      DEC 31     DEC. 31
                                                        1994       1995        1995        1996
                                                      --------  ----------  -----------  --------
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>
 
  Service cost - benefits earned during the period..  $ 1,086     $   683        $ 228   $ 1,792
  Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.....    1,929       1,523          556     2,512
  Actual return on plan assets......................       97      (3,658)        (743)   (3,156)
  Net amortization and deferral.....................   (2,030)      2,361          262       752
                                                      -------     -------        -----   -------
  Net periodic pension expense......................  $ 1,082     $   909        $ 303   $ 1,900
                                                      =======     =======        =====   =======
</TABLE>

 Unrecognized gains (losses) and prior service costs are amortized on a
straight-line basis over a period approximating the average remaining service
period for active employees.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Actuarial assumptions used:
                                        1994          1995          1996
                                        ----          ----          ----
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
   Discount rate...................  7.50 - 8.75%  7.25 - 7.50%  7.50 - 7.75%
   Salary increases................  4.00 - 6.00%  3.50 - 6.00%  3.50 - 6.00%
   Expected return on plan assets..  7.50 - 9.00%  7.50 - 9.00%  7.50 - 9.00%
</TABLE>

 The following table sets forth the United States and Canadian plans' estimated
funded status at December 31, 1995 and 1996, based on the most recent actuarial
valuation available (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995      1996
                                                             ----      ----
<S>                                                         <C>      <C>        
Accumulated benefit obligation, including vested       
       benefits of $24,393 and $25,650................     $24,839    $26,251
                                                           =======    =======
    Projected benefit obligation......................      30,026     31,777
    Plan assets at fair value.........................      24,199     29,514
                                                           -------    -------
    Excess of projected benefit obligation over plan                  
        assets........................................      (5,827)    (2,263)
    Unrecognized net loss.............................         584     (3,023)
                                                           -------    -------
    Accrued pension cost..............................     $(5,243)   $(5,286)
                                                           =======    =======
</TABLE>

 All previously unrecognized gains, losses, and prior service costs were
recognized at the date of the Acquisition.  The accrued pension cost is recorded
in the December 31, 1995 and 1996 balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995      1996
                                                           --------  --------
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>
    Account payable and accrued employees' compensation..   $1,532    $  601
    Other assets.........................................     (632)     (660)
    Other non-current liabilities........................    4,343     5,345
                                                            ------    ------
                                                            $5,243    $5,286
                                                            ======    ======
</TABLE>

 The plans' assets consist of listed stocks and corporate and government fixed
income securities.

Changes to the discount rate actuarial assumptions resulted in a decrease in the
vested benefit obligation, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected
benefit obligation of approximately $1,972,000, 2,075,000 and $2,725,000
respectively in 1996.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE F - RETIREMENT PLANS - (CONTINUED)
- ---------------------------------------

 The Company also sponsors 401(k) personal retirement savings plans covering all
eligible employees. The Company contributes an amount equal to 100% of each
participant's total contribution, not to exceed amounts specified in the plans.
The amount charged to expense for matching contributions was $330,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1994, $236,000 for the period ended September 28, 1995,
$78,000 for the period ended December 31, 1995 and $456,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1996.

NOTE G - RETIREE HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
- --------------------------------------------------------

 The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to
eligible retired employees.  All participants generally become eligible for
retiree health care benefits after reaching age 55 with 10 years of service or
after reaching age 65 with at least 5 years of service. The plan provides
benefits of a maximum of $50.00 per month for health care and $5,000 of life
insurance for retirees with 5-10 years of service and a maximum of $100.00 per
month for health care and $10,000 of life insurance for retirees with over 10
years of service.

 The Company accrues the cost of providing postretirement benefits, including
medical and life insurance coverage, during the active service period of the
employee.  The United States retiree health care and life insurance benefit
expenses were $552,000 for 1994, $318,000 for the period ended September 28,
1995, $163,000 for the period ended December 31, 1995 and $634,000 for 1996. The
Company funds these benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans at December 31, 1995 and 1996 (in
thousands).
                                                                                                     1995     1996
                                                                                                   --------  -------
<S>                                                                                                <C>       <C>
   Retirees......................................................................................   $3,418    $3,486
   Fully eligible active plan participants.......................................................    1,624       561
   Other active plan participants................................................................    1,759    $2,380
                                                                                                    ------    ------
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.................................................    6,801     6,427
   Unrecognized net gain (loss)..................................................................     (388)      490
                                                                                                    ------    ------
   Accrued postretirement benefit obligation.....................................................   $6,413    $6,917
                                                                                                    ======    ======
</TABLE>

  All previously unrecognized gains and losses were recognized at the date of
the Acquisition.  The accrued postretirement benefit obligation is recorded in
other non-current liabilities and accrued expenses in the Company's balance
sheets.

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 1994, the periods ended September
28, 1995 and December 31, 1995, and 1996 included the following components (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                   -----------------------------------------
                                                     YEAR    NINE MOS.   THREE MOS.   YEAR
                                                    ENDED      ENDED       ENDED      ENDED
                                                   DEC. 31    SEPT 28      DEC 31    DEC. 31
                                                     1994       1995        1995      1996
                                                   --------  ----------  ----------  -------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
    Service cost - benefits earned during the
      period.....................................    $ 149       $  81        $  36    $ 174
    Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
      benefit obligation.........................      450         359          127      460
    Net amortization and deferral................      (47)       (122)          --       --
                                                     -----       -----        -----    -----
    Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.....    $ 552       $ 318        $ 163    $ 634
                                                     =====       =====        =====    =====
</TABLE>

                                       32
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996


NOTE G - RETIREE HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS - (CONTINUED)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

  For measuring the postretirement benefit obligation, the assumed rate of
increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 15% for
1997, decreasing gradually to 6% in 2001. Additionally, the Medicare Part B
premium was assumed to increase at 5% per annum.  Increasing these rates by one
percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation as of December 31, 1996 by $395,000 and the annual net
periodic postretirement benefit cost by $51,000.  The discount rate used in
determining the postretirement benefit obligation was 7.25% in 1995 and 7.75% in
1996.  The increase in the discount rate in 1996 decreased the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation by $372,000.

Unrecognized gains and losses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
average remaining service period of active participants.

NOTE H - LEASES
- ---------------

  Rental expense under operating leases amounted to $2,723,000 for 1994,
$2,159,000 for the period ended September 28, 1995, $704,000 for the period
ended December 31, 1995 and $5,413,000 for 1996. The future minimum lease
payments for all noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

            1997..................... $ 3,421
            1998.....................   2,821
            1999.....................   2,478
            2000.....................   2,234
            2001 & Thereafter........   5,740


NOTE I - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
- --------------------------------------------

  Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amount reported in the consolidated
balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value.

Long and short-term debt under senior bank facilities:  The carrying amounts of
the Company's borrowings under its senior bank facilities approximate their fair
value, as the underlying instrument is comprised of notes that are repriced on a
short-term basis.

  Senior subordinated notes:  The Company estimates the fair value of its
borrowings under the senior subordinated notes using a discounted cash flow
analysis, based on market interest rates for similar debt instruments.  At
December 31, 1995 and 1996, the carrying amount reported in the consolidated
balance sheet for these obligations approximates its fair value.

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
NOTE J- INCOME TAXES
- --------------------

   The components of income before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                                                 ------------------------
                                                                                    YEAR        NINE MOS.      THREE MOS.    YEAR
                                                                                   ended          ended          ended      ended
                                                                                   Dec 31        Sept 28         Dec 31     Dec 31
                                                                                    1994           1995           1995       1996
                                                                                 ----------  ----------------  ----------  --------
<S>                                                                              <C>         <C>               <C>         <C>
 
   Domestic....................................................................    $19,696           $15,580       $1,345  $(1,928)
   Foreign.....................................................................      1,892             2,127          786    2,909
                                                                                   -------           -------       ------  -------
                                                                                   $21,588           $17,707       $2,131  $   981
                                                                                   =======           =======       ======  =======
 
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (in thousands):
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                     PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                                                   ----------------------
                                                                                    YEAR        NINE MOS.   THREE MOS.  YEAR
                                                                                    ended       ended       ended       ended
                                                                                    Dec 31      Sept 28     Dec 31      Dec31
                                                                                    1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                                                   -------      -------     ------     -------
<S>                                                                                <C>          <C>         <C>        <C> 
 Current:  Federal.............................................................    $ 5,977      $ 4,285     $  750     $(1,968)
    State......................................................................      1,193          568        112        (368)
    Foreign....................................................................        633          963         88       1,338
 Deferred: Federal.............................................................        449         (177)       137       2,698
    State......................................................................         96          (32)        24         406
    Foreign....................................................................         89          (44)       116         (33)
                                                                                   -------      -------     ------     -------
                                                                                   $ 8,437      $ 5,563     $1,327     $ 2,073
                                                                                   =======      =======     ======     =======
</TABLE> 

 Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the Federal
  statutory rate to income before income taxes. This difference is reconciled as
  follows (in thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                     PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                                                 ----------------------
                                                                                   YEAR      NINE MOS.   THREE MOS.  YEAR
                                                                                   ENDED     ENDED       ENDED       ENDED
                                                                                   DEC. 31   SEPT 28     DEC 31      DEC.31
                                                                                   1994      1995        1995        1996
                                                                                   -------   -------     ------      -------
<S>                                                                                <C>       <C>         <C>         <C> 
  35% of pretax income.........................................................    $ 7,556   $ 6,197     $  746      $   343
  State and local taxes, net of Federal effect.................................        838       348         88           25
  Taxes (credits) on dividends from foreign                                                                     
   subsidiaries................................................................        213      (350)        48           --
  Expenses without tax benefits, primarily                                                                      
   goodwill amortization.......................................................         21        15        362        1,494
  Contribution of emission credits.............................................         --      (382)        --           --
  Foreign subsidiary's net operating loss......................................         --        --         --          158
  Other........................................................................       (191)     (265)        83           53
                                                                                   -------   -------     ------      -------
                                                                                   $ 8,437   $ 5,563     $1,327      $ 2,073
                                                                                   =======   =======     ======      =======
</TABLE>

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components
of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1995 and
1996 are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995      1996
                                                --------  --------
<S>                                             <C>       <C>
   Pension and other postretirement benefits..  $ 4,195   $ 4,696
   Employee compensation......................    1,030     1,175
   Accrued expenses...........................    1,096       538
   Other......................................      325       262
                                                -------   -------
       Total deferred tax assets..............    6,646     6,671
 
   Property, plant, and equipment.............   (3,663)   (3,419)
   Inventory..................................   (3,033)   (3,945)
   Purchased intangibles......................      (48)   (2,476)
                                                -------   -------
       Total deferred tax liabilities.........   (6,744)   (9,840)
                                                -------   -------
          Net deferred tax liabilities........  $   (98)  $(3,169)
                                                =======   =======
</TABLE>

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE K - STOCK OPTIONS
- ----------------------

Certain of the Company's employees have received options to purchase the stock
of Holdings. In connection with the Acquisition on September 28, 1995, all
outstanding options were either redeemed for cash or exchanged for a total of
7,628.087 new options to purchase preferred stock (at prices ranging from $8.13
to $90.30) and 25,433 new options to purchase common stock (at prices ranging
from $.81 to $9.03).  These non-qualified options are currently outstanding and
exercisable at any time until their expiration on September 28, 2005.

During 1996, the Company issued options to key employees for the purchase of
36,630 shares of preferred stock of Holdings for $100 per share and 122,098
shares of common stock of Holdings for $10 per share.  All of these options
remaining outstanding at December 31, 1996, vest ratably over three years and
are exercisable through February 28, 2006.

  In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation", which is effective for the Company's 1996 fiscal year.  The
statement encourages but does not require financial reporting to reflect
compensation expense for grants of stock, stock options and other equity
instruments to employees based on changes in the fair value of the option.  The
Company intends to continue using the measurement prescribed by APB Opinion No.
25 which bases compensation on the intrinsic value of the award on the
measurement date.  SFAS 123 requires companies that choose not to adopt the new
fair value accounting rules to disclose pro forma net income and earnings per
share under the new method. The pro forma disclosures for the Company are not
material.

NOTE L - BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------

The Company operates primarily in two industries:  medical products and
industrial products.  Operations in medical products involve the manufacturing
and marketing of medical recording charts and other patient data supplies,
disposable medical and surgical supplies, disposable diagnostic and monitoring
electrodes, fetal monitoring supplies and cables and leadwires.  Operations in
industrial products involve the manufacture and marketing of industrial
recording supplies and marking systems for recording instruments.  Following is
a summary of segment information (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                   --------------------
                                                     YEAR     NINE MOS.   THREE MOS.     YEAR
                                                     ENDED      ENDED        ENDED       ENDED
                                                    DEC. 31    SEPT 28      DEC 31      DEC. 31
                                                     1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                   ---------  ----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
     Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
       Medical products..........................  $ 97,353    $ 78,682      $26,920   $176,601
       Industrial products.......................    64,882      49,213       15,200     61,423
                                                   --------    --------      -------   --------
                                                   $162,235    $127,895      $42,120   $238,024
                                                   ========    ========      =======   ========
     Intersegment sales:
       Medical products..........................  $    --    $    --             --   $    --
       Industrial products.......................    18,171      14,962        4,584     19,782
                                                   --------    --------      -------   --------
                                                   $ 18,171    $ 14,962      $ 4,584   $ 19,782
                                                   ========    ========      =======   ========
 
     Income from continuing operations:
       Medical products..........................  $ 12,906    $ 10,636      $ 4,042   $ 24,685
       Industrial products.......................    18,097      14,294        5,117     18,127
                                                   --------    --------      -------   --------
                                                     31,003      24,930        9,159     42,812
       Interest income...........................       155          56           50         38
       Interest expense..........................    (4,668)     (3,125)      (4,325)   (21,142)
       General corporate expenses:
         General.................................    (4,005)     (3,486)      (1,347)    (4,948)
         Nonrecurring and other charges..........        --          --           --     (7,721)
         Amortization............................      (897)       (668)      (1,406)    (8,058)
                                                   --------    --------      -------   --------
       Income from continuing operations before
         income taxes............................  $ 21,588    $ 17,707      $ 2,131        981
                                                   ========    ========      =======   ========
</TABLE>

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 ---------------------------------------------

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

NOTE L - BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - (CONTINUED)
- ---------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                         PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                                                    --------------------------
                                                                                         YEAR        NINE MOS.  THREE MOS.    YEAR
                                                                                         ENDED         ENDED      ENDED      ENDED
                                                                                        DEC. 31       SEPT 28     DEC 31    DEC. 31
                                                                                         1994          1995        1995       1996
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------  ----------  --------

<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>        <C>         <C>
 Capital expenditures:
       Medical products...........................................................         $  2,104   $    921    $    504  $  4,501
       Industrial products........................................................            1,168        431         179     1,353
       Corporate..................................................................              297        153         131       427
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
                                                                                           $  3,569   $  1,505    $    814  $  6,281
                                                                                           ========   ========    ========  ========

 Depreciation:
       Medical products...........................................................         $  3,055   $  2,519    $    241  $  4,484
       Industrial products........................................................            2,156      1,471         298     1,375
       Corporate..................................................................              663        485          46       552
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
                                                                                           $  5,874   $  4,475    $    585  $  6,411
                                                                                           ========   ========    ========  ========

<CAPTION>  
                                                                                            PRE-
                                                                                            ACQUISITION
                                                                                            ---------------
                                                                                            DEC. 31    SEPT 28    DEC 31    DEC 31
                                                                                            1994       1995       1995      1996
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
<S>                                                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C> 
 Identifiable assets:
       Medical products...........................................................         $ 48,692   $ 46,028    $ 47,056  $ 89,679
       Industrial products........................................................           21,814     18,665      20,008    21,149
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
                                                                                             70,506     64,693      67,064   110,828

 General corporate assets:
      Goodwill....................................................................            3,500    165,754     164,719   229,693
      Financing costs.............................................................            1,781      9,524       9,203    11,150
      Acquisition escrow accounts.................................................               --      4,376       4,376     9,002
      Other.......................................................................            2,001     10,259       5,550     4,344
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
                                                                                           $ 77,788   $254,606    $250,912  $365,017
                                                                                           ========   ========    ========  ========

</TABLE> 
    The Company operates in two principal geographic areas, the United States
     and Canada.
The following is a summary of information by area (in thousands):
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                            PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                                                           -------------------
                                                                                             YEAR      NINE MOS.  THREE MOS.  YEAR
                                                                                             ENDED     ENDED      ENDED       ENDED
                                                                                             DEC 31    SEPT 28    DEC 31      DEC 31
                                                                                           --------  ---------  ----------  --------
<S>                                                                                        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>  
 Net sales to unaffiliated customers:
       United States (including net sales exported to
       foreign countries).........................................................         $140,636   $111,189    $ 36,362  $214,944
       Canada.....................................................................           13,753     10,532       3,736    15,360
       All other areas............................................................            7,846      6,174       2,022     7,720

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

                                                                                           $162,235   $127,895    $ 42,120  $238,024

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

 Sales between geographic areas:
       United States..............................................................         $ 12,541   $ 10,807    $  3,543  $ 16,438
       Canada.....................................................................            8,124      7,757       2,926    13,240
       All other areas............................................................               33         25          10         7
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
                                                                                           $ 20,698   $ 18,589    $  6,479  $ 29,685
                                                                                           ========   ========    ========  ========

<CAPTION> 
 
                                                                                           PRE-
                                                                                           ACQUISITION
                                                                                           -----------
                                                                                           DEC. 31    SEPT 28     DEC 31    DEC. 31
                                                                                           1994       1995        1995      1996
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
<S>                                                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>  
 Identifiable assets:
       United States..............................................................         $ 63,330   $241,095    $237,209  $351,459
       Canada.....................................................................            8,247      7,438       7,648     8,932
       All other areas............................................................            6,211      6,073       6,055     4,626
                                                                                           --------   --------    --------  --------
                                                                                           $ 77,788   $254,606    $250,912  $365,017
                                                                                           ========   ========    ========  ========
</TABLE>

                                      36
<PAGE>
 
                 GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                        
NOTE L - BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - (CONTINUED)
- ---------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            PRE-ACQUISITION
                                                         --------------------
                                                           YEAR     NINE MOS.   THREE MOS.     YEAR
                                                           ENDED      ENDED        ENDED       ENDED
                                                          DEC. 31    SEPT 28      DEC 31      DEC. 31
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>
Income from continuing operations:
       United States (including net sales exported to
        foreign countries).............................   $28,549     $22,841      $ 8,494   $ 39,767
       Canada..........................................     1,276       1,489          552      2,551
       All other areas.................................     1,178         600          113        494
                                                          -------     -------      -------   --------
                                                          $31,003     $24,930      $ 9,159   $ 42,812
       Interest income.................................       155          56           50         38
       Interest expense................................    (4,668)     (3,125)      (4,325)   (21,142)
       General corporate expenses:
         General.......................................    (4,005)     (3,486)      (1,347)    (4,948)
         Nonrecurring and other charges................        --          --           --     (7,721)
         Amortization..................................      (897)       (668)      (1,406)    (8,058)
                                                          -------     -------      -------   --------
       Income from continuing operations before
        income taxes...................................   $21,588     $17,707      $ 2,131   $    981
                                                          =======     =======      =======   ========
</TABLE>

  Intersegment and intergeographic sales are accounted for principally based on
cost plus a pre-determined mark-up based on sales to unaffiliated customers and
are excluded from net sales reported in the accompanying statements of
operations.  Income from operations represents net sales, less operating
expenses for each industry segment/geographic area and excludes general
corporate expenses and other income and expenses of a general corporate nature.
Identifiable assets are those that are identifiable with operations in each
industrial segment/geographic area. Other general corporate assets consist
primarily of buildings and equipment.

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

  Not applicable.


                                    PART III

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

  Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of the directors and
executive officers of the Company:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
               NAME                    AGE                          POSITION
- -----------------------------------    ---  ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>  <C>
Duane B. Hopper......................  50   President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and
                                            Director

Larry R. Drake.......................  54   Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Information
                                            Services
Anthony W. Borowicz..................  40   Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
Kenneth D. Rolfes....................  49   Vice President, Operations
M. Catherine Militello...............  39   Vice President, North American Medical Marketing
Edward J. Sulick.....................  47   Vice President, North American Medical Sales
Edward M. Roth III...................  53   Vice President, North American Industrial Sales and Marketing
Patricia A. Baubonis.................  50   Corporate Secretary and Manager, Legal Services
Michael B. Rothfeld..................  49   Chairman of the Board
Ward W. Woods, Jr....................  54   Director
Stuart S. Janney, III................  48   Director
Russell D. Sternlicht................  31   Director

</TABLE>

  Duane B. Hopper has been President and Chief Operating Officer since December
1992, Chief Executive Officer since May 1994 and a Director since 1993. He was
Executive Vice President from August to December 1992. Prior to that, he was
Vice President and General Manager of the Medical Products Division since 1988.
Before joining the Company, Mr. Hopper held general management, operations
management and marketing management positions in the medical products industry,
including service with divisions of Bristol-Myers Squibb (Zimmer, Inc.) and
British Oxygen Corporation (Ohmeda).

  Larry R. Drake has been Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate
Information Services since 1983. Mr. Drake has served in various other
capacities at the Company since 1977.

  Anthony W. Borowicz, who became Vice President, Finance as of January 1, 1996,
has been Controller of the medical products group since 1993, and prior thereto
was an Accounting Operations Manager of the medical products group since 1985.
Mr. Borowicz has served in various other capacities at the Company since 1981.

  Kenneth D. Rolfes, who became Vice President, Operations, on January 1, 1996,
has been the Manager of the Cherry Hill, New Jersey Manufacturing and Product
Development Operation of the Company for the past eight years. Mr. Rolfes has
over twenty-five years experience in manufacturing companies, including NCR and
Control Data Corporation, with technically based products, equipment and
consumables. Mr. Rolfes is currently National Director for the Association for
Manufacturing Excellence and is a Director for the Mid Atlantic Employers
Association, a manufacturing association located in Southeastern Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware.

                                       38
<PAGE>
  M. Catherine Militello who became Vice President, Marketing as of July 1996,
has been Director, North American Medical Marketing since December 1993. Prior
thereto, Ms. Militello was a Product Manager, Fetal Monitoring Products/New
Product Development since 1991.

  Edward J. Sulick who has become Vice President, Medical Sales as of July 1996,
has held the position of Director, North American Medical Sales since 1991.
Prior to 1991, Mr. Sulick was a District Sales Manager (U.S.) since 1985.

  Edward M. Roth III who became Vice President, Industrial Sales as of July 1996
has been Director, North American Industrial Sales and Marketing since 1993 and
prior thereto, he was a Sales and Marketing Manager (U.S.) since 1981.
 
  Patricia A. Baubonis has been Corporate Secretary since 1989. In addition, she
has been the Manager of Legal Services since 1979. Ms. Baubonis has served in
various other capacities at the Company since 1970.

  Michael B. Rothfeld became the Chairman of the Board of the Company upon
consummation of the Acquisition. Mr. Rothfeld has since 1989 been the sole
shareholder and president of corporations which are the manager and/or general
partner of the general partner of Bessemer and its predecessor. Mr. Rothfeld is
the sole shareholder of a corporation which is a general partner of Bessemer
Partners & Co. Mr. Rothfeld was Managing Director of Bessemer Securities
Corporation ("BSC"), the principal limited partner of Bessemer and its
predecessor, from July 1989 to June 1993. He is a director of Overhead Door
Incorporated, Kelley Oil & Gas Corporation and several private companies.

  Ward W. Woods became a Director of the Company upon consummation of the
Acquisition. Mr. Woods has since 1989 been the sole shareholder and president of
corporations which are the principal manager and/or managing general partner of
the general partner of Bessemer and its predecessor. Mr. Woods is the sole
shareholder of a corporation which is the managing general partner of Bessemer
Partners & Co. Mr. Woods is President and Chief Executive Officer of BSC, the
principal limited partner of Bessemer and its predecessor. Mr. Woods joined BSC
in 1989. He is a Director of Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., McMoRan Oil & Gas Co.,
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Boise Cascade Corporation, Kelley Oil & Gas
Corporation and several private companies, as well as Chairman of the Board of
Stant Corporation, BCP/Essex Holdings, Inc., and Overhead Door Incorporated.

  Stuart S. Janney, III became a Director of the Company upon consummation of
the Acquisition. Mr. Janney was elected in January 1995 as Chairman of the Board
of Directors of BSC, the Bessemer Group Incorporated, Bessemer Trust Company,
N.A., and Bessemer Trust Company of Florida. BSC is the principal limited
partner of Bessemer and its predecessor. Prior to January 1995, Mr. Janney was
with Alex. Brown & Sons Inc., where he spent nine years, most recently as
Managing Director and head of asset management. Mr. Janney is a director of a
number of private companies, foundations and institutions.

  Russell D. Sternlicht became a Director of the Company on December 18, 1995.
Since March 1995, Mr. Sternlicht has been a principal of Bessemer Partners & Co.
Prior to joining Bessemer, Mr. Sternlicht was associated with Lehman Brothers,
Inc., where he spent five years, most recently as a senior associate in the
investment banking area. From September 1990 to June 1992, Mr. Sternlicht earned
his M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. Mr. Sternlicht is a Class B member
of the limited liability company that is the general partner of Bessemer.

  Pursuant to the By-laws of the Company, as amended in connection with the
Acquisition, the Company's Board of Directors consists of five directors or such
greater or lesser number as may be fixed from time to time by a majority of the
total number of directors which the Company would have if there were no
vacancies on the Company's Board of Directors.

  The term in office of each director ends when his successor has been elected
at the next following annual meeting of stockholders and qualified or upon his
removal or resignation. The term in office of each executive officer ends when
his successor has been elected and qualified or upon his removal or resignation.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
  The Executive Compensation Committee of the Company consists of three
directors, a majority of whom may not be employees of the Company. The Executive
Compensation Committee is responsible for policies, procedures and other matters
relating to employee benefit and compensation plans, including compensation of
the executive officers as a group. The Executive Compensation Committee is also
responsible for policies, procedures and other matters relating to management
development. The members of the Executive Compensation Committee are Michael B.
Rothfeld, Ward W. Woods and Stuart S. Janney, III.

  Directors who are not employees will continue to receive an annual retainer of
$7,500, a fee of $1,000 for each meeting of the Company's Board of Directors
attended and a fee of $500 per year per committee of the Board such director
serves on. All directors will be reimbursed for all expenses in connection with
rendering services as such.

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

  The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation
earned by the chief executive officer and each of the other four most highly
compensated executive officers who received cash compensation in excess of
$100,000 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") for services rendered in
all capacities (including service as a director of Holdings or an officer or
director of its subsidiaries) during the Company's last fiscal year.


                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                             LONG-TERM
                                                                           COMPENSATION
                                                                      -----------------------
 
                                           ANNUAL COMPENSATION          AWARDS      PAYOUTS
                                      ------------------------------  -----------  ----------
                                                                      SECURITIES
              NAME AND                                                UNDERLYING      LTIP         ALL OTHER
         PRINCIPAL POSITION           YEAR  SALARY ($)  BONUS ($)(a)  OPTIONS (#)  PAYOUTS($)  COMPENSATION($)(b)
- ------------------------------------  ----  ----------  ------------  -----------  ----------  ------------------
 
<S>                                   <C>   <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>
Duane B. Hopper
 President and Chief
 Executive Officer  .                 1996    325,000    143,203          23,088          --         20,058        
 
Kenneth D. Rolfes
 Vice President, North
 American Operations  .               1996    190,000     43,071          13,588          --         14,345        
 
Anthony W. Borowicz
 Vice President,
    Finance  .                        1996    150,000     34,003          13,588          --          5,259        
 
Edward J. Sulick
 Vice President, North
 American Medical Sales
 Information Services  .              1996    135,000     30,804           7,807          --         17,642         
 
Edward M. Roth III
 Vice President, North American
 Industrial Sales and Marketing  .    1996    135,000     33,417           7,807          --         14,444   
- --------------
</TABLE>
(a)  Includes bonuses earned pursuant to the Company's 1995 Bonus Program.
(b)  Includes life insurance and travel insurance premiums paid by the Company,
     tax preparation and financial estate planning, the matching by the Company
     of employee contributions under the Company's Savings Program.

                                       41
<PAGE>
 
STOCK OPTION GRANTS

  The following table sets forth certain information with respect to employee
options ("options") to purchase shares of common stock and preferred stock of
Holdings awarded during 1996 to the Named Executive Officers. All such options
were non-qualified options.


              OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         NUMBER OF                                                           POTENTIAL REALIZED VALUE AT
                        SECURITIES       % OF TOTAL                                           ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                        UNDERLYING     OPTIONS GRANTED                                       STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                         OPTIONS       TO EMPLOYEES IN    EXERCISE PRICE                            OPTION TERM(1)
       NAME             GRANTED (#)         1996            ($/SHARE)      EXPIRATION DATE       5% ($)          10% ($)
       ----            -------------        ----          --------------   ---------------       -------         -------
<S>                    <C>                 <C>            <C>              <C>                   <C>             <C>  
Duane B. Hopper               13,813       28.6%          $ 10                 2/28/2006          86,871          220,145
                          4,144/(3)/                      $100                 2/28/2006         260,614          660,447
                          3,947/(2)/                      $ 10                 2/28/2006              --               --
                       1,184/(2)(3)/                      $100                 2/28/2006              --               --
                                                                                                             
Kenneth D. Rolfes             10,453       16.9%          $ 10                 9/28/2005          65,740          166,595
                          1,938/(3)/                      $100                 9/28/2005         121,880          308,867
                          1,197/(3)/                      $100                 2/28/2006          75,279          190,771
                                                                                                             
Anthony W. Borowicz           10,453       16.9%          $ 10                 9/28/2005          65,740          166,595
                          1,938/(3)/                      $100                 9/28/2005         121,880          308,867
                          1,197/(3)/                      $100                 2/28/2006          75,279          190,771
                                                                                                             
Edward J. Sulick               6,005        9.7%          $ 10                 9/28/2005          37,766           95,705
                          1,114/(3)/                      $100                 9/28/2005          70,059          177,543
                            688/(3)/                      $100                 2/28/2006          43,268          109,650
                                                                                                             
Edward M. Roth III             6,005        9.7%          $ 10                 9/28/2005          37,766           95,705
                          1,114/(3)/                      $100                 9/28/2005          70,059          177,543
                            688/(3)/                      $100                 2/28/2006          43,268          109,650
</TABLE>
- --------------
 /(1)/ As required by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
dollar amounts in the these two columns represent the hypothetical gain or
"option spread" that would exist for the options based on assumed 5% and 10%
annual compounded rates of stock price appreciation over the full option term.

/(2)/  These options vest only if Bessemer and its affiliates realize a 25%
internal rate of return on their investment in Holdings.

 /(3)/ Consists of options to purchase 15% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
of Holdings having a stated value of $100 per share and being subject to
mandatory redemption on September 15, 2010. Upon exercise, the holder of these
options will receive the indicated number of shares of Preferred Stock
underlying the options plus an additional number of shares of Preferred Stock
having a stated value equal to the cumulative dividends which would have been
payable on such underlying shares from the date of grant through the date of
exercise.

  The following table sets forth as to each of the Named Executive Officers
information with respect to options exercised during 1996 and the status of
their options on December 31, 1996: (i) the number of shares of common stock of
Holdings underlying options exercised during 1996; (ii) the aggregate dollar
value realized upon exercise of such options; (iii) the total number of shares
of common stock and preferred stock of Holdings underlying exercisable and non-
exercisable stock options held on December 31, 1996; and (iv) the aggregate
dollar value of in-the-money exercisable and non-exercisable stock options on
December 31, 1996.

                                       42
<PAGE>
 
                          AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES
                    IN FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
    WITH RESPECT TO HOLDINGS COMMON STOCK AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            NUMBER OF SECURITIES          VALUE OF UNEXCERCISED
                        ACQUIRED                           UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED        IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                           ON                           OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1996 ($) (2)
        NAME           EXERCISE #   VALUE REALIZED ($)   (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE)   (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE)
        ----           ----------   ------------------  -----------------------------  ---------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>                 <C>                            <C>
 
Duane B. Hopper            --                 --                 98,387 / 80,941            751,396 / 354,512
Kenneth D. Rolfes          --                 --                  4,130 /  9,458             13,062 /  45,120
Anthony W. Borowicz        --                 --                  4,130 /  9,458             13,062 /  45,120
Edward J. Sulick           --                 --                  5,173 /  5,434             41,317 /  25,942
Edward M. Roth III         --                 --                  2,373 /  5,434              7.502 /  25,942
</TABLE>
/(1)/Includes options to acquire common stock of Holdings and options to acquire
 ----                                                                           
preferred stock of Holdings.
/(2)/Based on a price of approximately $10 per share of common stock and $100
per share of preferred stock on December 31, 1996.

The option exercise price of all the options held by the Named Executive
Officers is the fair market value of the underlying securities on the date of
grant or, in the case of roll-over options, the exercise price equivalent to the
exercise price of the predecessor option based on the fair market value of the
underlying securities at the time of the Acquisition.

The options may generally be exercised for one year after death or total
disability. All options terminate immediately if the holder's employment is
terminated. The terms of the options shown in the above table are generally ten
years.


PENSION PLAN

  The Company's domestic pension plan (the "Pension Plan"), restated as of
January 1, 1989, generally covers all domestic employees who have completed one
year of service (including employees covered by the Pension Plan prior to the
amendment), excluding employees covered by collective bargaining agreements that
do not provide for participation. Under the Pension Plan, the amount of annual
benefits payable at age 65 are (subject to a maximum benefit limitation) equal
to (a) 1.5% of the participant's final average salary (defined generally as the
participant's average monthly earnings for the participant's five highest-paid
consecutive years within such participant's last ten years of service)
multiplied by the total number of years of service with the Company and
fractions thereof, less (b) 1.5% of such participant's estimated primary Social
Security benefit multiplied by the total number of years of service with the
Company and fractions thereof. The amount computed under clause (b) of the
preceding sentence may not exceed 50% of the primary Social Security benefit.
Earnings considered for purposes of determining benefits under the Pension Plan
include full salary, wages and regular commissions, but do not include bonuses,
incentive commissions or amounts included in a participant's gross income with
respect to stock options or restricted stock. The Pension Plan provides for
reduced benefits upon early retirement for participants who reach age 55 and are
vested. Employees who were participants on January 1, 1978 are entitled to the
larger of the benefit computed under the current plan formula or the formula in
effect prior to an amendment to the Pension Plan on January 1, 1978. An employee
becomes 100% vested upon the earliest to occur of: (i) completion of five years
of service, (ii) the date such employee reaches age 65, provided that such
employee is then employed by the Company or, (iii) the date such employee
suffers a disability, as determined by the committee administering the Pension
Plan, while employed by the Company.

                                       43
<PAGE>
 
  The following table illustrates estimated annual benefits calculated as a
straight life annuity provided through the Pension Plan assuming retirement in
1995 at age 65. The estimated annual benefits shown have been reduced by 50% of
the employee's primary Social Security benefit payable at retirement.


                               PENSION PLAN TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       FINAL
                   AVERAGE ANNUAL                                     YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE*
                                                      -----------------------------------------------------------
                    COMPENSATION                       5 YEARS   10 YEARS  15 YEARS  20 YEARS  25 YEARS  30 YEARS
                   --------------                     ---------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
                     $ 75,000                          $  4,546   $ 9,092   $13,638   $18,184   $22,730   $27,275
                      100,000                             6,421    12,842    19,263    25,684    32,105    38,525
                      125,000                             8,296    16,592    24,888    33,184    41,480    49,775
                      150,000                            10,171    20,342    30,513    40,684    50,855    61,025
                      175,000                            12,046    24,092    36,138    48,184    60,230    72,275
                      200,000                            13,921    27,842    41,763    55,684    69,605    83,525
                      250,000                            14,613    29,225    43,838    58,451    73,064    87,676
<CAPTION> 
  Maximum eligible compensation for final 5 years:
<S>                                                    <C> 
                 1996  .............................   $150,000
                 1995  .............................    150,000
                 1994  .............................    235,840
                 1993  .............................    228,860
                 1992  .............................    222,220
                                                       $986,920
                                                       --------
                 Average:...........................   $197,384
                 ========                              ========
</TABLE> 
- --------------
 * The Pension Plan contains maximum benefit limitations (generally $120,000)
based on the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code").

  The credited years of service under the Pension Plan, and the amounts of
covered compensation received during the twelve months preceding January 1,
1997, for the officers named in the cash compensation table are as follows:
Duane B. Hopper, 8 years, $150,000; Kenneth D. Rolfes, 10 years, $150,000;
Anthony W. Borowicz, 15 years, $150,000; Edward J. Sulick, 22 years, $135,000
and Edward M. Roth III, 28 years, $135,000.

SAVINGS PROGRAM

  The Company maintains a savings program for employees (the "Savings Program"),
which is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code. All regular employees of
the Company in the United States are eligible to participate in the Savings
Program. The Savings Program consists of a tax deferred account to which
participants may contribute on a pre-tax basis. For each eligible employee who
elects to participate in the Savings Program and makes a contribution thereto,
the Company makes a matching contribution. The matching contribution is 100% of
the first 1% of the amount contributed by the employee to the extent that the
employee contributes at least 1% of his compensation. The maximum contribution
for any participant for any year is 6% of such participant's compensation.
Contributions to the Savings Program are invested, as the employee directs, in a
money market fund, guaranteed investment contract (GIC) fund, fixed income fund,
balanced fund or equity funds.

                                       44
<PAGE>
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH DUANE B. HOPPER

Holdings and the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Hopper
effective September 28, 1995, which was amended by the parties on December 12,
1996 (the "Hopper Employment Agreement").  The Hopper Employment Agreement
expires on December 31, 1998 subject to renewal by mutual agreement unless
either party gives 180 days prior notice of its intention not to renew. The
Hopper Employment Agreement also provides for a three-year noncompetition
covenant.  Under the Hopper Employment Agreement, Mr. Hopper receives a base
salary  of $206,000, subject to cumulative annual increases for inflation, and
is entitled to receive an annual bonus as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors.

Under the Amendment to the Hopper Employment Agreement, the Company agreed to
grant Mr. Hopper a Base Option to purchase 60,541 shares of Holdings common
stock and 18,163 shares of Holdings preferred stock, a Performance Option to
purchase 17,298 shares of Holdings common stock and 5,189 shares of Holdings
preferred stock and a Special Common Option to purchase additional shares of
Holdings common stock in certain circumstances (collectively, the " New
Options"). In addition, Mr. Hopper has received roll-over options ("Rollover
Options") to acquire Holdings common stock and Holdings preferred stock in
substitution for all existing options held by Mr. Hopper prior to the
consummation of the Transactions, which have exercise prices determined in
accordance with specified formulas and which entitle Mr. Hopper to receive, at
the option of Holdings, either cash or shares of Holdings common stock or
Holdings preferred stock, as the case may be, equal to the number of such shares
he could have received if he reinvested the value of his existing options in
shares of Holdings common stock or Holdings preferred stock, as the case may be,
at the price paid by Bessemer in the Acquisition.

Additional terms of the Hopper Employment Agreement are described below.

Employee Loan

The Company has made available to Mr. Hopper a loan (the "Employee Loan") up to
a maximum amount of $400,000.  The Employee Loan matures on the tenth
anniversary of the Effective Time unless earlier prepaid.  Mr. Hopper is
required to prepay the Employee Loan upon the occurrence of certain events,
including the Company's acceleration of such loan following the termination of
Mr. Hopper's employment.  The Employee Loan is a recourse loan and is secured by
a first priority security interest in Mr. Hopper's shares of Holdings' capital
stock and Rollover Options.

In the event the Company accelerates the Employee Loan as provided in the Hopper
Employment Agreement, then Mr. Hopper shall have the right, subject to certain
limitations, to require Holdings to repurchase the shares of Holdings capital
stock or Rollover Options (at Mr. Hopper's option) (but not New Options) held by
Mr. Hopper in an amount such that the net cash proceeds are sufficient to repay
all amounts due under the Employee Loan, at a cash purchase price equal to the
then fair market value of such securities. Mr. Hopper will be required to use
such proceeds to pay all amounts then outstanding under the Employee Loan
(including accrued but unpaid interest).

Severance

If Holdings terminates the employment of Mr. Hopper without cause, Mr. Hopper
will be entitled to receive certain payments and benefits as severance including
(i) continuation of his base salary for a specified period, (ii) a prorated
bonus, (iii) except in certain circumstances, continuation of coverage under all
non-cash, non-retirement benefit plans of the Company

(i.e., medical, life, accident and disability insurance) for a period of 18
months after such termination and (iv) the Rollover Options remaining
outstanding.

                                       45
<PAGE>
 
Termination upon Death or Incapacity

If Mr. Hopper's employment is terminated due to his death or incapacity, then
(i) the coverage in effect under the Company's medical plan immediately prior to
his death or incapacity shall continue in effect for a period of 12 months from
the date of such termination of employment, (ii) Mr. Hopper (or his estate) will
be entitled to receive a prorated bonus to the date of termination, and (iii)
the Rollover Options remain outstanding.

Put Options

In the event of termination of Mr. Hopper's employment either (i) due to Mr.
Hopper's death or incapacity or (ii) by Holdings and the Company without cause,
then Mr. Hopper shall have the right to require Holdings to repurchase all (but
not less than all) the Holdings capital stock and Rollover Options (but not New
Options) held by Mr. Hopper for a cash purchase price equal to the then fair
market value of such securities.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVES

The Company has entered into employment agreements with Mr. Larry R. Drake, Mr.
Anthony W. Borowicz, Mr. Kenneth D. Rolfes, Mr. Edward M. Roth III, Mr. Edward
J. Sulick, Ms. Patricia A. Baubonis and Ms Catherine M. Militello on the terms
described below.

The Company's employment agreement with Mr. Drake has expired and the Company
has provided him with notice, in accordance with its terms, that his employment
shall terminate effective May 16, 1997.  Mr. Drake is entitled to receive
continuation payments of his annual base salary ($122,750) and continuation of
benefits (including participation in employee benefit plans) for a period of 12
months following termination.

The terms of the employment agreements with its others senior executives (the
"Senior Executive Employment Agreements") are substantially similar and are
described below.

Term

The term of each of the Senior Executive Other Employment Agreements commenced
on September 28, 1995 and terminates on December 31, 1997. Each of the Senior
Executive Employment Agreements may be extended for an additional term upon
mutual agreement of the parties.

Compensation

Under the Senior Executive Employment Agreements, base salaries are: Ms.
Baubonis, $87,400; Mr. Rolfes, $190,000; Mr. Borowicz, $150,000; Mr. Roth,
$135,000; Mr. Sulick, $135,000; and Ms. Militello, $90,000, in each case subject
to cumulative annual increases for inflation.  The Senior Executive Employment
Agreements also provide for the payment of an annual a bonus as determined by
the Board of Directors.

Severance

In the event of termination of the employment without cause, the senior
executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits as severance:
(i) continuation of the base salary for a period of 12 months from the date of
termination (subject to extension in certain circumstances), (ii) a prorated
bonus and (iii) continuation of coverage under all non-cash, non-retirement
benefit plans of the Company for a period of up to 12 months after such
termination.

                                       46
<PAGE>
 
Termination upon Death or Incapacity

If employment is terminated due to death or incapacity, then the senior
executive (or his or her estate) is entitled to: (i) continuation of coverage
under the Company's medical plan for a period of up to 12 months and (ii) a
prorated bonus.

Non-Competition/Non-Disclosure

Each of the Senior Executive Employment Agreements contains a two-year non-
competition covenant effective following termination of employment (subject to
certain limitations) and a confidentiality agreement with regard to non-
disclosure of proprietary information of Holdings, the Company and their
subsidiaries.

1996 OFFICERS INCENTIVE PLAN

The senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate in the 1996
Officers Incentive Plan. The 1996 Officers Incentive Plan provides for the
payment of cash awards of up to 100% of such executive's base salary based on
the achievement of performance goals.

1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Graphic Holdings 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") authorizes the grant to
officers and key employees of the Company of options to purchase shares of not
more than 200,000 Holdings common stock and not more than 60,000 of Holdings
preferred stock.  No person may be granted options under the Plan representing
an aggregate of more than 80,000 shares of Common Stock and an aggregate of more
than 25,000 shares of Preferred Stock.  The options granted under the Plan are
non-qualified stock options and will be granted by the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors (the "Committee").  To date, 122,098 options to purchase
Common Stock and 36,630 options to purchase Preferred Stock have been granted to
employees of the Company.

 The purchase price of the Common Stock and/or Preferred Stock, as applicable,
under each option shall be determined by the Committee, but generally shall not
be less than 100% of the fair market value per share of the Common Stock or
Preferred Stock, as applicable, on the date the option is granted.

 Conditions to exercisability and expiration of Options under the Plan are
contained in the Plan and the stock option agreements evidencing such Options to
be entered into between Holdings and each participant.  The Committe may in its
discretion prescribe that any option is exercisable in installments.  The Plan
provides that, upon the termination of the employment of any participant for
cause or the voluntary termination of any participant, the option will expire
upon such termination date, and such option will no longer be exercisable by
such participant after such termination date.  The Plan also provides that if a
participant (i) dies or (ii) terminates employment due to disability, the option
must be exercised prior to the date of its expiration or 180 days from the date
of the participant's death or cessation of employment due to disability,
whichever occurs first; and if the participant's employment is involuntarily
terminated without cause by the Company, to the extent that the option may be
exercised it must be exercised prior to the date of expiration or 30 days from
the date of the participant's termination of employment, whichever occurs first.

 In the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or
outstanding voting securities of the Company, on the effective date of such sale
the Plan and, to the extent not then exercised, all then outstanding option
grants thereunder shall be terminated and cancelled without further cost or
liability to the Company provided, however, that in the event the Company enters
into a binding agreement with respect to any such sale, the Company shall
provide notice of such agreement to each holder of options by not fewer than 30
days before the effective date of such sale transaction.

                                       47
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

  As a result of the Acquisition, all the outstanding capital stock of Holdings
is owned by Bessemer and its affiliates (which own, on a fully diluted basis,
approximately 90% of such outstanding capital stock) and the Management
Investors (who collectively own, on a fully diluted basis, the remaining
approximately 10%), and Holdings owns 100% of the capital stock of the Company.
In connection with the Transactions, Bessemer and the Management Investors
entered into the Stockholders Agreement described below.


ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

DEVON ACQUISITION

 In connection with the financing of the Devon Acquisition, on February 29, 
1996, the Company issued a total of 787,500 shares of Common Stock and 236,250 
shares of Preferred Stock to Bessemer and its affiliates for an aggregate 
consideration of $31,500,000. All of the shares are subject to the Stockholders 
Agreement.

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

  The Stockholders Agreement (the "Stockholders Agreement") among Bessemer, GH
Acquisition and the Management Investors contains customary provisions relating
to the rights and obligations of the Management Investors, such as the
following: (i) the Management Investors have agreed to vote all their shares of
Holdings capital stock in the manner directed by Bessemer, except in certain
limited circumstances; (ii) the Management Investors are generally permitted to
transfer such capital stock for 10 years (or following any earlier public
offering); (iii) the Management Investors have tag-along rights in the event of
a public offering or private sale of such capital stock by Bessemer, and
Holdings and Bessemer have drag-along rights and rights of first refusal with
respect to the Management Investors' shares; (iv) Holdings has the right to call
any or all shares of a Management Investor at any time within one year following
cessation of such Management Investor's employment with the Company; and (v)
each Management Investor has the right to put all his shares (and any roll-over
options) to Holdings at any time within specified periods following cessation of
such Management Investor's employment due to death or disability.

ADVISORY SERVICES AGREEMENT

  Pursuant to an advisory services agreement among Holdings, the Company and an
affiliate of Bessemer, the Company has agreed to pay such affiliate an annual
advisory fee of $750,000.

                                       48
<PAGE>
 
EMPLOYEE LOAN

  As described under "Item 11. Executive Compensation--Employment Agreement with
Duane B. Hopper" the Company has agreed to make loans of up to $400,000
available to Mr. Hopper, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
pursuant to the Hopper Employment Agreement. The Employee Loan bears interest at
a rate equal to the lowest interest rate that would not result in its being a
"below market loan" as defined in Section 7872 of the Internal Revenue Code. No
loans are outstanding under the Employee Loan as of December 31, 1996.

                                       49
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV


ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)  The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

(1) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND
    1996 AND FOR THE PERIODS IN THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996.
      The consolidated financial statements filed as a part of this Report are
      listed beneath Item 8 at page 22 of this Report.

(2)  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
      The following financial statement schedule is filed as a part of this
      Report:

 FORM 10-K                                           PAGE
 SCHEDULE               DESCRIPTION                 NUMBER
- -----------  ---------------------------------      ------
   II        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  All other schedules are omitted as the required informtion is not applicable
or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or the
related notes.
 
