K N ENERGY INC
S-3, 1998-06-03
NATURAL GAS TRANSMISISON & DISTRIBUTION
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<PAGE>   1
 
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 3, 1998
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
                K N ENERGY, INC.                               K N CAPITAL TRUST II
 (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS    (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS
                    CHARTER)                                         CHARTER)
                   48-0290000                                     [APPLIED FOR]
    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)          (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 
                     KANSAS                                          DELAWARE
            (STATE OF INCORPORATION)                         (STATE OF INCORPORATION)
 
                                                               C/O K N ENERGY, INC.
             370 VAN GORDON STREET                            370 VAN GORDON STREET
                P.O. BOX 281304                                  P.O. BOX 281304
         LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228-8304                    LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228-8304
                 (303) 989-1740                                   (303) 989-1740
   (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE       (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE
  NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OR REGISTRANT'S     NUMBER, INCLUDING NEW CODE, OR REGISTRANT'S
          PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)                      PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE)
</TABLE>
 
                             MARTHA B. WYRSCH, ESQ.
                  VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL & SECRETARY
                     370 VAN GORDON STREET, P.O. BOX 281304
                         LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228-8304
                                 (303) 989-1740
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                               AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
            VINCENT PAGANO, JR. ESQ.                       C. MICHAEL HARRINGTON, ESQ.
           SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT                         VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.
              425 LEXINGTON AVENUE                            2300 FIRST CITY TOWER
            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017                                1001 FANIN
                 (212) 455-2000                             HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6760
                                                                  (713) 758-2148
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As
promptly as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
     If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, please check the following box. [X]
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================================================================
                                                                 PROPOSED MAXIMUM    PROPOSED MAXIMUM        AMOUNT OF
          TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF               AMOUNT TO BE     OFFERING PRICE PER  AGGREGATE OFFERING     REGISTRATION
        SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED             REGISTERED           SECURITY            PRICE(1)               FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Debt Securities(2).........................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $5.00 per
  share(3).................................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Purchase Units of K N Energy,
  Inc.(4)..................................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Securities of K N Capital Trust
  II(4)....................................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Purchase Contracts of K N Energy,
  Inc.(3)(4)(5)............................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $5.00 per share,
  issuable pursuant to the Stock Purchase
  Contracts(3)(4)(5).......................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust Debentures(6)........................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of Preferred Securities of K N
  Capital Trust II by K N Energy,
  Inc.(7)..................................         --                  --                  --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total......................................        $100                 --                 $100                $100
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
- ---------------
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
    registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933,
    as amended. There are being registered an indeterminate number of Debt
    Securities, Common Stock, Stock Purchase Units, Stock Purchase Contracts,
    Trust Debentures and Guarantee of K N Energy, Inc. and Preferred Securities
    of K N Capital Trust II. The aggregate public offering prices of the Debt
    Securities, Common Stock, Stock Purchase Units, Stock Purchase Contracts,
    Trust Debentures and Guarantee of K N Energy, Inc. and Preferred Securities
    of K N Capital Trust II registered hereby will not exceed $100.
(2) The Debt Securities registered hereby include such additional amount as may
    be necessary so that, if Debt Securities are issued with an original issue
    discount, the aggregate initial offering prices of all Debt Securities will
    equal no more than $100.
(3) The shares of Common Stock registered hereby include preferred share
    purchase rights (the "Rights"). The Rights are associated with and trade
    with the Common Stock. The value, if any, attributable to the Rights is
    reflected in the market price of the Common Stock. There are also being
    registered hereunder an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock as
    shall be issuable upon conversion of the Debt Securities registered hereby.
(4) Each Stock Purchase Unit of K N Energy, Inc. is a unit that consists of
    (i) a Stock Purchase Contract of K N Energy, Inc. under which the holder,
    upon settlement of such Stock Purchase Contract, will purchase an
    indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock to be issuable by K N Energy,
    Inc. and (ii) initially a beneficial interest in Preferred Securities of K N
    Capital Trust II or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S.
    Treasury securities, purchased with the proceeds from the sale of the Stock
    Purchase Unit and pledged to secure the obligation of such holder to
    purchase such share of Common Stock. No separate consideration will be
    received for the Stock Purchase Contracts.
(5) Consists of such indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock to be
    issuable by K N Energy, Inc. upon settlement of the Stock Purchase Contracts
    of K N Energy, Inc., including shares of such Common Stock issuable upon
    settlement of Deferred Contract Adjustment Payments as further described in
    the Registration Statement.
(6) The Trust Debentures of K N Energy, Inc. will be purchased by K N Capital
    Trust II with the proceeds from the sale of the Preferred Securities of K N
    Capital Trust II.
(7) No separate consideration will be received for the Guarantee or back-up
    undertakings of K N Energy, Inc. Includes the rights of holders of the
    Preferred Securities under such Guarantee and back-up undertakings,
    consisting of obligations of K N Energy, Inc. as set forth in the
    Declaration of Trust of K N Capital Trust II (including the obligation of
    pay expenses of K N Capital Trust II) and the Indenture governing the Trust
    Debentures of K N Energy, Inc., in each case as further described in the
    Registration Statement.
                            ------------------------
 
     Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, the prospectus
contained in this Registration Statement relates to the remaining securities
unsold in a Primary Offering having a maximum aggregate offering price of
$819,500,000, such remaining unsold securities having been previously registered
pursuant to the Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421. This Registration
Statement also constitutes Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement 333-44421, and upon effectiveness of such Post-Effective Amendment,
this Registration Statement and Registration Statement No. 333-44421 will relate
to an aggregate of $819,500,100 of K N Energy's stock purchase contracts, stock
purchase units, trust debentures, debt securities and common stock and K N
Capital Trust II's preferred securities and K N's guarantee thereof.
 
     THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
<PAGE>   3
 
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR
JURISDICTION.
 
PROSPECTUS (Subject to completion)
Issued June 3, 1998
 
                                  $819,500,100
 
                                K N Energy, Inc.
                            STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
                              STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
                                TRUST DEBENTURES
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                              K N Capital Trust II
                              PREFERRED SECURITIES
                       Guaranteed as set forth herein by
 
                                K N Energy, Inc.
                            ------------------------
 
     K N Energy, Inc. ("K N", "K N Energy" or the "Company") may offer and sell
from time to time, together or separately: (i) Stock Purchase Contracts ("Stock
Purchase Contracts") to purchase shares of common stock, par value $5.00 per
share ("Common Stock"), of the Company; (ii) Stock Purchase Units ("Stock
Purchase Units"), each representing ownership of a Stock Purchase Contract and
Preferred Securities (as defined below) or debt obligations of third parties,
including U.S. Treasury securities, securing the holder's obligation to purchase
Common Stock under the Stock Purchase Contracts; (iii) its debentures (the
"Trust Debentures") to be purchased with the proceeds from the sale of preferred
securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets
of K N Capital Trust II ("Preferred Securities"), a statutory business trust
created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"); (iv) in addition
to the Trust Debentures, its debentures, notes and other debt securities in one
or more series, which may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities ("Debt Securities"); and (v) Common Stock. In addition the Trust may
offer its Preferred Securities. The aggregate initial offering price of all of
the Securities (as defined below) which may be sold pursuant to this Prospectus
will not exceed $819,500,100 or, if applicable, the equivalent thereof in any
other currency or currency unit. The Securities will be offered in amounts, at
prices and on terms to be determined in light of market conditions at the time
of sale and set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus (a "Prospectus
Supplement"). The Stock Purchase Contracts, Stock Purchase Units, Trust
Debentures, Debt Securities, Common Stock and Preferred Securities are
collectively called the "Securities."
 
                                                        (continued on next page)
                            ------------------------
 
     The Securities may be sold directly by the Company, or in the case of the
Preferred Securities, the Trust, to investors, through agents designated from
time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. See "Plan of
Distribution." If any agents of the Company or, in the case of the Preferred
Securities, the Trust, or any underwriters are involved in the sale of any
Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered, the names of
such agents or underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts will be
set forth in a Prospectus Supplement. The net proceeds to the Company from such
sale also will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement. See "Use of Proceeds."
                            ------------------------
 
     The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE")
under the symbol "KNE." Any Common Stock sold pursuant to a Prospectus
Supplement will be listed on such exchange, subject to official notice of
issuance. The Prospectus Supplement will state whether any Securities offered
thereby will be listed on any national securities exchange. If such Securities
are not listed on any national securities exchange, there can be no assurance
that there will be a secondary market for any such Securities.
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
  THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE SALES OF THE SECURITIES UNLESS
                    ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
                            ------------------------
            , 1998
<PAGE>   4
 
(continued from previous page)
 
     Certain specific terms of the particular Securities in respect of which
this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in an applicable Prospectus
Supplement, including, where applicable, (i) in the case of Stock Purchase
Contracts, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable thereunder, the
purchase price of the Common Stock, the date or dates on which the Common Stock
is required to be purchased by the holders of the Stock Purchase Contracts, any
periodic payments required to be made by the Company to the holders of the Stock
Purchase Contracts or vice versa, and the terms of the offering and sale
thereof, (ii) in the case of Stock Purchase Units, the specific terms of the
Stock Purchase Contracts and any Preferred Securities or debt obligations of
third parties securing the holder's obligation to purchase the Common Stock
under the Stock Purchase Contracts, and the terms of the offering and sale
thereof, (iii) in the case of Trust Debentures or Debt Securities, the specific
designation, aggregate principal amount, authorized denominations, ranking as
senior or subordinated, maturity, interest payment dates, interest rate (which
may be fixed or variable) or method of calculating interest, if any, applicable
Extension Period (as defined below) or interest deferral terms, if any, place or
places where principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable,
any terms for mandatory or optional redemption, any sinking fund provisions,
terms for any conversion or exchange into other securities, initial offering or
purchase price, methods of distribution and any other special terms, and (iv) in
the case of Preferred Securities, the specific title, aggregate amount, stated
liquidation preference, number of securities, the rate of payment of periodic
cash distributions ("distributions" or "Distributions") or method of calculating
such rate, applicable Extension Period (as defined below) or distribution
deferral terms, if any, place or places where distributions will be payable, any
terms of redemption, initial offering or purchase price, methods of distribution
and any other special terms. If so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Securities offered thereby may be issued in whole or in part in
the form of one or more temporary or permanent global securities ("Global
Securities").
 
     Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Trust Debentures will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will
rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company's other senior
unsecured obligations. If provided in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the
Company will have the right to defer payments of interest on the Trust
Debentures by extending the interest payment period thereon at any applicable
time or from time to time for such number of consecutive interest payment
periods (which shall not extend beyond the stated maturity (the "Stated
Maturity") of the Trust Debentures) with respect to each deferral period as may
be specified in such Prospectus Supplement (each, an "Extension Period"). See
"Description of the Trust Debentures -- Option to Extend Interest Payment
Period."
 
     The Company will be the owner of the common securities (the "Common
Securities," and, together with the Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities") of the Trust. The payment of distributions with respect to the
Preferred Securities and payments on liquidation or redemption with respect to
the Preferred Securities, in each case out of funds held by the Trust, will be
irrevocably guaranteed by the Company to the extent described herein (the
"Guarantee"). Certain payments in respect of the Common Securities may also be
guaranteed by the Company. See "Description of the Guarantee." Unless otherwise
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of the
Company under the Guarantee will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company
and will rank pari passu with all of the Company's other senior unsecured
obligations. Concurrently with the issuance by the Trust of the Preferred
Securities, the Trust will invest the proceeds thereof and any contributions
made in respect of the Common Securities in the Trust Debentures, which will
have terms corresponding to the terms of the Preferred Securities. The Trust
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
(continued from previous page)
Debentures will be the sole assets of the Trust, and payments under the Trust
Debentures and those made by the Company in respect of fees and expenses
incurred by the Trust will be the only revenue of the Trust. Upon the occurrence
of certain events as are described herein and in the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement, the Company may redeem the Trust Debentures and cause the redemption
of the Trust Securities. In addition, if provided in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Company may dissolve the Trust at any time and, after
satisfaction of the liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by
applicable law, cause the Trust Debentures to be distributed to the holders of
the Trust Securities in liquidation of their interest in the Trust.
 
     Taken together, the Company's obligations under the Trust Debentures, the
Debenture Indenture (as defined herein), the Declaration (as defined herein) and
the Guarantee, in the aggregate, have the effect of providing a full,
irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payments of distributions and other
amounts due on the Preferred Securities. See "Relationship Among the Preferred
Securities, the Trust Debentures and the Guarantee."
 
                            ------------------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the information requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements, and other information filed by the Company with the Commission can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549 and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Chicago
Regional Office, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661; and New York Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from
the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a Website that contains reports,
proxy and information statements and other materials that are filed through the
Commission's Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System. The
Website can be accessed at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning the Company can be inspected at the
NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, on which exchange the Common
Stock is listed.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes a part of two Registration Statements on Form
S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company and the Trust with the Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus omits
certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement for further information
with respect to the Company and the securities offered hereby. Any statements
contained herein concerning the provisions of any document filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission are not
necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such
document so filed. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such
reference.
 
     No separate financial statements of the Trust have been included herein.
The Company and the Trust do not consider that such financial statements would
be material to holders of the Preferred Securities because the Trust is a newly
formed special purpose entity, has no operating history or independent
operations and is not engaged in and does not propose to engage in any activity
other than its holding as trust assets the Trust Debentures and the issuance of
the Trust Securities. See "The Trust," "Description of the Trust Debentures,"
"Description of the Preferred Securities" and "Description of the Guarantee."
 
     The Trust is currently not subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission (File No.
1-6446) pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated by reference and made a
part hereof:
 
          (a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1997;
 
          (b) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     March 31, 1998;
 
          (c) the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 5, 1998,
     January 16, 1998, as amended by the Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated
     February 12, 1998, March 6, 1998 and April 24, 1998; and
 
          (d) the description of the Preferred Share Purchase Rights and the
     Common Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statements on Form
     8-A.
 
     All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities pursuant hereto,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof
from the date of filing of such document. Any statement contained herein or in a
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to any person, including any
beneficial owner of Securities, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon
written or oral request of such person, a copy of any and all of the documents
referred to above which have been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
(other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into such documents). Such requests should be directed
to the office of the Vice President and Treasurer, K N Energy, Inc., 370 Van
Gordon Street, P.O. Box 281304, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8304, telephone number
(303) 989-1740.
 
                                K N ENERGY, INC.
 
     K N Energy is an integrated energy services provider whose operations
include the gathering, processing, transportation and storage of natural gas and
the marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids. The Company also markets
innovative products and services, such as the Simple Choice(sm) menu of products
and call center services designed for residential consumers, utilities, and
small businesses through its 50% owned en-able(sm), LLC affiliate.
 
     K N was incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas in 1927. The
address of its principal executive offices is 370 Van Gordon Street, P. O. Box
281304, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8304 and its telephone number is (303)
989-1740.
 
     Additional information concerning the Company and its subsidiaries is
included in the Company reports and other documents incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus. See "Available Information" and "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference."
 
                                   THE TRUST
 
     The Trust is a statutory business trust created under Delaware law pursuant
to (i) a declaration of trust, dated as of January 15, 1998, and entered into by
the Company, as sponsor (the "Sponsor") and the trustee named herein (amended
and restated on June 1, 1998) and (ii) the filing of a certificate of trust with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 15, 1998. The
declaration will be amended and restated in its entirety (as so amended and
restated, the "Declaration"), substantially in the form filed as an
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, as
of the date the Preferred Securities of such Trust are initially issued. The
Declaration will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
(the "Trust Indenture Act"). Upon issuance of the Preferred Securities, the
purchasers thereof will own all of the Preferred Securities. K N Energy will
directly or indirectly acquire all of the Common Securities, which will have an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to 3% of the total capital of the Trust. The
Preferred Securities will rank pari passu, and payments will be made thereon on
a pro rata basis, with the Common Securities, except that upon the occurrence
and during the continuance of a Declaration Event of Default, the rights of the
holders of the Common Securities to receive payments of periodic distributions
and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to
the rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities. The Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of (i) issuing the Trust Securities representing undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, (ii) investing the gross
proceeds of the Trust Securities in the Trust Debentures and (iii) engaging in
only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto.
 
     The Trust's business and affairs will be conducted by the K N Trustees (as
defined below) and the administrators ("Administrators"), as set forth in the
Declaration. Pursuant to the Declaration, the number of K N Trustees will
initially be two. One trustee will be a financial institution that maintains its
principal place of business in the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Trustee").
The other trustee (the "Institutional Trustee" and, together with the Delaware
Trustee, the "K N Trustees") will be a financial institution that is
unaffiliated with K N Energy and will serve as institutional trustee under the
Declaration and as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, a
Delaware banking corporation, will be both the Delaware Trustee and the
Institutional Trustee until removed or replaced by the holder of the Common
Securities (or in certain circumstances the holders of a majority in liquidation
amount of the Preferred Securities). Wilmington Trust Company will act as
trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee") under the Guarantee and as Debenture Trustee
(as defined herein) under the Debenture Indenture (as defined herein). The
Administrators will be three individuals who are employees or officers of or
affiliated with K N Energy and will act as administrators with respect to the
Trust. The Administrators will be selected by the holders of a majority in
liquidation amount of the Common Securities. The Administrators will have only
those ministerial duties set forth in the Declaration with respect to
accomplishing the purposes of the Trust and are not intended to be trustees or
fiduciaries with respect to the Trust or the holders of Preferred Securities.
 
     The Institutional Trustee will hold title to the Trust Debentures for the
benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities, and the Institutional Trustee
will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the
Debenture Indenture as the holder of the Trust Debentures. In addition, the
Institutional Trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated
non-interest bearing bank account (the "Property Account") to hold all payments
made in respect of the Trust Debentures for the benefit of the holders of the
Trust Securities. The Institutional Trustee will make payments of distributions
and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of the
Trust Securities out of funds from the Property Account. The Guarantee Trustee
will hold the Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred
Securities. K N Energy, as the direct or indirect holder of all the Common
Securities, will have the right to appoint, remove or replace any Administrator
and to increase or decrease the number of Administrators. Holders of the Common
Securities will have the right to replace the Institutional Trustee (or, upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the Declaration, the
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities),
provided that the successor Institutional Trustee shall be a corporation with
trust powers organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof
with a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million. Pursuant to the
Debenture Indenture (as defined below), K N Energy, as borrower, will pay all
fees and expenses related to the Trust and the offering of the Trust Securities.
 
     The rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities, including economic
rights, rights to information and voting rights, are set forth in the
Declaration and the Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Trust Act"). The principal
place of business of the Trust is c/o K N Energy, Inc., 370 Van Gordon Street,
P.O. Box 281304, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8304, and its telephone number is
(303) 989-1740.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     Except as may otherwise be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating
to an offering of Securities, the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities
(including Trust Debentures issued to the Trust in connection with the
investment by the Trust of all of the proceeds from the sale of the Preferred
Securities) offered pursuant to this Prospectus and such Prospectus Supplement
(the "Offered Securities") will be used by the Company to refinance indebtedness
incurred in connection with the acquisition of MidCon Corp. from Occidental
Petroleum Corporation. The remainder of the net proceeds will be used for
general corporate purposes. Any specific allocation of the net proceeds of an
offering of Securities by the Company to a specific purpose will be determined
at the time of such offering and will be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
 
                      RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
     The following table sets forth the Company's consolidated ratios of
earnings to fixed charges for the periods shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   THREE MONTHS
  ENDED MARCH 31,       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
  ---------------   --------------------------------
       1998         1997   1996   1995   1994   1993
       ----         ----   ----   ----   ----   ----
  <S>               <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
       1.55         2.72   3.21   3.07   1.69   2.41
</TABLE>
 
     The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings
by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings are the sum of net income, taxes
and fixed charges. Fixed charges are interest, amortization of debt discount,
premium and expense, preferred stock dividends of a subsidiary, and the
estimated interest portion of rental charges. The allowance for borrowed funds
used during construction recognized for gas utility operations has been added to
fixed charges and is included in earnings. The ratio of earnings to fixed
charges for the three months ended March 31, 1998 is not necessarily indicative
of such ratio that would be expected for the full year ended December 31, 1998.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
     The Trust may issue only one series of Preferred Securities having terms
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. The Declaration
authorizes the Administrators of the Trust to issue on behalf of the Trust one
series of Preferred Securities. The Declaration will be qualified as an
indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The Preferred Securities will have such
terms, including distributions, redemption, voting, liquidation rights and such
other preferred, deferred or other special rights or such restrictions as shall
be set forth in the Declaration or made part of the Declaration by the Trust
Indenture Act or the Trust Act. Reference is made to any Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Preferred Securities of the Trust for specific terms, including
(i) the specific designation of the Preferred Securities, (ii) the number of
Preferred Securities, (iii) the annual distribution rate (or method of
calculation thereof) for Preferred Securities, the date or dates upon which such
distributions shall be payable and the record date or dates for the payment of
such distributions, (iv) whether distributions of Preferred Securities shall be
cumulative, and, in the case of Preferred Securities having such cumulative
distribution rights, the date or dates or method of determining the date or
dates from which distributions of Preferred Securities shall be cumulative, (v)
the amount or amounts which shall be paid out of the assets of the Trust to the
holders of Preferred Securities upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust, (vi) the obligation or right, if any, of
the Trust to purchase or redeem Preferred Securities and the price or prices at
which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon
which Preferred Securities shall or may be purchased or redeemed, in whole or in
part, pursuant to such obligation or right, (vii) the voting rights, if any, of
Preferred Securities in addition to those required by law, including the number
of votes per Preferred Security and any requirement for the approval by the
holders of Preferred Securities, as a condition to specified actions or
amendments to the Declaration, (viii) the terms and conditions, if any, upon
which Preferred Securities issued by the Trust may be converted into Common
Stock of the Company, including the conversion price per share and the
circumstances, if any, under which such conversion right will expire, (ix) the
terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Trust Debentures may be distributed
to holders of Trust Securities, (x) if applicable, any securities exchange upon
which the Preferred Securities shall be listed, and (xi) any other relevant
rights, preferences, privileges, limitations or restrictions of Preferred
Securities issued by the Trust consistent with the Declaration or with
applicable law. All Preferred Securities offered hereby will be guaranteed by
the Company as and to the extent set forth below under "Description of the
Guarantee." Certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable
to the offering of the Preferred Securities will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto.
 
     In connection with the issuance of the Preferred Securities, the Trust will
issue Common Securities. The Declaration authorizes the Administrators of the
Trust to issue on behalf of the Trust the Common Securities having such terms
including distributions, redemption, voting, liquidation rights or such
restrictions as shall be set forth therein. The terms of the Common Securities
issued by the Trust will be substantially identical to the terms of the
Preferred Securities issued by the Trust and the Common Securities will rank
pari passu, and payments will be made thereon on a pro rata basis with the
Preferred Securities except that if an event of default under the Declaration (a
"Declaration Event of Default") occurs and is continuing, the rights of the
holders of the Common Securities to payments in respect of distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption and maturity will be subordinated to the
rights of the holders of the Preferred Securities. A Declaration Event of
Default will occur upon a Debenture Indenture Event of Default (as defined
below). Except in certain limited circumstances, the Common Securities issued by
the Trust will also carry the right to vote and to appoint, remove or replace
any of the K N Trustees of the Trust. All of the Common Securities of the Trust
will be directly or indirectly owned by the Company.
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST DEBENTURES
 
     The Trust Debentures are to be issued under an indenture, as supplemented
or amended from time to time (as so supplemented or amended, the "Debenture
Indenture"), between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the
"Debenture Trustee"). This summary of certain terms and provisions of the Trust
Debentures and the Debenture Indenture is not necessarily complete, and
reference is hereby made to the copy of the form of the Debenture Indenture
which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part, and to the Trust Indenture Act. Whenever particular
defined terms of the
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
Debenture Indenture are referred to in this Section or in a Prospectus
Supplement, such defined terms are incorporated herein or therein by reference.
 
     The Company's Debt Securities are separately described in this Prospectus
under the caption "Description of the Debt Securities."
 
GENERAL
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Trust Debentures will be issued as unsecured debt under the Debenture Indenture
and will rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the Company's other
senior unsecured obligations. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the Debenture Indenture does not limit the incurrence or
issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of the Company, whether under the
Debenture Indenture, any other indenture that the Company may enter into in the
future or otherwise.
 
     The Trust Debentures will be issuable in one series pursuant to an
indenture supplemental to the Debenture Indenture or a resolution of the
Company's Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
 
     Unless otherwise stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
obligations of K N Energy under the Trust Debentures will be senior to its 8.56%
Series B Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Trust Debentures due April 15,
2027 (the "1997 Subordinated Trust Debentures"), which were issued in October
1997 in the aggregate principal amount of $103,100,000 and will be senior to its
7.63% Junior Subordinated Debentures due April 15, 2028 (the "1998 Subordinated
Trust Debentures"), which were issued in April 1998 in the aggregate principal
amount of $180,500,000, and the obligations of K N Energy under the Guarantee
will be senior to its guarantee (the "1997 Guarantee") in relation to the 8.56%
Series B Capital Trust Pass-through Securities of K N Capital Trust I (the "1997
Capital Securities"), which were issued in October 1997 in the aggregate
liquidation amount of $100,000,000, and the obligations of K N Energy under the
Guarantee will be senior to its guarantee (the "1998 Guarantee") in relation to
the 7.63% Capital Securities of K N Capital Trust III (the "1998 Capital
Securities"), which were issued in April 1998 in the aggregate liquidation
amount of $175,000,000.
 
     The Trust Debentures may be distributed pro rata to the holders of such
Trust Securities in connection with the dissolution of the Trust upon the
occurrence of certain events described herein or in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Trust Securities. Only one series of Trust Debentures will be
issued to the Trust or a K N Trustee of such Trust in connection with the
issuance of Trust Securities by the Trust.
 
     The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the following terms of
the Trust Debentures: (i) the title of the Trust Debentures; (ii) any limit upon
the aggregate principal amount of the Trust Debentures; (iii) the date on which
the principal of the Trust Debentures is payable or the method of determination
thereof; or the right, if any, of the Company to defer payment of principal;
(iv) the rate, if any, at which the Trust Debentures shall bear interest
(including reset rates, if any, and the method by which any such rate will be
determined), the dates on which any such interest shall be payable (the
"Interest Payment Dates"), the right, if any, of the Company to defer or extend
an Interest Payment Date and the regular record date for any interest payable on
any Interest Payment Date or the method by which any of the foregoing shall be
determined; (v) the place where the principal of and premium, if any, and
interest, if any, on the Trust Debentures will be payable and where, subject to
the terms of the Debenture Indenture as described below under "-- Denominations,
Registration and Transfer," the Trust Debentures may be presented for
registration of transfer or exchange and the place or places where notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Trust Debentures and the
Debenture Indenture may be made ("Place of Payment"); (vi) any period or periods
within, or date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms
and conditions upon which Trust Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part,
at the option of the Company or a holder thereof; (vii) the obligation or the
right, if any, of the Company or a holder thereof to redeem, purchase or repay
the Trust Debentures and the period or periods within which, the price or prices
(the "Redemption Price") at which, the currency or currencies (including
currency unit or units) in which and the other terms and conditions upon which
the Trust Debentures shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in
part, pursuant to such obligation; (viii) the denominations in which any Trust
Debentures shall be issuable if other
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; (ix) if other
than in U.S. Dollars, the currency or currencies (including currency unit or
units) in which the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on
the Trust Debentures shall be payable, or in which the Trust Debentures shall be
denominated; (x) any additions, modifications or deletions in the events of
default or covenants of the Company specified in the Debenture Indenture with
respect to the Trust Debentures; (xi) if other than the principal amount
thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Trust Debentures that shall be
payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof; (xii) any
additions or changes to the Debenture Indenture with respect to a series of
Trust Debentures as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of
such series in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and
with or without interest coupons; (xiii) any index or indices used to determine
the amount of payments of principal of and premium, if any, on the Trust
Debentures and the manner in which such amounts will be determined; (xiv) the
terms and conditions relating to the issuance of a temporary Global Security
representing all of the Trust Debentures of such series and exchange of such
temporary Global Security for definitive Trust Debentures of such series; (xv)
whether the Trust Debentures of the series shall be issued in whole or in part
in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the depositary
for such Global Securities; (xvi) the appointment of any trustee, registrar,
paying agent or agents; (xvii) the terms and conditions of any obligation or
right of the Company or a holder to convert or exchange Trust Debentures into
Preferred Securities or other securities; (xviii) the relative degree, if any,
to which such Trust Debentures of the series shall be senior to or be
subordinated to other series of such Trust Debentures or other indebtedness of
the Company in right of payment, whether such other series of Trust Debentures
or other indebtedness are outstanding or not; and (xix) any other terms of the
Trust Debentures not inconsistent with the provisions of the Debenture
Indenture. (Section 2.1) Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, the Trust Debentures will not be subject to any sinking fund.
 
     Trust Debentures may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated
principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of
issuance is below market rates. Certain material United States federal income
tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such Trust
Debentures will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
     If the purchase price of any of the Trust Debentures is payable in one or
more foreign currencies or currency units or if any Trust Debentures are
denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units or if the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Trust Debentures is
payable in one or more foreign currencies or currency units, the restrictions,
elections, certain material United States federal income tax considerations,
specific terms and other information with respect to such issue of Trust
Debentures and such foreign currency or currency units will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
     If any index is used to determine the amount of payments of principal,
premium, if any, or interest on any series of Trust Debentures, certain material
United States federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable
thereto will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
DENOMINATIONS, REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Trust Debentures will be issuable only in registered form without coupons in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. (Section 2.3) Trust
Debentures will be exchangeable for other Trust Debentures of the same issue, of
any authorized denominations of a like aggregate principal amount, the same
original issue date ("Original Issue Date"), the same Stated Maturity and
bearing the same interest rate. (Section 2.5)
 
     Trust Debentures may be presented for exchange as provided above, and may
be presented for registration of transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed
thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of transfer, duly executed), at
the office of the appropriate Securities Registrar or at the office of any
transfer agent designated by the Company for such purpose with respect to any
series of Trust Debentures and referred to in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other
governmental charges as described in the Debenture Indenture. The Company will
appoint the Debenture Trustee as Securities Registrar under the Debenture
Indenture. Such transfer or exchange will be effected
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
upon the Security Registrar or such transfer agent, as the case may be, being
satisfied with the documents of title and the identity of the person making the
request. (Section 2.5) If the applicable Prospectus Supplement refers to any
transfer agents (in addition to the Securities Registrar) initially designated
by the Company with respect to the Trust Debentures, the Company may at any time
rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the
location through which any such transfer agent acts, provided that the Company
maintains a transfer agent in each Place of Payment for the Trust Debentures.
The Company may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to
the Trust Debentures.
 
