HERCULES INC
8-K, 1997-08-01
MISCELLANEOUS CHEMICAL PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT



                     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                         Date of Report - July 30, 1997
                        (Date of earliest event reported)



                              HERCULES INCORPORATED
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



        Delaware                       1-496                    51-0023450
  ------------------------     ------------------------     -------------------
  (State of incorporation)     (Commission File Number)       (IRS Employer
                                                            Identification No.)





    Hercules Plaza, 1313 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19894-0001
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices, zip code)


                                 (302) 594-5000
                     ---------------------------------------
                     (Telephone number, including area code)




<PAGE>   2
ITEM 5.       OTHER EVENTS.
              ------------
              On July 30, 1997, the Company entered into an Underwriting
Agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.,
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. (collectively, the
"Underwriters") relating to the proposed issuance and sale of the Company's
$100,000,000 aggregate principal amount 6.15% Notes due August 1, 2000 (the
"Notes") and of the Company's $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount 6.60%
Debentures due August 1, 2027 (the "Debentures" and collectively with the Notes,
the "Securities") to be issued under an Indenture dated as of May 15, 1993
between the Company and PNC Bank, Delaware, as successor trustee thereunder.

     The Securities to be issued and sold represent a portion of the Debt
Securities of the Company registered for sale on a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (No. 333-29225) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Registration Statement was declared
effective July 23, 1997.

     The Underwriting Agreement, form of Note and form of Debenture are attached
as exhibits to this Form 8-K.


ITEM 7.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
           ---------------------------------

           (c)     Exhibits

                   1    Underwriting Agreement dated July 30, 1997 among
                        Hercules Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
                        NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                        and Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.

                   4.1  Form of $100,000,000 6.15% Note due August 1, 2000 of 
                        Hercules Incorporated.

                   4.2  Form of $100,000,000 6.60% Debenture due August 1, 2027
                        of Hercules Incorporated.




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<PAGE>   3
                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------


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




Dated:  August 1, 1997                  Hercules Incorporated


                                        By:  /s/ Israel J. Floyd
                                           ----------------------------
                                           (Name) Israel J. Floyd
                                           (Title) Secretary and Assistant 
                                                   General Counsel


                                        3


<PAGE>   4
                              HERCULES INCORPORATED


                           CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.    Exhibit

   1           Underwriting Agreement dated July 30, 1997 among Hercules
               Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., NationsBanc Capital
               Markets, Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.

   4.1         Form of $100,000,000 6.15% Note due August 1, 2000 of Hercules
               Incorporated.

   4.2         Form of $100,000,000 6.60% Debenture due August 1, 2027 of
               Hercules Incorporated.



                                        4



<PAGE>   1
                              HERCULES INCORPORATED

                                 DEBT SECURITIES

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT



                                  July 30, 1997

To the Representatives named
in Schedule I hereto of the
Underwriters named in
Schedule II hereto

Dear Sirs:

         HERCULES INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation ("Hercules"), proposes to
issue and sell to the underwriters named in Schedule II hereto (the
"Underwriters"), for whom you are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives"), the principal amount of its debt securities identified in
Schedule I hereto (the "Securities"), to be issued under an Indenture, dated as
of May 15, 1993 (the "Indenture"), between Hercules and PNC Bank, Delaware, as
successor trustee thereunder (the "Trustee"). If the firm or firms listed in
Schedule II hereto include only the firm or firms listed in Schedule I hereto,
then the terms "Underwriters" and "Representatives", as used herein, shall each
be deemed to refer to such firm or firms.

         Hercules has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-29225) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder (collectively, the "Securities Act"), relating to certain
debt securities (the "Shelf Securities") and the offering thereof from time to
time in accordance with Rule 415 of Regulation C under the Securities Act by
Hercules. Such registration statement and each post-effective amendment thereto,
if applicable, has been declared effective by the Commission. Such registration
statement, as so amended, if applicable, to the date of this Agreement, is
hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Statement". The prospectus covering
the Shelf Securities (the "Basic Prospectus") as supplemented by the prospectus
supplement specifically relating to the Securities, in the forms first used to
confirm sales of the Securities, are collectively hereinafter referred to as the
"Prospectus". Any reference in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the
Basic Prospectus, any

<PAGE>   2
preliminary form of prospectus (a "preliminary prospectus") previously filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 of Regulation C under the Securities
Act or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents
incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the
Securities Act which were filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
(collectively, the "Exchange Act"), on or before the date of this Agreement or
the date of the Basic Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus,
as the case may be; and any reference to "amend", "amendment" or "supplement"
with respect to the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus, any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include
any documents filed under the Exchange Act after the date of this Agreement or
the date of the Basic Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus,
as the case may be, which are deemed to be incorporated by reference therein.

         Hercules hereby agrees with the Underwriters as follows:

         1. Hercules agrees to issue and sell the Securities to the several
Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and each Underwriter, on the basis of the
representations, warranties and agreements of Hercules herein contained, but
subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees to purchase, severally and
not jointly, from Hercules the respective principal amount of Securities set
forth opposite such Underwriter's name in Schedule II hereto at the purchase
price set forth in Schedule I hereto plus accrued interest, if any, from the
date specified in Schedule I hereto to the date of payment and delivery.

         2. Hercules understands that the several Underwriters intend (i) to
make a public offering of their respective portions of the Securities in
conformity with the Securities Act, any applicable blue sky laws and all other
rules and regulations applicable to them in connection therewith and (ii)
initially to offer the Securities upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus.

         3. Payment for the Securities shall be made to Hercules or to its order
by certified or official bank check or checks payable to Hercules in federal or
other same-day funds on the date and at the time and place set forth in Schedule
I hereto (or at such other time and place on the same or such other date, not
later than the tenth Business Day (as hereinafter defined) thereafter, as you
and Hercules may agree in writing). Such payment will be made upon delivery to,
or to you for the respective accounts of, such Underwriters of the Securities
registered in such names and in such denominations as you shall request not less
than one full Business Day prior to the date of



                                       2
<PAGE>   3
delivery, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with transfer to the
Underwriters duly paid by Hercules. As used herein, the term "Business Day"
means any day other than a day on which banks are authorized or required to be
closed in The City of New York or Wilmington, Delaware. The time and date of
such payment and delivery with respect to the Securities are collectively
hereinafter referred to as the "Closing Date". The certificates for the
Securities will be made available for inspection and packaging by you by 1:00
P.M. on the Business Day prior to the Closing Date at such place in The City of
New York as you and Hercules shall agree.