(3)  EXHIBITS
<TABLE>  
<CAPTION> 
EXHIBIT NO.                                            DESCRIPTION
- -----------              -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                      <S>         
        3.1              Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by
                         reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                         Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        3.2              By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
                         Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        4.1              Indenture, dated as of September 15, 1995, between the Company and
                         United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by
                         reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                         Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        4.2              Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 28,
                         1995, between the Company and Chemical Securities Inc. (incorporated
                         by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                         Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        4.3              Form of 12% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 of the Company
                         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration
                         Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.1              Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 3, 1995, among GH
                         Acquisition Corporation, Graphic Holdings, Inc. and the Company
                         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
                         Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.2              Purchase Agreement dated September 21, 1995, between the
                         Company and Chemical Securities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
                         Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                         No. 33-99094)).
</TABLE>

                                      50
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                   Description
- -----------      ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>              <S> 
       10.3      Employment Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995, among GH
                 Acquisition Corporation, Graphic Holdings, Inc., the Company and
                 Duane B. Hopper (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
                 Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.4      Commercial Lease between Acadia Properties, Inc. and the Company
                 dated November 1, 1984, as modified (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
                 No. 33-99094)).
       10.5      Share Purchase Agreement dated as of December 23, 1995, among
                 the Company, Dan S. Sandel and the selling shareholders named
                 therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's
                 Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.6      Credit Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995, as Amended and
                 Restated through February 29, 1996, among the Company, Graphic Holdings,
                 Inc., various lending institutions and Chase Bank, as Agent.
       10.7      Lease for 9530 Desoto Avenue, Chatsworth, California (to be filed with 10-K/A)
       10.8      Lease for 9540 Desoto Avenue, Chatsworth, California (to be filed with 10-K/A)
       10.9      Lease for Rock Hill, South Carolina (to be filed with 10-K/A)
      10.10      1996 Stock Option Plan
      10.11      First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
       21.1      List of subsidiaries of the Company.*
       24.1      Power of Attorney (included on signature page).*
- -------------------
</TABLE>
*    Filed herewith.



   Exhibit 10.4 is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
   required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report pursuant to Item 14(c).

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

     None.


(c)  Exhibits

     The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section
     of this report. 

 
                        51
<PAGE>
 
                                 SIGNATURES

  Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                               GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION

Date: March 29, 1996
                               By        /s/   Duane B. Hopper
                                   ---------------------------------
                                   DUANE B. HOPPER, PRESIDENT

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Duane B. Hopper and Michael B. Rothfeld, and each
of them his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of
substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments)
to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
required and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that the attorneys-in-fact and any of them, or his or their
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    SIGNATURE                         TITLE                      DATE
                    ---------                         -----                      ---- 
<S>                                         <C>                         <C>                         
 
              /s/  Duane B. Hopper          President, Chief Executive  March 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ 
             DUANE B. HOPPER                Officer and Chief
                                            Operating Officer
                                            and Director
 
      /s/  Anthony W. Borowicz              Vice President, Finance   March 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ 
          ANTHONY W. BOROWICZ               and Principal Financial
                                            Officer and Principal
                                            Accounting Officer
 
        /s/  Michael B. Rothfeld            Chairman of the Board     March 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------  
           MICHAEL B. ROTHFELD              and Director
 
                                            Director                  March 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------  
           WARD W. WOODS, JR.
 
        /s/  Stuart S. Janney, III          Director                  March 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ 
           STUART S. JANNEY, III
 
     /s/  Russell D. Sternlicht             Director                  March 29, 1996
- ------------------------------------------ 
          RUSSELL D. STERNLICHT
</TABLE>

                                       52
<PAGE>
 
          SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED
           PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH
       HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT

No annual report or proxy material has been sent to security holders of the
Company.

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
(d) Financial Statement Schedules

                                                                     SCHEDULE II

                        VALUATION & QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                  GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARIES
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                                  ADDITIONS
                                                                          -------------------------
                                                              BALANCE AT                                             BALANCE
                                                              BEGINNING   CHARGED TO    CHARGED TO                   AT END
                        DESCRIPTION                           OF PERIOD     EXPENSE    OTHER ACCTS.   DEDUCTIONS    OF PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------  ------------  -------------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Period ended December 31, 1996:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts............................    $338      $   16            $49      $   21          $382
     Allowance for returns......................................     362       2,426                      2,388           400
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----

        Total...................................................    $700      $2,442            $49      $2,409          $782
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----

Period ended December 31, 1995:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts............................    $474      $  (43)                    $  93(1)        $338
     Allowance for returns......................................     334         470                      442(2)          362
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----
        Total...................................................    $808      $  427             $0      $  535          $700
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----
Period ended September 28, 1995:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts............................    $403      $   96                     $   25(1)       $474
     Allowance for returns......................................     406       1,614                      1,686(2)        334
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----

        Total...................................................    $809      $1,710             $0      $1,711          $808
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----

Period ended December 31, 1994:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
     Allowance for doubtful accounts............................    $420      $  160                     $  177(1)       $403
     Allowance for returns......................................     516       2,374                      2,484(2)        406
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----

        Total...................................................    $936      $2,534             $0      $2,661          $809
                                                                    ----      ------   ------------      ------          ----

</TABLE> 
- --------------
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(2) Returns from customers during the year.


                                      52

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT INDEX

 
EXHIBIT NO.                                      DESCRIPTION                                  PAGE
- -----------      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----
<C>              <S>                                                                          <C>
        3.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                 S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        3.2      By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
                 Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        4.1      Indenture, dated as of September 15, 1995, between the Company and
                 United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                 S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        4.2      Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 28, 1995,
                 between the Company and Chemical Securities Inc. (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                 S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
        4.3      Form of 12% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 of the Company
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration
                 Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.1      Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 3, 1995, among GH
                 Acquisition Corporation, Graphic Holdings, Inc. and the Company
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration
                 Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.2      Purchase Agreement dated September 21, 1995, between the Company
                 and Chemical Securities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
                 the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.3      Credit Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995, among the Company,
                 Graphic Holdings, Inc., various lending institutions named therein, NDB
                 Bank and Fleet Bank of Massachusetts, N.A., as Co-Agents, and Chemical
                 Bank, as Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's
                 Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.4      Employment Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995, among GH
                 Acquisition Corporation, Graphic Holdings, Inc., the Company and Duane B.
                 Hopper (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's
                 Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.5      Commercial Lease between Acadia Properties, Inc. and the Company dated
                 November 1, 1984, as modified (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
                 the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.6      Share Purchase Agreement dated as of December 23, 1995, among the
                 Company, Dan S. Sandel and the selling shareholders named therein
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration
                 Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-99094)).
       10.7      Credit Agreement*
       10.8      Lease for 9530 Desoto Avenue, Chatsworth, California*
       10.9      Lease for 9540 Desota Avenue, Chatsworth, California*
      10.10      Lease for Rock Hill, South Carolina*
      10.11      1996 Stock Option Plan*
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
      10.12      First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement*
       21.1      List of subsidiaries of the Company.*
       24.1      Power of Attorney (included on signature page).*
- --------------
*Filed herewith.
<PAGE>
 
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
 
      SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY                 JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION
      Tronomed, Inc.                            California
      Tronomed Express, Inc.                    California
      Graphic Controls (Australia) Pty. Ltd.    Australia
      Graphic Controls Canada Ltd.              Canada
      Controle Graficos Ibericos, S.A.          Spain
      Devon Industries, Inc.                    California*
- --------------
* Devon Industries, Inc. became a subsidiary of the Company as of February 29,
1996.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 1
                                                                  
                                                                  CONFORMED COPY






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

                               CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                     among

                            GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC.,

                         GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION,

                         VARIOUS LENDING INSTITUTIONS,

                      THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO 

                                      and

                      FLEET BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS, N.A., 

                                 AS CO-AGENTS,

                                CHEMICAL BANK,

                                   AS AGENT


                     ____________________________________

                      Dated as of September 28, 1995, as
                         amended and restated through
                               February 29, 1996
                     ____________________________________

                                 $179,937,500


                                                                          
================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                    Page


SECTION 1. Amount and Terms of Credit..................................1
     1.1   Commitment..................................................1
     1.2   Minimum Borrowing Amounts, etc. ............................3
     1.3   Notice of Borrowing.........................................3
     1.4   Disbursement of Funds.......................................3
     1.5   Notes.......................................................4
     1.6   Conversions.................................................5
     1.7   Pro Rata Borrowings.........................................5
     1.8   Interest....................................................5
     1.9   Interest Periods............................................6
     1.10  Increased Costs, Illegality, etc. ..........................7
     1.11  Compensation................................................8
     1.12  Change of Lending Office....................................8
     1.13  Replacement of Lenders......................................9

SECTION 2. Letters of Credit...........................................9
     2.1   Letters of Credit...........................................9
     2.2   Minimum Stated Amount..................................... 10
     2.3   Letter of Credit Requests; Notices of Issuance............ 10
     2.4   Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings.............. 10
     2.5   Letter of Credit Participations........................... 10
     2.6   Increased Costs........................................... 12
     2.7   Existing Letters of Credit................................ 12

SECTION 3. Fees; Commitments......................................... 12
     3.1   Fees...................................................... 12
     3.2   Voluntary Reduction of Commitments........................ 13
     3.3   Mandatory Adjustments of Commitments, etc. ............... 13

SECTION 4. Payments.................................................. 13
     4.1   Voluntary Prepayments..................................... 13
     4.2   Mandatory Prepayments..................................... 14
     4.3   Method and Place of Payment............................... 17
     4.4   Net Payments.............................................. 18

SECTION 5. Conditions Precedent...................................... 20
     5.1   Conditions Precedent to Initial Borrowing Date............ 20
     5.2   Conditions Precedent to Additional Borrowing Date......... 24
     5.3   Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events................. 29

SECTION 6. Representations, Warranties and Agreements................ 29
     6.1   Corporate Status.......................................... 29
     6.2   Corporate Power and Authority............................. 30
     6.3   No Violation.............................................. 30
     6.4   Litigation................................................ 30
     6.5   Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations....................... 30
     6.6   Governmental Approvals.................................... 31
     6.7   Investment Company Act.................................... 31
     6.8   Public Utility Holding Company Act........................ 31
     6.9   True and Complete Disclosure.............................. 31
<PAGE>

                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----
 
     6.10  Financial Condition; Financial Statements................. 31
     6.11  Security Interests........................................ 33
     6.12  Representations and Warranties in Documents............... 33
     6.13  Consummation of Merger; Issuance of Subordinated Notes;
             Consummation of Devon Acquisition....................... 34
     6.14  Tax Returns and Payments.................................. 34
     6.15  Compliance with ERISA..................................... 34
     6.16  Subsidiaries.............................................. 35
     6.17  Intellectual Property..................................... 35
     6.18  Pollution and Other Regulations........................... 35
     6.19  Properties................................................ 36
     6.20  Collective Bargaining Agreements.......................... 36
     6.21  Holding Company Status.................................... 36

SECTION 7. Affirmative Covenants..................................... 36
     7.1   Information Covenants..................................... 36
              (a)  Annual Financial Statements....................... 36
              (b)  Quarterly Financial Statements.................... 37
              (c)  Budgets; etc. .................................... 37
              (d)  Officer's Certificates............................ 37
              (e)  Notice of Default or Litigation................... 37
              (f)  Auditors' Reports................................. 37
              (g)  Borrowing Base Certificate;
                     Total Availability Certificate.................. 37
              (h)  Other Information................................. 38
     7.2   Books, Records and Inspections............................ 38
     7.3   Maintenance of Insurance.................................. 38
     7.4   Payment of Taxes.......................................... 38
     7.5   Consolidated Corporate Franchises......................... 39
     7.6   Compliance with Laws, Statutes, etc. ..................... 39
     7.7   ERISA; FDA................................................ 39
     7.8   Good Repair............................................... 39
     7.9   End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters...................... 40
     7.10  Use of Proceeds........................................... 40
     7.11  Additional Security; Further Assurances................... 40
     7.12  Interest Rate Agreements.................................. 41

SECTION 8. Negative Covenants........................................ 41
     8.1   Changes in Business....................................... 41
     8.2   Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Purchase of Assets, etc. .. 41
     8.3   Liens..................................................... 42
     8.4   Indebtedness.............................................. 44
     8.5   Capital Expenditures...................................... 45
     8.6   Advances, Investments and Loans........................... 45
     8.7   Leases.................................................... 46
     8.8   Prepayments of Indebtedness; Amendments to Documents, etc. 46
     8.9   Dividends, etc. .......................................... 47
     8.10  Transactions with Affiliates.............................. 48
     8.11  Consolidated Net Worth.................................... 49
     8.12  Debt Service Coverage Ratio............................... 49
     8.13  Cash Interest Coverage Ratio.............................. 49
     8.14  Leverage Ratio............................................ 49
     8.15  Current Ratio............................................. 50
     8.16  Issuance of Stock......................................... 50
<PAGE>

                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----
 
SECTION 9. Events of Default......................................... 50
     9.1   Payments.................................................. 50
     9.2   Representations etc. ..................................... 50
     9.3   Covenants................................................. 50
     9.4   Default Under Other Agreements............................ 51
     9.5   Bankruptcy, etc. ......................................... 51
     9.6   ERISA..................................................... 51
     9.7   Security Documents........................................ 51
     9.8   Guaranty.................................................. 52
     9.9   Judgments................................................. 52
     9.10  Subordination Provisions.................................. 52

SECTION 10. Definitions.............................................. 52

SECTION 11. The Agent and Co-Agents.................................. 76
     11.1  Appointment............................................... 76
     11.2  Delegation of Duties...................................... 76
     11.3  Exculpatory Provisions.................................... 76
     11.4  Reliance by Agent and Co-Agents........................... 77
     11.5  Notice of Default......................................... 77
     11.6  Non-Reliance on Agent, Co-Agents and Other Lenders........ 77
     11.7  Indemnification........................................... 77
     11.8  The Agent and Co-Agents in their Individual Capacity...... 78
     11.9  Successor Agent........................................... 78

SECTION 12. Miscellaneous............................................ 78
     12.1  Payment of Expenses, etc. ................................ 78
     12.2  Right of Setoff........................................... 79
     12.3  Notices................................................... 79
     12.4  Benefit of Agreement...................................... 79
     12.5  No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative............................ 81
     12.6  Payments Pro Rata......................................... 81
     12.7  Calculations; Computations................................ 81
     12.8  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue; Waiver 
           of Jury Trial............................................. 82
     12.9  Counterparts.............................................. 82
     12.10 Effectiveness............................................. 82
     12.11 Headings Descriptive...................................... 83
     12.12 Amendment or Waiver....................................... 83
     12.13 Survival.................................................. 83
     12.14 Domicile of Loans......................................... 83
     12.15 Confidentiality........................................... 83
     12.16 Release of Liens and Guarantees........................... 84
     12.17 Pre-Closing Funding Arrangements.......................... 84

SECTION 13. Guaranty................................................. 84
     13.1  The Guaranty.............................................. 84
     13.2  Bankruptcy................................................ 85
     13.3  Nature of Liability....................................... 85
     13.4  Independent Obligation.................................... 85
     13.5  Authorization............................................. 85
     13.6  Reliance.................................................. 85
     13.7  Subordination............................................. 85
     13.8  Waiver.................................................... 85
     13.9  Limitation on Enforcement................................. 86
<PAGE>
 
ANNEXES:

1.1       Commitments and Addresses
2.7       Existing Letters of Credit
5.1(i)    Preferred Stock
5.1(l)    Mortgaged Properties
5.2(i)    Preferred Stock
6.4       Litigation
6.16      Subsidiaries
6.18      Environmental Matters
6.19      Real Property
6.20      Collective Bargaining Agreements
7.1(d)    Adjustments
7.3       Insurance
8.3(d)    Existing Liens
8.4(e)    Existing Indebtedness
8.4(f)    Interest Rate Agreements
8.6(d)    Existing Investments
8.10      Affiliate Transactions
10        Devon EBITDA Adjustments


EXHIBITS FOR INITIAL BORROWING DATE:

A         Form of Notice of Borrowing
B-1       Form of Tranche A Term Note
B-2       Form of Tranche B Note
B-3       Form of Revolving Note
B-4       Form of Swingline Note
B-5       Form of Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note
C         Form of Letter of Credit Request
D         Form of Assignment Agreement
E         Form of Officers' Certificate
F         Form of Exemption Certificate
G         Form of Opinion of Counsel
H-1       Form of Holdings Pledge Agreement
H-2       Form of Borrower Pledge Agreement
H-3       Form of Subsidiary Guarantor Pledge Agreement
I-1       Form of Holdings Security Agreement
I-2       Form of Borrower Security Agreement
I-3       Form of Subsidiary Security Agreement
J         Form of Subsidiary Guaranty
K-1       Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
K-2       Form of Total Availability Certificate
L         Form of Officer's Solvency Certificate
M         Form of Mortgage
<PAGE>
 
EXHIBITS FOR ADDITIONAL BORROWING DATE:

N         Form of Opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore
O         Form of Officers' Certificate
P-1       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Holdings Pledge Agreement
P-2       Form of Amendment to Borrower Pledge Agreement
Q-1       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Holdings Security Agreement
Q-2       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Borrower Security Agreement
Q-3       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Subsidiary Security Agreement
Q-4       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Subsidiary Security Agreement
Q-5       Form of Devon Subsidiary Security Agreement
R-1       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Subsidiary Guaranty
R-2       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Subsidiary Guaranty
R-3       Form of Devon Subsidiary Guaranty
S-1       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Patent Security Agreement 
S-2       Form of Devon Subsidiary Patent Security Agreement
T-1       Form of Supplement No. 1 to Trademark Security Agreement
T-2       Form of Devon Subsidiary Trademark Security Agreement
U         Form of Amendment to Mortgage on the Mortgaged Properties
V         Form of Officer's Solvency Certificate
<PAGE>
 
            CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of September 28, 1995, as amended and 
restated through February 29, 1996, among GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC. ("Holdings"), 
a Delaware corporation, GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION (the "Borrower"), a New 
York corporation, the lending and other financial institutions listed from time 
to time on Annex 1.1 hereto (each a "Lender" and, collectively, the "Lenders"), 
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, as successor to NBD BANK and FLEET BANK OF 
MASSACHUSETTS, N.A., as co-agents (the "Co-Agents"), and CHEMICAL BANK, a New 
York banking corporation, as agent (the "Agent").  Unless otherwise defined 
herein, all capitalized terms used herein and defined in Section 10 are used 
herein as so defined.


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


            WHEREAS, Holdings, the Borrower, the Lenders (the "Original 
Lenders") party to this Agreement on February 29, 1996, the Co-Agents and the 
Agent are parties to the Credit Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995 and as 
in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement (the 
"Original Credit Agreement");

            WHEREAS, the parties to the Original Credit Agreement wish to amend 
and restate the Original Credit Agreement pursuant to this Agreement in order, 
inter alia, to increase the Tranche A Term Facility by $15,000,000 and 
- ----- ----
the Tranche B Term Facility by $52,500,000 and for any other revisions 
reasonably necessary or incidental thereto; and

            WHEREAS, the parties hereto have elected to amend and restate the 
Original Credit Agreement pursuant to this Agreement rather than amend the 
Original Credit Agreement or enter into a new credit agreement for their 
convenience and intend that all indebtedness, obligations and liens created 
under the Original Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents be continued 
hereunder and thereunder and remain in full force and effect and not be 
discharged, paid, satisfied or cancelled;


            NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

            SECTION 1.  Amount and Terms of Credit.
                        --------------------------

            1.1  Commitment.  Subject to and upon the terms and conditions 
                 ----------
herein set forth, each Lender severally agrees to make a loan or loans (each a 
"Loan" and, collectively, the "Loans") to the Borrower, which Loans shall be 
drawn, to the extent such Lender has a Commitment under such Facility, under 
the Term Facilities, the Revolving Facility and the Swingline Facility, as set 
forth below:

            (a)(i)  Loans under the Initial Tranche A Term Facility (each an 
      "Initial Tranche A Term Loan" and, collectively, the "Initial Tranche A 
      Term Loans") (x) shall be made pursuant to a single borrowing which shall 
      be on the Initial Borrowing Date and (y) shall not exceed in aggregate 
      principal amount for any Lender at the time of incurrence thereof the 
      Initial Tranche A Term Commitment, if any, of such Lender.  Once repaid, 
      Initial Tranche A Term Loans borrowed hereunder may not be reborrowed.

            (ii)   Loans under the Additional Tranche A Term Facility (each an 
      "Additional Tranche A Term Loan" and, collectively, the "Additional 
      Tranche A Term Loans") (x) shall be made pursuant to a single borrowing 
      which shall be on the Additional Borrowing Date and (y) shall not exceed 
      in aggregate principal amount for any Lender at the time of incurrence 
      thereof the Additional Tranche A Term Commitment, if any, of such Lender.
      Once repaid, Additional Tranche A Term Loans borrowed hereunder may not be
      reborrowed.

            (b)   (i)  Loans under the Initial Tranche B Term Facility (each an 
      "Initial Tranche B Term Loan" and, collectively, the "Initial Tranche B 
      Term Loans") (x) shall be made pursuant to a single borrowing which shall 
      be on the Initial Borrowing Date and (y) shall not exceed in aggregate 
      principal
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               2


      amount for any Lender at the time of incurrence thereof the Initial 
      Tranche B Term Commitment, if any, of such Lender.  Once repaid, Initial 
      Tranche B Term Loans borrowed hereunder may not be reborrowed.

            (ii)  Loans under the Additional Tranche B Term Facility (each an 
      "Additional Tranche B Term Loan" and, collectively, the "Additional 
      Tranche B Term Loans") (x) shall be made pursuant to a single borrowing 
      which shall be on the Additional Borrowing Date and (y) shall not exceed 
      in aggregate principal amount for any Lender at the time of incurrence 
      thereof the Additional Tranche B Term Commitment, if any, of such Lender.
      Once repaid, Additional Tranche B Term Loans borrowed hereunder may not be
      reborrowed.

            (c)   Loans under the Revolving Facility (each a "Revolving Loan" 
      and, collectively, the "Revolving Loans"), (i) shall be made at any time 
      and from time to time on and after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior 
      to the Revolving Facility Final Maturity Date, (ii) except as hereinafter 
      provided, may, at the option of the Borrower, be incurred and maintained 
      as, and/or converted into, Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans, 
      provided that all Revolving Loans made as part of the same Borrowing 
      --------
      shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist of 
      Revolving Loans of the same Type, (iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in 
      accordance with the provisions hereof, (iv) shall not exceed for any 
      Lender at any time outstanding that aggregate principal amount which, 
      when added to the product of (x) such Lender's Revolving Percentage and 
      (y) the sum of (I) the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Outstandings 
      at such time and (II) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline 
                   ---
      Loans then outstanding, equals the Revolving Commitment of such Lender at 
      such time and (v) shall not exceed in aggregate principal amount at any 
      time outstanding, when added to the sum of (x) the aggregate amount of 
      Letters of Credit Outstandings at such time and (y) the aggregate 
      principal amount of all Swingline Loans then outstanding, the lesser of 
      the Total Availability and the Total Revolving Commitment.

            (d)   Subject to and upon the terms and conditions herein set 
      forth, Chemical in its individual capacity agrees, at any time and from 
      time to time after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the Swingline 
      Expiry Date, to make a loan or loans (each a "Swingline Loan" and, 
      collectively, the "Swingline Loans") to the Borrower, which Swingline 
      Loans (i) shall be made and maintained as Base Rate Loans, (ii) shall not 
      exceed at any time outstanding the Swingline Commitment, (iii) shall not 
      exceed in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, when 
      combined with (x) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Loans 
      then outstanding and (y) all Letter of Credit Outstandings at such time, 
      the lesser of the Total Availability and the Total Revolving Commitment 
      then in effect, and (iv) may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with 
      the provisions hereof.  On the Swingline Expiry Date, all Swingline Loans 
      shall be repaid in full.  Chemical shall not make any Swingline Loan 
      after receiving a written notice from the Borrower or any Lender stating 
      that a Default or an Event of Default exists and is continuing until such 
      time as Chemical shall have received written notice of (i) rescission of 
      all such notices from the party or parties originally delivering such 
      notice (which notice of rescission such Person or Persons shall give to 
      Chemical promptly upon the discontinuance of such Default or Event of 
      Default) or (ii) the waiver of such Default or Event of Default in 
      accordance with this Agreement.  Also, Chemical shall have no obligation 
      to make any Swingline Loan in the event a Lender Default exists unless 
      Chemical has entered into arrangements satisfactory to it and the 
      Borrower to eliminate Chemical's risk with respect to any such Defaulting 
      Lender's or Lenders' obligations to fund Mandatory Borrowings, including 
      by collateralizing such Defaulting Lender's or Lenders' Revolving 
      Percentages of the Swingline Loans outstanding from time to time.  On any 
      Business Day, Chemical may, in its sole discretion, give notice to the 
      Lenders that all then outstanding Swingline Loans shall be funded with a 
      Borrowing of Revolving Loans (provided that such notice shall be deemed 
      to have been automatically given upon the occurrence of an Event of 
      Default under Section 9.5), in which case a Borrowing of Revolving Loans 
      constituting Base Rate Loans (each such Borrowing, a "Mandatory 
      Borrowing") shall be made on the immediately succeeding Business Day by 
      all Lenders with a Revolving Commitment pro rata based on each 
                                              --- ----
      such Lender's Revolving Percentages and the proceeds thereof shall be 
      applied directly to Chemical to repay such outstanding Swingline Loans.  
      Each Lender with a Revolving Loan Commitment hereby irrevocably agrees to 
      make such Revolving Loans upon one Business Day's notice pursuant to each 
      Mandatory Borrowing in the amount and in the manner specified in the 
      preceding sentence and on the date specified to it in writing by Chemical 
      notwithstanding 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               3

      (i) that the amount of the Mandatory Borrowing may not comply with the
      minimum amount for a Borrowing specified in Section 1.2, (ii) whether any
      conditions specified in Section 5 are then satisfied, (iii) the date of
      such Mandatory Borrowing and (iv) any reduction in the Total Revolving
      Commitment after any such Swingline Loans were made. In the event that any
      Mandatory Borrowing cannot for any reason be made on the date otherwise
      required above (including, without limitation, as a result of the
      commencement of a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code in respect of the
      Borrower), each Lender with a Revolving Commitment hereby agrees that it
      shall forthwith purchase from Chemical (without recourse or warranty),
      by assignment, such outstanding Swingline Loans as shall be necessary to 
      cause such Lenders to share in such Swingline Loans ratably based upon 
      their respective Revolving Percentages, provided that all interest 
                                              --------
      payable on such Swingline Loans shall be for the account of Chemical 
      until the date the respective purchase is made and, to the extent 
      attributable to such purchase, shall be payable to such Lender purchasing 
      same from and after such date of purchase.

            1.2  Minimum Borrowing Amounts, etc.  The aggregate principal 
                 -------------------------------
amount of each Borrowing under a Facility shall not be less than the Minimum 
Borrowing Amount for such Facility (except that Mandatory Borrowings shall be 
made in the amounts required by Section 1.1(d)).  More than one Borrowing may 
be incurred on any day, provided that at no time shall there be outstanding 
                        --------
more than eleven Borrowings of Eurodollar Loans.  

            1.3  Notice of Borrowing.  (a) Whenever the Borrower desires to 
                 -------------------
incur Loans under any Facility (other than the Swingline Facility and any 
Mandatory Borrowings), it shall give the Agent at its Notice Office, prior to 
12:00 Noon (New York time), at least three Business Days' prior written notice 
(or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each Borrowing of 
Eurodollar Loans and at least one Business Day's prior written notice (or 
telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each Borrowing of Base Rate 
Loans to be made hereunder.  Each such notice (each a "Notice of Borrowing") 
shall be in the form of Exhibit A and shall be irrevocable and shall specify 
(i) the Facility pursuant to which such Borrowing is being made, (ii) the 
aggregate principal amount of the Loans to be made pursuant to such Borrowing, 
(iii) the date of Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day) and (iv) whether 
the respective Borrowing shall consist of Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans 
and, if Eurodollar Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable 
thereto.  The Additional Tranche A Term Loans and Additional Tranche B Term 
Loans shall be made initially as Base Rate Loans.  The Agent shall promptly 
give each Lender written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in 
writing) of each proposed Borrowing, of such Lender's proportionate share 
thereof and of the other matters covered by the Notice of Borrowing.

            (b)  Whenever the Borrower desires to incur Swingline Loans 
hereunder, it shall give the Agent no later than 12:00 Noon (New York time) on 
the day such Swingline Loan is to be made, written notice (or telephonic notice 
promptly confirmed in writing) of such incurrence.  Each such notice shall be 
irrevocable and specify in each case (i) the date of Borrowing (which shall be 
a Business Day) and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the Swingline Loans 
to be made pursuant to such Borrowing.  The Agent shall promptly give Chemical 
written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each 
proposed Borrowing of Swingline Loans and of the other matters covered by the 
Notice of Borrowing.

            (c)  Mandatory Borrowings shall be made upon the notice specified 
in Section 1.1(d), with the Borrower irrevocably agreeing, by its incurrence of 
any Swingline Loan, to the making of Mandatory Borrowings as set forth in such 
Section.

            (d)  Without in any way limiting the obligation of the Borrower to 
confirm in writing any telephonic notice permitted to be given hereunder, the 
Agent may act prior to receipt of written confirmation without liability upon 
the basis of such telephonic notice believed by the Agent in good faith to be 
from an Authorized Officer of the Borrower as a person entitled to give 
telephonic notices under this Agreement on behalf of the Borrower.  In each 
such case, the Agent's record of the terms of such telephonic notice shall be 
conclusive absent manifest error.

            1.4  Disbursement of Funds.  (a) No later than 1:00 P.M. (2:00 
                 ---------------------
P.M. in the case of Swingline Loans) (New York time) on the date specified in 
each Notice of Borrowing, each Lender with a Commitment under
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               4

the respective Facility will make available its pro rata share of each 
                                                --- ----
Borrowing requested to be made on such date in the manner provided below.  All 
amounts shall be made available to the Agent in U.S. dollars and immediately 
available funds at the Payment Office and the Agent promptly will make 
available to the Borrower by depositing to its account at the Payment Office 
the aggregate of the amounts so made available in the type of funds received.  
Unless the Agent shall have been notified by any Lender prior to the date of 
Borrowing that such Lender does not intend to make available to the Agent its 
portion of the Borrowing or Borrowings to be made on such date, the Agent may 
assume that such Lender has made such amount available to the Agent on such 
date of Borrowing, and the Agent, in reliance upon such assumption, may (in its 
sole discretion and without any obligation to do so) make available to the 
Borrower a corresponding amount.  If such corresponding amount is not in fact 
made available to the Agent by such Lender and the Agent has made available 
same to the Borrower, the Agent shall be entitled to recover such corresponding 
amount from such Lender.  If such Lender does not pay such corresponding amount 
forthwith upon the Agent's demand therefor, the Agent shall promptly notify the 
Borrower, and the Borrower shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to 
the Agent.  The Agent shall also be entitled to recover from such Lender or the 
Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such corresponding amount in respect 
of each day from the date such corresponding amount was made available by the 
Agent to the Borrower to the date such corresponding amount is recovered by the 
Agent, at a rate per annum equal to (x) if paid by such Lender, the overnight 
Federal Funds Effective Rate or (y) if paid by the Borrower, the then 
applicable rate of interest, calculated in accordance with Section 1.8, for the 
respective Loans.

            (b)  Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its 
obligation to fulfill its commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights 
which the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by 
such Lender hereunder.

            1.5  Notes. (a) The Borrower's obligation to pay the principal 
                 -----
of, and interest on, the Loans made to it by each Lender shall be evidenced (i) 
if Tranche A Term Loans, by a promissory note substantially in the form of 
Exhibit B-1 with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each a 
"Tranche A Term Note" and, collectively, the "Tranche A Term Notes"), (ii) if 
Tranche B Term Loans, by a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit 
B-2 with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each, a 
"Tranche B Term Note" and collectively, the "Tranche B Term Notes"; together 
with the Tranche A Term Notes, the "Term Notes"), (iii) if Revolving Loans, by 
a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit B-3 with blanks 
appropriately completed in conformity herewith (each a "Revolving Note" and, 
collectively, the "Revolving Notes") and (iv) if Swingline Loans, by a 
promissory note duly executed and delivered by the Borrower substantially in 
the form of Exhibit B-4, with blanks appropriately completed in conformity 
herewith (the "Swingline Note").

            (b)  The Tranche A Term Note issued to each Lender with a Tranche A 
Term Commitment shall (i) be executed by the Borrower, (ii) be payable to the 
order of such Lender and be dated the Additional Borrowing Date, (iii) be in a 
stated principal amount equal to (x) the Initial Tranche A Term Loans made by 
such Lender outstanding on the Additional Borrowing Date plus (y) the 
                                                         ----
Additional Tranche A Term Loans made by such Lender on the Additional Borrowing 
Date, and be payable in the principal amount of Tranche A Term Loans evidenced 
thereby, (iv) mature on the Tranche A Term Facility Final Maturity Date, (v) 
bear interest as provided in the appropriate clause of Section 1.8 in respect 
of the Base Rate Loans and Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be, evidenced 
thereby, (vi) be subject to mandatory repayment as provided in Section 4.2 and 
(vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other Credit 
Documents.

            (c)  The Tranche B Term Note issued to each Lender with a Tranche B 
Term Commitment shall (i) be executed by the Borrower, (ii) be payable to the 
order of such Lender and be dated the Additional Borrowing Date, (iii) be in a 
stated principal amount equal to (x) the Initial Tranche B Term Loans made by 
such Lender outstanding on the Additional Borrowing Date plus (y) the 
                                                         ----
Additional Tranche B Term Loans made by such Lender on the Additional Borrowing 
Date, and be payable in the principal amount of Tranche B Term Loans evidenced 
thereby, (iv) mature on the Tranche B Term Facility Final Maturity Date, (v) 
bear interest as provided in the appropriate clause of Section 1.8 in respect 
of the Base Rate Loans and Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be, evidenced 
thereby, (vi) be subject to mandatory repayment as provided in Section 4.2 and 
(vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other Credit 
Documents.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               5

            (d)  The Revolving Note issued to each Lender with a Revolving 
Commitment shall (i) be executed by the Borrower, (ii) be payable to the order 
of such Lender and be dated the Initial Borrowing Date, (iii) be in a stated 
principal amount equal to the Revolving Commitment of such Lender and be 
payable in the principal amount of the Revolving Loans evidenced thereby, (iv) 
mature on the Revolving Facility Final Maturity Date, (v) bear interest as 
provided in the appropriate clause of Section 1.8 in respect of the Base Rate 
Loans and Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be, evidenced thereby, (vi) be 
subject to mandatory repayment as provided in Section 4.2 and (vii) be entitled 
to the benefits of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

            (e)  The Swingline Note issued to Chemical shall (i) be payable to 
the order of Chemical and be dated the Initial Borrowing Date, (ii) be in a 
stated principal amount equal to the Swingline Commitment and be payable in the 
outstanding principal amount of the Swingline Loans evidenced thereby, (iii) 
mature on the Swingline Expiry Date, (iv) bear interest as provided in the 
appropriate clause of Section 1.8 in respect of the Base Rate Loans evidenced 
thereby, (v) be subject to mandatory prepayment as provided in Section 4.2 and 
(vi) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other Credit 
Documents.

            (f)  Each Lender will note on its internal records the amount of 
each Loan made by it and each payment in respect thereof and will, prior to any 
transfer of its Note, endorse on the reverse side thereof the outstanding 
principal amount of Loans evidenced thereby.  Failure to make any such notation 
or any error in any such notation shall not affect the Borrower's obligations 
in respect of such Loans.

            1.6  Conversions.  The Borrower shall have the option to 
                 -----------
convert on any Business Day all or a portion at least equal to the applicable 
Minimum Borrowing Amount of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans owing 
pursuant to a single Facility (other than under the Swingline Facility, with 
all Swingline Loans to at all times be maintained as Base Rate Loans) into a 
Borrowing or Borrowings pursuant to such Facility of another Type of Loan, 
provided that (i) except as otherwise provided in Section 1.10(b), 
- --------
Eurodollar Loans may be converted into Base Rate Loans only on the last day of 
an Interest Period applicable thereto and no partial conversion of a Borrowing 
of Eurodollar Loans shall reduce the outstanding principal amount of the 
Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to less than the Minimum 
Borrowing Amount applicable thereto, (ii) Base Rate Loans may only be converted 
into Eurodollar Loans if no Default or Event of Default is in existence on the 
date of the conversion and (iii) Borrowings of Eurodollar Loans resulting from 
this Section 1.6 shall be limited in numbers as provided in Section 1.2.  Each 
such conversion shall be effected by the Borrower giving the Agent at its 
Notice Office, prior to 12:00 Noon (New York time), at least three Business 
Days' (or one Business Day's, in the case of a conversion into Base Rate Loans) 
prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) (each 
a "Notice of Conversion") specifying the Loans to be so converted, the Type of 
Loans to be converted into and, if to be converted into a Borrowing of 
Eurodollar Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable thereto.  The 
Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of any such proposed conversion 
affecting any of its Loans.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or the provisions of 
Section 1.9, if a Default under Section 9.1 or an Event of Default is in 
existence at the time any Interest Period in respect of any Borrowing of 
Eurodollar Loans is to expire and the Agent or the Required Lenders have 
determined that a continuation of Eurodollar Loans as such is not appropriate, 
such Loans may not be continued as Eurodollar Loans but instead shall be 
automatically converted on the last day of such Interest Period into Base Rate 
Loans.

            1.7  Pro Rata Borrowings.  All Borrowings of Loans under this 
                 -------------------
Agreement shall be made by the Lenders pro rata on the basis of their 
                                       --- ----
Initial Tranche A Term Commitments, Additional Tranche A Term Commitments, 
Initial Tranche B Term Commitments, Additional Tranche B Term Commitments or 
Revolving Commitments, as the case may be.  It is understood that no Lender 
shall be responsible for any default by any other Lender in its obligation to 
make Loans hereunder and that each Lender shall be obligated to make the Loans 
provided to be made by it hereunder, regardless of the failure of any other 
Lender to fulfill its commitments hereunder.

            1.8  Interest.  (a) The unpaid principal amount of each Base 
                 --------
Rate Loan shall bear interest from the date of the Borrowing thereof until 
maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) at a rate per annum which shall 
at all times be the Applicable Base Rate Margin plus the Base Rate in effect 
from time to time.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               6

            (b)  The unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan shall bear 
interest from the date of the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by 
acceleration or otherwise) at a rate per annum which shall at all times be the 
Applicable Eurodollar Margin plus the relevant Eurodollar Rate.

            (c)  All overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, 
overdue interest in respect of each Loan and any other overdue amount payable 
hereunder shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate in 
effect from time to time plus the sum of (i) 2% and (ii) the Applicable Base 
Rate Margin, provided that each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest after 
             --------
maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) until the end of the Interest 
Period then applicable thereto at a rate per annum equal to 2% in excess of the 
rate of interest applicable thereto at maturity.

            (d)  Interest shall accrue from and including the date of any 
Borrowing to but excluding the date of any repayment thereof and shall be 
payable (i) in respect of each Base Rate Loan, quarterly in arrears on the last 
Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing December, 
1995, (ii) in respect of each Eurodollar Loan, on the last day of each Interest 
Period applicable thereto and, in the case of an Interest Period of six months, 
on the date occurring three months after the first day of such Interest Period 
and (iii) in respect of each Loan, on any prepayment or conversion (on the 
amount prepaid or converted), at maturity (whether by acceleration or 
otherwise) and, after such maturity, on demand.

            (e)  All computations of interest hereunder shall be made in 
accordance with Section 12.7(b).

            (f)  The Agent, upon determining the interest rate for any 
Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans for any Interest Period, shall promptly notify 
the Borrower and the Lenders thereof.

            1.9  Interest Periods.  (a) At the time the Borrower gives a 
                 ----------------
Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion in respect of the making of, or 
conversion into, a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans (in the case of the initial 
Interest Period applicable thereto) or prior to 12:00 Noon (New York time) on 
the third Business Day prior to the expiration of an Interest Period applicable 
to a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, it shall have the right to elect by giving 
the Agent written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) 
of the Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing, which Interest Period 
shall, at the option of the Borrower, be a one, two, three or six month period.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above and subject to the last
sentence of Section 1.6,:

             (i)  the initial Interest Period for any Borrowing of Eurodollar 
      Loans shall commence on the date of such Borrowing (including the date of 
      any conversion from a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans) and each Interest 
      Period occurring thereafter in respect of such Borrowing shall commence 
      on the day on which the next preceding Interest Period expires;

            (ii)  if any Interest Period begins on a day for which there is no 
      numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such 
      Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day 
      of such calendar month;

           (iii)  if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day which 
      is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next 
      succeeding Business Day, provided that if any Interest Period would 
                               --------
      otherwise expire on a day which is not a Business Day but is a day of the 
      month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such 
      Interest Period shall expire on the next preceding Business Day;

            (iv)  no Interest Period shall extend beyond the applicable Final 
      Maturity Date;

             (v)  no Interest Period with respect to any Borrowing of Term 
      Loans may be elected that would extend beyond any date upon which a 
      Scheduled Repayment in respect of such Term Loans is required to be made 
      if, after giving effect to the selection of such Interest Period, the 
      aggregate principal amount of Term Loans maintained as Eurodollar Loans 
      with Interest Periods ending after such date would
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               7

      exceed the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans permitted to be 
      outstanding after such Scheduled Repayment; and

            (vi)  no Interest Period may be elected at any time when a Default 
      under Section 9.1 or an Event of Default is then in existence.

            (b)  If upon the expiration of any Interest Period, the Borrower 
has failed to (or may not) elect a new Interest Period to be applicable to the 
respective Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans as provided above, the Borrower shall 
be deemed to have elected to convert such Borrowing into a Borrowing of Base 
Rate Loans effective as of the expiration date of such current Interest Period.

            1.10  Increased Costs, Illegality, etc.  (a) In the event that 
                  ---------------------------------
(x) in the case of clause (i) below, the Agent or (y) in the case of clauses 
(ii) and (iii) below, any Lender shall have determined (which determination 
shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding upon all 
parties hereto):

             (i)  on any date for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any 
      Interest Period that, by reason of any changes arising after the date of 
      this Agreement affecting the interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and 
      fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable interest rate on 
      the basis provided for in the definition of Eurodollar Rate; or

            (ii)  at any time, that such Lender shall incur increased costs or 
      reductions in the amounts received or receivable hereunder in an amount 
      which such Lender deems material with respect to any Eurodollar Loans 
      (other than any increased cost or reduction in the amount received or 
      receivable resulting from the imposition of or a change in the rate of 
      taxes or similar charges) because of any change since the Effective Date 
      in any applicable law, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order 
      (or in the interpretation or administration thereof and including the 
      introduction of any new law or governmental rule, regulation, guideline 
      or order) (such as, for example, but not limited to, a change in official 
      reserve requirements, but, in all events, excluding reserves required 
      under Regulation D to the extent included in the computation of the 
      Eurodollar Rate); or

           (iii)  at any time, that the making or continuance of any Eurodollar 
      Loan has become unlawful by compliance by such Lender in good faith with 
      any change since the Effective Date in any law, governmental rule, 
      regulation, guideline or order (or interpretation or application 
      thereof);

then, and in any such event, such Lender (or the Agent in the case of clause 
(i) above) shall (x) on such date and (y) within ten Business Days of the date 
on which such event no longer exists give notice (by telephone confirmed in 
writing) to the Borrower and to the Agent of such determination (which notice 
the Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the other Lenders).  Thereafter 
(x) in the case of clause (i) above, Eurodollar Loans shall no longer be 
available until such time as the Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders 
that the circumstances giving rise to such notice by the Agent no longer exist, 
and any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion given by the Borrower with 
respect to Eurodollar Loans which have not yet been incurred shall be deemed 
rescinded by the Borrower or, in the case of a Notice of Borrowing, shall, at 
the option of the Borrower, be deemed converted into a Notice of Borrowing for 
Base Rate Loans to be made on the date of Borrowing contained in such Notice of 
Borrowing, (y) in the case of clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall pay to such 
Lender, upon written demand therefor, such additional amounts (in the form of 
an increased rate of, or a different method of calculating, interest or 
otherwise as such Lender in its sole discretion shall determine) as shall be 
required to compensate such Lender for such increased costs or reductions in 
amounts receivable hereunder (a written notice as to the additional amounts 
owed to such Lender, showing the basis for the calculation thereof, submitted 
to the Borrower by such Lender shall, absent manifest error, be final and 
conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto) and (z) in the case of clause 
(iii) above, the Borrower shall take one of the actions specified in Section 
1.10(b) as promptly as possible and, in any event, within the time period 
required by law.

            (b)  At any time that any Eurodollar Loan is affected by the 
circumstances described in Section 1.10(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and 
in the case of a Eurodollar Loan affected pursuant to Section 1.10(a)(iii)
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               8

the Borrower shall) either (i) if the affected Eurodollar Loan is then being 
made pursuant to a Borrowing, by giving the Agent telephonic notice (confirmed 
promptly in writing) thereof on the same date that the Borrower was notified by 
a Lender pursuant to Section 1.10(a)(ii) or (iii), cancel said Borrowing or 
convert the related Notice of Borrowing into one requesting a Borrowing of Base 
Rate Loans, or (ii) if the affected Eurodollar Loan is then outstanding, upon 
at least one Business Day's notice to the Agent, require the affected Lender to 
convert each such Eurodollar Loan into a Base Rate Loan, provided that if 
                                                         --------
more than one Lender is affected at any time, then all affected Lenders must be 
treated the same pursuant to this Section 1.10(b).

            (c)  If any Lender shall have determined that after the Effective 
Date, the adoption or effectiveness of any applicable law, rule or regulation 
regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the 
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central 
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration 
thereof, or compliance by such Lender with any request or directive regarding 
capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such 
authority, central bank or comparable agency, in each case made subsequent to 
the Effective Date, has or would have the effect of reducing by an amount 
deemed by such Lender to be material the rate of return on such Lender's 
capital or assets as a consequence of its commitments or obligations hereunder 
to a level below that which such Lender could have achieved but for such 
adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking into consideration such 
Lender's policies with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time, 
within 15 days after demand by such Lender (with a copy to the Agent), the 
Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will 
compensate such Lender for such reduction.  Each Lender, upon determining in 
good faith that any additional amounts will be payable pursuant to this Section 
1.10(c), will give prompt written notice thereof to the Borrower, which notice 
shall set forth the basis of the calculation of such additional amounts, 
although the failure to give any such notice shall not release or diminish any 
of the Borrower's obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this 
Section 1.10(c) upon the subsequent receipt of such notice.

            (d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 1.10 or 2.6, no 
Lender shall demand compensation for any increased cost or reduction or other 
amount referred to above or in Section 2.6 if it shall not at the time be the 
general policy or practice of such Lender to demand such compensation in 
similar circumstances under comparable provisions of other credit agreements.

            1.11  Compensation.  (a)  The Borrower shall compensate each 
                  ------------
Lender, upon its written request (which request shall set forth the basis for 
requesting and the method of calculating such compensation), for all reasonable 
losses, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, any loss, 
expense or liability incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of 
deposits or other funds required by such Lender to fund its Eurodollar Loans) 
which such Lender may sustain: (i) if for any reason (other than a default by 
such Lender or the Agent) a Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans does not occur on a 
date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion 
(whether or not withdrawn by the Borrower or deemed withdrawn pursuant to 
Section 1.10(a)); (ii) if any repayment or conversion of any of its Eurodollar 
Loans occurs on a date which is not the last day of an Interest Period 
applicable thereto; (iii) if any prepayment of any of its Eurodollar Loans is 
not made on any date specified in a notice of prepayment given by the Borrower; 
or (iv) as a consequence of (x) any other default by the Borrower to repay its 
Eurodollar Loans when required by the terms of this Agreement or (y) an 
election made pursuant to Section 1.10(b).

            (b)  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to 
the extent any notice required by Section 1.10, 2.6 or 4.4 is given by any 
Lender more than 60 days after such Lender obtained, or reasonably should have 
obtained, knowledge of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the 
additional costs of the type described in such Section, such Lender shall not 
be entitled to compensation under Section 1.10, 2.6 or 4.4 for any amounts 
incurred or accruing prior to the giving of such notice to the Borrower.

            1.12  Change of Lending Office.  Each Lender agrees that, upon 
                  ------------------------
the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 1.10(a)(ii) 
or (iii) or 4.4 with respect to such Lender, it will, if requested by the 
Borrower, use reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy considerations of 
such Lender) to designate another lending office for any Loans affected by such 
event, provided that such designation is made on such terms that such 
       --------
Lender and its lending office suffer no economic, legal or regulatory 
disadvantage, with the object of avoiding the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               9

consequence of the event giving rise to the operation of any such Section.  
Nothing in this Section 1.12 shall affect or postpone any of the obligations of 
the Borrower or the right of any Lender provided in Section 1.10 or 4.4.

            1.13  Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender is owed increased 
                  ----------------------
costs or additional amounts, or the Borrower receives notice from any Lender or 
the Agent, under Section 1.10, 2.6  or 4.4, or any Lender becomes a Defaulting 
Lender, then the Borrower shall have the right, unless such Lender has 
theretofore removed or cured the conditions which resulted in the obligation to 
pay such increased costs or additional amounts or which caused it to be a 
Defaulting Lender, to replace in its entirety such Lender (the "Replaced 
Lender"), on ten Business Days' prior written notice to the Agent and such 
Replaced Lender, with one or more other Eligible Transferee or Transferees 
(collectively, the "Replacement Lender") reasonably acceptable to the Agent 
(which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, that: (i) 
                                                       --------
at the time of any replacement pursuant to this Section 1.13, the Replaced 
Lender and the Replacement Lender shall enter into one or more Assignment 
Agreements, substantially in the form of Exhibit D (appropriately completed), 
pursuant to which the Replacement Lender shall acquire all of the Commitment 
and outstanding Loans of the Replaced Lender and, in connection therewith, 
shall pay to the Replaced Lender in respect thereof an amount equal to the sum 
of (a) an amount equal to the principal of, and all accrued but unpaid interest 
on, all outstanding Loans of the Replaced Lender and (b) an amount equal to all 
accrued, but theretofore unpaid, Fees owing to the Replaced Lender pursuant to 
Section 3.1 and (c) any other amounts payable to the Replaced Lender under this 
Agreement (including, without limitation, amounts payable under Section 1.11) 
and (ii) a Defaulting Lender shall be a Replaced Lender only to the extent 
permitted by law.  Upon the execution of the respective assignment 
documentation, the payment of amounts referred to in the preceding sentence 
and, if so requested by the Replacement Lender, delivery to the Replacement 
Lender of appropriate Notes executed by the Borrower, the Replacement Lender 
shall become a Lender hereunder and the Replaced Lender shall cease to 
constitute a Lender hereunder, except with respect to indemnification 
provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such Replaced 
Lender.