     In the event of any redemption, neither the Company nor the Debenture
Trustee shall be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange of
the Trust Debentures during a period beginning at the opening of business 15
days before the day of selection for redemption of the Trust Debentures, and
ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of
redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any Trust Debentures so selected for
redemption, except, in the case of any Trust Debentures being redeemed in part,
any portion thereof not to be redeemed. (Section 2.5)
 
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
 
     If provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company shall have
the right, at any time and from time to time during the term of the Trust
Debentures, to defer the payment of interest for such number of consecutive
interest payment periods as may be specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, subject to the terms, conditions and covenants, if any, specified in
such Prospectus Supplement, provided that such Extension Period may not extend
beyond the Stated Maturity of the final installment of principal of the Trust
Debentures. Certain material United States federal income tax consequences and
special considerations applicable to the Trust Debentures will be described in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     The Debenture Indenture contains certain covenants regarding, among other
matters, corporate existence, payment of taxes and reports to holders of the
Trust Debentures. If and to the extent indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, these covenants may be removed or additional covenants added with
respect to the Trust Debentures. (Article 9)
 
DEBENTURE INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The Debenture Indenture provides that any one or more of the following
described events, which has occurred and is continuing, constitutes a "Debenture
Indenture Event of Default" with respect to the Trust Debentures: (i) failure
for 30 days to pay interest on the Trust Debentures, including any compound
interest, in respect thereof or, any additional interest, if any, when due;
provided that a valid extension of an interest payment period will not
constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose; (ii) failure
to pay principal of or premium, if any, on the Trust Debentures when due whether
at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration of acceleration or otherwise; (iii)
failure to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the Debenture
Indenture for 90 days after notice to K N Energy by the Debenture Trustee or by
the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of
the Trust Debentures; (iv) the dissolution, winding up or termination of the
Trust, except in connection with the distribution of Trust Debentures to the
holders of Preferred Securities in liquidation of the Trust upon the redemption
of all outstanding Preferred Securities or in connection with certain mergers,
consolidations or amalgamations permitted by the Declaration; or (v) certain
events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of K N Energy. (Section 4.1)
 
     If any Debenture Indenture Event of Default shall occur and be continuing,
the Debenture Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Trust Debentures may declare the principal of and
interest on the Trust Debentures due and payable immediately; provided, that,
after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration,
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Trust
Debentures may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration
if all Debenture Indenture Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of
accelerated principal, have been cured or waived as provided in the Debenture
Indenture. (Section 4.2)
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
     A default under any other indebtedness of K N Energy would not constitute a
Debenture Indenture Event of Default under the Trust Debentures.
 
     Subject to the provisions of the Debenture Indenture relating to the duties
of the Debenture Trustee in case a Debenture Indenture Event of Default occurs
and is continuing, the Debenture Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the Debenture Indenture at the request or
direction of any holders of Trust Debentures, unless such holders shall have
offered to the Debenture Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to such
provisions for the indemnification of the Debenture Trustee, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Trust Debentures will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Debenture Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Debenture Trustee. (Section 4.12)
 
     No holder of any Trust Debentures will have any right to institute any
proceeding with respect to the Debenture Indenture or for any remedy thereunder,
unless such holder shall have previously given to the Debenture Trustee written
notice of a continuing Debenture Indenture Event of Default and, if the
Institutional Trustee is not the sole holder of Trust Debentures, unless the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Trust
Debentures shall also have made written request, and offered reasonable
indemnity, to the Debenture Trustee to institute such proceeding as Debenture
Trustee, and the Debenture Trustee shall not have received from the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Trust Debentures a
direction inconsistent with such request. (Section 4.7) However, such
limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of a Trust Debenture
for enforcement of payment of the principal of or interest on such Trust
Debenture on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Trust
Debenture. (Section 4.8)
 
     The Debenture Indenture contains provisions permitting the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Trust Debentures, on behalf of all
of the holders of the Trust Debentures, to waive any past default in the
performance of any of the covenants contained in the Debenture Indenture, except
a default in the payment of principal or interest on any of the Trust
Debentures. (Section 4.13)
 
MODIFICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS OF THE DEBENTURE INDENTURE
 
     The Debenture Indenture contains provisions permitting K N Energy and the
Debenture Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Trust Debentures, to modify the
Debenture Indenture or the rights of the holders of Trust Debentures; provided,
however, that no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding Trust Debenture affected thereby, (i) extend the Stated
Maturity of the Trust Debentures or reduce the principal amount thereof, or
reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest thereon, or reduce
any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or (ii) reduce the percentage
in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Trust Debentures, the holders of
which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture. (Section 8.2)
 
     In addition, K N Energy and the Debenture Trustee may execute, without the
consent of any holder of Trust Debentures, any supplemental indenture (i) to
cure any ambiguities, (ii) to comply with the Trust Indenture Act and (iii) for
certain other customary purposes. (Section 8.1)
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, when,
among other things, all Trust Debentures not previously delivered to the
Debenture Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will
become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, and the Company
deposits or causes to be deposited with the Debenture Trustee, as trust funds in
trust for the purpose, an amount in the currency or currencies in which the
Trust Debentures are payable sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on the Trust Debentures not previously delivered to the Debenture
Trustee for cancellation, for the principal (and premium, if any) and interest
to the date of the deposit or to the Stated Maturity, as the case may be, then
the Debenture Indenture will cease to be of further effect (except as to the
Company's obligations to pay all other sums due pursuant to the Debenture
Indenture, rights of registration of
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
transfer or exchange of Trust Debentures and rights with respect to temporary,
and mutilated, lost or destroyed Trust Debentures), and the Company will be
deemed to have satisfied and discharged the Debenture Indenture. (Section 3.1)
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Company may elect either (a) to terminate (and be deemed to have satisfied) all
its obligations with respect to any series of Trust Debentures (except for the
obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such Trust Debentures, to
replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Trust Debentures, to maintain an
office or agency in respect of the Trust Debentures and to compensate and
indemnify the Debenture Trustee ("defeasance")) or (b) to be released from its
obligations with respect to certain covenants, ("covenant defeasance"), upon the
deposit with the Debenture Trustee, in trust for such purpose, of money and/or
U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the Debenture Indenture) which
through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms
will provide money, in an amount sufficient (in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants) to pay principal of, interest
on and any other amounts payable in respect of the outstanding Trust Debentures.
(Sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6) Such a trust may be established only if, among
other things, the Company has delivered to the Debenture Trustee an opinion of
counsel (as specified in the Debenture Indenture) with regard to certain
matters, including an opinion to the effect that the holders of such Trust
Debentures will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal
income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and discharge and will be
subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and
defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, had not occurred.
(Section 3.6)
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DEBENTURE TRUSTEE
 
     The Debenture Trustee, prior to default, undertakes to perform only such
duties as are specifically set forth in the Debenture Indenture and, after
default, shall exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would
exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to such provision,
the Debenture Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers
vested in it by the Debenture Indenture at the request of any holder of Trust
Debentures, unless offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the
costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby. The Debenture
Trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur
personal financial liability in the performance of its duties if the Debenture
Trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not
reasonably assured to it. (Sections 5.1 and 5.2)
 
     The Debenture Indenture also contains limitations on the right of the
Debenture Trustee, as a creditor of K N Energy, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. (Section 5.11) In addition, the Debenture
Trustee may be deemed to have a conflicting interest and may be required to
resign as Debenture Trustee if at the time of a default under the Debenture
Indenture it is a creditor of K N Energy. (Section 5.9) K N Energy may from time
to time maintain deposit accounts and conduct its banking transactions with the
Debenture Trustee in the ordinary course of business.
 
     Wilmington Trust Company is also the trustee under the indenture relating
to the 1997 Subordinated Trust Debentures and the 1998 Subordinated Trust
Debentures. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act, should a default occur with
respect to any of the 1997 Subordinated Trust Debentures, the 1998 Subordinated
Trust Debentures or the Trust Debentures, then Wilmington Trust Company would be
required to resign as trustee under one of the indentures within 90 days of such
default, unless such defaults were cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Debenture Indenture and the Trust Debentures will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 1.13)
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE
 
     Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Guarantee, which
will be executed and delivered by K N Energy for the benefit of the holders from
time to time of Preferred Securities. The Guarantee will be qualified under the
Trust Indenture Act. Wilmington Trust Company, as the Guarantee Trustee, will
hold the Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities.
The following summary is not necessarily complete, and reference is hereby made
to the copy of the form of the Guarantee (including the definitions therein of
certain terms), which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part, and to the Trust Indenture Act. Whenever
particular defined terms of the Guarantee are referred to in this Prospectus,
such defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.
 
GENERAL
 
     Pursuant to and to the extent set forth in the Guarantee, unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, K N Energy will agree to pay
in full to the holders of the Preferred Securities (except to the extent paid by
the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set off or
counterclaim that the Trust may have or assert, the following payments (the
"Guarantee Payments"), without duplication: (i) any accumulated and unpaid
distributions that are required to be paid on the Preferred Securities to the
extent the Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the Redemption Price, plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions, with respect to any Preferred Securities
called for redemption by the Trust, to the extent the Trust has funds available
therefor and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in connection with the
distribution of Trust Debentures to the holders of Trust Securities or the
redemption of all the Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of
the liquidation amount and all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the
Preferred Securities to the date of payment to the extent the Trust has funds
available therefor and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available
for distribution to holders of Preferred Securities upon the liquidation of the
Trust. The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee or to direct the
exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the
Guarantee. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce the Guarantee, any holder
of Preferred Securities may directly institute a legal proceeding against K N
Energy to enforce the obligations of K N Energy under the Guarantee without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee or
any other person or entity. If K N Energy were to default on its obligation to
pay amounts payable on the Trust Debentures, the Trust would lack available
funds for the payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the
Preferred Securities or otherwise, and in such event holders of the Preferred
Securities would not be able to rely upon the Guarantee for payment of such
amounts. Instead, a holder of the Preferred Securities would be required to rely
on the enforcement (1) by the Institutional Trustee of its rights, as registered
holder of the Trust Debentures, against K N Energy pursuant to the terms of the
Trust Debentures or (2) by such holder of Preferred Securities of its right
against K N Energy to enforce payment on the Trust Debentures. See "Description
of the Trust Debentures." The Declaration provides that each holder of Preferred
Securities, by acceptance thereof, if any, agrees to the provisions of the
Guarantee, including the subordination provisions thereof, if any, and the
Debenture Indenture.
 
     The Guarantee will not apply to any payment of distributions or Redemption
Price, or to payments upon the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the
Trust, except to the extent the Trust shall have funds available therefor. If K
N Energy does not make interest payments on the Trust Debentures, the Trust will
not pay distributions on the Preferred Securities and will not have funds
available therefor. See "Description of the Trust Debentures." Unless otherwise
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Guarantee, when taken
together with K N Energy's obligations under the Trust Debentures, the Debenture
Indenture and the Declaration, including its obligations under the Debenture
Indenture to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of the Trust (other than
with respect to the Trust Securities) will provide a full and unconditional
guarantee on a senior unsecured basis by K N Energy of payments due on the
Preferred Securities.
 
     K N Energy has also agreed separately to irrevocably and unconditionally
guarantee the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Common Securities
(the "Common Securities Guarantee") to the same extent as
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
the Guarantee, except that upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a
Declaration Event of Default, holders of Preferred Securities shall have
priority over holders of Common Securities with respect to distributions and
payments on liquidation, redemption or otherwise.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF K N ENERGY
 
     The Guarantee contains certain covenants regarding among other matters,
reports to holders of the Preferred Securities and the Guarantee Trustee, and,
upon the occurrence of certain events, restrictions on the payment of dividends,
interest on debt securities and guarantee payments on other Company guarantees.
If and to the extent indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, these
covenants may be removed or additional covenants added with respect to the
Guarantee.
 
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
 
     Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of Preferred Securities (in which case no vote will be
required) the Guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval of the
holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of all the outstanding
Preferred Securities. The manner of obtaining any such approval of holders of
the Preferred Securities will be as set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. All guarantees and agreements contained in the Guarantee shall bind
the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of K N Energy
and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities then
outstanding. Except in certain circumstances, K N Energy may not assign its
rights or delegate its obligations under the Guarantee without the prior
approval of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities then outstanding.
 
TERMINATION OF THE GUARANTEE
 
     The Guarantee will terminate as to each holder of Preferred Securities upon
(i) full payment of the Redemption Price and accumulated and unpaid
distributions with respect to all Preferred Securities, (ii) upon distribution
of the Trust Debentures held by the Trust to the holders of the Preferred
Securities or (iii) upon liquidation of the Trust and will terminate completely
upon full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     An event of default under the Guarantee will occur upon the failure of K N
Energy to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder.
 
     The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of Preferred Securities
relating to the Guarantee have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in
respect of the Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Preferred Securities. If the
Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce the Guarantee, any holder of Preferred
Securities relating to such Guarantee may institute a legal proceeding directly
against K N Energy to enforce the Guarantee Trustee's rights under the
Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the
Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if K N Energy has failed to make a guarantee payment, a holder of Preferred
Securities may directly institute a proceeding against K N Energy for
enforcement of the Guarantee for such payment. K N Energy waives any right or
remedy to require that any action be brought first against the Trust or any
other person or entity before proceeding directly against K N Energy.
 
STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE
 
     Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of K N Energy and will rank
pari passu in right of payment to all other senior unsecured obligations of K N
Energy. The terms of the Preferred Securities provide that each holder of
Preferred Securities issued by the Trust by acceptance thereof agrees to the
other terms of the Guarantee relating thereto.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
     The Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection
(that is, the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against
the guarantor to enforce its rights under the guarantee without instituting a
legal proceeding against any other person or entity).
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
 
     The Guarantee Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect to
the Guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in the Guarantee and, after default with respect to the Guarantee, shall
exercise the same degree of care as a prudent man would exercise in the conduct
of his own affairs. Subject to such provision, the Guarantee Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Guarantee at the
request of any holder of Preferred Securities unless it is offered reasonable
indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred
thereby.
 
     Wilmington Trust Company is also the trustee under the 1997 Guarantee and
the 1998 Guarantee. Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act, should a default occur
with respect to any of the 1997 Guarantee, the 1998 Guarantee or the Guarantee,
then Wilmington Trust Company would be required to resign as trustee under one
of the guarantees within 90 days of such default, unless such default were
cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Guarantee will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
laws of the State of New York.
 
                  RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
                     THE TRUST DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE
 
     As set forth in the Declaration, the sole purpose of the Trust is to issue
the Trust Securities evidencing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the
assets of the Trust, and to invest the proceeds from such issuance and sale in
the Trust Debentures.
 
     As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Trust Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and
payments due on the Trust Securities because of the following factors: (i) the
aggregate principal amount of Trust Debentures will be equal to the sum of the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Trust Securities; (ii) the interest
rate and the interest and other payment dates on the Trust Debentures will match
the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the Preferred
Securities; (iii) pursuant to the Debenture Indenture, K N Energy, as borrower,
shall pay, and the Trust shall not be obligated to pay, directly or indirectly,
all costs, expenses, debts and obligations of the Trust (other than with respect
to the Trust Securities); and (iv) the Declaration further provides that the K N
Trustees shall not take or cause or permit the Trust to, among other things,
engage in any activity that is not consistent with the purposes of the Trust.
 
     Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available) and
other payments due on the Preferred Securities (to the extent funds therefor are
available) are guaranteed by K N Energy as and to the extent set forth under
"Description of the Guarantee." If K N Energy does not make interest payments on
the Trust Debentures purchased by the Trust, it is expected that the Trust will
not have sufficient funds to pay distributions on the Preferred Securities. The
Guarantee is a full guarantee on a senior basis with respect to the Preferred
Securities issued by the Trust from the time of its issuance but does not apply
to any payment of distributions unless and until the Trust has sufficient funds
for the payment of such distributions. The Guarantee covers the payment of
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to the
extent that K N Energy has made a payment of interest or principal on the Trust
Debentures held by the Trust as its sole asset. The Guarantee, when taken
together with K N Energy's obligations under the Trust Debentures, the Debenture
Indenture and the Declaration, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses,
debts and liabilities of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust
Securities), provides a full and unconditional guarantee on a senior basis of
amounts payable on the Preferred Securities.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
 
     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Debenture Indenture, the
Company has the right to set-off any payment it is otherwise required to make
thereunder with and to the extent the Company has theretofore made, or is
concurrently on the date of such payment making, a payment under the Guarantee.
 
     If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce the Guarantee, a holder of any
Preferred Security may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Company
to enforce its rights under the Guarantee without first instituting a legal
proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Trust or any other person or
entity.
 
     The Trust's Preferred Securities evidence undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the assets of the Trust, and the Trust exists for the sole purpose
of issuing the Preferred Securities and Common Securities and investing the
proceeds thereof in Trust Debentures. A principal difference between the rights
of a holder of a Preferred Security and a holder of a Trust Debenture is that a
holder of a Trust Debenture will accrue, and (subject to the permissible
extension of the interest period) is entitled to receive, interest on the
principal amount of Trust Debentures held, while a holder of Preferred
Securities is only entitled to receive distributions if and to the extent the
Trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions.
 
     Upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the Trust involving the
liquidation of the Trust Debentures, the holders of Preferred Securities of the
Trust will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by the Trust, the
Liquidation Distribution in cash. See "Description of the Preferred Securities."
Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy of the Company, the
Institutional Trustee as holder of the Trust Debentures would be entitled to
receive payment in full of principal and interest, before any stockholders of
the Company receive payments or distributions.
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
 
     The Debt Securities will constitute either senior or subordinated debt of
the Company and will be issued, in the case of Debt Securities that will be
senior debt ("Senior Debt Securities"), under an Indenture dated as of November
20, 1993 (the "Senior Debt Indenture"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust
National Association, as successor trustee, and, in the case of Debt Securities
that will be subordinated debt ("Subordinated Debt Securities"), under a
Subordinated Indenture dated as of May 15, 1996 (the "Subordinated Debt
Indenture"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as
successor trustee. The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt Indenture
are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as the "Debt Indenture" and
collectively as the "Debt Indentures." U.S. Bank Trust National Association (and
any successor thereto as trustee under the Debt Indentures) is hereinafter
referred to as the "Debt Trustee." The Debt Indentures are incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement. The following summaries of certain
provisions of the Debt Indentures and the Debt Securities do not purport to be
complete and such summaries are subject to the detailed provisions of the
applicable Debt Indenture to which reference is hereby made for a full
description of such provisions, including the definition of certain terms used
herein. Section references in parentheses below are to sections in both Debt
Indentures unless otherwise indicated. Wherever particular sections or defined
terms of the applicable Debt Indenture are referred to, such sections or defined
terms are incorporated herein by reference as part of the statement made, and
the statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Debt
Indentures are substantially identical, except for certain covenants of the
Company and provisions relating to subordination and conversion.
 
     The Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series.
The following description of the Debt Securities sets forth certain general
terms and provisions of the Debt Securities of all series. The particular terms
of each series of Debt Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement (the
"Offered Debt Securities") will be described therein.
 
     The Company's Trust Debentures are separately described in this Prospectus
under the caption "Description of the Trust Debentures."
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH SENIOR AND SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
     General.  The Debt Securities will be unsecured senior or subordinated
obligations of the Company and may be issued from time to time in one or more
series. The Debt Indentures do not limit the amount of Debt
                                       16
<PAGE>   19
 
Securities, debentures, notes or other types of indebtedness that may be issued
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries nor do they restrict transactions
between the Company and its affiliates or the payment of dividends or other
distributions by the Company to its stockholders. The rights of the Company's
creditors, including holders of Debt Securities, will be limited to the assets
of the Company and will not be an obligation of any of its Subsidiaries. In
addition, other than as may be set forth in any Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Indentures do not and the Debt Securities will not contain any covenants or
other provisions that are intended to afford holders of the Debt Securities
special protection in the event of either a change of control of the Company or
a highly leveraged transaction by the Company.
 
     Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of
and information relating to the Offered Debt Securities (to the extent such
terms are applicable to such Offered Debt Securities): (i) the title of the
Offered Debt Securities; (ii) classification as either Senior Debt Securities or
Subordinated Debt Securities; (iii) whether the Offered Debt Securities that
constitute Subordinated Debt Securities are convertible into Common Stock and,
if so, the terms and conditions upon which such conversion will be effected
including the initial conversion price or conversion rate and any adjustments
thereto in addition to or different from those described herein, the conversion
period and other conversion provisions in addition to or in lieu of those
described herein; (iv) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the
Offered Debt Securities; (v) whether the Offered Debt Securities are to be
issuable as Registered Securities or Bearer Securities or both, whether any of
the Offered Debt Securities are to be issuable initially in temporary global
form and whether any of the Offered Debt Securities are to be in permanent
global form; (vi) the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the
aggregate principal amount thereof) at which the Offered Debt Securities will be
issued; (vii) the date or dates on which the Offered Debt Securities will
mature; (viii) the rate or rates per annum (or the method by which such will be
determined) at which the Offered Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, and
the date from which any such interest will accrue; (ix) the Interest Payment
Dates on which any such interest on the Offered Debt Securities will be payable,
the Regular Record Date for any interest payable on any Offered Debt Securities
which are Registered Securities on any Interest Payment Date and the extent to
which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global
Offered Debt Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid; (x) any
mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provisions; (xi) each office or
agency where, subject to the terms of the Debt Indentures as described below
under "Payment and Paying Agents", the principal of and any premium and interest
on the Offered Debt Securities will be payable and each office or agency where,
subject to the terms of the Debt Indentures as described below under "-- Form,
Exchange, Registration and Transfer", the Offered Debt Securities may be
presented for registration of transfer or exchange; (xii) the right of the
Company to redeem the Offered Debt Securities at its option and the period or
periods, if any, within which and the price or prices at which the Offered Debt
Securities may, pursuant to any optional or mandatory redemption provisions, be
redeemed, in whole or in part, and the other detailed terms and provisions of
any such optional or mandatory redemption; (xiii) the denominations in which any
Offered Debt Securities which are Registered Securities will be issuable, if
other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and the
denomination or denominations in which any Offered Debt Securities which are
Bearer Securities will be issuable, if other than the denomination of $5,000;
(xiv) the currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which
payment of principal of and any premium and interest on the Offered Debt
Securities is payable; (xv) any index used to determine the amount of payments
of principal of and any premium and interest on the Offered Debt Securities;
(xvi) information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; (xvii) any
applicable United States federal income tax consequences; and (xviii) any other
terms of the Offered Debt Securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the
Debt Indentures. (Section 301) Any such Prospectus Supplement will also describe
any special provisions for the payment of additional amounts with respect to the
Offered Debt Securities.
 
     Debt Securities may be issued as Original Issue Discount Securities. An
Original Issue Discount Security is a Debt Security, including any Zero-Coupon
Security, which is issued at a price lower than the amount payable upon the
Stated Maturity thereof and which provides that upon redemption or acceleration
of the maturity thereof an amount less than the amount payable upon the Stated
Maturity thereof and determined in accordance with the terms of such Debt
Security shall become due and payable. Special United States federal income tax
considerations applicable to Debt Securities issued at an original issue
discount, including Original
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   20
 
Issue Discount Securities, and special United States tax considerations and
other terms and restrictions applicable to any Debt Securities which are issued
in bearer form, offered exclusively to United States Aliens or denominated in
other than United States dollars, will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto.
 
     Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer.  Debt Securities of a series may
be issuable in definitive form solely as Registered Securities, solely as Bearer
Securities or as both Registered Securities and Bearer Securities. Unless
otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, Bearer Securities
will have interest coupons attached. (Section 201) The Debt Indentures also
provide that Debt Securities of a series may be issuable in temporary or
permanent global form. (Section 201)
 
     Registered Securities of any series will be exchangeable for other
Registered Securities of the same series of any authorized denominations and of
a like aggregate principal amount and tenor. In addition, if Debt Securities of
any series are issuable as both Registered Securities and Bearer Securities, at
the option of the Holder, and subject to the terms of the applicable Debt
Indenture, Bearer Securities (with all unmatured coupons, except as provided
below, and all matured coupons in default) of such series will be exchangeable
for Registered Securities of the same series of any authorized denominations and
of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor. Bearer Securities surrendered in
exchange for Registered Securities between a Regular Record Date or a Special
Record Date and the relevant date for payment of interest shall be surrendered
without the coupon relating to such date for payment of interest, and interest
accrued as of such date will not be payable in respect of the Registered
Security issued in exchange for such Bearer Security, but will be payable only
to the Holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the terms of the
applicable Debt Indenture. Bearer Securities will not be issued in exchange for
Registered Securities. (Section 305)
 
     Debt Securities may be presented for exchange as provided above, and
Registered Securities may be presented for registration of transfer (with the
form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed), at the office of the Security
Registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by the Company for
such purpose with respect to any series of Debt Securities and referred to in an
applicable Prospectus Supplement, without service charge and upon payment of any
taxes and other governmental charges as described in the Debt Indentures. Such
transfer or exchange will be effected upon the Security Registrar or such
transfer agent, as the case may be, being satisfied with the documents of title
and identity of the person making the request. The Debt Trustee will serve
initially as Security Registrar. (Section 305) If a Prospectus Supplement refers
to any transfer agents (in addition to the Security Registrar) initially
designated by the Company with respect to any series of Debt Securities, the
Company may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or
approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent acts,
except that, if Debt Securities of a series are issuable solely as Registered
Securities, the Company will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each
Place of Payment for such series and, if Debt Securities of a series are also
issuable as Bearer Securities, the Company will be required to maintain (in
addition to the Security Registrar) a transfer agent in a Place of Payment for
such series located outside the United States. The Company may at any time
designate additional transfer agents with respect to any series of Debt
Securities. (Section 1002)
 
     In the event of any redemption in part, the Company shall not be required
to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange Debt Securities of any series
during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days prior to the
selection of Debt Securities of that series for redemption and ending on the
close of business on (A) if Debt Securities of the series are issuable only as
Registered Securities, the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption
and (B) if Debt Securities of the series are issuable as Bearer Securities, the
date of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if
Securities of the series are also issuable as Registered Securities and there is
no publication, the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption; (ii) register
the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security, or portion thereof, called
for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any Registered Security being
redeemed in part; or (iii) exchange any Bearer Security called for redemption,
except to exchange such Bearer Security for a Registered Security of that series
and like tenor which is immediately surrendered for redemption. (Section 305)
 
     Payment and Paying Agents.  Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable
Prospectus Supplement, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on
Bearer Securities will be payable, subject to any
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   21
 
applicable laws and regulations, at the offices of such Paying Agents outside
the United States as the Company may designate from time to time, in the manner
indicated in such Prospectus Supplement. (Section 1002) Unless otherwise
indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of interest on Bearer
Securities on any Interest Payment Date will be made only against surrender to
the Paying Agent of the coupon relating to such Interest Payment Date. (Section
1001) No payment with respect to any Bearer Security will be made at any office
or agency of the Company in the United States or by check mailed to any address
in the United States or by transfer to any account maintained with a bank
located in the United States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments of
principal of and any premium and interest on Bearer Securities denominated and
payable in U.S. dollars will be made at the office of the Company's Paying Agent
in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, if (but only if) payment of
the full amount thereof in U.S. dollars at all offices or agencies outside the
United States is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other
similar restrictions. (Section 1002)
 
     Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment
of principal of and any premium and interest on Registered Securities will be
made at the office of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as the Company may
designate from time to time, except that at the option of the Company payment of
any interest may be made by check mailed on or before the due date to the
address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the
Security Register. (Sections 307, 1002) Unless otherwise indicated in an
applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of any installment of interest on
Registered Securities will be made to the Person in whose name such Registered
Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for
such interest. (Section 307)
 
     Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Trustee, at its corporate trust office in Chicago, Illinois, will act as Paying
Agent for payments with respect to Debt Securities which are issuable solely as
Registered Securities and the Company will maintain a Paying Agent outside the
United States for payments with respect to Debt Securities (subject to
limitations described above in the case of Bearer Securities) which are issuable
solely as Bearer Securities or as both Registered Securities and Bearer
Securities. Any Paying Agents outside the United States and any other Paying
Agents in the United States initially designated by Company for the Debt
Securities will be named in an applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company may
at any time designate additional Paying Agents or rescind the designation of any
Paying Agent or approve a change in the office through which any Paying Agent
acts, except that, if Debt Securities of a series are issuable solely as
Registered Securities, the Company will be required to maintain a Paying Agent
in each Place of Payment for such series and, if Debt Securities of a series are
issuable as Bearer Securities, the Company will be required to maintain (i) a
Paying Agent in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York for principal
payments with respect to any Registered Securities of the series (and for
payments with respect to Bearer Securities of the series in the circumstances
described above, but not otherwise), and (ii) a Paying Agent in a Place of
Payment located outside the United States where Debt Securities of such series
and any coupons appertaining thereto may be presented and surrendered for
payment. (Section 1002)
 
     All monies paid by the Company to a Paying Agent for the payment of
principal of and any premium or interest on any Debt Security which remain
unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest
shall have become due and payable will (subject to applicable escheat laws) be
repaid to the Company, and the Holder of such Debt Security or any coupon will
thereafter look only to the Company for payment thereof. (Section 1003)
 
     Global Debt Securities.  Debt Securities of a series may be issued in whole
or in part in the form of one or more global Debt Securities that will be
deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series. Global Debt Securities may be issued in
either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form.
(Section 203) Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the
individual Debt Securities represented thereby, a global Debt Security may not
be transferred except as a whole by the depository for such global Debt Security
to a nominee of such depository or by a nominee of such depository to such
depository or another nominee of such depository or by the depository or any
nominee to a successor depository or any nominee of such successor.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   22
 
     The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series
of Debt Securities and certain limitations and restrictions relating to a series
of Bearer Securities in the form of one or more global Debt Securities will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series.
 