         4. Hercules represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date
hereof and as of the Closing Date (each, a "Representation Date") that:

               (a) the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the
         Commission under the Securities Act; no stop order suspending the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
         proceeding for that purpose has been instituted or, to the knowledge of
         Hercules, threatened by the Commission; except for statements in
         documents incorporated therein by reference that do not constitute part
         of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 412 of
         Regulation C under the Securities Act and after substituting therefor
         any statements modifying or superseding such excluded statements, the
         Registration Statement and Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if
         Hercules shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto)
         comply, or will comply, as the case may be, when they become effective
         or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, in all material
         respects with the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
         as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
         (collectively, the "Trust Indenture Act"); as of the applicable
         effective date and each Representation Date, the Registration Statement
         and any amendment thereto did not and will not contain an untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
         to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
         misleading; and as of the applicable filing date and each
         Representation Date, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement
         thereto did not and will not include an untrue statement of a material
         fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
         statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
         were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the foregoing
         representations and warranties shall not apply to (i) that part of the
         Registration Statement which constitutes the Statement of Eligibility
         (Form T-1) under


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
         the Trust Indenture Act of the Trustee, and (ii) statements or
         omissions in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in
         reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any
         Underwriter furnished to Hercules in writing by such Underwriter
         through the Representatives expressly for use therein;

               (b) except for statements in documents incorporated therein by
         reference that do not constitute part of the Registration Statement or
         the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 412 of Regulation C under the
         Securities Act and after substituting therefor any statements modifying
         or superseding such excluded statements, the documents incorporated by
         reference in the Prospectus, when they were filed with the Commission
         conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange
         Act, and none of such documents, when they were so filed, included an
         untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
         necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
         circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and any
         further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the
         Prospectus, when such documents are filed with the Commission, will
         conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange
         Act, as applicable, and will not include an untrue statement of a
         material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to
         make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
         which they were made, not misleading;

               (c) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by Hercules and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
         Hercules, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder may
         be limited by applicable law;

               (d) the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust
         Indenture Act and has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
         Hercules and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Hercules,
         enforceable in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable
         bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the enforceability of
         creditors' rights generally and to general principles of equity); the
         Securities have been duly authorized by Hercules and, when executed and
         authenticated in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and
         delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with the
         terms of this Agreement, will have been duly executed and delivered by
         Hercules and will constitute valid and binding obligations of Hercules,
         enforceable in accordance with their terms and the terms of the
         Indenture (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency

                                        4

<PAGE>   5
         and other laws affecting the enforceability of creditors' rights
         generally and to general principles of equity), and holders of the
         Securities will be entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture;
         and the Securities and the Indenture conform in all material respects
         to the descriptions thereof in the Prospectus;

               (e) since the respective dates as of which information is given
         in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise
         stated therein, (A) there has been no material adverse change, or any
         development involving a prospective material adverse change, in or
         affecting the financial position or results of operations of Hercules
         and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising in the
         ordinary course of business (a "Material Adverse Effect") and (B) there
         have been no transactions entered into by Hercules or any of its
         subsidiaries, other than those arising in the ordinary course of
         business, which are material with respect to Hercules and its
         subsidiaries considered as one enterprise;

               (f) the authorized, issued and outstanding shares of capital
         stock of Hercules is as set forth in the column entitled "Actual" under
         the "Capitalization" section of the Prospectus, and such shares of
         capital stock have been duly authorized and validly issued by Hercules
         and are fully paid and non-assessable, and none of such shares of
         capital stock was issued in violation of preemptive or other similar
         rights of any securityholder of Hercules;

               (g) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement,
         the Indenture and any other agreement or instrument entered into or
         issued or to be entered into or issued by Hercules in connection with
         the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or in the Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated herein and in the Registration Statement and the
         Prospectus and compliance by Hercules with its obligations hereunder
         and thereunder do not and will not conflict with or result in a breach
         of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or
         imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any assets,
         properties or operations of Hercules or any of its subsidiaries
         pursuant to, any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or
         credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which
         Hercules or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of
         them may be bound or to which any of the assets, properties or
         operations of Hercules or any of its subsidiaries is subject
         (collectively, the "Agreements and Instruments") the result


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
         of which would have a Material Adverse Effect, nor will such action
         result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws of
         Hercules or any of its subsidiaries or any applicable law or statute or
         any order, rule, regulation or judgment of any court or governmental
         agency or body having jurisdiction over Hercules or any of its
         subsidiaries or any of their assets, properties or operations;

               (h) there is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or
         investigation before or brought by any court or governmental agency or
         body now pending, or to the knowledge of Hercules threatened, against
         or affecting Hercules or any of its subsidiaries which is required to
         be disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (other
         than as stated therein), or which might reasonably be expected to
         result in a Material Adverse Effect, or the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated under the Prospectus, this Agreement or the
         Indenture or the performance by Hercules of its obligations hereunder
         and thereunder; and the aggregate of all pending legal or governmental
         proceedings to which Hercules or any of its subsidiaries is a party or
         of which any of their respective assets, properties or operations is
         the subject which are not described in the Registration Statement and
         the Prospectus, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the
         business, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
         Adverse Effect;

               (i) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or
         qualification of or with any court or governmental agency or body is
         required for the due authorization, execution and delivery by Hercules
         of this Agreement or for the performance by Hercules of the
         transactions contemplated under the Prospectus, this Agreement or the
         Indenture, except such as have been already made, obtained or rendered,
         as applicable; and

               (j) except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement and
         the Prospectus and except as would not, singly or in the aggregate,
         result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) neither Hercules nor any of
         its subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or
         foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule
         of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof,
         including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or
         judgment, relating to, health, safety or Hazardous Materials (as
         defined below), including without limitation, the Comprehensive
         Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as
         amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq.; the Resource Conservation and
                                         -- ---
         Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq.; the Federal
                                                          -- ---
         Water


                                        6
<PAGE>   7

        Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq.; the
                                                                   - ----
        Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq.; the Clean
                                                              ------
        Air Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 
                                         ------
        42 U.S.C. Section 300 F et seq.; the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33
                                 ------
        U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.; and their foreign, state and local counter-
                             ------
        parts and equivalents (collectively, the "Environmental Laws"); it being
        understood that "Hazardous Materials" means any chemicals, materials or
        substances defined as or included in the definition of "hazardous
        substances", "hazardous wastes", "hazardous materials", "toxic
        substances", "toxic pollutants", or words of similar import, under any
        applicable Environmental Law, (B) Hercules and its subsidiaries have
        all permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable
        Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements,
        (C) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of Hercules, threatened
        administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand
        letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation,
        investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against
        Hercules or any of its subsidiaries and (D) there are no events or
        circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the basis of an
        order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by
        any private party or governmental body or agency, against or affecting
        Hercules or any of its subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or
        any Environmental Laws.