            SECTION 2.  Letters of Credit.
                        -----------------

            2.1  Letters of Credit.  (a) Subject to and upon the terms and 
                 -----------------
conditions herein set forth, the Borrower may request the Letter of Credit 
Issuer at any time and from time to time on or after the Initial Borrowing Date 
and prior to the Revolving Facility Final Maturity Date to issue, for the 
account of the Borrower and in support of (i) obligations of the Borrower 
and/or its Subsidiaries, contingent or otherwise, incurred in the ordinary 
course of their respective businesses and (ii) such other obligations of the 
Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries to any other Person that are reasonably 
acceptable to the Agent, and subject to and upon the terms and conditions 
herein set forth the Letter of Credit Issuer agrees to issue from time to time, 
irrevocable letters of credit in such form as may be approved by the Letter of 
Credit Issuer and the Agent (each such letter of credit, and each letter of 
credit described in Section 2.7, a "Letter of Credit" and collectively, the 
"Letters of Credit").

            (b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Letter of Credit shall 
be issued the Stated Amount of which, when added to the Letter of Credit 
Outstandings (exclusive of Unpaid Drawings which are repaid on the date of, and 
prior to or at the time of, the issuance of the relevant Letter of Credit) at 
such time, would exceed either (x) $10,000,000 or (y) when added to the 
aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then 
outstanding, an amount equal to the Total Revolving Commitment at such time 
(after giving effect to any reductions to the Total Revolving Commitment on 
such date), (ii) no Letter of Credit shall be issued the Stated Amount of 
which, when added to (x) the Letter of Credit Outstandings (exclusive of Unpaid 
Drawings which are repaid on the date of, and prior to or at the time of, the 
issuance of the relevant Letter of Credit) at such time and (y) the aggregate 
principal amount of all Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then outstanding, 
would exceed an amount equal to the Total Availability at such time, and (iii) 
each Letter of Credit shall have an expiry date occurring not later than one 
year after such Letter of Credit's date of issuance although any Letter of 
Credit may be automatically renewable for successive periods of up to 12 
months, but not beyond the fifth Business Day next preceding the Revolving 
Facility Final Maturity Date, on terms acceptable to the Agent and the Letter 
of Credit Issuer and in no event shall any Letter of Credit have an expiry date 
occurring later than the fifth Business Day next preceding the Revolving 
Facility Final Maturity Date.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              10

            (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a Lender Default 
exists, the Letter of Credit Issuer shall not be required to issue any Letter 
of Credit unless the Letter of Credit Issuer has entered into arrangements 
satisfactory to it and the Borrower to eliminate the Letter of Credit Issuer's 
risk with respect to the participation in Letters of Credit of the Defaulting 
Lender or Lenders, including by cash collateralizing such Defaulting Lender's 
or Lenders' Revolving Percentage of the Letter of Credit Outstandings.

            2.2  Minimum Stated Amount.  The initial Stated Amount of each 
                 ---------------------
Letter of Credit shall be not less than $10,000 or such lesser amount 
acceptable to the Agent and the Letter of Credit Issuer.

            2.3  Letter of Credit Requests; Notices of Issuance.  (a) 
                 ----------------------------------------------
Whenever it desires that a Letter of Credit be issued, the Borrower shall give 
the Agent and the Letter of Credit Issuer written notice (including by way of 
telecopier) in the form of Exhibit C thereof prior to 1:00 P.M. (New York time) 
at least five Business Days (or such shorter period as may be acceptable to the 
Letter of Credit Issuer) prior to the proposed date of issuance (which shall be 
a Business Day) (each a "Letter of Credit Request"), which Letter of Credit 
Request shall include an application for such Letter of Credit and any other 
documents that the Letter of Credit Issuer customarily requires in connection 
therewith.  The Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of each Letter of 
Credit Request.

            (b)  The Letter of Credit Issuer shall, on the date of each 
issuance of a Letter of Credit by it, give the Agent, each Lender and the 
Borrower written notice of the issuance of such Letter of Credit, accompanied 
by a copy to the Agent of the Letter of Credit or Letters of Credit issued by 
it.  

            2.4  Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Drawings. 
                 --------------------------------------------
(a) The Borrower hereby agrees to reimburse the Letter of Credit Issuer, by 
making payment to the Agent in immediately available funds at the Payment 
Office, for any payment or disbursement made by the Letter of Credit Issuer 
under any Letter of Credit (each such amount so paid or disbursed until 
reimbursed, an "Unpaid Drawing") immediately after, and in any event on the 
date on which, such Letter of Credit Issuer notifies the Agent and the Borrower 
of such payment or disbursement, with interest on the amount so paid or 
disbursed by such Letter of Credit Issuer, to the extent not reimbursed prior 
to 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the date of such payment or disbursement, from 
and including the date paid or disbursed to but not including the date the 
Letter of Credit Issuer is reimbursed therefor at a rate per annum which shall 
be the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans (plus an additional 2% per annum 
if not reimbursed by the third Business Day after the date of such payment or 
disbursement), such interest also to be payable on demand.

            (b)  The Borrower's obligation under this Section 2.4 to reimburse 
the Letter of Credit Issuer with respect to Unpaid Drawings (including, in each 
case, interest thereon) shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all 
circumstances and irrespective of any setoff, counterclaim or defense to 
payment which the Borrower may have or have had against the Letter of Credit 
Issuer, the Agent or any Lender, including, without limitation, any defense 
based upon the failure of any drawing under a Letter of Credit to conform to 
the terms of the Letter of Credit or any non-application or misapplication by 
the beneficiary of the proceeds of such drawing provided that, to the 
                                                --------
extent the Borrower has derived no benefit therefrom, the Borrower shall not be 
obligated to reimburse the Letter of Credit Issuer for any wrongful payment 
made by such Letter of Credit Issuer under a Letter of Credit as a result of 
acts or omissions constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the 
part of such Letter of Credit Issuer, provided, further, that the 
                                      --------  -------
foregoing shall not impair the Borrower's right to claim damages suffered as a 
result of such wrongful payment made.

            2.5  Letter of Credit Participations.  (a) Immediately upon the 
                 -------------------------------
issuance by the Letter of Credit Issuer of any Letter of Credit (which date 
shall be the Initial Borrowing Date in the case of Existing Letters of Credit), 
such Letter of Credit Issuer shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to 
each Lender, and each Lender (each a "Participant") shall be deemed irrevocably 
and unconditionally to have purchased and received from such Letter of Credit 
Issuer, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, 
to the extent of such Lender's Revolving Percentage, in such Letter of Credit, 
each substitute letter of credit, each drawing made thereunder and the 
obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with respect thereto (although 
Letter of Credit Fees shall be payable directly to the Agent for the account of 
the Lenders as provided in Section 3.1(b) and the Participants shall have no 
right to receive any portion of any Facing Fees) and any security therefor or 
guaranty
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              11

pertaining thereto.  Upon any change in the Revolving Commitments of the 
Lenders pursuant to Section 12.4(b), it is hereby agreed that, with respect to 
all outstanding Letters of Credit and Unpaid Drawings, there shall be an 
automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this Section 2.5 to 
reflect the new Revolving Percentages of the assigning and assignee Lender.

            (b)  In determining whether to pay under any Letter of Credit, the 
Letter of Credit Issuer shall not have any obligation relative to the 
Participants other than to determine that any documents required to be 
delivered under such Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they appear 
to comply on their face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit.  Any 
action taken or omitted to be taken by the Letter of Credit Issuer under or in 
connection with any Letter of Credit if taken or omitted in the absence of 
gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall not create for the Letter of 
Credit Issuer any resulting liability.

            (c)  In the event that the Letter of Credit Issuer makes any 
payment under any Letter of Credit and the Borrower shall not have reimbursed 
such amount in full to the Letter of Credit Issuer pursuant to Section 2.4(a), 
the Letter of Credit Issuer shall promptly notify the Agent, and the Agent 
shall promptly notify each Participant of such failure, and each Participant 
shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the Agent for the account of the 
Letter of Credit Issuer, the amount of such Participant's Revolving Percentage 
of such payment in U.S. dollars and in same day funds, provided however 
                                                       -------- -------
that no Participant shall be obligated to pay to the Agent its Revolving 
Percentage of such unreimbursed amount for any wrongful payment made by the 
Letter of Credit Issuer under a Letter of Credit as a result of acts or 
omissions constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of 
the Letter of Credit Issuer.  If the Agent so notifies any Participant required 
to fund a payment under a Letter of Credit prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time) 
on any Business Day, such Participant shall make available to the Agent for the 
account of the Letter of Credit Issuer such Participant's Revolving Percentage 
of the amount of such payment on such Business Day in same day funds.  If and 
to the extent such Participant shall not have so made its Revolving Percentage 
of the amount of such payment available to the Agent for the account of the 
Letter of Credit Issuer, such Participant agrees to pay to the Agent for the 
account of the Letter of Credit Issuer, forthwith on demand such amount, 
together with interest thereon, for each day from such date until the date such 
amount is paid to the Agent for the account of the Letter of Credit Issuer at 
the overnight Federal Funds Effective Rate.  The failure of any Participant to 
make available to the Agent for the account of the Letter of Credit Issuer its 
Revolving Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit shall not 
relieve any other Participant of its obligation hereunder to make available to 
the Agent for the account of the Letter of Credit Issuer its Revolving 
Percentage of any payment under any Letter of Credit on the date required, as 
specified above, but no Participant shall be responsible for the failure of any 
other Participant to make available to the Agent for the account of the Letter 
of Credit Issuer such other Participant's Revolving Percentage of any such 
payment.

            (d)  Whenever the Letter of Credit Issuer receives a payment of a 
reimbursement obligation as to which the Agent has received for the account of 
the Letter of Credit Issuer any payments from the Participants pursuant to 
clause (c) above, the  Letter of Credit Issuer shall pay to the Agent and the 
Agent shall promptly pay to each Participant which has paid its Revolving 
Percentage thereof, in U.S. dollars and in same day funds, an amount equal to 
such Participant's Revolving Percentage of the principal amount thereof and 
interest thereon accruing after the purchase of the respective participations.

            (e)  The obligations of the Participants to make payments to the 
Agent for the account of the Letter of Credit Issuer with respect to Letters of 
Credit shall be irrevocable and not subject to counterclaim, set-off or other 
defense or any other qualification or exception whatsoever and shall be made in 
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement under all 
circumstances, including, without limitation, any of the following 
circumstances:

             (i)  any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement or 
      any of the other Credit Documents;

            (ii)  the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right 
      which the Borrower may have at any time against a beneficiary named in a 
      Letter of Credit, any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Person 
      for whom any such transferee may be acting), the Agent, the Letter of 
      Credit Issuer, any Lender,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              12

      or other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of 
      Credit, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated 
      transactions (including any underlying transaction between the Borrower 
      and the beneficiary named in any such Letter of Credit);

           (iii)  any draft, certificate or other document presented under the 
      Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or 
      insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or 
      inaccurate in any respect;

            (iv)  the surrender or impairment of any security for the 
      performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Credit 
      Documents; or

            (v)   the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

            2.6  Increased Costs.  If after the Effective Date, the 
                 ---------------
adoption or effectiveness of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any 
change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof 
by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with 
the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by the Letter of 
Credit Issuer or any Lender with any request or directive (whether or not 
having the force of law) by any such authority, central bank or comparable 
agency (in each case made subsequent to the Effective Date) shall either (i) 
impose, modify or make applicable any reserve, deposit, capital adequacy or 
similar requirement against Letters of Credit issued by the Letter of Credit 
Issuer or such Lender's participation therein, or (ii) shall impose on the 
Letter of Credit Issuer or any Lender any other conditions affecting this 
Agreement, any Letter of Credit or such Lender's participation therein; and the 
result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to the Letter of Credit 
Issuer or such Lender of issuing, maintaining or participating in any Letter of 
Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Letter 
of Credit Issuer or such Lender hereunder (other than any increased cost or 
reduction in the amount received or receivable resulting from the imposition of 
or a change in the rate of taxes or similar charges), then, upon demand to the 
Borrower by the Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender (a copy of which notice 
shall be sent by the Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender to the Agent), the 
Borrower shall pay to the Letter of Credit Issuer or such Lender such 
additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Letter of Credit Issuer or 
such Lender for such increased cost or reduction.  A certificate submitted to 
the Borrower by the Letter of Credit Issuer or any Lender, as the case may be 
(a copy of which certificate shall be sent by the Letter of Credit Issuer or 
such Lender to the Agent), setting forth the basis for the determination of 
such additional amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Letter of Credit 
Issuer or any such Lender as aforesaid shall be conclusive and binding on the 
Borrower absent manifest error, although the failure to deliver any such 
certificate shall not release or diminish any of the Borrower's obligations to 
pay additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.6.

            2.7  Existing Letters of Credit.  All Letters of Credit issued 
                 --------------------------
or deemed issued under the Existing Credit Agreement as set forth on Annex 2.7 
shall be deemed to be issued under this Agreement.

            SECTION 3.  Fees; Commitments.
                        -----------------

            3.1  Fees.  (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent a 
                 ----
Commitment Fee ("Commitment Fee") for the account of each Lender for the period 
from and including the Allocation Date to but not including the date the Total 
Commitment has been terminated, computed at a rate for each day equal to 1/2 of 
1% per annum for such day on such Lender's Unutilized Commitment provided 
                                                                 --------
that the Commitment Fee with respect to such Lender's Additional Term 
Commitment shall accrue from and including February 22, 1996 to, but not 
including, the Additional Borrowing Date.  Such Commitment Fee shall be due and 
payable in arrears on the Initial Borrowing Date and the Additional Borrowing 
Date and on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December 
and on the first date upon which all Commitments shall have been terminated, 
commencing December, 1995.

            (b) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each 
Lender pro rata on the basis of its Revolving Percentage, a fee in respect of 
each Letter of Credit (the "Letter of Credit Fee") for each day computed at the 
rate equal to the rate applicable for such day as determined in accordance with 
Annex 7.1(d) on the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit on such day.  
Accrued Letter of Credit Fees shall be due and payable
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              13

quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September 
and December of each year and on the date upon which the Total Revolving 
Commitment is terminated, commencing December, 1995.

            (c)  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the 
Letter of Credit Issuer a fee in respect of each Letter of Credit (the "Facing 
Fee") computed at the rate of 1/4 of 1% per annum on the average daily Stated 
Amount of such Letter of Credit.  Accrued Facing Fees shall be due and payable 
quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September 
and December of each year and on the date upon which the Total Revolving 
Commitment is terminated, commencing December, 1995.

            (d)  The Borrower agrees to pay directly to the Letter of Credit 
Issuer upon each issuance of, drawing under, and/or amendment of, a Letter of 
Credit such amount as shall at the time of such issuance, drawing or amendment 
be the administrative charge which the Letter of Credit Issuer is customarily 
charging for issuances of, drawings under or amendments of, letters of credit 
issued by it.

            (e)  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent (x) on the Initial 
Borrowing Date and on the Additional Borrowing Date for its own account and/or 
for distribution to the Lenders such fees as heretofore agreed by the Borrower 
and the Agent and (y) for its own account such other fees as may be agreed to 
from time to time between the Borrower and the Agent, when and as due.

            (f)  All computations of Fees shall be made in accordance with 
Section 12.7(b).

            3.2  Voluntary Reduction of Commitments.  Upon at least three 
                 ----------------------------------
Business Days' prior written notice (or telephonic notice confirmed in writing) 
to the Agent at its Notice Office (which notice the Agent shall promptly 
transmit to each of the Lenders), the Borrower shall have the right, without 
premium or penalty, to terminate or partially reduce the Total Unutilized 
Revolving Commitment, provided that (x) any such termination shall apply to 
                      --------
proportionately and permanently reduce the Revolving Commitment of each of the 
Lenders with such a Commitment and (y) any partial reduction pursuant to this 
Section 3.2 shall be in the amount of at least $1,000,000.

            3.3  Mandatory Adjustments of Commitments, etc.  (a) The 
                 ------------------------------------------
Additional Tranche A Term Commitment and Additional Tranche B Term Commitment 
of each Lender shall terminate on the Expiration Date unless the Additional 
Borrowing Date has occurred on or before such date.

            (b)(x) The Total Initial Tranche A Term Commitment and the Total 
Initial Tranche B Term Commitment of each Lender shall terminate in their 
entirety on the Initial Borrowing Date (after giving effect to the making of 
the Initial Term Loans on such date).  

               (y)  The Total Additional Tranche A Term Commitment and the 
Total Additional Tranche B Term Commitment of each Lender shall terminate in 
their entirety on the Additional Borrowing Date (after giving effect to the 
making of the Additional Term Loans on such date).

            (c)  The Total Revolving Commitment (and the Revolving Commitment 
of each Lender) shall terminate on the earlier of the Revolving Facility Final 
Maturity Date and the date on which any Change of Control occurs.

            (d)  The Swingline Commitment shall terminate on the Swingline 
Expiry Date.

            (e)  The Total Revolving Commitment shall be permanently reduced at 
the times and in the amounts required under Section 4.2(B)(d).

            SECTION 4.  Payments.
                        --------

            4.1  Voluntary Prepayments.  The Borrower shall have the right 
                 ---------------------
to prepay Term Loans and/or Revolving Loans and/or Swingline Loans, in whole or 
in part, without premium or penalty, from time to time on the following terms 
and conditions: (i) the Borrower shall give the Agent at the Payment Office 
written notice (or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              14

telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of its intent to prepay the 
Loans, whether such Loans are Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans, 
Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans, the amount of such prepayment and (in the 
case of Eurodollar Loans) the specific Borrowing(s) pursuant to which made, 
which notice shall be received by the Agent by 11:00 A.M. (New York time) one 
Business Day prior to the date of such prepayment (or 11:00 A.M. on the date of 
prepayment, in the case of Swingline Loans), which notice shall promptly be 
transmitted by the Agent to each of the Lenders; (ii) each partial prepayment 
of any Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal amount of at least 
$1,000,000 (or $100,000 in the case of Swingline Loans), provided that no 
                                                         --------
partial prepayment of Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall 
reduce the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding pursuant to such 
Borrowing to an amount less than the Minimum Borrowing Amount applicable 
thereto; (iii) each prepayment in respect of any Loans made pursuant to a 
Borrowing shall be applied pro rata among such Loans; (iv) subject to 
                           --- ----
the provisions of Section 4.2(B)(e), each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to 
this Section 4.1 shall be allocated pro rata between the Tranche A Term 
                                    --- ----
Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans based upon the respective outstanding 
principal amounts thereof; and (v) each prepayment of Tranche A Term Loans or 
Tranche B Term Loans pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall be applied to the then 
remaining Scheduled Repayments thereof in the direct chronological order of 
such Scheduled Repayments (based upon the then remaining principal amount of 
each such Scheduled Repayment).

            4.2  Mandatory Prepayments.
                 ---------------------

            (A)  Requirements:
                 ------------

            (a)  If on any date (after giving effect to any other repayments or 
      prepayments on such date) the sum of (i)  the  aggregate outstanding 
      principal amount of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans plus (ii) the 
      aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the Total 
      Revolving Commitment as then in effect, the Borrower shall repay on such 
      date that principal amount of Swingline Loans and, after Swingline Loans 
      have been paid in full, Unpaid Drawings and, after Unpaid Drawings have 
      been paid in full, Revolving Loans, in an aggregate amount equal to such 
      excess.  If, after giving effect to the prepayment of all outstanding 
      Swingline Loans, Unpaid Drawings and Revolving Loans, the aggregate 
      amount of Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the Total Revolving 
      Commitment as then in effect (any such excess, a "Total Revolving 
      Commitment Excess Amount"), the Borrower shall pay to the Agent an amount 
      in cash and/or Cash Equivalents equal to such Total Revolving Commitment 
      Excess Amount and the Collateral Agent shall hold such payment as 
      security for the obligations of the Borrower hereunder pursuant to a cash 
      collateral agreement to be entered into in form and substance reasonably 
      satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower which shall permit certain 
      investments in Cash Equivalents satisfactory to the Agent and the 
      Borrower, until the proceeds are applied to the secured obligations and 
      which shall provide that a portion of the balance, if any, held in a cash 
      collateral account established under such cash collateral agreement equal 
      to the amount by which such balance exceeds the Total Revolving 
      Commitment Excess Amount from time to time, shall be released to the 
      Borrower provided that (x) as a result of such release, a mandatory 
               --------
      prepayment shall not be required under the first sentence of this 
      paragraph (a) unless such prepayment is made concurrently with such 
      release, and (y) immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default or 
      Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing or would result 
      from such release.

            (b)  If on any date the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal 
      amount of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and Letter of Credit 
      Outstandings exceeds the Total Availability as then in effect, the 
      Borrower shall repay on such date that principal amount of Swingline 
      Loans and, after Swingline Loans have been paid in full, Unpaid Drawings 
      and, after Unpaid Drawings have been paid in full, Revolving Loans in an 
      aggregate amount equal to such excess.  If, after giving effect to any 
      such prepayment of all outstanding Unpaid Drawings and Loans, the 
      aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Outstandings exceeds the Total 
      Availability then in effect (any such excess, the "Total Availability 
      Excess Amount"), the Borrower shall pay to the Agent an amount in cash 
      and/or Cash Equivalents equal to such Total Availability Excess Amount 
      and the Agent shall hold such payment as security for the obligations of 
      the Borrower hereunder pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to be 
      entered into in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent 
      and the Borrower which shall permit certain investments in Cash 
      Equivalents satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower, until the 
      proceeds are applied to the secured obligations and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              15

      which shall provide that a portion of the balance, if any, held in a cash 
      collateral account established under such cash collateral agreement equal 
      to the amount by which such balance exceeds the Total Availability Excess 
      Amount from time to time, shall be released to the Borrower provided 
                                                                  --------
      that (x) as a result of such release, a mandatory prepayment shall not be 
      required under the first sentence of this paragraph (b) unless such 
      prepayment is made concurrently with such release and (y) immediately 
      after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have 
      occurred or be continuing or would result from such release.

            (c)  The Borrower shall be required to repay (x) the principal 
      amount of Initial Tranche A Term Loans in 23 consecutive installments 
      payable on the last day of March, June, September and December of each 
      year and on the Tranche A Term Facility Final Maturity Date, commencing 
      on March 31, 1997 (after giving effect to the prepayments made on 
      November 24, 1995 and February 20, 1996) (each such repayment, as the 
      same may be reduced as provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.2(B), an "Initial 
      Tranche A Scheduled Repayment"), each such installment on any such date 
      to be in an amount equal to (i) for the year 1997, the amount set forth 
      below opposite each such date which occurs in 1997 and (ii) for the years 
      1998 through 2002, 25% of the amount set forth below opposite the year 
      during which such date occurs:

            Year[1]                          Amount
                                             ------

            March 31, 1997                       $ 1,125,000
            June 30, 1997                        $ 1,937,500
            September 30, 1997                   $ 1,937,500
            1998                                   8,750,000
            1999                                   9,750,000
            2000                                  10,750,000
            2001                                  11,500,000
            2002                                  11,750,000


and (y) the principal amount of Additional Tranche A Term Loans in 26 
consecutive installments payable on the last day of March, June, September and 
December of each year and on the Tranche A Term Facility Final Maturity Date, 
commencing on June 30, 1996 (each such repayment, as the same may be reduced as 
provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.2(B), an "Additional Tranche A Scheduled 
Repayment"), each such installment on any such date to be in an amount equal to 
(i) for the year 1996, the amount set forth below opposite each such date which 
occurs in 1996 and (ii) for the years 1997 through 2002, 25% of the amount set 
forth below opposite such year during which such date occurs:  

            Year[2]                          Amount
                                             ------

                                                            
            June 30, 1996                             $ 375,000
            September 30, 1996                          375,000
            1997                                      1,250,000
            1998                                      2,250,000 
            1999                                      2,500,000 
            2000                                      2,500,000
            2001                                      2,750,000
            2002                                      3,000,000

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

[1]  For purposes of this amortization schedule, each year commences on October
     1 of the prior calendar year and ends on September 30 of the current
     calendar year.

[2]  For purposes of this amortization schedule, each year commences on October
     1 of the prior calendar year and ends on September 30 of the current
     calendar year.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              16

            (d)  The Borrower shall be required to repay: (x) the principal 
amount of the Initial Tranche B Term Loans (i) in 28 consecutive installments 
of $62,500 payable on the last day of March, June, September and December of 
each year, commencing on December 31, 1995 and (ii) in four consecutive 
quarterly installments of $5,812,500 payable on December 31, 2002, March 31, 
2003, June 30, 2003 and on the Tranche B Term Facility Final Maturity Date 
(each such repayment, as the same may be reduced as provided in Sections 4.1 
and 4.2(B), an "Initial Tranche B Scheduled Repayment"); and (y) the principal 
amount of the Additional Tranche B Term Loans (i) in two consecutive 
installments of $187,500 payable on June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996, (ii) 
commencing on December 31, 1996, in 24 consecutive installments of $125,000 
payable on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year and 
(iii) in four consecutive quarterly installments of $12,281,250 payable on 
December 31, 2002, March 31, 2003, June 30, 2003 and on the Tranche B Term 
Facility Final Maturity Date (each such repayment, as the same may be reduced 
as provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.2(B), an "Additional Tranche B Scheduled 
Repayment").

            (e)  On the Business Day following the date of receipt thereof by 
Holdings and/or any of its Subsidiaries of the Cash Proceeds from any Asset 
Sale, an amount equal to 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds then received from such 
Asset Sale shall be applied as a mandatory repayment of principal of the then 
outstanding Term Loans and then in accordance with Section 4.2(B)(d), 
provided that up to an aggregate of $3,500,000 of Net Cash Proceeds from 
- --------
Asset Sales from and after the Initial Borrowing Date, shall not be required to 
be used to so repay Term Loans or applied in accordance with Section 4.2(B)(d) 
to the extent the Borrower elects, as hereinafter provided, to cause such Net 
Cash Proceeds to be reinvested in Reinvestment Assets (a "Reinvestment 
Election"); provided further that no such repayment pursuant to this 
            -------- -------
Section 4.2(A)(e) will be required to be made until the aggregate Net Cash 
Proceeds required to be applied pursuant to this Section 4.2(A)(e) and not yet 
so applied equals $500,000, at which time all such net cash proceeds in excess 
of such $500,000 shall be so applied.  The Borrower may exercise its 
Reinvestment Election (within the parameters specified in the preceding 
sentence) with respect to an Asset Sale if (x) the Reinvestment Test is 
satisfied on the date of delivering the Reinvestment Notice referred to below 
and (y) the Borrower delivers a Reinvestment Notice to the Agent by the 
Business Day following the date of the consummation of the respective Asset 
Sale, with such Reinvestment Election being effective with respect to the Net 
Cash Proceeds of such Asset Sale equal to the Anticipated Reinvestment Amount 
specified in such Reinvestment Notice.

            (f)  On the date of the receipt thereof by Holdings and/or any of 
its Subsidiaries, an amount equal to 100% of the cash proceeds (net of 
underwriting discounts and commissions, other banking and investment banking 
fees, attorneys' and accountants' fees and other customary fees and other costs 
associated therewith) of the incurrence of Indebtedness by Holdings and/or any 
of its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.4), shall 
be applied as a mandatory repayment of principal of the then outstanding Term 
Loans and then in accordance with Section 4.2(B)(d).

            (g)  On each date which is 90 days after the last day of each 
fiscal year of Holdings (commencing with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 
1996), an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) a percentage of Excess 
Cash Flow for such fiscal year equal to the Applicable Cash Flow Percentage for 
such fiscal year of Holdings and its Subsidiaries over (ii) the aggregate 
principal amount of Term Loans prepaid during such fiscal year pursuant to 
Section 4.1, shall be applied as a mandatory repayment of principal of the then 
outstanding Term Loans, and then in accordance with Section 4.2(B)(d).

            (h)  On the Reinvestment Prepayment Date with respect to a 
Reinvestment Election, an amount equal to the Reinvestment Prepayment Amount, 
if any, for such Reinvestment Election shall be applied as a repayment of the 
principal amount of the then outstanding Term Loans.

            (i)  On the date of any Change of Control, the outstanding 
principal amount of the Term Loans, if any, shall be due and payable in full.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              17

            (B)  Application:
                 -----------

            (a)  Each mandatory repayment of Term Loans required to be made 
      pursuant to Sections 4.2(A)(e), (f), (g) or (h) shall be applied to the 
      repayment of the then remaining applicable Scheduled Repayments on a pro 
      rata basis (based upon the then remaining principal amount of each such 
      Scheduled Repayment).  

            (b)  With respect to each prepayment of Loans required by Section 
      4.2, the Borrower may designate the Types of Loans which are to be 
      prepaid and the specific Borrowing(s) under the affected Facility 
      pursuant to which made, provided that (i) the Borrower shall first so 
                              --------
      designate all Base Rate Loans and Eurodollar Loans with Interest Periods 
      ending on the date of repayment prior to designating any other Eurodollar 
      Loans and (ii) each prepayment of any Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing 
      shall be applied pro rata among such Loans.  If the Borrower is 
                       --- ----
      required by this Section 4.2 (other than pursuant to Sections 4.2(A)(c) 
      or (d)) to repay any Eurodollar Loans and such prepayment will result in 
      the Borrower being required to pay breakage costs under Section 1.11 (any 
      such Eurodollar Loans, "Affected Loans"), the Borrower may elect, by 
      notice to the Agent, to have the provisions of the following sentence be 
      applicable.  At the time any Affected Loans are otherwise required to be 
      prepaid, the Borrower may elect to deposit 100% (or such lesser 
      percentage elected by the Borrower) of the principal amounts that 
      otherwise would have been paid in respect of the Affected Loans with the 
      Agent to be held as security for the obligations of the Borrower 
      hereunder pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to be entered into in 
      form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, with such cash 
      collateral to be released from such cash collateral account (and applied 
      to repay the principal amount of such Loans) upon each occurrence 
      thereafter of the last day of an Interest Period applicable to the 
      relevant Loans (or such earlier date or dates as shall be requested by 
      the Borrower), with the amount to be so released and applied on the last 
      day of each Interest Period to be the amount of the relevant Loans to 
      which such Interest Period applies (or, if less, the amount remaining in 
      such cash collateral account).  In the absence of a designation and/or 
      election by the Borrower as described in the preceding sentences, the 
      Agent shall, subject to the first sentence of this paragraph, make such 
      designation in its sole discretion with a view, but no obligation, to 
      minimize breakage costs owing under Section 1.11.

            (c)  Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2(B)(e), each 
      prepayment of Term Loans required by Section 4.2(A) (e), (f), (g) and (h) 
      shall be allocated pro rata between the Tranche A Term Loans and 
                         --- ----
      the Tranche B Term Loans based upon the respective outstanding principal 
      amounts thereof.  Each such prepayment shall be further allocated pro 
                                                                        ---
      rata between the Initial Term Loans and the Additional Term Loans in 
      ----
      the applicable Tranche based upon the respective outstanding principal 
      amounts thereof.

            (d)  If the Term Loans shall have been prepaid in full, then, on 
      each occasion that a mandatory prepayment under Sections 4.2(A)(e), (f), 
      (g) or (h) would have been required if Term Loans were outstanding, the 
      Revolving Commitments shall be reduced by the amount of the prepayment 
      that would have been so required.

            (e)  Any Lender holding Tranche B Term Loans may, to the extent 
      Tranche A Term Loans are outstanding, elect on not less than one Business 
      Day's prior written notice to the Agent with respect to any optional 
      prepayment made pursuant to Section 4.1 or any mandatory prepayment made 
      pursuant to Section 4.2(A)(e), (f), (g) and (h) not to have such 
      prepayment applied to such Lender's Tranche B Term Loans until all 
      Tranche A Term Loans shall have been paid in full in which case the 
      amount not so applied shall be applied to prepay Tranche A Term Loans.

            4.3  Method and Place of Payment.  Except as otherwise 
                 ---------------------------
specifically provided herein and subject to Section 4.2(B)(e), all payments 
under this Agreement shall be made to the Agent for the ratable (based on its 
pro rata share) account of the Lenders entitled thereto, not later than 
- --- ----
1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the date when due and shall be made in immediately 
available funds and in lawful money of the United States of America at the 
Payment Office, it being understood that written notice by the Borrower to the 
Agent to make a payment from the funds in the Borrower's account at the Payment 
Office shall constitute the making of such payment to the extent of such funds 
held in such account.  Any payments under this Agreement which are made later 
than 1:00 P.M. (New
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              18

York time) shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business 
Day.  Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a 
day which is not a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the 
next succeeding Business Day and, with respect to payments of principal, 
interest shall be payable during such extension at the applicable rate in 
effect immediately prior to such extension.

            4.4  Net Payments.  (a) All payments made by the Borrower 
                 ------------
hereunder, under any Note or any other Credit Document, will be made without 
setoff, counterclaim or other defense.  Except as provided for in Section 
4.4(b), all such payments will be made free and clear of, and without deduction 
or withholding for, any present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, 
assessments or other charges of whatever nature now or hereafter imposed by any 
jurisdiction or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or 
therein (but excluding, except as provided in the second succeeding sentence, 
any tax imposed on or measured by the net income (or any franchise tax based on 
net income) of a Lender pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction (or any 
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) under which such 
Lender is organized or in which the principal office or applicable lending 
office of such Lender is located or under the laws of any political subdivision 
or taxing authority of any such jurisdiction in which the principal office or 
applicable lending office of such Lender is located) and all interest, 
penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto (collectively, "Taxes").  
If any Taxes are so levied or imposed, the Borrower agrees to pay the full 
amount of such Taxes and such additional amounts as may be necessary so that 
every payment of all amounts due hereunder, under any Note or under any other 
Credit Document, after withholding or deduction for or on account of any Taxes, 
will not be less than the amount provided for herein or in such Note or in such 
other Credit Document.  If any amounts are payable in respect of Taxes pursuant 
to the preceding sentence, then the Borrower shall also reimburse each Lender, 
upon the written request of such Lender, for taxes imposed on or measured by 
the net income of such Lender pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction in which 
the principal office or applicable lending office of such Lender is located or 
of any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such jurisdiction and 
for any withholding of income or similar taxes imposed by the United States of 
America as such Lender shall determine are payable by, or withheld from, such 
Lender in respect of Taxes paid to or on behalf of such Lender pursuant to this 
or the preceding sentence.  The Borrower will furnish to the Agent within 45 
days after the date the payment of any Taxes, or any withholding or deduction 
on account thereof, is due pursuant to applicable law certified copies of tax 
receipts evidencing such payment by the Borrower.  The Borrower will indemnify 
and hold harmless the Agent and each Lender, and reimburse the Agent or such 
Lender upon its written request, for the amount of any Taxes so levied or 
imposed and paid or withheld by such Lender.

            (b)  Each Lender that is not a United States person (as such term 
is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) agrees to deliver to the 
Borrower and the Agent (i) on or prior to the Additional Borrowing Date (or in 
the case of a Lender that is an assignee, transferee or participant of an 
interest under this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.4 hereof (unless the 
respective Lender was already a Lender hereunder immediately prior to such 
assignment or transfer) on the date of such assignment or transfer to such 
Lender) two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue 
Service Form 4224 or 1001 (or successor forms) certifying to such Lender's 
entitlement to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax with 
respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and under any Note and 
under any other Credit Document, or (ii) if the Lender is not a "bank" within 
the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code and cannot deliver either 
Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224 pursuant to clause (i) above, on or 
prior to the Additional Borrowing Date (or in the case of a Lender that is an 
assignee, transferee or participant of an interest under this Agreement 
pursuant to Section 12.4 hereof, on the date of such assignment, transfer or 
participation to such Lender) (x) a duly executed certificate substantially in 
the form of Exhibit F (any such certificate, a "Section 4.4(b)(ii) 
Certificate") and (y) two accurate and complete original signed copies of 
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 (or successor form).  Each Lender that 
delivers a statement in the form of Exhibit F (or such other form of statement 
as shall have been requested by the Borrower) agrees that it shall hold only 
Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes and that it shall be the sole beneficial and 
record owner of all Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes held by it.  In addition, 
each Lender agrees that from time to time upon the reasonable request by the 
Borrower or the Agent after the Additional Borrowing Date, when a lapse in time 
or change in circumstances renders the previous certification obsolete or 
inaccurate in any material respect, it will deliver to the Borrower and the 
Agent two new accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue 
Service Form 4224 or 1001, or Form W-8 and a Section 4.4(b)(ii) Certificate, as 
the case may be, and such other forms as may be required in order to conform or 
establish the entitlement of such Lender to a continued complete exemption from 
United States withholding tax with respect to payments under this Agreement and
any Note, or it shall immediately notify the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              19

Borrower and the Agent of its inability to deliver any such Form or Certificate.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 4.4(a), the
Borrower shall be entitled, to the extent it is required to do so by law, to
deduct or withhold income or similar taxes imposed by the United States (or any
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) from interest,
fees or other amounts payable hereunder, under any Note or under any other
Credit Document (without obligation under Section 4.4(a) to pay the respective
Lender such Taxes or any additional amounts with respect thereto) for the
account of any Lender which is not a United States person (as such term is
defined in Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes
to the extent that such Lender has not provided to the Borrower such forms
required to be provided to the Borrower by a Lender pursuant to this Section
4.4(b), provided, that if the Borrower shall so deduct or withhold any such
        --------
taxes, it shall provide a statement to the Agent and such Lender, setting forth
the amount of such taxes so deducted or withheld, the applicable rate and any
other information or documentation which such Lender may reasonably request for
assisting such Lender in obtaining any allowable credits or deductions for the
taxes so deducted or withheld in the jurisdiction or jurisdictions in which such
Lender is subject to tax. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Section 4.4, the Borrower agrees to pay additional amounts and to indemnify
each Lender in the manner set forth in Section 4.4(a) (without regard to the
identity of the jurisdiction requiring the deduction or withholding) in respect
of any amounts deducted or withheld by it as described in the immediately
preceding sentence as a result of any changes after the Effective Date in any
applicable law, treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order, or in
the interpretation thereof, relating to the deducting or withholding of income
or similar taxes.

            (c)  If a Lender shall become aware that it is entitled to claim a 
refund from a Governmental Authority in respect of Taxes to which it has been 
indemnified by the Borrower, or with respect to which the Borrower has paid 
additional amounts, pursuant to this Section 4.4, it shall promptly notify the 
Borrower of the availability of such refund claim and shall, within 60 days 
after receipt of a request by the Borrower, make a claim to such Governmental 
Authority for such refund at the Borrower's expense.  If a Lender receives a 
refund (including pursuant to a claim for refund made pursuant to the preceding 
sentence) in respect of any Taxes to which it has been indemnified by the 
Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts 
pursuant to this Section 4.4, it shall within 30 days from the date of such 
receipt pay over such refund to the Borrower (but only to the extent of 
indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this 
Section 4.4 with respect to the Taxes or other taxes giving rise to such 
refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of such Lender and without interest 
(other than interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect 
to such refund); provided, however, that the Borrower, upon the request 
                 --------  -------
of such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus 
penalties, interest or other charges) to such Lender in the event such Lender 
is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.

            (d)  Any Lender claiming any indemnity payment or additional 
amounts payable pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall use reasonable efforts 
(consistent with legal and regulatory restrictions) to file any certificate or 
document reasonably requested in writing by the Borrower or to change the 
jurisdiction of its applicable lending office if the making of such a filing or 
change would avoid the need for or reduce the amount of any such indemnity 
payment or additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not be 
otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender in the sole determination of such 
Lender).

            (e)  If the Borrower pays any additional amount under this Section 
4.4 to a Lender and such Lender determines in its sole discretion that it has 
received or realized in connection therewith any credit against its Tax 
liabilities in or with respect to the taxable year in which the additional 
amount is paid, such Lender shall pay to the Borrower an amount that the Lender 
shall, in its sole discretion, determine is equal to the net benefit, after 
tax, which was obtained by the Lender in such year as a consequence of such 
credit.

Each Lender that delivers a statement in the form of Exhibit F (or such other 
form of statement as shall have been requested by the Borrower) agrees that it 
shall hold only Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes and that it shall be the sole 
beneficial and record owner of all Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes held by it.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              20

            SECTION 5.  Conditions Precedent.
                        --------------------

            5.1  Conditions Precedent to Initial Borrowing Date.  The 
                 ----------------------------------------------
obligation of the Lenders to make each Loan hereunder, and the obligation of 
the Letter of Credit Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, in each case 
on the Initial Borrowing Date are subject to the satisfaction of each of the 
following conditions at such time:

            (a)  Execution of Original Credit Agreement.  On or prior to 
                 --------------------------------------
      the Initial Borrowing Date, (i) the Original Credit Agreement shall have 
      been executed and delivered as provided in Section 12.10(a) and (ii) 
      there shall have been delivered to the Agent for the account of each 
      Lender the appropriate Tranche A Term Note, Tranche B Term Note, 
      Revolving Note and/or Swingline Note executed by the Borrower, in each 
      case, in the amount, maturity and as otherwise provided herein.

            (b)  Opinions of Counsel.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, the 
                 -------------------
      Agent shall have received opinions, addressed to the Agent, the 
      Collateral Agent and each of the Lenders and dated the Initial Borrowing 
      Date, from (i) Cravath, Swaine & Moore, counsel to Holdings and the 
      Borrower, which opinion shall cover the matters covered in Exhibit G 
      hereto and (ii) local counsel satisfactory to the Agent as the Agent may 
      request, which opinions shall cover the perfection of the security 
      interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents (other than the 
      Mortgages) and such other matters incident to the transactions 
      contemplated herein as the Agent may reasonably request and shall be in 
      form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

            (c)  Corporate Proceedings.  (i)  On the Initial Borrowing 
                 ---------------------
      Date, the Agent shall have received from each Credit Party a certificate, 
      dated the Initial Borrowing Date, signed by the President or any 
      Vice-President of each such Credit Party in the form of Exhibit E with 
      appropriate insertions and deletions, together with (x) copies of the 
      certificate of incorporation, any certificate of designation, the 
      by-laws, or other organizational documents of each such Credit Party, (y) 
      the resolutions, or such other administrative approval, of each such 
      Credit Party referred to in such certificate to be reasonably 
      satisfactory to the Agent and (z) in the case of the certificate 
      delivered by the Borrower, a statement that all of the applicable 
      conditions set forth in Sections 5.1(g), (h) and (i) and 5.3(a) exist as 
      of such date.

            (ii)  On the Initial Borrowing Date, all corporate and legal 
      proceedings and all instruments and agreements in connection with the 
      transactions contemplated by the Original Credit Agreement and the other 
      Documents shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the 
      Agent, and the Agent shall have received all information and copies of 
      all certificates, documents and papers, including good standing 
      certificates and any other records of corporate proceedings and 
      governmental approvals, if any, which the Agent may have reasonably 
      requested in connection therewith, such documents and papers, where 
      appropriate, to be certified by proper corporate or governmental 
      authorities.

            (d)  Plans: Collective Bargaining Agreements; Existing 
                 --------------------------------------------------
      Indebtedness Agreements; Shareholders' Agreements; Management 
      -------------------------------------------------------------
      Agreements; Employment Agreements; Tax Sharing Agreements.  On or 
      ---------------------------------------------------------
      prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, there shall have been delivered to 
      the Agent copies, certified as true and correct by an appropriate officer 
      of Holdings of:

             (i)  any Plans, and for each Plan (x) that is a "single-employer 
      plan" (as defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) the most recently 
      completed actuarial valuation prepared therefor by such Plan's regular 
      enrolled actuary and the Schedule B, "Actuarial Information" to the IRS 
      Form 5500 (Annual Report) most recently filed with the Internal Revenue 
      Service and (y) that is a "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 
      4001(a)(3) of ERISA), each of the documents referred to in clause (x) 
      either in the possession of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or any 
      ERISA Affiliate or reasonably available thereto from the sponsor or 
      trustees of such Plan;

            (ii)  any collective bargaining agreements or any other similar 
      agreement or arrangements covering the employees of Holdings or any of 
      its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Collective Bargaining Agreements");
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              21

           (iii)  all agreements evidencing or relating to the Subordinated 
      Notes and other Existing Indebtedness (the "Existing Indebtedness 
      Agreements");

            (iv)  all agreements entered into by Holdings or any of its 
      Subsidiaries governing the terms and relative rights of its capital 
      stock, and any agreements entered into by members or shareholders 
      relating to any such entity with respect to their capital stock 
      (collectively, the "Shareholders' Agreements");

             (v)  any agreement with members of, or with respect to, the 
      management of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the 
      "Management Agreements");

            (vi)  any employment agreements entered into by Holdings or any of 
      its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Employment Agreements"); and

           (vii)  all tax sharing, tax allocation and other similar agreements 
      entered into by Holdings and/or any Subsidiary of Holdings (collectively, 
      the "Tax Sharing Agreements");

all of which Plans, Collective Bargaining Agreements, Existing Indebtedness 
Agreements, Shareholders' Agreements, Management Agreements, Employment 
Agreements and Tax Sharing Agreements shall be in form and substance 
satisfactory to the Agent.  The Agent acknowledges that it is satisfied with 
the form and substance of each Plan, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Existing 
Indebtedness Agreement, Shareholders' Agreement, Management Agreement, 
Employment Agreement and Tax Sharing Agreement, as the case may be, delivered 
to it on or prior to the Initial Borrowing Date in the form so delivered. 

            (e)  Adverse Change, etc.  From December 31, 1994 to the 
                 --------------------
Initial Borrowing Date, nothing shall have occurred (and neither the Lenders 
nor the Agent shall have become aware of any facts or conditions not previously 
known) which the Agent or the Required Lenders on such date shall determine (a) 
has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the rights 
or remedies of the Lenders or the Agent under the Original Credit Agreement or 
any other Credit Document, or on the ability of any Credit Party to perform its 
obligations to them, or (b) has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material 
adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, operations, condition 
(financial or otherwise) or prospects of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as 
a whole.

            (f)  Litigation.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, there shall be 
                 ----------
no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or 
the Borrower, threatened against any Credit Party (a) with respect to this 
Agreement or any other Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or 
thereby (including the Merger) which could be reasonably expected to have a 
material adverse effect on the rights or remedies of the Lenders under the 
Credit Documents or (b) which the Agent or the Required Lenders shall determine 
could reasonably be expected to (i) have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) have 
a material adverse effect on the rights or remedies of the Lenders hereunder or 
under any other Credit Document or on the ability of any Credit Party to 
perform its respective obligations to the Lenders hereunder or under any other 
Credit Document.

            (g)  Approvals.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, all necessary 
                 ---------
governmental approvals and all necessary authorizations, consents, approvals or 
waivers of other third parties in connection with the transactions contemplated 
by the Credit Documents and the other Documents shall have been obtained and 
remain in effect (except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be 
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect), and all applicable waiting periods 
shall have expired without any action being taken by any competent authority 
which restrains or prevents such transactions or imposes, in the reasonable 
judgment of the Required Lenders or the Agent, materially adverse conditions 
upon the consummation of such transactions.

            (h)  Consummation of the Merger.  (i)  On or prior to the 
                 --------------------------
Initial Borrowing Date, there shall have been delivered to the Lenders true and 
correct copies of the Merger Agreement, and all terms of the Merger Agreement 
and the other Merger Documents shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and 
substance to the Agent.  The Agent acknowledges that it is satisfied with the 
form and substance of the Merger Agreement and the other Merger Documents 
delivered to it prior to the Initial Borrowing Date in the form so delivered.  
The Merger, including all of the terms and conditions thereof, shall have been 
duly approved by the board of directors and the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              22

stockholders of Holdings and GH, and all Merger Documents shall have been duly 
executed and delivered by the parties thereto and shall be in full force and 
effect.  Each of the material conditions precedent to Holdings' and GH's 
obligation to consummate the Merger as set forth in the Merger Documents shall 
have been satisfied, or waived, all to the reasonable satisfaction of the 
Agent, and concurrently with the making of the Term Loans on the Initial 
Borrowing Date the Merger shall have been consummated for an aggregate merger 
consideration not to exceed $207,000,000 in accordance with the Merger 
Documents, any waivers relating thereto (which, if material, have been approved 
by the Agent, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), if any, and all 
applicable laws, rules and regulations.

            (ii)  The Agent shall be satisfied that fees and expenses relating 
to the Merger shall not exceed $11,000,000.

            (i)  Existing Credit Agreements; Indebtedness.  (i) On the 
                 ----------------------------------------
Initial Borrowing Date, the commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement 
shall have been terminated, all loans thereunder shall have been repaid in 
full, together with interest thereon, all letters of credit issued thereunder 
shall have been terminated or incorporated hereunder as, or supported hereunder 
by, Letters of Credit, and all other amounts owing pursuant to the Existing 
Credit Agreement shall have been repaid in full, and the Agent shall have 
received evidence in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to it 
that the matters set forth in this Section 5.1(i)(i) have been satisfied at 
such time.

            (ii)  On the Initial Borrowing Date, the creditors under the 
Existing Credit Agreement shall have terminated and released all Liens on the 
capital stock of and assets owned by Holdings and its Subsidiaries, and the 
Agent shall have received all such releases as may have been requested by the 
Agent, which releases shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to 
the Agent.