     Events of Default.  Any one of the following events constitutes an Event of
Default under each Debt Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of any series:
(a) failure to pay any interest on any Debt Security of that series when due,
continued for 30 days; (b) failure to pay principal of or any premium on any
Debt Security of that series when due; (c) failure to deposit any sinking fund
payment, when due, in respect of any Debt Security of that series; (d) failure
to perform any other covenant of the Company in such Debt Indenture (other than
a covenant included in such Debt Indenture solely for the benefit of series of
any Debt Securities other than that series), continued for 90 days after written
notice as provided in such Debt Indenture; (e) certain events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization involving the Company; and (f) any other Event of
Default provided with respect to Debt Securities of that series. (Section 501)
 
     If an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of any series at the
time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, either the Debt Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series by notice as provided in the applicable Debt Indenture
may declare the principal amount (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are
Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may
be specified in the terms of that series) of all the Debt Securities of that
series to be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of
acceleration with respect to Debt Securities of any series has been made, but
before a judgment or decree for payment of money has been obtained by the Debt
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration. (Section 502)
 
     Each Debt Indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the Debt Trustee
during default to act with the required standard of care, the Debt Trustee is
under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such Debt
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders
shall have offered to the Debt Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Sections 601, 603)
Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Debt Trustee, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of any series have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debt Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Debt Trustee, with respect to the
Debt Securities of that series; provided, however, that the Debt Trustee is not
obligated to take any action unduly prejudicial to Holders not joining in such
direction or involving the Debt Trustee in personal liability. (Section 512)
 
     The Company is required to furnish to the Debt Trustee annually a statement
as to the performance by the Company of its obligations under each Debt
Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 1007)
 
     Defeasance.  If so specified with respect to any particular series of Debt
Securities issued under an Debt Indenture, the Company may discharge its
indebtedness and its obligations or certain of its obligations under such Debt
Indenture with respect to such series by depositing funds or obligations issued
or guaranteed by the United States of America with the Debt Trustee. (Sections
1301-1303)
 
     Defeasance and Discharge.  Each Debt Indenture provides that, if so
specified with respect to the Debt Securities of any series issued under such
Debt Indenture (other than convertible Subordinated Debt Securities), the
Company will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Debt
Securities of such series (except for certain obligations relating to temporary
Debt Securities and exchange of Debt Securities, registration of transfer or
exchange of Debt Securities of such series, replacement of stolen, lost or
mutilated Debt Securities of such series, maintenance of paying agencies to hold
moneys for payment in trust and payment of additional amounts, if any, required
in consequence of United States withholding taxes imposed on payments to
non-United States persons) upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money
and/or U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and
principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money
in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any), and each
installment of interest on, the Debt Securities of such series on the Stated
Maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of such Debt Indenture
and the Debt Securities of such series.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   23
 
(Sections 1302, 1304) Such a trust may only be established if, among other
things, the Company has delivered to the Debt Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to
the effect that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published
by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of such Debt
Indenture there has been a change in applicable federal income tax law, in
either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall
confirm that, the Holders of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss
for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit,
defeasance and discharge, and will be subject to United States federal income
tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would
have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.
(Section 1304) In the event of any such defeasance and discharge of Debt
Securities of such series, Holders of such series would be entitled to look only
to such trust fund for payment of principal of and any premium and any interest
on their Debt Securities until Maturity.
 
     Covenant Defeasance.  Each Debt Indenture also provides that, if so
specified with respect to the Debt Securities of any series issued thereunder,
the Company may omit to comply with certain restrictive covenants, including (in
the case of the Senior Debt Indenture) the covenant described under "Limitation
on Liens" below, but excluding (in the case of the Subordinated Debt Indenture)
any applicable obligation of the Company respecting the conversion of Debt
Securities of such series into Common Stock, and any such omission shall not be
an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, upon the
deposit with the Debt Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government
Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any), and each installment
of interest on, the Debt Securities of such series on the Stated Maturity of
such payments in accordance with the terms of such Debt Indenture and the Debt
Securities of such series. The obligations of the Company under such Debt
Indenture and the Debt Securities of such series other than with respect to such
covenants shall remain in full force and effect. (Section 1303) Such a trust may
be established only if, among other things, the Company has delivered to the
Debt Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such series
will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and
will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in
the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such deposit
and defeasance had not occurred. (Section 1304)
 
     Although the amount of money and U.S. Government Obligations on deposit
with the Debt Trustee would be intended to be sufficient to pay amounts due on
the Debt Securities of such series at the time of their Stated Maturity, in the
event the Company exercises its option to omit compliance with the covenants
defeased with respect to the Debt Securities of any series as described above,
and the Debt Securities of such series are declared due and payable because of
the occurrence of any Event of Default, such amount may not be sufficient to pay
amounts due on the Debt Securities of such series at the time of the
acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. The Company shall in any
event remain liable for such payments as provided in the applicable Debt
Indenture.
 
     Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to Defeasance.  Under current
United States federal income tax law, defeasance and discharge would likely be
treated as a taxable exchange of Debt Securities to be defeased for an interest
in the defeasance trust. As a consequence, a holder would recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the holder's cost or other tax basis for such
Debt Securities and the value of the holder's interest in the defeasance trust,
and thereafter would be required to include in income the holder's share of the
income, gain or loss of the defeasance trust. Under current United States
federal income tax law, covenant defeasance would ordinarily not be treated as a
taxable exchange of such Debt Securities.
 
     Meetings, Modification and Waiver.  Modifications and amendments of either
Debt Indenture may be made by the Company and the Debt Trustee with the consent
of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of each series affected by such modification or amendment; provided,
however, that no such modification or amendment may, without consent of the
Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, (a) change the Stated
Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on,
any Debt Security, (b) change the Redemption Date with respect to any Debt
Security, (c) reduce the principal amount of, or premium or interest on, any
Debt Security, (d) change any
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   24
 
obligation of the Company to pay additional amounts, (e) reduce the amount of
principal of an Original Issue Discount Security payable upon acceleration of
the Maturity thereof, (f) change the coin or currency in which any Debt Security
or any premium or interest thereon is payable, (g) change the redemption right
of any Holder, (h) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to any Debt Security or any conversion right with
respect thereto, (i) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding
Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for
modification or amendment of such Debt Indenture or for waiver of compliance
with certain provisions of such Debt Indenture or for waiver of certain
defaults, (j) reduce the requirements contained in such Debt Indenture for
quorum or voting, (k) change any obligation of the Company to maintain an office
or agency in the places and for the purposes required by such Debt Indenture,
(l) adversely affect the right to convert Subordinated Debt Securities, if
applicable, or (m) modify any of the above provisions. (Section 902)
 
     The Subordinated Debt Indenture may not be amended to alter the
subordination of any outstanding Subordinated Debt Securities without the
consent of each holder of Senior Indebtedness (as defined below under
"-- Provisions Applicable Solely to Subordinated Debt Securities") then
outstanding that would be adversely affected thereby. (Section 907 of the
Subordinated Debt Indenture)
 
     The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of each series may, on behalf of all Holders of that series, waive,
insofar as that series is concerned, compliance by the Company with certain
restrictive provisions of the Debt Indenture under which such series has been
issued. (Section 1008) The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of each series may, on behalf of all Holders of
that series, waive any past default under the applicable Debt Indenture with
respect to any Debt Securities of that series, except a default (a) in the
payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or any interest on any Debt
Security of such series or (b) in respect of a covenant or provision of such
Debt Indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected. (Section 513)
 
     Each Debt Indenture provides that in determining whether the Holders of the
requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver thereunder or are
present at a meeting of the Holders for quorum purposes, (i) the principal
amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that is deemed to be Outstanding
will be the amount of the principal that would be due and payable as of the date
of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof, and (ii) the
principal amount of a Debt Security denominated in a foreign currency or
currency units will be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the date of
original issuance of such Debt Security, of the principal amount of such Debt
Security or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the U.S. dollar
equivalent, determined on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the
amount determined as provided in (i) above. (Section 101)
 
     Each Debt Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the
Holders of a series if Debt Securities of that series are issuable as Bearer
Securities. (Section 1401) A meeting may be called at any time by the Trustee,
and also, upon request, by the Company or the Holders of at least 10% in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, in any
such case upon notice given in accordance with "-- Notices" below. (Section
1402) Except for any consent which must be given by the Holder of each
Outstanding Security affected thereby, as described above, any resolution
presented at a meeting (or adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present) may
be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; provided,
however, that any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which may be made, given or
taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority,
in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be
adopted at a meeting (or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is
present) by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series. Any
resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of any series duly
held in accordance with the applicable Debt Indenture will be binding on all
Holders of that series and related coupons. The quorum at any meeting, and at
any reconvened meeting, will be Persons holding or representing a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series. (Section
1404)
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   25
 
     Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.  The Company, without the consent
of the Holders of any of the outstanding Debt Securities under either Debt
Indenture, may consolidate with or merge into, or convey, transfer or lease its
assets substantially as an entirety to, any Person which is a corporation,
partnership or trust organized and validly existing under the laws of any
domestic jurisdiction, provided that any successor Person assumes the Company's
obligations on the Securities and under such Debt Indenture, that after giving
effect to the transaction no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice
or lapse of time, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be
continuing, and that certain other conditions are met. (Section 801)
 
     Notices.  Except as otherwise provided in the Debt Indentures, notices to
Holders of Bearer Securities will be given by publication at least twice in a
daily newspaper in The City of New York and in such other city or cities as may
be specified in such Bearer Securities. Notices to Holders of Registered
Securities will be given by mail to the addresses of such Holders as they appear
in the Security Register. (Section 106)
 
     Title.  Title to any Bearer Securities (including Bearer Securities in
permanent global form) and any coupons appertaining thereto will pass by
delivery. The Company, the Debt Trustee and any agent of the Company or the
Trustee may treat the bearer of any Bearer Security and the bearer of any coupon
and the registered owner of any Registered Security as the owner thereof
(whether or not such Debt Security or coupon shall be overdue and
notwithstanding any notice to the contrary) for the purpose of making payment
and for all other purposes. (Section 308)
 
     Replacement of Securities and Coupons.  Any mutilated Debt Security or a
Debt Security with a mutilated coupon appertaining thereto will be replaced by
the Company at the expense of the Holder upon surrender of such Debt Security to
the Debt Trustee. Debt Securities or coupons that became destroyed, stolen or
lost will be replaced by the Company at the expense of the Holder upon delivery
to the Debt Trustee of the Debt Security and coupons or evidence of destruction,
loss or theft thereof satisfactory to the Company and the Debt Trustee; in the
case of any coupon which becomes destroyed, stolen or lost, such coupon will be
replaced by issuance of a new Debt Security in exchange for the Debt Security to
which such coupon appertains. In the case of a destroyed, lost or stolen Debt
Security or coupon, an indemnity satisfactory to the Debt Trustee and the
Company may be required at the expense of the Holder of such Debt Security or
coupon before a replacement Debt Security will be issued. (Section 306)
 
     Governing Law.  The Debt Indentures, the Debt Securities and coupons will
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New
York. (Section 113)
 
     Regarding the Trustee.  U.S. Bank Trust National Association, the Debt
Trustee under each Debt Indenture, is also trustee under another indenture under
which several issues of the Company's debt securities are outstanding.
 
     Each Debt Indenture contains certain limitations on the right of the Debt
Trustee, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims
in certain cases, or to realize for its own account on certain property received
in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. (Section 613) The Debt
Trustee is permitted to engage in certain other transactions; however, if it
acquires any conflicting interest (as described in the Debt Indentures), it must
eliminate such conflict or resign. (Section 608)
 
     Pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act, should a default occur with respect to
either the Senior Debt Securities or the Subordinated Debt Securities, U.S. Bank
Trust National Association would be required to resign as Debt Trustee under one
of the Debt Indentures within 90 days of such default unless such default were
cured, duly waived or otherwise eliminated.
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
 
     General.  Senior Debt Securities will be issued under the Senior Debt
Indenture, and each series will rank pari passu as to the right of payment of
principal and any premium and interest with each other series issued thereunder
and will rank senior to all series of Subordinated Debt Securities that may be
issued.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   26
 
     Certain Definitions.  For purposes of the following discussion, the
following definitions are applicable (Section 101 of the Senior Debt Indenture):
 
     "Net Tangible Assets" means the total amount of assets appearing on a
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries less, without
duplication: (a) all current liabilities (excluding any thereof which are
extendible or renewable by their terms or replaceable or refundable pursuant to
enforceable commitments at the option of the obligor thereon without requiring
the consent of the obligee to a time more than 12 months after the time as of
which the amount thereof is being computed and excluding current maturities of
long-term debt and preferred stock); (b) all reserves for depreciation and other
asset valuation reserves but excluding reserves for deferred federal income
taxes arising from accelerated depreciation or otherwise; (c) all goodwill,
trademarks, trade names, patents and unamortized debt discount and expense and
other like intangible assets carried as an asset and (d) all appropriate
adjustments on account of minority interests of other Persons holding common
stock in any Subsidiary.
 
     "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
 
     "Principal Property" means any natural gas pipeline, natural gas
distribution system, natural gas gathering system or natural gas storage
facility located in the United States, except any such property that in the
opinion of the Board of Directors is not of material importance to the business
conducted by the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
 
     "Principal Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which owns a Principal
Property.
 
     "Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding stock of
which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more
Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the
purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock which ordinarily has
voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long
as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
 
     Limitation on Liens.  The Company covenants in the Senior Debt Indenture
that it will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, issue, assume or
guarantee any debt for money borrowed ("Debt") if such Debt is secured by a
mortgage, pledge, security interest or lien (a "mortgage" or "mortgages") upon
any Principal Property of the Company or any Principal Subsidiary or upon any
shares of stock or indebtedness of any Principal Subsidiary (whether such
Principal Property, shares or indebtedness was owned on the date of the Senior
Debt Indenture or thereafter acquired) without in any such case effectively
providing that the Senior Debt Securities shall be secured equally and ratably
with (or prior to) such Debt, except that the foregoing restrictions shall not
apply to: (a) mortgages on any property acquired, constructed or improved by the
Company or any Principal Subsidiary after the date of the Senior Debt Indenture
which are created within 180 days after such acquisition (or in the case of
property constructed or improved, after the completion and commencement of
commercial operation of such property, whichever is later) to secure or provide
for the payment of the purchase price or cost thereof, provided that in the case
of such construction or improvement the mortgages shall not apply to any
property theretofore owned by the Company or any Subsidiary other than
theretofore unimproved real property; (b) existing mortgages on property
acquired (including mortgages on any property acquired from a Person which is
consolidated with or merged with or into the Company or a Subsidiary) or
mortgages outstanding at the time any corporation becomes a Subsidiary; (c)
mortgages in favor of domestic or foreign governmental bodies to secure advances
or other payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure indebtedness
incurred to finance the purchase price or cost of constructing or improving the
property subject to such mortgages, including mortgages to secure Debt of the
pollution control or industrial revenue bond type; (d) mortgages in favor of the
Company or any Principal Subsidiary; or (e) any extension, renewal or
replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements), in whole or in
part, of any mortgage referred to in any of the foregoing clauses (a)-(d).
(Section 1006 of the Senior Debt Indenture)
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any Subsidiary may, without
securing the Senior Debt Securities, issue, assume or guarantee secured Debt
(which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   27
 
restrictions) in an aggregate amount which, together with all other such Debt,
does not exceed 10% of the Net Tangible Assets, as shown on a consolidated
balance sheet as of a date not more than 90 days prior to the proposed
transaction prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. (Section 1006 of the Senior Debt Indenture)
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
     Subordination.  The Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinate and
junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the Subordinated Debt
Indenture, to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company. If the
Company should default in the payment of any principal of or premium or interest
on any Senior Indebtedness when the same becomes due and payable, whether at
Stated Maturity or a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration of acceleration
or otherwise, then, upon written notice of such default to the Company by the
holders of such Senior Indebtedness or any trustee therefor and subject to
certain rights of the Company to dispute such default and subject to proper
notification of the Trustee, unless and until such default has been cured or
waived or ceases to exist, no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property,
securities, by set-off or otherwise) will be made or agreed to be made for
principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt
Securities, or in respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or other
acquisition of the Subordinated Debt Securities other than those made in capital
stock of the Company (or cash in lieu of fractional shares thereof) pursuant to
any conversion right of the Subordinated Debt Securities or otherwise made in
capital stock of the Company. (Sections 1601, 1604 and 1605 of the Subordinated
Debt Indenture)
 
     "Senior Indebtedness" is defined in Section 101 of the Subordinated Debt
Indenture as Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company outstanding at any
time except (a) any Indebtedness as to which, by the terms of the instrument
creating or evidencing the same, it is provided that such Indebtedness is not
senior in right of payment to the Subordinated Debt Securities, (b) the
Subordinated Debt Securities, (c) any Indebtedness of the Company to a
wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, (d) interest accruing after the filing
of a petition initiating certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings unless
such interest is an allowed claim enforceable against the Company in a
proceeding under federal or state bankruptcy laws and (e) trade accounts
payable. "Indebtedness" is defined in Section 101 of the Subordinated Debt
Indenture as, with respect to any Person, (a) (i) the principal of and premium
and interest, if any, on indebtedness for money borrowed of such Person
evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar obligations, including any
guaranty by such Person of any indebtedness for money borrowed of any other
Person, whether any such indebtedness or guaranty is outstanding on the date of
the Subordinated Debt Indenture or is thereafter created, assumed or incurred,
(ii) the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on indebtedness for
money borrowed, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by such Person in connection
with the acquisition by it or any of its subsidiaries of any other business,
properties or other assets and (iii) lease obligations which such Person
capitalizes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
13 promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other
generally accepted accounting principles as may be from time to time in effect,
(b) any other indebtedness of such Person, including any indebtedness
representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any
property or interest therein, including any such balance that constitutes a
trade account payable, and any guaranty, endorsement or other contingent
obligation of such Person in respect of any indebtedness of another, which is
outstanding on the date of the Subordinated Debt Indenture or is thereafter
created, assumed or incurred by such Person and (c) any amendments,
modifications, refundings, renewals or extensions of any indebtedness or
obligation described as Indebtedness in clause (a) or (b) above.
 
     If (i) without the consent of the Company a court shall enter (A) an order
for relief with respect to the Company under the United States federal
bankruptcy laws, (B) a judgment, order or decree adjudging the Company a
bankrupt or insolvent, or (C) an order for relief for reorganization,
arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under the
United States federal bankruptcy laws or state insolvency laws or (ii) the
Company shall institute proceedings for the entry of an order for relief with
respect to the Company under the United States federal bankruptcy laws or for an
adjudication of insolvency, or shall consent to the institution of bankruptcy or
insolvency proceedings against it, or shall file a petition seeking, or
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   28
 
seek or consent to reorganization, arrangement, composition or similar relief
under any applicable law, or shall consent to the filing of such petition or to
the appointment of a receiver, custodian, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
sequestrator or similar official in respect of the Company or of substantially
all of its property, or the Company shall make a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors, then all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest
thereon accruing after the commencement of any such proceedings) will first be
paid in full before any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or
other property, is made on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt Securities. In such event, any
payment or distribution on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt Securities, whether in cash,
securities or other property (other than securities of the Company or any other
corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment
of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in the subordination
provisions with respect to the Subordinated Debt Securities, to the payment of
all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding and to any securities issued in respect
thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment), which would
otherwise (but for the subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in
respect of the Subordinated Debt Securities will be paid or delivered directly
to the holders of Senior Indebtedness in accordance with the priorities then
existing among such holders until all Senior Indebtedness (including any
interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any such proceedings) has
been paid in full. If any payment or distribution on account of the principal
of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Debt Securities of
any character, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than
securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of
reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to
the extent provided in the subordination provisions with respect to the
Subordinated Debt Securities, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness then
outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan
of reorganization or readjustment), shall be received by the Debt Trustee or any
Holder of any Subordinated Debt Securities in contravention of any of the terms
of the Subordinated Debt Indenture, such payment or distribution will be
received in trust for the benefit of, and will be paid over or delivered and
transferred to, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness then outstanding in
accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application
to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent
necessary to pay all such Senior Indebtedness in full. In the event of any such
proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with respect to Senior
Indebtedness, the Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities, together with the
holders of any other obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the
Subordinated Debt Securities, will be entitled to be repaid from the remaining
assets of the Company the amounts at that time due and owing on account of
unpaid principal of or any premium or interest on the Subordinated Debt
Securities and such other obligations before any payment or other distribution,
whether in cash, property or otherwise, shall be made on account of any capital
stock or obligations of the Company ranking junior to the Subordinated Debt
Securities and such other obligations. (Section 1601 of the Subordinated Debt
Indenture)
 
     The Prospectus Supplement respecting any series of Subordinated Debt
Securities will set forth any subordination provisions applicable to such series
in addition to or different from those described above.
 
     By reason of such subordination, in the event of the insolvency of the
Company, Holders of Senior Indebtedness and holders of other obligations of the
Company that are not subordinated to Senior Indebtedness may receive more,
ratably, than Holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities. Such subordination
will not prevent the occurrence of an Event of Default or limit the right of
acceleration in respect of the Subordinated Debt Securities.
 
     Conversion.  The Subordinated Debt Indenture may provide for a right of
conversion of Subordinated Debt Securities into Common Stock (or cash in lieu
thereof). (Sections 301 and 1501 of the Subordinated Debt Indenture) The
following provisions will apply to Debt Securities that are convertible
Subordinated Debt Securities unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus
Supplement for such Debt Securities.
 
     The Holder of any convertible Subordinated Debt Securities will have the
right exercisable at any time set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, unless
previously redeemed or otherwise purchased by the Company, to convert such
Subordinated Debt Securities into shares of Common Stock at the conversion price
or conversion rate set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, subject to
adjustment. (Section 1502 of the Subordinated Debt Indenture) The holder of
convertible Subordinated Debt Securities may convert any
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   29
 
portion thereof which is $1,000 in principal amount or any integral multiple
thereof. (Section 1502 of the Subordinated Debt Indenture)
 
     In certain events, the conversion price or conversion rate will be subject
to adjustment as set forth in the Subordinated Debt Indenture. Such events
include the issuance of shares of Common Stock of the Company as a dividend or
distribution on the Common Stock; subdivisions, combinations and
reclassifications of the Common Stock; the issuance to all holders of Common
Stock of rights or warrants entitling the holders thereof (for a period not
exceeding 45 days) to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a
price per share less than the then current market price per share of Common
Stock (as determined pursuant to the Subordinated Debt Indenture); and the
distribution to substantially all holders of Common Stock of evidences of
indebtedness, equity securities (including equity interests in the Company's
Subsidiaries) other than Common Stock, or other assets (excluding cash dividends
paid from surplus) or subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred
to above). No adjustment of the conversion price or conversion rate will be
required unless an adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of
at least 1% in such price or rate. (Section 1504 of the Subordinated Debt
Indenture) Certain adjustments in the conversion price or conversion rate in
accordance with the foregoing provisions may result in constructive
distributions to either holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities or holders
of Common Stock which would be taxable pursuant to Treasury Regulations issued
under section 305 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The amount
of any such taxable constructive distribution would be the fair market value of
the Common Stock which is treated as having been constructively received, such
value being determined as of the time the adjustment resulting in the
constructive distribution is made.
 
     Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be issued upon conversion, but,
in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based on the then
current market price for the Common Stock. (Section 1503 of the Subordinated
Debt Indenture) Upon conversion, no adjustments will be made for accrued
interest or dividends, and therefore convertible Subordinated Debt Securities
surrendered for conversion between the record date for an interest payment and
the Interest Payment Date (except convertible Subordinated Debt Securities
called for redemption on a redemption date during such period) must be
accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest thereon which the
registered holder is to receive. (Sections 1504 and 1502 of the Subordinated
Debt Indenture)
 
     In the case of any consolidation or merger of the Company (with certain
exceptions) or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of
the Company substantially as an entirety to any Person, each Holder of
convertible Subordinated Debt Securities, after the consolidation, merger,
conveyance, transfer or lease, will have the right to convert such convertible
Subordinated Debt Securities only into the kind and amount of securities, cash
and other property which the Holder would have been entitled to receive upon or
in connection with such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, if
the Holder had held the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such
convertible Subordinated Debt Securities immediately prior to such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease. (Section 1505 of the
Subordinated Debt Indenture)
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   30
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
     K N is currently authorized by its Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
amended (the "K N Charter") to issue 150,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of
which 44,723,953 were outstanding on May 11, 1998; 200,000 shares of Class A
Preferred Stock, no par value ("Class A Preferred Stock"), of which 70,000
shares were outstanding as Class A $5.00 Cumulative Preferred Stock on such
date; and 2,000,000 shares of Class B Preferred Stock, no par value ("Class B
Preferred Stock"), none of which were outstanding on such date.
 
     The Board of Directors of K N is authorized by the K N Charter to provide,
without further stockholder action, for the issuance of one or more series of
Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors has
the power to fix various terms with respect to each such series, including
voting power, designations, preferences, dividend rates, conversion and exchange
provisions, redemption provisions and, in the case of the Class B Preferred
Stock, the amounts which holders are entitled to receive upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of K N. Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred
Stock will rank prior to the Common Stock with respect to both dividends and
distribution of assets on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of K N.
 
     In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of K N, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of Class A Preferred Stock of
each series shall be entitled to receive in full out of the assets of K N the
sum of $100 per share of Class A Preferred Stock, plus any arrearages in
dividends thereon to the date fixed for the payment in liquidation, before any
distribution shall be made to the holders of shares of any stock junior to the
Class A Preferred Stock. K N may, at the option of the Board of Directors,
redeem the whole or any part of the Class A Preferred Stock, or of any series
thereof at any time or from time to time within the period during which such
stock is, according to the K N Charter, or the resolutions of the Board of
Directors providing for the issue thereof, redeemable, by paying the redemption
price thereof, including any arrearages in dividends thereon to the date fixed
for redemption. The Class A $5.00 Cumulative Preferred Stock is redeemable, in
whole or in part, at the option of K N at any time, or from time to time, at the
price of $105 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. This series has no
sinking fund requirements. Holders of shares of Class A $5.00 Cumulative
Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of
Directors of K N, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the annual rate of
$5.00 per share prior to the payment of any dividends or other distributions on
(or purchase or redemption of) the Class B Preferred Stock or the Common Stock.
 
     In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of K N, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock of
each series shall be entitled to receive, subject to the prior rights of the
holders of shares of Class A Preferred Stock, the full preferential amount fixed
by the K N Charter, or by the resolutions of the Board of Directors providing
for the issue thereof, including any arrearages in dividends thereon to the date
fixed for the payment in liquidation, before any distribution shall be made to
the holders of shares of any stock junior to the Class B Preferred Stock.
Dividends may not be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any series of
Class B Preferred Stock, unless there shall be no arrearages in dividends on any
series of Class A Preferred Stock entitled to cumulative dividends for any past
dividend period and dividends in full for the current dividend period have been
paid or declared or set aside for payment on all Class A Preferred Stock.
 
     In addition, the holders of the Class A Preferred Stock then outstanding
have the right to vote separately as a class with respect to (i) certain
amendments to the K N Charter or the By-Laws of K N which adversely affect the
voting powers, rights or preferences of the holders of shares of Class A
Preferred Stock, (ii) the creation of any class of stock or any security
convertible into or exchangeable for or evidencing the right to purchase any
stock ranking prior to or on a parity with, either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, the Class A Preferred Stock, or (iii) certain mergers or
consolidations of K N with or into any other corporation. For such actions to be
taken by K N, including increasing the authorized amount of any class of stock
ranking prior to the Class A Preferred Stock, the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 50% of the shares of the Class A Preferred Stock then
outstanding would be required. The affirmative vote of at least 50% of the
shares of any
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   31
 
series of Class A Preferred Stock then outstanding is required for K N to amend
the K N Charter or resolutions of the Board of Directors of K N providing for
the issue of such series of Class A Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely
the powers, preferences or rights of holders of Class A Preferred Stock of such
series. The holders of Class B Preferred Stock then outstanding also have the
right to a separate vote regarding (a) the events described in the first
sentence of this paragraph with regard to such Class B Preferred Stock,
requiring the affirmative vote of at least 50% of the shares of Class B
Preferred Stock then outstanding, and (b) amendments to the K N Charter, or to
resolutions of K N's Board of Directors providing for the issue of any series of
Class B Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the powers, preferences or
rights of the holders of such series, requiring the affirmative vote of at least
50% of the shares of such series then outstanding.
 
     If dividends are in arrears on the shares of any series of Class A
Preferred Stock to which the following provisions are made applicable pursuant
to the K N Charter or resolutions of K N's Board of Directors providing for the
issue of any such series (i) in an aggregate amount equal to three but less than
six full quarterly dividends, then the holders of the shares of all such series
of Class A Preferred Stock have the exclusive right, voting separately as a
class and without regard to series, to elect directors constituting one-third of
K N's Board of Directors or (ii) in an aggregate amount equal to six full
quarterly dividends, then such holders have the exclusive right, voting
separately as a class and without regard to series, to elect directors
constituting one-half of K N's Board of Directors plus one additional director,
in each case until all arrearages in dividends and dividends in full for the
current quarterly period have been paid on or declared and set aside for payment
on the shares of such series. These provisions are applicable to the Class A
$5.00 Cumulative Preferred Stock. The holders of any outstanding Class B
Preferred Stock would have the right to elect directors of K N similar to the
Class A $5.00 Cumulative Preferred Stock in the event of nondeclaration of
dividends, for the periods described above, on the Class B Preferred Stock if
the holders of the Class A $5.00 Cumulative Preferred Stock are not then
entitled to elect directors as described above.
 
     All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and any shares of Common Stock
newly issued under any Prospectus Supplement will be, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable. Holders of K N Common Stock and Class A $5.00 Cumulative
Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters voted on
by stockholders. Holders of Common Stock, Class A Preferred Stock and Class B
Preferred Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase any
additional securities issued by K N. Subject to the preferential rights of the
holders of the Class A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock, the holders
of Common Stock are entitled to receive any dividends which may be declared by
the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor and to share pro
rata in the net assets of K N upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Shares of Common Stock have no cumulative voting rights or redemption, sinking
fund or conversion privileges.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER MATTERS
 
     Charter and Bylaws.  Certain provisions of the K N Charter and the By-Laws
of K N could have the effect of preventing a change in control of K N in certain
situations. These provisions generally provide for (a) the classification of the
Board of Directors of K N into three classes of as nearly an equal number as
possible, having staggered terms of three years each; (b) the removal of
directors only for cause or by unanimous vote of the remaining members of the
Board of Directors; (c) the filling of any vacancy on the Board of Directors by
the remaining directors then in office; (d) the limitation of the number of
directors to a minimum of nine and a maximum of 15, with the exact number to be
determined by the Board of Directors; (e) increasing the stockholder vote
required to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with the foregoing
provisions under (a), (b) and (d) above to two-thirds of the outstanding voting
securities of K N; (f) the requirement that certain business combinations or
transactions involving K N and any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
outstanding voting securities of K N be approved by holders of at least
twothirds of the outstanding voting securities of K N, including those held by
such beneficial owner, unless the business combination or transaction is (I)
approved by the Board of Directors before such beneficial owner became a holder
of more than 5% of K N's outstanding voting securities or (II) approved by
sufficient members of the Board of Directors to constitute a majority of the
members of the full Board of Directors in office prior to the time such
beneficial owner became a holder of more than 5% of K N's voting securities, or
(III) with an entity
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   32
 
of which a majority of the outstanding shares of voting securities is owned by K
N and its subsidiaries; (g) increasing the stockholder vote required to amend,
repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent with the foregoing provision under
(f) above to two-thirds or more of the then outstanding shares of voting
securities of K N; (h) the requirement that certain business combinations or
transactions involving K N and any beneficial owner of 10% or more of the
outstanding voting securities of K N be approved by holders of at least 80% of
the outstanding voting securities of K N, including those held by such
beneficial owner, unless (I) the business combination or transaction is approved
by three-fourths of the Board of Directors then in office who are not associated
with or related to anyone who beneficially owns, and do not themselves own, 10%
or more of K N's voting securities or (II) certain conditions relating generally
to the fairness of the price to be received by stockholders of K N in such
business combination or transaction are satisfied; (i) increasing the
stockholder vote required to amend, repeal or adopt any provision inconsistent
with the foregoing provision under (h) above to 80% or more of the outstanding
voting securities of K N unless approved by an affirmative vote of three-fourths
of the Board of Directors then in office who are not associated with or related
to anyone who beneficially owns, and do not themselves own, 10% or more of K N's
voting securities; (j) certain procedural requirements for stockholder
nominations to the Board of Directors; and (k) the requirement that special
meetings of stockholders may only be called by stockholders owning 51% or more
of the outstanding voting securities of K N, by a majority of the Board of
Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President of K N.
 