        5.  Hercules covenants and agrees with each Underwriter as
follows:

               (a) to file the Prospectus in a form approved by you (such
         approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) pursuant to Rule
         424 of Regulation C under the Securities Act not later than the
         Commission's close of business on the second Business Day following the
         date of determination of the offering price of the Securities;

               (b) to deliver to each Representative and counsel for the
         Underwriters, at the expense of Hercules, a conformed copy of the
         Registration Statement (as originally filed) and each amendment
         thereto, in each case including exhibits and documents incorporated by
         reference therein and, during the period mentioned in paragraph (e)
         below, to each of the Underwriters as many copies of the Prospectus
         (including all amendments and supplements thereto) and documents
         incorporated by reference therein as you may reasonably request;


                                        7

<PAGE>   8
               (c) for so long as the delivery of a prospectus is required in
         connection with the offering or sale of the Securities, to furnish to
         you a copy of any proposed amendment or supplement to the Registration
         Statement or the Prospectus, for your review, and not to file any such
         proposed amendment or supplement to which you reasonably and timely
         object in writing; provided, however, that the provisions of this
         paragraph (c) shall not apply to any of Hercules' periodic filings
         under the Exchange Act described in paragraph (d), copies of which
         filings Hercules has delivered to you in advance of their transmission
         to the Commission for filing;

               (d) to file promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or
         information statements required to be filed by Hercules with the
         Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
         Exchange Act for so long as the delivery of a prospectus is required in
         connection with the offering or sale of the Securities, and during such
         same period, to advise you promptly, and to confirm such advice in
         writing, (i) when any amendment to the Registration Statement shall
         have become effective, (ii) of any request by the Commission for any
         amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement
         to the Prospectus or for any additional information, insofar as such
         amendment or supplement relates to or covers Hercules generally or the
         Securities specifically, (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any
         stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
         or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose,
         and (iv) of the receipt by Hercules of any notification with respect to
         any suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offer and
         sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any
         proceeding for such purpose; and to use its best efforts to prevent the
         issuance of any such stop order or notification and, if issued, to
         obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof;

               (e) if, at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered
         under the Securities Act, any event shall occur or condition shall
         exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the
         Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
         circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not
         misleading, or if it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus
         to comply with law, promptly to prepare and furnish, subject to
         subsection (c) above, at the expense of Hercules (unless such event
         shall occur more than nine months after the date of the Prospectus, in
         which case the cost of preparing and furnishing such amendments or
         supplements shall be borne by

                                        8

<PAGE>   9
         the Underwriter or Underwriters requesting the same), to the
         Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses you will
         furnish to Hercules) to which Securities may have been sold by you on
         behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, such
         amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may be necessary so that
         the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will
         not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered
         to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus will comply
         with law;

               (f) to make generally available to its security holders and to
         you as soon as practicable an earnings statement covering a period of
         at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of
         Hercules occurring after the effective date of the Registration
         Statement, which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
         Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated thereunder;

               (g) from and including the date hereof to and including the
         Business Day following the Closing Date, not to offer, sell, contract
         to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of, or guaranteed
         by, Hercules which are substantially similar to the Securities without
         your prior written consent; and

               (h) to pay, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (e) above,
         all costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations
         hereunder, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
         all costs and expenses (i) incident to the preparation, issuance,
         execution, authentication and delivery of the Securities, including any
         expenses of the Trustee, (ii) incident to the preparation and filing
         under the Securities Act of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus
         and any preliminary prospectus (including in each case all exhibits,
         amendments and supplements thereto), (iii) incident to the printing and
         delivery of reasonable quantities of the Registration Statement, the
         Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus (including in each case all
         exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto), (iv) incurred in
         connection with the registration or qualification and determination of
         eligibility for investment of the Securities under the laws of such
         jurisdictions as the Underwriters may designate (including the fees and
         disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in an amount not to
         exceed $5,000), (v) in connection with any listing of the Securities on
         any stock exchange or quotation system, (vi) related to any required
         filing with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (vii)
         in connection with the printing (including word

                                        9

<PAGE>   10
         processing and duplication costs) and delivery of this Agreement, the
         Indenture, the Preliminary and Final Blue Sky Memoranda and any Legal
         Investment Survey and (viii) payable to rating agencies in connection
         with the rating of the Securities; provided, however, that, except as
         provided in this Section 5(i) and in Sections 7 and 10 hereof, the
         Underwriters shall pay their own costs and expenses, including the fees
         and expenses of their counsel, any transfer taxes on the Securities
         which they may sell and the expenses of advertising any offering of the
         Securities made by the Underwriters.

         6.  The several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder
shall be subject to the following conditions:

               (a) the representations and warranties of Hercules contained
         herein are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date as if made on
         and as of the Closing Date and Hercules shall have complied with all
         agreements and all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied
         hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date;

               (b) the Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission
         pursuant to Rule 424 of Regulation C under the Securities Act within
         the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and
         regulations under the Securities Act; no stop order suspending the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect and no
         proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before or threatened by
         the Commission; and all reasonable requests for additional information
         on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to your
         satisfaction;

               (c) from and including the date of this Agreement to and
         including the Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any
         downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of (i) any intended
         or potential downgrading or (ii) any probable change that does not
         indicate an improvement in the rating accorded any securities of, or
         guaranteed by, Hercules by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard
         & Poor's Ratings Services;

               (d) since the respective dates as of which information is given
         in the Prospectus there shall not have been any material adverse
         change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse
         change, in or affecting the financial position or results of operations
         of Hercules and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, otherwise than as
         set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, the effect of which in the
         judgment of the Representatives makes it

                                       10

<PAGE>   11
         impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public
         offering or the delivery of the Securities on the terms and
         in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus;

               (e) the Representatives shall have received on and as of the
         Closing Date a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer or the
         Treasurer of Hercules to the effect set forth in subsections (a)
         through (c) of this Section and to the further effect that there has
         not occurred any material adverse change in or affecting the financial
         position or results of operations of Hercules and its subsidiaries
         taken as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the
         Registration Statement and Prospectus;

               (f) the General Counsel of Hercules shall have furnished to you
         their written opinion, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance
         satisfactory to you, to the effect that:

                       (i) Hercules has been duly incorporated and is validly
               existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of
               Delaware, with all requisite corporate power and authority to
               own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as
               described in the Prospectus;

                       (ii) Hercules is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
               and is in good standing under the laws of each foreign
               jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties or conducts
               any business so as to require such qualification, other than
               where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would
               not under applicable law result in a Material Adverse Effect;

                       (iii) to the best of such counsel's knowledge, Hercules
               does not have any subsidiary which qualifies as a "significant
               subsidiary," as defined in Rule 405 of Regulation C under the
               Securities Act;

                       (iv)  this Agreement has been duly authorized,
               executed and delivered by Hercules;

                       (v) the Securities have been duly authorized, executed
               and delivered by Hercules and, when duly authenticated in
               accordance with the terms of the Indenture and delivered to and
               paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with the terms of this
               Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
               Hercules, enforceable against Hercules in accordance with their
               terms and the terms of the Indenture, subject to the effects of
               bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization,
               moratorium and other similar
                                       11