            (iii)  After giving effect to the Merger and the other transactions 
contemplated hereby, Holdings, the Borrower and the Borrower's Subsidiaries 
shall have no preferred stock issued or outstanding other than as set forth in 
Annex 5.1(i), and shall have no Indebtedness other than pursuant to (x) the 
Facilities, (y) the Subordinated Notes and (z) Indebtedness permitted under 
Section 8.4.

            (j)  Holdings Stock Issuance.  On or prior to the Initial 
                 -----------------------
Borrowing Date, (x) Holdings shall have received cash proceeds (or 
contributions of Holdings Common Stock or rollover of options outstanding 
immediately prior to the Initial Borrowing Date to purchase Holdings Common 
Stock, valued at the original price per share paid by the Investors, in an 
aggregate amount not to exceed $9,000,000) of at least $51,000,000, in 
connection with the sale of Holdings Common Stock, Holdings Preferred Stock or 
options in respect thereof to the Investors, which cash proceeds, when 
aggregated with the proceeds of the Term Loans, Revolving Loans made on the 
Initial Borrowing Date, the Subordinated Notes and existing cash held by the 
Borrower on the Initial Borrowing Date, shall be sufficient to consummate the 
Merger and to pay all fees and expenses owing in connection therewith, and (y) 
the Lenders shall have received complete and correct copies of all documents 
executed and delivered in connection with such sale of Holdings Common Stock 
and Holdings Preferred Stock, each of which shall be in full force and effect 
and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. 

            (k)  Subordinated Notes.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, (x) 
                 ------------------
the Borrower shall have received at least $75,000,000 of gross cash proceeds 
from the sale or issuance of the Subordinated Notes less any underwriting 
discounts and/or commissions, which cash proceeds, when aggregated with the 
proceeds of the Holdings Common Stock and Holdings Preferred Stock issued on or 
prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, the proceeds of the Term Loans, Revolving 
Loans made on the Initial Borrowing Date and existing cash held by the Borrower 
on the Initial Borrowing Date, shall be sufficient to consummate the Merger and 
to pay all fees and expenses owing in connection therewith, and (y) the Lenders 
shall have received true, complete and correct copies of all documents executed 
and delivered in connection with such issuance, each of which shall be in full 
force and effect and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the 
Required Lenders.

            (l)  Security Documents; Subsidiary Guaranty.  (i) On the 
                 ---------------------------------------
Initial Borrowing Date, each of Holdings, the Borrower and Domestic 
Subsidiaries which own capital stock of any other Subsidiary shall have each 
duly
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              23

authorized, executed and delivered a Pledge Agreement in the form of Exhibits 
H-1, H-2, and H-3, respectively (each as modified, amended or supplemented from 
time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof and together with 
the pledge agreements required under Section 7.11(d), a "Pledge Agreement" and 
collectively, the "Pledge Agreements"), and each shall have delivered to the 
Collateral Agent, as pledges thereunder, all of the certificates representing 
the Pledged Securities referred to therein, endorsed in blank or accompanied by 
executed and undated stock powers, and each Pledge Agreement shall be in full 
force and effect.

            (ii)  On the Initial Borrowing Date, each of Holdings, the Borrower 
and the Domestic Subsidiaries shall have duly authorized, executed and 
delivered a Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibits I-1, I-2 
and I-3, respectively (each as modified, supplemented or amended from time to 
time in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof and together with the 
security agreements required under Section 5.2(k) and 7.11(d), a "Security 
Agreement" and collectively, the "Security Agreements") covering all of such 
Credit Party's present and future Security Agreement Collateral, in each case 
together with:

            (w)   executed copies of Financing Statements (Form UCC-1) in 
                  appropriate form for filing under the UCC of each 
                  jurisdiction as may be necessary to perfect the security 
                  interests purported to be created by each Security Agreement;

            (x)   certified copies of Requests for Information or Copies (Form 
                  UCC-11), or equivalent reports, each of recent date listing 
                  all effective financing statements that name each such Credit 
                  Party as debtor and that are filed in the jurisdictions 
                  referred to in clause (w), together with copies of such 
                  financing statements (none of which shall cover the 
                  Collateral except (x) those with respect to which appropriate 
                  termination statements executed by the secured lender 
                  thereunder have been delivered to the Agent and (y) to the 
                  extent evidencing liens permitted pursuant to Section 8.3);

            (y)   evidence of the completion of, or arrangements to complete, 
                  all other recordings and filings of, or with respect to, each 
                  Security Agreement as may be necessary or, in the opinion of 
                  the Collateral Agent, desirable to perfect the security 
                  interests intended to be created by such Security Agreement; 
                  and

            (z)   evidence that all other actions reasonably necessary or, in 
                  the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent, desirable to 
                  perfect and protect the security interests purported to be 
                  created by each Security Agreement have been, or are in the 
                  process of being, taken.

            (iii)  On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Agent shall have received 
(A) fully executed counterparts of deeds of trust, leasehold deeds of trust, 
mortgages, leasehold mortgages and similar documents in each case in form and 
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and substantially in the form of 
Exhibit M (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time 
each, a "Mortgage" and collectively, the "Mortgages") covering all the 
Mortgaged Properties, and arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the 
Collateral Agent shall be in place to provide that counterparts of such 
Mortgages shall be recorded on the Initial Borrowing Date or promptly 
thereafter in all places to the extent necessary or desirable, in the judgment 
of the Collateral Agent, effectively to create a valid and enforceable first 
priority Lien, subject only to Permitted Liens, on each Mortgaged Property in 
favor of the Collateral Agent (or such other trustee as may be required or 
desired under local law) for the benefit of the Secured Creditors, (B) a 
lender's title insurance policy; paid for by the Borrower, issued by a 
nationally recognized title insurance company, together with such endorsements, 
coinsurance and reinsurance as may be requested by the Agent, in form and 
substance acceptable to the Agent, insuring each Mortgage as a first lien on 
the relevant Mortgaged Property and subject only to Liens expressly agreed to 
by the Agent) and (C) such other documents and legal opinions reasonably 
requested by the Agent or the Required Lenders.

            (iv)  On the Initial Borrowing Date, each Domestic Subsidiary shall 
have duly authorized, executed and delivered a Guaranty in the form of Exhibit 
J hereto (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance 
with the terms hereof and thereof and together with the subsidiary guaranties 
required under Section 7.11(d), the "Subsidiary Guaranty"), and the Subsidiary 
Guaranty shall be in full force and effect.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              24

            (m)  Solvency.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Agent shall 
                 --------
have received from Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin, a solvency opinion with 
respect to each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and the 
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case after giving 
effect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and in form 
and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

            (n)  Insurance Policies.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, the 
                 ------------------
Collateral Agent shall have received evidence of insurance complying with the 
requirements of Section 7.3 and the applicable provisions of the Security 
Documents for the business and properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, 
in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and, with respect to all 
casualty insurance, naming the Collateral Agent as an additional insured and 
loss payee.  In addition, on the Initial Borrowing Date the Agent shall have 
received an insurance broker's or agent's certificate certifying that the 
insurance coverage to be maintained by Holdings and its Subsidiaries after the 
Initial Borrowing Date will be usual and customary for similarly situated 
companies in the same lines of business and that the insurance policies 
maintained by Holdings and its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement and the 
applicable provisions of the Security Documents are endorsed or amended to 
include a "standard" or "New York" lender's loss payable endorsement and name 
the Collateral Agent as additional insured.

            (o)  Fees.  On the Initial Borrowing Date, the Borrower shall 
                 ----
have paid to the Agent and the Lenders all Fees and expenses agreed upon by 
such parties to be paid on or prior to such date.

            (p)  Environmental Reports.  On or prior to the Initial 
                 ---------------------
Borrowing Date, the Agent shall have received a certificate signed by the 
President or any Vice-President of the Borrower attaching a true and correct 
copy of the environmental report from Pilko & Associates, Inc., dated August 
10, 1995, in respect of the real property assets of the Borrower and its 
Subsidiaries, and such other materials as the Borrower deems necessary in 
connection with such certificate, describing the remedial action taken by the 
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to correct any material deficiencies 
identified by such environmental report.

            (q)  Financial Information.  The Lenders shall have received 
                 ---------------------
copies of (i) audited consolidated financial statements of Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries for fiscal years ending and as at December 31, 1994, 1993 and 
1992, prepared in accordance with GAAP, accompanied by an unqualified report of 
Ernst and Young, and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of 
Holdings and its Subsidiaries dated March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, (ii) 
audited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries 
for fiscal years ending and as at December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, prepared in 
accordance with GAAP, accompanied by an unqualified report of Ernst and Young, 
and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its 
Subsidiaries dated June 30, 1995, (iii) unaudited monthly financial statements, 
(in form and detail comparable to the monthly financial statement previously 
prepared), prepared in accordance with GAAP, for each of Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the months ended July 
31, 1995 and August 30, 1995, and each other fiscal month ended prior to the 
Effective Date for which such monthly financial statements are available prior 
to the Effective Date, which financial statements shall not, in the reasonable 
judgment of the Lenders, reflect any material adverse change in the 
consolidated financial condition of the Borrower as reflected in the financial 
statements or projection delivered to the Lenders or the Agent on or prior to 
the dates of their respective commitments to the Facilities and (iv) the Pro 
Forma Balance Sheets, together with a reconciliation thereof to the balance 
sheets of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries and the Borrower and its 
consolidated Subsidiaries, respectively, as at the Pro Forma Date.

            5.2  Conditions Precedent to Additional Borrowing Date.  The 
                 -------------------------------------------------
obligation of the Lenders to make each Additional Tranche A Term Loan and 
Additional Tranche B Term Loan hereunder on the Additional Borrowing Date are 
subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions at such time:

            (a)  Execution of this Agreement.  On or prior to the 
                 ---------------------------
      Additional Borrowing Date, (i) this Agreement shall have been executed 
      and delivered as provided in Section 12.10(b) and (ii) there shall have 
      been delivered to the Agent for the account of each Lender with a Tranche 
      A Term Commitment or a Tranche B Term Commitment the appropriate Tranche 
      A Term Note or Tranche B Term Note, executed by the Borrower in the 
      amount of its Tranche A Term Loan or Tranche B Term Loan, as the case may 
      be, after giving effect to this Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              25

            (b)  Opinions of Counsel.  On the Additional Borrowing Date, 
                 -------------------
      the Agent shall have received opinions, addressed to the Agent, the 
      Collateral Agent and each of the Lenders and dated the Additional 
      Borrowing Date, from (i) Cravath, Swaine & Moore, counsel to Holdings and 
      the Borrower, which opinion shall cover the matters covered in Exhibit N 
      hereto and (ii) local counsel satisfactory to the Agent as the Agent may 
      request, which opinions shall cover the perfection of the security 
      interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents with respect to the 
      assets acquired in the Devon Acquisition and such other matters incident 
      to the Devon Acquisition as the Agent may reasonably request and shall be 
      in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

            (c)  Corporate Proceedings.  (i)  On the Additional Borrowing 
                 ---------------------
      Date, the Agent shall have received from each Credit Party a certificate, 
      dated the Additional Borrowing Date, signed by the President or any 
      Vice-President of each such Credit Party in the form of Exhibit O with 
      appropriate insertions and deletions, together with (x) copies of the 
      certificate of incorporation, any certificate of designation, the 
      by-laws, or other organizational documents of each such Credit Party, (y) 
      the resolutions, or such other administrative approval, of each such 
      Credit Party referred to in such certificate to be reasonably 
      satisfactory to the Agent and (z) in the case of the certificate 
      delivered by the Borrower, a statement that all of the applicable 
      conditions set forth in Sections 5.2(g), (h) and (i) and 5.3(a) exist as 
      of such date.

            (ii)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, all corporate and legal 
      proceedings and all instruments and agreements in connection with the 
      transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Documents shall 
      be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent, and the 
      Agent shall have received all information and copies of all certificates, 
      documents and papers, including good standing certificates and any other 
      records of corporate proceedings and governmental approvals, if any, 
      which the Agent may have reasonably requested in connection therewith, 
      such documents and papers, where appropriate, to be certified by proper 
      corporate or governmental authorities.

            (d)  Plans of Devon; Collective Bargaining Agreements; Existing 
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
      Indebtedness Agreements; Shareholders' Agreements; Management 
      -------------------------------------------------------------
      Agreements; Employment Agreements; Tax Sharing Agreements.  On or 
      ---------------------------------------------------------
      prior to the Additional Borrowing Date, there shall have been delivered 
      to the Agent copies, certified as true and correct by an appropriate 
      officer of either Holdings or the Borrower of:

             (i)  any Plans of Devon or any of its Subsidiaries, and for each 
      such Plan (x) that is a "single-employer plan" (as defined in Section 
      4001(a)(15) of ERISA) the most recently completed actuarial valuation 
      prepared therefor by such Plan's regular enrolled actuary and the 
      Schedule B, "Actuarial Information" to the IRS Form 5500 (Annual Report) 
      most recently filed with the Internal Revenue Service and (y) that is a 
      "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA), each of 
      the documents referred to in clause (x) either in the possession of 
      Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliate or reasonably 
      available thereto from the sponsor or trustees of such Plan;

            (ii)  any collective bargaining agreements or any other similar 
      agreement or arrangements covering the employees of Devon or any of its 
      Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Devon Collective Bargaining 
      Agreements");

           (iii)  all agreements evidencing or relating to the Indebtedness of 
      Devon or any of its Subsidiaries (the "Devon Existing Indebtedness 
      Agreements");

            (iv)  all agreements entered into by Devon or any of its 
      Subsidiaries governing the terms and relative rights of its capital 
      stock, and any agreements entered into by members or shareholders 
      relating to any such entity with respect to their capital stock 
      (collectively, the "Devon Shareholders' Agreements");

             (v)  any agreement with members of, or with respect to, the 
      management of Devon or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Devon 
      Management Agreements");
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              26

            (vi)  any employment agreements entered into by Devon or any of its 
      Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Devon Employment Agreements"); and

           (vii)  all tax sharing, tax allocation and other similar agreements 
      entered into by Devon or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the 
      "Devon Tax Sharing Agreements");

all of which Plans of Devon, Devon Collective Bargaining Agreements, Devon 
Existing Indebtedness Agreements, Devon Shareholders' Agreements, Devon 
Management Agreements, Devon Employment Agreements and Devon Tax Sharing 
Agreements shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.  The Agent 
acknowledges that it is satisfied with the form and substance of each Plan of 
Devon, Devon Collective Bargaining Agreement, Devon Existing Indebtedness 
Agreement, Devon Shareholders' Agreement, Devon Management Agreement, Devon 
Employment Agreement and Devon Tax Sharing Agreement, as the case may be, 
delivered to it on or prior to the Additional Borrowing Date in the form so 
delivered. 

            (e)  Adverse Change, etc.  Nothing shall have occurred (and 
                 --------------------
neither the Lenders nor the Agent shall have become aware of any facts or 
conditions not previously known) which the Agent or the Required Lenders shall 
determine (i) has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect 
on the rights or remedies of the Lenders or the Agent under this Agreement or 
any other Credit Document, or on the ability of any Credit Party to perform its 
obligations to them from December 31, 1994 to the Additional Borrowing Date, 
(ii) has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the 
business, properties, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or 
prospects of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole from December 31, 
1995 to the Additional Borrowing Date or (iii) has, or is reasonably likely to 
have, a material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, 
operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of Devon and its 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole from December 31, 1995 to the Additional 
Borrowing Date. 

            (f)  Litigation.  On the Additional Borrowing Date, there shall 
                 ----------
be no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or 
the Borrower, threatened against any Credit Party (a) with respect to this 
Agreement or any other Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or 
thereby (including the Devon Acquisition) which could be reasonably expected to 
have a material adverse effect on the rights or remedies of the Lenders under 
the Credit Documents or (b) which the Agent or the Required Lenders shall 
determine could reasonably be expected to (i) have a Material Adverse Effect or 
(ii) have a material adverse effect on the rights or remedies of the Lenders 
hereunder or under any other Credit Document or on the ability of any Credit 
Party to perform its respective obligations to the Lenders hereunder or under 
any other Credit Document.

            (g)  Approvals.  On the Additional Borrowing Date, all 
                 ---------
necessary governmental approvals and all necessary authorizations, consents, 
approvals or waivers of other third parties in connection with the transactions 
contemplated by the Credit Documents and the other Documents shall have been 
obtained and remain in effect (except where the failure to do so would not 
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect), and all applicable 
waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken by any 
competent authority which restrains or prevents such transactions or imposes, 
in the reasonable judgment of the Required Lenders or the Agent, materially 
adverse conditions upon the consummation of such transactions.

            (h)  Consummation of the Devon Acquisition.  (i)  On or prior 
                 -------------------------------------
to the Additional Borrowing Date, there shall have been delivered to the 
Lenders true and correct copies of the Devon Acquisition Agreement, and all 
terms of the Devon Acquisition Agreement and the other Devon Acquisition 
Documents shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.  
The Agent acknowledges that it is satisfied with the form and substance of the 
Devon Acquisition Agreement and the other Devon Acquisition Documents delivered 
to it prior to the Additional Borrowing Date in the form so delivered.  The 
Devon Acquisition, including all of the terms and conditions thereof, shall 
have been duly approved by the board of directors of the Borrower and the board 
of directors and shareholders of Devon, and all Devon Acquisition Documents 
shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto and shall be 
in full force and effect.  Each of the material conditions precedent to the 
Borrower's obligation to consummate the Devon Acquisition as set forth in the 
Devon Acquisition Documents shall have been satisfied, or waived, all to the 
reasonable satisfaction of the Agent, and concurrently with the making of the 
Additional Term Loans on the Additional Borrowing Date the Devon Acquisition 
shall have been
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              27

consummated for an aggregate share purchase consideration not to exceed 
$94,000,000 in accordance with the Devon Acquisition Documents, any waivers 
relating thereto (which, if material, have been approved by the Agent, such 
approval not to be unreasonably withheld), if any, and all applicable laws, 
rules and regulations.

            (ii)  The Agent shall be satisfied that fees and expenses relating 
to the Devon Acquisition shall not exceed $7,000,000.

            (i)  Existing Devon Credit Agreements; Indebtedness.  (i) On 
                 ----------------------------------------------
the Additional Borrowing Date, the commitments under the Existing Devon Credit 
Agreements shall have been terminated, all loans thereunder shall have been 
repaid in full, together with interest thereon, all letters of credit issued 
thereunder shall have been terminated, or supported hereunder by, Letters of 
Credit, and all other amounts owing pursuant to the Existing Devon Credit 
Agreements shall have been repaid in full, and the Agent shall have received 
evidence in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to it that the 
matters set forth in this Section 5.2(i)(i) have been satisfied at such time.

            (ii)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, the creditors under the 
Existing Devon Credit Agreements shall have terminated and released all Liens 
on the capital stock of and assets owned by Devon and its Subsidiaries, and the 
Agent shall have received all such releases as may have been requested by the 
Agent, which releases shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to 
the Agent.

            (iii)  After giving effect to the Devon Acquisition and the other 
transactions contemplated hereby, Holdings, the Borrower and the Borrower's 
Subsidiaries shall have no preferred stock issued or outstanding other than as 
set forth in Annex 5.2(i), and shall have no Indebtedness other than pursuant 
to (x) the Facilities, (y) the Subordinated Notes and (z) Indebtedness 
permitted under Section 8.4.                                

            (j)  Borrower Stock Issuance.  On or prior to the Additional 
                 -----------------------
Borrowing Date (x) Holdings shall have received cash proceeds of at least 
$31,500,000 in connection with the sale of Holdings Common Stock and Holdings 
Preferred Stock to the Investors in connection with the Devon Acquisition, (y) 
the Borrower shall have received cash proceeds of at least $31,500,000 in 
connection with the sale of capital stock of the Borrower or options in respect 
thereof to Holdings (or as a capital contribution from Holdings), which cash 
proceeds, when aggregated with the proceeds of the Additional Tranche A Term 
Loans and Additional Tranche B Term Loans made on the Additional Borrowing Date 
and existing cash held by the Borrower on the Additional Borrowing Date, shall 
be sufficient to consummate the Devon Acquisition and to pay all fees and 
expenses owing in connection therewith and (z) the Lenders shall have received 
complete and correct copies of all documents executed and delivered in 
connection with such sale of Holdings Common Stock and Holdings Preferred Stock 
and capital stock of the Borrower (or such capital contribution from Holdings) 
each of which shall be in full force and effect and shall be in form and 
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

            (k)  Security Documents.  (i) On the Additional Borrowing Date, 
                 ------------------
(x) Holdings shall have duly authorized, executed and delivered Supplement No. 
1 to Pledge Agreement in the form of Exhibit P-1 and (y) the Borrower shall 
have duly authorized, executed and delivered the Amendment to Pledge Agreement 
in the form of Exhibit P-2, and shall have delivered to the Collateral Agent, 
as a pledgee thereunder, all of the certificates representing the Pledged 
Securities referred to therein, endorsed in blank or accompanied by executed 
and undated stock powers, and the Amendment to Pledge Agreement shall be in 
full force and effect.

            (ii)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, (x) each of Holdings, the 
Borrower and each of Tronomed, Inc. and Tronomed Express, Inc. shall have duly 
authorized, executed and delivered each respective Supplement No. 1 to Security 
Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibits Q-1, Q-2, Q-3 and Q-4, 
respectively, covering all of each of Holdings', the Borrower's and the 
Domestic Subsidiaries' present and future Security Agreement Collateral, 
respectively, and (y) Devon shall have duly authorized, executed and delivered 
the Subsidiary Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit Q-5 
covering all of Devon's and its Subsidiaries' present and future Security 
Agreement Collateral together with:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              28

            (A)   executed copies of Financing Statements (Form UCC-1) in 
                  appropriate form for filing under the UCC of each 
                  jurisdiction as may be necessary to perfect the security 
                  interests purported to be created by such Security Agreement;

            (B)   certified copies of Requests for Information or Copies (Form 
                  UCC-11), or equivalent reports, each of recent date listing 
                  all effective financing statements that name Devon or any of 
                  its Subsidiaries as debtor and that are filed in the 
                  jurisdictions referred to in clause (w), together with copies 
                  of such financing statements (none of which shall cover the 
                  Collateral except (x) those with respect to which appropriate 
                  termination statements executed by the secured lender 
                  thereunder have been delivered to the Agent and (y) to the 
                  extent evidencing liens permitted pursuant to Section 8.3);

            (C)   evidence of the completion of, or arrangements to complete, 
                  all other recordings and filings of, or with respect to, such 
                  Security Agreement as may be necessary or, in the opinion of 
                  the Collateral Agent, desirable to perfect the security 
                  interests intended to be created by such Security Agreement; 
                  and

            (D)   evidence that all other actions reasonably necessary or, in 
                  the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent, desirable to 
                  perfect and protect the security interests purported to be 
                  created by such Security Agreement have been, or are in the 
                  process of being, taken.

            (iii)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, (x) each of Tronomed, Inc. 
and Tronomed Express, Inc. shall have duly authorized, executed and delivered 
each respective Supplement No. 1 to Subsidiary Guaranty in the form of Exhibits 
R-1 and R-2, respectively, hereto and each such Supplement No. 1 to Subsidiary 
Guaranty shall be in full force and effect and (y) Devon shall have duly 
authorized, executed and delivered the Subsidiary Guaranty in the form of 
Exhibit R-3 hereto and such Subsidiary Guaranty shall be in full force and 
effect. 
            
            (iv)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, (x) the Borrower shall have 
duly authorized, executed and delivered Supplement No. 1 to Patent Security 
Agreement in the form of Exhibit S-1 hereto and Supplement No. 1 to Patent 
Security Agreement shall be in full force and effect and (y) Devon shall have 
duly authorized, executed and delivered the Subsidiary Patent Security 
Agreement in the form of Exhibit S-2 hereto and such Subsidiary Patent Security 
Agreement shall be in full force and effect.

            (v)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, (x) the Borrower shall have 
duly authorized, executed and delivered Supplement No. 1 to Trademark Security 
Agreement in the form of Exhibit T-1 hereto and Supplement No. 1 to Trademark 
Security Agreement shall be in full force and effect and (y) Devon shall have 
duly authorized, executed and delivered the Subsidiary Trademark Security 
Agreement in the form of Exhibit T-2 hereto and such Subsidiary Trademark 
Security Agreement shall be in full force and effect.

            (vi)  On the Additional Borrowing Date, the Borrower shall have 
duly authorized, executed and delivered amendments to Mortgages on the 
Mortgaged Properties with appropriate title policy endorsements in the form of 
Exhibit U.

            (l)  Solvency Certificate.  On the Additional Borrowing Date, 
                 --------------------
the Agent shall have received a solvency certificate, executed by the chief 
financial officer or president of the Borrower, substantially in the form of 
Exhibit V.

            (m)  Insurance Policies.  On the Additional Borrowing Date, the 
                 ------------------
Collateral Agent shall have received an insurance report from Johnson & Higgins 
with respect to insurance arrangements for Devon. 

            (n)  Fees.  On the Additional Borrowing Date, the Borrower 
                 ----
shall have paid to the Agent and the Lenders all Fees and expenses agreed upon 
by such parties to be paid on or prior to such date.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              29

            (o)  Financial Information.  The Lenders shall have received 
                 ---------------------
copies of (i) audited consolidated financial statements of Devon for fiscal 
years ending and as at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, prepared in accordance 
with GAAP, accompanied by an unqualified report of Price-Waterhouse L.L.P., and 
(ii) the Devon Pro Forma Balance Sheets, together with a reconciliation thereof 
to the balance sheets of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries and the 
Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries, respectively, as at the Devon Pro 
Forma Date.

            (p) Compliance Requirements.  Holdings shall be in compliance, 
                -----------------------
on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Devon Acquisition with 
     --- -----
the covenants contained in Sections 8.11, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14 and 8.15 as if the 
Devon Acquisition had occurred on the first day of each relevant period for 
testing such compliance.  For purposes of determining such compliance, (i) such 
covenants for the relevant periods ending March 31, 1996 shall be required to 
be complied with and (ii) calculations for such covenants shall be computed as 
at December 31, 1995.  On or prior to the Additional Borrowing Date, Holdings 
shall have delivered to the Agent an officers' certificate setting forth the 
calculations required to establish such compliance. 

            (q)  Consent.  This Agreement shall have been executed by the 
                 -------
Required Lenders and, without duplication, the Lenders with Additional Term 
Commitments.

            (r)  Borrowing Base Certificate; Total Availability 
                 -----------------------------------------------
Certificate.  Each of the Borrowing Base Certificate and the Total 
- -----------
Availability Certificate for the month ending January 31, 1996 shall have been 
delivered to each Lender in accordance with Section 7.1(g).

            5.3  Conditions Precedent to All Credit Events.  The  
                 -----------------------------------------
obligation of the Lenders to make each Loan hereunder, and the obligation of 
the Letter of Credit Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, is subject, 
at the time of each such Credit Event, to the satisfaction of the following 
condition:

            (a)  No Default; Representations and Warranties.  At the time 
                 ------------------------------------------
      of each Credit Event and also after giving effect thereto, (i) there 
      shall exist no Default or Event of Default and (ii) all representations 
      and warranties contained herein or in the other Credit Documents in 
      effect at such time shall be true and correct in all material respects 
      with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had 
      been made on and as of the date of such Credit Event, except to the 
      extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an 
      earlier date.

            The acceptance of the benefits of each Credit Event shall 
constitute a representation and warranty by Holdings and the Borrower to each 
of the Lenders that all of the applicable conditions specified in Section 5.1 
and/or 5.2 and/or 5.3, as the case may be (other than the required satisfaction 
of the Agent or any Lender as specified therein), exist as of that time.  All 
of the certificates, legal opinions and other documents and papers referred to 
in this Section 5, unless otherwise specified, shall be delivered to the Agent 
at its Notice Office for the account of each of the Lenders and, except for the 
Notes, in sufficient counterparts for each of the Lenders and shall be 
satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent.

            SECTION 6.  Representations, Warranties and Agreements.
                        ------------------------------------------

            In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to 
make the Loans and issue and/or participate in Letters of Credit provided for 
herein, each of Holdings and the Borrower makes the following representations 
and warranties to, and agreements with, the Lenders, all of which shall survive 
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loans (with 
the making of each Credit Event thereafter being deemed to constitute a 
representation and warranty that the matters specified in this Section 6 are 
true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of each such 
Credit Event unless such representation and warranty expressly indicates that 
it is being made as of any specific date):

            6.1  Corporate Status.  Each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries 
                 ----------------
(i) is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under 
the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has the corporate power 
and authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business in 
which it is engaged and presently proposes to engage and (ii) has duly 
qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in all
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              30

jurisdictions where it is required to be so qualified and where the failure to 
be so qualified would have a Material Adverse Effect.

            6.2  Corporate Power and Authority.  Each Credit Party has the 
                 -----------------------------
corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and  carry out the terms and 
provisions of the Documents to which it is a party and has taken all necessary 
corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the 
Documents to which it is a party.  Each Credit Party has duly executed and 
delivered each Document to which it is a party and each such Document 
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person enforceable 
in accordance with its terms.

            6.3  No Violation.  Neither the execution, delivery and 
                 ------------
performance by any Credit Party of the Documents to which it is a party nor 
compliance with the terms and provisions thereof, nor the consummation of the 
transactions contemplated therein (i) will contravene any applicable provision 
of any law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any 
court or governmental instrumentality, (ii) will conflict or be inconsistent 
with or result in any breach of, any of the terms, covenants, conditions or 
provisions of, or constitute a default under, or (other than pursuant to the 
Security Documents) result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation 
to create or impose) any Lien upon any of the property or assets of Holdings, 
the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any 
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, agreement or other instrument to which 
Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries is a party or by which it 
or any of its property or assets are bound or to which it may be subject or 
(iii) will violate any provision of the Charter or By-Laws of Holdings, the 
Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries.

            6.4  Litigation.  Except as set forth in Annex 6.4, there are 
                 ----------
no actions, suits or proceedings pending or threatened with respect to 
Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries (i) that are likely to have 
a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that could reasonably be expected to have a 
material adverse effect on (a) the rights or remedies of the Lenders or on the 
ability of any Credit Party to perform its obligations to them hereunder and 
under the other Credit Documents to which it is a party or (b) the ability to 
consummate the Transaction or (c) the ability to consummate the Devon 
Acquisition or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            6.5  Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations.  (a) The proceeds of 
                 -----------------------------------
Initial Tranche A Term Loans and Initial Tranche B Term Loans together with the 
entire amount of the proceeds of the issuance of Holdings Common Stock 
described in Section 5.1(j), Holdings Preferred Stock and the Subordinated 
Notes shall be utilized for the purposes described in clause (ii) or (iii) 
below or paid as a dividend or advanced by the Borrower to Holdings on the 
Initial Borrowing Date and used by Holdings on the Initial Borrowing Date 
solely (i) to pay the consideration to be paid in connection with the Merger 
(or for general corporate purposes to the extent that a portion of the 
consideration is paid from cash of the Borrower or Holdings held prior to the 
Initial Borrowing Date), (ii) to refinance existing Indebtedness of the 
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (iii) to pay costs and expenses related to 
the Transaction.

            (b)  The proceeds of the Additional Tranche A Term Loans and the 
Additional Tranche B Term Loans together with the entire amount of the proceeds 
of the issuance of Holdings Common Stock and Holdings Preferred Stock described 
in Section 5.2(j) shall be used by the Borrower on the Additional Borrowing 
Date solely (i) to pay the consideration to be paid in connection with the 
Devon Acquisition (or for general corporate purposes to the extent that a 
portion of the consideration is paid from cash of the Borrower or Devon held 
prior to the Additional Borrowing Date), (ii) to refinance existing 
Indebtedness of Devon and its Subsidiaries and (iii) to pay costs and expenses 
related to the Devon Transaction.

            (c)  The proceeds of all Revolving Loans shall be utilized (i) for 
general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and (ii) to 
finance Permitted Business Acquisitions; provided that proceeds of 
                                         --------
Revolving Loans used to fund Contingent Payments (as defined in the Devon 
Acquisition Agreement) shall not exceed the lesser of (x) $3,500,000 plus 
accrued interest thereon, if any, and (y) 50% of the Contingent Payments 
required to be paid under Section 10 of the Devon Acquisition Agreement.

            (d)  Neither the making of any Loan hereunder, nor the use of the 
proceeds thereof, will violate or be inconsistent with the provisions of 
Regulation G, T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              31

System and no part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used to purchase or 
carry any Margin Stock in violation of Regulation U or to extend credit for the 
purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

            6.6  Governmental Approvals.  No order, consent, approval, 
                 ----------------------
license, authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration 
with, or exemption by, any foreign or domestic governmental or public body or 
authority, or any subdivision thereof, is required to authorize or is required 
in connection with (i) the execution, delivery and performance of any Credit 
Document or (ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of 
any Credit Document.

            6.7  Investment Company Act.  None of Holdings, the Borrower or 
                 ----------------------
any of their Subsidiaries is an "investment company" within the meaning of the 
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "ICA") or a company 
"controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the ICA (other 
than any investment company (including, without limitation, Bessemer and its 
Affiliates) which has been exempted from all provisions of the ICA pursuant to 
an order of the SEC under Section 6(c) of the ICA).

            6.8  Public Utility Holding Company Act.  None of Holdings, the 
                 ----------------------------------
Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary 
company" of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of 
a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public 
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

            6.9  True and Complete Disclosure.  (a) All information and 
                 ----------------------------
data (excluding projections) concerning each of Holdings and the Borrower and 
the transactions contemplated herein which have been prepared by Holdings and 
the Borrower and that have been made available to the Agent or any Lender by or 
on behalf of Holdings and the Borrower prior to the Effective Date in 
connection with the Transaction or prior to the Amended and Restated Credit 
Agreement Effective Date in connection with the Devon Transaction, when taken 
as a whole, do not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact 
or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements 
contained therein not materially misleading and all financial projections that 
have been prepared by Holdings and the Borrower and that have been made 
available prior to the Effective Date or prior to the Amended and Restated 
Credit Agreement Effective Date, as the case may be, to the Agent and/or any 
Lender by Holdings and the Borrower have been prepared in good faith based upon 
assumptions believed by Holdings and the Borrower at the time to be reasonable.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Agent and each of the Lenders acknowledge
that certain of the information provided to the Agent and each such Lender in
respect of Holdings and the Borrower has been prepared by GH and/or its advisors
and not by Holdings or the Borrower.

            (b)  All other factual information (taken as a whole) furnished on 
or after the Effective Date or (in respect of the Devon Transaction) on or 
after the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Effective Date by or on behalf 
of Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries in writing to the Agent 
or any Lender (including, without limitation, all information contained in the 
Documents) for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any 
transaction contemplated herein is, and will be, true and accurate in all 
material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or 
certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary 
to make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading at such time in 
light of the circumstances under which such information was provided.  The 
projections and pro forma financial information contained in such 
                --- -----
materials are based on good faith estimates and assumptions believed by such 
Persons to be reasonable at the time made, it being recognized by the Lenders 
that such projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and 
that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such 
projections may differ from the projected results.  There is no fact known to 
any Credit Party which materially and adversely affects the business, 
operations, property, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of any such 
Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, which has not 
been disclosed herein or in such other documents, certificates and statements 
furnished to the Lenders for use in connection with the transactions 
contemplated hereby.

            6.10  Financial Condition; Financial Statements.  (a) On and as 
                  -----------------------------------------
of the Initial Borrowing Date, on a pro forma basis after giving effect 
                                    --- -----
to the Transaction and to all Indebtedness incurred, and to be incurred, and 
Liens created, and to be created, by each Credit Party and its respective 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole in connection therewith, (x) the sum of the 
assets, at a fair valuation, of each Credit Party and its respective 
Subsidiaries taken as
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              32

a whole will exceed its debts, (y) no such Credit Party and its Subsidiaries 
taken as a whole will have incurred or intended to, or believes that it will, 
incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as such debts mature and (z) 
each such Credit Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will have 
sufficient capital with which to conduct its business.  On and as of the 
Additional Borrowing Date, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to 
                                --- -----
the Devon Transaction and to all Indebtedness incurred, and to be incurred, and 
Liens created, and to be created, by each Credit Party and its respective 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole in connection therewith, (x) the sum of the 
assets, at a fair valuation, of each Credit Party and its respective 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole will exceed its debts, (y) no such Credit Party 
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will have incurred or intended to, or 
believes that it will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as such 
debts mature and (z) each such Credit Party and its Subsidiaries taken as a 
whole will have sufficient capital with which to conduct its business.  For 
purposes of this Section 6.10, "debt" means any liability on a claim, and 
"claim" means (i) right to payment whether or not such a right is reduced to 
judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, 
disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured; or (ii) right to 
an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a 
payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to 
judgment, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured 
or unsecured.

            (b)  (i)  The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower 
and its Subsidiaries dated as of December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1993, 
copies of which have been heretofore furnished to each Lender, were prepared in 
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis in accordance with the past 
practice of the Borrower except for any changes required by GAAP and fairly 
present the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its 
Subsidiaries as of their respective dates.

            (ii)  The audited consolidated statements of operations, statements 
of changes in shareholder's deficit and statements of cash flows of the 
Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the 12-month periods ended December 31, 1994 
and 1993, copies of which have been heretofore furnished to each Lender, were 
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis in accordance 
with the past practice of the Borrower except for any changes required by GAAP 
and fairly present the consolidated results of operations, the cash flows and 
changes in shareholder's deficit of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such 
period.

            (iii)  The audited consolidated balance sheets of Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries dated as of December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1993, copies of 
which have been heretofore furnished to each Lender, were prepared in 
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis in accordance with the past 
practice of Holdings except for any changes required by GAAP and fairly present 
the consolidated financial position of Holdings and the Subsidiaries as of 
their respective dates.

            (iv)  The audited consolidated statements of operations, statements 
of changes in shareholder's deficit and statements of cash flows of Holdings 
and its Subsidiaries for the 12-month periods ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, 
copies of which have been heretofore furnished to each Lender, were prepared in 
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis in accordance with the past 
practice of Holdings and fairly present the consolidated results of operations, 
the cash flows and changes in shareholder's deficit of Holdings and the 
Subsidiaries for such period.

            (v)  (x)  The pro forma consolidated balance sheets of each 
                          --- -----
of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (the 
"Pro Forma Balance Sheets"), dated as of June 30, 1995 (the "Pro Forma Date"), 
copies of which have heretofore been furnished to each Lender, present a good 
faith estimate of the consolidated pro forma financial condition of the 
                                   --- -----
respective entities as of the Pro Forma Date (after giving effect to the 
Transaction and the related financing thereof).

                 (y)  The pro forma consolidated balance sheets of each 
                          --- -----
of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (the 
"Devon Pro Forma Balance Sheets"), dated as of December 31, 1995 (the "Devon 
Pro Forma Date"), copies of which have heretofore been furnished to each 
Lender, present a good faith estimate of the consolidated pro forma 
                                                          --- -----
financial condition of the respective entities as of the Devon Pro Forma Date 
(after giving effect to the Devon Transaction and the related financing 
thereof).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              33

            (vi)  Except for the incurrence of Indebtedness to finance the 
Transaction or to finance the Devon Transaction, nothing has occurred since 
September 30, 1995 that has had a Material Adverse Effect.

            (vii)  The audited consolidated balance sheets of Devon and its 
Subsidiaries dated as of December 31, 1995, December 31, 1994 and December 31, 
1993, copies of which have been heretofore furnished to each Lender, were 
prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis in accordance 
with the past practice of Devon and fairly present the consolidated financial 
position of Devon and its Subsidiaries as of their respective dates.

            (viii)  The audited consolidated statements of operations, 
statements of changes in shareholder's deficit and statements of cash flows of 
Devon and its Subsidiaries for the 12-month periods ended December 31, 1995, 
1994 and 1993, copies of which have been heretofore furnished to each Lender, 
were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis in 
accordance with the past practice of Devon and fairly present the consolidated 
results of operations, the cash flows and changes in shareholder's deficit of 
Devon and its Subsidiaries for such periods.

            (c)  Except as fully reflected in the financial statements and the 
notes thereto described in Section 6.10(b), there were as of the Initial 
Borrowing Date and as of the Additional Borrowing Date no material Contingent 
Obligations, contingent liability or liability for taxes, or any long-term 
lease or unusual forward or long-term commitment, including, without 
limitation, interest rate or foreign currency swap or exchange transaction with 
respect to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries which, either individually or in 
aggregate, would be material to Holdings, Devon or the Borrower and its 
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except as incurred by the Borrower in the 
ordinary course of business consistent with past practices subsequent to 
September 30, 1995 and except agreements entered into subsequent to the Initial 
Borrowing Date in compliance with Section 7.12.

            6.11  Security Interests.  (a)  On and after the Initial 
                  ------------------
Borrowing Date, each of the Security Documents creates, as security for the 
Obligations purported to be secured thereby, a valid and enforceable perfected 
security interest in and Lien on all of the Collateral subject thereto, 
superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons and subject to no 
other Liens (except (x) that the Security Agreement Collateral may be subject 
to the security interests evidenced by Permitted Liens relating thereto and (y) 
the Mortgaged Properties may be subject to Permitted Liens relating thereto)), 
in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders.  No filings or 
recordings are required in order to perfect the security interests created 
under any Security Document except for filings or recordings required in 
connection with any such Security Document (other than the Pledge Agreement) 
which shall have been made, or for which satisfactory arrangements have been 
made, upon or prior to the execution and delivery thereof.

            (b)  On and after the Additional Borrowing Date, all of the 
Security Documents (including, without limitation, the patent and trademark 
security agreements executed and delivered by each of the Borrower and Devon)  
create, as security for the Obligations purported to be secured thereby, a 
valid and enforceable perfected security interest in and Lien on all of the 
Collateral subject thereto, superior to and prior to the rights of all third 
Persons and subject to no other Liens (except that (x) the Security Agreement 
Collateral may be subject to the security interests evidenced by Permitted 
Liens relating thereto and (y) the Mortgaged Properties may be subject to 
Permitted Liens relating thereto), in favor of the Collateral Agent for the 
benefit of the Lenders.  No filings or recordings are required in order to 
perfect the security interests created under any such Security Document except 
for filings or recordings required in connection with any such Security 
Document (other than the Pledge Agreement of the Borrower) which shall have 
been made, or for which satisfactory arrangements have been made, upon or prior 
to the execution and delivery thereof.

            6.12  Representations and Warranties in Documents.  (a)  All 
                  -------------------------------------------
representations and warranties of Holdings, the Borrower and GH under the 
Merger Agreement and the Subordinated Note Documents were true and correct in 
all material respects as of the time such representations and warranties were 
made and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Initial 
Borrowing Date as if such representations and warranties were made on and as of 
such date, unless stated to relate to a specific earlier date, in which case 
such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material 
respects as of such earlier date.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              34

            (b)  All representations and warranties of the Borrower and Devon 
under the Devon Acquisition Agreement were true and correct in all material 
respects as of the time such representations and warranties were made and shall 
be true and correct in all material respects as of the Additional Borrowing 
Date as if such representations and warranties were made on and as of such 
date, unless stated to relate to a specific earlier date, in which case such 
representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material 
respects as of such earlier date.

            6.13  Consummation of Merger; Issuance of Subordinated Notes; 
                  --------------------------------------------------------
Consummation of Devon Acquisition.  (a)  As of the Initial Borrowing Date, 
- ---------------------------------
the Merger has been consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions of 
the Merger Documents (as satisfied or waived) and the Subordinated Notes have 
been issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Subordinated 
Note Documents (as satisfied or waived).  All consents and approvals of, and 
filings and registrations with, and all other actions in respect of, all 
governmental agencies, authorities or instrumentalities required in order to 
consummate the Merger in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Merger 
Documents and all applicable laws have been, or prior to the time required, 
will have been, obtained, given, filed, taken, or waived, and are, or will be 
at the time required, in full force and effect.  All applicable waiting periods 
with respect thereto have, or, prior to the time when required, will have, 
expired or been terminated without, in all such cases, any action being taken 
by any competent authority which restrains, prevents, or imposes material 
adverse conditions upon the consummation of the Merger.  As of the Initial 
Borrowing Date, there does not exist any judgment, order, or injunction 
prohibiting or imposing material adverse conditions upon the Merger or the 
making of Loans or the issuance of the Subordinated Notes or the performance by 
any Credit Party of their respective obligations under the Documents.

            (b)  As of the Additional Borrowing Date, the Devon Acquisition has 
been consummated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Devon 
Acquisition Documents (as satisfied or waived).  All consents and approvals of, 
and filings and registrations with, and all other actions in respect of, all 
governmental agencies, authorities or instrumentalities required in order to 
consummate the Devon Acquisition in accordance with the terms and conditions of 
the Devon Acquisition Documents and all applicable laws have been, or prior to 
the time required, will have been, obtained, given, filed, taken, or waived, 
and are, or will be at the time required, in full force and effect.  All 
applicable waiting periods with respect thereto have, or, prior to the time 
when required, will have, expired or been terminated without, in all such 
cases, any action being taken by any competent authority which restrains, 
prevents, or imposes material adverse conditions upon the consummation of the 
Devon Acquisition.  As of the Additional Borrowing Date, there does not exist 
any judgment, order, or injunction prohibiting or imposing material adverse 
conditions upon the Devon Acquisition or the making of Loans or the performance 
by any Credit Party of their respective obligations under the Devon Acquisition 
Documents or any other Document.

            (c) All Obligations of the Borrower, including Obligations 
consisting of the Additional Term Loans and interest thereon, constitute Senior 
Indebtedness under the Subordinated Note Indenture and, after giving effect to 
this Agreement, no default under the Subordinated Note Indenture shall have 
occurred.

            (d)  Each Subsidiary's Guaranty of the Subordinated Notes is by its 
terms subordinated to the obligations of such Subsidiary under the Subsidiary 
Guaranty pursuant to subordination provisions no less favorable to the Lenders 
than set forth in the Subordinated Note Indenture.

            6.14  Tax Returns and Payments.  Each of Holdings and its 
                  ------------------------
Subsidiaries has filed all federal income tax returns and all other material 
tax returns, domestic and foreign, required to be filed by it and has paid all 
material taxes and assessments payable by it which have become due, other than 
those not yet delinquent and except for those contested in good faith.  
Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries have paid, or have provided adequate 
reserves (in the good faith judgment of the management of Holdings) for the 
payment of, all federal, state and foreign income taxes applicable for all 
prior fiscal years and for the current fiscal year to the date hereof.

            6.15  Compliance with ERISA.  Each Plan is in substantial 
                  ---------------------
compliance with ERISA and the Code; no Reportable Event has occurred with 
respect to a Plan; no Plan is insolvent or in reorganization; no Plan has an 
Unfunded Current Liability; no Plan has an accumulated or waived funding 
deficiency, has permitted decreases in its funding standard account or has 
applied for an extension of any amortization period within the meaning of 
Section
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              35

412 of the Code; all contributions required to be made with respect to a Plan 
have been timely made; neither a Credit Party, nor any Subsidiary of a Credit 
Party, nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any material liability to or on 
account of a Plan pursuant to Section 409, 502(i), 502(l), 515, 4062, 4063, 
4064, 4069, 4201 or 4204 of ERISA or Section 4971 or 4975 of the Code or 
expects to incur any liability (including any indirect, contingent or secondary 
liability) under any of the foregoing Sections with respect to any Plan; no 
proceedings have been instituted to terminate or appoint a trustee to 
administer any Plan; no condition exists which presents a material risk to a 
Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party or any ERISA Affiliate of 
incurring a liability to or on account of a Plan pursuant to the foregoing 
provisions of ERISA and the Code; no lien imposed under the Code or ERISA on 
the assets of a Credit Party, or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party or any ERISA 
Affiliate exists or is reasonably likely to arise on account of any Plan; and 
the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries do not maintain or contribute to any 
employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) which 
provides benefits to retired employees (other than as required by Section 601 
of ERISA) or any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of 
ERISA) the obligations with respect to which could reasonably be expected to 
have a material adverse effect on the ability of Holdings, the Borrower or any 
other Credit Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the 
other Documents to which it is a party, except to the extent that all events 
described in the preceding clauses of this Section 6.15 and then in existence 
would not, in the aggregate, be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.  With 
respect to Plans that are multiemployer plans (within the meaning of Section 
4001(a)(3) of ERISA) the representations and warranties in this Section 6.15 
are made to the best knowledge of Holdings and the Borrower.

            6.16  Subsidiaries.  (a)  Annex 6.16 hereto lists each 
                  ------------
Subsidiary of Holdings and of the Borrower (and the direct and indirect 
ownership interest of Holdings therein), in each case existing on the Amended 
and Restated Credit Agreement Effective Date.  Holdings and the Borrower will 
at all times own directly or indirectly the percentages specified in said Annex 
6.16 of the outstanding capital stock of all of said entities except to the 
extent otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 8.2.

            (b)  There are no restrictions on Holdings or any of its 
Subsidiaries which prohibit or otherwise restrict the transfer of cash or other 
assets from any Subsidiary of the Borrower to the Borrower, other than 
prohibitions or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) this Agreement, 
the other Credit Documents and the Subordinated Note Documents, (ii) applicable 
law, (iii) customary non-assignment provisions entered into in the ordinary 
course of business and consistent with past practices, (iv) any restriction or 
encumbrance with respect to a Subsidiary of the Borrower imposed pursuant to an 
agreement which has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or 
substantially all of the capital stock or assets of such Subsidiary, so long as 
such sale or disposition is permitted under this Agreement, and (v) any 
documents or instruments governing the terms of any Indebtedness or other 
obligations secured by Liens permitted by Section 8.3, provided that such 
                                                       --------
prohibitions or restrictions apply only to the assets subject to such Liens.