     Shareholder Rights Plan.  On August 17, 1995, the Board of Directors of K N
declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") with
respect to each outstanding share of Common Stock held of record on September
15, 1995 or issued thereafter and prior to the date the Rights become
exercisable. Until the Rights become exercisable, they will be evidenced by
certificates for shares of Common Stock and will automatically trade with the
Common Stock. If and when the Rights become exercisable, Rights certificates
will be distributed and the Rights will become separately tradable. The full
terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement, dated as of August
21, 1995 (the "Rights Agreement"), between the Company and The Bank of New York,
as Rights Agent. A copy of the Rights Agreement is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
 
     Each Right entitles the holder thereof to purchase from the Company one
one-thousandth of a share of Class B Junior Participating Series Preferred
Stock, without par value (the "Preferred Shares"), for a price of $80 per one
onethousandth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"), subject to
adjustment. The Rights become exercisable upon the earlier of (i) ten business
days following a public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or
associated persons has acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the
outstanding voting shares of the Company or (ii) ten business days following the
commencement or announcement of an intention to commence a tender or exchange
offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a
person or group of 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares of the Company.
The Rights will expire on the later of September 15, 2005 or the third
anniversary of the date on which the Rights became exercisable (the "Final
Expiration Date"), unless the Final Expiration Date is extended or the Rights
are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company as described below.
 
     If a person or group were to acquire 20% or more of the voting shares of
the Company, each Right then outstanding (other than Rights beneficially owned
by the acquiring person, which would become null and void) would become a right
to buy that number of shares of Common Stock (or, under certain circumstances,
the equivalent number of one onethousandths of a Preferred Share) that at the
time of such acquisition would have a market value of two times the Purchase
Price of the Right. If the Company were acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction or more than 50% of its consolidated assets or earning
power were sold, proper provision will be made so that holder of a Right will
thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then
current Purchase Price of the Right, that number of shares of common stock of
the acquiring company which at the time of such transaction would have a market
value of two times the Purchase Price of the Right.
 
     At any time after the acquisition by a person or group of beneficial
ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares of the Company and
before the acquisition by a person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding
voting shares of the Company, the Board of Directors may, at its option, issue
shares of
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   33
 
Common Stock (or Preferred Shares) in mandatory redemption of, and in exchange
for, all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (other than
Rights owned by such person or group, which would become null and void) at an
exchange ratio of one share of Common Stock (or one one-thousandth of a
Preferred Share) for each Right, subject to adjustment. In addition, the Company
is entitled to redeem all of the outstanding Rights at a price of $0.01 per
Right at any time prior to the first public announcement that a person or group
has become the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares
of the Company.
 
     Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, has no rights as a
stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or
to receive dividends.
 
KANSAS BUSINESS COMBINATION ACT
 
     K N is subject to Sections 17-12,100 et seq. of the Kansas Statutes
Annotated (the "K.S.A."), which imposes a three-year moratorium on business
combinations between a Kansas corporation and an "interested stockholder" (in
general, a stockholder owning 15% or more of a corporation's outstanding voting
stock) or an affiliate or associate thereof unless (a) prior to an interested
stockholder becoming such, the board of directors of the corporation has
approved either the business combination or the transaction by which the
interested stockholder became such; (b) upon consummation of the transaction
resulting in an interested stockholder becoming such, the interested stockholder
owns 85% of the voting stock that was outstanding at the time the transaction
commenced (excluding, from the calculation of outstanding shares, shares
beneficially owned by management, directors and certain employees stock plans);
or (c) on or after the date an interested stockholder becomes such, the business
combination is approved by (i) the Board of Directors and (ii) the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares (other than
those shares beneficially owned by the interested stockholder) at a meeting of
stockholders.
 
KANSAS CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS ACT
 
     K N is also subject to Sections 17-1286 et seq. of the K.S.A. (the "Kansas
Control Share Acquisitions Act"), which applies to public corporations
incorporated in Kansas that have certain other connections with the state. The
Kansas Control Share Acquisitions Act relates principally to the acquisition of
"control shares" in such a corporation. Under the Kansas Control Share
Acquisitions Act, a control share acquisition is one that, except for the
operation of the Act, would raise the acquiring person's voting power in the
election of directors of the subject corporation to or above any of three
thresholds: one-fifth or more but less than one-third of all voting power;
one-third or more but less than a majority of all voting power; and at least a
majority of all voting power. Whenever a control share acquisition occurs, the
acquiring person has no voting rights with respect to those shares unless both a
majority of all outstanding shares and a majority of all such shares excluding
all "interested shares" (in general, shares beneficially controlled by the
acquiring person or any officer or inside director of the subject corporation)
approve the acquisition. If the control shares are accorded voting rights, then
dissenters' rights are available under the Kansas Control Share Acquisitions Act
to stockholders who did not vote in favor of the control share acquisition and
who comply with certain prescribed procedures. If the stockholders vote not to
accord voting rights to the control shares, however, then the issuing
corporation has a 60-day option to redeem all such shares at market value.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
     The Bank of New York serves as registrar and transfer agent for the Common
Stock and for the Class A $5.00 Cumulative Preferred Stock.
 
        DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
 
     The Company may issue Stock Purchase Contracts, including contracts
obligating holders to purchase from the Company, and the Company to sell to the
holders, a specified number of shares of Common Stock at a future date or dates.
The consideration per share of Common Stock may be fixed at the time the Stock
Purchase Contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific
formula set forth in the Stock
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   34
 
Purchase Contracts. The Stock Purchase Contracts may be issued separately or as
Stock Purchase Units consisting of a Stock Purchase Contract and Debt
Securities, Preferred Securities or debt obligations of third parties, including
U.S. Treasury securities, securing the holders' obligations to purchase the
Common Stock under the Stock Purchase Contracts. The Stock Purchase Contracts
may require the Company to make periodic payments to the holders of the Stock
Purchase Units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on
some basis. The Stock Purchase Contracts may require holders to secure their
obligations thereunder in a specified manner.
 
     The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any Stock
Purchase Contracts or Stock Purchase Units. The description in the Prospectus
Supplement will not necessarily be complete, and reference will be made to the
Stock Purchase Contracts, and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and
depositary arrangements, relating to such Stock Purchase Contracts or Stock
Purchase Units. Certain material United States federal income tax considerations
applicable to the Stock Purchase Units and the Stock Purchase Contracts will be
discussed in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
                              BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE
 
     Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, The
Depositary Trust Company ("DTC") will act as depositary for Securities issued in
the form of Global Securities. Such Securities will be issued only as
fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's
nominee). One or more fully-registered Global Securities will be issued for such
Securities representing in the aggregate the total number of such Securities,
and will be deposited with or on behalf of DTC.
 
     DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its Participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates
the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain
other organizations ("Direct Participants"). DTC is owned by a number of its
Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock
Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access
to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain custodial
relationships with Direct Participants, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file
with the Commission.
 
     Purchases of Securities within the DTC system must be made by or through
Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for such Securities on DTC's
records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Security
("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect
Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation
from DTC of their purchases, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participants through
which the Beneficial Owners purchased Securities. Transfers of ownership
interests in Securities issued in the form of Global Securities are to be
accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of
Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing
their ownership interests in such Securities, except in the event that use of
the book-entry system for such Securities is discontinued.
 
     DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Securities
issued in the form of Global Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity
of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Securities are credited, which
may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain
responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   35
 
     Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time.
 
     Redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of
Securities issued in the form of Global Securities. If less than all of a series
of such Securities are being redeemed, DTC's current practice is to determine by
lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant to be redeemed.
 
     Although voting with respect to Securities issued in the form of Global
Securities is limited to the holders of record of such Securities, in those
instances in which a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself
consent or vote with respect to such Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC
would mail an omnibus proxy (the "Omnibus Proxy") to the issuer of such
Securities as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns
Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose
accounts such Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
 
     Payments in respect of Securities issued in the form of Global Securities
will be made by the issuer of such Securities to DTC. DTC's practice is to
credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance
with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records unless DTC has reason to
believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not
of DTC, the Institutional Trustee, either Trust or the Company, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payments to DTC are the responsibility of the issuer of the applicable
Securities, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the
responsibility of DTC, and disbursements of such payments to the Beneficial
Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
 
     DTC may discontinue providing its services as depositary with respect to
any Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the issuer of such
Securities. In the event that a successor depositary is not obtained, individual
Security certificates representing such Securities are required to be printed
and delivered. The Company, at its option, may decide to discontinue use of the
system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary).
 
     The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that the Trust and the Company believe to be
accurate, but the Trust and the Company assume no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof. Neither the Trust nor the Company has any responsibility for
the performance by DTC or its Participants of their respective obligations as
described herein or under the rules and procedures governing their respective
operations.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Any of the Securities being offered hereby may be sold in any one or more
of the following ways from time to time: (i) through agents; (ii) to or through
underwriters; (iii) through dealers; and (iv) directly by the Company or, in the
case of Preferred Securities, by the Trust to purchasers.
 
     The distribution of the Securities may be effected from time to time in one
or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market
prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing
market prices or at negotiated prices.
 
     Offers to purchase Securities may be solicited by agents designated by the
Company from time to time. Any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the
Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered will be named, and
any commissions payable by the Company or the Trust to such agent will be set
forth, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in
such Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best
efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   36
 
deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of
the Securities so offered and sold.
 
     If Securities are sold by means of an underwritten offering, the Company
and, in the case of an offering of Preferred Securities, the Trust will execute
an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters at the time an
agreement for such sale is reached, and the names of the specific managing
underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, the respective
amounts underwritten and the terms of the transaction, including commissions,
discounts and any other compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any,
will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement which will be used by
the underwriters to make resales of the Securities in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered to the public. If underwriters are utilized in the
sale of any Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered,
such Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and
may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including
negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or at varying prices
determined by the underwriters at the time of sale. Securities may be offered to
the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing
underwriters or directly by one or more underwriters. If any underwriter or
underwriters are utilized in the sale of Securities, unless otherwise indicated
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the underwriting agreement will provide
that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions
precedent and that the underwriters with respect to a sale of such Securities
will be obligated to purchase all such Securities if any are purchased.
 
     The Company or the Trust, as applicable, may grant to the underwriters
options to purchase additional Securities, to cover over-allotments, if any, at
the initial public offering price (with additional underwriting commissions or
discounts), as may be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
If the Company or the Trust, as applicable, grants any over-allotment option,
the terms of such over-allotment option will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement for such Securities.
 
     If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the Securities in respect of which
this Prospectus is delivered, the Company or the Trust, as applicable, will sell
such Securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such
Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at
the time of resale. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such
term is defined in the Securities Act, of the Securities so offered and sold.
The name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
     Offers to purchase Securities may be solicited directly by the Company or
the Trust, as applicable, and the sale thereof may be made by the Company or the
Trust directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be
underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale
thereof. The terms of any such sales will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto.
 
     Securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in
accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise,
by one or more firms ("remarketing firms"), acting as principals for their own
accounts or as agents for the Company or the Trust, as applicable. Any
remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with
the Company or the Trust and its compensation will be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be
underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with
the Securities remarketed thereby.
 
     If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company or the
Trust, as applicable, may authorize agents and underwriters to solicit offers by
certain institutions to purchase Securities from the Company or the Trust at the
public offering price set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement pursuant
to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or
dates stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Such delayed delivery
contracts will be subject to only those conditions set forth in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. A commission indicated in the applicable Prospectus
supplement will be paid to underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of
Securities pursuant to delayed delivery contracts accepted by the Company or the
Trust, as applicable.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   37
 
     Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may be entitled under
relevant agreements with the Company or the Trust, as applicable, to
indemnification by the Company or the Trust against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments which such agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may
be required to make in respect thereof.
 
     Each series of Securities will be a new issue and, other than the Common
Stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, will have no established
trading market. The Company may elect to list any series of Securities on an
exchange, and in the case of the Common Stock, on any additional exchange, but,
unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company
shall not be obligated to do so. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity
of the trading market for any of the Securities.
 
     Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may be customers of,
engage in transactions with, or perform services for, the Company and its
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Preferred Securities will be passed upon on behalf of K
N Energy and the Trust by Richards, Layton & Finger P.A., special Delaware
counsel to K N Energy and the Trust. The validity of the Trust Debentures, the
Guarantee, the Debt Securities and Stock Purchase Contracts and certain matters
relating thereto will be passed upon for K N Energy and the Trust by Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York. The validity of the Common Stock and the
Stock Purchase Units will be passed upon by Martha B. Wyrsch, General Counsel of
the Company. As of May 11, 1998, Ms. Wyrsch owned 3,253 shares of Common Stock,
4,550 shares of restricted Common Stock and held options to purchase an
additional 90,549 shares of Common Stock. The validity of the Offered Securities
will be passed upon for any agents, dealers or underwriters by counsel named in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of K N Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, incorporated in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement by reference to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said report.
 
     The consolidated financial statements of MidCon Corp. and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, incorporated in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed
with the Commission on February 12, 1998, have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said report.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   38
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following table sets forth all expenses payable by the Company in
connection with the issuance and distribution of the Securities, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company will bear all of such
expenses. All the amounts shown are estimates, except the registration fee.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Registration Fee............................................  $      100
Fees and expenses of accountants............................      40,000
Fees and expenses of counsel to the Company.................     250,000
Fees and expenses of Trustees and counsel...................      15,000
Printing and engraving......................................      75,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses (including counsel)..............      10,000
Rating agency fees..........................................     250,000
Miscellaneous...............................................       4,900
     Total..................................................  $  650,000
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Section 17-6305 of the Kansas General Corporation Law provides that a
Kansas corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a
party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit (including an action by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor) or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or
is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit by or
in the right of the corporation, including attorney fees, and against expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including
attorney fees, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation; and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful. Article Ninth of
the articles of incorporation of the Company requires the Company to provide
substantially the same indemnification of its directors and officers as that
authorized by the Kansas General Corporation Law.
 
     The Company has insurance policies which, among other things, include
liability insurance coverage for directors and officers, with a $200,000
corporate reimbursement deductible clause, under which directors and officers
are covered against "loss" arising from any claim or claims which may be made
against a director or officer by reason of any "wrongful act" in their
respective capacities as directors and officers. "Loss" is defined so as to
exclude, among other things, fines or penalties, as well as matters deemed
uninsurable under the law pursuant to which the policy is to be construed.
"Wrongful act" is defined to include any actual or alleged breach of duty,
neglect, error, misstatement, misleading statement or omission done or
wrongfully attempted. The policy also contains other specific definitions and
exclusions and provides an aggregate of $20,000,000 of insurance coverage.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   39
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
     The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Registration
Statement, including those exhibits incorporated herein by reference to a prior
filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act as indicated
in parentheses:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                   EXHIBITS
 -------                                   --------
<C>         <C>  <S>
    *(1.1)   --  Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Debt Securities.
    *(1.2)   --  Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Common Stock.
    *(1.3)   --  Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Stock Purchase
                 Units.
     (2.1)   --  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 18, 1997, between
                 the Company and Occidental Petroleum Corporation
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's
                 S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
     (4.1)   --  Form of Indenture, dated as of November 20, 1993, between K
                 N Energy, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                 f/k/a First Trust National Association, as successor Trustee
                 to Continental Bank, National Association (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's S-3 Registration
                 Statement No. 33-51115).
     (4.2)   --  Form of Subordinated Indenture dated as of May 15, 1996
                 between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                 f/k/a First Trust National Association f/k/a First Trust of
                 Illinois, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's S-3 Registration
                 Statement No. 333-04385).
     (4.3)   --  Form of Debt Securities. (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's S-3
                 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
     (4.4)   --  Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's
                 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                 1994).
     (4.5)   --  By-Laws of the Company, as amended to August 20, 1996
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Company's
                 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                 1996).
     (4.6)   --  Rights Agreement dated as of August 21, 1995 between the
                 Company and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's
                 Form 8-A Registration Statement dated August 21, 1995).
   **(4.7)   --  Certificate of Trust of K N Capital Trust II.
   **(4.8)   --  Declaration of Trust of K N Capital Trust II.
   **(4.9)   --  Form of second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
                 K N Capital Trust II.
  **(4.10)   --  Form of Preferred Security Certificate for K N Capital Trust
                 II (included in Exhibit 4.9).
  **(4.11)   --  Form of Debenture Indenture between K N Energy, Inc. and
                 Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.
  **(4.12)   --  Form of Trust Debentures of K N Energy, Inc.
  **(4.13)   --  Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement in respect
                 of K N Capital Trust II, with respect to the Preferred
                 Securities.
  **(4.14)   --  Form of Common Security Guarantee Agreement in respect of K
                 N Capital Trust II, with respect to the Common Securities.
    (4.15)   --  Form of Purchase Contract Agreement (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's
                 S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
    (4.16)   --  Form of Stock Purchase Units (included in Exhibit 4.15)
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1
                 to the Company's S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
    (4.17)   --  Form of Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's S-3
                 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
  **(4.18)   --  first Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of K N
                 Capital Trust II.
  **(4.19)   --  Certificate of Amendment to Restated Articles of
                 Incorporation of the Company.
  **(4.20)   --  Amendment to By-Laws of the Company.
   **(5.1)   --  Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, as to the legality of
                 the Trust Debentures, Guarantees, Debt Securities and Stock
                 Purchase Contracts.
   **(5.2)   --  Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger P.A., as to the
                 validity of the Preferred Securities.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   40
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                   EXHIBITS
 -------                                   --------
<C>         <C>  <S>
   **(5.3)   --  Opinion of Martha B. Wyrsch, Esq., General Counsel to K N
                 Energy, Inc., as to the validity of the Common Stock and the
                 Stock Purchase Units.
    **(12)   --  Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
  **(23.1)   --  Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
  **(23.2)   --  Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
  **(23.3)   --  Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (included in Exhibit
                 5.1).
  **(23.4)   --  Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger P.A. (included in
                 Exhibit 5.2).
  **(23.5)   --  Consent of Martha B. Wyrsch (included in Exhibit 5.3).
    **(24)   --  Powers of Attorney.
  **(25.1)   --  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
                 Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of U.S. Bank Trust
                 National Association f/k/a First Trust National Association
                 respecting the Senior Debt Securities.
  **(25.2)   --  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
                 Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of U.S. Bank Trust
                 National Association f/k/a First Trust National Association
                 respecting the Subordinated Debt Securities.
  **(25.3)   --  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Wilmington Trust
                 Company, as Debenture Trustee under the Debenture Indenture
                 for K N Capital Trust II.
  **(25.4)   --  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Wilmington Trust
                 Company, as Institutional Trustee under the Declaration for
                 K N Capital Trust II.
  **(25.5)   --  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Wilmington Trust
                 Company, as Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee for K N
                 Capital Trust II.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
  * The Company will file any underwriting agreement relating to Debt
    Securities, Common Stock and/or Stock Purchase Units that it may enter into
    as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K which is incorporated by
    reference into this Registration Statement.
 
 ** Filed herewith.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     (a) The Company hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any
        increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
        dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
        registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
        maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
        with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
        changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change
        in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
        Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
        of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
        or any material change to such information in the registration
        statement;
 
     provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
     the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the
     information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
     paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
     Commission by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
     Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration
     statement.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   41
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
     new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
     the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
          (4) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
     this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
     form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
          (5) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
     be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
     offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
     deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (b) The Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Company's annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Company pursuant to any charter provision, by-law, contract, arrangement,
statute, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company
of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted
against the Company by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the
opinion of counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   42
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, K N Energy,
Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Lakewood, State of Colorado on the 3rd day of June,
1998.
 
                                          K N ENERGY, INC.
 
                                          By:  /s/ LARRY D. HALL
                                             -----------------------------------
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on             , 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                       ---------                                             -----
<C>                                                       <S>
            i) Principal executive officer:
 
                   /s/ LARRY D. HALL                      Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
- --------------------------------------------------------    Executive Officer
                    (Larry D. Hall)
 
    ii) Principal financial and accounting officer:
 
                           *                              Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
- --------------------------------------------------------
                  (Clyde E. McKenzie)
 
                    iii) Directors:
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                (Edward H. Austin, Jr.)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                  (Charles W. Battey)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                   (Stewart A. Bliss)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                 (David W. Burkholder)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                 (David M. Carmichael)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                  (Robert H. Chitwood)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                  (Howard P. Coghlan)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                   (Jordan L. Haines)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   43
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                       ---------                                             -----
<C>                                                       <S>
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                    (Larry D. Hall)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                   (William J. Hybl)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                  (Richard D. Kinder)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                 (Edward Randall, III)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                   (John F. Riordan)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                   (James C. Taylor)
 
                           *
- --------------------------------------------------------
                    (H.A. True, III)
 
                 *By: /s/ LARRY D. HALL
  ---------------------------------------------------
                     (Larry D. Hall
                   Attorney-in-Fact)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   44
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, K N Capital
Trust II certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Lakewood, State of Colorado, on the 3rd day of
June, 1998.
 
                                          K N CAPITAL TRUST II
                                          By: K N ENERGY, INC., as Depositor
 
                                          By:     /s/ CLYDE E. MCKENZIE
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Clyde E. McKenzie
                                                     Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   45
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                   EXHIBITS
 -------                                   --------
<C>         <C>  <S>
    *(1.1)   --  Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Debt Securities.
    *(1.2)   --  Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Common Stock.
    *(1.3)   --  Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to Stock Purchase
                 Units.
     (2.1)   --  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 18, 1997, between
                 the Company and Occidental Petroleum Corporation
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's
                 S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
     (4.1)   --  Form of Indenture, dated as of November 20, 1993, between K
                 N Energy, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                 f/k/a First Trust National Association, as successor Trustee
                 to Continental Bank, National Association (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's S-3 Registration
                 Statement No. 33-51115).
     (4.2)   --  Form of Subordinated Indenture dated as of May 15, 1996
                 between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association
                 f/k/a First Trust National Association f/k/a First Trust of
                 Illinois, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's S-3 Registration
                 Statement No. 333-04385).
     (4.3)   --  Form of Debt Securities. (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's S-3
                 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
     (4.4)   --  Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's
                 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                 1994).
     (4.5)   --  By-Laws of the Company, as amended to August 20, 1996
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Company's
                 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                 1996).
     (4.6)   --  Rights Agreement dated as of August 21, 1995 between the
                 Company and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's
                 Form 8-A Registration Statement dated August 21, 1995).
   **(4.7)   --  Certificate of Trust of K N Capital Trust II.
   **(4.8)   --  Declaration of Trust of K N Capital Trust II.
   **(4.9)   --  Form of second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
                 K N Capital Trust II.
  **(4.10)   --  Form of Preferred Security Certificate for K N Capital Trust
                 II (included in Exhibit 4.9).
  **(4.11)   --  Form of Debenture Indenture between K N Energy, Inc. and
                 Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.
  **(4.12)   --  Form of Trust Debentures of K N Energy, Inc.
  **(4.13)   --  Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement in respect
                 of K N Capital Trust II, with respect to the Preferred
                 Securities.
  **(4.14)   --  Form of Common Security Guarantee Agreement in respect of K
                 N Capital Trust II, with respect to the Common Securities.
    (4.15)   --  Form of Purchase Contract Agreement (incorporated by
                 reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's
                 S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
    (4.16)   --  Form of Stock Purchase Units (included in Exhibit 4.15)
                 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1
                 to the Company's S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
    (4.17)   --  Form of Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to
                 Exhibit 4.3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's S-3
                 Registration Statement No. 333-44421).
  **(4.18)   --  first Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of K N
                 Capital Trust II.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   46
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                   EXHIBITS
 -------                                   --------
<C>         <C>  <S>
  **(4.19)   --  Certificate of Amendment to Restated Articles of
                 Incorporation of the Company.
  **(4.20)   --  Amendment to By-Laws of the Company.
   **(5.1)   --  Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, as to the legality of
                 the Trust Debentures, Guarantees, Debt Securities and Stock
                 Purchase Contracts.
   **(5.2)   --  Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger P.A., as to the
                 validity of the Preferred Securities.
   **(5.3)   --  Opinion of Martha B. Wyrsch, Esq., General Counsel to K N
                 Energy, Inc., as to the validity of the Common Stock and the
                 Stock Purchase Units.
    **(12)   --  Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
  **(23.1)   --  Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
  **(23.2)   --  Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
  **(23.3)   --  Consent of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (included in Exhibit
                 5.1).
  **(23.4)   --  Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger P.A. (included in
                 Exhibit 5.2).
  **(23.5)   --  Consent of Martha B. Wyrsch (included in Exhibit 5.3).
    **(24)   --  Powers of Attorney.
  **(25.1)   --  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
                 Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of U.S. Bank Trust
                 National Association f/k/a First Trust National Association
                 respecting the Senior Debt Securities.
  **(25.2)   --  Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
                 Indenture Act of 1939 on Form T-1 of U.S. Bank Trust
                 National Association f/k/a First Trust National Association
                 respecting the Subordinated Debt Securities.
  **(25.3)   --  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Wilmington Trust
                 Company, as Debenture Trustee under the Debenture Indenture
                 for K N Capital Trust II.
  **(25.4)   --  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Wilmington Trust
                 Company, as Institutional Trustee under the Declaration for
                 K N Capital Trust II.
  **(25.5)   --  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Wilmington Trust
                 Company, as Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee for K N
                 Capital Trust II.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
  * The Company will file any underwriting agreement relating to Debt
    Securities, Common Stock and/or Stock Purchase Units that it may enter into
    as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K which is incorporated by
    reference into this Registration Statement.
 
 ** Filed herewith.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 4.7



                              CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
                                       OF
                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II


                  THIS Certificate of Trust of K N Capital Trust II (the
"Trust"), dated as of January 15, 1998, is being duly executed and filed by the
undersigned, as trustee, to form a business trust under the Delaware Business
Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq.).

                  1.       Name.  The name of the business trust formed hereby
is K N Capital Trust II.

                  2.       Delaware Trustee.  The name and business address of
the trustee of the Trust with a principal place of business in the State of
Delaware are Wilmington Trust Company, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington,
Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.

                  3.       Effective Date.  This Certificate of Trust shall be
effective upon filing.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the trustee of the
Trust, has executed this Certificate of Trust, as of the date first-above
written.


                    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
                             not in its individual capacity but solely
                             as trustee of the Trust


                    By:  /s/ Jill K. Morrison
                         --------------------
                             Name:  JILL K. MORRISON
                             Title: Administrative Account Manager

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 4.8

                              DECLARATION OF TRUST
                                       OF
                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II


     THIS DECLARATION OF TRUST is made as of January 15, 1998 (this
"Declaration of Trust"), by and between K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation,
as sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking
corporation, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The Sponsor and the Trustee hereby
agree as follows:

     1.   The trust created shall be known as "K N Capital Trust II" (the
"Trust"), in which name the Trustee or the Sponsor, to the extent provided
herein, may conduct the business of the Trust, make and execute contracts, and
sue and be sued.

     2.   The Sponsor hereby assigns, transfers, conveys and sets over to the
Trust the sum of $10. Such amount shall constitute the initial trust estate. It
is the intention of the parties hereto that the Trust created hereby constitute
a business trust under Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C.
section 3801, et seq. (the "Business Trust Act"), and that this document
constitute the governing instrument of the Trust. The Trustee is hereby
authorized and directed to execute and file a certificate of trust with the
Delaware Secretary of State in such form as the Trustee may approve.

     3.   The Sponsor and the Trustee will enter into an amended and restated
Declaration of Trust satisfactory to each such party to provide for the
contemplated operation of the Trust created hereby and the issuance of the
Preferred Securities referred to therein. Prior to the execution and delivery of
such amended and restated Declaration of Trust, the Trustee shall not have any
duty or obligation hereunder or with respect to the trust estate, except as
otherwise required by applicable law or as may be necessary to obtain prior to
such execution and delivery any licenses, consents or approvals required by
applicable law or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee may take
all actions deemed proper as are necessary to effect the transactions
contemplated herein.

     4.   The Sponsor, as sponsor of the Trust, is hereby authorized, in its
discretion (i) to prepare one or more offering memoranda in preliminary and
final form relating to the offering and sale of Preferred Securities of the
Trust in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and such forms or filings
as may be required by the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, in each case relating
to the Preferred Securities of the Trust; (ii) to file and execute on behalf of
the Trust, such applications, reports, surety bonds, irrevocable consents,
appointments of attorney for service of process and other papers and documents
that shall be necessary or desirable to register or establish the exemption from
registration of the Preferred Securities of the Trust under the securities or
"Blue Sky" laws of such jurisdictions as the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust,
may deem necessary or desirable; (iii) to execute and file an application, and
all other applications, statements, certificates, agreements and other
instruments that shall be necessary or desirable, to the Private Offerings,
Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages ("PORTAL") Market; (iv) to
execute and deliver letters or 

<PAGE>   2
documents to, or instruments for filing with, a depository relating to the
Preferred Securities of the Trust; and (v) to execute, deliver and perform on
behalf of the Trust one or more purchase agreements, dealer/manager agreements,
escrow agreements, registration rights agreements and other related agreements
providing for or relating to the sale of the Preferred Securities of the Trust.

      In the event that any filing referred to in this Section 4 is required by
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), PORTAL or state securities or "Blue Sky" laws to be executed on
behalf of the Trust by the Trustee, the Trustee, in its capacity as trustee of
the Trust, is hereby authorized to join in any such filing and to execute on
behalf of the Trust any and all of the foregoing, it being understood that the
Trustee, in its capacity as trustee of the Trust, shall not be required to join
in any such filing or execute on behalf of the Trust any such document unless
required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, PORTAL or state
securities or "Blue Sky" laws.