<PAGE>   12
               laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally,
               general equity principles (whether considered in a proceeding in
               equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair
               dealing; and holders of the Securities will be entitled to the
               benefits provided by the Indenture;

                       (vi) the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
               delivered by Hercules and constitutes a valid and binding
               agreement of Hercules, enforceable against Hercules in accordance
               with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency,
               fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other
               similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
               generally, general equity principles (whether considered in a
               proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good
               faith and fair dealing; and the Indenture has been duly qualified
               under the Trust Indenture Act;

                       (vii) the issue and sale of the Securities and the
               performance by Hercules of its obligations under the Securities,
               the Indenture and this Agreement and the consummation of the
               transactions herein and therein contemplated will not conflict
               with or result in a breach of any of the terms or provisions of,
               or constitute a default under, any Agreements and Instruments
               known to such counsel to which Hercules or any of its
               subsidiaries is a party or by which Hercules or any such
               subsidiary is bound or to which any of the assets, properties or
               operations of Hercules or any such subsidiary is subject, nor
               will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the
               charter or by-laws of Hercules or any of its subsidiaries or any
               applicable law or statute or any order, rule, regulation or
               judgment of any court or governmental agency or body having
               jurisdiction over Hercules or any such subsidiary or any of their
               assets, properties or operations;

                       (viii) no consent, approval, authorization, order,
               registration or qualification of or with any court or
               governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of
               the Securities or the consummation of the other transactions
               contemplated by the Prospectus, this Agreement or the Indenture,
               except such as have been already made, obtained or rendered, as
               applicable;

                       (ix)  the statements in (A) the Prospectus under
               "Description of Debt Securities" and "Description of
               Securities", (B) the Prospectus incorporated by reference

                                       12

<PAGE>   13
               from Item 3 of Part 1 of the most recent Annual Report on Form
               10-K of Hercules and (C) the Registration Statement in Item 15,
               insofar as such statements constitute a summary of the legal
               matters, documents or proceedings referred to therein, fairly
               present the information called for with respect to such legal
               matters, documents or proceedings by Form S-3; and the Securities
               and the Indenture conform in all material respects to the
               descriptions thereof in the Prospectus;

                       (x) Hercules is not, and upon consummation of the
               transactions contemplated in the Prospectus, this Agreement or
               the Indenture, will not be, an "investment company" within the
               meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and

                       (xi) such counsel (A) is of the opinion that each
               document incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
               and the Prospectus (except for the financial statements included
               therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion)
               complied as to form when filed with the Commission in all
               material respects with requirements of the Exchange Act, (B)
               believes that (except for the financial statements included
               therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief) each
               part of the Registration Statement, when such part became
               effective, did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact
               or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
               necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (C) is
               of the opinion that the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
               and each amendment or supplement thereto (except for the
               financial statements included therein, as to which such counsel
               need express no opinion) comply as to form in all material
               respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the
               Trust Indenture Act and (D) believes that (except for the
               financial statements included therein, as to which such counsel
               need express no belief) the Registration Statement, on the date
               of this Agreement, did not contain an untrue statement of a
               material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
               stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
               misleading, and that the Prospectus, on the date of this
               Agreement and on the Closing Date, did not and does not include
               an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
               material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein,
               in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
               misleading.


                                       13

<PAGE>   14
         In rendering such opinions, such counsel may: (A) assume that this
         Agreement, the Indenture and the Securities are governed by and
         construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware; (B)
         rely as to matters involving the application of laws other than the
         laws of the United States and the State of Delaware, to the extent such
         counsel deems proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if at
         all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance reasonably
         satisfactory to Underwriters' counsel) of other counsel reasonably
         acceptable to the Underwriters' counsel, familiar with the applicable
         laws; and (C) rely as to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel
         deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers of Hercules and
         certificates or other written statements of officials of jurisdictions
         having custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good
         standing of Hercules. The opinion of such counsel for Hercules shall
         state that the opinion of any such other counsel is in form
         satisfactory to such counsel and, in such counsel's opinion, the
         Underwriters and they are justified in relying thereon. With respect to
         the matters to be covered in subparagraph (xi) above, counsel may state
         his opinion and belief is based upon his participation in the
         preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any
         amendment or supplement thereto but is without independent check or
         verification except as specified;

               (g) on the date hereof and on Closing Date, Coopers & Lybrand
         L.L.P. shall have furnished to you a letter, dated such date, in form
         and substance satisfactory to you, containing statements and
         information of the type customarily included in accountants "comfort
         letters" to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and
         certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement
         and the Prospectus;

               (h) you shall have received on and as of the Closing Date an
         opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Underwriters, with respect
         to the validity of the Indenture and the Securities, the effectiveness
         of the Registration Statement, the disclosure in the Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus and such other matters as the
         Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have
         received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to
         enable them to pass upon such matters; and

               (i) on or prior to the Closing Date, Hercules shall have
         furnished to the Representatives such further certificates and
         documents as the Representatives shall reasonably request.

                                       14

<PAGE>   15
         7. Hercules agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and
each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either
Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including without
limitation the reasonable legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection
with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted in respect thereof),
as incurred, to which such Underwriter or controlling person may be subject,
insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based
upon:

                       (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
               material fact contained or included in the Registration Statement
               or any amendment thereof, the Prospectus, the Prospectus as
               amended or supplemented or any amendment or supplement thereto,
               or any preliminary prospectus; or

                       (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
               material fact required to be stated therein or, in the case of
               the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, the
               Prospectus or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any
               amendment or supplement thereto, necessary to make the statements
               therein not misleading or, in the case of any preliminary
               prospectus, necessary to make the statements therein, in the
               light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
               misleading;

provided, however, Hercules shall not be liable insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in any preliminary
prospectus or in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, the
Prospectus, the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any such amendment or
supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished
to Hercules in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly
for use therein; and provided, further, that Hercules shall not be liable to any
Underwriter or any person controlling such Underwriter under the indemnity
agreement provided for in this paragraph (a) with respect to a preliminary
prospectus to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability of such
Underwriter or controlling person results solely from the fact that such
Underwriter sold Securities to a person to whom there was not sent or given, at
or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the Prospectus
(excluding documents incorporated by reference) or of the Prospectus as then
amended or supplemented (excluding documents incorporated by reference),

                                       15

<PAGE>   16
whichever is most recent, if (A) Hercules has previously furnished copies
thereof to such Underwriter and (B) the applicable untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission was corrected therein.

         Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and
hold harmless Hercules, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration
Statement and each person, if any, who controls Hercules within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including without
limitation the reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in
connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted in respect
thereof), as incurred, to which Hercules may become subject, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based upon:

                       (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
               material fact contained or included in the Registration Statement
               or any amendment thereof, the Prospectus, the Prospectus as
               amended or supplemented or any amendment or supplement thereto,
               or any preliminary prospectus; or

                       (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
               material fact required to be stated therein or, in the case of
               the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, the
               Prospectus or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any
               amendment or supplement thereto, necessary to make the statements
               therein not misleading or, in the case of any preliminary
               prospectus, necessary to make the statements therein, in the
               light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
               misleading;

in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement
or omission or alleged untrue statement or alleged omission was made in any
preliminary prospectus or in the Registration Statement or any amendment
thereof, the Prospectus or the Prospectus as amended or supplemented or any
amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished to Hercules in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter
expressly for use therein.

         If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or
regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against
any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought (the "Indemnified
Person") pursuant to either of the two preceding paragraphs, such Indemnified
Person shall promptly

                                       16

<PAGE>   17
notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the "Indemnifying
Person") in writing (in such detail as may be available to such Indemnified
Person). In no case shall an Indemnifying Person be liable under this Section 7
with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Person unless such
Indemnifying Person shall be notified in writing of the nature of the claim
within a reasonable time after the Indemnified Person is aware of such claim
thereof, but failure so to notify such Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it
from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this Section
7. Upon such notice, the Indemnifying Person shall be entitled to participate
in, and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other Indemnifying
Person similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, and after notice from the
Indemnifying Person to such Indemnified Person of its election so to assume the
defense thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall not be liable to such Indemnified
Person for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified
Person in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation or as provided in the next succeeding paragraph. Each Indemnified
Person shall assist the Indemnifying Person in any defense undertaken pursuant
to this Section 7 by providing such assistance and cooperation (including
without limitation witness and documentary or other information) as may be
reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Person in connection with such defense,
provided that all reasonable costs and expenses of such assistance and
cooperation shall be borne by the Indemnifying Person.

         Notwithstanding anything herein contained, any Indemnified Person shall
have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the
Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the
contrary, (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to
retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnifying Person or (iii) the
named parties in the applicable suit, action, proceeding, claim or demand
(including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified Person and the
Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would
be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them or
defenses available to them. It is understood that the Indemnifying Person shall
not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same
jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm
(in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all
such fees and expenses, to the extent they are reasonable, shall be reimbursed
as they are incurred. Any such separate firm for the Underwriters and such
control persons of

                                       17

<PAGE>   18
the Underwriters shall be designated in writing by the first of the named
Representatives on Schedule I hereto and any such separate firm for Hercules,
its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and such control
persons of Hercules or authorized representatives shall be designated in writing
by Hercules.

         The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any
proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such
consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying
Person agrees to indemnify any Indemnified Person from and against any loss or
liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No Indemnifying Person
shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any
settlement of any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in
respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and
indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless
the Indemnifying Person has first given the Indemnified Person reasonable prior
written notice of such proposed settlement and consulted in good faith with the
Indemnified Person as to the inclusion therein of an unconditional release of
the Indemnified Person from all liability arising out of such claim, action,
suit or proceeding; and in the event that an Indemnified Person is an actual
party to such claim, action, suit or proceeding, the Indemnifying Person shall
not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, settle or
compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment therein unless the same
includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all liability
arising out of or otherwise relating to the subject matter of such claim,
action, suit or proceeding.

         If the indemnification provided for in the first and second paragraphs
of this Section 7 is legally unavailable to an Indemnified Person in respect of
any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each
Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such
Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by Hercules on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other
hand from the offering of the Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by
clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i)
above but also the relative fault of Hercules on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions
that resulted in such losses,

                                       18

<PAGE>   19
claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations.

         The relative benefits received by Hercules on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed to be in the same respective
proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Securities (before
deducting expenses) received by Hercules and the total underwriting discounts
and the commissions received by the Underwriters bear to the aggregate public
offering price of the Securities. The relative fault of Hercules on the one hand
and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by Hercules or by the Underwriters and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission. With respect to any Underwriter, such
relative fault shall also be determined by reference to the extent (if any) to
which such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) with respect to any preliminary prospectus result from the fact that
such Underwriter sold Securities to a person to whom there was not sent or
given, at or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the
Prospectus (excluding documents incorporated by reference) or of the Prospectus
as then amended or supplemented (excluding documents incorporated by reference)
if Hercules has previously furnished copies thereof to such Underwriter.

         Hercules and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata
allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses,
claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth
above, any reasonable legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified
Person in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, in no event shall an
Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which the total price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed
to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that
such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the

                                       19

<PAGE>   20
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to
contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the
respective principal amounts of the Securities set forth opposite their names in
Schedule II hereto, and not joint.

         The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7
are in addition to any liability which the Indemnifying Persons may otherwise
have to the Indemnified Persons referred to above.

         The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7
and the representations and warranties of Hercules set forth in this Agreement
shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any
termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of
any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or by or on behalf of
Hercules, its officers or directors or any other person controlling Hercules and
(iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Securities.

         8. Notwithstanding anything herein contained, this Agreement may be
terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given to
Hercules, if, from and including the date of this Agreement to and including the
Closing Date, (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially
limited on or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, the
American Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
(ii) trading of any securities of, or guaranteed by, Hercules shall have been
suspended on any stock exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a
general moratorium on commercial banking activities in New York shall have been
declared by either Federal or New York State authorities, or (iv) there shall
have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any change in
financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the judgment of the
Representatives, is material and adverse and which, in the judgment of the
Representatives, makes it impracticable to market the Securities on the terms
and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

         9. If, on the Closing Date, any one or more of the Underwriters shall
fail or refuse to purchase Securities which it or they have agreed to purchase
under this Agreement, and the aggregate principal amount of Securities which
such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to
purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate principal amount of the
Securities, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the
proportions that the principal amount

                                       20

<PAGE>   21
of Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule II hereto
bears to the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite the
names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as
the Representatives may specify, to purchase the Securities which such
defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase
on such date; provided that in no event shall the principal amount of Securities
that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to Section 1 be increased
pursuant to this Section 9 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such principal
amount of Securities without the written consent of such Underwriter.

         If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or
refuse to purchase Securities and the aggregate principal amount of Securities
with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the
aggregate principal amount of Securities to be purchased, and arrangements
satisfactory to you and Hercules for the purchase of such Securities are not
made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without
liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters or
Hercules. In any such case, either you or Hercules shall have the right to
postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order
that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement and in the
Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected.

         Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under
this Agreement.

         10. If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any
of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of Hercules to comply
with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, Hercules
agrees to reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated
this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-pocket
expenses (including the fees and expenses of their counsel) reasonably incurred
by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering of
Securities.

         11.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
Hercules, the Underwriters, any controlling persons referred to herein and their
respective successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person, firm or
corporation any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of
this Agreement or any provision herein contained. No

                                       21

<PAGE>   22
purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor
by reason merely of such purchase.