            6.17  Intellectual Property.  The Borrower and each of its 
                  ---------------------
Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all material trademarks, trade names, 
copyrights, technology, know-how, patents, servicemarks, licenses and processes 
and other rights ("Intellectual Property") free from burdensome restrictions 
that are necessary for the conduct of their business taken as a whole as 
currently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

            6.18  Pollution and Other Regulations.  Except as set forth 
                 --------------------------------
on Annex 6.18, (a) each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries is, and has been, in 
compliance with all Environmental Laws governing or relating to its business, 
and to the knowledge of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, there is no condition or 
circumstance that would be likely to prevent or interfere with such compliance 
in the future, except to the extent that such failure to comply and any 
resulting costs, including but not limited to, remediation expenses, penalties, 
fines or forfeitures are not reasonably likely to, individually, or in the 
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.  All licenses, permits, 
registrations or approvals required for the business of Holdings and each of 
its Subsidiaries, as conducted as of the Initial Borrowing Date and as of the 
Additional Borrowing Date, under any Environmental Law have been secured and 
Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries is, and has been, in substantial 
compliance therewith, except for such licenses, permits, registrations or 
approvals the failure to secure or to comply therewith is not reasonably likely 
individually, or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither 
Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written communication 
from any Person alleging that it is in noncompliance with, breach of or default 
under any applicable writ, order, judgment, injunction, or decree to which 
Holdings or such Subsidiary is a
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              36

party or which would affect the ability of Holdings or such Subsidiary to 
operate its business or any real property, except in each such case, such 
noncompliance, breaches or defaults as are not reasonably likely to, 
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.  There are, 
as of the Initial Borrowing Date and as of the Additional Borrowing Date, no 
Environmental Claims pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or its 
Subsidiaries, threatened, including, without limitation, those which question 
the validity, term or entitlement of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries for 
any permit, license, order, registration or approval required under any 
Environmental Law for the operation of any facility which Holdings or any of 
its Subsidiaries currently operates and wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling 
or finding would be reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to 
have a Material Adverse Effect.  There are no facts, circumstances, conditions 
or occurrences relating to the business of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries 
or, to the knowledge of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, on or relating to 
any Real Property or, on any property adjacent to any such Real Property or at 
any other location that could reasonably be expected (i) to form the basis of 
an Environmental Claim against Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any Real 
Property of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) to cause such Real 
Property to be subject to any restrictions on the ownership, occupancy, use or 
transferability of such Real Property under any Environmental Law, except in 
each such case, such Environmental Claims or restrictions that individually or 
in the aggregate are not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (b)  Hazardous Materials have not at any time been (i) generated, 
used, treated or stored on, or transported to or from, any Real Property of 
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) released on or from any Real 
Property, in each case where such occurrence or event is reasonably likely, 
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            6.19  Properties.  Holdings, the Borrower and each of their 
                  ----------
Subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all material properties owned by 
them, including all property reflected in the most recent consolidated balance 
sheets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and Devon and its Subsidiaries as 
referred to in Section 6.10(b), free and clear of all Liens, other than (i) as 
referred to in such consolidated balance sheet or in the notes thereto or (ii) 
otherwise permitted by Section 8.2 or 8.3.  Annex 6.19 contains a true and 
complete list of each Real Property owned or leased by Holdings or any of its 
Subsidiaries on the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Effective Date and 
the type of interest therein held by Holdings or the respective Subsidiary.

            6.20  Collective Bargaining Agreements.  Set forth on Annex 
                  --------------------------------
6.20 hereto is a list and description (including dates of termination) of all 
Collective Bargaining Agreements or similar agreements between or applicable to 
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and any union, labor organization or other 
bargaining agent in respect of the employees of the Borrower and its 
Subsidiaries on the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Effective Date. 

            6.21  Holding Company Status.  Holdings does not engage in any 
                  ----------------------
business or operations other than owning capital stock of the Borrower and 
activities incidental thereto.

            SECTION 7.  Affirmative Covenants.  Each of Holdings and the 
                        ---------------------
Borrower covenants and agrees that on the Initial Borrowing Date and thereafter 
and until the Commitments have terminated, no Letters of Credit or Notes are 
outstanding and the Loans and Unpaid Drawings, together with interest, Fees and 
all other Obligations incurred hereunder, are paid in full:

            7.1  Information Covenants.  Holdings will furnish to each 
                 ---------------------
      Lender:

            (a)   Annual Financial Statements.  Within 90 days after the 
                  ---------------------------
      close of each fiscal year of Holdings, the consolidated balance sheet of 
      Holdings and its Subsidiaries and of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, 
      as at the end of such fiscal year and the related consolidated statements 
      of operations and of changes in shareholder's deficit and of cash flows 
      for such fiscal year, in each case setting forth comparative consolidated 
      figures for the preceding fiscal year, and examined by independent 
      certified public accountants of recognized national standing whose 
      opinion shall not be qualified as to the scope of audit and as to the 
      status of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or of the Borrower or any 
      of its Subsidiaries as a going concern, together with a certificate of 
      such accounting firm stating that in the course of its regular audit of 
      the business of Holdings and of the Borrower, which audit was conducted 
      in accordance with 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              37

      generally accepted auditing standards, such accounting firm has obtained
      no knowledge of any Default or Event of Default which has occurred and is
      continuing or, if in the opinion of such accounting firm such a Default or
      Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the
      nature thereof, all of the foregoing to be in form and substance
      satisfactory to the Required Lenders.

            (b)   Quarterly Financial Statements.  As soon as available and 
                  ------------------------------
      in any event within 45 days after the close of each of the first three 
      quarterly accounting periods in each fiscal year, the consolidated 
      balance sheet of each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and the Borrower 
      and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such quarterly period and the 
      related consolidated statements of operations and of changes in 
      shareholder's deficit and of cash flows for such quarterly period and for 
      the elapsed portion of the fiscal year ended with the last day of such 
      quarterly period, and in each case setting forth comparative consolidated 
      figures for the related periods in the prior fiscal year, all of which 
      shall be certified by the chief financial officer, controller, chief 
      accounting officer or other Authorized Officer of Holdings or the 
      Borrower, as the case may be, subject to changes resulting from audit and 
      normal year-end audit adjustments.

            (c)   Budgets; etc.  Not more than 75 days after the 
                  -------------
      commencement of each fiscal year of Holdings budgets of the Borrower and 
      its Subsidiaries in reasonable detail for each of the four fiscal 
      quarters of such fiscal year, as customarily prepared by management for 
      its internal use, setting forth, with appropriate discussion, the 
      principal assumptions upon which such budgets are based.  Together with 
      each delivery of consolidated financial statements pursuant to Section 
      7.1(a) and (b), a comparison of the current year to date financial 
      results (other than in respect of the balance sheets included therein) 
      against the budgets required to be submitted pursuant to this clause (c) 
      shall be presented.

            (d)   Officer's Certificates.  At the time of the delivery of 
                  ----------------------
      the financial statements provided for in Section 7.1(a) and (b), a 
      certificate of the chief financial officer, controller, chief accounting 
      officer or other Authorized Officer of Holdings to the effect that no 
      Default or Event of Default exists or, if any Default or Event of Default 
      does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof, which certificate, 
      in the case of the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) and 
      (b), shall set forth the calculations required to establish (I) the 
      applicable Level then in effect under Annex 7.1(d) for the Measured 
      Period (as defined in Annex 7.1(d)) ending on the last day of such fiscal 
      period or year and (II) whether Holdings and its Subsidiaries were in 
      compliance with the provisions of Sections 8.5, 8.7, 8.9(a) (but only to 
      the extent Holdings has made payments of the type described in clause 
      (ii) thereof in such period or year), 8.11, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14 and 8.15 as 
      at the end of such fiscal period or year, as the case may be.

            (e)   Notice of Default or Litigation.  Promptly, and in any 
                  -------------------------------
      event within three Business Days after Holdings or any of its 
      Subsidiaries obtains knowledge thereof, notice of (x) the occurrence of 
      any event which constitutes a Default or Event of Default which notice 
      shall specify the nature thereof, the period of existence thereof and 
      what action Holdings or such Subsidiary proposes to take with respect 
      thereto and (y) the commencement of or any significant development in any 
      litigation or governmental proceeding pending against Holdings or any of 
      its Subsidiaries which is likely to have a material adverse effect on the 
      business, properties, assets, operations, condition (financial or 
      otherwise) or prospects of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole 
      or is likely to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Holdings 
      or any Credit Party to perform its obligations hereunder or under any 
      other Credit Document.

            (f)   Auditors' Reports.  Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy 
                  -----------------
      of each other report or "management letter" submitted to Holdings or the 
      Borrower by its independent accountants in connection with any annual, 
      interim or special audit made by it of the books of Holdings or the 
      Borrower.

            (g)   Borrowing Base Certificate; Total Availability 
                  -----------------------------------------------
      Certificate.  (i) (A) Promptly and in any event no later than October 
      -----------
      31, 1995, (B) not later than 15 days after the end of each month, 
      commencing October, 1995 (each such last day being called a 
      "Determination Date"), and (C) on the date which is 10 Business Days 
      prior to the consummation of a Permitted Business Acquisition to be 
      financed (to the extent permitted under this Agreement) by the Revolving 
      Facility (such date, the "Permitted Business Acquisition Determination 
      Date"), a borrowing base certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 
      K-1 hereto (a
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              38

      "Borrowing Base Certificate") and applicable supporting documentation, 
      setting forth, as of a recent date satisfactory to the Agent, such 
      Determination Date or such Permitted Business Acquisition Determination 
      Date (or as of such other date provided in the definition of "Borrowing 
      Base"), the Borrowing Base.

            (ii) (A) Not later than 15 days after the end of each month, 
      commencing October, 1995 (each such last day being called a 
      "Determination Date"), and (B) on each Permitted Business Acquisition 
      Determination Date, a total availability certificate substantially in the 
      form of Exhibit K-2 hereto (a "Total Availability Certificate") and 
      applicable supporting documentation, setting forth, as of such 
      Determination Date or such Permitted Business Acquisition Determination 
      Date (or as of such other date provided in the definition of "Total 
      Availability"), the Total Availability.  

            (h)   Other Information.  Promptly upon transmission thereof, 
                  -----------------
      copies of any filings and registrations with, and reports to, the 
      Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto (the "SEC") 
      by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries and, with reasonable promptness, 
      such other information or documents (financial or otherwise) as the Agent 
      on its own behalf or on behalf of the Required Lenders may reasonably 
      request from time to time.

            7.2  Books, Records and Inspections.  Holdings will, and will 
                 ------------------------------
cause its Subsidiaries to, permit, upon notice to the chief financial officer, 
controller or any other Authorized Officer of Holdings, (x) officers and 
designated representatives of the Agent or the Required Lenders to visit and 
inspect any of the properties or assets of Holdings and any of its Subsidiaries 
in whomsoever's possession, and to examine the books of account of Holdings and 
any of its Subsidiaries and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of 
Holdings and of any of its Subsidiaries with, and be advised as to the same by, 
its and their officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable 
times and intervals and to such reasonable extent as the Agent or the Required 
Lenders may desire, including, without limitation, at such time as the Borrower 
notifies the Agent that it expects to request a Borrowing to fund a Permitted 
Business Acquisition and (y) the Agent, or a third party designated by the 
Agent, to conduct, at the Borrower's expense (including, without limitation, 
the fees and expenses associated with services performed by the Collateral 
Agent's Collateral Monitoring Department (or its equivalent)), an audit and/or 
collateral examination of the accounts receivable, inventories and Borrowing 
Base and an independent appraisal of the property of Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries at such times as the Agent shall reasonably require, including, 
without limitation, at such time as the Borrower notifies the Agent that it 
expects to request a Borrowing to fund a Permitted Business Acquisition.

            7.3  Maintenance of Insurance.  Holdings will, and will cause 
                 ------------------------
each of its Subsidiaries to, at all times maintain in full force and effect 
insurance in such amounts, covering such risks and liabilities and with such 
deductibles or self-insured retentions as are in accordance with normal 
industry practice, provided that in no event will any such deductible or 
                   --------
self-insured retention in respect of liability claims or in respect of casualty 
damage, exceed, in each such case, (i)  $1,000,000 per occurrence or (ii) 
$5,000,000 in the aggregate per fiscal year.  At any time that insurance at the 
levels described in Annex 7.3 is not being maintained by Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries, Holdings will notify the Lenders in writing thereof and, if 
thereafter notified by the Agent to do so, Holdings will, and will cause its 
Subsidiaries to, obtain insurance at such levels at least equal to those set 
forth in Annex 7.3 to the extent then generally available (but in any event 
within the deductible or self-insured retention limitations set forth in the 
preceding sentence) or otherwise as are acceptable to the Agent.  Holdings 
will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, furnish on the Initial 
Borrowing Date and annually thereafter to the Agent a summary of the insurance 
carried together with certificates of insurance and other evidence of such 
insurance, if any, naming the Collateral Agent as an additional insured and/or 
loss payee to the extent appropriate.

            7.4  Payment of Taxes.  Holdings will pay and discharge, and 
                 ----------------
will cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay and discharge, all taxes, 
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its 
income or profits, or upon any properties belonging to it, prior to the date on 
which penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims which, if unpaid, might 
become a Lien or charge upon any properties of Holdings or any of its 
Subsidiaries, provided that neither Holdings nor any Subsidiary shall be 
              --------
required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being 
contested in good faith and by proper proceedings if it has maintained adequate 
reserves (in the good faith judgment of the management of Holdings) with 
respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              39

            7.5  Consolidated Corporate Franchises.  Holdings will do, and 
                 ---------------------------------
will cause each Subsidiary to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary to 
preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and authority, 
provided that any transaction permitted by Section 8.2 will not constitute 
- --------
a breach of this Section 7.5.  

            7.6  Compliance with Laws, Statutes, etc.  Holdings will, and 
                 ------------------------------------
will cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all applicable laws, statutes, 
regulations and orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all 
governmental bodies, domestic or foreign, in respect of the conduct of its 
business and the ownership of its property (including, without limitation, (x) 
all applicable federal, state and local statutes, regulations, standards, 
guidelines and orders issued or administered by the United States Food and Drug 
Administration (the "FDA"), or any state or local agency similar in its purpose 
to the FDA (including good manufacturing practice regulations set forth in 21 
CFR Part 820 and all FDA guidelines and other policies implementing such 
regulations) and (y) all Environmental Laws) other than those the 
non-compliance with which would not have a Material Adverse Effect or would not 
have a material adverse effect on the ability of any Credit Party to perform 
its obligations under any Credit Document to which it is party.

            7.7  ERISA; FDA.  (a) As soon as possible and, in any event, 
                 ----------
within 15 days after a Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA 
Affiliate knows or has reason to know of the occurrence of any of the 
following, Holdings will deliver to each of the Lenders a certificate of the 
chief financial officer of Holdings setting forth details as to such occurrence 
and such action, if any, which the Credit Party, such Subsidiary or such ERISA 
Affiliate is required or proposes to take, together with any notices required 
or proposed to be given to or filed with or by the Credit Party, the 
Subsidiary, the ERISA Affiliate, the PBGC, a Plan participant (other than 
notices relating to an individual participant's benefits) or the Plan 
administrator with respect thereto: that a Reportable Event has occurred; that 
an accumulated funding deficiency has been incurred or an application is 
reasonably likely to be or has been made to the Secretary of the Treasury for a 
waiver or modification of the minimum funding standard (including any required 
installment payments) or an extension of any amortization period under Section 
412 of the Code with respect to a Plan; that a contribution required to be made 
to a Plan has not been timely made; that a Plan which has an Unfunded Current 
Liability has been or may be terminated, reorganized, partitioned or declared 
insolvent under Title IV of ERISA; that a Plan has an Unfunded Current 
Liability and there is a failure to make a required contribution, which gives 
rise to a lien under ERISA or the Code; that proceedings are reasonably likely 
to be or have been instituted to terminate a Plan which has an Unfunded Current 
Liability or to appoint a trustee to administer a Plan; that a proceeding has 
been instituted pursuant to Section 515 of ERISA to collect a delinquent 
contribution to a Plan; that a Credit Party, any Subsidiary of a Credit Party 
or any ERISA Affiliate will or is reasonably likely to incur any material 
liability (including any indirect, contingent or secondary liability) to or on 
account of the termination of or withdrawal from a Plan under Section 4062, 
4063, 4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of ERISA or with respect to a Plan under 
Section 401(a)(29), 4971, 4975 or 4980 of the Code or Section 409, 502(1) or 
502(i) of ERISA, or that a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party is 
reasonably likely to incur any material liability pursuant to any employee 
welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) that provides 
benefits to retired employees (other than as required by Section 601 of ERISA) 
or any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA).  
Upon request of a Lender, Holdings will deliver to such Lender a complete copy 
of the annual report (Form 5500) of each Plan required to be filed with the 
Internal Revenue Service.  In addition to any certificates or notices delivered 
to the Lenders pursuant to the previous sentences hereof, copies of any 
material notices received by a Credit Party or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party 
or any ERISA Affiliate, with respect to a Plan shall be delivered to the 
Lenders no later than 15 days after such are received by Holdings, the 
Subsidiary or the ERISA Affiliate, as applicable.

                  (b)   Holdings will promptly notify the Agent of any 
determination by the FDA of material non-compliance of Holdings or any of its 
Subsidiaries with applicable federal, state and local statutes, regulations, 
standards, guidelines and orders administered by the FDA, to the extent such 
material non-compliance has not been or is not expected to be promptly 
corrected.

            7.8  Good Repair.  Holdings will, and will cause each of its 
                 -----------
Subsidiaries to, ensure that its properties and equipment used or useful in its 
business in whomsoever's possession they may be, are kept in good repair, 
working order and condition, normal wear and tear excepted, and, subject to 
Section 8.5, that from time to time there are made in such properties and 
equipment all needful and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              40

extensions, additions, betterments and improvements thereto, to the extent and 
in the manner useful or customary for companies in similar businesses.

            7.9  End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters.  Holdings will, for 
                 ------------------------------------
financial reporting purposes, cause (i) each of its, and each of its 
Subsidiaries' fiscal years to end on December 31 of each year and (ii) each of 
its, and each of its Subsidiaries', fiscal quarters to end on March 31, June 
30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.

            7.10  Use of Proceeds.  All proceeds of the Loans shall be used 
                  ---------------
as provided in Section 6.5.

            7.11  Additional Security; Further Assurances.  (a)  The 
                  ---------------------------------------
Borrower will, and will cause its Domestic Subsidiaries to, grant to the 
Collateral Agent security interests and mortgages (an "Additional Mortgage") in 
such owned or leased Real Property of the Borrower and its Domestic 
Subsidiaries (other than any Real Property which secures Indebtedness permitted 
under Section 8.4 and subject to a Lien permitted under Section 8.3, to the 
extent prohibited by such Lien or the terms of such Indebtedness) as are 
acquired after the Initial Borrowing Date by the Borrower or such Subsidiary 
and that, together with any improvements thereof, individually have a value of 
at least $2,500,000, and as may be requested from time to time by the Agent or 
the Required Lenders, as additional security for the Obligations.  Such 
Mortgages shall be granted pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory in 
form and substance to the Agent and shall constitute valid and enforceable 
perfected Liens superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons other 
than such Persons holding Liens permitted by Section 8.3 and subject to no 
other Liens except as are permitted by Section 8.3 at the time of perfection 
thereof.  The Additional Mortgages or instruments related thereto shall be duly 
recorded or filed in such manner and in such places as are required by law to 
establish, perfect, preserve and protect the Liens in favor of the Collateral 
Agent required to be granted pursuant to the Additional Mortgages and all 
taxes, fees and other charges payable in connection therewith shall be paid in 
full.  If requested by the Agent or the Required Lenders, the Borrower shall 
provide a lender's title policy with respect to each such Additional Mortgage 
conforming to the requirements of Section 5.1(1)(iii).

            (b)   At the request of the Agent or the Required Lenders, Holdings 
shall provide to the Agent appraisals satisfying and to the extent required by 
applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of the 
Financial Institution Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 in respect 
of the Real Property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries constituting 
Collateral (other than the original Mortgaged Properties), in form and 
substance satisfactory to the Agent.

            (c)   With respect to any assets of the type covered by the 
Security Agreements and acquired after the Initial Borrowing Date, and, upon 
the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the request of the Required 
Lenders, with respect to any other assets or property of Holdings and its 
Domestic Subsidiaries, as to which the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the 
Lenders, does not have a perfected Lien, each of Holdings and its Domestic 
Subsidiaries agrees to (i) execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such 
amendments to this Agreement or the Security Agreements or such other Security 
Documents as the Collateral Agent reasonably requests in order to grant to the 
Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security interest in such 
assets, and (ii) take all actions reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent 
to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a security 
interest in such assets that is perfected to the same extent as and with the 
same priority as the comparable security interests previously granted under the 
Security Documents, including without limitation, the filing of UCC financing 
statements in such jurisdictions as may be required by the appropriate Security 
Agreements or by law or as may be requested by the Agent.

            (d)   With respect to any Domestic Subsidiary or any Foreign 
Subsidiary owned directly by the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary and 
created or acquired after the Initial Borrowing Date, (i) the Borrower or the 
applicable Subsidiary shall cause to be executed and delivered to the 
Collateral Agent a pledge agreement, in form, scope and substance reasonably 
satisfactory to the Agent, granting to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of 
the Lenders, a perfected first priority security interest in all of the capital 
stock of such Domestic Subsidiary or 65% of the capital stock of such Foreign 
Subsidiary, as applicable, (ii) the Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral 
Agent the certificates representing such capital stock, together with undated 
stock powers, executed in blank, (iii) the Borrower shall cause such Domestic 
Subsidiary to execute and deliver a Subsidiary Guaranty, (iv) the Borrower 
shall cause such Domestic Subsidiary to execute and deliver a Security 
Agreement and (v) the Borrower shall execute and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              41

deliver such amendments to this Agreement requested by the Agent to reflect the 
existence of such Domestic Subsidiary.

            (e)   Holdings and the Borrower agree that each action required 
above by this Section 7.11 shall be completed as soon as possible, but in no 
event later than 60 days (75 days in the case of clause (b) above) after such 
action is requested to be taken by the Agent or the Required Lenders, 
provided that in no event shall Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries be 
- --------
required to take any action, other than using its commercially reasonable 
efforts, to obtain consents from third parties with respect to their compliance 
with this Section 7.11.

            7.12  Interest Rate Agreements.  The Borrower shall no later 
                  ------------------------
than 90 days following the Additional Borrowing Date enter into Interest Rate 
Agreements, reasonably acceptable to the Agent, establishing a fixed or maximum 
interest rate based on a eurodollar rate in respect of at least 50% of the 
aggregate principal amount of Term Loans for a period which shall be 
satisfactory to the Agent. 

            SECTION 8.  Negative Covenants.  Each of Holdings and the 
                        ------------------
Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that as of the Initial Borrowing Date and 
thereafter until the Commitments have terminated, no Letters of Credit or Notes 
are outstanding and the Loans and Unpaid Drawings, together with interest, Fees 
and all other Obligations incurred hereunder, are paid in full:

            8.1  Changes in Business.  Except as otherwise permitted by 
                 -------------------
Section 8.2, Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, 
substantively alter the character of the business of the Borrower and its 
Subsidiaries from that conducted at the Additional Borrowing Date (after giving 
effect to the consummation of the Devon Acquisition).  Holdings will:  engage 
in no business or activity other than the ownership of all of the capital stock 
of the Borrower and activities incidental thereto; own no capital stock other 
than capital stock of the Borrower; not contract, create, incur, assume or 
suffer to exist any Indebtedness except pursuant to the Documents and as 
permitted by Section 8.4; and not own any assets other than capital stock of 
the Borrower and de minimis amounts of other assets incidental to the 
                 -- -------
conduct of its business.

            8.2  Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Purchase of Assets, etc.  
                 -------------------------------------------------------
Holdings will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, wind up, liquidate or 
dissolve its affairs, or enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation, 
sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property or assets (other 
than inventory or obsolete equipment or excess equipment no longer needed in 
the conduct of the business in the ordinary course of business) or purchase, 
lease or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of related 
transactions) all or any part of the property, assets or capital stock of any 
Person (other than purchases or other acquisitions of inventory, leases, 
materials and equipment in the ordinary course of business) or agree to do any 
of the foregoing at any future time, except that the following shall be 
permitted:

            (a)  except as otherwise provided in the Security Documents, any 
      Subsidiary of the Borrower may be merged or consolidated with or into, or 
      be liquidated into, the Borrower or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the 
      Borrower (so long as (i) the Borrower or such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary is 
      the surviving corporation and (ii) if any such merger or consolidation 
      involves a Domestic Subsidiary, a Domestic Subsidiary is the surviving 
      corporation), or all or any part of its business, properties and assets 
      may be conveyed, leased, sold or transferred to the Borrower or a 
      Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower (which must be a Domestic 
      Subsidiary if the transaction involves the conveyance, lease, sale or 
      transfer of all or substantially all the properties and assets of a 
      Domestic Subsidiary), provided that the Borrower may not be a party 
                            --------
      to any merger, consolidation or liquidation otherwise permitted by this 
      clause (a) involving a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, 
      and provided further that in each case all Liens created pursuant 
          -------- -------
      to a Security Document on any assets of a Subsidiary affected by any of 
      the foregoing events (other than Liens on the capital stock issued by a 
      Subsidiary that does not survive such event if, in connection therewith, 
      such capital stock is cancelled) shall remain in full force and effect 
      after giving effect thereto;

            (b)  capital expenditures to the extent within the limitations set 
      forth in Section 8.5 hereof;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              42

            (c)  the investments, acquisitions and transfers or dispositions of 
      properties permitted pursuant to Section 8.6;

            (d)  Qualified Sale/Leaseback Transactions to the extent the Net 
      Cash Proceeds thereof are applied to repay the Loans as and to the extent 
      provided in Section 4.2(A)(e);

            (e)  other sales or dispositions of assets by the Borrower and its 
      Subsidiaries (including by way of mergers and consolidations and 
      including those effected in connection with the closing of a plant or 
      facility owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on 
      the Initial Borrowing Date or the consolidation of two or more such 
      plants and/or facilities), provided that (w) the aggregate Net Cash 
                                 --------
      Proceeds received from all such sales and dispositions shall not exceed 
      $15,000,000 in the aggregate, (x) each such sale (other than sales not 
      exceeding $750,000 in any fiscal year of the Borrower and $3,000,000 in 
      the aggregate) shall be in an amount at least equal to the fair market 
      value thereof (as determined by the Board of Directors of Holdings) and 
      for proceeds of cash alone, (y) such sale or disposition shall be 
      permitted pursuant to the Subordinated Note Indenture and (z) the Net 
      Cash Proceeds of any such sale are applied to repay the Loans as and to 
      the extent provided in Section 4.2(A)(e), and, provided further, 
                                                     -------- -------
      that the sale or disposition of the capital stock of (i) the Borrower 
      shall be prohibited and (ii) any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall be 
      prohibited unless it is for all of the outstanding capital stock of such 
      Subsidiary owned (directly or indirectly) by the Borrower;

            (f)  other sales or dispositions of assets (including those 
      effected in connection with the closing of a plant or facility owned or 
      leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the consolidation of 
      two or more such plants and/or facilities), in each case to the extent 
      the Required Lenders have consented in writing thereto and subject to 
      such conditions as may be set forth in such consent;

            (g)  the license of intellectual property in the ordinary course of 
      business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

            (h)  leases or subleases by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not 
      materially interfering with the ordinary course of conduct of the 
      business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; 

            (i)  the Merger; and

            (j)  the Devon Acquisition.

            8.3  Liens.  Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its 
                 -----
Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with 
respect to any property or assets of any kind (real or personal, tangible or 
intangible) of Holdings or any such Subsidiary whether now owned or hereafter 
acquired, or sell any such property or assets subject to an understanding or 
agreement, contingent or otherwise, to repurchase such property or assets 
(including sales of accounts receivable or notes with recourse to Holdings or 
any of its Subsidiaries) or assign any right to receive income, or file or 
permit the filing of any financing statement under the UCC or any other similar 
notice of Lien under any similar recording or notice statute, except:

            (a)  Liens for taxes and assessments not yet due and payable or 
      Liens for taxes being contested in good faith and by appropriate 
      proceedings for which adequate reserves (in the good faith judgment of 
      the management of Holdings) have been established;

            (b)  Liens in respect of property or assets of Holdings or any of 
      its Subsidiaries imposed by law which were incurred in the ordinary 
      course of business, such as carriers', warehousemen's and mechanics' 
      Liens, statutory landlord's Liens, and other similar Liens arising in the 
      ordinary course of business, and (x) which do not in the aggregate 
      materially detract from the value of such property or assets or 
      materially impair the use thereof in the operation of the business of 
      Holdings or any Subsidiary or (y) which are being contested in good faith 
      by appropriate proceedings, which proceedings have the effect of 
      preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property or asset subject to 
      such Lien;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              43

            (c)  Liens created by or pursuant to this Agreement or the other 
      Credit Documents;

            (d)  Liens on assets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries existing on 
      the Initial Borrowing Date and listed on Annex 8.3(d) hereto together 
      with each Lien on the assets of Devon existing on the Additional 
      Borrowing Date listed on Annex 8.3(d) as described in each officer's 
      certificate delivered pursuant to Sections 5.1(c) and 5.2(c), 
      respectively, in each case without giving effect to any subsequent 
      extensions or renewals thereof;

            (e)  Liens arising from judgments, decrees or attachments in 
      circumstances not constituting an Event of Default under Section 9.9;

            (f)  Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) incurred or 
      deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with 
      workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social 
      security, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, 
      surety and appeal bonds, bids, trade contracts, leases, government 
      contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar 
      obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (exclusive of 
      obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed money);

            (g)  Leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in any 
      material respect with the business of Holdings or any of its 
      Subsidiaries;

            (h)  Easements, encroachments, covenants, rights-of-way, 
      restrictions, minor defects or irregularities in title and other similar 
      charges or encumbrances not interfering in any material respect with the 
      ordinary conduct of the business of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries 
      and municipal and zoning ordinances;

            (i)  Liens arising from UCC financing statements regarding leases 
      permitted by this Agreement;

            (j)  Purchase money Liens securing payables arising from the 
      purchase by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any equipment or 
      goods in the normal course of business, provided that such payables 
                                              --------
      shall not constitute Indebtedness;

            (k)  Any interest or title of a lessor under any lease permitted by 
      this Agreement;

            (l)  Liens arising pursuant to purchase money mortgages relating 
      to, or security interests securing Indebtedness representing the purchase 
      price of assets acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after 
      the Initial Borrowing Date, provided that any such Liens attach only to 
      the assets so acquired and/or Liens existing on assets acquired by the 
      Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after the Initial Borrowing Date 
      which are not incurred in connection with such acquisition and which do 
      not attach to any other property of the Borrower and/or any of its 
      Subsidiaries, provided that all Indebtedness secured by Liens created 
      pursuant to this clause (1), when aggregated with the principal amount of 
      Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to Section 8.4(o), shall not exceed 
      $12,500,000 at any time outstanding;

            (m)  Liens arising in connection with Qualified Sale/Leaseback 
      Transactions;

            (n)  Liens created pursuant to Capital Leases permitted pursuant to 
      Section 8.4(d);

            (o)  Liens on assets of Foreign Subsidiaries, provided that 
                                                          --------
      such Liens do not extend to, or encumber, assets which constitute 
      Collateral or the capital stock of the Borrower or any of its 
      Subsidiaries; 

            (p)  repurchase agreements related to inventory executed by the 
      Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any third parties not to exceed 
      $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding; and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              44

            (q)  Liens on cash collateral consisting of the proceeds of 
      drawings under a Letter of Credit in an aggregate principal amount not to 
      exceed $3,000,000 (and earnings thereon and investments thereof) to 
      secure reimbursement obligations in respect of Existing Letters of Credit 
      and related fees and expenses. 

            8.4  Indebtedness.  Holdings will not, and will not permit any 
                 ------------
of its Subsidiaries to, contract, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any 
Indebtedness, except:

            (a)  Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this Agreement and the other 
      Credit Documents;

            (b)  Indebtedness owing by (i) any Subsidiary to another 
      Subsidiary, provided that, if the obligee Subsidiary is a Domestic 
                  --------
      Subsidiary, then the obligor Subsidiary shall not be a Foreign Subsidiary 
      with Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to Section 8.4(k), and (ii) 
      Holdings to the Borrower to the extent the proceeds of such Indebtedness 
      are used promptly upon the incurrence thereof to pay when due (x) fees 
      owing to Bessemer and/or its Affiliates permitted pursuant to Section 
      8.10, (y) taxes and normal operating expenses and (z) the repurchase 
      price for Holdings Common Stock or Holdings Preferred Stock as permitted 
      by Section 8.9(a)(ii);

            (c)  Indebtedness owing by any Subsidiary to the Borrower, 
      provided such Subsidiary is not a Foreign Subsidiary with 
      --------
      Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to Section 8.4(k);

            (d)  Capitalized Lease Obligations of the Borrower or any of its 
      Subsidiaries, provided that the aggregate Capitalized Lease 
                    --------
      Obligations under all Capital Leases entered into after the Initial 
      Borrowing Date shall not at any time exceed $10,000,000;

            (e)  existing Indebtedness listed on Annex 8.4(e) hereto ("Existing 
      Indebtedness") and any renewals, extensions, refundings or refinancings 
      of such Indebtedness (other than the Subordinated Notes), provided the 
      amount thereof is not increased and the maturity of principal thereof is 
      not shortened (unless to a maturity occurring after the Tranche B Term 
      Facility Final Maturity Date);

            (f)  Indebtedness under Interest Rate Agreements listed on Annex 
      8.4(f) hereto and under Interest Rate Agreements entered into after the 
      Initial Borrowing Date;

            (g)  Indebtedness of Holdings represented by the obligations of 
      Holdings to make payments with respect to the cancellation or repurchase 
      of certain stock or stock options or warrants in respect of Holdings 
      Common Stock or Holdings Preferred Stock granted to management investors 
      pursuant to the Management Common Stock Agreements and the Employment 
      Agreements;

            (h)  Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted by Section 8.3(1);

            (i)  the repurchase agreements permitted by Section 8.3(p);

            (j)  unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower evidenced by the 
      Subordinated Notes, provided that such Indebtedness shall not exceed 
                          --------
      $75,000,000 in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding;

            (k)  Indebtedness of any Foreign Subsidiary, provided that such 
                                                         --------
      Indebtedness is incurred solely for working capital purposes and is not 
      guaranteed by, or secured by the assets of, any entity other than the 
      Foreign Subsidiary incurring such Indebtedness or any other Foreign 
      Subsidiary; 

            (l)  Indebtedness of the Borrower in respect of industrial revenue 
      bonds issued after the Initial Borrowing Date, provided that such 
                                                     --------
      Indebtedness shall not exceed $5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount 
      outstanding at any time;

            (m)  letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business 
      for the account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent 
      (i) the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower and/or such
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              45

      Subsidiary in respect thereof are unsecured and (ii) the sum of (x) the 
      aggregate stated amount thereof, (y) the aggregate amount of all unpaid 
      drawings in respect thereof and (z) the Letter of Credit Outstandings 
      will not exceed, when added to the aggregate principal amount of all 
      Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then outstanding, either (A) the 
      Total Revolving Commitment in effect as of the Initial Borrowing Date or 
      (B) the Total Availability at the time of issuance; 

            (n)  Stock Repurchase Notes; and

            (o)  additional Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its 
      Subsidiaries not to exceed, when aggregated with the aggregate amount of 
      Indebtedness subject to a Lien pursuant to Section 8.3(1), an aggregate 
      outstanding principal amount of $12,500,000 at any time.

            8.5  Capital Expenditures.  (a)  Holdings will not, and will 
                 --------------------
not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, incur Consolidated Capital Expenditures, 
provided that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Consolidated 
- --------
Capital Expenditures during each fiscal year of the Borrower in an amount not 
in excess of (x) the sum of (A) as the case may be, (1) for fiscal year 1995, 
$4,000,000 or (2) for each fiscal year thereafter, $8,500,000 plus (B) in the 
case of each fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 
1997, the Retained Percentage Amount for the prior fiscal year minus (y) the 
amount of such Retained Percentage Amount expended by the Borrower in such 
fiscal year in respect of repurchases of Subordinated Notes pursuant to Section 
8.8(a).

            (b)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in clause 
(a) above, to the extent that Consolidated Capital Expenditures made by the 
Borrower and its Subsidiaries during any fiscal year are less than the amount 
permitted to be made for such fiscal year pursuant to clause (a) (without 
taking into account any increase in the amount permitted during such period as 
a result of this clause (b)) 100% of such unused amount may be carried forward 
to the immediately succeeding fiscal year and utilized to make Consolidated 
Capital Expenditures in excess of the amount permitted above in such following 
fiscal year.

            8.6  Advances, Investments and Loans.  Holdings will not, and 
                 -------------------------------
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, lend money or credit or make 
advances to any Person, or purchase or acquire any stock, obligations or 
securities of, or any other interest in, or make any capital contribution to 
any Person, except:

            (a)  Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries may invest in cash and 
      Cash Equivalents;

            (b)  the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may acquire and hold 
      receivables owing to them, if created or acquired in the ordinary course 
      of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary 
      trade terms;

            (c)  the intercompany Indebtedness described in Sections 8.4(b) and 
      (c) shall be permitted to the extent evidenced by promissory notes (if 
      owed to the Borrower or another Domestic Subsidiary) that are pledged 
      pursuant to a Pledge Agreement;

            (d)  the investments owned by the Borrower and each of its 
      Subsidiaries on the Initial Borrowing Date and set forth in Annex 8.6(d) 
      may continue to be owned by the Borrower and such Subsidiary;

            (e)  loans and advances to employees in the ordinary course of 
      business in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,000,000 at any 
      time outstanding shall be permitted;

            (f)  the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries may acquire and own 
      investments (including debt obligations) received in connection with the 
      bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers and in settlement 
      of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with, customers and 
      suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business;

            (g)  Interest Rate Agreements permitted by Section 8.4(f) shall be 
      permitted;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              46

            (h)  the Borrower may make additional capital contributions or 
      advances to or investments in any Person not to exceed $1,000,000 for any 
      Person and $3,000,000 to all Persons;

            (i)  Holdings may make capital contributions to the Borrower and 
      the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make capital contributions to, or 
      purchase additional shares of capital stock of, their respective 
      Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of 
                                 --------
      capital contributions to, and consideration paid for the purchase of 
      capital stock of, Foreign Subsidiaries by the Borrower and its Domestic 
      Subsidiaries on and after the Initial Borrowing Date shall not at any 
      time exceed the sum of (i) $250,000 plus (ii) the aggregate amount of 
      dividends and other distributions received by the Borrower and its 
      Domestic Subsidiaries from Foreign Subsidiaries on and after the Initial 
      Borrowing Date;

            (j)  the Borrower may make guarantees of certain financial 
      obligations of a distributor of the Borrower, in the ordinary course of 
      business and consistent with past practice in an aggregate principal 
      amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at any time outstanding; 

            (k)  (i) the Merger shall be permitted and (ii) the Devon 
      Acquisition shall be permitted; 

            (l)  the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Permitted Business 
      Acquisitions, provided that the aggregate amount of consideration 
                    --------
      (whether cash or property, as valued in good faith by the Board of 
      Directors of the Borrower) for all Permitted Business Acquisitions 
      acquired after the Initial Borrowing Date (other than the Devon 
      Acquisition) shall not exceed (net of any return representing return of 
      capital of (but not return on) any such investment) at any time the 
      amount set forth on Annex 7.1(d) for the Level that is in effect at such 
      time (it being agreed that any such investment permitted when made shall 
      not cease to be permitted as a result of the applicable Level 
      subsequently changing); and

            (m)  the foregoing shall not prevent the redemption or repurchase 
      by Holdings of Holdings Common Stock or Holdings Preferred Stock (and any 
      options or warrants relating thereto) in accordance with Section 
      8.9(a)(ii).

            8.7  Leases.  Holdings will not permit the aggregate payments 
                 ------
(including, without limitation, any property taxes paid by Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries as additional rent or lease payments) by Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis under agreements in effect as of the 
Initial Borrowing Date and/or entered into after the Initial Borrowing Date 
(including any such agreement that is an extension, replacement, substitution, 
or renewal of any agreement entered into prior to such date) to rent or lease 
any real or personal property (exclusive of Capitalized Lease Obligations) to 
exceed $17,500,000 in any fiscal year of Holdings.

            8.8  Prepayments of Indebtedness; Amendments to Documents, etc.  
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

            (a)  make (or give any notice in respect thereof) any voluntary or 
      optional payment or prepayment or redemption or acquisition for value of 
      (including, without limitation, by way of depositing with the trustee 
      with respect thereto money or securities before due for the purpose of 
      paying when due) or exchange of any Existing Indebtedness or the 
      Subordinated Notes except that, commencing with the fiscal year beginning 
      January 1, 1997, the Borrower may repurchase and/or redeem Subordinated 
      Notes so long as (x) the aggregate amount paid by the Borrower in any 
      fiscal year for all such repurchases and redemptions shall not exceed an 
      amount equal to (A) in the case of each fiscal year commencing with the 
      fiscal year beginning January 1, 1997, the Retained Percentage Amount for 
      the immediately preceding fiscal year minus (B) the amount of such 
                                            -----
      Retained Percentage Amount utilized by the Borrower to make Consolidated 
      Capital Expenditures in such fiscal year, (y) no Subordinated Notes shall 
      be purchased or redeemed at a price which exceeds 105% of the principal 
      amount thereof plus interest accrued thereon and (z) no Default under 
      Section 9.1 or Event of Default shall exist at the time of any such 
      repurchase and redemptions or would exist immediately after giving effect 
      thereto;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              47

            (b)  amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, 
      any provisions of any Subordinated Note Document, any Merger Document or 
      any Devon Acquisition Document in any manner adverse to the interests of 
      the Lenders; 

            (c)  designate any Indebtedness incurred by Holdings or any of its 
      Subsidiaries after the Initial Borrowing Date (other than Indebtedness 
      hereunder) as "Designated Senior Indebtedness" (as such term is defined 
      in the Subordinated Note Indenture) without the prior written consent of 
      the Agent;

            (d)  exercise its legal or covenant defeasance option under the 
      Subordinated Note Indenture without the consent of the Required Lenders; 
      or

            (e)  amend, modify or change in any manner adverse to the interests 
      of the Lenders the Certificate of Incorporation (including, without 
      limitation, by the filing of any certificate of designation other than 
      that filed with respect to the Holdings Preferred Stock on or prior to 
      the Initial Borrowing Date) or By-Laws of Holdings, the Borrower or any 
      other Credit Party, or any agreement entered into by Holdings, the 
      Borrower or any other Credit Party with respect to its capital stock, or 
      enter into any new agreement in any manner adverse to the interests of 
      the Lenders, with respect to the capital stock of Holdings, the Borrower 
      or any other Credit Party.

            8.9  Dividends, etc.  (a)  Holdings will not, and will not 
                 ---------------
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, declare or pay any dividends (other than 
dividends payable solely in capital stock of such Person) or return any capital 
to, its stockholders or authorize or make any other distribution, payment or 
delivery of property or cash to its stockholders as such, or redeem, retire, 
purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, for consideration, any 
shares of any class of its capital stock now or hereafter outstanding (or any 
warrants for or options or stock appreciation rights in respect of any of such 
shares), or set aside any funds for any of the foregoing purposes, or permit 
any of its Subsidiaries to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any 
shares of any class of the capital stock of the Borrower or any other 
Subsidiary, as the case may be, now or hereafter outstanding (or any options or 
warrants or stock appreciation rights issued by such Person with respect to its 
capital stock) (all of the foregoing "Dividends"), except that:

             (i)  any Subsidiary of the Borrower may pay dividends to its 
      shareholders; 

            (ii)  Holdings may redeem or repurchase Holdings Common Stock or 
      Holdings Preferred Stock (and any options or warrants relating thereto) 
      from management investors upon the death, permanent disability, 
      retirement or termination of employment of any such management investor 
      (any such event in respect of a management investor, a "Repurchase 
      Triggering Event"), provided that (x) no Default under Section 9.1 or 
                          --------
      Event of Default is then in existence or would arise therefrom, (y) the 
      aggregate amount of all cash paid in respect of such shares so redeemed 
      or repurchased from all management investors and all principal payments 
      made in respect of Stock Repurchase Notes shall not exceed $3,000,000 in 
      the aggregate during the period from the Initial Borrowing Date through 
      the second anniversary thereof and $5,000,000 in the aggregate thereafter 
      (it being understood that the amount of Stock Repurchase Notes that may 
      be issued for such redemptions and repurchases is not limited by the 
      foregoing restrictions), and, provided further that in the event 
                                    -------- -------
      that Holdings subsequently resells to any member of its, the Borrower's 
      or any Subsidiary's management, or to a party acceptable to the Agent 
      provided that any such party shall simultaneously transfer all such 
      shares purchased by it to a member of management of Holdings, the 
      Borrower or of such Subsidiary, or for the benefit of one or more members 
      of management (to the extent that such shares are, simultaneously with 
      such transfer, reserved for issuance to such members of management 
      pursuant to an employee incentive plan), any shares redeemed or 
      repurchased pursuant to this clause (ii), the amount of repurchases 
      Holdings may make from management investors pursuant to this clause (ii) 
      and permitted principal payments in respect of Stock Repurchase Notes 
      shall be increased by an amount equal to any cash received by Holdings 
      upon the resale of such shares; 

           (iii)  the Borrower may pay cash dividends to Holdings at such times 
      and in such amounts as are necessary to enable Holdings to (A) make 
      required tax payments, (B) pay normal operating expenses
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              48

      incurred in the ordinary course of business, and/or (C) effect the 
      payments permitted pursuant to Section 8.9(ii) and Section 8.10, 
      provided that in the event that Holdings has not utilized the 
      --------
      proceeds of such dividend for the purposes for which such dividend was 
      paid within thirty days after the receipt of proceeds of such dividend, 
      Holdings shall be required to immediately utilize the proceeds of such 
      dividend to make a capital contribution in the Borrower;

            (iv)  the Borrower may pay a cash dividend to Holdings on the 
      Initial Borrowing Date to be used by Holdings as set forth in Sections 
      5.1(h), (j) and (k) and 6.5; and 

             (v)  Holdings may pay Dividends to its stockholders (or holders of 
      options for Holdings Common Stock) on the Initial Borrowing Date as 
      required by the terms of the Merger Agreement.  

            (b)  Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries 
to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist any encumbrance or restriction 
which prohibits or otherwise restricts (A) the ability of any Subsidiary to (a) 
pay dividends or make other distributions or pay any Indebtedness owed to the 
Borrower or any Subsidiary, (b) make loans or advances to the Borrower or any 
Subsidiary, (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Borrower or any 
Subsidiary or (B) the ability of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of 
Holdings to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon its property 
or assets to secure the Obligations, other than prohibitions or restrictions 
existing under or by reason of:  

             (i)  this Agreement, the other Credit Documents and the 
      Subordinated Note Documents;

            (ii)  applicable law;  

           (iii)  customary non-assignment provisions entered into in the 
      ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;

            (iv)  any restriction or encumbrance with respect to a Subsidiary 
      of the Borrower imposed pursuant to an agreement which has been entered 
      into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the 
      capital stock or assets of such Subsidiary, so long as such sale or 
      disposition is permitted under this Agreement; and

             (v)  Liens permitted under Section 8.3 and any documents or 
      instruments governing the terms of any Indebtedness or other obligations 
      secured by any such Liens, provided that such prohibitions or 
                                 --------
      restrictions apply only to the assets subject to such Liens.

            8.10  Transactions with Affiliates.  Holdings will not, and 
                  ----------------------------
will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction or series of 
transactions, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, with any 
Affiliate other than on terms and conditions substantially as favorable to 
Holdings or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by Holdings or such 
Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a Person 
other than an Affiliate, provided that the foregoing restrictions shall not 
                         --------
apply to (i) transactions with Bessemer and its Affiliates set forth in Annex 
8.10 hereto in such amounts and at such times as is permitted pursuant to the 
terms of the Subordinated Note Indenture, provided that no amount shall be paid 
by Holdings or any Subsidiary in connection with such transactions during the 
continuation of an Event of Default, (ii) payments among Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries pursuant to any Tax Sharing Agreement, (iii) employment 
arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business with officers of 
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (iv) customary fees paid to members of the 
Board of Directors of Holdings and of its Subsidiaries, (v) transactions 
between or among any of the Borrower and its Wholly-Owned Domestic 
Subsidiaries, (vi) between the Borrower and its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries in 
the ordinary course of business and (vii) payments by the Borrower to Sandel 
and the other Selling Shareholders required by the Devon Acquisition Agreement 
as in effect on the date hereof, provided that at least 50% of each 
                                 --------
Contingent Payment (as defined in the Devon Acquisition Agreement) required to 
be made pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Devon Acquisition Agreement shall be 
made from the proceeds of additional equity contributed to the Borrower through 
Holdings by the Investors for that purpose.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              49

            8.11  Consolidated Net Worth.  Holdings will not (a) permit 
                  ----------------------
Consolidated Net Worth as of the end of any fiscal quarter ending on or before 
December 31, 1995 of Holdings to be less than an amount equal to the sum of (x) 
85% of Initial Consolidated Net Worth plus (y) the aggregate of 50% of 
Consolidated Net Income, if positive, for each quarter during the period 
commencing on October 1, 1995 and ending at the close of the fiscal quarter 
then last ended and (b) permit Consolidated Net Worth as of the end of any 
fiscal quarter of Holdings ending on or after March 31, 1996 to be less than an 
amount equal to the sum of (w) $43,774,000 (which is 85% of Consolidated Net 
Worth as at December 31, 1995) plus (x) $26,775,000 (which is 85% of the cash 
proceeds of equity contributed to the Borrower through Holdings by the 
Investors in connection with the Devon Acquisition) plus (y) the aggregate of 
50% of Consolidated Net Income, if positive, for each quarter during the period 
commencing on January 1, 1996 and ending at the close of the fiscal quarter 
then last ended.