      5.    This Declaration of Trust may be executed in one or more
counterparts.

      6.    The number of trustees of the Trust initially shall be one and
thereafter the number of trustees of the Trust shall be such number as shall be
fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by the Sponsor which may
increase or decrease the number of trustees of the Trust; provided, however,
that to the extent required by the Business Trust Act, one trustee of the Trust
shall either be a natural person who is a resident of the State of Delaware or,
if not a natural person, an entity which has its principal place of business in
the State of Delaware. Subject to the foregoing, the Sponsor is entitled to
appoint or remove without cause any trustee of the Trust at any time. Any
trustee of the Trust may resign upon thirty days' prior notice to the Sponsor.

      7.    This Declaration of Trust shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to conflict
of laws principles).
<PAGE>   3
      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, of the parties hereto have caused this Declaration of
Trust to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                    K N ENERGY, INC.,
                                          as Sponsor


                                    By:   /s/ Martha B. Wyrsch
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Name:  Martha B. Wyrsch
                                          Title: Vice President and
                                                 General Counsel

                                    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
                                          not in its individual capacity
                                          but solely as trustee of the Trust


                                    By:   /s/ James P. Lawler
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Name:  James P. Lawler
                                          Title: Vice President


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 4.9


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


                    FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION

                                    OF TRUST

                                       OF

                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II

                           Dated as of _____ __, ____


                  ---------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
<S>                          <C>                                                                              <C>
                                    ARTICLE I

                                          INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS........................................  1

         Section 1.01        Definitions........................................................................  1

                                   ARTICLE II

                                                TRUST INDENTURE ACT............................................. 11

         Section 2.01        Trust Indenture Act: Application................................................... 11
         Section 2.02        Lists of Holders of Trust Securities............................................... 11
         Section 2.03        Reports by the Institutional Trustee............................................... 11
         Section 2.04        Periodic Reports to Institutional Trustee.......................................... 12
         Section 2.05        Evidence of Compliance with Conditions............................................. 12
         Section 2.06        Events of Default; Waiver.......................................................... 12
         Section 2.07        Event of Default: Notice........................................................... 14

                                   ARTICLE III

                                                   ORGANIZATION................................................. 14

         Section 3.01        Name   ............................................................................ 14
         Section 3.02        Office ............................................................................ 14
         Section 3.03        Issuance of Trust Securities....................................................... 14
         Section 3.04        Purchase of Debentures............................................................. 15
         Section 3.05        Purpose............................................................................ 15
         Section 3.06        Title to Property of the Trust..................................................... 16
         Section 3.07        Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions................................... 16
         Section 3.08        Prohibition of Actions by the Trust, the Trustees and the
                                    Administrators.............................................................. 20
         Section 3.09        Certain Duties and Responsibilities of the Institutional
                                    Trustee..................................................................... 21
         Section 3.10        Certain Rights of Institutional Trustee............................................ 23
         Section 3.11        Delaware Trustee................................................................... 25
         Section 3.12        Execution of Documents............................................................. 25
         Section 3.13        Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Trust
                                    Securities.................................................................. 25
         Section 3.14        Duration of Trust.................................................................. 25
         Section 3.15        Mergers, Consolidations or Amalgamations of the Trust.............................. 25


                                         -i-
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<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
<S>                          <C>                                                                              <C>
                                   ARTICLE IV

                                                      SPONSOR................................................... 27

         Section 4.01        Sponsor's Purchase of Common Securities............................................ 27
         Section 4.02        Responsibilities of the Sponsor.................................................... 27

                                    ARTICLE V

                                            TRUSTEES AND ADMINISTRATORS......................................... 28

         Section 5.01        Number of Trustees and Administrators.............................................. 28
         Section 5.02        Delaware Trustee; Eligibility...................................................... 28
         Section 5.03        Institutional Trustee; Eligibility................................................. 28
         Section 5.04        Certain Qualifications of Administrators and the Delaware
                                    Trustee Generally........................................................... 29
         Section 5.05        Initial Administrators............................................................. 29
         Section 5.06        Intentionally Omitted.............................................................. 29
         Section 5.07        Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustees and
                                    Administrators.............................................................. 29
         Section 5.08        Vacancies Among Trustees........................................................... 31
         Section 5.09        Effect of Vacancies................................................................ 31
         Section 5.10        Meetings........................................................................... 31
         Section 5.11        Delegation of Power................................................................ 32
         Section 5.12        Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
                                    Business.................................................................... 32

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                                   DISTRIBUTIONS................................................ 32

         Section 6.01        Distributions...................................................................... 32

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                           ISSUANCE OF TRUST SECURITIES......................................... 33

         Section 7.01        Global Securities.................................................................. 33
         Section 7.02        Execution and Authentication....................................................... 35
         Section 7.03        Form and Dating.................................................................... 35
         Section 7.04        Paying Agent and Registrar......................................................... 36


                                         -ii-
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<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
<S>                          <C>                                                                              <C>
                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                               DISSOLUTION OF TRUST............................................. 36

         Section 8.01        Dissolution of Trust............................................................... 36

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                               TRANSFER OF INTERESTS............................................ 38

         Section 9.01        Transfer of Trust Securities....................................................... 38
         Section 9.02        Transfer of Certificates........................................................... 39
         Section 9.03        Deemed Holders..................................................................... 39
         Section 9.04        Book Entry Interests............................................................... 39
         Section 9.05        Notices to Clearing Agency......................................................... 40
         Section 9.06        Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency........................................... 40
         Section 9.07        Definitive Capital Security Certificates Under Certain
                                    Circumstances............................................................... 40
         Section 9.08        Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.................................. 41

                                    ARTICLE X

                           LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
                                  HOLDERS OF TRUST SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS............................... 42

         Section 10.01       Liability.......................................................................... 42
         Section 10.02       Exculpation........................................................................ 42
         Section 10.03       Fiduciary Duty..................................................................... 42
         Section 10.04       Indemnification.................................................................... 43
         Section 10.05       Outside Business................................................................... 46

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                                    ACCOUNTING.................................................. 47

         Section 11.01       Fiscal Year........................................................................ 47
         Section 11.02       Certain Accounting Matters......................................................... 47
         Section 11.03       Banking............................................................................ 47
         Section 11.04       Withholding........................................................................ 48


                                        -iii-
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<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
<S>                          <C>                                                                              <C>
                                   ARTICLE XII

                                              AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS........................................... 48

         Section 12.01       Amendments......................................................................... 48
         Section 12.02       Meetings of the Holders of Trust Securities; Action by
                                    Written Consent............................................................. 50

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                    REPRESENTATIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE
                                               AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE............................................. 51

         Section 13.01       Representations and Warranties of Institutional Trustee............................ 51
         Section 13.02       Representations and Warranties of Delaware Trustee................................. 52

                                   ARTICLE XIV

                                                   MISCELLANEOUS................................................ 53

         Section 14.01       Notices............................................................................ 53
         Section 14.02       Governing Law...................................................................... 54
         Section 14.03       Intention of the Parties........................................................... 54
         Section 14.04       Headings........................................................................... 54
         Section 14.05       Successors and Assigns............................................................. 54
         Section 14.06       Partial Enforceability............................................................. 54
         Section 14.07       Counterparts....................................................................... 54



                                         -iv-
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<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
<S>                          <C>                                                                              <C>
ANNEXES AND EXHIBITS

Annex I              Terms of ____% Capital Securities and ____% Common Securities                              I-i

Exhibit A-1          Form of Capital Security Certificate                                                      A1-1
Exhibit A-2          Form of Common Security Certificate                                                       A2-1


                                       -v-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   7
                          FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED
                              DECLARATION OF TRUST
                                       OF
                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II

                                 ----- --, ----

                  FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST (this
"Declaration") dated and effective as of _____ __, ____, by the Trustees (as
defined herein), the Administrators (as defined herein), the Sponsor (as defined
herein) and by the holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the Trust to be issued pursuant to this Declaration;

                  WHEREAS, one of the Trustees and the Sponsor created K N
Capital Trust II (the "Trust"), a statutory business trust under the Business
Trust Act (as defined herein) pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated as of
January 15, 1998 (the "Original Declaration"), and a Certificate of Trust filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 15, 1998, for
the sole purposes of (i) issuing and selling certain securities representing
undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust, (ii)
investing the proceeds thereof in certain Debentures (as defined herein) of the
Debenture Issuer (as defined herein) and (iii) engaging in only those other
activities necessary or incidental thereto; and

                  WHEREAS, the parties hereto, by this Declaration, amend and
restate each and every term and provision of the Original Declaration.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, it being the intention of the parties hereto
to continue the Trust as a statutory business trust under the Business Trust Act
and that this Declaration constitute the governing instrument of such statutory
business trust, the Trustees declare that all assets contributed to the Trust
will be held in trust for the benefit of the holders, from time to time, of the
securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets
of the Trust issued hereunder, subject to the provisions of this Declaration and
in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties
hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                         INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS

                  Section 1.01  Definitions.

                  Unless the context otherwise requires:

                  (a) capitalized terms used in this Declaration but not defined
in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to them in this
Section 1.01;

                  (b) a term defined anywhere in this Declaration has the same
meaning throughout;
<PAGE>   8
                                                                               2


                  (c) all references to "the Declaration" or "this Declaration"
are to this Declaration and each Annex and Exhibit hereto, as modified,
supplemented or amended from time to time;

                  (d) all references in this Declaration to Articles and
Sections and Annexes and Exhibits are to Articles and Sections of and Annexes
and Exhibits to this Declaration unless otherwise specified;

                  (e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act (as defined
herein) has the same meaning when used in this Declaration unless otherwise
defined in this Declaration or unless the context otherwise requires; and

                  (f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice
versa.

                  "Additional Distributions" means, with respect to Trust
Securities of a given Liquidation Amount and for a given period, the amount of
Additional Interest (as defined in the Indenture) paid by the Sponsor on a Like
Amount of Debentures for such period.

                  "Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any prepayment
date, (A) in the case of a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event, the
Treasury Rate plus (i) ___% if such prepayment date occurs on or before _____
__, ____ and (ii) ___% thereafter, or (B) in the case of any other optional
prepayment, the Treasury Rate plus ___%.

                  "Administrators" means each of _______________,
_________________ and _______________, solely in such Person's capacity as
Administrator of the Trust and not in such Person's individual capacity, or such
Administrator's successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor
appointed as herein provided.

                  "Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule
405 of the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.

                  "Agent" means any Paying Agent.

                  "Authorized Officer" of a Person means any Person that is
authorized to bind such Person; provided, that the Authorized Officer signing an
Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture
Act shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of such
Person.

                  "Book Entry Interest" means a beneficial interest in a Global
Certificate registered in the name of the Clearing Agency or its nominee,
ownership and transfers of which shall be maintained and made through book
entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 9.04.

                  "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
any other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York or Wilmington,
Delaware are permitted or required by any applicable law to close.
<PAGE>   9
                                                                               3


                  "Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the
Delaware Code, 12 Del. Code Section 3801 et seq., as it may be amended from time
to time, or any successor legislation.

                  "Capital Securities Guarantee" means the guarantee agreement
to be dated as of the date hereof, as modified or amended from time to time, of
the Sponsor in respect of the Capital Securities.

                  "Capital Security" has the meaning specified in Section 3.03.

                  "Capital Security Beneficial Owner" means, with respect to a
Book Entry Interest, a Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book Entry
Interest, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency, or on the books of a
Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing
Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in each case in accordance
with the rules of such Clearing Agency).

                  "Capital Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate
representing a Capital Security substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1.

                  "Certificate" means any one of the Common Security
Certificates or Capital Security Certificates.

                  "Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a
"Clearing Agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act that is acting as
depositary for the Capital Securities and in whose name or in the name of a
nominee of that organization shall be registered a Global Certificate and that
shall undertake to effect book entry transfers and pledges of the Capital
Securities. DTC will be the initial Clearing Agency.

                  "Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank,
other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time the
Clearing Agency effects book entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited
with the Clearing Agency.

                  "Closing Date" means _____ __, ____.

                  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
from time to time, or any successor legislation.

                  "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                  "Common Securities Guarantee" means the guarantee agreement to
be dated as of the date hereof, as modified or amended from time to time, of the
Sponsor in respect of the Common Securities.

                  "Common Security" has the meaning specified in Section 3.03.

                  "Common Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate
in fully registered form representing a Common Security substantially in the
form of Exhibit A-2.
<PAGE>   10
                                                                               4


                  "Company Indemnified Person" means (a) any Administrator; (b)
any Affiliate of any Administrator; (c) any officers, directors, shareholders,
members, partners, employees, representatives or agents of any Administrator; or
(d) any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or its Affiliates.

                  "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Institutional
Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Institutional Trustee
shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office at the
date of execution of this Declaration is located at Rodney Square North, 1100
North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890.

                  "Covered Person" means: (a) any officer, director,
shareholder, partner, member, representative, employee or agent of (i) the Trust
or (ii) the Trust's Affiliates; and (b) any Holder of Trust Securities.

                  "Debenture Issuer" means K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas
corporation, in its capacity as issuer of the Debentures under the Indenture.

                  "Debenture Prepayment Date" means, with respect to any
Debenture to be redeemed under the Indenture, the date fixed for redemption
under the Indenture.

                  "Debentures" means the ____% Debentures to be issued by the
Debenture Issuer under the Indenture and to be held by the Institutional
Trustee.

                  "Debt Trustee" means Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee
under the Indenture until a successor is appointed thereunder, and thereafter
means such successor trustee.

                  "Definitive Capital Security Certificate" means any one of the
Capital Security Certificates issued in definitive, fully registered form.

                  "Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.01.

                  "Direct Action" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.07(a)(vi).

                  "Distribution" means amounts payable in respect of the Trust
Securities as provided in Section 6.01.

                  "DTC" means The Depository Trust Company or its successor.

                  "Event of Default" in respect of the Trust Securities means an
Event of Default as defined in the Indenture in respect of the Debentures that
has occurred and is continuing.

                  "Event Redemption Price" means an amount in cash equal to the
greater of (i) 100% of the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities and (ii)
the sum, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the present values of (1) the
principal amount and premium payable as part of the Optional Redemption Price on
the Initial Optional Prepayment Date, together with (2) the present value of
scheduled payments of interest thereon from the prepayment date
<PAGE>   11
                                                                               5


to and including the Initial Optional Redemption Date (the "Term to Initial
Optional Prepayment Date"), in each case discounted to the Redemption Date on a
semi-annual basis (consisting of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) at the
Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus, in each case, accumulated and unpaid Distributions
thereon, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption.

                  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.

                  "Fiduciary Indemnified Person" has the meaning set forth in
Section 10.04(b).

                  "Fiscal Year" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.

                  "Global Certificate" means a definitive certificate
representing a Global Security.

                  "Global Capital Security Certificate" means a Capital Security
Certificate issued in global form.

                  "Global Security" means a fully registered, global Capital
Security.

                  "Guarantee" means the Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement
dated as of _____ __, ____ between the Sponsor, as Guarantor, and Wilmington
Trust Company, as Guarantee Trustee.

                  "Holder" means a Person in whose name a certificate
representing a Trust Security is registered, such Person being a beneficial
owner within the meaning of the Business Trust Act.

                  "Indemnified Person" means a Company Indemnified Person or a
Fiduciary Indemnified Person.

                  "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of _____ __, ____,
as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, between the Debenture Issuer and
the Debt Trustee pursuant to which the Debentures are to be issued.

                  "Indenture Event of Default" means an Event of Default under
the Indenture.

                  "Initial Optional Prepayment Date" means ______ __, 20__.

                  "Institutional Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.01.

                  "Investment Company" means an investment company as defined in
the Investment Company Act.

                  "Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.
<PAGE>   12
                                                                               6


                  "Investment Company Event" means that the Sponsor and the
Trust shall have received an opinion of counsel, who shall not be an officer of
the Sponsor or its Affiliates, to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence
of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of
law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or
regulatory authority on or after _____ __, ____, the Trust is or will be
considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act.

                  "Legal Action" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.07(a)(vi).

                  "Like Amount" means (a) with respect to a redemption of Trust
Securities, Trust Securities having a Liquidation Amount equal to the principal
amount of Debentures, to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the
Indenture, the proceeds of which will be used to pay the Redemption Price of
such Trust Securities, and (b) with respect to a distribution of Debentures to
Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution, termination or
liquidation of the Trust, Debentures having a principal amount equal to the
Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities of the Holder to whom such Debentures
are distributed.

                  "Liquidation Amount" means the stated amount of $1,000 per
Trust Security.

                  "Liquidation Date" means the date on which Debentures are to
be distributed to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution,
termination or liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 3 of Annex I.

                  "Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning set forth in the
terms of the Trust Securities as set forth in Annex I.

                  "List of Holders" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.02(a).

                  "Majority in Liquidation Amount" of the Trust Securities
means, except as provided in the terms of the Capital Securities or by the Trust
Indenture Act, Holder(s) of outstanding Trust Securities voting together as a
single class or, as the context may require, Holders of outstanding Capital
Securities or Holders of outstanding Common Securities voting separately as a
class, who are the record owners of more than 50% of the aggregate Liquidation
Amount (including the stated amount that would be paid on redemption,
liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon
which the voting percentages are determined) of all outstanding Trust Securities
of the relevant class.

                  "Maturity" has the meaning set forth in the Indenture.

                  "Maturity Redemption Price" means an amount equal to the
principal of, and accrued interest on, the Debentures as of the Maturity
thereof.

                  "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a
certificate signed by two Authorized Officers of such Person. Any Officers'
Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant
provided for in this Declaration shall include:
<PAGE>   13
                                                                               7


                         (i) a statement that each officer signing the Officers'
         Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions
         relating thereto;

                        (ii) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the
         examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering
         the Officers' Certificate;

                       (iii) a statement that each such officer has made such
         examination or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is
         necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to
         whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

                        (iv) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each
         such officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

                  "Optional Prepayment Price" means the following prices
(expressed as percentages of the principal amount of the Debentures) together
with accrued and unpaid interest, including Additional Interest and Compound
Interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12 month
period ending:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Year                                   Percentage
                           ----                                   ----------

<S>                                                               <C>
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__                                         %
                           20__     and thereafter                   100%
</TABLE>

                  "Optional Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4 of Annex I hereto.

                  "Paying Agent" has the meaning specified in Section 7.04.

                  "Payment Account" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.07(a)(ii)(A).

                  "Payment Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

                  "Person" means a legal person, including any individual,
corporation, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock
company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity
of whatever nature.
<PAGE>   14
                                                                               8


                  "Pro Rata" means pro rata to each Holder of Trust Securities
according to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities held by
the relevant Holder in relation to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Trust
Securities outstanding unless, in relation to a payment, an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, in which case any funds available to make such
payment shall be paid first to each Holder of the Capital Securities pro rata
according to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Capital Securities held by the
relevant Holder relative to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Capital
Securities outstanding, and only after satisfaction of all amounts owed to the
Holders of the Capital Securities, to each Holder of Common Securities pro rata
according to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities held by the
relevant Holder relative to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Common
Securities outstanding.

                  "Quorum" means a majority of the Administrators or, if there
are only two Administrators, both of them.

                  "Quotation Agent" means Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and
its successors.

                  "Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Trust Security to
be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this
Declaration; provided that each Debenture Prepayment Date and the Stated
Maturity of the Debentures shall be a Redemption Date for a Like Amount of Trust
Securities.

                  "Redemption/Distribution Notice" has the meaning specified in
Section 4 of Annex I hereto.

                  "Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)
of Annex I.

                  "Registrar" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04.

                  "Related Party" means, with respect to the Sponsor, any direct
or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sponsor or any other Person that
owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding voting securities of the
Sponsor.

                  "Remaining Life" has the meaning set forth in the terms of the
Trust Securities as set forth in Annex I.

                  "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Institutional
Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Institutional
Trustee, including any vice president, any assistant vice president, any
assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, financial services
officer or other officer of the Corporate Trust Office of the Institutional
Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of
the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular
corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred
because of that officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular
subject.
<PAGE>   15
                                                                               9



                  "Rule 3a-5" means Rule 3a-5 as promulgated under the
Investment Company Act, or any successor rule.

                  "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
from time to time, or any successor legislation.

                  "Securities Guarantees" means the Common Securities Guarantee
and the Capital Securities Guarantee.

                  "Securities Register" has the meaning set forth in Section
7.04.

                  "Sponsor" or "K N" means K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas
corporation, or any successor entity in a merger, consolidation or amalgamation,
in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust.

                  "Stated Maturity" means _____ __, ____, the date on which the
Debentures will mature.

                  "Successor Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in
Section 5.07(b).

                  "Successor Institutional Trustee" has the meaning set forth in
Section 5.07(b).

                  "Super-Majority" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.06(a)(ii).

                  "Supplemental Indenture" means the First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of _____ __, ____ between the Debenture Issuer and the Debt
Trustee pursuant to which the terms and form of Debentures are to be
established, as modified or amended from time to time.

                  "Tax Event" shall mean that the Sponsor and the Trust shall
have received an opinion of counsel, who shall not be an officer or employee of
the Sponsor or its Affiliates, to the effect that, as a result of (a) any
amendment to or change (including any announced proposed change) in, the laws
(or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or as a result of any
official administrative written decisions or pronouncement or judicial decision
or action interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment,
clarification, or change is effective or such pronouncement, proposed change,
action or decision is announced on or after _____ __, ____, there is more than
an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is or will be within 90 days of the
date of such opinion of counsel, subject to United States federal income tax
with respect to income accrued or received on the Debentures, (ii) interest
payable by the Sponsor on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the date
of such opinion of counsel will not be, deductible by the Sponsor, in whole or
in part, for United States federal income tax purposes, or (iii) the Trust is,
or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion of counsel, subject to
more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental charges.
<PAGE>   16
                                                                              10



                  "10% in Liquidation Amount" of the Trust Securities means,
except as provided in the terms of the Capital Securities or by the Trust
Indenture Act, Holders of outstanding Trust Securities voting together as a
single class or, as the context may require, Holders of outstanding Capital
Securities or Holders of outstanding Common Securities voting separately as a
class, who are the record owners of 10% or more of the aggregate Liquidation
Amount (including the stated amount that would be paid on redemption,
liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon
which the voting percentages are determined) of all outstanding Trust Securities
of the relevant class.

                  "Treasury Regulations" means the income tax regulations,
including temporary and proposed regulations, promulgated under the Code by the
United States Treasury, as such regulations may be amended from time to time
(including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

                  "Trustee" or "Trustees" means each Person who has signed this
Declaration as a trustee, so long as such Person shall continue in office in
accordance with the terms hereof, and all other Persons who may from time to
time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the
provisions hereof, and references herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall
refer to such Person or Persons solely in their capacity as trustees hereunder.

                  "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended from time to time, or any successor legislation.

                  "Trust Property" means (a) the Debentures, (b) any cash on
deposit in, or owing to, the Payment Account and (c) all proceeds and rights in
respect of the foregoing and any other property and assets for the time being
held or deemed to be held by the Institutional Trustee pursuant to the terms of
this Declaration.

                  "Trust Securities" means the Capital Securities and the Common
Securities. The Trust Securities represent undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the Trust Property.

                  "Underwriters" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(b).

                  "Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement,
dated _____ __, ____, among K N, the Trust and the Underwriters named therein.

                                   ARTICLE II

                               TRUST INDENTURE ACT

                  Section 2.01 Trust Indenture Act: Application. (a) This
Declaration is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are
required to be part of this Declaration and shall, to the extent applicable, be
governed by such provisions.

                  (b) The Institutional Trustee shall be the only Trustee which
is a Trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.
<PAGE>   17
                                                                              11



                  (c) If and to the extent that any provision of this
Declaration limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections
310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall
control.

                  (d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this
Declaration shall not affect the nature of the Trust Securities as equity
securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust.

                  Section 2.02 Lists of Holders of Trust Securities. (a) Each of
the Sponsor and the Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall provide the
Institutional Trustee within 14 days after each record date for payment of
Distributions, a list in such form as the Institutional Trustee may reasonably
require of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Trust Securities ("List
of Holders") as of such record date; provided, that neither the Sponsor nor the
Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall be obligated to provide such List of
Holders (i) at any time the List of Holders does not differ from the most recent
List of Holders given to the Institutional Trustee by the Sponsor and the
Administrators on behalf of the Trust, and (ii) at any other time, if within 30
days of receipt by the Trust of a written request for a List of Holders, a List
of Holders as of a date no more than 14 days before such List of Holders is
given to the Institutional Trustee. The Institutional Trustee shall preserve, in
as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information contained in
Lists of Holders given to it or which it receives in the capacity as Paying
Agent (if acting in such capacity); provided, that the Institutional Trustee may
destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of
Holders.

                  (b) The Institutional Trustee shall comply with its
obligations under Sections 310(b), 311(a), 311(b) and 312(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act.

                  Section 2.03 Reports by the Institutional Trustee. Within 60
days after May 15 of each year, the Institutional Trustee shall provide to the
Holders of the Capital Securities such reports as are required by Section 313 of
the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form, in the manner and at the times
provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Institutional Trustee
shall also comply with the requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust Indenture
Act.

                  Section 2.04 Periodic Reports to Institutional Trustee. Each
of the Sponsor and the Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall provide to
the Institutional Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance certificate
required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner
and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.

                  Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the
Institutional Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Institutional
Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any
information contained therein or determinable from information contained
therein, including the Sponsor's compliance with any of its covenants hereunder
(as to which the Institutional Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on
Officers' Certificates).
<PAGE>   18
                                                                              12



                  Section 2.05 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions. Each of
the Sponsor and the Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the
Institutional Trustee such evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent,
if any, provided for in this Declaration that relate to any of the matters set
forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion
required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) of the Trust
Indenture Act may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate.

                  Section 2.06  Events of Default; Waiver.

                  (a) The Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of Capital
Securities may, by vote or consent, on behalf of the Holders of all of the
Capital Securities, waive any past Event of Default in respect of the Capital
Securities and its consequences; provided, that if the underlying Event of
Default under the Indenture:

                         (i) is not waivable under the Indenture, the Event of
         Default under this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or

                        (ii) requires the consent or vote of greater than a
         majority in principal amount of the holders of the Debentures (a
         "Super-Majority") to be waived under the Indenture, the Event of
         Default under this Declaration may only be waived by the vote or
         consent of the Holders of at least the proportion in Liquidation Amount
         (including the stated amount that would be paid on redemption,
         liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the
         date upon which the voting percentages are determined) of the Capital
         Securities that the relevant Super-Majority represents of the aggregate
         principal amount of the Debentures outstanding.

                  The foregoing provisions of this Section 2.06(a) shall be in
lieu of Section 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act and such Section
316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act is hereby expressly excluded from this
Declaration and the Trust Securities, as permitted by the Trust Indenture Act.
Upon such waiver, any such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default with respect to the Capital Securities arising therefrom shall be deemed
to have been cured, for every purpose of this Declaration, but no such waiver
shall extend to any subsequent or other default or an Event of Default with
respect to the Capital Securities or impair any right consequent thereon. Any
waiver by the Holders of the Capital Securities of an Event of Default with
respect to the Capital Securities shall also be deemed to constitute a waiver by
the Holders of the Common Securities of any such Event of Default with respect
to the Common Securities for all purposes of this Declaration without any
further act, vote, or consent of the Holders of the Common Securities.

                  (b) The Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the
Common Securities may, by vote or consent, on behalf of the Holders of all of
the Common Securities, waive any past Event of Default with respect to the
Common Securities and its consequences; provided, that if the underlying Event
of Default under the Indenture:

                         (i) is not waivable under the Indenture, except where
         the Holders of the Common Securities are deemed to have waived such
         Event of Default under this
<PAGE>   19
                                                                              13



         Declaration as provided below in this Section 2.06(b), the Event of
         Default under this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or

                        (ii) requires the consent or vote of a Super-Majority to
         be waived, except where the Holders of the Common Securities are deemed
         to have waived such Event of Default under this Declaration as provided
         below in this Section 2.06(b), the Event of Default under this
         Declaration may only be waived by the vote of the Holders of at least
         the proportion in liquidation amount of the Common Securities that the
         relevant Super-Majority represents of the aggregate principal amount of
         the Debentures outstanding;

provided further, that notwithstanding (i) or (ii) above, each Holder of Common
Securities will be deemed to have waived any such Event of Default and all
Events of Default with respect to the Common Securities and its or their
consequences until all Events of Default with respect to the Capital Securities
have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, and until such Events of
Default have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Institutional
Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the Holders of the
Capital Securities and only the Holders of the Capital Securities will have the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee in accordance with the terms of the
Trust Securities. The foregoing provisions of this Section 2.06(b) shall be in
lieu of Sections 316(a)(1)(A) and 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act and
such Sections 316(a)(1)(A) and 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act are
hereby expressly excluded from this Declaration and the Trust Securities, as
permitted by the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to the foregoing provisions of
this Section 2.06(b), upon such waiver, any such default shall cease to exist
and any Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities arising therefrom
shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Declaration, but no
such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default
with respect to the Common Securities or impair any right consequent thereon.

                  (c) A waiver of an Event of Default under the Indenture by the
Institutional Trustee at the direction of the Holders of the Capital Securities
constitutes a waiver of the corresponding Event of Default under this
Declaration. The foregoing provisions of this Section 2.06(c) shall be in lieu
of Section 316(a)(1)(B) of the Trust Indenture Act and such Section 316(a)(1)(B)
of the Trust Indenture Act is hereby expressly excluded from this Declaration
and the Trust Securities, as permitted by the Trust Indenture Act.

                  Section 2.07 Event of Default: Notice. (a) The Institutional
Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default,
transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders of the Trust
Securities, notices of all defaults with respect to the Trust Securities
actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee, unless
such defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice (the term
"defaults" for the purposes of this Section 2.07(a) being hereby defined to be
Events of Default as defined in the Indenture, not including any periods of
grace provided for therein and irrespective of the giving of any notice provided
therein); provided, that except for a default in the payment of principal of (or
premium, if any) or interest on any of the Debentures, the Institutional Trustee
shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a Responsible
Officer
<PAGE>   20
                                                                              14



of the Institutional Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of
such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Trust Securities.

                  (b) The Institutional Trustee shall not be deemed to have
knowledge of any default except:

                         (i) a default under Sections 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) of the
         Indenture; or

                        (ii) a default as to which the Institutional Trustee
         shall have received written notice or of which a Responsible Officer of
         the Institutional Trustee charged with the administration of this
         Declaration shall have actual knowledge.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                  ORGANIZATION

                  Section 3.01 Name. The Trust is named "K N Capital Trust II"
as such name may be modified from time to time by the Administrators following
written notice to the Holders of Trust Securities. The Trust's activities may be
conducted under the name of the Trust or any other name deemed advisable by the
Administrators.