         12. Any action by the Underwriters hereunder may be taken by you
jointly or by the first of the named Representatives set forth in Schedule I
hereto alone on behalf of the Underwriters, and any such action taken by you
jointly or by the first of the named Representatives set forth in Schedule I
hereto alone shall be binding upon the Underwriters. All notices and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.
Notices to the Underwriters shall be given at the address set forth in Schedule
I hereto. Notices to Hercules shall be given to it at Hercules Plaza, 1313 North
Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19894; Attention: Treasurer.


                                       22

<PAGE>   23
         13. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall
be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of
laws provisions thereof.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      HERCULES INCORPORATED


                                      By: ________________________
                                          Name:
                                          Title:

Accepted:

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
NATIONSBANC CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
DILLON, READ & CO. INC.,


By:      J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.

By:      _____________________________
         Name:
         Title:

Acting severally on behalf of themselves


                                       23

<PAGE>   24
                                   SCHEDULE I

The 2000 Notes
- --------------

Representatives:                    J.P.  Morgan Securities Inc.
                                    NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
                                    Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                                    Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.

Title of Securities:                6.15% Notes due August 1, 2000 (the
                                    "2000 Notes")

Aggregate principal                 $100,000,000
amount:

Maturity:                           August 1, 2000

Interest Rate:                      6.15% per annum

Interest Payment Dates:             February 1 and August 1, commencing
                                    February 1, 1998

Optional Redemption/
Repayment Provisions:               Not applicable

Sinking Fund Provisions:            Not applicable

Price to Public:                    99.936% of the principal amount of
                                    the 2000 Notes, plus accrued
                                    interest, if any, from August 4,
                                    1997 to the Closing Date

Price to Underwriters:              99.486% of the principal amount of
                                    the 2000 Notes, plus accrued
                                    interest, if any, from August 4,
                                    1997 to the Closing Date

Form:                               Book-entry only form through the
                                    facilities of The Depository Trust
                                    Company

Other Provisions:                   Not applicable

Closing Date and
Location:                           August 4, 1997,
                                    10:00 a.m., New York City time
                                    Brown & Wood LLP
                                    One World Trade Center
                                    New York, New York 10048

                                       I-1

<PAGE>   25
Address for Notices
to Underwriters:                     c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                                     60 Wall Street
                                     New York, New York 10260-0060


The 2027 Debentures
- -------------------

Representatives:                     J.P.  Morgan Securities Inc.
                                     NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
                                     Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                                     Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.

Title of Securities:                 6.60% Debentures due August 1, 2027
                                     (the "2027 Debentures")

Aggregate principal
amount:                              $100,000,000

Maturity:                            August 1, 2027

Interest Rate:                       6.60%

Interest Payment Dates:              February 1 and August 1, commencing
                                     February 1, 1998

Optional Redemption/
Repayment Provisions:                Only redeemable at the option of
                                     the holders on August 1, 2007 at
                                     par

Sinking Fund Provisions:             Not applicable

Price to Public:                     99.842% of the principal amount of
                                     the 2027 Debentures, plus accrued
                                     interest, if any, from August 4,
                                     1997 to the Closing Date

Price to Underwriters:               99.192% of the principal amount of
                                     the Securities, plus accrued
                                     interest, if any, from August 4,
                                     1997 to the Closing Date

Form:                                Book-entry only form through the
                                     facilities of The Depository Trust
                                     Company

Other Provisions:                    Not applicable


                                       I-2

<PAGE>   26
Closing Date and
Location:                        August 4, 1997,
                                 10:00 a.m., New York City time
                                 Brown & Wood LLP
                                 One World Trade Center
                                 New York, New York 10048

Address for Notices
to Underwriters:                 c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
                                 60 Wall Street
                                 New York, New York 10260-0060

                                       I-3

<PAGE>   27
                                  SCHEDULE II
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Principal Amount of
                                                                        2000 Notes                    2027 Debentures
                                                                        ----------                    ---------------
Underwriter
- -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>                            <C>        
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.........................................     $30,000,000                    $30,000,000

NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc...................................     $30,000,000                    $30,000,000

Goldman, Sachs & Co................................................     $30,000,000                    $30,000,000

Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.............................................     $10,000,000                    $10,000,000

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

                                       I-4


<PAGE>   1
                                 [FACE OF NOTE]

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR ONE OR MORE NOTES IN
CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, 55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK (THE
"DEPOSITARY"), TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY
TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR
ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR
DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITARY TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR
PAYMENT, AND UNLESS ANY NOTE ISSUED UPON SUCH TRANSFER OR EXCHANGE IS REGISTERED
IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY AND ANY SUCH PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON
IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST
HEREIN.


REGISTERED                                                  PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
No. 001                                                     U.S. $100,000,000

CUSIP NO. 427056AQ9

                              HERCULES INCORPORATED
                          6.15% NOTE DUE AUGUST 1, 2000


                  HERCULES INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), for value received promises to pay to

                                   CEDE & CO.
                        c/o THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
                                 55 WATER STREET
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10041

, or registered assigns, the principal sum of

                           ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS

on August 1, 2000 (the "Maturity Date"), and to pay interest thereon at the
interest rate per annum of 6.15%, semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and
August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 1998 (each, an "Interest Payment
Date"), to the Holder of this Note as of the close of business on the Regular
Record Date, as defined below, with respect to such Interest Payment Date, until
the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.
<PAGE>   2
                  Interest payments for this Note will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest payable on this Note on any
Interest Payment Date will include interest accrued from and including the
immediately preceding Interest Payment Date in respect of which interest has
been paid or duly provided for (or from and including August 4, 1997, if no
interest has been paid or duly provided for with respect to this Note) to but
excluding such Interest Payment Date. If any Interest Payment Date or the
Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, as defined below, the
required payment of principal and interest with respect to such Interest Payment
Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, will be paid on the next succeeding
Business Day with the same force and effect as if it were paid on the date such
payment was due, and no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the
period from and after such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case
may be. "Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which banks are authorized or required to be closed in The City of New York or
Wilmington, Delaware.

                  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided
for, on any Interest Payment Date will be paid to the person in whose name this
Note is registered in the Security Register of the Company as of the close of
business on the "Regular Record Date" for such interest payment, which shall be
the January 15 (whether or not a Business Day) preceding the February 1 Interest
Payment Date or the July 15 (whether or not a Business Day) preceding the August
1 Interest Payment Date, as the case may be.

                  The principal of this Note payable on the Maturity Date will
be paid against presentation of this Note at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New
York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of
payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

                  All payments of principal and interest in respect of this Note
will be made by the Company in immediately available funds.

                  Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this
Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all
purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

                  Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been
executed by the Trustee under the Indenture, as each such term is defined below,
directly or through an Authenticating Agent, by the manual signature of one of
its authorized


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
signatories, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture
or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to
be duly executed, manually or in facsimile, and a facsimile of its corporate
seal to be imprinted hereon.