            8.12  Debt Service Coverage Ratio.  Holdings will not permit 
                  ---------------------------
the ratio of (i) Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Debt Service to (ii) 
Consolidated Debt Service Expense for any Test Period to be less than 1.0 to 
1.0.

            8.13  Cash Interest Coverage Ratio.  Holdings will not 
                                        ------
permit the Cash Interest Coverage Ratio for any Test Period set forth below to 
be less than the ratio set forth opposite such Test Period:



           Test Period Ending          Ratio
           ------------------          -----
                                     
           December 31, 1995           1.75 to 1.00
           March 31, 1996              1.75 to 1.00
           June 30, 1996               1.75 to 1.00
           September 30, 1996          1.75 to 1.00
                                     
                                     
           December 31, 1996           1.75 to 1.00
           March 31, 1997              2.00 to 1.00
           June 30, 1997               2.00 to 1.00
           September 30,1997           2.00 to 1.00
                                     
                                     
           December 31, 1997           2.00 to 1.00
           March 31, 1998              2.50 to 1.00
           June 30, 1998               2.50 to 1.00
           September 30, 1998          2.50 to 1.00
                                     
                                     
           December 31, 1998           2.50 to 1.00
           March 31, 1999              2.50 to 1.00
           June 30, 1999               2.50 to 1.00
           September 30, 1999          2.50 to 1.00
                                     
                                       
           December 31, 1999           2.50 to 1.00
           March 31, 2000              2.50 to 1.00
           June 30, 2000               2.50 to 1.00
           September 30, 2000          2.50 to 1.00
                                     

           December 31, 2000           2.50 to 1.00

                                     
           March 31, 2001 and each     3.00 to 1.00
           March 31, June 30, 
           September 30 and 
           December 31 thereafter                  


            8.14  Leverage Ratio.  Commencing with the fiscal quarter 
                  --------------
ending December 31, 1995, Holdings will not permit the Leverage Ratio as of the 
end of any fiscal quarter of Holdings ending during the fiscal year set forth 
below to be more than the ratio set forth opposite such fiscal quarter:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              50

            Fiscal Quarter                    Ratio
            --------------                    -----

            December 31, 1995              3.00 to 1.00

            March 31, 1996                 3.85 to 1.00
            June 30, 1996                  3.85 to 1.00
            September 30, 1996             3.75 to 1.00
            December 31, 1996              3.75 to 1.00

            March 31, 1997                 3.50 to 1.00
            June 30, 1997                  3.50 to 1.00
            September 30, 1997             2.75 to 1.00
            December 31, 1997              2.75 to 1.00
                                           
            March 31, 1998                 2.50 to 1.00
            June 30, 1998                  2.50 to 1.00
            September 30, 1998             2.25 to 1.00
            December 31, 1998              2.25 to 1.00
                                           
            March 31, 1999                 1.75 to 1.00
            June 30, 1999                  1.75 to 1.00
            September 30, 1999             1.75 to 1.00
            December 31, 1999              1.75 to 1.00
                                           

            March 31, 2000 and thereafter  1.50 to 1.00

            8.15  Current Ratio.  Holdings will not permit the ratio of (x) 
                  -------------
Consolidated Current Assets to (y) Consolidated Current Liabilities at the end 
of any fiscal quarter of Holdings to be less than 1.25 to 1.00.

            8.16  Issuance of Stock.  Holdings will not permit any of its 
                  -----------------
Subsidiaries directly or indirectly to issue, sell, assign, pledge or otherwise 
encumber or dispose of any shares of its capital stock or other securities (or 
warrants, rights or options to acquire shares or other equity securities) of 
such Subsidiary, except to the extent permitted by Section 8.6, to the Borrower 
or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary thereof or to qualify directors if required by 
applicable law and except for pledges thereof pursuant to the Pledge 
Agreements.  

            SECTION 9.  Events of Default.  Upon the occurrence of any of 
                        -----------------
the following specified events (each an "Event of Default"):

            9.1  Payments.  The Borrower shall (i) default in the payment 
                 --------
when due of any principal of the Loans or (ii) default, and such default shall 
continue for five or more days, in the payment when due of any Unpaid Drawing, 
any interest on the Loans or any Fees or any other amounts owing hereunder or 
under any other Credit Document; or

            9.2  Representations etc.  Any representation, warranty or 
                 --------------------
statement made by any Credit Party herein or in any other Credit Document or in 
any statement or certificate delivered or required to be delivered pursuant 
hereto or thereto shall prove to be untrue in any material respect on the date 
as of which made or deemed made; or

            9.3  Covenants.  Any Credit Party shall (a) default in the due 
                 ---------
performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement contained in 
Sections 7.10 or 8, or (b) default in the due performance or observance by it 
of any term, covenant or agreement (other than those referred to in Section 
9.1, 9.2 or clause (a) of this Section 9.3) contained in this Agreement and 
such default shall continue unremedied for a period of at least 30 days after 
notice to the defaulting party by the Agent or the Required Lenders; or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              51

            9.4  Default Under Other Agreements.  Any Credit Party or any 
                 ------------------------------
of their Subsidiaries shall (i) default in any payment with respect to any 
Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) or (ii) default in the observance or 
performance of any agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or 
contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating 
thereto, or any other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which 
default or other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or 
holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or 
holders) to cause any such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated 
maturity; provided that it shall not constitute an Event of Default 
          --------
pursuant to this Section 9.4 unless the principal amount of any one issue of 
such Indebtedness exceeds $3,000,000 or the aggregate amount of all 
Indebtedness referred to in this Section 9.4 exceeds $5,000,000 at any one 
time; or

            9.5  Bankruptcy, etc.  Any Credit Party or any of its Material 
                 ----------------
Subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case concerning itself under Title 11 
of the United States Code entitled "Bankruptcy", as now or hereafter in effect, 
or any successor thereto (the "Bankruptcy Code"); or an involuntary case is 
commenced against any Credit Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries and the 
petition is not controverted within 10 days, or is not dismissed within 60 
days, after commencement of the case; or a custodian (as defined in the 
Bankruptcy Code) is appointed for, or takes charge of, all or substantially all 
of the property of any Credit Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries; or any 
Credit Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries commences any other proceeding 
under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, 
dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction 
whether now or hereafter in effect relating to any Credit Party or any of its 
Material Subsidiaries; or there is commenced against any Credit Party or any of 
its Material Subsidiaries any such proceeding which remains undismissed for a 
period of 60 days; or any Credit Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries is 
adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order 
approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or any Credit Party or any of 
its Material Subsidiaries suffers any appointment of any custodian or the like 
for it or any substantial part of its property to continue undischarged or 
unstayed for a period of 60 days; or any Credit Party or any of its Material 
Subsidiaries makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any 
corporate action is taken by any Credit Party or any of its Material 
Subsidiaries for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

            9.6  ERISA.  (a)  A Plan which is a single-employer plan (as 
                 -----
defined in Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) shall fail to satisfy the minimum 
funding standard required by Section 412 of the Code for any plan year or a 
waiver of such standard or extension of any amortization period is sought or 
granted under Section 412 of the Code or shall provide security to induce the 
issuance of such waiver or extension, (b) any Plan is or shall have been or is 
likely to be terminated or the subject of termination proceedings under ERISA 
or an event has occurred entitling the PBGC to terminate a Plan under Section 
4042(a) of ERISA, (c) any Plan shall have had or is likely to have a trustee 
appointed to administer such Plan, (d) a contribution required to be made to a 
Plan has not been timely made, (e) any Plan shall have an Unfunded Current 
Liability or (f) a Credit Party or a Subsidiary of a Credit Party or any ERISA 
Affiliate has incurred or is likely to incur a material liability to or on 
account of a termination of or a withdrawal from a Plan under Section 515, 
4062, 4063, 4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of ERISA or Section 401(a)(29) of 
the Code; and there shall result from any such event or events described in the 
preceding clauses of this Section 9.6 the imposition of a lien upon the assets 
of Holdings or any Subsidiary of a Credit Party, the granting of a security 
interest, or a liability or a material risk of incurring a liability to the 
PBGC or a Plan or a trustee appointed under ERISA or a penalty under Section 
4971 of the Code, which lien, security interest, liability or penalty would 
have a Material Adverse Effect; or 

            9.7  Security Documents.  Any Security Document shall cease to 
                 ------------------
be in full force and effect, or shall cease to give the Collateral Agent the 
Liens purported to be created thereby with respect to assets that are material, 
individually or in the aggregate, to Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a 
whole, (except to the extent resulting from the failure of the Collateral Agent 
to maintain possession of Collateral as to which the Liens thereon are 
perfected by possession or from a sale or other disposition of such Collateral 
permitted hereby) in favor of the Collateral Agent or any Credit Party shall 
default (after, in the case of Mortgages only, the expiration of any applicable 
grace period contained in any such Mortgage) in any material respect in the due 
performance or observance of any term, covenant or agreement on its part to be 
performed or observed pursuant to any such Security Document; or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              52

            9.8  Guaranty.  Any Guaranty or any provision thereof shall 
                 --------
cease to be in full force or effect, except in each case to the extent 
resulting from a sale or liquidation of the applicable Guarantor permitted 
hereby, or any Guarantor or any Person acting by or on behalf of such Guarantor 
shall deny or disaffirm such guarantor's obligations under such Guaranty or any 
Guarantor shall default in the due performance or observance of any material 
term, covenant or agreement on its part to be performed or observed pursuant to 
the relevant Guaranty; or

            9.9  Judgments.  One or more judgments or decrees shall be 
                 ---------
entered against any Credit Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries involving 
a liability of $3,000,000 or more in the case of any one such judgment or 
decree and $5,000,000 or more in the aggregate for all such judgments and 
decrees (other than any judgment or decree in connection with which such Credit 
Party has provided reserves on its consolidated balance sheet as of the Initial 
Borrowing Date (x) not to exceed $3,000,000 in the case of any one such 
judgment or decree and, (y) not to exceed $5,000,000 in any fiscal year for all 
such judgments and decrees) for all Credit Parties and their Material 
Subsidiaries (not paid or to the extent not covered by insurance or by an 
indemnity) and any such judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, 
discharged or stayed or bonded pending appeal within 60 days from the entry 
thereof; or

            9.10  Subordination Provisions.  The Obligations of the 
                  ------------------------
Borrower and of Holdings shall cease to constitute senior indebtedness under 
the subordination provisions of the Stock Repurchase Notes or the Subordinated 
Note Indenture or such subordination provisions shall be invalidated or 
otherwise cease to be legal, valid and binding obligations of the parties 
thereto, enforceable in accordance with their terms;

then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any Event of 
Default shall then be continuing, the Agent shall, upon the written request of 
the Required Lenders, by written notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the 
following actions, without prejudice to the rights of the Agent or any Lender 
to enforce its claims against the Borrower, except as otherwise specifically 
provided for in this Agreement (provided that, if an Event of Default 
                                --------
specified in Section 9.5 shall occur with respect to the Borrower, the result 
which would occur upon the giving of written notice by the Agent as specified 
in clauses (i) and (ii) below shall occur automatically without the giving of 
any such notice): (i) declare the Total Commitment terminated, whereupon the 
Commitment of each Lender shall forthwith terminate immediately and any 
Commitment Fee shall forthwith become due and payable without any other notice 
of any kind; (ii) declare the principal of and any accrued interest in respect 
of all Loans and all obligations owing hereunder (including Unpaid Drawings) 
and thereunder to be, whereupon the same shall become, forthwith due and 
payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all 
of which are hereby waived by Holdings and the Borrower; (iii) enforce, as 
Collateral Agent (or direct the Collateral Agent to enforce), any or all of the 
Liens and security interests created pursuant to the Security Documents; (iv) 
terminate any Letter of Credit which may be terminated in accordance with its 
terms; and (v) direct the Borrower to pay (and the Borrower hereby agrees upon 
receipt of such notice, or upon the occurrence of any Event of Default 
specified in Section 9.5 in respect of the Borrower, it will pay) to the 
Collateral Agent at the Payment Office such additional amounts of cash, to be 
held as security for the Borrower's reimbursement obligations in respect of 
Letters of Credit then outstanding equal to the aggregate Stated Amount of all 
Letters of Credit then outstanding.

            Except as expressly provided in this Section and in the Security 
Documents, presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind are 
hereby expressly waived with respect to the exercise of remedies upon an Event 
of Default.

            SECTION 10.  Definitions.  As used herein, the following terms 
                         -----------
shall have the meanings herein specified unless the context otherwise requires.
Defined terms in this Agreement shall include in the singular number the plural
and in the plural the singular:

            "Account Debtor" shall mean, with respect to any Receivable, the 
obligor with respect to such Receivable.

            "Additional Borrowing Date" shall mean the date upon which the 
Additional Tranche A Term Loans and the Additional Tranche B Term Loans are 
borrowed.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              53

            "Additional Mortgage" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
7.11.

            "Additional Term Commitment" shall mean with respect to each 
Lender, the collective reference to its Additional Tranche A Term Commitment 
and Additional Tranche B Term Commitment.

            "Additional Term Loans" shall mean the collective reference to the 
Additional Tranche A Term Loans and the Additional Tranche B Term Loans.

            "Additional Tranche A Scheduled Repayment" shall have the meaning 
provided in Section 4.2(A)(c).

            "Additional Tranche A Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to 
each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex 1.1 
hereto directly below the column entitled "Additional Tranche A Term 
Commitment", as the same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 3.3.

            "Additional Tranche A Term Facility" shall mean the Facility 
evidenced by the Total Additional Tranche A Term Commitment.

            "Additional Tranche A Term Loan" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 1.1(a).

            "Additional Tranche B Scheduled Repayment" shall have the meaning 
provided in Section 4.2(A)(d).

            "Additional Tranche B Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to 
each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex 1.1 
hereto directly below the column entitled "Additional Tranche B Term 
Commitment", as the same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 3.3.

            "Additional Tranche B Term Facility" shall mean the Facility 
evidenced by the Total Additional Tranche B Term Commitment.

            "Additional Tranche B Term Loan" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 1.1(b).

            "Adjusted Cash Flow" for any fiscal year shall mean Consolidated 
Net Income for such fiscal year (after provision for taxes) plus the amount of 
all net non-cash charges (including, without limitation, depreciation, deferred 
tax expense, non-cash interest expense, write-downs of inventory and other 
non-cash charges) that were deducted in arriving at Consolidated Net Income for 
such fiscal year less (x) the amount of all net noncash gains and gains from 
sales of assets (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of 
business) that were added in arriving at Consolidated Net Income for such 
fiscal year and (y) all other net non-cash credits included in arriving at 
Consolidated Net Income.

            "Adjusted Certificate of Deposit Rate" shall mean, on any day, the 
sum (rounded to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) of (1) the rate obtained by dividing 
(x) the most recent weekly average dealer offering rate for negotiable 
certificates of deposit with a three-month maturity in the secondary market as 
published in the most recent Federal Reserve System publication entitled 
"Select Interest Rates," published weekly on Form H.15 as of the date hereof, 
or if such publication or a substitute containing the foregoing rate 
information shall not be published by the Federal Reserve System for any week, 
the weekly average offering rate determined by the Agent on the basis of 
quotations for such certificates received by it from three certificate of 
deposit dealers in New York of recognized standing or, if such quotations are 
unavailable, then on the basis of other sources reasonably selected by the 
Agent, by (y) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all 
reserve requirements as specified in Regulation D applicable on such day to a 
three-month certificate of deposit of a member bank of the Federal Reserve 
System in excess of $100,000 (including, without limitation, any marginal, 
emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves), plus (2) the annual 
assessment rate in effect of such day which is payable by a member of the Bank 
Insurance Fund maintained by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the 
"FDIC") (or any successor) classified as well-capitalized and within 
supervisory subgroup "B" (or such higher subgroup classification as may be in 
effect
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              54


from time to time for the Agent) (or a comparable successor assessment risk 
classification) within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. (S)327.3(d) (or any successor 
provision) to the FDIC (or any successor) for the FDIC's (or such successor's) 
insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in the United States.

            "Affected Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
4.2(B)(b).

            "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other 
Person directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all 
directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or 
indirect common control with such Person.  A Person shall be deemed to control 
a corporation if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power (i) 
to vote 10% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the 
election of directors of such corporation or (ii) to direct or cause the 
direction of the management and policies of such corporation, whether through 
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

            "Agent" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of 
this Agreement and shall include any successor to the Agent appointed pursuant 
to Section 11.9.

            "Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement, as the same may be 
from time to time further modified, amended and/or supplemented.

            "Allocation Date" shall mean the earlier of (i) the Effective Date 
and (ii) the Business Day prior to the Effective Date on which the Initial 
Tranche A Term Commitment, the Initial Tranche B Term Commitment and the 
Revolving Commitment have been allocated among the Lenders.

            "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Effective Date" shall have 
the meaning provided in Section 12.10(b).

            "Anticipated Reinvestment Amount" shall mean, with respect to any 
Reinvestment Election, the amount specified in the Reinvestment Notice 
delivered by the Borrower in connection therewith as the amount of the Net Cash 
Proceeds from the related Asset Sale that the Borrower intends to use to 
purchase, construct or otherwise acquire Reinvestment Assets.

            "Applicable Base Rate Margin" shall mean (i) for Revolving Loans, 
Swingline Loans and Tranche A Term Loans, the rate determined in accordance 
with Annex 7.1(d), and (ii) for Tranche B Term Loans, 2.00%.

            "Applicable Cash Flow Percentage" for any fiscal year shall mean 
the percentage for such fiscal year determined in accordance with Annex 7.1(d).

            "Applicable Eurodollar Margin" shall mean (i) for Revolving Loans 
and Tranche A Term Loans, the rate determined in accordance with Annex 7.1(d), 
and (ii) for Tranche B Term Loans, 3.00%.

            "Asset Sale" shall mean the sale, transfer or other disposition by 
Holdings or any Subsidiary of any asset or property to any Person other than 
Holdings or any Subsidiary (other than sales, transfers or other dispositions 
in the ordinary course of business of inventory and/or obsolete or excess 
equipment).

            "Authorized Officer" shall mean any senior officer of Holdings or 
the Borrower, as the case may be, designated as such in writing to the Agent by 
Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be, in each case to the extent 
acceptable to the Agent.

            "Bankruptcy Code" shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.5.

            "Base Rate" at any time shall mean the highest of (i) the rate 
which is 1% in excess of the Adjusted Certificate of Deposit Rate, (ii) the 
rate which is 1/2 of 1% in excess of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and (iii) 
the Prime Lending Rate.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              55

            "Base Rate Loan" shall mean each Loan bearing interest at the rates 
provided in Section 1.8(a).

            "Bessemer" shall mean Bessemer Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited 
partnership.

            "Borrower" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph 
of this Agreement.

            "Borrowing" shall mean the incurrence of one Type of Loan pursuant 
to a single Facility by the Borrower from all of the Lenders having Commitments 
with respect to such Facility on a pro rata basis on a given date (or 
                                   --- ----
resulting from conversions on a given date), having in the case of Eurodollar 
Loans the same Interest Period; provided that Base Rate Loans incurred 
                                --------
pursuant to Section 1.10(b) shall be considered part of any related Borrowing 
of Eurodollar Loans.

            "Borrowing Base" shall mean an amount equal to the sum, without 
duplication of (a) 85% of Eligible Receivables of the Borrower and its Domestic 
Subsidiaries, (b) 60% of the Eligible Inventory value that consists of paper 
raw materials and (c) 50% of the Eligible Inventory value that consists of 
other Inventory reduced by (i) a rolling two-week average of freight charges 
incurred (calculated by averaging actual freight charges incurred by all Credit 
Party domestic operations for transporting inventory between Credit Party 
locations over the two most recent fiscal months) and (ii) all unpaid 
liabilities to creditors supplying freight and/or inventory transportation 
services to the domestic operations of all Credit Parties in excess of the 
amount calculated in clause (i) provided that if the Borrower fails to 
                                --------
deliver any Borrowing Base Certificate in the form and at the times required by 
Section 7.1(g), the Borrowing Base shall, at the close of business on the fifth 
Business Day following the date on which such Borrowing Base Certificate was 
required to be delivered, be reduced to $0 and shall remain $0 until such time 
as a Borrowing Base Certificate in proper form is delivered, at which time the 
Borrowing Base shall be calculated as set forth herein.

            "Borrowing Base Certificate" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 7.1(g).

            "Business Day" shall mean (i) for all purposes other than as 
covered by clause (ii) below, any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day 
which shall be in the City of New York a legal holiday or a day on which 
banking institutions are authorized by law or other governmental actions to 
close and (ii) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection 
with, and payments of principal and interest on, Eurodollar Loans, any day 
which is a Business Day described in clause (i) and which is also a day for 
trading by and between banks in U.S. dollar deposits in the interbank 
Eurodollar market.

            "CABSC" shall mean Chemical Bank, Agent Bank Services.

            "capital stock" of any Person shall mean any and all shares, 
interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participation or other 
equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, 
including any preferred stock, any limited or general partnership interest and 
any limited liability company membership interest.

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

            "Capitalized Lease Obligations" shall mean all obligations under 
Capital Leases of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in each case taken at the 
amount thereof accounted for as liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

            "Cash Equivalents" shall mean (i) securities issued or directly and 
fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or 
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the 
                         --------
United States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of 
not more than six months from the date of acquisition, (ii) U.S. dollar 
denominated time deposits, certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances of 
(x) any domestic commercial bank of recognized standing having capital and 
surplus in excess of $500,000,000 or (y) any bank whose short-term commercial 
paper rating from Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or its successor or assign 
which remains in the business of rating creditworthiness of commercial paper 
("S&P") is at least A-1 or the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              56

equivalent thereof or from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or its successor or 
assign which remains in the business of rating creditworthiness of commercial 
paper ("Moody's") is at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof (any such bank, an 
"Approved Lender"), in each case with maturities of not more than six months 
from the date of acquisition and (iii) commercial paper issued by any Lender or 
Approved Lender or by the parent company of any Lender or Approved Lender and 
commercial paper issued by, or guaranteed by, any industrial or financial 
company with a short-term commercial paper rating of at least A-1 or the 
equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's, 
or guaranteed by any industrial company with a long term unsecured debt rating 
of at least A or A2, or the equivalent of each thereof, from S&P or Moody's, as 
the case may be, and in each case maturing within six months after the date of 
acquisition.

            "Cash Interest Coverage Ratio" shall mean for any period the ratio 
of Consolidated EBITDA for such period to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense 
for such period.

            "Cash Proceeds" shall mean, with respect to any Asset Sale, the 
aggregate cash payments (including any cash received by way of deferred payment 
pursuant to a note receivable issued in connection with such Asset Sale, other 
than the portion of such deferred payment constituting interest, but only as 
and when so received) received by Holdings and/or any Subsidiary from such 
Asset Sale.

            "CERCLA" shall mean the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C.  (S) 9601 et 
                                                                         --
seq.
- ---

            "Change of Control" shall mean and include (i) any "Change of 
Control" as defined in the Subordinated Note Indenture, (ii) Bessemer and its 
Affiliates shall cease to own directly at least 35% (on a fully diluted basis) 
of the total of all equity interests of Holdings and at least 35% of the 
combined voting power of all securities of Holdings entitled to vote in the 
election of directors, (iii) any Person or two or more Persons acting in 
concert other than Bessemer and its Affiliates shall have acquired beneficial 
ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act), 
directly or indirectly, of Voting Stock of Holdings (or other securities 
convertible into such Voting Stock), representing a greater percentage of the 
combined voting power of all Voting Stock of Holdings owned directly, or 
indirectly by Bessemer and its Affiliates, (iv) any Person or two or more 
Persons acting in concert other than Bessemer and its Affiliates shall have 
acquired by contract or otherwise, or shall have entered into a contract or 
arrangement that, upon consummation, will result in its or their acquisition 
of, the power to exercise directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over 
the management or policies of Holdings or (v) Holdings shall cease to own all 
of the capital stock of the Borrower, free of Liens and other claims except 
Liens created by or permitted under the Pledge Agreements.

            "Chemical" shall mean Chemical Bank, a New York banking 
corporation.

            "Co-Agents" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph 
of this Agreement and shall include any successor to such Co-Agent appointed 
pursuant to Section 11.9.

            "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended 
from time to time and the regulations promulgated and the rulings issued 
thereunder.  Section references to the Code are to the Code, as in effect at 
the Effective Date and any subsequent provisions of the Code, amendatory 
thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

            "Collateral" shall mean all of the Collateral as defined in each of 
the Security Documents.

            "Collateral Agent" shall mean the Agent acting as collateral agent 
for the Lenders.

            "Collective Bargaining Agreement" shall have the meaning provided 
in Section 5.1(d).

            "Commitment" shall mean, with respect to each Lender, such Lender's 
Initial Tranche A Term Commitment, Additional Tranche A Term Commitment, 
Initial Tranche B Term Commitment, Additional Tranche B Term Commitment and 
Revolving Commitment and, in the case of Chemical, the Swingline Commitment.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              57

            "Commitment Fee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.1(a).

            "Consolidated Capital Expenditures" shall mean, for any period, the 
aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities 
and including in all events all amounts capitalized during such period under 
Capital Leases but excluding any amount representing capitalized interest) by 
Holdings and its Subsidiaries during that period that, in conformity with GAAP, 
are or are required to be included in the property, plant or equipment 
reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, 
provided that Consolidated Capital Expenditures shall exclude the purchase 
- --------
price paid in connection with Permitted Business Acquisitions, and, 
provided further, that notwithstanding anything contained in the 
- -------- -------
immediately preceding proviso, with respect to any transaction permitted 
pursuant to Section 8.2(e) and (f) and relating to sales or dispositions in 
connection with the closing of a plant or facility, Consolidated Capital 
Expenditures shall not include the reasonable relocation costs and expenses 
(including the reasonable costs and expenses relating to reinstalling any 
machinery and equipment moved from the closed plant or facility in an existing 
plant or facility theretofore owned by the Borrower) incurred in connection 
with such transaction.

            "Consolidated Cash Capital Expenditures" shall mean, for any 
period, Consolidated Capital Expenditures but excluding, however, the amount 
thereof not actually paid in cash during such period. 

            "Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Debt Service" shall mean, for 
any period, (A) Consolidated EBITDA minus (B) the sum of the amounts for 
                                    -----
such period of (i) an amount of Consolidated Cash Capital Expenditures equal to 
the lesser of (v) $4,000,000 and (w) the actual amount of Consolidated Cash 
Capital Expenditures made during such period and (ii) provisions for taxes 
based on income other than (x) changes in deferred taxes, (y) taxes on gains 
resulting from sales of assets (other than sales in the ordinary course of 
business) and (z) taxes on gains on extraordinary items, all as determined on a 
consolidated basis for Holdings and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.  

            "Consolidated Cash Interest Expense" shall mean, for any period, 
Consolidated Interest Expense, but excluding, however, interest expense not 
payable in cash, amortization of discount and deferred financing costs.

            "Consolidated Current Assets" shall mean, as to any Person at any 
time, the current assets (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) of such Person 
and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with 
GAAP.

            "Consolidated Current Liabilities" shall mean, as to any Person at 
any time, the current liabilities of such Person and its Subsidiaries 
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but excluding all 
short-term Indebtedness for borrowed money and the current portion of any 
long-term Indebtedness of such Person or its Subsidiaries, in each case to the 
extent otherwise included therein and any current portion of deferred taxes.

            "Consolidated Debt Service Expense" shall mean, for any period, the 
sum, without duplication, of the amounts for such period of (i) Consolidated 
Cash Interest Expense, (ii) scheduled principal payments made during such 
period on Term Loans pursuant to Section 4.2(A)(c) and Section 4.2(A)(d) and 
(iii) scheduled principal payments made during such period on other long-term 
Indebtedness, all as determined on a consolidated basis for Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries.

            "Consolidated EBIT" shall mean, for any period, (A) the sum of the 
amounts for such period of (i) Consolidated Net Income, (ii) provisions for 
taxes based on income, (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense, (iv) amortization 
or write-off of deferred financing costs to the extent deducted in determining 
Consolidated Net Income and (v) losses on sales of assets (excluding sales in 
the ordinary course of business) and other extraordinary losses less (B) 
                                                                ----
the amount for such period of gains on sales of assets (excluding sales in the 
ordinary course of business) and other extraordinary gains, all as determined 
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Consolidated EBITDA" shall mean, for any period, the sum, without 
duplication, of the amounts for such period of (i) Consolidated EBIT, (ii) 
non-cash depreciation expense, (iii) non-cash amortization expense and (iv) any 
other non-cash charges, all as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance 
with GAAP. 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              58

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of calculating the Consolidated 
Cash Flow Available for Debt Service, Cash Interest Coverage Ratio and Leverage 
Ratio as of the last day of any fiscal quarter in 1996, the actual results of 
Devon, as adjusted in accordance with Annex 10, shall be included for the 
period of four fiscal quarters ending on such day and shall be deemed to be the 
following amounts: for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1995, $4,115,000; 
for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 1995, $1,555,000; for the fiscal quarter 
ending September 30, 1995, $2,303,000; and for the fiscal quarter ending 
December 31, 1995, $1,412,000.

            "Consolidated Interest Expense" shall mean, for any period, total 
interest expense (including that attributable to Capital Leases in accordance 
with GAAP) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis with 
respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, 
including, without limitation, all commissions, discounts and other fees and 
charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance 
financing and net costs under Interest Rate Agreements, but excluding, however, 
any amortization of deferred financing costs, all as determined in accordance 
with GAAP, provided that there shall be excluded all of the foregoing of 
           --------
any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or 
is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or 
that Person's assets are acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

            "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean for any period, the net income 
(or loss) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such 
period taken as a single accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP, 
provided that there shall be excluded (i) the income (or loss) of any 
- --------
Person (other than Subsidiaries of the Borrower) in which any other Person 
(other than the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) has a joint interest, 
except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually 
paid to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by such Person during such 
period, (ii) the income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it 
becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or is merged into or consolidated with the 
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or that Person's assets are acquired by the 
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) the income of any Subsidiary of 
the Borrower to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or 
similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that income is not at the time 
permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, 
instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation 
applicable to that Subsidiary and provided further that in calculating 
                                  -------- -------
Consolidated Net Income for 1996, amounts aggregating up to $4,000,000 incurred 
or expended to achieve cost savings at the Borrower as related to facility 
consolidations and/or relocations and factory and warehouse systems upgrades 
and to integrate the operations of Devon with the operations of the Borrower 
which would otherwise be deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income shall 
not be required to be deducted.

            "Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean at any time for the 
determination thereof all amounts which, in conformity with GAAP, would be 
included under the caption "total shareholders' equity" (or any like caption) 
on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at such 
date (including, to the extent not otherwise included, the Holdings Preferred 
Stock).

            "Consolidated Senior Debt" shall mean, as at any date of 
determination, the aggregate stated balance sheet amount of all Indebtedness 
(other than Indebtedness described in clause (iii), (vii) or (viii) of the 
definition of Indebtedness and other than the Subordinated Notes and any Stock 
Repurchase Notes), of Holdings and its Subsidiaries determined on a 
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Consolidated Working Capital" shall mean the excess of 
Consolidated Current Assets over Consolidated Current Liabilities.

            "Contingent Obligations" shall mean as to any Person any obligation 
of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, 
dividends or other obligations ("primary obligations") of any other Person (the 
"primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, 
without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, 
(a) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct 
or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the 
purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (ii) to maintain working 
capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the 
net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (c) to purchase property, 
securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any 
such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              59

payment of such primary obligation, (d) issued pursuant to Section 8.6(j) or 
(e) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of such primary obligation 
against loss in respect thereof, provided however, that the term 
                                 -------- -------
Contingent Obligation shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit 
or collection in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of any Contingent 
Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable 
amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation 
is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated 
liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform 
thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith.

            "Credit Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the Notes, the 
Security Documents and each Subsidiary Guaranty.

            "Credit Event" shall mean and include the making of a Loan or the 
issuance of a Letter of Credit.

            "Credit Party" shall mean Holdings, the Borrower and each 
Subsidiary Guarantor.

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

            "Defaulting Lender" shall mean any Lender with respect to which a 
Lender Default is in effect.

            "Determination Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
7.1(g).

            "Devon" shall mean Devon Industries, Inc., a California 
corporation.

            "Devon Acquisition" shall mean the acquisition by the Borrower, 
pursuant to the terms of the Devon Acquisition Agreement, of all of the capital 
stock of Devon.

            "Devon Acquisition Agreement" shall mean the Share Purchase 
Agreement, dated as of December 23, 1995, by and among the Borrower, as 
purchaser, Sandel and the Selling Shareholders set forth therein, pursuant to 
which the Devon Acquisition is effected.

            "Devon Acquisition Documents" shall mean the Devon Acquisition 
Agreement and all other documents entered into or delivered by the Borrower, 
Sandel and/or the Selling Shareholders in connection with the Devon Acquisition 
Agreement.

            "Devon Pro Forma Balance Sheets" shall be as defined in Section 
6.10(b)(v).

            "Devon Pro Forma Date" shall be as defined in Section 6.10(b)(v).

            "Devon Transaction" shall mean, collectively, (a) the issuance on 
or prior to the Additional Borrowing Date of capital stock of the Borrower as 
required by Section 5.2(j), (b) the consummation of the Devon Acquisition, (c) 
the termination of the commitments under the Existing Devon Credit Agreements 
and the repayment of all loans outstanding thereunder and (d) the incurrence of 
the Loans hereunder on the Additional Borrowing Date.

            "Dividends" shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.9.

            "Documents" shall mean, collectively, (a) the Credit Documents, (b) 
the Merger Documents and (c) the Devon Acquisition Documents.

            "Domestic Subsidiary" shall mean each Subsidiary of Holdings other 
than the Foreign Subsidiaries.

            "Effective Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
12.10(a).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              60

            "Eligible Inventory" shall mean all raw materials and finished 
goods inventory of the Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries valued at 
the lower of (i) cost determined in accordance with GAAP (excluding any LIFO 
reserve) and stated on a basis consistent with the historical practices of the 
Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries as of the Initial Borrowing Date or, in 
the case of Devon and its Subsidiaries, on the Additional Borrowing Date, or 
(ii) market value, that the Agent, in its reasonable discretion, shall deem 
eligible, reduced, in the case of Inventory valued at cost, by (w) any profits 
accrued in connection with transfers of Inventory between any Credit Party and 
its Subsidiaries or between Subsidiaries of any Credit Party, (x) favorable 
production material, production manufacturing, purchase price or other 
variances that result when standard costs are greater than actual costs, (y) in 
the case of Tronomed and Devon, the value of reserves which have been recorded 
by the Borrower with respect to slow moving, obsolete, or excess Inventory and 
in the case of IPD and MPD, respectively, a reserve equal to the sum of 
write-offs in the previous 12 months with respect to slow moving, obsolete, or 
excess Inventory, and (z) such other reserves as the Agent, in its reasonable 
discretion after consultation with the Borrower, shall deem appropriate.  The 
Agent agrees, not less than 30 days prior to any revision by the Agent in any 
material respect of standards of eligibility of Eligible Inventory, to notify 
the Borrower and/or the relevant Subsidiary thereof.  Unless otherwise approved 
from time to time in writing by the Agent, no item of Inventory shall be 
Eligible Inventory if:

            (a)  such item of Inventory is not assignable or a first priority 
      security interest in such item of Inventory in favor of the Collateral 
      Agent for the benefit of the Lenders has not been obtained and fully 
      perfected by filing UCC financing statements against the Borrower or the 
      relevant Domestic Subsidiary, as the case may be;

            (b)  such item of Inventory is subject to any Lien whatsoever, 
      other than Permitted Liens; 

            (c)  such item of Inventory (i) is damaged or not in good condition 
      (to the extent not provided for by reserves as described above) or (ii) 
      does not meet all material standards imposed by any Governmental 
      Authority having regulatory authority over such item of Inventory, its 
      use or its sale;

            (d)  such item of Inventory is not currently either readily usable 
      or salable in the normal course of the business of the Borrower or the 
      relevant Domestic Subsidiary, as the case may be (to the extent not 
      provided for by reserves as described above);

            (e)  any event shall have occurred or any condition shall exist 
      with respect to such item of Inventory which would result in such item 
      being a discontinued item or substantially impede the ability of the 
      Borrower or the relevant Domestic Subsidiary, as the case may be, to 
      continue to use or sell such item of Inventory in the normal course of 
      business;

            (f)  any claim disputing the title of the Borrower or the relevant 
      Domestic Subsidiary, as the case may be, to, or right to possession of or 
      dominion over, such item of Inventory shall have been asserted; 

            (g)  any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement or 
      in any other Credit Document applicable to either Inventory in general or 
      to any such specific item of Inventory has been breached with respect to 
      such item of Inventory;

            (h)  the Borrower or the relevant Domestic Subsidiary, as the case 
      may be, does not have good and marketable title as sole owner of such 
      item of Inventory;

            (i)  such item of Inventory is held on consignment, is owned by the 
      Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries and has been consigned to 
      other Persons, or is located at, or in the possession of, a vendor of the 
      Borrower or such Domestic Subsidiary, or is in transit to or from, or 
      held or stored by, third parties except for Inventory in transit between 
      Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdings;

            (j)  such item of Inventory is work-in-process;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              61

            (k)  (i) in the case of any determination of the Borrowing Base 
      made after the date which is three months after the Initial Borrowing 
      Date, such item of Inventory other than Inventory of Devon and its 
      Subsidiaries is located on a leasehold as to which the lessor has not 
      entered into a landlord's waiver and consent, satisfactory in form and 
      substance to the Agent, providing a waiver of any applicable landlord's 
      Lien; and (ii) in the case of any determination of the Borrowing Base 
      made after the date which is three months after the Additional Borrowing 
      Date, such item of Inventory is Inventory of Devon or any of its 
      Subsidiaries and is located on a leasehold as to which the lessor has not 
      entered into a landlord's waiver and consent, satisfactory in form and 
      substance to the Agent, providing a waiver of any applicable landlord's 
      Lien;

            (l)  such item of Inventory is located outside of the United 
      States;

            (m)  such item of Inventory is evidenced by a Receivable;

            (n)  such item of Inventory is subject to any licensing, patent, 
      royalty, trademark, trade name or copyright agreements with any third 
      party from whom the Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries has 
      received notice of a dispute in respect of any such agreement that 
      adversely effects the marketability of such item of Inventory;

            (o)  such item of Inventory consists of packing, packaging and/or 
      shipping supplies or materials; or

            (p)  such item of Inventory has been otherwise determined by the 
      Agent (after consultation with the Borrower), exercising its commercially 
      reasonable discretion, to be unacceptable because the Agent believes that 
      such item of Inventory is not readily salable under the customary terms 
      on which it is usually sold.

            Notwithstanding the foregoing, Inventory owned by the Borrower's 
Foreign Subsidiary in Canada which conforms with all eligibility criteria set 
forth herein other than as set forth in clause (a) or (l) shall be Eligible 
Inventory provided that (i) such Inventory is financed by loans of the 
          --------
Borrower or a Wholly Owned Domestic Subsidiary to the extent permitted under 
this Agreement, such loans to be evidenced by a promissory note, in form and 
substance satisfactory to the Agent, issued to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, 
as applicable, and secured by a valid and perfected first priority security 
interest in such Inventory in favor of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the 
case may be (which security interest shall be duly assigned to the Collateral 
Agent), (ii) such promissory note shall be pledged to the Collateral Agent 
under the applicable Security Document and (iii) the lesser of (x) the 
outstanding principal balance of such promissory note and (y) the value of such 
Inventory (as determined as provided above) financed by such loans (as 
determined in accordance with GAAP) shall constitute "Eligible Inventory."  

            "Eligible Receivables" shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and 
its consolidated Subsidiaries, on any date, all Receivables of such Person on 
such date that (i) have been invoiced and represent the bona fide sale and 
delivery of merchandise, in each case in the ordinary course of business of 
such person in connection with its trade operations, and (ii) are deemed by the 
Agent reasonably and in its exclusive and good faith judgment to be eligible 
for inclusion in the calculation of the Borrowing Base.  The Agent agrees, not 
less than 30 days prior to any revision by the Agent in any material respect of 
standards of eligibility of Eligible Receivables, to notify the Borrower and/or 
the relevant Subsidiary thereof.  Without limiting the foregoing, to qualify as 
an Eligible Receivable, a Receivable shall indicate as sole payee and as sole 
remittance party the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor.  In determining the 
amount to be so included, the face amount of Receivables shall be reduced by 
(a) the amount of all accrued and actual returns, disputes, discounts, claims, 
credits, charges, chargebacks, price adjustments or other allowances (including 
any amount that the Borrower or applicable Subsidiary Guarantor may be 
obligated to rebate to a customer, such as recorded and unrecorded medical 
distributor rebates, pursuant to the terms of any agreement or understanding 
(written or oral)) and (b) the aggregate amount of all reserves, limits and 
deductions provided for in this definition and elsewhere in this Agreement.  
Unless otherwise approved from time to time in writing by the Agent, no 
Receivable shall be an Eligible Receivable if:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              62

            (a)  the Borrower or applicable Subsidiary Guarantor does not have 
      sole lawful and absolute title to such Receivable;

            (b)  it arises out of sale made by any Person to an Affiliate 
      (including the Borrower or a Guarantor); 

            (c)  (i) it is unpaid more than 60 days from the due date of such 
      Receivable for IPD and MPD or it is unpaid for more than 90 days from the 
      invoice date of such Receivable for Tronomed, or (ii) it is unpaid more 
      than 60 days from the due date of such Receivable or more than 90 days 
      from the invoice date of such Receivable for any other Receivables or 
      (iii) it has been written off the books of such Person or has been 
      otherwise designated as uncollectible; 

            (d)  more than 50% in face amount of all Receivables of the same 
      Account Debtor and its known affiliates, taken together, are ineligible 
      pursuant to clause (c) above; 

            (e)  the Account Debtor (i) is a creditor of any Credit Party 
      (including distributors of the Borrower whose financial obligations are 
      guaranteed by the Borrower), (ii) has or has asserted a right of setoff 
      against any Credit Party or (iii) has disputed its liability (whether by 
      chargeback or otherwise) or made any claim with respect to the Receivable 
      or any other Receivable of any Credit Party which has not been resolved, 
      in each case, without duplication, to the extent of the amount owed by 
      such Credit Party to the Account Debtor, the amount of such actual or 
      asserted right of setoff, or the amount of such dispute or claim, as the 
      case may be;

            (f)  the Account Debtor is insolvent or the subject of any 
      bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding of any kind; 
                 

            (g)  the Receivable is not payable in dollars or the Account Debtor 
      is either not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America 
      or any State thereof or is located outside or has its principal place of 
      business or substantially all of its assets outside the continental 
      United States, except to the extent the Receivable is supported by an 
      irrevocable letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the Agent (as to 
      form, substance and issuer) and assigned to and directly drawable by the 
      Collateral Agent; 

            (h)  the sale to the Account Debtor generating the Receivable is on 
      a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-and-return, ship-and-return, sale 
      on approval or consignment or other similar basis or made pursuant to any 
      other written agreement providing for repurchase or return of any 
      merchandise which has been claimed to be defective or otherwise 
      unsatisfactory;

            (i)  the Account Debtor is the United States of America or any 
      department, agency or instrumentality thereof and the Receivables balance 
      outstanding from all such Account Debtors exceeds $600,000, unless the 
      Borrower or applicable Subsidiary Guarantor duly assigns its rights to 
      payment of such Receivable to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the 
      Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended, which assignment and 
      related documents and filings shall be in form and substance reasonably 
      satisfactory to the Agent;

            (j)  the goods giving rise to such Receivable have not been shipped 
      and delivered to and accepted by the Account Debtor, or otherwise do not 
      represent a completed sale; 

            (k)  the Receivable does not comply in all material respects with 
      all requirements of applicable law, including without limitation the 
      Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Truth in Lending Act 
      and Regulation Z of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;

            (l)  the Receivable is subject to any adverse security deposit, 
      progress payment or other similar advance made by or for the benefit of 
      the Account Debtor to the extent thereof; 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              63

            (m) either (i) such Receivable is not subject to a valid and 
      perfected first priority Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the 
      benefit of the Lenders, subject to no other Liens other than the Liens 
      (if any) permitted by the Credit Documents, or (ii) such Receivable does 
      not otherwise conform to the representations and warranties contained in 
      the Credit Documents; or

            (n)  as to all or any part of such Receivable a check, promissory 
      note, draft, trade acceptance or other instrument for the payment of 
      money has been received, presented for payment and returned uncollected 
      for any reason.

            Without limiting the foregoing in determining the aggregate amount 
of Receivables from the same Account Debtor and any affiliates thereof that are 
unpaid more than 60 days from the due date of such Receivable for IPD and MPD 
and other Receivables or that are unpaid for more than 90 days from the invoice 
date of such Receivable for Tronomed and other Receivables, pursuant to clause 
(c) above, there shall be excluded the amount of any net credit balances 
relating to Receivables with due dates for MPD and IPD and other Receivables 
more than 60 days prior to the date of determination and with invoice dates for 
Tronomed and other Receivables more than 90 days prior to the date of 
determination.  

            Notwithstanding the foregoing, Receivables owned by the Borrower's 
Foreign Subsidiary in Canada which conform with all eligibility criteria set 
forth herein other than as set forth in clause (g) or (m) shall be Eligible 
Receivables provided that (i) such Receivables are financed by loans of the 
            --------
Borrower or a Wholly Owned Domestic Subsidiary to the extent permitted under 
this Agreement, such loans to be evidenced by a promissory note, in form and 
substance satisfactory to the Agent, issued to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, 
as applicable, and secured by a valid and perfected first priority security 
interest in such Receivables in favor of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as 
the case may be (which security interest shall be duly assigned to the 
Collateral Agent), (ii) such promissory note shall be pledged to the Collateral 
Agent under the applicable Security Document and (iii) the lesser of (x) the 
outstanding principal balance of such promissory note and (y) the value of such 
Receivables (as determined as provided above) financed by such loans (as 
determined in accordance with GAAP) shall constitute "Eligible Receivables."  

            "Eligible Transferee" shall mean and include a commercial bank, 
financial institution or other "accredited investor" (as defined in SEC 
Regulation D), in each case which is not a direct competitor of the Borrower or 
any of its Subsidiaries or engaged in the same or similar business as the 
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and is not an Affiliate of any such 
competitors of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

            "Employment Agreements" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
5.1(d).

            "Environmental Claims" means any and all administrative, regulatory 
or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of 
noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating in any way 
to any Environmental Law or any permit issued, or any approval given, under any 
such Environmental Law (hereafter, "Claims"), including, without limitation, 
(a) any and all Claims by governmental or regulatory authorities for 
enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or oexir actions or damages 
pursuant to any Environmental Law, and (b) any and all Claims by any third 
party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery, 
compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Materials arising 
from alleged injury or threat of injury to health, safety or the environment.

            "Environmental Law" means any applicable Federal, state, foreign or 
local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, guide, policy and rule 
of common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, and any 
judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or 
administrative order, consent decree or judgment, relating to the environment, 
health, safety or Hazardous Materials, including, without limitation, CERCLA; 
RCRA; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. (S)(S)1251 
et seq.; the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. (S)(S) 7401 et 
- -- ---                                                           --
seq.; the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. (S)(S) 7401 et seq.; the Safe 
- ---                                            -- ---
Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. (S)(S) 3808 et seq.; the Oil Pollution Act of 
                                          -- ---
1990, 33 U.S.C. (S)(S) 2701 et seq. and any applicable state and local or 
                            -- ---
foreign counterparts or equivalents.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              64

            "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 
1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings 
issued thereunder.  Section references to ERISA are to ERISA, as in effect at 
the Effective Date and any subsequent provisions of ERISA, amendatory thereof, 
supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

            "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean each person (as defined in Section 
3(9) of ERISA) which together with a Credit Party or a Subsidiary of a Credit 
Party would be deemed to be a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 
414(b), (c), (m) and (o) of the Code.

            "Eurodollar Loans" shall mean each Loan bearing interest at the 
rates provided in Section 1.8(b).

            "Eurodollar Rate" shall mean with respect to each Interest Period 
for a Eurodollar Loan, (i) the offered quotation to first-class banks in the 
interbank Eurodollar market by the Agent for dollar deposits of amounts in same 
day funds comparable to the outstanding principal amount of the Eurodollar Loan 
of the Agent for which an interest rate is then being determined with 
maturities comparable to the Interest Period to be applicable to such 
Eurodollar Loan, determined as of 10:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date which 
is two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period divided 
(and rounded upward to the next whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%) by (ii) a 
percentage equal to 100% minus the then stated maximum rate of all reserve 
requirements (including without limitation any marginal, emergency, 
supplemental, special or other reserves) applicable to any member bank of the 
Federal Reserve System in respect of Eurocurrency liabilities as defined in 
Regulation D (or any successor category of liabilities under Regulation D).