                  Section 3.02 Office. The address of the principal office of
the Trust is c/o K N Energy, Inc., 370 Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, Colorado
80228. On ten Business Days written notice to the Holders of Trust Securities,
the Administrators may designate another principal office.

                  Section 3.03 Issuance of Trust Securities. (a) The
Administrators shall on behalf of the Trust issue one class of preferred
securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets
of the Trust, having such terms as are set forth in this Declaration (the
"Capital Securities"), and one class of common securities representing undivided
beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust, having such terms as
are set forth in this Declaration (the "Common Securities"). The Trust shall
issue no securities or other interests in the assets of the Trust other than the
Capital Securities and the Common Securities.

                  (b) The Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute and
deliver the Underwriting Agreement. On the Closing Date and contemporaneously
with the execution and delivery of this Declaration, the Administrators, on
behalf of the Trust, shall execute and deliver to (i) the underwriters named in
the Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriters"), a Global Certificate,
registered in the name of the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency as
specified in Section 9.04, in an aggregate amount of _______ Capital Securities
having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $___________, against receipt of the
aggregate purchase price of such Capital Securities of $___________, and (ii)
the Sponsor, Common Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the
Sponsor, in an aggregate amount of _____Common Securities having an aggregate
Liquidation Amount of $_________, against receipt of the aggregate purchase
price of such Common Securities of $_________. Any amounts so directed to the
Sponsor shall be deemed for all purposes to be received by the Trust prior to
<PAGE>   21
                                                                              15



the payment to the Sponsor. The Trust shall issue no securities or other
interests in the assets of the Trust other than the Capital Securities and the
Common Securities.

                  Section 3.04 Purchase of Debentures. On the Closing Date and
contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Declaration, the
Institutional Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall purchase from the Sponsor
with the proceeds received by the Trust from the sale of the Trust Securities on
such date pursuant to Section 3.03, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal
amount thereof, Debentures, registered in the name of the Institutional Trustee
and having an aggregate principal amount equal to $___________, and, in
satisfaction of the purchase price for such Debentures, the Institutional
Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Sponsor the sum of
$___________.

                  Section 3.05 Purpose. The exclusive purposes and functions of
the Trust are (a) to issue and sell Trust Securities, (b) to use the proceeds
from such sale to acquire the Debentures, (c) to make Distributions to Holders,
(d) except as otherwise limited herein, to engage in only those other activities
necessary or incidental thereto, and (e) to engage in those activities
necessary, advisable or incidental thereto (such as registering the transfer of
the Capital Securities). The Sponsor hereby appoints, and/or confirms the
appointment pursuant to the Declaration of, the Institutional Trustee and the
Delaware Trustee as trustees of the Trust, and the Administrators as
administrators of the Trust, to have all the rights, powers and duties to the
extent set forth herein, and the Institutional Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and
the Administrators hereby accept such appointment. The Institutional Trustee
hereby declares that it will hold the Trust Property in trust upon and subject
to the conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the Trust and the Holders.
The Administrators are not trustees of the Trust and shall have all rights,
powers and duties set forth herein and in accordance with applicable law with
respect to accomplishing the purposes of the Trust. The Delaware Trustee shall
not be entitled to exercise all powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any
of the duties and responsibilities, of the Institutional Trustee or the
Administrators set forth herein. The Delaware Trustee shall be one of the
Trustees of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the
requirements of Section 3807 of the Business Trust Act and accepting service of
process on the Trust in the State of Delaware. The Trust shall not borrow money,
issue debt or reinvest proceeds derived from investments, pledge any of its
assets, or otherwise undertake (or permit to be undertaken) any activity that
would cause the Trust not to be classified as a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes.

                  Section 3.06 Title to Property of the Trust. Except as
provided in Section 3.07 with respect to the Debentures and the Payment Account
or as otherwise provided in this Declaration, legal title to all assets of the
Trust shall be vested in the Trust. The Holders shall not have legal title to
any part of the assets of the Trust, but shall have an undivided beneficial
ownership interest in the assets of the Trust.

                  Section 3.07 Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions.
(a) The Trustees and the Administrators shall conduct the affairs of the Trust
in accordance with the terms of this Declaration. Subject to the limitations set
forth in paragraph (b) of this Section, and in accordance with the following
provisions (i) and (ii), the Trustees and the Administrators shall have the
authority to enter into all transactions and agreements
<PAGE>   22
                                                                              16



determined by the Trustees and the Administrators to be appropriate in
exercising the authority, express or implied, otherwise granted to the Trustees
or the Administrators, as the case may be, under this Declaration, and to
perform all acts in furtherance thereof, including without limitation, the
following:

                         (i) Each Administrator shall have the power and
         authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following
         matters:

                           (A) the issuance and sale of the Trust Securities
                  including any agreements necessary with respect to such
                  issuance and sale;

                           (B) if necessary, execute and file with the
                  Commission a registration statement on Form 8-A, including any
                  amendments thereto, prepared by the Sponsor, relating to the
                  registration of the Capital Securities under Section 12(b) of
                  the Exchange Act;

                           (C) to cause the Trust to enter into, and to execute
                  and deliver on behalf of the Trust, such agreements as may be
                  necessary or desirable in connection with the purposes and
                  function of the Trust, including agreements with the Clearing
                  Agency, any Registrar and any Paying Agent;

                           (D) ensuring compliance with the Securities Act,
                  applicable state securities or blue sky laws, and assisting in
                  the compliance with the Trust Indenture Act;

                           (E) the sending of notices (other than notices of
                  default) and other information regarding the Trust Securities
                  and the Debentures to the Holders in accordance with this
                  Declaration;

                           (F) the consent to the appointment of a Paying Agent
                  and Registrar in accordance with this Declaration, which
                  consent shall not be unreasonably withheld;

                           (G) execution of the Trust Securities in accordance
                  with this Declaration;

                           (H) execution and delivery of closing certificates
                  pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and the application for
                  a taxpayer identification number;

                           (I) except as otherwise required by applicable law,
                  to execute on behalf of the Trust (either acting along or
                  together with any or all of the Administrators) any documents
                  that the Administrators have the power to execute pursuant to
                  this Declaration;

                           (J) the taking of any action incidental to the
                  foregoing as the Institutional Trustee may from time to time
                  determine is necessary or advisable
<PAGE>   23
                                                                              17



                  to give effect to the terms of this Declaration for the
                  benefit of the Holders (without consideration of the effect of
                  any such action on any particular Holder);

                           (K) execution and delivery of letters or documents to
                  or instruments with DTC relating to the Capital Securities;

                           (L) to the extent provided in this Declaration, the
                  winding up of the affairs of and liquidation of the Trust and
                  the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of
                  cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of
                  Delaware;

                           (M) to establish a record date with respect to all
                  actions to be taken hereunder that require a record date be
                  established, including and with respect to, for the purposes
                  of Section 316(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, Distributions,
                  voting rights, redemptions and exchanges, and to issue
                  relevant notices to the Holders of Capital Securities and
                  Holders of Common Securities as to such actions and applicable
                  record dates;

                           (N) to duly prepare and file all applicable tax
                  returns and tax information reports that are required to be
                  filed with respect to the Trust on behalf of the Trust;

                           (O) to give prompt written notice to the Holders of
                  the Trust Securities of any notice received from the Debenture
                  Issuer of its election to defer payments of interest on the
                  Debentures by extending the interest payment period under the
                  Indenture;

                           (P) to distribute any of the Trust Property in
                  accordance with the terms of this Declaration; and

                           (Q) to take all action that may be necessary or
                  appropriate for the preservation and the continuation of the
                  Trust's valid existence, rights, franchises and privileges as
                  a statutory business trust under the laws of the State of
                  Delaware and of each other jurisdiction in which such
                  existence is necessary to protect the limited liability of the
                  Holders of the Capital Securities or to enable the Trust to
                  effect the purposes for which the Trust was created.

                        (ii) As among the Trustees and the Administrators, the
         Institutional Trustee shall have the power, duty and authority to act
         on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters:

                           (A) establish and maintain a segregated non-interest
                  bearing trust account (the "Payment Account") in the name of
                  and under the exclusive control of the Institutional Trustee
                  on behalf of the Holders of the Trust Securities and, upon the
                  receipt of payments of funds made in respect of the Debentures
                  held by the Institutional Trustee, deposit such funds into the
<PAGE>   24
                                                                              18



                  Payment Account and make payments to the Holders of the
                  Capital Securities and Holders of the Common Securities from
                  the Payment Account in accordance with Section 6.01; funds in
                  the Payment Account shall be held uninvested until disbursed
                  in accordance with this Declaration; the Payment Account shall
                  be an account that is maintained with a banking institution
                  the rating on whose long-term unsecured indebtedness is at
                  least equal to the rating assigned to the outstanding
                  long-term debt of the Debenture Issuer by a "nationally
                  recognized statistical rating organization," as that term is
                  defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities
                  Act;

                           (B)  the receipt of the Debentures;

                           (C) the collection of interest, principal and any
                  other payments made in respect of the Debentures in the
                  Payment Account;

                           (D) engage in such ministerial activities as shall be
                  necessary or appropriate to effect the redemption of the
                  Capital Securities and the Common Securities to the extent the
                  Debentures are prepaid or mature;

                           (E) engage in such ministerial activities as shall be
                  necessary or appropriate to effect the distribution of the
                  Debentures to Holders of Trust Securities;

                           (F) the distribution through the Paying Agent of
                  amounts owed to the Holders in respect of the Trust
                  Securities;

                           (G) the exercise of all of the rights, powers and
                  privileges of a holder of the Debentures;

                           (H) the sending of notices of default and other
                  information regarding the Trust Securities and the Debentures
                  to the Holders in accordance with this Declaration; and

                           (I) after any Event of Default (provided that such
                  Event of Default is not by or with respect to the
                  Institutional Trustee), the taking of any action incidental to
                  the foregoing as the Institutional Trustee may from time to
                  time determine is necessary or advisable to give effect to the
                  terms of this Declaration and protect and conserve the Trust
                  property for the benefit of the Holders (without consideration
                  of the effect of any such action on any particular Holder) and
                  also to notify the Holders if an Event of Default has
                  occurred.

                       (iii) All monies deposited in the Payment Account, and
         all Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee for the benefit of
         Holders of Trust Securities, will not be subject to any right, charge,
         security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of, or for the
         benefit of, the Institutional Trustee or its agents or their creditors.
<PAGE>   25
                                                                              19



                        (iv) The Institutional Trustee shall take all actions
         and perform such duties as may be specifically required of the
         Institutional Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Trust Securities.

                         (v) The Institutional Trustee may bring or defend, pay,
         collect, compromise, arbitrate, resort to legal action or otherwise
         adjust claims or demands of or against the Trust ("Legal Action")
         arising out of or in connection with an Event of Default of which a
         Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee has actual knowledge
         or the Institutional Trustee's duties and obligations under this
         Declaration or the Trust Indenture Act; provided, that if an Event of
         Default has occurred and is continuing and such event is attributable
         to the failure of the Debenture Issuer to pay interest or principal on
         the Debentures on the date such interest or principal is otherwise
         payable (or in the case of prepayment, on the prepayment date), then a
         Holder of Capital Securities may to the fullest extent permitted by law
         directly institute a proceeding for enforcement of payment to such
         Holder of the principal of or interest on the Debentures having a
         principal amount equal to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the
         Capital Securities of such Holder (a "Direct Action") on or after the
         respective due date specified in the Debentures. In connection with
         such Direct Action, the Holders of the Common Securities will be
         subrogated to the Holder of Capital Securities to the extent of any
         payment made by the Debenture Issuer to such Holder of Capital
         Securities in such Direct Action; provided, however, that no Holder of
         the Common Securities may exercise any such right of subrogation so
         long as an Event of Default with respect to the Capital Securities has
         occurred and is continuing. Except as provided in the preceding
         sentences, the Holders of Capital Securities will not be able to
         exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the
         Debentures.

                        (vi) The Institutional Trustee shall have the legal
         power to exercise all of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder
         of Debentures under the Indenture and, if an Event of Default actually
         known to a Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee occurs and
         is continuing, the Institutional Trustee shall, subject to the
         provisions of this Declaration, for the benefit of Holders of the Trust
         Securities, enforce its rights as holder of the Debentures subject to
         the rights of the Holders pursuant to the terms of this Declaration and
         such Trust Securities.

                       (vii) The Institutional Trustee shall continue to serve
as Trustee until either:

                           (A) the Trust has been completely liquidated and the
                  proceeds of the liquidation distributed to the Holders of
                  Capital Securities pursuant to the terms of the Capital
                  Securities; or

                           (B) a Successor Institutional Trustee has been
                  appointed and has accepted that appointment in accordance with
                  Section 5.07.

                  (b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the
Administrators are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust
and to operate the Trust so that the Trust will not be deemed to be an
Investment Company required to be registered under the
<PAGE>   26
                                                                              20



Investment Company Act or fail to be classified as a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes and so that the Debentures will be treated as
indebtedness of the Debenture Issuer for United States federal income tax
purposes. In this connection, the Administrators and the Holders of a Majority
in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities are authorized to take any
action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Trust or this
Declaration, as amended from time to time, that each of the Institutional
Trustee, any Administrator and the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount
of the Common Securities determines in its discretion to be necessary or
desirable for such purposes, so long as such action does not adversely affect in
any material respect the interests of the Holders of the Capital Securities.

                  (c) Pursuant to the Indenture, all expenses incurred by the
Administrators or the Trustees pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be reimbursed
by the Debenture Issuer, as borrower, and the Trustees shall have no obligations
with respect to such expenses.

                  Section 3.08 Prohibition of Actions by the Trust, the Trustees
and the Administrators. (a) The Trust shall not, and the Institutional Trustee
and the Administrators shall not cause the Trust to, engage in any activity
other than as required or authorized by this Declaration. In particular neither
the Trustees nor the Administrators shall cause the Trust to:

                         (i) invest any proceeds received by the Trust from
         holding the Debentures, but shall distribute all such proceeds to
         Holders of Trust Securities pursuant to the terms of this Declaration
         and of the Trust Securities;

                         (ii) acquire any assets other than as expressly
         provided herein;

                         (iii) possess Trust Property for other than a Trust
         purpose;

                         (iv) make any loans or incur any indebtedness other
         than loans represented by the Debentures;

                         (v) possess any power or otherwise act in such a way as
         to vary the Trust assets or the terms of the Trust Securities in any
         way whatsoever;

                        (vi) issue any securities or other evidences of
         beneficial ownership of, or beneficial interest in, the Trust other
         than the Trust Securities; or

                       (vii) other than as provided in this Declaration or Annex
         I hereto, (A) direct the time, method and place of exercising any trust
         or power conferred upon the Debt Trustee with respect to the
         Debentures, (B) waive any past default that is not waivable under the
         Indenture, (C) exercise any right to rescind or annul any declaration
         that the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable, or
         (D) consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the
         Indenture or the Debentures where such consent shall be required unless
         the Trust shall have received an opinion of counsel to the effect that
         such amendment, modification or termination will not cause more than an
         insubstantial risk that (x) the Trust will be deemed an
<PAGE>   27
                                                                              21



         Investment Company required to be registered under the Investment
         Company Act or (y) for United States federal income tax purposes the
         Trust will not be classified as a grantor trust.

                  Section 3.09 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of the
Institutional Trustee. (a) The Institutional Trustee, before the occurrence of
any Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have
occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in this Declaration and no implied covenants shall be read into this
Declaration against the Institutional Trustee. In case an Event of Default has
occurred (and has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.06) and a
Responsible Officer of the Institutional Trustee has actual knowledge thereof,
the Institutional Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in
it by this Declaration, and use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in
the conduct of his or her own affairs.

                  (b) No provision of this Declaration shall be construed to
relieve the Institutional Trustee from liability for its own negligent action,
its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

                         (i) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and
         after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have
         occurred:

                           (A) the duties and obligations of the Institutional
                  Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions
                  of this Declaration and the Institutional Trustee shall not be
                  liable except for the performance of such duties and
                  obligations as are specifically set forth in this Declaration,
                  and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into
                  this Declaration against the Institutional Trustee; and

                           (B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the
                  Institutional Trustee, the Institutional Trustee may
                  conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the
                  correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any
                  certificates or opinions furnished to the Institutional
                  Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
                  Declaration; but in the case of any such certificates or
                  opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically
                  required to be furnished to the Institutional Trustee, the
                  Institutional Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the
                  same to determine whether or not they conform to the
                  requirements of this Declaration (but need not confirm or
                  investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other
                  facts stated therein);

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

                       (iii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable with
         respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith
         in accordance with the direction of the
<PAGE>   28
                                                                              22



         Holders of not less than a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Trust
         Securities relating to the time, method and place of conducting any
         proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee, or
         exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Institutional Trustee
         under this Declaration;

                        (iv) no provision of this Declaration shall require the
         Institutional Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
         incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its
         duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers;

                         (v) the Institutional Trustee's sole duty with respect
         to the custody, safe keeping and physical preservation of the
         Debentures and the Payment Account shall be to deal with such property
         in a similar manner as the Institutional Trustee deals with similar
         property for its own account, subject to the protections and
         limitations on liability afforded to the Institutional Trustee under
         this Declaration and the Trust Indenture Act;

                        (vi) the Institutional Trustee shall have no duty or
         liability for or with respect to the value, genuineness, existence or
         sufficiency of the Debentures or the payment of any taxes or
         assessments levied thereon or in connection therewith;

                       (vii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable for
         any interest on any money received by it except as it may otherwise
         expressly agree in writing with the Sponsor. Money held by the
         Institutional Trustee need not be segregated from other funds held by
         it except in relation to the Payment Account maintained by the
         Institutional Trustee pursuant to Section 3.07(a)(ii)(A) and except to
         the extent otherwise required by law; and

                      (viii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be responsible
         for monitoring the compliance by the Administrators or the Sponsor with
         their respective duties under this Declaration, nor shall the
         Institutional Trustee be liable for any default or misconduct of the
         Administrators or the Sponsor.

                  Section 3.10 Certain Rights of Institutional Trustee. (a)
Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09:

                         (i) the Institutional Trustee may conclusively rely and
         shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any
         resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report,
         notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note,
         other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by
         it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the
         proper party or parties;

                        (ii) any direction or act of the Sponsor or the
         Administrators contemplated by this Declaration shall be sufficiently
         evidenced by an Officers' Certificate;

                       (iii) whenever, in the administration of this
         Declaration, the Institutional Trustee shall deem it desirable that a
         matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting
         any action hereunder, the Institutional Trustee (unless other
<PAGE>   29
                                                                              23



         evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad
         faith on its part, request and conclusively rely upon an Officers'
         Certificate as to factual matters (other than the interpretation of
         this Declaration), which, upon receipt of such request, shall be
         promptly delivered by the Sponsor or the Administrators;

                        (iv) the Institutional Trustee shall have no duty to see
         to any recording, filing or registration of any instrument (including
         any financing or continuation statement or any filing under tax or
         securities laws) or any rerecording, refiling or reregistration
         thereof;

                         (v) the Institutional Trustee may consult with counsel
         of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel with respect
         to legal matters shall be full and complete authorization and
         protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it
         hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon and in accordance with
         such advice or opinion. Such counsel may be counsel to the Sponsor or
         any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees;

                        (vi) the Institutional Trustee shall be under no
         obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this
         Declaration at the request or direction of any Holder pursuant to this
         Declaration, unless such Holder shall have provided to the
         Institutional Trustee security and indemnity, reasonably satisfactory
         to the Institutional Trustee, against the costs, expenses (including
         reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and the expenses of the
         Institutional Trustee's agents, nominees or custodians) and liabilities
         that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or
         direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by
         the Institutional Trustee; provided, that, nothing contained in this
         Section 3.10(a)(vi) shall be taken to relieve the Institutional
         Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation
         to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Declaration;

                       (vii) the Institutional Trustee shall not be bound to
         make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any
         resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report,
         notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture,
         note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but
         the Institutional Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further
         inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit;

                      (viii) the Institutional Trustee may execute any of the
         trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either
         directly or by or through agents, custodians, nominees or attorneys and
         the Institutional Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct
         or negligence on the part of any agent, custodians, nominees or
         attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

                        (ix) any action taken by the Institutional Trustee or
         its agents hereunder shall bind the Trust and the Holders of the Trust
         Securities, and the signature of the Institutional Trustee or its
         agents alone shall be sufficient and effective to perform any such
         action and no third party shall be required to inquire as to the
         authority of the Institutional Trustee to so act or as to its
         compliance with any of the terms and
<PAGE>   30
                                                                              24



         provisions of this Declaration, both of which shall be conclusively
         evidenced by the Institutional Trustee's or its agent's taking such
         action;

                         (x) whenever in the administration of this Declaration
         the Institutional Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive written
         instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking
         any other action hereunder, the Institutional Trustee (A) may request
         written instructions from the Holders of the Trust Securities, which
         instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same proportion in
         Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities as would be entitled to
         direct the Institutional Trustee under the terms of the Trust
         Securities in respect of such remedy, right or action, (B) may refrain
         from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until
         such instructions are received, and (C) shall be protected in
         conclusively relying on or acting in or accordance with such
         instructions; and

                        (xi) except as otherwise expressly provided by this
         Declaration, the Institutional Trustee shall not be under any
         obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the
         provisions of this Declaration.

                  (b) No provision of this Declaration shall be deemed to impose
any duty or obligation on the Institutional Trustee to perform any act or acts
or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in
any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Institutional
Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law,
to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or
obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Institutional
Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.

                  Section 3.11 Delaware Trustee. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Declaration other than Section 5.02, the Delaware Trustee,
acting in its capacity as such, shall not be entitled to exercise any powers,
nor shall the Delaware Trustee, acting in its capacity as such, have any of the
duties and responsibilities of the Administrators or the Institutional Trustee
described in this Declaration. The Delaware Trustee shall be a Trustee for the
sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of Section 3807 of the
Business Trust Act.

                  Section 3.12 Execution of Documents. Except as otherwise
required by applicable law, the Institutional Trustee or any Administrator, as
the case may be, is authorized to execute on behalf of the Trust any documents,
agreements, instruments or certificates that the Institutional Trustee or the
Administrators, as the case may be, have the power and authority to execute
pursuant to Section 3.07.

                  Section 3.13 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Trust
Securities. The recitals contained in this Declaration and the Trust Securities
shall be taken as the statements of the Sponsor, and the Trustees do not assume
any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees make no representations
as to the value or condition of the property of the Trust or any part thereof.
The Trustees make no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this
Declaration, the Debentures or the Trust Securities.
<PAGE>   31
                                                                              25



                  Section 3.14 Duration of Trust. The Trust, unless dissolved
pursuant to the provisions of Article VIII hereof, shall have existence for
thirty-one (31) years from ----- --, ----.

                  Section 3.15 Mergers, Consolidations or Amalgamations of the
Trust. (a) The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any Person, except as described in Section
3.15(b) and (c) of this Declaration or Sections 3 and 4 of Annex I.

                  (b) The Trust may, with the consent of all of the
Administrators or, if there are more than two, a majority of the Administrators
and without the consent of the Holders of the Trust Securities, consolidate,
amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such
under the laws of any State; provided, that:

                         (i) such successor entity ( the "Successor Entity")
         either:


                           (A) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the
                  Trust under the Trust Securities; or

                           (B) substitutes for the Trust Securities other
                  securities having substantially the same terms as the Trust
                  Securities (the "Successor Securities") so long as the
                  Successor Securities rank the same as the Trust Securities
                  rank with respect to Distributions and payments upon
                  liquidation, redemption and otherwise;

                        (ii) the Debenture Issuer expressly acknowledges a
         trustee of the Successor Entity possessing the same powers and duties
         as the Institutional Trustee as the Holder of the Debentures;

                       (iii) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
         replacement does not cause the Capital Securities (including any
         Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized
         statistical rating organization;

                        (iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
         replacement does not adversely affect the Holders of the Trust
         Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material
         respect;

                         (v) such Successor Entity has a purpose substantially
         identical to that of the Trust;

                         (vi) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation
         or replacement, the Sponsor has received an opinion of independent
         counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect that:

                           (A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
                  replacement does not adversely affect the Holders of the Trust
                  Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
                  material respect;
<PAGE>   32
                                                                              26



                           (B) following such merger, consolidation,
                  amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor the
                  Successor Entity will be required to register as an Investment
                  Company;

                           (C) following such merger, consolidation,
                  amalgamation or replacement, the Trust (or such Successor
                  Entity) will continue to be classified as a grantor trust for
                  United States federal income tax purposes; and

                       (vii) the Sponsor guarantees the obligations of such
         Successor Entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent
         provided by the Securities Guarantees.

                  (c) Notwithstanding Section 3.15(b), the Trust shall not,
except with the consent of Holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of the Trust
Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by any
other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with
or into, or replace it if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or
replacement would cause the Trust or Successor Entity to be classified as other
than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                     SPONSOR

                  Section 4.01 Sponsor's Purchase of Common Securities. On the
Closing Date the Sponsor will purchase all of the Common Securities issued by
the Trust, in an aggregate Liquidation Amount at least equal to 3% of the
capital of the Trust, at the same time as the Capital Securities are sold.

                  Section 4.02 Responsibilities of the Sponsor. In connection
with the issue and sale of the Capital Securities, the Sponsor shall have the
exclusive right and responsibility to engage in the following activities:

                  (a) if necessary, to determine the States in which to take
appropriate action to qualify or register for sale all or part of the Capital
Securities and to do any and all such acts, other than actions which must be
taken by the Trust, and advise the Trust of actions it must take, and prepare
for execution and filing any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust, as
the Sponsor deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the applicable
laws of any such States;

                  (b) if necessary, to prepare for filing by the Trust of an
application to the New York Stock Exchange or any other national stock exchange
or the Nasdaq National Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any Capital
Securities;

                  (c) if necessary, to prepare for filing by the Trust with the
Commission of a registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration
of the Capital Securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any
amendments thereto;
<PAGE>   33
                                                                              27



                  (d)  to prepare and execute the Underwriting Agreement; and

                  (e) any other actions necessary or desirable to carry out any
of the foregoing activities.


                                    ARTICLE V

                           TRUSTEES AND ADMINISTRATORS

                  Section 5.01 Number of Trustees and Administrators. (a) The
number of Trustees initially shall be two (2) and the number of Administrators
shall initially be three (3).

                  (b) At any time before the issuance of any Trust Securities,
the Sponsor may, by written instrument, increase or decrease the number of
Trustees or Administrators.

                  (c) After the issuance of any Trust Securities, the number of
Trustees may be increased or decreased by vote of the Holders of a Majority in
Liquidation Amount of the Capital Securities voting as a class at a meeting of
the Holders of the Capital Securities; provided, that (i) if required by the
Business Trust Act, there shall be one Trustee (the "Delaware Trustee") that
shall meet the requirements of Sections 5.02 and 5.04 and (ii) there shall be
one Trustee (the "Institutional Trustee") that shall meet the requirements of
Section 5.03 at such time and for so long as this Declaration is required to
qualify as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

                  Section 5.02 Delaware Trustee; Eligibility (a) If required by
the Business Trust Act, the Delaware Trustee shall be:

                         (i) a natural person who is a resident of the State of
         Delaware; or

                         (ii) if not a natural person, an entity that has its
         principal place of business in the State of Delaware, and otherwise
         meets the requirements of applicable law.

                  (b) The initial Delaware Trustee shall be Wilmington Trust
Company.

                  (c) If at any time, the Institutional Trustee has its
principal place of business in the State of Delaware and otherwise meets the
requirements of applicable law, then the Institutional Trustee shall also be the
Delaware Trustee and Section 3.11 shall have no application.

                  Section 5.03 Institutional Trustee; Eligibility. (a) The
Institutional Trustee shall:

                         (i) not be an Affiliate of the Sponsor; and
<PAGE>   34
                                                                              28



                        (ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under
         the laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory
         thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation permitted by
         the Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust
         Indenture Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust
         powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million
         U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination
         by federal, state, territorial or District of Columbia authority. If
         such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually,
         pursuant to law or to the requirements of the supervising or examining
         authority referred to above, then for the purposes of this Section
         5.03(a)(ii), the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall
         be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its
         most recent report of condition so published.

                  (b) If at any time the Institutional Trustee shall cease to be
eligible to so act under Section 5.03(a), the Institutional Trustee shall
immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set forth in Section
5.07(c).

                  (c) If the Institutional Trustee has or shall acquire any
"conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Institutional Trustee and the Holder of the Common Securities
(as if it were the obligor referred to in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act) shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act.

                  (d) The Indenture, the Debentures, the Capital Securities and
the Capital Securities Guarantee shall be deemed to be specifically described in
this Declaration for purposes of clause (i) of the first provision contained in
Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

                  (e) The initial Institutional Trustee shall be Wilmington
Trust Company.

                  Section 5.04 Certain Qualifications of Administrators and the
Delaware Trustee Generally. Each Administrator and the Delaware Trustee (unless
the Institutional Trustee also acts as Delaware Trustee) shall be either a
natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal entity that shall act
through one or more Authorized Officers.

                  Section 5.05 Initial Administrators. The initial
Administrators shall be:
                               _______________________
                               _______________________
                               _______________________

                  Section 5.06 Intentionally Omitted.

                  Section 5.07 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustees
and Administrators. (a) Subject to Section 5.07(b), Trustees may be appointed or
removed without cause at any time:
<PAGE>   35
                                                                              29



                         (i) until the issuance of any Trust Securities, by
         written instrument executed by the Sponsor; and

                         (ii) after the issuance of any Trust Securities, unless
         an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, by the Holders of
         the Common Securities (or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is
         continuing by the vote of the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation
         Amount of the Capital Securities voting as a class at a meeting of the
         Holders of the Capital Securities).

                  (b) The Trustee that acts as Institutional Trustee shall not
be removed in accordance with Section 5.07(a) until a successor Trustee
possessing the qualifications set forth in Section 5.03 (a "Successor
Institutional Trustee") has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by
written instrument executed by such Successor Institutional Trustee and
delivered to the Administrators and the Sponsor. The Trustee that acts as
Delaware Trustee shall not be removed in accordance with Section 5.07(a) until a
successor Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Delaware Trustee under
Sections 5.02 and 5.04 (a "Successor Delaware Trustee") has been appointed and
has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor
Delaware Trustee and delivered to the Administrators and the Sponsor.