Dated: 



                                    HERCULES INCORPORATED


[SEAL]
                                    By:
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:



                                    By:
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:



Attest:                             By:
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:



TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities issued 
under the within-mentioned Indenture.

PNC BANK, DELAWARE,
as Trustee



By:
   ----------------------------------
   Authorized Signatory

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                                [REVERSE OF NOTE]

                              HERCULES INCORPORATED

                          6.15% NOTE DUE AUGUST 1, 2000


                  This Note is one of the duly authorized securities
(collectively, the "Securities") of the Company to be issued under an Indenture
between the Company and PNC Bank, Delaware, as successor trustee (herein called
the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee thereunder), dated as
of May 15, 1993 (the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective
rights, limitations of rights, duties, obligations and immunities thereunder of
the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and the terms upon
which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Note
is one of the duly authorized series of Securities designated as "6.15% Notes
due August 1, 2000" (collectively, the "Notes"), and the aggregate principal
amount of Notes to be issued under such series is limited to $100,000,000
(except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon transfer of, or in exchange
for, or in lieu of other Notes). All terms used but not defined or specified in
this Note shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture.

                  This Note will not be subject to redemption prior to the
Maturity Date.

                  If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes shall occur
and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes at the time Outstanding may declare the principal
of all Notes due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture.

                  The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions therein
provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and
obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of
each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Securities of each series adversely affected thereby at the time
Outstanding (voting as one class). The Indenture also contains provisions
permitting the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities of any series affected and at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Note shall be


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note
and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange
hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is
made upon this Note.

                  No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company,
which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on
this Note at the time, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein
prescribed.

                  As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain
limitations herein and therein set forth, the transfer of this Note may be
registered in the Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note
for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by
this Note and a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company duly executed by, the Holder hereof or by his attorney duly authorized
in writing and thereupon one or more new Notes, in authorized denominations,
having the same terms and conditions and for the same aggregate principal
amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

                  As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain
limitations herein and therein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like
aggregate principal amount of Notes having the same terms and conditions, in
authorized denominations, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

                  If (i) the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by the
Company within 90 days, (ii) the Company at any time determines not to have
Securities represented by this Note, (iii) the Company defaults on the payment
of principal or interest with respect to this Note or (iv) an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing with respect to this Note, then the Company will
issue Notes in definitive form in exchange for this Note to beneficial owners of
interests therein equal in principal amount to such interest and will have such
Notes registered in their names. Notes so issued in definitive form will be
issued in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof and will be
issued in registered form only, without coupons.

                  No service charge will be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
therewith.
                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                  The Notes are issuable only in fully registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple in excess thereof.

                  Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof
for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company,
the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                  The Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard
to conflict of law principles thereof.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                                  ABBREVIATIONS


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


                UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -- ___________________________________
                                                 (Cust)

                           Custodian ___________________________________
                                                (Minor)

                                            Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                    (State)


TEN COM           --       as tenants in common
TEN ENT           --       as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN            --       as joint tenants with right of survivorship and
                           not as tenants in common

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

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


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                                   ASSIGNMENT


                  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s),
assign(s) and transfer(s) unto




Please Insert Social Security Number or Other Identifying Number
of Assignee:


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


PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE,
OF ASSIGNEE:

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

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

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


the within Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably
constituting and appointing

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


attorney to transfer said Note on the books of the Company, with full power of
substitution in the premises.


Dated: ___________________          ______________________________
                                    NOTICE: The signature to this
                                    assignment must correspond
                                    with the name as written upon
                                    the face of this Note in every 
                                    particular, without alteration
                                    or enlargement or any change 
                                    whatsoever.

                                    SIGNATURE GUARANTEE


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

                                       9

<PAGE>   1
                                 [FACE OF DEBENTURE]

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR ONE OR MORE DEBENTURES
IN CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS DEBENTURE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, 55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK (THE
"DEPOSITARY"), TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY
TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR
ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR
DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS DEBENTURE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER,
EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND UNLESS ANY DEBENTURE ISSUED UPON SUCH TRANSFER OR
EXCHANGE IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED
BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY AND ANY SUCH PAYMENT IS MADE
TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO.,
HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.


REGISTERED                                                   PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
No. 001                                                      U.S. $100,000,000

CUSIP NO. 427056AR7

                              HERCULES INCORPORATED
                       6.60% DEBENTURE DUE AUGUST 1, 2027


               HERCULES INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
for value received promises to pay to

                                   CEDE & CO.
                        c/o THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
                                 55 WATER STREET
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10041

, or registered assigns, the principal sum of

                           ONE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS

on August 1, 2027 (the "Maturity Date"), unless redeemed prior thereto in
accordance with the provisions hereof, and to pay interest thereon at the
interest rate per annum of 6.60%, semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and
August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 1998 (each, an "Interest Payment
Date"), to the Holder of this Debenture as of the close of business on the
Regular Record Date, as defined below, with respect to such Interest Payment
Date, until the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.


<PAGE>   2
        Interest payments for this Debenture will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest payable on this Note on any
Interest Payment Date will include interest accrued from and including the
immediately preceding Interest Payment Date in respect of which interest has
been paid or duly provided for (or from and including August 4, 1997, if no
interest has been paid or duly provided for with respect to this Debenture) to
but excluding such Interest Payment Date. If any Interest Payment Date or the
Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, as defined below, the
required payment of principal and interest with respect to such Interest
Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, will be paid on the next
succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if it were paid on
the date such payment was due, and no interest shall accrue on the amount so
payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or Maturity
Date, as the case may be. "Business Day" means any day other than Saturday,
Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required to be closed in
The City of New York or Wilmington, Delaware.

        The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on
any Interest Payment Date will be paid to the person in whose name this
Debenture is registered in the Security Register of the Company as of the close
of business on the "Regular Record Date" for such interest payment, which shall
be the January 15 (whether or not a Business Day) preceding the February 1
Interest Payment Date or the July 15 (whether or not a Business Day) preceding
the August 1 Interest Payment Date, as the case may be.

        The principal of this Debenture payable on the Maturity Date will be
paid against presentation of this Debenture at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City
of New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the
time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

        All payments of principal and interest in respect of this Debenture
will be made by the Company in immediately available funds.

        Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Debenture set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

        Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee under the Indenture, as each such term is defined below, directly
or through an Authenticating 

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
Agent, by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories,
this Debenture shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose.

                                        3

<PAGE>   4
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to
be duly executed, manually or in facsimile, and a facsimile of its corporate
seal to be imprinted hereon.

Dated: 



                                             HERCULES INCORPORATED


[SEAL]
                                          By:
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name:
                                             Title:



                                          By:
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name:
                                             Title:



Attest:                                   By:
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name:
                                             Title:



TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities issued
under the within-mentioned Indenture.