            "Event of Default" shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.

            "Excess Cash Flow" shall mean, for any fiscal year, the excess of 
(a) the sum, without duplication of, (i) Adjusted Cash Flow for such fiscal 
year, (ii) cash generated (if any) by the decrease, if any, in Consolidated 
Working Capital of Holdings for such fiscal year, (iii) any net amounts 
received by Holdings and its Subsidiaries in settlement of, or in payment of 
any judgments resulting from, legal proceedings with respect to Holdings or any 
such Subsidiary during such fiscal year, and (iv) any amounts received by 
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries from the repayment or redemption of any 
long-term promissory notes or preferred stock of other Persons held by Holdings 
or any of its Subsidiaries over (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) the 
increase, if any, in Consolidated Working Capital of Holdings for such fiscal 
year, (ii) the aggregate amount of all repayments during such period of 
Capitalized Lease Obligations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than any 
portion thereof allocable to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense), all 
repayments during such period of the principal of Indebtedness of Holdings or 
any Subsidiary in respect of which a Lien described in Section 8.3(1) is 
incurred and all principal payments of long-term Indebtedness of Holdings and 
its Subsidiaries made during such fiscal year, (iii) the amount of Consolidated 
Capital Expenditures of Holdings and its Subsidiaries during such period 
(excluding the principal amount of Indebtedness incurred in connection with 
such expenditures), (iv) the aggregate amount of all prepayments of Revolving 
Loans to the extent of accompanying permanent reductions of the Total Revolving 
Commitment and all payments of the Term Loans except pursuant to Sections 4.1, 
4.2(A)(e) and (f), (v) the aggregate amount paid during such period as the 
purchase price of Permitted Business Acquisitions, (vi) costs paid in cash 
during such period in connection with the establishment of any Interest Rate 
Agreement with respect to the Loans, (vii) cash expenditures of Holdings during 
such period pursuant to Section 8.9(a)(ii) (less the amount of cash received by 
Holdings during such period from the sale of shares of Holdings Common Stock or 
Holdings Preferred Stock to or for the benefit of management investors) and 
Section 8.10(i) hereof and (viii) to the extent not deducted in the calculation 
of Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year, amounts aggregating up to 
$4,000,000 incurred or expended to achieve cost savings at the Borrower as 
related to facility consolidations and/or relocations and factory and warehouse 
systems upgrades and to integrate the operations of Devon with the operations 
of the Borrower.

            "Existing Credit Agreement" shall mean the Amended and Restated 
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1992 among the Borrower, the 
financial institutions from time to time party thereto and Citicorp USA, Inc., 
as agent.

            "Existing Devon Credit Agreements" shall mean the agreements set 
forth on Annex 5.2(i).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              65

            "Existing Indebtedness" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
8.4(e).

            "Existing Indebtedness Agreements" shall have the meaning provided 
in Section 5.1(d).

            "Existing Letters of Credit" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 2.7.

            "Expiration Date" shall mean the earlier to occur of (i) March 31, 
1996 and (ii) the date of termination (taking into account any extensions 
thereof) of the Devon Acquisition Agreement.

            "Facility" shall mean any of the credit facilities established 
under this Agreement, i.e., any Term Facility, the Revolving Facility or 
                      ----
the Swingline Facility.

            "Facing Fee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.1(c).

            "Federal Funds Effective Rate" shall mean for any period, a 
fluctuating interest rate equal for each day during such period to the weighted 
average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of 
the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers, as published for 
such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding 
Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not 
so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations 
for such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal 
Funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Agent.

            "Fees" shall mean all amounts payable pursuant to, or referred to 
in, Section 3.1.

            "Final Maturity Date" shall mean the collective reference to the 
Tranche A Term Facility Final Maturity Date, the Tranche B Term Facility Final 
Maturity Date and the Revolving Facility Final Maturity Date.

            "Foreign Subsidiary" shall mean each Subsidiary of Holdings 
incorporated or organized, and doing business, in a jurisdiction other than the 
United States or any state or territory thereof.

            "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the 
United States of America as in effect from time to time; it being understood 
and agreed that determinations in accordance with GAAP for purposes of Section 
8, including defined terms as used therein, are subject (to the extent provided 
therein) to Section 12.7(a).

            "GH" shall mean GH Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

            "Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any 
state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising 
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or 
pertaining government.

            "Guaranties" shall mean the guaranty provided by Holdings pursuant 
to Section 13 of this Agreement and each Subsidiary Guaranty.

            "Guarantor" shall mean each of Holdings and the Subsidiary 
Guarantors.

            "Hazardous Materials" means (a) any petroleum or petroleum 
products, radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become 
friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, transformers or other equipment 
that contains electric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, 
and radon gas and (b) any chemicals, materials or substances defined as or 
included in the definition of "hazardous substances," "hazardous waste," 
"hazardous materials," "extremely hazardous waste," "restricted hazardous 
waste," "toxic substances," "toxic pollutants," "contaminants," or 
"pollutants," or words of similar import, under any Environmental Law.

            "Holdings" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph 
of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              66

            "Holdings Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of Holdings.

            "Holdings Preferred Stock" shall mean the 15% Cumulative Redeemable 
Preferred Stock, Series A, of Holdings having a stated value per share of $100.

            "ICA" shall have the meaning provided in Section 6.7.

            "Indebtedness" of any Person shall mean without duplication (i) all 
indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) the deferred purchase 
price of assets or services which in accordance with GAAP would be shown on the 
liability side of the balance sheet of such Person, (iii) the face amount of 
all letters of credit issued for the account of such Person and, without 
duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder, (iv) all Indebtedness of a second 
Person secured by any Lien on any property owned by such first Person, whether 
or not such indebtedness has been assumed, (v) all Capitalized Lease 
Obligations of such Person, (vi) all obligations of such Person to pay a 
specified purchase price for goods or services whether or not delivered or 
accepted, i.e., take-or-pay and similar obligations, (vii) all obligations 
          ----
of such Person under Interest Rate Agreements and (viii) all Contingent 
Obligations of such Person, provided that Indebtedness shall not include 
                            --------
trade payables and accrued expenses, in each case arising in the ordinary 
course of business.

            "Initial Borrowing Date" shall mean September 28, 1995.

            "Initial Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean the Consolidated Net 
Worth of Holdings on the Initial Borrowing Date after giving effect to the 
Transaction.  

            "Initial Term Loans" shall mean the collective reference to the 
Initial Tranche A Term Loans and the Initial Tranche B Term Loans.

            "Initial Tranche A Scheduled Repayment" shall have the meaning  
provided in Section 4.2(A)(c).

            "Initial Tranche A Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to 
each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex 1.1 
hereto directly below the column entitled "Initial Tranche A Term Commitment", 
as the same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 3.3.

            "Initial Tranche A Term Facility" shall mean the Facility evidenced 
by the Total Initial Tranche A Term Commitment.

            "Initial Tranche A Term Loan" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 1.1(a).

            "Initial Tranche B Scheduled Repayment" shall have the meaning  
provided in Section 4.2(A)(d).

            "Initial Tranche B Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to 
each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex 1.1 
hereto directly below the column entitled "Tranche B Term Commitment", as the 
same may be reduced or terminated pursuant to Section 3.3.

            "Initial Tranche B Term Facility" shall mean the Facility evidenced 
by the Total Initial Tranche B Term Commitment.

            "Initial Tranche B Term Loan" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 1.1(b).

            "Interest Period" with respect to any Loan shall mean the interest 
period applicable thereto, as determined pursuant to Section 1.9.

            "Interest Rate Agreement" shall mean any interest rate swap 
agreement, any interest rate cap agreement, any interest rate collar agreement 
or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against 
fluctuations in interest rates.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              67

            "Inventory" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9-109 of 
the UCC as in effect in the State of New York on the Initial Borrowing Date.

            "Investors" shall mean, collectively, Bessemer and its Affiliates, 
certain of the officers and employees of Holdings and the Borrower and other 
investors approved by the Agent (which approval shall not be unreasonably 
withheld).

            "IPD" shall mean the Industrial Products Division of the Borrower.

            "Leasehold" of any Person means all of the right, title and 
interest of such Person as lessee or licensee in, to and under leases or 
licenses of land, improvements and/or fixtures.

            "Lender" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph of 
this Agreement.

            "Lender Default" shall mean (i) the refusal (which has not been 
retracted) of a Lender to make available its portion of any incurrence of 
Revolving Loans or to fund its portion of any unreimbursed payment under 
Section 2.5(c) or (ii) a Lender having notified the Agent and/or the Borrower 
that it does not intend to comply with its obligations under Section 1.1 or 
under Section 2.5(c), in the case of either (i) or (ii) as a result of the 
appointment of a receiver or conservator with respect to such Lender at the 
direction or request of any regulatory agency or authority.

            "Letter of Credit" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
2.1(a).

            "Letter of Credit Fee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
3.1(b).

            "Letter of Credit Issuer" shall mean and include Chemical or, at 
the option of Chemical, any affiliate of Chemical.

            "Letter of Credit Outstandings" shall mean, at any time, the sum 
of, without duplication, (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding 
Letters of Credit and (ii) the aggregate amount of all unpaid drawings in 
respect of all Letters of Credit.

            "Letter of Credit Request" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 2.3(a).

            "Leverage Ratio" shall mean at any date the ratio of Consolidated 
Senior Debt at such date to Consolidated EBITDA for the four consecutive fiscal 
quarters ending on or immediately preceding such date. 

            "Lien" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest, 
encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any of 
the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or any 
lease in the nature thereof).

            "Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.1.

            "Loan Parties" shall mean the Borrower and the Guarantors.

            "Management Agreements" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
5.1(d).

            "Management Common Stock Agreements" shall mean each of the common 
stock agreements, stockholders agreements and/or common stock option or warrant 
agreements entered into by GH or Holdings and individuals who are employees of 
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as in effect on the Effective Date or 
otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Required 
Lenders.

            "Mandatory Borrowing" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
1.1(d).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              68

            "Margin Stock" shall have the meaning provided in Regulation U.

            "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material adverse effect on 
the business, property, assets, operations or condition (financial or 
otherwise) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or of the Borrower 
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case after giving effect to the 
Merger.

            "Material Subsidiary" shall mean and include, at any time, any 
Subsidiary of Holdings that (x) has assets at such time comprising 5% or more 
of the consolidated assets of Holdings or (y) had net income in the then most 
recently ended fiscal year of Holdings comprising 5% or more of the 
consolidated net income of the Borrower for such fiscal year and shall in any 
event include (x) the Borrower and (y) any other Subsidiary of Holdings that at 
such time would constitute a "Significant Subsidiary" as defined in SEC Rule 
1-02 promulgated under SEC Regulation S-X, as amended or any replacement rule.

            "Merger" shall mean the merger, pursuant to the terms of the Merger 
Agreement, of GH into Holdings with Holdings as the surviving corporation.

            "Merger Agreement" shall mean the Agreement and Plan of Merger, 
dated as of August 3, 1995, among GH, the Borrower and Holdings, pursuant to 
which the Merger is effected.

            "Merger Documents" shall mean the Merger Agreement and all other 
documents entered into or delivered by Holdings and the Borrower in connection 
with the Merger Agreement.

            "Minimum Borrowing Amount" shall mean (i) for Base Rate Loans, 
$1,000,000, (ii) for Eurodollar Loans, $2,500,000 and (iii) for Swingline Loans 
$100,000.

            "Mortgage" shall have the meaning provided in Section 5.1(1).

            "Mortgaged Properties" shall mean and include the Real Properties 
owned or leased by the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor to the extent 
designated as such on Annex 5.1(l).

            "MPD" shall mean the Medical Products Division of the Borrower.

            "Net Cash Proceeds" shall mean, with respect to any Asset Sale, the 
Cash Proceeds resulting therefrom net of expenses of sale (including, without 
limitation, attorneys', accountants', other advisors' and banking and 
investment banking fees, environmental and solvency related fees, all legal, 
title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses 
incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes paid or 
reasonably estimated to be payable, as a consequence of such Asset Sale and the 
payment of principal, premium and interest of Indebtedness secured by the asset 
which is the subject of the Asset Sale and required to be, and which is, repaid 
under the terms thereof as a result of such Asset Sale), and incremental income 
taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, provided that with respect to 
                                           --------
any Asset Sale resulting from a transaction permitted pursuant to Section 
8.2(e) and (f) and relating to sales or dispositions in connection with the 
closing of a plant or facility, the Net Cash Proceeds resulting therefrom shall 
be further reduced by the reasonable closing, severance and relocation costs 
and expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonable costs and expenses 
relating to re-installing any machinery and equipment moved from the closed 
plant or facility in an existing plant or facility theretofore owned by the 
Borrower or a Subsidiary) incurred in connection with such transaction.

            "Non-Defaulting Lender" shall mean each Lender other than a 
Defaulting Lender.

            "Note" shall mean and include each Term Note, each Revolving Note 
and Swingline Note.

            "Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
1.3.

            "Notice of Conversion" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
1.6.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              69

            "Notice Office" shall mean the office of the Agent at 270 Park 
Avenue, New York, New York or such other office as the Agent may designate to 
the Borrower from time to time.

            "Obligations" shall mean all amounts, direct or indirect, 
contingent or absolute, of every type or description, and at any time existing, 
owing to the Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender pursuant to the terms of 
this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

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

            "Participant" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.5(a).

            "Payment Office" shall mean the office of the Agent at 270 Park 
Avenue, New York, New York or such other office as the Agent may designate to 
the Borrower from time to time.

            "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation 
established pursuant to Section 4002 of ERISA, or any successor thereto.

            "Permitted Business Acquisition" shall mean any acquisition of all 
or substantially all the assets of, or shares or other equity interests in, a 
Person or division or line of business of a Person or other significant assets 
of a Person (other than inventory, leases, materials and equipment in the 
ordinary course of business) if immediately after giving effect thereto:  (a) 
no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would 
result therefrom, (b) all transactions related thereto shall be consummated in 
all material respects in accordance with applicable laws, (c) at least 90% of 
the capital stock of any acquired or newly formed corporation, partnership, 
association or other business entity are owned directly by the Borrower or a 
Domestic Subsidiary and all actions required to be taken, if any, with respect 
to such acquired or newly formed subsidiary under Section 7.11 shall have been 
taken and (d)(i) Holdings shall be in compliance, on a pro forma basis 
                                                       --- -----
after giving effect to such acquisition or formation, with the covenants 
contained in Sections 8.11, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14 and 8.15 recomputed as at the last 
day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of Holdings as if such 
acquisition had occurred on the first day of each relevant period for testing 
such compliance, and Holdings shall have delivered to the Agent an officers' 
certificate to such effect, together with all relevant financial information 
for such subsidiary or assets (to the extent reasonably available), and (ii) 
after giving effect to such transaction, any acquired or newly formed 
subsidiary shall not be liable for any Indebtedness (except for Indebtedness 
permitted by Section 8.4).

            "Permitted Business Acquisition Determination Date" shall have the 
meaning provided in Section 7.1(g).

            "Permitted Liens" shall mean Liens described in clauses (a), (b), 
(c), (d) and (h) of Section 8.3.

            "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture, 
firm, corporation, association, trust or other enterprise or any government or 
political subdivision or any agency, department or instrumentality thereof.

            "Plan" shall mean any multiemployer or single-employer plan as 
defined in Section 4001 of ERISA, which is maintained or contributed to by (or 
to which there is an obligation to contribute of) a Credit Party, a Subsidiary 
of a Credit Party or an ERISA Affiliate, and each such plan for the five year 
period immediately following the latest date on which a Credit Party, a 
Subsidiary of a Credit Party or an ERISA Affiliate maintained, contributed to 
or had an obligation to contribute to such plan.

            "Pledge Agreements" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
5.1(l).

            "Pledged Securities" shall mean all the Pledged Securities as 
defined in the relevant Pledge Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              70

            "Prime Lending Rate" shall mean the rate which the Agent announces 
from time to time as its prime lending rate, the Prime Lending Rate to change 
when and as such prime lending rate changes.  The Prime Lending Rate is a 
reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate 
actually charged to any customer.  The Agent may make commercial loans or other 
loans at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Lending Rate.

            "Pro Forma Balance Sheets" shall be as defined in Section 
6.10(b)(v).

            "Pro Forma Date" shall be as defined in Section 6.10(b)(v).

            "Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes" shall mean Notes registered as 
provided in Section 12.4 and substantially in the form of Exhibit B-5. 

            "Qualified Sale/Leaseback Transactions" shall mean sale-leaseback 
transactions involving plants and/or facilities owned by the Borrower or any 
Subsidiary, provided that (i) such transaction shall be permitted pursuant 
            --------
to the terms of the Subordinated Note Indenture, (ii) the termination date 
(without giving effect to any extension option) of any such lease shall not 
occur prior to the Tranche B Term Facility Final Maturity Date, (iii) the Net 
Cash Proceeds of any such sale shall be applied as and to the extent  required 
by Section 4.2(A)(f) and (iv) the resulting lease shall be permitted by Section 
8.4(d) or 8.7, as the case may be.

            "RCRA" shall mean the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. (S)(S) 6901 et seq.
                               -- ---

            "Real Property" of any Person shall mean all of the right, title 
and interest of such Person in and to land, improvements and fixtures, 
including Leaseholds.

            "Receivable" shall have the meaning assigned to the term "account" 
provided in the UCC.

            "Regulation D" shall mean Regulation D of the Board of Governors of 
the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to 
all or a portion thereof establishing reserve requirements.

            "Regulation U" shall mean Regulation U of the Board of Governors of 
the Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to 
all or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

            "Reinvestment Assets" shall mean any assets to be employed in the 
business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as described in Section 
4.2(A)(e).

            "Reinvestment Election" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
4.2(A)(e).

            "Reinvestment Notice" shall mean a written notice signed by an 
Authorized Officer of the Borrower stating that the Borrower, in good faith, 
intends and expects to use all or a specified portion of the Net Cash Proceeds 
of an Asset Sale to purchase, construct or otherwise acquire Reinvestment 
Assets as provided in Section 4.2(A)(e).

            "Reinvestment Prepayment Amount" shall mean, with respect to any 
Reinvestment Election, the amount, if any, on the Reinvestment Prepayment Date 
relating thereto by which (a) the Anticipated Reinvestment Amount in respect of 
such Reinvestment Election exceeds (b) the aggregate amount thereof expended by 
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to acquire Reinvestment Assets as provided in 
Section 4.2(A)(e).

            "Reinvestment Prepayment Date" shall mean, with respect to any 
Reinvestment Election, the earliest of (i) the date, if any, upon which the 
Agent, on behalf of the Required Lenders, shall have delivered a written 
termination notice with respect to such Reinvestment Election to the Borrower, 
provided that such notice may only be given while an Event of Default exists, 
(ii) the date occurring one year after such Reinvestment Election and (iii) the 
date on which the Borrower shall have determined not to, or shall have 
otherwise ceased to, proceed with the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              71

purchase, construction or other acquisition of Reinvestment Assets with the
related Anticipated Reinvestment Amount.

            "Reinvestment Test" shall be satisfied if no Default or Event of 
Default then exists.

            "Replaced Lender" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.13.

            "Replacement Lender" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
1.13.

            "Reportable Event" shall mean an event described in Section 4043(b) 
of ERISA with respect to a Plan as to which the 30 day notice requirement has 
not been waived by the PBGC.

            "Repurchase Triggering Event" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 8.9(a)(ii).                                                     

            "Required Lenders" shall mean Non-Defaulting Lenders whose 
outstanding Term Loans (or, if prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, Term 
Commitments) and Revolving Commitments (or, if after the Total Revolving 
Commitment has been terminated, outstanding Revolving Loans) constitute at 
least 51% of the sum of (i) the total outstanding Term Loans of Non-Defaulting 
Lenders (or, if prior to the Initial Borrowing Date, the Total Term Commitment) 
and (ii) the Total Revolving Commitment less the aggregate Revolving 
Commitments of Defaulting Lenders (or, if after the Total Revolving Commitment 
has been terminated, the total outstanding Revolving Loans of Non-Defaulting 
Lenders).

            "Retained Percentage Amount" shall mean, for each fiscal year, an 
amount equal to the excess, if any, of the amount of the Excess Cash Flow for 
such fiscal year over the amount of mandatory prepayments of the Term Loans 
required to be made in respect of such Excess Cash Flow pursuant to Section 
4.2(A)(g) of this Agreement provided that there shall be no Retained 
                            --------
Percentage Amount for fiscal year 1995.

            "Revolving Commitment" shall mean, with respect to each Lender, the 
amount set forth opposite such Lender's name in Annex 1.1 hereto directly below 
the column entitled "Revolving Commitment", as the same may be reduced from 
time to time pursuant to Section 3.2, 3.3 and/or 9 or (y) adjusted from time to 
time as a result of assignments to or from such Lender pursuant to Section 
12.4.

            "Revolving Facility" shall mean the Facility evidenced by the Total 
Revolving Commitment.

            "Revolving Facility Final Maturity Date" shall mean the date which 
is the seventh anniversary of the Initial Borrowing Date.

            "Revolving Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.1(c).

            "Revolving Note" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.5(a).

            "Revolving Obligations" shall mean "Revolving Obligations" under 
and as defined in the Subsidiary Guaranty.

            "Revolving Percentage" shall mean at any time for each Lender with 
a Revolving Commitment, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender's 
Revolving Commitment by the Total Revolving Commitment, provided that if 
                                                        --------
the Total Revolving Commitment has been terminated, the Revolving Percentage of 
each Lender shall be determined by dividing such Lender's Revolving Commitment 
immediately prior to such termination by the Total Revolving Commitment 
immediately prior to such termination.

            "Sandel" shall have the meaning provided in the Devon Acquisition 
Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              72

            "Scheduled Repayment" shall mean the Initial Tranche A Scheduled 
Repayment, the Initial Tranche B Scheduled Repayment, the Additional Tranche A 
Scheduled Repayment or the Additional Tranche B Scheduled Repayment, as 
applicable.

            "SEC" shall have the meaning provided in Section 7.1(h).


            "SEC Regulation D" shall mean Regulation D as promulgated under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the same may be in effect from time to 
time.

            "Secured Creditors" shall have the meaning provided in the Security 
Documents.

            "Security Agreement Collateral" shall mean all "Collateral" as 
defined in the relevant Security Agreement.

            "Security Agreements" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
5.1(l).

            "Security Documents" shall mean each Pledge Agreement, each 
Security Agreement, each Mortgage and each Additional Mortgage, if any.

            "Selling Shareholders" shall have the meaning provided in the Devon 
Acquisition Agreement.

            "Shareholders' Agreement" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 5.1(d).

            "Stated Amount" of each Letter of Credit shall mean the maximum 
available to be drawn thereunder (regardless of whether any conditions for 
drawing could then be met).

            "Stock Repurchase Notes" shall mean any promissory notes or other 
evidence of Indebtedness issued by Holdings in consideration of the redemption 
or repurchase of Holdings Common Stock or Holdings Preferred Stock (or options 
or warrants relating thereto) in connection with a Repurchase Triggering Event, 
provided that (i) the Indebtedness evidenced thereby is unsecured, (ii) so 
- --------
long as any Obligations remain outstanding, such Indebtedness is payable only 
to the extent of amounts permitted to be paid in accordance with clause (ii) of 
Section 8.9(a) and (iii) such Indebtedness is by its terms subordinated to the 
Obligations pursuant to subordination provisions no less favorable to the 
Lenders than those set forth in the Subordinated Note Indenture.

            "Subordinated Note Documents" shall mean and include each of the 
documents, instruments (including the Subordinated Notes and the offering memo 
therefor) and other agreements entered into by the Borrower (including, without 
limitation, the Subordinated Note Indenture) relating to the issuance by the 
Borrower of the Subordinated Notes, as in effect on the Initial Borrowing Date 
and as the same may be supplemented, amended or modified from time to time in 
accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

            "Subordinated Note Indenture" shall mean the Indenture entered into 
by and between the Borrower and The United States Trust Company of New York, as 
trustee thereunder, with respect to the Subordinated Notes as in effect on the 
Initial Borrowing Date and as the same may be modified, amended or supplemented 
from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

            "Subordinated Notes" shall mean the Senior Subordinated Notes due 
2005 issued by the Borrower under the Subordinated Note Indenture, as in effect 
on the Initial Borrowing Date and as the same may be supplemented, amended or 
modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof.

            "Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean and include (i) any 
corporation more than 50% of whose stock of any class or classes having by the 
terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of 
such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any class 
or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason 
of the happening of any contingency) is at the time owned by such Person 
directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries and (ii) any partnership, 
association, joint venture or other entity 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              73

in which such Person directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries, has more than
a 50% equity interest at the time. Unless otherwise expressly provided, all
references herein to "Subsidiary" shall mean a Subsidiary of Holdings, including
the Borrower.

            "Subsidiary Guarantor" shall mean any Subsidiary of Holdings 
providing a Subsidiary Guaranty to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the 
Lenders.

            "Subsidiary Guaranty" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
5.1(l).

            "Swingline Commitment" shall mean $10,000,000

            "Swingline Expiry Date" shall mean the date which is one Business 
Day prior to the Revolving Facility Final Maturity Date.

            "Swingline Facility" shall mean the Facility evidenced by the 
Swingline Commitment.

            "Swingline Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.1(d).

            "Swingline Note" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.5(a).

            "Tax Sharing Agreement" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
5.1(d).

            "Taxes" shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.4.

            "Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to each Lender, the 
collective reference to its Tranche A Term Commitment and Tranche B Term 
Commitment.

            "Term Facilities" shall be the collective reference to the Initial 
Tranche A Term Facility, the Additional Tranche A Term Facility, the Initial 
Tranche B Term Facility and the Additional Tranche B Term Facility.

            "Term Loan" shall mean the collective reference to the Tranche A 
Term Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans.

            "Term Note" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.5(a).

            "Test Period" shall mean for any determination the four consecutive 
fiscal quarters of Holdings (taken as one accounting period) then last ended, 
provided, however, that for purposes of Sections 8.12 and 8.13 
- --------  -------
Consolidated Cash Interest Expense and Consolidated Debt Service Expense as of 
the last day of each of the fiscal quarters ending on March 31, 1996, June 30, 
1996, September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1996 shall be determined by 
multiplying such amount (a) for the period commencing October 1, 1995, and 
ending as of the end of such fiscal period by 2, in the case of the fiscal 
quarter ending March 31, 1996 and (b) for the period commencing April 1, 1996, 
and ending as of the end of such fiscal period by (i) 4, in the case of the 
fiscal quarter ending June 30, 1996, (ii) 2, in the case of the fiscal quarter 
ending September 30, 1996 and (iii) 4/3, in the case of the fiscal quarter 
ending December 31, 1996, provided, further, that interest accrued on 
                          --------  -------
the Subordinated Notes during such Test Period shall be included in the 
calculation of Consolidated Cash Interest Expense in lieu of actual cash 
interest expense payments made in respect of the Subordinated Notes during such 
Test Period.
 
            "Total Additional Tranche A Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of 
the Additional Tranche A Term Commitments of each of the Lenders.

            "Total Additional Tranche B Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of 
the Additional Tranche B Term Commitments of each of the Lenders.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              74

            "Total Availability" shall mean the sum of (a) the Borrowing Base 
and (b) from and including the date of consummation of a Permitted Business 
Acquisition funded by the Revolving Facility and completion of an examination 
of the acquired assets performed by or for the Agent to the satisfaction of the 
Agent, and unless and until such assets are sold or otherwise disposed of in 
accordance with Section 8.2, 50% of the net book value of property, plant and 
equipment (as determined in accordance with GAAP) of such Person or division or 
line of business of such Person acquired pursuant to a Permitted Business 
Acquisition to the extent the aggregate amount so calculated for all such
Permitted Business Acquisitions does not exceed $5,000,000 at any time and to
the extent the assets so acquired are subject to a valid and perfected first
priority Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders,
subject to no other Liens other than the Liens (if any) permitted by the Credit
Documents; provided that, if the Borrower fails to deliver any Total
           --------
Availability Certificate in the form and at the times required by Section
7.1(g), Total Availability shall, at the close of business on the fifth Business
Day following the date on which such Total Availability Certificate was required
to be delivered, be reduced to $0 and shall remain $0 until such time as a Total
Availability Certificate in proper form is delivered, at which time Total
Availability shall be calculated as set forth herein. For the purposes of a
Borrowing to fund a Permitted Business Acquisition, Total Availability shall be
adjusted (subject to completion of a collateral examination of the applicable
receivables and inventory performed by or for the Agent to the satisfaction of
the Agent and an independent appraisal of the property, plant and equipment to
be acquired to the satisfaction of the Agent) to give effect to such Permitted
Business Acquisition.

            "Total Availability Certificate" shall have the meaning provided in 
Section 7.1(g).

            "Total Commitment" shall mean the sum of the Total Term Commitment 
and the Total Revolving Commitment.

            "Total Initial Tranche A Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of the 
Initial Tranche A Term Commitments of each of the Lenders.

            "Total Initial Tranche B Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of the 
Initial Tranche B Term Commitments of each of the Lenders.

            "Total Revolving Commitment" shall mean the sum of the Revolving 
Commitments of each of the Lenders.

            "Total Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of the Total Tranche A 
Term Commitment and the Total Tranche B Term Commitment.

            "Total Tranche A Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of the Total 
Initial Tranche A Term Commitment and the Total Additional Tranche A Term 
Commitment.

            "Total Tranche B Term Commitment" shall mean the sum of the Total 
Initial Tranche B Term Commitment and the Total Additional Tranche B Term 
Commitment.

            "Total Unutilized Revolving Commitment" shall mean, at any time, 
(i) the Total Revolving Commitment at such time less (ii) the sum of the 
aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Loans at such time plus the Letter 
of Credit Outstandings at such time.

            "Tranche" shall mean the Initial Tranche A Term Facility, the 
Additional Tranche A Term Facility, the Initial Tranche B Term Facility or the 
Additional Tranche B Term Facility, as the context requires.

            "Tranche A Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to each 
Lender, the sum of such Lender's Initial Tranche A Term Commitment and 
Additional Tranche A Term Commitment.

            "Tranche A Term Facility" shall mean the sum of the Initial Tranche 
A Term Facility and the Additional Tranche A Term Facility.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              75

            "Tranche A Term Facility Final Maturity Date" shall mean September 
28, 2002.

            "Tranche A Term Loan" shall mean an Initial Tranche A Term Loan or 
an Additional Tranche A Term Loan, as the context requires.

            "Tranche A Term Note" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
1.5(a).

            "Tranche B Term Commitment" shall mean, with respect to each 
Lender, the sum of such Lender's Initial Tranche B Term Commitment and 
Additional Tranche B Term Facility.

            "Tranche B Term Facility" shall mean the sum of the Initial Tranche 
B Term Facility and the Additional Tranche B Term Facility.

            "Tranche B Term Facility Final Maturity Date" shall mean September 
28, 2003.

            "Tranche B Term Loan" shall mean an Initial Tranche B Term Loan or 
Additional Tranche B Term Loan, as the context requires.

            "Tranche B Term Note" shall have the meaning provided in Section 
1.5(a). 

            "Transaction" shall mean, collectively, (a) the issuance on or 
prior to the Initial Borrowing Date of Holdings Common Stock as required by 
Section 5.1(j), (b) the consummation of the Merger, (c) the termination of the 
commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement and the repayment of all loans 
outstanding thereunder, (d) the incurrence of the Loans hereunder on the 
Initial Borrowing Date and (e) the issuance of the Subordinated Notes on the 
Initial Borrowing Date.

            "Tronomed" shall mean the collective reference to Tronomed, Inc. 
and Tronomed Express, Inc., each a Wholly-Owned Domestic Subsidiary of the 
Borrower.

            "Type" shall mean any type of Loan determined with respect to the 
interest option applicable thereto, i.e., a Base Rate Loan or Eurodollar 
                                    ----
Loan.

            "UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code.

            "Unfunded Current Liability" of any Plan shall mean the amount, if 
any, by which the actuarial present value of the accumulated plan benefits 
under the Plan as of the close of its most recent plan year exceeds the fair 
market value of the assets allocable thereto, each determined in accordance 
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 35, based upon the 
actuarial assumptions used by the Plan's actuary in the most recent annual 
valuation of the Plan.

            "Unpaid Drawing" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.4(a).

            "Unutilized Commitment" for any Lender at any time shall mean the 
excess of (i) the Commitment of such Lender over (ii) the sum of (x) the 
aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans made by such Lender plus (y) an 
amount equal to such Lender's Revolving Percentage, if any, of the Letter of 
Credit Outstandings at such time provided that solely for purposes of 
                                 --------
calculating the Commitment Fee pursuant to Section 3.1(a) Swingline Loans shall 
be deemed not to be outstanding and the Swingline Commitment shall not 
constitute a "Commitment".

            "Voting Stock" shall mean with respect to any Person, outstanding 
capital stock of such Person ordinarily (and apart from rights exercisable upon 
the occurrence of any contingency) having the power to vote in the election of 
directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, even though 
the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of such contingency.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              76

            "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean any Subsidiary 
of such Person to the extent all of the capital stock or other ownership 
interests in such Subsidiary, other than directors' qualifying shares, is owned 
directly or indirectly by such Person.

            "Written" or "in writing" shall mean any form of written 
communication or a communication by means of telex, facsimile transmission, 
telegraph or cable.

            SECTION 11.  The Agent and Co-Agents.
                         -----------------------

            11.1  Appointment.  Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates 
                  -----------
and appoints Chemical as Agent of such Lender (such term to include for 
purposes of this Section 11, Chemical acting as Collateral Agent) and The First 
National Bank of Chicago, as successor to NBD Bank and Fleet Bank 
Massachusetts, N.A. as Co-Agents to act as specified herein and in the other 
Credit Documents, and each such Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes Chemical 
as the Agent for such Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the 
provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to exercise 
such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Agent by 
the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, together with such 
other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The Agent and each Co-Agent 
agrees to act as such upon the express conditions contained in this Section 11. 
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, 
neither the Agent nor any Co-Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, 
except those expressly set forth herein or in the other Credit Documents, or 
any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, 
functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read 
into this Agreement or otherwise exist against the Agent or any Co-Agent.  The 
provisions of this Section 11 are solely for the benefit of the Agent, the 
Co-Agents and the Lenders, and, except as provided in Section 11.9, no Credit 
Party shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the 
provisions hereof.  In performing its functions and duties under this 
Agreement, the Agent and each Co-Agent shall act solely as agent of the Lenders 
and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or 
relationship of agency or trust with or for any Credit Party.  Neither of the 
Co-Agents, in such capacity, shall have any duties, responsibilities, 
obligations, liabilities or functions under this Agreement or the other Credit 
Documents.

            11.2  Delegation of Duties.  The Agent may execute any of its 
                  --------------------
duties under this Agreement or any other Credit Document by or through agents 
or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all 
matters pertaining to such duties.  Without limiting the foregoing, Chemical as 
Agent may appoint CABSC as its agent to perform the functions of the Agent 
hereunder relating to the advancing of funds to the Borrower and distribution 
of funds to the Lenders and to perform such other related functions of the 
Agent hereunder as are reasonably incidental to such functions.  The Agent 
shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or 
attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care except to the extent 
otherwise required by Section 11.3.

            11.3  Exculpatory Provisions.  Neither the Agent, any Co-Agent 
                  ----------------------
nor any of their officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or 
affiliates (including, without limitation, CABSC) shall be (i) liable for any 
action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person under or in 
connection with this Agreement (except for its or such Person's own gross 
negligence or willful misconduct) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of 
the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by 
Holdings or any Subsidiary or any of their respective officers contained in 
this Agreement, any other Document or in any certificate, report, statement or 
other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agent or any 
Co-Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Document or 
for any failure of Holdings or any Subsidiary or any of their respective 
officers to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.  Neither the Agent 
nor any Co-Agent shall be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to 
inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained 
in, or conditions of, this Agreement, or to inspect the properties, books or 
records of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary.  Neither the Agent nor any 
Co-Agent shall be responsible to any Lender for the effectiveness, genuineness, 
validity, enforceability, collectibility or sufficiency of this Agreement or 
any Credit Document or for any representations, warranties, recitals or 
statements made herein or therein or made in any written or oral statement or 
in any financial or other statements, instruments, reports, certificates or any 
other documents in connection herewith or therewith furnished or made by the 
Agent or any Co-Agent to the Lenders or by or on behalf of the Borrower to the 
Agent or any Co-Agent or any Lender or be required to ascertain or inquire as 
to the 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              77

performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, provisions, covenants
or agreements contained herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds of
the Loans or of the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of
Default.

            11.4  Reliance by Agent and Co-Agents.  Each of the Agent, the 
                  -------------------------------
Co-Agents and CABSC shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in 
relying, upon any note, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, 
affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, facsimile transmission, telex or 
teletype message, statement, order or other document or conversation believed 
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the
proper Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel 
(including, without limitation, counsel to the Credit Parties), independent 
accountants and other experts selected by the Agent or any of the Co-Agents.  
Each of the Agent, the Co-Agents and CABSC shall be fully justified in failing 
or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Credit 
Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the 
Required Lenders as it deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to 
its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which 
may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such 
action.  Each of the Agent, the Co-Agents and CABSC shall in all cases be fully 
protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the 
other Credit Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders, 
and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall 
be binding upon all the Lenders.

            11.5  Notice of Default.  Neither the Agent nor any Co-Agent 
                  -----------------
shall be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or 
Event of Default hereunder unless the Agent or any Co-Agent has received notice 
from a Lender or the Borrower or any other Credit Party referring to this 
Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such 
notice is a "notice of default".  In the event that the Agent or any Co-Agent 
receives such a notice, the Agent or any such Co-Agent shall give prompt notice 
thereof to the Lenders.  The Agent or any such Co-Agent shall take such action 
with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably 
directed by the Required Lenders, provided that unless and until the Agent 
                                  --------
or any such Co-Agent shall have received such directions, the Agent or any such 
Co-Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from 
taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it 
shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

            11.6  Non-Reliance on Agent, Co-Agents and Other Lenders.  Each 
                  --------------------------------------------------
Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent, any Co-Agent nor any of 
its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates 
have made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Agent 
or any Co-Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of 
Holdings or any Subsidiary, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or 
warranty by the Agent or any Co-Agent to any Lender.  Each Lender represents to 
the Agent and each Co-Agent that it has, independently and without reliance 
upon the Agent, any Co-Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents 
and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and 
investigation into the business, assets, operations, property, financial and 
other conditions, prospects and creditworthiness of Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries and made its own decision to make its Loans hereunder and enter 
into this Agreement.  Each Lender also represents that it will, independently 
and without reliance upon the Agent or any Co-Agent or any other Lender, and 
based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the 
time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in 
taking or not taking action under this Agreement, and to make such 
investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, 
assets, operations, property, financial and other conditions, prospects and 
creditworthiness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries.  Neither the Agent nor any 
Co-Agent shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any 
credit or other information concerning the business, operations, assets, 
property, financial and other conditions, prospects or creditworthiness of 
Holdings or any Subsidiary which may come into the possession of the Agent, any 
Co-Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, 
attorneys-in-fact or affiliates.

            11.7  Indemnification.  The Lenders agree to indemnify the 
                  ---------------
Agent in its capacity as such ratably according to their respective 
"percentages" as used in determining Required Lenders at such time (with such 
"percentages" to be determined as if there are no Defaulting Lenders), from and 
against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, 
actions, judgments, suits, costs, reasonable expenses or disbursements of any 
kind whatsoever which may at any time (including without limitation at any time 
following the payment of the Obligations) be imposed on, incurred by or 
asserted against the Agent in its capacity as such in any way relating to 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              78

or arising out of this Agreement or any other Credit Document, or any documents
contemplated by or referred to herein or the transactions contemplated hereby or
any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Agent under or in connection
with any of the foregoing, but only to the extent that any of the foregoing is 
not paid by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that no Lender 
                                                 --------
shall be liable to the Agent for the payment of any portion of such 
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, 
suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting solely from the Agent's gross 
negligence or willful misconduct.  The agreements in this Section 11.7 shall 
survive the payment of all Obligations.  

            11.8  The Agent and Co-Agents in their Individual Capacity.  
                  ----------------------------------------------------
The Agent, its affiliates and each Co-Agent may make loans to, accept deposits 
from and generally engage in any kind of business with Holdings and its 
Subsidiaries as though the Agent and each Co-Agent were not the Agent and 
Co-Agent hereunder.  With respect to the Loans made by it and all Obligations 
owing to it, the Agent and each Co-Agent shall have the same rights and powers 
under this Agreement as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were 
not the Agent and Co-Agents, and the terms "Lender" and "Lenders" shall include 
the Agent and each Co-Agent in their individual capacity.

            11.9  Successor Agent.  The Agent or any Co-Agent may resign as 
                  ---------------
the Agent upon 20 days' notice to Holdings and the Lenders.  The Required 
Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor Agent or Co-Agent for 
the Lenders subject to prior approval by Holdings (such approval not to be 
unreasonably withheld), whereupon such successor agent shall succeed to the 
rights, powers and duties of the Agent and/or such Co-Agent, and the term 
"Agent" shall include such successor agent effective upon its appointment, and 
the resigning Agent's rights, powers and duties as the Agent shall be 
terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former 
Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement.  After the retiring Agent's 
resignation hereunder as the Agent, the provisions of this Section 11 shall 
inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while 
it was Agent under this Agreement.

            SECTION 12.  Miscellaneous.
                         -------------

            12.1  Payment of Expenses, etc.  The Borrower agrees to: (i) 
                  -------------------------
whether or not the transactions herein contemplated are consummated, pay all 
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the 
syndication of the Facilities, the negotiation, preparation, execution and 
delivery of the Credit Documents and the documents and instruments referred to 
therein and any amendment, waiver or consent relating thereto (including, 
without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of Simpson Thacher & 
Bartlett, counsel to the Agent) and the creation and perfection of the Liens 
created under the Security Documents and of the Agent and each of the Lenders 
in connection with the enforcement (including pursuant to the administration of 
any bankruptcy proceeding relating to Holdings or the Borrower) of the Credit 
Documents and the documents and instruments referred to therein (including, 
without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the 
Agent, the Letter of Credit Issuer and for each of the Lenders); (ii) pay and 
hold each of the Lenders harmless from and against any and all present and 
future stamp and other similar taxes with respect to the foregoing matters and 
save each of the Lenders and the Letter of Credit Issuer harmless from and 
against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay or 
omission (other than to the extent attributable to such Lender or such Letter 
of Credit Issuer) to pay such taxes; and (iii) indemnify each Lender and the 
Letter of Credit Issuer, its officers, directors, employees, representatives 
and agents (collectively, the "Indemnities") from and hold each of them 
harmless against any and all losses, costs, liabilities, claims, damages or 
expenses incurred by any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or in any 
way related to, or by reason of, any investigation, litigation or other 
proceeding (whether or not any Lender or the Letter of Credit Issuer is a party 
thereto) related to the entering into and/or performance of any Document or the 
use of the proceeds of any Loans or Letters of Credit hereunder or the 
Transaction or the Devon Transaction or the consummation of any transactions 
contemplated in any Credit Document, including, without limitation, the 
reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel incurred in connection 
with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding (but excluding any 
such losses, costs, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses to the extent 
incurred by reason of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Person 
to be indemnified or of any other Indemnitee who is such Person or an affiliate 
of such Person).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              79

            12.2  Right of Setoff.  In addition to any rights now or 
                  ---------------
hereafter granted under applicable law or otherwise, and not by way of 
limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, each 
Lender is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time, without 
presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to any Credit Party or 
to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off 
and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special) and any 
other Indebtedness at any time held or owing by such Lender (including without 
limitation by branches and agencies of such Lender wherever located) to or for 
the credit or the account of any Credit Party against and on account of the 
Obligations and liabilities of such Credit Party to such Lender under this
Agreement or under any of the other Credit Documents, including, without
limitation, all interests in Obligations of such Credit Party purchased by such
Lender pursuant to Section 12.6(b), and all other claims of any nature or
description arising out of or connected with this Agreement or any other Credit
Document, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand
hereunder and although said Obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them,
shall be contingent or unmatured.

            12.3  Notices.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, 
                  -------
all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing 
(including telegraphic, telex, telecopier or cable communication) and mailed, 
telegraphed, telexed, telecopied, cabled or delivered, if to a Credit Party, at 
the address specified opposite its signature below or in the other relevant 
Credit Documents, as the case may be; if to any Lender, at its address 
specified for such Lender on Annex 1.1 hereto; or, at such other address as 
shall be designated by any party in a written notice to the other parties 
hereto.  All such notices and communications shall be mailed, telegraphed, 
telexed, telecopied, or cabled or sent by overnight courier, and shall be 
effective when received.

            12.4  Benefit of Agreement. (a) This Agreement shall be binding 
                  --------------------
upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective 
successors and assigns of the parties hereto, provided that no Credit Party 
                                              --------
may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the 
prior written consent of all the Lenders.  Each Lender may at any time grant 
participations in any of its rights hereunder or under any of the Notes to 
another financial institution, provided that in the case of any such 
                               --------
participation, the participant shall not have any rights under this Agreement 
or any of the other Credit Documents (the participant's rights against such 
Lender in respect of such participation to be those set forth in the agreement 
executed by such Lender in favor of the participant relating thereto) and all 
amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder shall be determined as if such Lender 
had not sold such participation, except that the participant shall be entitled 
to the benefits of Sections 1.10, 1.11, 2.6 and 4.4 of this Agreement to the 
extent that such Lender would be entitled to such benefits if the participation 
had not been entered into or sold, and, provided, further, that no 
                                        --------  -------
Lender shall transfer, grant or assign any participation under which the 
participant shall have rights to approve any amendment to or waiver of this 
Agreement or any other Credit Document except to the extent such amendment or 
waiver would (i) waive any Scheduled Repayment or extend the final scheduled 
maturity of any Loan or Note in which such participant is participating (it 
being understood that any waiver of the application of any prepayment or the 
method of any application of any prepayment to, the amortization of the Term 
Loans shall not constitute a waiver of any Scheduled Repayment or an extension 
of the final maturity date), or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment 
of interest or Fees thereon (except in connection with a waiver of the 
applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates), or reduce the 
principal amount thereof, or increase such participant's participating interest 
in any Commitment over the amount thereof then in effect (it being understood 
that a waiver of any Default or Event of Default or of a mandatory reduction in 
the Total Commitment, or a mandatory prepayment, shall not constitute a change 
in the terms of any Commitment), (ii) release any Guarantor from its 
obligations under its Guaranty except in accordance with the terms thereof, 
(iii) release all or substantially all of the Collateral or (iv) consent to the 
assignment or transfer by any Credit Party of any of its rights and obligations 
under this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

            (b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with the consent of the Agent 
and the Borrower (each of which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld), 
(x) any Lender may assign all or a portion of its Loans and/or Commitments and 
its rights and obligations hereunder to another Lender, and (y) any Lender may 
assign all or a portion of its Loans and/or Commitments and its rights and 
obligations hereunder to one or more Eligible Transferees (including one or 
more Lenders).  Any assignment pursuant to this Section 12.4(b) need not be 
ratable as among the Tranche A Term Loans, the Tranche B Term Loans and the 
Revolving Commitments of the assigning Lender except as provided in the next 
sentence.  No assignment pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence (i) 
shall to the extent such assignment represents an assignment to an institution 
other than one or more Lenders hereunder, be in 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              80

an aggregate amount less than $5,000,000 unless the entire Commitment and Loans
of the assigning Lender are so assigned or (ii) shall be effective if the result
thereof is that any Lender has a different percentage interest in the Initial
Tranche A Term Facility than it has in the Revolving Facility. If any Lender so
sells or assigns all or a part of its rights hereunder or under the Notes, any
reference in this Agreement or the Notes to such assigning Lender shall
thereafter refer to such Lender and to the respective assignee to the extent of
their respective interests and the respective assignee shall have, to the extent
of such assignment (unless otherwise provided therein), the same rights and
benefits as it would if it were such assigning Lender. Each assignment pursuant
to this Section 12.4(b) shall be effected by the assigning Lender and the
assignee Lender executing an Assignment Agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit D (appropriately completed). In the event of any such assignment to a
Person not previously a Lender hereunder, either the assigning or the assignee
Lender shall pay to the Agent a nonrefundable assignment fee of $3,500, and at
the time of any assignment pursuant to this Section 12.4(b), (i) Annex 1.1 shall
be deemed to be amended to reflect the Commitment of the respective assignee
(which shall result in a direct reduction to the Commitment of the assigning
Lender) and of the other Lenders, and (ii) if any such assignment occurs after
the Initial Borrowing Date, the Borrower will issue new Notes to the respective
assignee and to the assigning Lender in conformity with the requirements of
Section 1.5. Each Lender and the Borrower agree to execute such documents
(including without limitation amendments to this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents) as shall be necessary to effect the foregoing. Nothing in this clause
(b) shall prevent or prohibit any Lender from pledging its Notes or Loans to a
Federal Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by such Lender from such
Federal Reserve Bank.

            (c)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 12.4, no 
transfer or assignment of the interests or obligations of any Lender hereunder 
or any grant of participation therein shall be permitted if such transfer, 
assignment or grant would require the Borrower or Holdings to file a 
registration statement with the SEC or to qualify the Loans under the "Blue 
Sky" laws of any State.

            (d)  Each Lender initially party to this Agreement hereby 
represents, and each Person that became a Lender pursuant to an assignment 
permitted by this Section 12 will, upon its becoming party to this Agreement, 
represent that it is a commercial lender, other financial institution or other 
"accredited" investor (as defined in SEC Regulation D) which makes or acquires 
loans in the ordinary course of its business and that it will make or acquire 
Loans for its own account in the ordinary course of such business, provided 
                                                                   --------
that subject to the preceding clauses (a) and (b), the disposition of any 
promissory notes or other evidences of or interests in Indebtedness held by 
such Lender shall at all times be within its exclusive control.