                  (c) A Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until his
successor shall have been appointed or until his death, removal or resignation.
Any Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent
accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by the Trustee and delivered to
the Sponsor and the Trust, which resignation shall take effect upon such
delivery or upon such later date as is specified therein; provided, that:

                         (i) no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the
         Institutional Trustee shall be effective:

                           (A) until a Successor Institutional Trustee has been
                  appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument
                  executed by such Successor Institutional Trustee and delivered
                  to the Trust, the Sponsor and the resigning Institutional
                  Trustee; or

                           (B) until the assets of the Trust have been
                  completely liquidated and the proceeds thereof distributed to
                  the holders of the Trust Securities; and

                        (ii) no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the
         Delaware Trustee shall be effective until a Successor Delaware Trustee
         has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument
         executed by such Successor Delaware Trustee and delivered to the Trust,
         the Sponsor and the resigning Delaware Trustee.

                  (d) The Holders of the Common Securities shall use their best
efforts to promptly appoint a Successor Delaware Trustee or Successor
Institutional Trustee, as the case may be, if the Institutional Trustee or the
Delaware Trustee delivers an instrument of resignation in accordance with this
Section 5.07.
<PAGE>   36
                                                                              30



                  (e) If no Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor
Delaware Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided
in this Section 5.07 within 60 days after delivery to the Sponsor and the Trust
of an instrument of resignation or removal, the Institutional Trustee or
Delaware Trustee resigning or being removed, as applicable, may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Institutional
Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after
prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor
Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee, as the case may be.

                  (f) No Institutional Trustee or Delaware Trustee shall be
liable for the acts or omissions to act of any Successor Institutional Trustee
or Successor Delaware Trustee, as the case may be.

                  (g) The Holders of the Capital Securities will have no right
to vote to appoint, remove, replace or change the number of the Administrators,
which voting rights are vested exclusively in the Holders of the Common
Securities.

                  Section 5.08 Vacancies Among Trustees. If a Trustee ceases to
hold office for any reason and the number of Trustees is not reduced pursuant to
Section 5.01, or if the number of Trustees is increased pursuant to Section
5.01, a vacancy shall occur. A resolution certifying the existence of such
vacancy by the Trustees or, if there are more than two, a majority of the
Trustees shall be conclusive evidence of the existence of such vacancy. The
vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with Section
5.07.

                  Section 5.09 Effect of Vacancies. The death, resignation,
retirement, removal, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, incompetence or
incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to dissolve,
terminate or annul the Trust or terminate this Declaration. Whenever a vacancy
in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled by the
appointment of a Trustee in accordance with Section 5.07, the Trustees in
office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the
Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this
Declaration.

                  Section 5.10 Meetings. Meetings of the Trustees or the
Administrators shall be held from time to time upon the call of any Trustee or
Administrator, as applicable. Regular meetings of the Trustees and the
Administrators, respectively, may be held at a time and place fixed by
resolution of the Trustees or the Administrators, as applicable. Notice of any
in-person meetings of the Trustees or the Administrators shall be hand delivered
or otherwise delivered in writing (including by facsimile, with a hard copy by
overnight courier) not less than 48 hours before such meeting. Notice of any
telephonic meetings of the Trustees or the Administrators or any committee
thereof shall be hand delivered or otherwise delivered in writing (including by
facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 24 hours before
a meeting. Notices shall contain a brief statement of the time, place and
anticipated purposes of the meeting. The presence (whether in person or by
telephone) of a Trustee or an Administrator, as the case may be, at a meeting
shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Trustee or an
Administrator, as the case may be, attends a meeting for the express purpose of
objecting to the transaction of any activity on the ground that the meeting has
not been lawfully called or convened. Unless provided otherwise
<PAGE>   37
                                                                              31



in this Declaration, any action of the Trustees or the Administrators, as the
case may be, may be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority of the Trustees or
Administrators present (whether in person or by telephone) and eligible to vote
with respect to such matter, provided that, with respect to the Administrators,
a Quorum is present, or without a meeting by the unanimous written consent of
the Trustees or the Administrators. In the event there is only one Trustee or
Administrator, any and all action of such Trustee or Administrator shall be
evidenced by a written consent of such Trustee or Administrator. Meetings of the
Trustees and the Administrators together shall be held from time to time upon
the call of any Trustee or Administrator.

                  Section 5.11 Delegation of Power. (a) Any Trustee or
Administrator may, by power of attorney consistent with applicable law, delegate
to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or her power for the purpose
of executing any documents contemplated in Section 3.07, including any
registration statement or amendment thereto filed with the Commission, or making
any other governmental filing; and

                  (b) The Trustees and the Administrators shall have power to
delegate from time to time to such of their number or to officers of the Trust
the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the
name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or otherwise as the Trustees may
deem expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable
law or contrary to the provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.

                  Section 5.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession
to Business. Any Person into which the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be, may be merged or converted or with which either may
be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or
consolidation to which the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, as the
case may be, shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially
all the corporate trust business of the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware
Trustee, as the case may be, shall be the successor of the Institutional Trustee
or the Delaware Trustee, as the case may be, hereunder, provided such Person
shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the
execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the
parties hereto.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                  DISTRIBUTIONS

                  Section 6.01 Distributions. Holders of Trust Securities shall
receive Distributions (as defined herein) in accordance with the applicable
terms of the relevant Holder's Trust Securities. Distributions shall be made on
the Capital Securities and the Common Securities in accordance with the
preferences set forth in their respective terms. If and to the extent that the
Debenture Issuer makes a payment of interest (including Compound Interest, if
any, Additional Interest, if any, (as defined in the Indenture)), premium and/or
principal on the Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee (the amount of any
such payment being a "Payment Amount"), the Institutional Trustee shall and is
directed, to the extent funds are available for that purpose, to make a
distribution (a "Distribution") of the Payment Amount to Holders. If payments on
the Debentures are deferred by the Sponsor, the Trust
<PAGE>   38
                                                                              32



shall, in like manner, defer payment of Distributions on the Trust Securities,
and Additional Distributions (compounded semi-annually to the extent permitted
by applicable law) shall accumulate thereon for so long as the payment of
interest on the Debentures is so deferred.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                          ISSUANCE OF TRUST SECURITIES

                  Section 7.01 Global Securities. (a) The Capital Securities may
be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities. If the Capital
Securities are to be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities, then
at least one of the Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall execute and the
Institutional Trustee shall authenticate and deliver one or more Global
Securities that (i) shall represent and shall be denominated in an amount equal
to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the Capital Securities to be
issued in the form of Global Securities and not yet cancelled, (ii) shall be
registered in the name of the Clearing Agency for such Global Security or
Capital Securities or the nominee of such Clearing Agency, and (iii) shall be
delivered by the Institutional Trustee to such Clearing Agency or pursuant to
such Clearing Agency's instructions. Global Securities shall bear a legend
substantially to the following effect:

                  "This Capital Security is a Global Security within the meaning
of the Declaration hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of The
Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation (the "Clearing Agency"), or a
nominee of the Clearing Agency. This Capital Security is exchangeable for
Capital Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Clearing
Agency or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the
Declaration and no transfer of this Capital Security (other than a transfer of
this Capital Security as a whole by the Clearing Agency to a nominee of the
Clearing Agency or by a nominee of the Clearing Agency to the Clearing Agency or
another nominee of the Clearing Agency) may be registered except in limited
circumstances.

                  Unless this Capital Security Certificate is presented by an
authorized representative of the Clearing Agency to K N Capital Trust II or its
agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any Capital
Security Certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such
other name as registered by an authorized representative of the Clearing Agency
(and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is
requested by an authorized representative of the Clearing Agency), 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."

                  (b) Capital Securities not represented by a Global Security
issued in exchange for all or a part of a Global Security pursuant to this
Section 7.01 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
denominations as the Clearing Agency, pursuant to instructions from its direct
or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Institutional Trustee.
Upon execution and authentication, the Institutional Trustee shall deliver such
Capital Securities not represented by a Global Security to the Persons in whose
names such definitive Capital Securities are so registered.
<PAGE>   39
                                                                              33



                  (c) At such time as all interests in Global Securities have
been redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, such Global Securities shall be, upon
receipt thereof, cancelled by the Institutional Trustee in accordance with
standing procedures of the Clearing Agency. At any time prior to such
cancellation, if any interest in Global Securities is exchanged for Capital
Securities not represented by a Global Security, redeemed, cancelled or
transferred to a transferee who receives Capital Securities not represented by a
Global Security therefor or any Capital Security not represented by a Global
Security is exchanged or transferred for part of Global Securities, the
principal amount of such Global Securities shall, in accordance with the
standing procedures of the Clearing Agency, be reduced or increased, as the case
may be, and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Securities by the
Institutional Trustee to reflect such reduction or increase.

                  (d) The Trust and the Institutional Trustee may for all
purposes, including the making of payments due on the Global Securities, deal
with the Clearing Agency as the authorized representative of the Holders for the
purposes of exercising the rights of Holders hereunder. The rights of the owner
of any beneficial interest in a Global Security shall be limited to those
established by law and agreements between such owners and depository
participants; provided, that no such agreement shall give any rights to any
Person against the Trust or the Institutional Trustee without the written
consent of the parties so affected. Multiple requests and directions from and
votes of the Clearing Agency or its nominee as Holder of Global Securities with
respect to any particular matter shall not be deemed inconsistent to the extent
they do not represent an amount of Global Securities in excess of those held in
the name of the Clearing Agency or its nominee.

                  (e) If the Sponsor at its option advises the Trustees in
writing that the Capital Securities issued in the form of one or more Global
Securities shall no longer be represented by a Global Security or Capital
Securities, at least one of the Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall
execute, and the Institutional Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, Capital
Securities in definitive registered form, in any authorized denominations, in an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
Security or Capital Securities representing such Capital Securities, in exchange
for such Global Security or Capital Securities.

                  (f) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Declaration
(other than the provisions set forth in Section 9.01), Global Securities may not
be transferred as a whole except by the Clearing Agency to a nominee of the
Clearing Agency or by a nominee of the Clearing Agency to the Clearing Agency or
another nominee of the Clearing Agency or by the Clearing Agency or any such
nominee to a successor Clearing Agency or a nominee of such successor Clearing
Agency.

                  (g) Interests of beneficial owners of a Global Security may be
transferred or exchanged for Capital Securities not represented by a Global
Security and Capital Securities not represented by a Global Security may be
transferred or exchanged for Global Securities in accordance with the rules of
the Clearing Agency and the provisions of Article IX.
<PAGE>   40
                                                                              34



                  (h) Upon issuance of the Trust Securities as provided in this
Declaration, except to the extent set forth in Section 10.01(b), the Trust
Securities so issued shall be deemed to be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

                  (i) Every Person, by virtue of having become a Holder or a
Capital Security Beneficial Owner in accordance with the terms of this
Declaration, shall be deemed to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms
of and shall be bound by this Declaration and the Capital Securities Guarantee.

                  Section 7.02 Execution and Authentication. (a) The
Certificates shall be signed on behalf of the Trust by an Administrator. In case
any Administrator of the Trust who shall have signed any of the Trust Securities
shall cease to be such Administrator before the Certificates so signed shall be
delivered by the Trust, such Certificates nevertheless may be delivered as
though the person who signed such Certificates had not ceased to be such
Administrator; and any Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Trust by such
persons who, at the actual date of execution of such Trust Security, shall be
the Administrators of the Trust, although at the date of the execution and
delivery of this Declaration any such person was not such an Administrator.

                  (b) One Administrator shall sign the Capital Securities for
the Trust by manual or facsimile signature. Unless otherwise determined by the
Trust, such signature shall, in the case of Common Securities, be a manual
signature.

                  A Capital Security shall not be valid until authenticated by
the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Institutional Trustee.
The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Capital Security has been
authenticated under this Declaration.

                  Upon a written order of the Trust signed by one Administrator,
the Institutional Trustee shall authenticate the Capital Securities for original
issue.

                  The Institutional Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent
acceptable to the Trust to authenticate Capital Securities. A Common Security
need not be authenticated or countersigned. An authenticating agent may
authenticate Capital Securities whenever the Institutional Trustee may do so.
Each reference in this Declaration to authentication by the Institutional
Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the
same rights as the Institutional Trustee to deal with the Sponsor or an
Affiliate.

                  Section 7.03 Form and Dating. The Capital Securities and the
Institutional Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be substantially in
the form of Exhibit A-1 and the Common Securities shall be substantially in the
form of Exhibit A-2, each of which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made
a part of this Declaration. Certificates may be typed, printed, lithographed or
engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is reasonably acceptable to
the Administrators, as evidenced by their execution thereof. The Trust
Securities may have letters, numbers, notations or other marks of identification
or designation and such legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange
rule, agreements to which the Trust is subject, if any, or usage (provided that
any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Trust).
The Trust, at the direction of the Sponsor, shall furnish
<PAGE>   41
                                                                              35



any such legend not contained in Exhibit A-1 to the Institutional Trustee in
writing. Each Capital Security Certificate shall be dated the date of its
authentication. The terms and provisions of the Trust Securities set forth in
Annex I and the forms of Trust Securities set forth in Exhibits A-1 and A-2 are
part of the terms of this Declaration and, to the extent applicable, the
Institutional Trustee, the Delaware Trustee, the Administrators and the Sponsor,
by their execution and delivery of this Declaration, expressly agree to such
terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.

                  Section 7.04 Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trust shall
maintain in Wilmington, Delaware, an office or agency where Capital Securities
not held in book-entry only form may be presented for payment (the "Paying
Agent"). The Trust shall keep or cause to be kept at such office or agency a
register (the "Securities Register") for the purpose of registering Trust
Securities and transfers and exchanges of Trust Securities, such register to be
held by a registrar (the "Registrar"). The Trust may appoint the Paying Agent
and the Registrar. Any such Paying Agent shall comply with Section 317(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act. The term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying
agent and the term "Registrar" includes any additional registrar. The Trust may
change any Paying Agent or Registrar at any time without prior notice to any
Holder. The Trust shall notify the Institutional Trustee in writing of the name
and address of any Agent not a party to this Declaration. If the Trust fails to
appoint or maintain another entity as Paying Agent or Registrar, the
Institutional Trustee shall act as such.

                  The Trust initially appoints the Institutional Trustee as
Paying Agent and Registrar for the Capital Securities and the Common Securities.

                  The Trust shall require each Paying Agent other than the
Institutional Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in
trust for the benefit of Holders of the Trust Securities all money held by the
Paying Agent for the payment of liquidation amounts, redemption amounts or
Distributions on the Trust Securities, and will notify the Institutional Trustee
in writing if there are insufficient funds. While any such insufficiency
continues, the Institutional Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money
held by it to the Institutional Trustee. The Trust at any time may require a
Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Institutional Trustee and to
account for any money disbursed by it. Upon payment over to the Institutional
Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Trust or an Affiliate of the Trust)
shall have no further liability for the money. If the Trust or the Sponsor or an
Affiliate of the Trust or the Sponsor acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate
and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held
by it as Paying Agent.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                              DISSOLUTION OF TRUST

                  Section 8.01 Dissolution of Trust. (a) The Trust shall
dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, upon the earliest to occur of the
following:
<PAGE>   42
                                                                              36



                         (i) the commencement by the Sponsor of a voluntary case
         under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or any
         other similar state or federal law now or hereafter in effect, or the
         consent by the Sponsor to the entry of a decree or order for relief in
         an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by the Sponsor
         to the appointment of or the taking of possession by a liquidating
         agent or committee, conservator or receiver of the Sponsor or any
         substantial part of its property or the general assignment by the
         Sponsor for the benefit of its creditors, or the admission by the
         Sponsor in writing of its inability to pay its debts as they become
         due;

                        (ii) the entry of a decree or order for relief by a
         court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of the Sponsor in
         an involuntary case under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 of the federal
         Bankruptcy Code or any other similar state or federal law now or
         hereafter in effect, and the continuance of any such decree or order
         unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 days, or the appointment of
         or the taking of possession by a liquidating agent or committee,
         conservator or receiver of the Sponsor or any substantial part of its
         property and the continuance of any such appointment unstayed and in
         effect for a period of 60 days;

                        (iii) upon the dissolution or liquidation of the
         Sponsor;

                        (iv) (other than in connection with a merger,
         consolidation or similar transaction not prohibited by the Indenture,
         this Declaration or the Securities Guarantees) upon the filing of a
         certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to the
         Sponsor; or the revocation of the Sponsor's charter and the expiration
         of 90 days after the date of revocation without a reinstatement
         thereof;

                         (v) the written direction to the Institutional Trustee
         from the Sponsor at any time to dissolve the Trust and distribute
         Debentures to Holders of the Trust Securities in exchange for a Like
         Amount of the Trust Securities (which direction is optional and wholly
         within the discretion of the Sponsor), subject to the Sponsor having
         received an opinion of counsel to the effect that such distribution
         will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax
         purposes to Holders of Capital Securities;

                        (vi) when all of the Trust Securities shall have been
         called for redemption and the amounts necessary for redemption thereof
         shall have been paid to the Holders in accordance with the terms of the
         Trust Securities;

                       (vii) upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution
         of the Trust by a court of competent jurisdiction;

                        (viii) the expiration of the term of the Trust on _____
         __, ____; or

                        (ix) before the issuance of any Trust Securities, with
         the consent of all of the Administrators and the Sponsor.
<PAGE>   43
                                                                              37



                  (b) As soon as is practicable after the occurrence of an event
referred to in Section 8.01(a), after the completion of the winding up of the
affairs of the Trust, the Trustees shall file a certificate of cancellation with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

                  (c) The provisions of Sections 3.09 and 3.10 and Article X
shall survive the termination of the Trust.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                              TRANSFER OF INTERESTS

                  Section 9.01 Transfer of Trust Securities. (a) Trust
Securities may only be transferred, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
terms and conditions set forth in this Declaration and in the terms of the Trust
Securities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any transfer or purported
transfer of any Trust Security not made in accordance with this Declaration
shall be null and void.

                  (b) Subject to this Article IX, the Capital Securities are
freely transferable.

                  (c) Upon issuance of the Common Securities, the Sponsor shall
acquire and retain beneficial and record ownership of the Common Securities and,
for so long as the Capital Securities remain outstanding, the Sponsor shall
maintain 100% ownership of the Common Securities, subject to Section 9.01(g) and
provided that any permitted successor of the Sponsor under the Indenture may
succeed to the Sponsor's ownership of the Common Securities.

                  (d) At the option of the Holder, Trust Securities may be
exchanged for other Trust Securities of any authorized denominations and of a
like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Trust Securities to be
exchanged at the proper office or agency. Whenever any Trust Securities are so
surrendered for exchange, at least one of the Administrators on behalf of the
Trust shall execute, and in the case of Capital Securities the Institutional
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Trust Securities which the Holder
making the exchange is entitled to receive.

                  (e) Every Trust Security presented or surrendered for
registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Trust or
the Institutional Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Trust and the Registrar duly
executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

                  (f) No service charge shall be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Trust Securities, but the Trust and the Institutional
Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of
transfer or exchange of Trust Securities.

                  (g) Subject to this Article IX, the Sponsor and any Related
Party may only transfer Common Securities to the Sponsor or a Related Party of
the Sponsor, and that any
<PAGE>   44
                                                                              38



such transfer is subject to the condition precedent that the transferor obtain
the written opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel experienced in
such matters that such transfer would not cause more than an insubstantial risk
that:

                        (i) the Trust would not be classified for United States
         federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust; or

                        (ii) the Trust would be an Investment Company required
         to register under the Investment Company Act or the transferee would
         become an Investment Company required to register under the Investment
         Company Act.

                  Section 9.02 Transfer of Certificates. The Registrar shall
provide for the registration of Certificates and of transfers of Certificates,
which will be effected without charge, but only upon payment (with such
indemnity as the Registrar may require) in respect of any tax or other
government charges that may be imposed in relation to it. Upon surrender for
registration of transfer of any Certificate, the Trust shall cause one or more
new Certificates of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
principal amount to be issued in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees. Each Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be
canceled by the Registrar. A transferee of a Certificate shall be entitled to
the rights and subject to the obligations of a Holder hereunder upon the receipt
by such transferee of a Certificate. By acceptance of a Certificate, each
transferee shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by this Declaration.

                  Section 9.03 Deemed Holders. The Trust, the Administrators,
the Trustees, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may treat the Person in whose
name any Certificate shall be registered on the books and records of the Trust
as the sole Holder of such Certificate and of the Trust Securities represented
by such Certificate for purposes of receiving Distributions and for all other
purposes whatsoever and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any
equitable or other claim to or interest in such Certificate or in the Trust
Securities represented by such Certificate on the part of any Person, whether or
not the Trust, the Administrators or the Institutional Trustee shall have actual
or other notice thereof.

                  Section 9.04 Book Entry Interests. (a) So long as the Capital
Securities are eligible for book-entry settlement in the Clearing Agency or
unless otherwise required by law, all Capital Securities that are so eligible
will be represented by one or more fully registered Global Certificates
deposited with the Clearing Agency or the Institutional Trustee as custodian for
the Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Each Capital Security
Beneficial Owner will not receive a Definitive Capital Security Certificate
representing such Capital Security Beneficial Owner's interest in the Capital
Securities, except as provided in Section 9.07 below.

                  (b) Unless and until definitive, fully registered Capital
Security Certificates have been issued to the Capital Security Beneficial Owners
of a Capital Security represented by a Global Certificate pursuant to Section
9.07:

                         (i) the provisions of this Section 9.04 shall be in
         full force and effect with respect to such Capital Securities;
<PAGE>   45
                                                                              39



                        (ii) the Trust and the Trustees shall be entitled to
         deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Declaration
         (including the payment of Distributions on the Global Certificates and
         receiving approvals, votes or consents hereunder) as the Holder of such
         Capital Securities and the sole holder of the Global Certificates and
         shall have no obligation to the Capital Security Beneficial Owners of
         such Capital Securities;

                       (iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section
         9.04 conflict with any other provisions of this Declaration, the
         provisions of this Section 9.04 shall control; and

                        (iv) the rights of the Capital Security Beneficial
         Owners of Capital Securities in global form shall be exercised only
         through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established
         by law and agreements between such Capital Security Beneficial Owners
         and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants.

                  Section 9.05 Notices to Clearing Agency. Whenever a notice or
other communication to the Capital Security Holders is required under this
Declaration, unless and until Definitive Capital Securities Certificates shall
have been issued to the Capital Security Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section
9.07, the Administrators shall give all such notices and communications
specified herein to be given to the Capital Security Holders to the Clearing
Agency, and shall have no notice obligations to the Capital Security Beneficial
Owners.

                  Section 9.06 Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency. If any
Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Capital Securities, the Administrators may, in their sole
discretion, appoint a successor Clearing Agency with respect to such Capital
Securities.

                  Section 9.07 Definitive Capital Security Certificates Under
Certain Circumstances. (a) If:

                         (i) a Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its
         services as securities depositary with respect to the Capital
         Securities and a successor Clearing Agency is not appointed within 90
         days after such discontinuance pursuant to Section 9.06; or

                        (ii) the Administrators elect after consultation with
         the Sponsor to terminate the book entry system through the Clearing
         Agency with respect to the Capital Securities in global form,

                  then:

                           (A) Definitive Capital Securities Certificates in
                  denominations of $_____ and integral multiples thereof shall
                  be prepared by the Administrators on behalf of the Trust with
                  respect to such Capital Securities; and
<PAGE>   46
                                                                              40



                           (B) upon surrender of the Global Certificates by the
                  Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the
                  Administrators shall cause Definitive Capital Securities
                  Certificates to be delivered to Capital Security Beneficial
                  Owners of such Capital Securities in accordance with the
                  instructions of the Clearing Agency. Neither the Trustees nor
                  the Trust shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such
                  instructions and each of them may conclusively rely on and
                  shall be protected in relying on, said instructions of the
                  Clearing Agency. The Definitive Capital Securities
                  Certificates shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or may
                  be produced in any other manner as is reasonably acceptable to
                  the Administrators, as evidenced by their execution thereof,
                  and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of
                  identification or designation and such legends or endorsements
                  as the Administrators may deem appropriate, or as may be
                  required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation
                  made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any
                  stock exchange on which Capital Securities may be listed, or
                  to conform to usage.

                  (b) At such time as all interests in a Global Certificate have
been redeemed, exchanged, repurchased or canceled, such Global Certificate shall
be, upon receipt thereof, canceled by the Trust in accordance with standing
procedures and instructions of the Clearing Agency.

                  Section 9.08 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen
Certificates. If:

                         (i) any mutilated Certificates should be surrendered to
         the Administrators, or if the Administrators shall receive evidence to
         their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any
         Certificate; and

                        (ii) there shall be delivered to the Registrar and the
         Institutional Trustee or the Administrators such security or indemnity
         as may be required by them to keep each of them harmless,

                  then:

in the absence of notice that such Certificate shall have been acquired by a
bona fide purchaser, the Institutional Trustee or any Administrator on behalf of
the Trust shall execute and deliver, in exchange for, or in lieu of, any such
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Certificate, a new Certificate of like
denomination. In connection with the issuance of any new Certificate under this
Section 9.08, the Institutional Trustee and the Administrators may require the
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that
may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate Certificate issued
pursuant to this Section 9.08 shall constitute conclusive evidence of an
ownership interest in the relevant Trust Securities, as if originally issued,
whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate shall be found at any
time.
<PAGE>   47
                                                                              41



                                    ARTICLE X

                           LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF
                 HOLDERS OF TRUST SECURITIES, TRUSTEES OR OTHERS

                  Section 10.01 Liability. (a) Except as expressly set forth in
this Declaration, the Securities Guarantees and the terms of the Trust
Securities, the Sponsor shall not be:

                         (i) personally liable for the return of any portion of
         the capital contributions (or any return thereon) of the Holders of the
         Trust Securities, which shall be made solely from assets of the Trust;
         or

                        (ii) required to pay to the Trust or to any Holder of
         Trust Securities any deficit upon dissolution of the Trust or
         otherwise.

                  (b) The Holder of the Common Securities shall be liable for
all of the debts and obligations of the Trust (other than with respect to the
Trust Securities) to the extent not satisfied out of the Trust's assets.

                  (c) Pursuant to Section 3803(a) of the Business Trust Act, the
Holders of the Capital Securities shall be entitled to the same limitation of
personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit
organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                  Section 10.02 Exculpation. (a) No Indemnified Person shall be
liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any
Covered Person for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this
Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any
such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.

                  (b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying
in good faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's
professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care
by or on behalf of the Trust, including information, opinions, reports or
statements as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits,
losses, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from
which Distributions to Holders of Trust Securities might properly be paid.

                  Section 10.03 Fiduciary Duty. (a) To the extent that, at law
or in equity, an Indemnified Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and
liabilities relating thereto to the Trust or to any other Covered Person, an
Indemnified Person acting under this Declaration shall not be liable to the
Trust or to any other Covered Person for its good faith reliance on the
provisions of this Declaration. The provisions of this Declaration, to the
extent that they
<PAGE>   48
                                                                              42



restrict the duties and liabilities of an Indemnified Person otherwise existing
at law or in equity (other than the duties imposed on the Institutional Trustee
under the Trust Indenture Act), are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such
other duties and liabilities of such Indemnified Person.

                  (b)  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein:

                        (i) whenever a conflict of interest exists or arises
         between any Covered Persons and any Indemnified Person; or

                        (ii) whenever this Declaration or any other agreement
         contemplated herein or therein provides that an Indemnified Person
         shall act in a manner that is, or provides terms that are, fair and
         reasonable to the Trust or any Holder of Trust Securities, the
         Indemnified Person shall resolve such conflict of interest, take such
         action or provide such terms, considering in each case the relative
         interest of each party (including its own interest) to such conflict,
         agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens
         relating to such interests, any customary or accepted industry
         practices, and any applicable generally accepted accounting practices
         or principles. In the absence of bad faith by the Indemnified Person,
         the resolution, action or term so made, taken or provided by the
         Indemnified Person shall not constitute a breach of this Declaration or
         any other agreement contemplated herein or of any duty or obligation of
         the Indemnified Person at law or in equity or otherwise.

                  (c) Whenever in this Declaration an Indemnified Person is
permitted or required to make a decision:

                         (i) in its "discretion" or under a grant of similar
         authority, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to consider such
         interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and
         shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any
         interest of or factors affecting the Trust or any other Person; or

                        (ii) in its "good faith" or under another express
         standard, the Indemnified Person shall act under such express standard
         and shall not be subject to any other or different standard imposed by
         this Declaration or by applicable law.

                  Section 10.04 Indemnification. (a)(i) The Debenture Issuer, as
borrower, shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted by law, any Company
Indemnified Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to
any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the
right of the Trust), by reason of the fact that he is or was a Company
Indemnified Person, against expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good
faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent,
shall not, of itself, create a
<PAGE>   49
                                                                              43



presumption that the Company Indemnified Person did not act in good faith and in
a manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

                        (ii) The Debenture Issuer, as borrower, shall indemnify,
         to the full extent permitted by law, any Company Indemnified Person who
         was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
         threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by or in
         the right of the Trust to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of
         the fact that he is or was a Company Indemnified Person, against
         expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
         incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such
         action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
         believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust and
         except that no such indemnification shall be made in respect of any
         claim, issue or matter as to which such Company Indemnified Person
         shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Trust unless and only to
         the extent that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the court in which
         such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that,
         despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the
         circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
         entitled to indemnity for such expenses that such Court of Chancery or
         such other court shall deem proper.

                       (iii) To the extent that a Company Indemnified Person
         shall be successful on the merits or otherwise (including dismissal of
         an action without prejudice or the settlement of an action without
         admission of liability) in defense of any action, suit or proceeding
         referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this Section 10.04(a), or in
         defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified
         by the Debenture Issuer, to the full extent permitted by law, against
         expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
         incurred by him in connection therewith.

                        (iv) Any indemnification under paragraphs (i) and (ii)
         of this Section 10.04(a) (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by
         the Debenture Issuer as authorized in the specific case upon a
         determination that indemnification of the Company Indemnified Person is
         proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard
         of conduct set forth in paragraphs (i) and (ii). Such determination
         shall be made (1) by the Administrators by a majority vote of a Quorum
         consisting of such Administrators who were not parties to such action,
         suit or proceeding, (2) if such a Quorum is not obtainable, or, even if
         obtainable, if a Quorum of disinterested Administrators so directs, by
         independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the Holders
         of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities.

                         (v) Expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees)
         incurred by a Company Indemnified Person in defending a civil,
         criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding
         referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this Section 10.04(a) shall
         be paid by the Debenture Issuer, as borrower, in advance of the final
         disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
         undertaking by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person to repay
         such amount if it shall
<PAGE>   50
                                                                              44



         ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by
         the Debenture Issuer as authorized in this Section 10.04(a).
         Notwithstanding the foregoing, no advance shall be made by the
         Debenture Issuer if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (i)
         by the Administrators by a majority vote of a Quorum of disinterested
         Administrators, (ii) if such a Quorum is not obtainable, or, even if
         obtainable, if a Quorum of disinterested Administrators so directs, by
         independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iii) by the Holders
         of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities, that,
         based upon the facts known to the Administrators, such counsel or such
         Holders at the time such determination is made, such Company
         Indemnified Person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person
         did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
         Trust, or, with respect to any criminal proceeding, that such Company
         Indemnified Person believed or had reasonable cause to believe his
         conduct was unlawful. In no event shall any advance be made in
         instances where the Administrators, such counsel or such Holders
         reasonably determine that such person deliberately breached his duty to
         the Trust or the Holders.