PNC BANK, DELAWARE,
as Trustee



By:
   ------------------------
   Authorized Signatory


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                             [REVERSE OF DEBENTURE]

                              HERCULES INCORPORATED

                       6.60% DEBENTURE DUE AUGUST 1, 2027


                  This Debenture is one of the duly authorized securities
(collectively, the "Securities") of the Company to be issued under an Indenture
between the Company and PNC Bank, Delaware, as successor trustee (herein called
the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee thereunder), dated as
of May 15, 1993 (the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective
rights, limitations of rights, duties, obligations and immunities thereunder of
the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and the terms upon
which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This
Debenture is one of the duly authorized series of Securities designated as
"6.60% Debentures due August 1, 2027" (collectively, the "Debentures"), and the
aggregate principal amount of Debentures to be issued under such series is
limited to $100,000,000 (except for Debentures authenticated and delivered upon
transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of other Debentures). All terms used
but not defined or specified in this Debenture shall have the meanings assigned
to such terms in the Indenture.

                  This Debenture will not be subject to redemption at the option
of the Company prior to the Maturity Date.

                  This Debenture will be subject to redemption at the option of
the Holder on August 1, 2007 (the "Redemption Date"), in whole or in part, in
increments of $1,000 (provided that any remaining principal hereof shall be at
least $1,000) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be
redeemed. Interest payable on the Redemption Date shall be payable to the person
in whose name this Debenture is registered in the Security Register of the
Company as of the close of business on the Regular Record Date immediately
preceding the Redemption Date. For this Debenture to be redeemed in whole or in
part at the option of the Holder hereof, this Debenture must be received no
earlier than June 2, 2007 and no later than June 30, 2007, with the form
entitled "Option to Elect Redemption" below duly executed and completed, by the
Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, or such other address of which the
Trustee shall from time to time notify the Holders of Debentures. Exercise of
such redemption option by the Holder hereof shall be irrevocable.

                  In the event that this Debenture shall be redeemed in part,
this Debenture shall be surrendered to the Trustee in exchange for one or more
new Debentures of authorized


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of this
Debenture and having the same terms and conditions.

                  If an Event of Default with respect to the Debentures shall
occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Debentures at the time Outstanding may declare
the principal of all Debentures due and payable in the manner and with the
effect provided in the Indenture.

                  With the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of each series adversely affected thereby at
the time Outstanding (voting as one class)the Indenture permits, with certain
exceptions therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the
rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the
Securities of each such series. The Indenture also contains provisions
permitting the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities of any series affected and at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Debenture shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all
future Holders of this Debenture and of any Debenture issued upon the
registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether
or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debenture.

                  No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Debenture or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
interest on this Debenture at the time, place and rate, and in the coin or
currency, herein prescribed.

                  As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain
limitations herein and therein set forth, the transfer of this Debenture may be
registered in the Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this
Debenture for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in
the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, duly endorsed by, or accompanied
by this Debenture and a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Company duly executed by, the Holder hereof or by his attorney duly
authorized in writing and thereupon one or more new Debentures, in authorized
denominations, having the same terms and conditions and for the same aggregate
principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.



                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                  As provided in the Indenture, and subject to certain
limitations herein and therein set forth, this Debenture is exchangeable for a
like aggregate principal amount of Debentures having the same terms and
conditions, in authorized denominations, as requested by the Holder surrendering
the same.

                  If (i) the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to
continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by the
Company within 90 days, (ii) the Company at any time determines not to have
Securities represented by this Debenture, (iii) the Company defaults on the
payment of principal or interest with respect to this Debenture or (iv) an Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to this Debenture, then
the Company will issue Debentures in definitive form in exchange for this
Debenture to beneficial owners of interests therein equal in principal amount to
such interest and will have such Debentures registered in their names.
Debentures so issued in definitive form will be issued in denominations of
$1,000 or any integral multiple thereof and will be issued in registered form
only, without coupons.

                  No service charge will be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Debentures, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
therewith.

                  The Debentures are issuable only in fully registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple in excess
thereof.

                  Prior to due presentment of this Debenture for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name this Debenture is registered as the owner
hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Debenture be overdue, and neither
the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.

                  The Indenture and the Debentures shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard
to conflict of law principles.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

                                  ABBREVIATIONS


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


               UNIF GIFT MIN ACT --  ___________________________________
                                                  (Cust)

                           Custodian ___________________________________
                                                  (Minor)

                                            Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

                                      -----------------------------------------
                                                   (State)


TEN COM           --       as tenants in common
TEN ENT           --       as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN            --       as joint tenants with right of survivorship and
                            not as tenants in common

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

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

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                                   ASSIGNMENT


                  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s),
assign(s) and transfer(s) unto




Please Insert Social Security Number or Other Identifying Number
of Assignee:


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


PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE,
OF ASSIGNEE:

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

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

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


the within Debenture and all rights thereunder, hereby
irrevocably constituting and appointing

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


attorney to transfer said Debenture on the books of the Company, with full power
of substitution in the premises.


Dated: ___________________          ______________________________
                                    NOTICE: The signature to this
                                    assignment must correspond
                                    with the name as written upon
                                    the face of this Debenture in
                                    every particular, without
                                    alteration or enlargement or
                                    any change whatsoever.

                                    SIGNATURE GUARANTEE


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


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
                           OPTION TO ELECT REDEMPTION


        The undersigned hereby irrevocably request(s) and instruct(s) the
Company to redeem this Debenture (or portion hereof specified below) on August
1, 2007, and otherwise pursuant to its terms at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount hereof to

        ---------------------------------------------------------------
        (Please print or typewrite name and address of the undersigned)

        For this Debenture to be redeemed, the Trustee must receive at PNC Bank,
c/o The Depository Trust Company, 55 Water Street, Geanette Park Entrance, First
Floor, New York, New York 10041, or at such other place or places of which the
Trustee shall from time to time notify the Holders of the Debentures, no earlier
than June 2, 2007 and no later than June 30, 2007 (or, if either such day is not
a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day), this Debenture with this
"Option to Elect Redemption" form duly completed.

        If less than the entire principal amount of this Debenture is to be
redeemed, specify the portion hereof (which shall be an increment of $1,000)
which the Holder elects to have redeemed: $__________________, and specify the
denomination or denominations (which shall be $1,000 or any integral multiple
thereof) of the Debentures to be issued to the Holder for the portion of this
Debenture not being redeemed (in the absence of any such specification, one such
Debenture will be issued for the portion not being redeemed):
$___________________.


Dated: _____________, 2007          ______________________________
                                    NOTICE: The signature on this
                                    Option to Elect Redemption
                                    must correspond with the name
                                    as written upon the face of
                                    this Debenture in every
                                    particular, without alteration
                                    or enlargement or any change
                                    whatsoever.

                                       10


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