            (e)  The Agent acting on behalf of and as agent for the Borrower 
shall maintain at its Payment Office a copy of each Assignment Agreement 
delivered to it (as required hereby) and a register (the "Register") for 
                                                          --------
the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the registered 
owners of the Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes (including Qualified Non-U.S. 
Lender Noteholders) and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the 
Revolving Credit Loans, the Initial Tranche A Term Loans, the Initial Tranche B 
Term Loans,  the Additional Tranche A Term Loans and the Additional Tranche B 
Term Loans owing to, each Lender from time to time.  The entries in the 
Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the 
Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is 
recorded in the Register as the owner of the Loan or Qualified Non-U.S. Lender 
Note recorded therein for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any 
notice to the contrary.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the 
Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon 
reasonable prior notice.

            (f)  Any Non-U.S. Lender that could become completely exempt from 
withholding of any United States federal income taxes in respect of payment of 
any interest due to such Non-U.S. Lender under this Agreement or the Notes if 
the Note(s) held by such Non-U.S. Lender were in registered form for United 
States federal income tax purposes may request the Borrower (through the 
Agent), and the Borrower agrees thereupon, to exchange any Note(s) held by such 
Non-U.S. Lender, or to issue to such Non-U.S. Lender on the date it becomes a 
Lender, Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes. Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Notes may 
not be exchanged for promissory notes that are not Qualified Non-U.S. Lender 
Notes.

            (g)  A Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note may be assigned or otherwise 
transferred in whole or in part only by registration of such assignment or 
transfer of such Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note on the Register 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              81

(each Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note shall expressly so provide). Any assignment
or transfer of all or part of such Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note shall be
registered on the Register only upon surrender for registration of the
assignment or transfer of the Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note(s), duly endorsed
by (or accompanied by a written instrument of assignment or transfer duly
executed by) the holder thereof (a "Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Noteholder"); and
thereupon one or more new Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note(s) in the same
aggregate principal amount shall be issued to the designated assignee(s) and the
old Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note(s) shall be returned to the Borrower marked
"canceled." No assignment of a Qualified Non-U.S. Lender Note shall be effective
until it is recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (g) of
Section 12.4.

            (h)  In the event any Lender's long-term credit rating is 
downgraded to BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody's, the Letter of 
Credit Issuer may replace such Lender with an Eligible Transferee.  Such 
assignment shall be effected in accordance with the terms of Section 12.4(b).

            12.5  No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.  No failure or delay on 
                  ------------------------------
the part of the Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege 
hereunder or under any other Credit Document and no course of dealing between 
any Credit Party and the Agent or any Lender shall operate as a waiver thereof; 
nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege 
hereunder or under any other Credit Document preclude any other or further 
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege 
hereunder or thereunder.  The rights and remedies herein expressly provided are 
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Agent or any 
Lender would otherwise have.  No notice to or demand on any Credit Party in any 
case shall entitle any Credit Party to any other or further notice or demand in 
similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the 
Agent or the Lenders to any other or further action in any circumstances 
without notice or demand.

            12.6  Payments Pro Rata. (a) The Agent agrees that promptly 
                  -----------------
after its receipt of each payment from or on behalf of any Credit Party in 
respect of any Obligations of such Credit Party hereunder, it shall distribute 
such payment to the Lenders (other than any Lender that has expressly waived 
its right to receive its pro rata share thereof) pro rata based upon 
                                                 --- ----
their respective shares, if any, of the Obligations with respect to which such 
payment was received.

            (b)  Each of the Lenders agrees that, if it should receive any 
amount hereunder (whether by voluntary payment, by realization upon security, 
by the exercise of the right of setoff or banker's lien, by counterclaim or 
cross action, by the enforcement of any right under the Credit Documents, or 
otherwise) which is applicable to the payment of the principal of, or interest 
on, the Loans, Fees or reimbursement obligations in respect of the Letters of 
Credit, of a sum which with respect to the related sum or sums received by 
other Lenders is in a greater proportion than the total of such Obligation then 
owed and due to such Lender bears to the total of such Obligation then owed and 
due to all of the Lenders immediately prior to such receipt (or, after 
acceleration of the Loans pursuant to Section 9, with respect to any 
Obligation), then such Lender receiving such excess payment shall purchase for 
cash without recourse or warranty from the other Lenders an interest in the 
Obligations of the respective Credit Party to such Lenders in such amount as 
shall result in a proportional participation by all of the Lenders in such 
amount, provided that if all or any portion of such excess amount is 
        --------
thereafter recovered from such Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded and the 
purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

            12.7  Calculations; Computations.  (a) The financial statements 
                  --------------------------
to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant hereto shall be made and prepared in 
accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved 
(except as set forth in the notes thereto or as otherwise disclosed in writing 
by Holdings to the Lenders), provided that except as otherwise specifically 
                             --------
provided herein, all computations determining compliance with Section 8, 
including definitions used therein, shall utilize accounting principles and 
policies in effect at the time of the preparation of, and in conformity with 
those used to prepare, (x) in respect of Holdings, the Borrower and their 
Subsidiaries other than Devon, the December 31, 1994 historical financial 
statements of Holdings delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.10 and 
(y) in respect of Devon, the December 31, 1995 historical financial statements 
of Devon delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.10, but shall not give 
effect to (i) adjustments in component amounts required or permitted by APB 16 
or 17 as a result of the Merger, provided that in determining gains and 
                                 --------
losses from the sale or disposition of assets such adjustment shall be given 
effect, (ii) amortization of goodwill and intangible assets resulting from the 
Merger and (iii) the amortization or write-off of any expenses incurred in 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              82

connection with the Merger or the financing thereof, or in connection with the 
issuance of the Subordinated Notes, provided that the computations under 
                                    --------
Section 8 may utilize FAS 96, but shall not give effect to any cumulative 
effect adjustment relating to the adoption thereof, and, provided, 
                                                         --------
further, that if at any time the computations determining compliance with 
- -------
Section 8 utilize accounting principles different from those utilized in the 
financial statements furnished to the Lenders, such financial statements shall 
be accompanied by reconciliation work-sheets.

            (b) All computations of (x) interest on Eurodollar Loans, Base Rate
Loans not based on the Prime Lending Rate and Fees hereunder shall be made on
the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days and (y) interest on
Base Rate Loans based on the Prime Lending Rate shall be made on the actual
number of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be.

            12.8  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue; Waiver of 
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Jury Trial.  (a)  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND THE 
- ----------
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE 
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW 
YORK.  Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or any 
other Credit Documents may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or 
of the United States for the Southern District of New York, and, by execution 
and delivery of this Agreement, each Credit Party hereby irrevocably accepts 
for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the 
jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.  Each Credit Party further irrevocably 
consents to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in 
any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or 
certified mail, postage prepaid, to each Credit Party located outside New York 
City and by hand delivery to each Credit Party located within New York City, at 
its address for notices pursuant to Section 12.3, such service to become 
effective 30 days after such mailing.  Each Credit Party hereby irrevocably 
appoints Holdings as its agent for service of process in respect of any such 
action or proceeding.  Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Agent or 
any Lender to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence 
legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any Credit Party in any other 
jurisdiction.

            (b)  Each Credit Party hereby irrevocably waives any objection 
which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the 
aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this 
Agreement or any other Credit Document brought in the courts referred to in 
clause (a) above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead 
or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any 
such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

            (c)  EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY 
WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM 
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR THE 
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

            12.9  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any 
                  ------------
number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate 
counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an 
original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same 
instrument.  A set of counterparts executed by all the parties hereto shall be 
lodged with Holdings and the Agent.

            12.10  Effectiveness.  (a) The Original Credit Agreement became 
                   -------------
effective on September 29, 1995 (the "Effective Date").

            (b)  This Agreement shall become effective on the date (the 
"Amendment and Restatement Effective Date") on which (i) each of Holdings and 
the Borrower and each of the Lenders required under Section 5.2(q) shall have 
signed a copy of this Agreement (whether the same or different copies) and 
shall have delivered the same to the Agent at the Payment Office of the Agent 
or, in the case of the Lenders, shall have given to the Agent telephonic 
(confirmed in writing), written telex or facsimile transmission notice 
(actually received) at such office that the same has been signed and mailed to 
it and (ii) the conditions set forth in Sections 5.2 and 5.3(a) shall have been 
satisfied.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              83

            12.11  Headings Descriptive.  The headings of the several 
                   --------------------
sections and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only 
and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of 
this Agreement.

            12.12  Amendment or Waiver.  Neither this Agreement nor any 
                   -------------------
other Credit Document nor any terms hereof or thereof may be changed, waived, 
discharged or terminated unless such change, waiver, discharge or termination 
is in writing signed by Holdings, the Borrower and the Required Lenders, 
provided that no such change, waiver, discharge or termination shall (i) 
- --------
waive any Scheduled Repayment or extend the Final Maturity Date (it being 
understood that any waiver of the application of any prepayment of or the method
of application of any prepayment to the amortization of the Loans shall not
constitute a waiver of any such Scheduled Repayment or any such extension), or
reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest (other than as a
result of waiving the applicability of any post-default increase in interest
rates) or Fees thereon, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or increase the
Commitment of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect (it being
understood that a waiver of any Default or Event of Default or of a mandatory
reduction in the Total Commitment shall not constitute a change in the terms of
any Commitment of any Lender), without the consent of each Lender (other than a
Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (ii) defer any Scheduled Repayment
without the consent of (A) in the case of an Initial Tranche A Scheduled
Repayment, Lenders holding Initial Tranche A Term Loans representing at least 66
2/3% of the aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Initial Tranche A
Term Loans, (B) in the case of an Initial Tranche B Scheduled Repayment, Lenders
holding Initial Tranche B Term Loans representing at least 66 2/3% of the
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Initial Tranche B Term Loans,
(C) in the case of an Additional Tranche A Scheduled Repayment, Lenders holding
Additional Tranche A Term Loans representing at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate
principal amount of the then outstanding Additional Tranche A Term Loans and (D)
in the case of an Additional Tranche B Scheduled Repayment, Lenders holding
Additional Tranche B Term Loans representing at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate
principal amount of the then outstanding Additional Tranche B Term Loans, (iii)
release all or substantially all of the Collateral or release any Guarantor from
its Guaranty (in each case except as expressly provided in the Credit Documents)
without the consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) directly
affected thereby, (iv) amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section
without the consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) directly
affected thereby, (v) reduce the percentage specified in, or otherwise modify,
the definition of Required Lenders without the consent of each Lender (other
than a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (vi) consent to the
assignment or transfer by any Credit Party of any of its rights and obligations
under this Agreement without the consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting
Lender) directly affected thereby, (vii) effect any waiver, amendment or
modification that by its terms subordinates (including, without limitation, by
altering priority of distribution of payments or proceeds of Collateral)
directly or indirectly the rights in respect of payments or Collateral of
Lenders participating in any Tranche differently from those of Lenders
participating in other Tranches, without the consent of each Lender whose rights
would be subordinated by such waiver, amendment or modification, or change the
relative rights in respect of payments or Collateral of the Lenders
participating in different Tranches without the consent of each Lender
participating in each affected Tranche or (viii) alter any allocation of
mandatory prepayments under Section 4.2 among either Tranche or the Revolving
Facility without the consent of a majority in interest of the Lenders of each
Tranche or the Revolving Facility, as the case may be, adversely affected
thereby. No provision of Section 2 or 11 may be amended without the consent of
the Letter of Credit Issuer or the Agent, respectively.

            12.13  Survival.  All indemnities set forth herein including, 
                   --------
without limitation, in Section 1.10, 1.11, 2.6, 4.4, 11.7 or 12.1 shall survive 
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making and repayment of 
the Loans.

            12.14  Domicile of Loans.  Each Lender may transfer and carry 
                   -----------------
its Loans at, to or for the account of any branch office, subsidiary or 
affiliate of such Lender, provided that the Borrower shall not be 
                          --------
responsible for costs arising under Section 1.10, 2.6 or 4.4 resulting from any 
such transfer (other than a transfer pursuant to Section 1.12) to the extent 
not otherwise applicable to such Lender prior to such transfer.

            12.15  Confidentiality.  Subject to Section 12.4, the Lenders 
                   ---------------
shall hold all non-public information obtained pursuant to the requirements of 
this Agreement which has been identified as such by Holdings or the Borrower in 
accordance with its customary procedure for handling confidential information 
of this nature and in 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              84

accordance with safe and sound banking and/or investment practices and in any
event may make disclosure reasonably required by any bona fide transferee or
                                                     ---- ----
participant in connection with the contemplated transfer of any Loans or
participation therein (provided, that each such prospective transferee and/or
                       --------    
participant shall execute an agreement for the benefit of the Holdings and
Borrower with such prospective transferor Lender containing provisions
substantially identical to those contained in this Section 12.15) or as required
or requested by any governmental agency or representative thereof or pursuant to
legal process, provided that, unless specifically prohibited by applicable law
               --------
or court order, each Lender shall notify Holdings of any request by any
governmental agency or representative thereof (other than any such request in
connection with an examination of the financial condition of such Lender by such
governmental agency) for disclosure of any such non-public information prior to
disclosure of such information, and provided further that in no event 
                                    -------- -------
shall any Lender be obligated or required to return any materials furnished by 
Holdings or any Subsidiary.

            12.16  Release of Liens and Guarantees.  In the event that 
                   -------------------------------
Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary conveys, sells, leases, assigns, 
transfers or otherwise disposes of all or any portion of any of the capital 
stock, assets or property of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries 
in a transaction not prohibited by this Agreement or any other Credit Document, 
the Agent and the Collateral Agent shall promptly (and the Lenders hereby 
authorize the Agent and the Collateral Agent to) take such action and execute 
any such documents as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower and at the 
Borrower's expense to release any Liens created by any Credit Document in 
respect of such capital stock, assets, property, including the release and 
satisfaction of record of any mortgage or deed or trust granted in connection 
herewith, and, in the case of a disposition of all or substantially all the 
capital stock or assets of any Subsidiary Guarantor, terminate such Subsidiary 
Guarantor's obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantee and release all Liens on 
the assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor.  In addition, the Agent and the 
Collateral Agent agree to take such actions as are reasonably requested by the 
Borrower and at the Borrower's expense to terminate the Liens and security 
interests created by the Credit Documents when all the Obligations are paid in 
full and all Letters of Credit and Commitments are terminated.  Any 
representation, warranty or covenant contained in any Credit Document relating 
to any such capital stock, assets, property or Subsidiary shall no longer be 
deemed to be made once such Capital Stock, assets or property is conveyed, 
sold, leased, assigned, transferred or disposed of.

            12.17  Pre-Closing Funding Arrangements.  (a)  The Lenders 
                   --------------------------------
hereby agree to fund the Initial Tranche A Term Facility, the Initial Tranche B 
Term Facility and the Revolving Facility in accordance with the pre-closing 
escrow letter between the Agent and GH dated September 27, 1995.

            (b)  The Lenders with an Additional Tranche A Term Commitment or an 
Additional Tranche B Term Commitment, as the case may be, hereby agree to fund 
the Additional Tranche A Term Facility and/or the Additional Tranche B Term 
Facility, as the case may be, in accordance with the pre-closing escrow letter 
between the Agent and the Borrower dated February 28, 1996.

            SECTION 13.  Guaranty.
                         --------

            13.1  The Guaranty.  In order to induce the Lenders to enter 
                  ------------
into this Agreement and to extend credit hereunder and in recognition of the 
direct benefits to be received by Holdings from the proceeds of the Loans, 
Holdings hereby agrees with the Lenders as follows:  Holdings hereby 
unconditionally and irrevocably, guarantees as primary obligor and not merely 
as surety the full and prompt payment when due, whether upon maturity, by 
acceleration or otherwise, of any and all indebtedness of the Borrower to the 
Lenders.  If any or all of the indebtedness of the Borrower to the Lenders 
becomes due and payable hereunder, Holdings unconditionally promises to pay 
such indebtedness to the Lenders, or order, on demand, together with any and 
all expenses which may be incurred by the Agent or the Lenders in collecting 
any of the indebtedness.  The word "indebtedness" is used in this Section 13 in 
its most comprehensive sense and includes any and all advances, debts, 
obligations and liabilities of the Borrower arising in connection with this 
Agreement or under any Interest Rate Agreement with a Lender, in each case, 
heretofore, now, or hereafter made, incurred or created, whether voluntarily or 
involuntarily, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined 
or undetermined, whether or not such indebtedness is from time to time reduced, 
or extinguished and thereafter increased or incurred, whether the Borrower may 
be liable individually or jointly with others, whether or not recovery upon 
such indebtedness may be or hereafter become 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              85

barred by any statute of limitations, and whether or not such indebtedness may
be or hereafter become otherwise unenforceable.

            13.2  Bankruptcy.  Additionally, Holdings unconditionally and 
                  ----------
irrevocably guarantees the payment of any and all indebtedness of the Borrower 
to the Lenders whether or not due or payable by the Borrower upon the 
occurrence in respect of the Borrower of any of the events specified in Section 
9.5, and unconditionally promises to pay such indebtedness to the Lenders, or 
order, on demand, in lawful money of the United States.

            13.3  Nature of Liability.  The liability of Holdings hereunder 
                  -------------------
is exclusive and independent of any security for or other guaranty of the 
indebtedness of the Borrower whether executed by Holdings, any other guarantor 
or by any other party, and the liability of Holdings hereunder shall not be 
affected or impaired by (a) any direction as to application of payment by the 
Borrower or by any other party, or (b) any other continuing or other guaranty, 
undertaking or maximum liability of a guarantor or of any other party as to the 
indebtedness of the Borrower, or (c) any payment on or in reduction of any such 
other guaranty or undertaking, or (d) any dissolution, termination or increase, 
decrease or change in personnel by the Borrower, or (e) any payment made to the 
Agent or the Lenders on the indebtedness which the Agent or such Lenders repay 
the Borrower pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy, reorganization, 
arrangement, moratorium or other debtor relief proceeding, and Holdings waives 
any right to the deferral or modification of its obligations hereunder by 
reason of any such proceeding.

            13.4  Independent Obligation.  The obligations of Holdings 
                  ----------------------
hereunder are independent of the obligations of any other guarantor or the 
Borrower, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted 
against Holdings whether or not action is brought against any other guarantor 
or the Borrower and whether or not any other guarantor or the Borrower be 
joined in any such action or actions.  Holdings waives, to the fullest extent 
permitted by law, the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting its 
liability hereunder or the enforcement thereof.  Any payment by the Borrower or 
other circumstance which operates to toll any statute of limitations as to the 
Borrower shall operate to toll the statute of limitations as to Holdings.

            13.5  Authorization.  Holdings authorizes the Agent and the 
                  -------------
Lenders without notice or demand (except as shall be required by applicable 
statute and cannot be waived), and without affecting or impairing its liability 
hereunder, from time to time to (a) renew, compromise, extend, increase, 
accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment of, or otherwise change the 
terms of the indebtedness or any part thereof in accordance with this 
Agreement, including any increase or decrease of the rate of interest thereon, 
(b) take and hold security from any guarantor or any other party for the 
payment of this guaranty or the indebtedness and exchange, enforce, waive and 
release any such security, (c) apply such security and direct the order or 
manner of sale thereof as the Agent and the Lenders in their discretion may 
determine and (d) release or substitute any one or more endorsers, guarantors, 
the Borrower or other obligors.

            13.6  Reliance.  It is not necessary for the Agent or the 
                  --------
Lenders to inquire into the capacity or powers of the Borrower or its 
Subsidiaries or the officers, directors, partners or agents acting or 
purporting to act on its behalf, and any indebtedness made or created in 
reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed 
hereunder.

            13.7  Subordination.  Any indebtedness of the Borrower now or 
                  -------------
hereafter held by Holdings is hereby subordinated to the indebtedness of the 
Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders; and such indebtedness of the Borrower to 
Holdings, if Agent, after an Event of Default has occurred, so requests, shall 
be collected, enforced and received by Holdings as trustee for the Lenders and 
be paid over to the Lenders on account of the indebtedness of the Borrower to 
the Lenders, but without affecting or impairing in any manner the liability of 
Holdings under the other provisions of this Guaranty.  Prior to the transfer by 
Holdings of any note or negotiable instrument evidencing any indebtedness of 
the Borrower to Holdings, Holdings shall mark such note or negotiable 
instrument with a legend that the same is subject to this subordination.

            13.8  Waiver.  (a)  Holdings waives any right (except as shall 
                  ------
be required by applicable statute and cannot be waived) to require the Agent or 
the Lenders to (i) proceed against the Borrower, any other guarantor or any 
other 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              86

party, (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security held from the Borrower, any
other guarantor or any other party or (iii) pursue any other remedy in the
Agent's or the Lenders' power whatsoever. Holdings waives any defense based on
or arising out of any defense of the Borrower, any other guarantor or any other
party other than payment in full of the indebtedness, including without
limitation any defense based on or arising out of the disability of the
Borrower, any other guarantor or any other party, or the unenforceability of the
indebtedness or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause
of the liability of the Borrower other than payment in full of the indebtedness.
The Agent and the Lenders may, at their election, foreclose on any security held
by the Agent or the Lenders by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales,
whether or not every aspect of any such sale is commercially reasonable (to the
extent such sale is permitted by applicable law), or exercise any other right or
remedy the Agent and the Lenders may have against the Borrower or any other
party, or any security, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability
of Holdings hereunder except to the extent the indebtedness has been paid.
Holdings waives any defense arising out of any such election by the Agent and
the Lenders, even though such election operates to impair or extinguish any
right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of Holdings
against the Borrower or any other party or any security.

            (b)  Holdings waives all presentments, demands for performance, 
protests and notices, including without limitation notices of nonperformance, 
notice of protest, notices of dishonor, notices of acceptance of this Guaranty, 
and notices of the existence, creation or incurring of new or additional 
indebtedness.  Holdings assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself 
informed of the Borrower's financial condition and assets, and of all other 
circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the indebtedness and the 
nature, scope and extent of the risks which Holdings assumes and incurs 
hereunder, and agrees that the Agent and the Lenders shall have no duty to 
advise Holdings of information known to them regarding such circumstances or 
risks.

            (c)  Holdings hereby waives all rights of subrogation which it may 
at any time otherwise have as a result of this Guaranty (whether contractual, 
under Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code, or otherwise) to the claims of the 
Lenders against the Borrower or any other guarantor of the Obligations 
(collectively, the "Other Parties") and all contractual, statutory or common 
law rights of reimbursement, contribution or indemnity from any Other Party 
which it may at any time otherwise have as a result of this Guaranty.  Holdings 
hereby further waives any right to enforce any other remedy which the Lenders 
now have or may hereafter have against any Other Party, any endorser or any 
other guarantor of all or any part of the indebtedness of the Borrower and any 
benefit of, and any right to participate in, any security or collateral given 
to or for the benefit of the Lenders to secure payment of the indebtedness of 
the Borrower.

            (d)  Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding clause (c), 
Holdings shall have and be entitled to (i) all rights of subrogation otherwise 
provided by law in respect of any payment it may make or be obligated to make 
under this Guaranty and (ii) all claims (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) it 
would have against any Other Party in the absence of the preceding clause (c), 
and to assert and enforce same, in each case on and after, but at no time prior 
to, the date (the "Subrogation Trigger Date") on which all indebtedness of the 
Borrower owing to all of the Lenders has been paid in full if and only if 
                                                           --------------
the Obligations have been paid and performed in full, the Commitments have 
terminated and the Letters of Credit have expired or been returned to the 
Letter of Credit Issuer, the Collateral shall be released by the Collateral 
Agent, and this Agreement shall have terminated.

            13.9  Limitation on Enforcement.  The Lenders agree that this 
                  -------------------------
Guaranty may be enforced only by the action of the Agent or the Collateral 
Agent, in each case acting upon the instructions of the Required Lenders and 
that no Lender shall have any right individually to seek to enforce or to 
enforce this Guaranty or to realize upon the security to be granted by any 
Security Document, it being understood and agreed that such rights and remedies 
may be exercised by the Agent or the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the 
Lenders upon the terms of this Agreement and any Security Document.  The 
Lenders further agree that the Guaranty may not be enforced against any 
director, officer, employee or stockholder of Holdings.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              87

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a 
counterpart of this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date 
first above written.

Address:                            GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC.

c/o Bessemer Holdings, L.P.
630 Fifth Avenue                    By: /s/ Duane B. Hopper
                                        -------------------
New York, New York  10111              Title: President
Attention:  General Partner


189 Van Renssalaer Street           GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION
Buffalo, NY  14210
Attention:  Anthony Borowicz

With a copy to:                     By: /s/ Anthony Borowicz
                                        --------------------
Graphic Holdings, Inc.                 Title: Vice President-Finance
c/o Bessemer Holdings, L.P.
630 Fifth Avenue                                
New York, New York  10111           CHEMICAL BANK, as Agent, as Letter
Attention:  General Partner         of Credit Issuer and as a Lender


                                    By: /s/ Robert K. Gaynor
                                        --------------------
                                       Title: Vice President


                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, as   
                                      Co-Agent and as a Lender               
                                                                             
                                                                            
                                    By: /s/ Juan J. Duarte                   
                                        ------------------                   
                                       Title:  Assistant Vice President      
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                    FLEET BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS, N.A.,       
                                      as Co-Agent and as a Lender            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                    By: /s/ Patrick A. Godfrey               
                                        ----------------------               
                                       Title: Vice President                 
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                    MERRILL LYNCH PRIME RATE PORTFOLIO       
                                                                            
                                    By: Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.,
                                     as Investment Advisor                   
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                    By: /s/ Anthony R. Clemente              
                                        -----------------------              
                                       Title: Authorized Signatory           
                                         
                                          
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              88

                                    RESTRUCTURED OBLIGATIONS BACKED
                                      BY SENIOR ASSETS B.V.
                                    
                                    By: its Managing Director 
                                    ABN TRUSTCOMPANY (NEDERLAND) B.V.
                                    
                                    
                                    By: /s/  P.J. Schmitz
                                        -----------------
                                       Title: Proxyholder
                                    
                                    By: /s/ R.G.M. Verhoef
                                        ------------------
                                       Title: Proxyholder
                                    
                                    
                                    SENIOR DEBT PORTFOLIO
                                    
                                    By: Boston Management and Research, 
                                     as Investment Advisor 
                                    
                                    
                                    By: /s/ Jeffrey S. Garner
                                        ---------------------
                                       Title: Vice President
                                    
                                    
                                    VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PRIME RATE
                                    INCOME TRUST
                                    
                                    
                                    By:  /s/ Jeffrey W. Maillet
                                         ----------------------
                                       Title: Vice President-Portfolio Manager
                                    
                                    
                                    CAISSE NATIONALE DE CREDIT AGRICOLE
                                    
                                    
                                    By: /s/ Dean Balice
                                        ---------------
                                       Title: Senior Vice President-Branch
                                              Manager
                                    
                                    
                                    COMERICA BANK
                                    
                                    
                                    By: /s/ Chris Georvassilis
                                        ----------------------
                                       Title: Vice President
                                    
                                    
                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
                                    
                                    
                                    By: /s/ C. Andrew Piculell
                                        ----------------------
                                        Title: Vice President
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              89

                                    MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST
                                      COMPANY
                                        
                                        
                                    By: /s/ Sean McHale
                                        ---------------
                                       Title: Vice President
                                      
                                      
                                    SOCIETE GENERALE, NEW YORK BRANCH
                                      
                                      
                                    By: /s/ John J. Wagner 
                                        ------------------
                                       Title: Vice President
                                      
                                      
                                    PILGRIM PRIME RATE TRUST
                                      
                                      
                                    By: /s/ Howard Tiffen
                                        -----------------
                                       Title: Senior Vice President
                                      
                                      
                                    NATIONAL CITY BANK
                    

                                    By: /s/ Robert C. Rowe
                                        ------------------
                                       Title: Vice President
                                    
                                    
                                    MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND,
                                    INC.
                                    
                                    
                                    By: /s/ Anthony R. Clemente
                                        -----------------------
                                       Title: Authorized Signatory  
                       
                                                                        

                     

<PAGE>
 
                                              EXHIBIT 10.11

GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC.
1996 STOCK OPTION PLAN



    1. Adoption and Purpose.  The Company hereby
adopts this Plan providing for the granting of stock options
to employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries.  The
general purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of
the Company and its Subsidiaries by providing to their
employees incentives to continue and increase their efforts
with respect to, and remain in the employ of, the Company
and its Subsidiaries.  Options granted under the Plan will
be "nonqualified stock options".



    2. Administration.  The Plan will be administered
by the Committee which shall be comprised of three or more
persons.  To the extent that any securities of the Company
become publicly traded, each member of the Committee shall
qualify as (a) an "outside director" within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Code and (b) a "non-employee director"
within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3)(i) promulgated under
the Exchange Act.



    Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the
Committee shall have plenary authority, in its discretion,
to administer the Plan and to exercise all powers and
authority either specifically granted to it under the Plan
or necessary and advisable in the administration of the
Plan, including without limitation the authority to
interpret the Plan; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules
and regulations relating to the Plan; to determine the terms
of all options granted under the Plan (which need not be
identical), the purchase price of the shares covered by each
option, the individuals to whom and the time or times at
which options shall be granted, when an option can be
exercised and whether in whole or in installments, and the
number of shares covered by each option; and to make all
other necessary or advisable determinations with respect to
the Plan.



    3. Participants.  The Committee shall from time
to time select the officers and key employees of the Company
and its Subsidiaries to whom options are to be granted, and
who will, upon such grant, become participants in the Plan.



    4. Shares Subject to Plan.  The Committee may not
grant options under the Plan for more than 200,000 shares of
Common Stock and 60,000 shares of Preferred Stock, subject
<PAGE>
 
2



to any adjustment as provided in Section 15 hereof.  Shares
to be optioned and sold may be made available from either
authorized but unissued Common Stock or Preferred Stock or
Common Stock or Preferred Stock held by the Company in its
treasury.  Shares that by reason of the expiration of an
option or otherwise are no longer subject to purchase
pursuant to an option granted under the Plan may be
reoffered under the Plan.



    5. Limitation on Number of Options.  No person
may be granted options under the Plan representing an
aggregate of more than 80,000 shares of Common Stock and an
aggregate of more than 25,000 shares of Preferred Stock.
The limitation established by the preceding sentence shall
be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15 hereof.



    6. Grant of Options.  All options under the Plan
shall be granted by the Committee.  The Committee shall
determine the number of shares of Common Stock and Preferred
Stock to be offered from time to time by grant of options to
employees who are participants of the Plan (it being
understood that more than one option may be granted to the
same employee).  The grant of an option to an employee shall
not be deemed either to entitle the employee to, or to
disqualify the employee from, participation in any other
grant of options under the Plan.



    The grant of options shall be evidenced by stock
option agreements containing such terms and provisions as
are approved by the Committee, but not inconsistent with the
Plan.  The Company shall execute stock option agreements
upon instructions from the Committee.



    7. Option Price.  The purchase price of the
Common Stock and/or Preferred Stock, as applicable, under
each option shall be determined by the Committee, but shall
not be less than (i) loo@ of the fair market value per share
of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, on
the date the option is granted or (ii) with respect to an
option issued in exchange for a previously granted option in
a substitution which is not treated as a modification of
such option (or would be so treated if such option was an
incentive stock option) pursuant to Section 424 of the Code,
the appropriately adjusted exercise price determined in
accordance with Section 424 and the regulations issued
thereunder.  The Committee shall determine the fair market
value of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable,
<PAGE>
 
on the date of grant, and shall set forth the determination
in its minutes, using any reasonable valuation method.



    8. Option Period.  The Option Period will begin
on the date the option is granted, which will be the date
the Committee authorizes the option unless the Committee
specifies a later date.  Unless otherwise specifically
provided in the stock option agreement, no option may
terminate later than the day prior to the tenth anniversary
of the date the option is deemed granted.  The Committee may
provide for the exercise of options in installments and upon
such terms, conditions and restrictions as it may determine.
The Committee may provide in a stock option agreement for
termination of an option in the case of termination of
employment or for any other reason.



    9. Exercisability of Options.  The Committee may
in its discretion prescribe in the stock option agreement
the installments, if any, in which an option granted under
the Plan shall become exercisable; provided that no option
shall be exercisable until the six-month anniversary of the
date of its grant, except as provided in Section 16 hereof,
as otherwise specifically provided in the stock option
agreement or as the Committee otherwise determines.



    Except as otherwise provided herein or as
otherwise specifically provided in the stock option
agreement, no option may be exercised more than 30 days
following the date that a participant ceases to be an
employee of the Company or a Subsidiary.



    10. Payment; Method of Exercise.  Payment shall be
made in cash or the Committee may provide in the applicable
stock option agmeement that the participant may make payment
in shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock already owned
by the holder of the option or partly in cash and partly in
such shares.  No shares may be issued until full payment of
the purchase price therefor has been made, and a participant
will have none of the rights of a stockholder until shares
are issued to him.



    An option may be exercised by written notice to
the Company.  Such notice shall state that the holder of the
option elects to exercise the option, the number of shares
in respect of which it is being exercised and the manner of
payment for such shares and shall either (i) be accompanied
by payment of the full purchase price of such shares or
(ii) fix a date (not more than 10 business days from the
<PAGE>
 
4



date of exercise) for the payment of the full purchase price
of such shares.  Cash payments shall be made by cash or
check payable to the order of the Company.  Common Stock or
Preferred Stock payments (valued at fair market value on the
date of exercise, as determined by the Committee) shall be
made by delivery of stock certificates in negotiable form.
No option may be exercised for fewer than 100 shares unless
such participant then holds exercisable options which, in
the aggregate, are exercisable for fewer than 100 shares.



    ii. Withholding Taxes.  If the Committee shall so
require, as a condition of exercise, each participant shall
agree that (a) no later than the date of exercise of any
option, the participant will pay to the Company or make
arrangements satisfactory to the Committee regarding payment
of any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by
law to be withheld upon the exercise of such option (any
such tax, a "Withholding Tax,,); and (b) the Company shall,
to the extent permitted or required by law, have the right
to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the
participant, any such Withholding Tax.



    12. Rights in Event of Death or Total and
Permanent Disability.  If a participant (i) dies or
(ii) terminates employment due to his or her Disability, in
either case prior to termination of his or her right to
exercise an option in accordance with the provisions of his
or her stock option agreement without having fully exercised
the option, the option may be exercised, to the extent of
the shares with respect to which the option could have been
exercised, in the case of the participant's death, by the
participant's estate or by the person or persons who
acquired the right to exercise the option by bequest or
inheritance or by reason of the death of the participant,
or, in the case of the participant's Disability, by the
participant or, if applicable, his legal representative;
provided, however, that the option must be exercised prior
to the date of its expiration or 180 days from the date of
the participant's death or cessation of employment due to
Disability, whichever first occurs, or as otherwise
specifically provided in the stock option agreement.



    13. Rights in Event of Involuntary Te=ination
Without Cause.  If a participant's employment is
involuntarily terminated without Cause by the Company or a
Subsidiary prior to termination of his or her right to
exercise an option in accordance with the provisions of his
or her stock option agreement without having fully exercised
<PAGE>
 
the option, the option may be exercised, to the extent of
the shares with respect to which the option could have been
exercised by the participant on the date of the
participant's date of termination of employment, by the
participant or his or her l.egal representative, as the case
may be, provided that the option is exercised prior to the
date of its expiration or 30 days from the date of the
participant's termination of employment, whichever first
occurs, or as otherwise specifically provided in the stock
option agreement.



    14. Rights Upon Voluntary Termination of
Employment or Involuntary Termination of Emplovment for
Cause.  If a participa@ voluntarily terminates employment
with the Company or a Subsidiary or if a participant's
employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company or a
Subsidiary for Cause, all options then held by the
participant, whether or not then exercisable, shall cease to
be exercisable and shall immediately terminate as of such
employment termination date.



    15. Effect of Certain Chancres.  If there is any
change in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock
or Preferred Stock, as applicable, by reason of any stock
dividend or stock split, then the number of shares of Common
Stock and Preferred Stock available for options, the number
of such shares covered by outstanding options, and the price
per share of such options shall be proportionately adjusted
by the Committee to reflect such stock split or stock
dividend; provided, however, that no such adjustment shall
be made if the Committee otherwise determines such
adjustment to be inappropriate, and no adjustment shall be
made with respect to the payment of dividends in the form of
Preferred Stock paid in accordance with the terms of the
Preferred Stock; provided, further, that any fractional
shares resulting from such adjustment shall be eliminated;
and -provided further, that no such adjustment shall be made
to the extent that such adjustment would prevent the Company
and another entity from utilizing the pooling of interests
method of accounting in connection with a business
combination involving such parties.  To the extent that the
foregoing adjustments relate to stock or securities of the
Company, such adjustments shall be made in good faith by the
Committee, whose determination in that respect shall be
final, binding and conclusive.



    16. Termination of Plan Upon Company Sale.  In the
event of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or
<PAGE>
 
outstanding voting securities of the Company by way of asset
sale, merger or otherwise (a "Company Sale"), on the
effective date of such Company Sale the Plan and, to the
extent not then exercised, all then outstanding grants
thereunder shall be terminated, shall be canceled without
further cost or liability to the Company (or any successor
thereto), and shall be null and void and of no further force
or effect whatsoever; provided, however, that in the event
the Company enters into a binding agreement with respect to
a Company Sale (a "Company Sale Agreement") all options then
outstanding shall become exercisable on such date as the
Committee determines, which determination by the Committee
shall be mandatory and such date, to the extent practicable,
shall precede the effective date (the "Effective Date") of
such Company Sale by no fewer than 30 days, and the Company
shall provide notice of such Company Sale Agreement to each
holder of options in accordance with the provisions of each
such holder's stock option agreement, which notice shall
include a description of the principal terms of such Company
Sale Agreement (including the Effective Date) and, to the
extent practicable, precede the Effective Date by no fewer
than 30 days.  Nothing herein shall affect the rights of any
participant with respect to any options exercised in
accordance with the terms of the Plan and the relevant stock
option agreement prior to such Company Sale.



    17. Nonexclusive Plan.  Neither the adoption of
the Plan by the Board nor the submission of the Plan to the
stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed
as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to
adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem
desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of
stock options otherwise than under the Plan, and such
arrangements may be either generally applicable or applica-
ble only in specific cases.



    18. Securities Laws.  The obligation of the
Company to offer, sell and deliver shares with respect to
options granted hereunder and the exercisability of options
shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and
regulations, including all applicable Federal and state
securities laws, the availability of exemptions from the
registration requirements of such Federal and state
securities laws, and the obtaining of all approvals by
governmental authorities as may be deemed necessary or
appropriate by the Board.  In no event shall the Company be
obligated to register shares under state or Federal
securities laws, to comply with the requirements of any
<PAGE>
 
exemption from registration requirements or to take any
other action which may be required in order to permit, or to
remove any prohibition or limitation on, the issuance of
shares pursuant to the exercise of options granted hereunder
which may be imposed by any applicable law, rule or
regulation.



    19. Section 16 Persons.  With respect to persons
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, transactions
under the Plan are intended to comply with all applicable
conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the
Exchange Act.  To the extent any provision of the Plan or
action by the Committee fails to so comply, it shall be
deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and
deemed advisable by the Committee.



    20. No Employment Rights.  The adoption of this
Plan and the grant of options shall not confer upon any
participant any right to continued employment with the
Company or any Subsidiary.



    21. Nonassignability.  Except to the extent
otherwise determined by the Committee, (i) options may not
be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent
and distribution, and (ii) during a participant's lifetime,
options granted to a participant may be exercised only by
the participant or by his or her guardian or legal
representative.



    22. Amendment or Discontinuance.  The Plan may be
amended or discontinued by the Board without the approval of
the stockholders of the Company, except that stockholder
approval shall be required for any amendment that would
(a) increase (except as provided in Section 15 hereof) the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock
for which options may be granted under the Plan, (b) change
the class of employees eligible to participate in the Plan
or (c) adopt any other amendments to the Plan that are
considered material.  No termination, modification or
amendment of the Plan may, without the consent of the
participant to whom any option shall theretofore have been
granted, adversely affect the rights of such participant (or
his or her transferee) under such option.



    23. Effect of Plan.  Neither the adoption of the
Plan nor any action of the Board or Committee shall be
deemed to give any officer or employee any right to be
granted an option to purchase Common Stock or Preferred
<PAGE>
 
Stock or any other rights except as may be evidenced by a
stock option agreement, or any amendment thereto, duly
authorized by the Board or Committee and executed on behalf
of the Company, and then only to the extent and on the terms
and conditions expressly set forth therein.



    24. Term.  Unless sooner terminated by action of
the Board, this Plan will terminate on the date which is ten
years from the date of adoption of the Plan.  The Committee
may not grant options under the Plan after that date, but
options granted before that date will continue to be
effective in accordance with their terms.



    25. Effectiveness; Apiproval of Stockholders.  The
Plan shall take effect upon its adoption by the Board, but
its effectiveness and the exercise of any options shall be
subject to the approval of the holders of a majority of the
voting shares of the Company, which approval must occur
within twelve months after the date on which the Plan is
adopted by the Board.



    26. GOVERNING LAW.  THE PLAN AND ANY OPTIONS
GRANTED THEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT
REGARD TO ITS PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.



    27. Definitions.  For the purpose of this Plan,
unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:



  (a) "Board" means the board of directors of the
Company.



  (b) "Cause,, means (i) the commission by a
participant of an act of dishonesty, moral turpitude,
gross incompetency or intentional or willful
misconduct, which act occurs in the course of a
participant's performance of his duties as an employee
of the Company or a Subsidiary, (ii) the conviction of
a participant for a felony or (iii) a deliberate,
material breach by a participant of the terms of the
Plan, any agreement issued under the Plan evidencing
the grant of an option or any other agreement between a
participant and the Company or a Subsidiary relating to
any aspect of the participant's employment by the
Company or a Subsidiary.
<PAGE>
 
  (c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.



  (d) "Committee" means the Compensation Committee
of the Board.



  (e) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of the Company which the Company
is currently authorized to issue or may in the future
be authorized to issue (as long as the Common Stock
varies from that currently authorized, if at all, only
in amount of par value).



  (f) "Company" means Graphic Holdings, Inc., a
Delaware corporation.



  (g) "Disability" means the total and permanent
disability of a participant, as determined by the
Committee based on an examination by a clualified
medical doctor selected in good faith by the Committee,
or it has the meaning otherwise specifically provided
in the stock option agreement.



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



  (i) "Option Period" means the period during which
an option may be exercised.



  (i) "Plan" means this Graphic Holdings, Inc. 1996
Stock Option Plan as amended from time to time.



  (k) "Preferred Stock" means the 15?6 Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company which the Company is currently
authorized to issue or may in the future be authorized
to issue (as long as the Preferred Stock varies from
that currently authorized, if at all, only in amount of
par value).



  (1) "Subsidiary" means any corporation in an
unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the
Company if, at the time of the granting of the option,
each of the corporations other than the last corpora-
tion in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50?6 or
more of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.
The term "Subsidiaries" means more than one of any such
corporations.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12

EXECUTION VERSION



FIRST AMENDMENT TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

    WHEREAS, Duane B. Hopper (the "Employee") entered into
an amended and restated employment agreement dated as of
September 28, 1995 (the "Employment Agreement") with
GH Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation, ("Acquisition
Corp."), Graphic Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("GHI"),
and Graphic Controls Corporation, a New York corporation (the
"Company"); and

    WHEREAS, each of the parties to the Employment
Agreement desires to amend the Employment Agreement in certain
respects as provided hereinbelow;

    NOW, THEREFORE, Acquisition Corp., GHI, the Company and
the Employee hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Amendment to the Employment Agreement.  Upon

the effectiveness of this Amendment, the Employment Agreement
shall be and is hereby amended as set forth in paragraphs (a)
through (n) below.

     (a) In lieu of the New Options, Additional Options and
Special Common Options, described or defined in Sections
2(c)(i)(B), 2(c)'(i)(C) and 2(c)(iii)(C)(II) of the Employment
Agreement, respectively, the Employee shall be granted (i) a Base
Option to purchase 60,541 shares of Common Stock and
18,163 shares of Preferred Stock, (ii) a Performance Option to
purchase 17,298 shares of Common Stock and 5,189 shares of
Preferred Stock and (iii) a Special Common Option to purchase
additional shares of Common Stock in certain circumstances
(collectively, the "Option") on the terms set forth in the stock
option agreement (the "Stock Option Agreement") attached hereto
as Exhibit A. All terms of the Option shall be defined in and
governed by the Stock Option Agreement in all respects.  It is
understood and agreed that the number of shares of Preferred
Stock that may be purchased pursuant to the Base Option and the
Performance Option shall not be subject to any adjustment to give
effect to additional shares of Preferred Stock which have been
issued by GHI in lieu of cash dividends with respect to Preferred
Stock since the Effective Time.
<PAGE>
 
2



     (b) Sections 2(c)(i)(13) and (C), 2(c)(ii)(B) and
2(c)(iii)(B) and (C) of the Employment Agreement are hereby
deleted in their entirety.



     (c) Section 2(c)(iv)(A) of the Employment Agreement is
hereby amended by deleting the second sentence of such Section.



     (d) Section 2(c)(iv) of the Employment Agreement is
hereby amended by deleting the phrase ,(or Special Common
Options, if any)" in the definition of "Trigger Event".



     (e) Section 2(c)(v) of the Employment Agreement is
hereby amended by deleting the final sentence of such Section.



     (f) For purposes of Sections 2(d)(v)(B) and 2(d)(vi)
of the Employment Agreement, the term "Options" shall be deemed
to include the Rollover Options, the Base Option, the Performance
Option and the Special Common Option.



     (g) The first paragraph of Section 6 of.the Employment
Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase "if Employee
shall commit an act of dishonesty, gross incompetency or
intentional or willful misconduct which act occurs in the course
of Employee's performance of his duties as an employee," and
replacing it with the phrase "if (A) Employee shall commit an act
of dishonesty, moral turpitude, gross incompetency or intentional
or willful misconduct, which act occurs in the course of
Employee's performance of his duties as an employee of GHI or any
Subsidiary (as defined below), (B) Employee shall receive a
conviction for a felony or (C) Employee shall commit a
deliberate, material breach of the terms of this Agreement, GHI's
1996 Stock Option Plan, any agreement issued under GHI's 1996
Stock Option Plan evidencing the grant of an option or any other
agreement between the Employee and GHI or a Subsidiary relating
to any aspect of the Employee's employment by GHI or a
Subsidiary".  For purposes of the definition of "Cause",
Subsidiary means any corporation in an unbroken chain of
corporations beginning with GHI if, at the time of the granting
of an option pursuant to GHI's 1996 Stock Option Plan, each of
the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken
<PAGE>
 
chain owns stock possessing 5096 or more of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other
corporations in the chain.



     (h) Section 6(a) of the Employment Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting clause (i) of such Section-
<PAGE>
 
    (i) Section 6(b) of the Employment Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting clauses (i) and (ii) of such Section.



    (j) Section 6(c) of the Employment Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting clauses (iii) and (v) of such Section.



    (k) Section 6(d) of the Employment Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting clause (i) of such Section.



     (1) Sections 6(e)(i) and (ii) of the Employment
Agreement are hereby amended by deleting the phrase ,(but not the
New Options or Additional Options (or Special Common options, if
any))" and replacing it with the phrase "(but not the Base Option
or Performance Option (or Special Common Option, if any))".



    (m) Section 11(b) of the Employment Agreement is
hereby amended by deleting clause (y) of the proviso thereto.



     (n) Section 11(c) of the Employment Agreement is
hereby amended by deleting in its entirety the proviso thereto.



    (o) Section 11(d) of the Employment Agreement is
hereby amended by deleting clause (y) of the proviso thereto.



    Section 2. Defined Terms.  Except as expressly defined
herein, capitalized terms used herein shall-have the respective
meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement.



    Section 3. Employment Agreement.  Except as expressly
amended or modified herein, the Employment Agreement shall
continue in full force and effect in accordance with the
provisions hereof and thereof as in existence on the date hereof.
After the date hereof, any reference to the Employment Agreement
shall mean the Employment Agreement as amended by this Amendment.



    Section 4. Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be
<PAGE>
 
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York, without reference to the choice of law
principles thereof.



    Section S. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be
executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one
and the same instrument.



    Section 6. Headings-.- The headings contained in this
Amendment are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in
any way the meaning or interpretation of this Amendment.
<PAGE>
 
4



    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly
executed and delivered this Amendment to the Employment Agreement
as of December 12, 1996.



GH ACQUISITION CORPORATION

  by GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC.
  (as successor by merger)

by

Name: Michael B. Rothfeld
Title: Chairman of the
   Board


GRAPHIC HOLDINGS, INC.
by


Name: Michael B. Rothfeld
Title: Chairman of the
   Board



GRAPHIC CONTROLS CORPORATION
by


Name: Michael B. Rothfeld
Title: Chairman of the
   Board



Duane B. Hopper 

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                             563
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   37,990
<ALLOWANCES>                                     (782)
<INVENTORY>                                     32,208
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                73,361
<PP&E>                                          41,846
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (6,750)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 365,017
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           39,363
<BONDS>                                        219,728
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      81,765
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   365,017
<SALES>                                        238,024
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               238,062
<CGS>                                          129,890
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  215,939
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    16
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              21,142
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    981
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,073
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (1,092)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (1,092)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (10.92)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (10.92)
        

</TABLE>


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