                        (vi) The indemnification and advancement of expenses
         provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other paragraphs of this
         Section 10.04(a) shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
         which those seeking indemnification and advancement of expenses may be
         entitled under any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
         directors of the Debenture Issuer or Holders of Capital Securities or
         otherwise. All rights to indemnification under this Section 10.04(a)
         shall be deemed to be provided by a contract between the Debenture
         Issuer and each Company Indemnified Person who serves in such capacity
         at any time while this Section 10.04(a) is in effect. Any repeal or
         modification of this Section 10.04(a) shall not affect any rights or
         obligations then existing.

                       (vii) The Debenture Issuer or the Trust may purchase and
         maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Company
         Indemnified Person against any liability asserted against him and
         incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as
         such, whether or not the Debenture Issuer would have the power to
         indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this
         Section 10.04(a).

                      (viii) For purposes of this Section 10.04(a), references
         to "the Trust" shall include, in the event of a consolidation or
         merger, in addition to the resulting or surviving entity, any
         constituent entity (including any constituent of a constituent)
         absorbed in such consolidation or merger, so that any person who is or
         was a director, trustee, officer or employee of such constituent
         entity, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent entity
         as a director, trustee, officer, employee or agent of another entity,
         shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section
         10.04(a) with respect to the resulting or surviving entity as he would
         have with respect to such constituent entity if its separate existence
         had continued.

                        (ix) The indemnification and advancement of expenses
         provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Section 10.04(a) shall,
         unless otherwise provided when
<PAGE>   51
                                                                              45



         authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a
         Company Indemnified Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
         executors and administrators of such a person. The provisions of this
         Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of this Declaration, the
         dissolution of the Trust or the resignation or removal of any
         Administrator or Trustee.

                  (b) The Debenture Issuer, as borrower, agrees to indemnify the
(i) Institutional Trustee, (ii) the Delaware Trustee, (iii) any Affiliate of the
Institutional Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, and (iv) any officers,
directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives,
custodians, nominees or agents of the Institutional Trustee and the Delaware
Trustee (each of the Persons in (i) through (iv) being referred to as a
"Fiduciary Indemnified Person") for, and to hold each Fiduciary Indemnified
Person harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without
negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the
acceptance or administration or the trust or trusts hereunder, including the
costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) of defending
itself against or investigating any claim or liability in connection with the
exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligation
to indemnify as set forth in this Section 10.04(b) shall survive the
satisfaction and discharge of this Declaration and the dissolution and
termination of the Trust.

                  Section 10.05 Outside Business. Any Covered Person, the
Sponsor, the Delaware Trustee and the Institutional Trustee (subject to Section
5.03(c)) may engage in or possess an interest in other business ventures of any
nature or description, independently or with others, similar or dissimilar to
the business of the Trust, and the Trust and the Holders of Trust Securities
shall have no rights by virtue of this Declaration in and to such independent
ventures or the income or profits derived therefrom, and the pursuit of any such
venture, even if competitive with the business of the Trust, shall not be deemed
wrongful or improper. No Covered Person, the Sponsor, the Delaware Trustee, or
the Institutional Trustee shall be obligated to present any particular
investment or other opportunity to the Trust even if such opportunity is of a
character that, if presented to the Trust, could be taken by the Trust, and any
Covered Person, the Sponsor, the Delaware Trustee and the Institutional Trustee
shall have the right to take for its own account (individually or as a partner
or fiduciary) or to recommend to others any such particular investment or other
opportunity. Any Covered Person, the Delaware Trustee and the Institutional
Trustee may engage or be interested in any financial or other transaction with
the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the Sponsor, or may act as depositary for,
trustee or agent for, or act on any committee or body of holders of, securities
or other obligations of the Sponsor of its Affiliates.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   ACCOUNTING

                  Section 11.01 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year ("Fiscal Year") of
the Trust shall be the calendar year, or such other year as is required by the
Code.
<PAGE>   52
                                                                              46



                  Section 11.02 Certain Accounting Matters. (a) At all times
during the existence of the Trust, the Administrators shall keep, or cause to be
kept, full books, records and supporting documents, which shall reflect in
reasonable detail, each transaction of the Trust. The books of account shall be
maintained on the accrual method of accounting in compliance with generally
accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. The Trust shall use the
accrual method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. The
books of account and the records of the Trust shall be examined by and reported
upon as of the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust by a firm of independent
certified public accountants selected by the Administrators. The books of
account and the records of the Trust, together with a copy of this Declaration
and a certified copy of the Certificate of Trust, or any amendment thereto,
shall at all times be maintained at the principal office of the Trust or its
duly authorized representative for any purpose reasonably related to its
interest in the Trust during normal business hours.

                  (b) The Administrators shall cause to be prepared and
delivered to each of the Holders of Trust Securities, within 90 days after the
end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust, annual financial statements of the Trust,
including a balance sheet of the Trust as of the end of such Fiscal Year, and
the related income or loss.

                  (c) The Administrators shall cause to be duly prepared and
delivered to each of the Holders of Trust Securities any annual United States
federal income tax information statement required by the Code containing such
information with regard to the Trust Securities held by each Holder as is
required by the Code and the Treasury Regulations. Notwithstanding any right
under the Code to deliver any such statement at a later date, the Administrators
shall endeavor to deliver all such statements within 30 days after the end of
each Fiscal Year of the Trust.

                  (d) The Administrators shall cause to be duly prepared and
filed with the appropriate taxing authority, an annual United States federal
income tax return, on a Form 1041 or such other form required by United States
federal income tax law, and any other annual income tax returns required to be
filed by the Administrators on behalf of the Trust with any state or local
taxing authority.

                  Section 11.03 Banking. The Trust shall maintain one or more
bank accounts in the name and for the sole benefit of the Trust; provided, that
all payments of funds in respect of the Debentures held by the Institutional
Trustee shall be made directly to the Payment Account and no other funds of the
Trust shall be deposited in the Payment Account. The sole signatories for such
accounts (including the Payment Account) shall be designated by the
Administrators; provided, that the Institutional Trustee shall designate the
signatories for the Payment Account.

                  Section 11.04 Withholding. The Trust and the Administrators
shall comply with all withholding requirements under United States federal,
state and local law. The Administrators on behalf of the Trust shall request,
and the Holders shall provide to the Trust, such forms or certificates as are
necessary to establish an exemption from withholding with respect to each
Holder, and any representations and forms as shall reasonably be requested by
the Trust to assist it in determining the extent of, and in fulfilling, its
withholding obligations.
<PAGE>   53
                                                                              47



The Administrators shall file required forms with applicable jurisdictions and,
unless an exemption from withholding is properly established by a Holder, shall
remit amounts withheld with respect to the Holder to applicable jurisdictions.
To the extent that the Trust is required to withhold and pay over any amounts to
any authority with respect to Distributions or allocations to any Holder, the
amount withheld shall be deemed to be a Distribution in the amount of the
withholding to the Holder. In the event of any claimed overwithholding, Holders
shall be limited to an action against the applicable jurisdiction. If the amount
required to be withheld was not withheld from actual Distributions made, the
Trust may reduce subsequent Distributions by the amount of such withholding.


                                   ARTICLE XII

                             AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS

                  Section 12.01 Amendments. (a) Except as otherwise provided in
this Declaration or by any applicable terms of the Trust Securities, this
Declaration may only be amended by a written instrument approved and executed
by:

                        (i) the Administrators (or, if there are more than two
         Administrators, a majority of the Administrators); and

                        (ii) if the amendment affects the rights, powers,
         duties, obligations or immunities of the Institutional Trustee, the
         Institutional Trustee; and

                       (iii) if the amendment affects the rights, powers,
         duties, obligations or immunities of the Delaware Trustee, the Delaware
         Trustee.

                  (b) No amendment shall be made, and any such purported
amendment shall be void and ineffective:

                         (i) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment, the
         Institutional Trustee shall have first received an Officers'
         Certificate from each of the Trust and the Sponsor that such amendment
         is permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Declaration
         (including the terms of the Trust Securities);

                        (ii) unless, in the case of any proposed amendment that
         affects the rights, powers, duties, obligations or immunities of the
         Institutional Trustee, the Institutional Trustee shall have first
         received:

                           (A) an Officers' Certificate from each of the Trust
                  and the Sponsor that such amendment is permitted by, and
                  conforms to, the terms of this Declaration (including the
                  terms of the Trust Securities); and

                           (B) an opinion of counsel (who may be an employee of,
                  or counsel to the Sponsor or the Trust) that such amendment is
                  permitted by, and conforms
<PAGE>   54
                                                                              48



                  to, the terms of this Declaration (including the terms of the
                  Trust Securities); and

                       (iii) to the extent the result of such amendment would be
         to:

                           (A) cause the Trust to fail to continue to be
                  classified for purposes of United States federal income
                  taxation as a grantor trust;

                           (B) reduce or otherwise adversely affect the powers
                  of the Institutional Trustee in contravention of the Trust
                  Indenture Act; or

                           (C) cause the Trust to be deemed to be an Investment
                  Company required to be registered under the Investment Company
                  Act.

                  (c) At any time the Trust has issued any Trust Securities that
remain outstanding, any amendment that would adversely affect the rights,
privileges or preferences of any Holder of Trust Securities may be effected only
with such additional requirements as may be set forth in the terms of such Trust
Securities.

                  (d) Section 9.01(d) and this Section 12.01 shall not be
amended without the consent of all of the Holders of the Trust Securities.

                  (e) Article IV shall not be amended without the consent of the
Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities.

                  (f) The rights of the Holders of the Common Securities under
Article V to increase or decrease the number of, and appoint and remove,
Trustees shall not be amended without the consent of the Holders of a Majority
in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities.

                  (g) Notwithstanding Section 12.01(c), this Declaration may be
amended without the consent of the Holders of the Trust Securities to:

                         (i) cure any ambiguity;

                        (ii) correct or supplement any provision in this
         Declaration that may be defective or inconsistent with any other
         provision of this Declaration;

                         (iii) add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations
         of the Sponsor; and

                         (iv) to conform to any change in Rule 3a-5 of the
         Investment Company Act or written change in interpretation or
         application of Rule 3a-5 of the Investment Company Act by any
         legislative body, court, government agency or regulatory authority,
         which amendment does not have a material adverse effect on the right,
         preferences or privileges of the Holders.
<PAGE>   55
                                                                              49



                  Section 12.02 Meetings of the Holders of Trust Securities;
Action by Written Consent. (a) Meetings of the Holders of any class of Trust
Securities may be called at any time by the Administrators (or as provided in
the terms of the Trust Securities) to consider and act on any matter on which
Holders of such class of Trust Securities are entitled to act under the terms of
this Declaration, the terms of the Trust Securities or the rules of any stock
exchange on which the Capital Securities are listed or admitted for trading. The
Administrators shall call a meeting of the Holders of such class if directed to
do so by the Holders of at least 10% in Liquidation Amount of such class of
Trust Securities. Such direction shall be given by delivering to the
Administrators one or more calls in a writing stating that the signing Holders
of Trust Securities wish to call a meeting and indicating the general or
specific purpose for which the meeting is to be called. Any Holders of Trust
Securities calling a meeting shall specify in writing the Certificates held by
the Holders of Trust Securities exercising the right to call a meeting and only
those Trust Securities specified shall be counted for purposes of determining
whether the required percentage set forth in the second sentence of this
paragraph has been met.

                  (b) Except to the extent otherwise provided in the terms of
the Trust Securities, the following provisions shall apply to meetings of
Holders of Trust Securities:

                         (i) notice of any such meeting shall be given to all
         the Holders of Trust Securities having a right to vote thereat at least
         7 days and not more than 60 days before the date of such meeting.
         Whenever a vote, consent or approval of the Holders of Trust Securities
         is permitted or required under this Declaration or the rules of any
         stock exchange on which the Capital Securities are listed or admitted
         for trading, such vote, consent or approval may be given at a meeting
         of the Holders of Trust Securities. Any action that may be taken at a
         meeting of the Holders of Trust Securities may be taken without a
         meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken is
         signed by the Holders of Trust Securities owning not less than the
         minimum amount of Trust Securities in Liquidation Amount that would be
         necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all
         Holders of Trust Securities having a right to vote thereon were present
         and voting. Prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting
         shall be given to the Holders of Trust Securities entitled to vote who
         have not consented in writing. The Administrators may specify that any
         written ballot submitted to the Security Holder for the purpose of
         taking any action without a meeting shall be returned to the Trust
         within the time specified by the Administrators;

                        (ii) each Holder of a Trust Security may authorize any
         Person to act for it by proxy on all matters in which a Holder of Trust
         Securities is entitled to participate, including waiving notice of any
         meeting, or voting or participating at a meeting. No proxy shall be
         valid after the expiration of 11 months from the date thereof unless
         otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy shall be revocable at the
         pleasure of the Holder of Trust Securities executing it. Except as
         otherwise provided herein, all matters relating to the giving, voting
         or validity of proxies shall be governed by the General Corporation Law
         of the State of Delaware relating to proxies, and judicial
         interpretations thereunder, as if the Trust were a Delaware corporation
         and the Holders of the Trust Securities were stockholders of a Delaware
         corporation;
<PAGE>   56
                                                                              50



                         (iii) each meeting of the Holders of the Trust
         Securities shall be conducted by the Administrators or by such other
         Person that the Administrators may designate; and

                         (iv) unless the Business Trust Act, this Declaration,
         the terms of the Trust Securities, the Trust Indenture Act or the
         listing rules of any stock exchange on which the Capital Securities are
         then listed or trading, otherwise provides, the Administrators, in
         their sole discretion, shall establish all other provisions relating to
         meetings of Holders of Trust Securities, including notice of the time,
         place or purpose of any meeting at which any matter is to be voted on
         by any Holders of Trust Securities, waiver of any such notice, action
         by consent without a meeting, the establishment of a record date,
         quorum requirements, voting in person or by proxy or any other matter
         with respect to the exercise of any such right to vote.


                                  ARTICLE XIII

          REPRESENTATIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE

                  Section 13.01 Representations and Warranties of Institutional
Trustee. The Trustee that acts as initial Institutional Trustee represents and
warrants to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this Declaration, and
each Successor Institutional Trustee represents and warrants, as applicable, to
the Trust and the Sponsor at the time of the Successor Institutional Trustee's
acceptance of its appointment as Institutional Trustee, that:

                         (i) the Institutional Trustee is a Delaware banking
         corporation with trust powers, duly organized, validly existing and in
         good standing, with trust power and authority to execute and deliver,
         and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of, this
         Declaration;

                        (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the
         Institutional Trustee of the Declaration has been duly authorized by
         all necessary corporate action on the part of the Institutional
         Trustee. This Declaration has been duly executed and delivered by the
         Institutional Trustee, and it constitutes a legal, valid and binding
         obligation of the Institutional Trustee, enforceable against it in
         accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
         reorganization, moratorium, insolvency, and other similar laws
         affecting creditors' rights generally and to general principles of
         equity and the discretion of the court (regardless of whether the
         enforcement of such remedies is considered in a proceeding in equity or
         at law);

                       (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of this
         Declaration by the Institutional Trustee do not conflict with or
         constitute a breach of the charter or by-laws of the Institutional
         Trustee;

                        (iv) no consent, approval or authorization of, or
         registration with or notice to, any state or federal banking authority
         is required for the execution, delivery or performance by the
         Institutional Trustee, of this Declaration; and
<PAGE>   57
                                                                              51



                         (v) the execution, delivery and performance of this
         Declaration have been authorized by all necessary corporate or other
         action on the part of the Institutional Trustee and do not require any
         approval of stockholders of the Institutional Trustee and such
         execution, delivery and performance will not (i) violate the charter or
         by-laws of the Institutional Trustee, or (ii) violate any law,
         governmental rule or regulation of the United States or the State of
         Delaware, as the case may be, governing the banking, trust or general
         powers of the Institutional Trustee or any order, judgment or decree
         applicable to the Institutional Trustee.

                  Section 13.02 Representations and Warranties of Delaware
Trustee. The Trustee that acts as initial Delaware Trustee represents and
warrants to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this Declaration, and
each Successor Delaware Trustee represents and warrants to the Trust and the
Sponsor at the time of the Successor Delaware Trustee's acceptance of its
appointment as Delaware Trustee, that:

                         (i) The Delaware Trustee is a natural person, who is a
         resident of the state of Delaware, or, if not a natural person, is a
         banking corporation with trust powers, that has its principal place of
         business in the State of Delaware, is duly organized, validly existing
         and in good standing, with authority to execute and deliver, and to
         carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of, this
         Declaration and, in either case, a Person that satisfies for the Trust
         the requirements of Section 3807 of the Business Trust Act;

                        (ii) The Delaware Trustee has been authorized to perform
         its obligations under the Certificate of Trust and this Declaration.
         This Declaration under Delaware law constitutes a legal, valid and
         binding obligation of the Delaware Trustee, enforceable against it in
         accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
         reorganization, moratorium, insolvency, and other similar laws
         affecting creditors' rights generally and to general principles of
         equity and the discretion of the court (regardless of whether the
         enforcement of such remedies is considered in a proceeding in equity or
         at law);

                       (iii) No consent, approval or authorization of, or
         registration with or notice to, any Delaware or federal banking
         authority is required for the execution, delivery or performance by the
         Delaware Trustee, of this Declaration; and

                        (iv) The execution, delivery and performance of this
         Declaration by the Delaware Trustee do not conflict with or constitute
         a breach of the charter or by-laws of the Delaware Trustee.


                                   ARTICLE XIV

                                  MISCELLANEOUS
<PAGE>   58
                                                                              52



                  Section 14.01 Notices. All notices provided for in this
Declaration shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice,
and shall be delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail, as follows:

                  (a) if given to the Trust, in care of the Administrators at
the Trust's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Trust
may give notice of to the Holders of the Trust Securities):

                  K N Capital Trust II
                  370 Van Gordon Street
                  Lakewood, Colorado  80228
                  Attention: Chief Financial Officer

                  (b) if given to the Delaware Trustee, at the mailing address
set forth below (or such other address as Delaware Trustee may give notice of to
the Holders of the Trust Securities):

                  Wilmington Trust Company
                  Rodney Square North, 1100 N. Market Street
                  Wilmington, Delaware  19890
                  Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration

                  (c) if given to the Institutional Trustee, at its Corporate
Trust Office to the attention of Corporate Trust Administration (or such other
address as the Institutional Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the
Trust Securities).

                  (d) if given to any Holder of Common Securities, at the
mailing address of the Sponsor set forth below (or such other address as such
Holder of Common Securities may give notice to the Trust):

                  K N Energy, Inc.
                  370 Van Gordon Street
                  Lakewood, Colorado 80228
                  Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

                  (e) if given to any other Holder, at the address set forth on
the books and records of the Trust.

                  All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when
received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class
mail, postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused
delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice
was given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered
on the date of such refusal or inability to deliver.

                  Section 14.02 Governing Law. This Declaration and the rights
of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of
<PAGE>   59
                                                                              53



Delaware and all rights and remedies shall be governed by such laws without
regard to principles of conflict of laws.

                  Section 14.03 Intention of the Parties. It is the intention of
the parties hereto that the Trust be classified for United States federal income
tax purposes as a grantor trust. The provisions of this Declaration shall be
interpreted to further this intention of the parties.

                  Section 14.04 Headings. Headings contained in this Declaration
are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not affect the
interpretation of this Declaration or any provision hereof.

                  Section 14.05 Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this
Declaration any of the parties hereto is named or referred to, the successors
and assigns of such party shall be deemed to be included, and all covenants and
agreements in this Declaration by the Sponsor and the Trustees shall bind and
inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns, whether so
expressed.

                  Section 14.06 Partial Enforceability. If any provision of this
Declaration, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance,
shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Declaration, or the application of
such provision to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held
invalid, shall not be affected thereby.

                  Section 14.07 Counterparts. This Declaration may contain more
than one counterpart of the signature page and this Declaration may be executed
by the affixing of the signature of each of the Trustees to one of such
counterpart signature pages. All of such counterpart signature pages shall be
read as though one, and they shall have the same force and effect as though all
of the signers had signed a single signature page.
<PAGE>   60
                                                                              54



                           [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
<PAGE>   61
                                                                              55



                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused these presents
to be executed as of the day and year first above written.


                                      ___________________________________
                                             , as Administrator


                                      ____________________________________
                                             , as Administrator


                                      ____________________________________
                                             , as Administrator


                              WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, not
                                       in its individual capacity but solely
                                       as Delaware Trustee


                              By: ________________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                                       WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, not
                                       in its individual capacity but solely
                                       as Institutional Trustee


                              By: ________________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                                       K N ENERGY, INC., as Sponsor and
                                       Debenture Issuer


                              By: ________________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:

<PAGE>   62
                                     ANNEX I
                                    TERMS OF
                            ____% CAPITAL SECURITIES
                             ____% COMMON SECURITIES

                  Pursuant to Section 7.03 of the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of K N Capital Trust II, dated as of _____ __, ____ (as
amended from time to time, the "Declaration"), the designation, rights,
privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the
Capital Securities and the Common Securities are set out below (each capitalized
term used but not defined herein having the meaning set forth in the
Declaration):

                  1.  Designation and Number.

                  (a) Capital Securities. _______ Capital Securities of K N
Capital Trust II (the "Trust") with an aggregate liquidation amount with respect
to the assets of the Trust of $___________ and a liquidation amount with respect
to such assets of $1,000 per capital security, are hereby designated for the
purposes of identification only as "____% Capital Securities" (the "Capital
Securities"). The Capital Security Certificates evidencing the Capital
Securities shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 to the Declaration,
with such changes and additions thereto or deletions therefrom as may be
required by ordinary usage, custom or practice or to conform to the rules of any
stock exchange on which the Capital Securities are or may be listed.

                  (b) Common Securities. _____ Common Securities of the Trust
with an aggregate liquidation amount with respect to the assets of the Trust of
$_________, and a liquidation amount with respect to such assets of the Trust of
$1,000 per common security, are hereby designated for the purposes of
identification only as "____% Common Securities" (the "Common Securities" and,
together with the Capital Securities, the "Trust Securities"). The Common
Security Certificates evidencing the Common Securities shall be in the form of
Exhibit A-2 to the Declaration, with such changes and additions thereto or
deletions therefrom as may be required by ordinary usage, custom or practice.

                  2.  Distributions.

                  (a) Distributions payable on each Trust Security will be fixed
at a rate per annum of ____% of the stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per
Trust Security such rate being the rate per annum of interest payable on the
Debentures to be held by the Institutional Trustee. Distributions in arrears for
more than one semi-annual period will accumulate at the distribution rate
compounded semi-annually (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The term
"Distributions" as used herein includes such cash Distributions and any such
accumulated Distributions unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable
only to the extent that payments are made in respect of the Debentures held by
the Institutional Trustee and to the extent the Institutional Trustee has funds
available therefor. The amount of Distributions payable for any period will be
computed for any full semi-annual distribution period on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months.

                  (b) Except as otherwise provided herein, Distributions on the
Trust Securities will be cumulative, will accumulate from _____ __, ____ and
will be payable semi-annually
<PAGE>   63
in arrears, on _____ __, and _______ __ of each year, commencing on __________
___, ____, except as otherwise described below. So long as the Debenture Issuer
shall not be in default in the payment of interest on the Debentures, the
Debenture Issuer has the right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest
by extending the interest payment period from time to time on the Debentures for
a period not exceeding 10 consecutive semi-annual periods (each an "Extension
Period"), during which Extension Period no interest shall be due and payable on
the Debentures, but the Company may prepay at any time all or any portion of the
interest accrued during an Extension Period; provided, that no Extension Period
shall extend beyond the date of maturity of the Debentures.

                  As a consequence of such deferral of interest payments on the
Debentures, Distributions on the Trust Securities (and Additional Distributions,
if any) will also be deferred to the same extent. Despite such deferral,
semi-annual Distributions (and Additional Distributions, if any) will continue
to accumulate (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the distribution
rate compounded semi-annually during any such Extension Period. Prior to the
termination of any such Extension Period, the Debenture Issuer may further
extend such Extension Period; provided, that such Extension Period together with
all such previous and further extensions thereof may not exceed 10 consecutive
semi-annual periods or extend beyond the maturity of the Debentures. Payments of
accumulated Distributions will be payable to Holders as they appear on the books
and records of the Trust on the first record date after the end of the Extension
Period. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all
amounts then due, the Debenture Issuer may commence a new Extension Period,
subject to the above requirements.

                  (c) Distributions on the Trust Securities will be payable to
the Holders thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the
relevant record dates, which shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant
payment dates (provided, that, if, at any time, the Trust Securities are not
held in global form, the relevant record dates shall be 15 days prior to the
relevant payment dates), which record and payment dates correspond to the record
and interest payment dates on the Debentures. Such Distributions will be paid
through the Institutional Trustee who will hold amounts received in respect of
the Debentures in the Payment Account for the benefit of the Holders of the
Trust Securities. The relevant record dates for the Common Securities shall be
the same record date as for the Capital Securities. If any date on which
Distributions are payable on the Trust Securities is not a Business Day, then
payment of the distribution payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next
succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date (each date on which Distributions are payable in accordance with
this Section 2(c), a "Distribution Date").

                  (d) In the event that there is any money or other property
held by or for the Trust that is not accounted for hereunder, such property
shall be distributed pro rata (as defined herein) among the Holders of the Trust
Securities.


                  3.  Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.

                                      I-ii
<PAGE>   64
                  (a) The Trust shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound
up, upon the earliest to occur of the following:

                         (i) the commencement by the Sponsor of a voluntary case
         under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or any
         other similar state or federal law now or hereafter in effect, or the
         consent by the Sponsor to the entry of a decree or order for relief in
         an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by the Sponsor
         to the appointment of or the taking of possession by a liquidating
         agent or committee, conservator or receiver of the Sponsor or any
         substantial part of its property or the general assignment by the
         Sponsor for the benefit of its creditors, or the admission by the
         Sponsor in writing of its inability to pay its debts as they become
         due;

                        (ii) the entry of a decree or order for relief by a
         court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of the Sponsor in
         an involuntary case under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 of the federal
         Bankruptcy Code or any other similar state or federal law now or
         hereafter in effect, and the continuance of any such decree or order
         unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 days, or the appointment of
         or the taking of possession by a liquidating agent or committee,
         conservator or receiver of the Sponsor or any substantial part of its
         property and the continuance of any such appointment unstayed and in
         effect for a period of 60 days;

                  (iii) upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Sponsor;

                        (iv) (other than in connection with a merger,
         consolidation or similar transaction not prohibited by the Indenture,
         this Declaration or the Securities Guarantees) upon the filing of a
         certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to the
         Sponsor; or the revocation of the Sponsor's charter and the expiration
         of 90 days after the date of revocation without a reinstatement
         thereof;

                         (v) the written direction to the Institutional Trustee
         from the Sponsor at any time to dissolve the Trust and distribute
         Debentures to Holders of the Trust Securities in exchange for a Like
         Amount of the Trust Securities (which direction is optional and wholly
         within the discretion of the Sponsor), subject to the Sponsor having
         received an opinion of counsel to the effect that such distribution
         will not be a taxable event for United States federal income tax
         purposes to Holders of Capital Securities;

                        (vi) when all of the Trust Securities shall have been
         called for redemption and the amounts necessary for redemption thereof
         shall have been paid to the Holders in accordance with the terms of the
         Trust Securities;

                       (vii) upon the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution
         of the Trust by a court of competent jurisdiction;

                       (viii) the expiration of the term of the Trust on _____
         __, ____; or


                                      I-iii
<PAGE>   65
                        (ix) before the issuance of any Trust Securities, with
         the consent of all of the Administrators and the Sponsor.

                  (b) If dissolution occurs as described in clause (i), (ii),
(iii), (iv), (v), (vii) or (viii) above, the Trust shall be liquidated by the
Trustees as expeditiously as the Trustees determine to be possible by
distributing, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as
provided by applicable law, to the Holders of the Trust Securities a Like Amount
of the Debentures, subject to Section 3(e) below. Notice of liquidation shall be
given by the Institutional Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid mailed
not later than 20 nor more than 60 days prior to the Liquidation Date to each
Holder of Trust Securities at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities
Register. All notices of liquidation shall:

                         (i)          state the Liquidation Date;

                        (ii) state that from and after the Liquidation Date, the
         Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and any
         Certificates not surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a
         Like Amount of Debentures; and

                       (iii) provide such information with respect to the
         mechanics by which Holders may exchange Certificates for Debentures, or
         if Section 3(e) applies receive a Liquidation Distribution, as the
         Administrators or the Institutional Trustee shall deem appropriate.

                  (c) Except where Section 3(e) applies, in order to effect the
liquidation of the Trust and distribution of the Debentures to Holders of Trust
Securities, the Institutional Trustee shall establish a record date for such
distribution (which shall be not more than 45 days nor less than 20 days prior
to the Liquidation Date) and either itself acting as exchange agent or through
the appointment of a separate exchange agent, shall establish such procedures as
it shall deem appropriate to effect the distribution of Debentures in exchange
for the outstanding Certificates.

                  (d) Except where Section 3(e) applies, after the Liquidation
Date, (i) the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (ii)
certificates representing a Like Amount of Debentures will be issued to Holders
of Certificates, upon surrender of such Certificates to the Institutional
Trustee or its agent for exchange, (iii) any Certificates not so surrendered for
exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Debentures, accruing
interest at the rate provided for in the Debentures from the last Distribution
Date on which a Distribution was made on such Certificates until such
certificates are so surrendered (and until such certificates are so surrendered,
no payments of interest or principal will be made to Holders of Certificates
with respect to such Debentures) and (iv) all rights of Holders holding Trust
Securities will cease, except the right of such Holders to receive the Like
Amount of Debentures upon surrender of Certificates.

                  (e) In the event that, notwithstanding the other provisions of
this Section 3 whether because of an order for dissolution entered by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that
such distribution would be a taxable event for United States federal income tax
purposes to Holders of Capital Securities, or otherwise,


                                      I-iv
<PAGE>   66
distribution of the Debentures in exchange for a Like Amount of Trust Securities
is determined by the Institutional Trustee not to be practicable, in which event
such Holders will be entitled to receive out of the liquidation of the assets of
the Trust available for distribution to Holders, after satisfaction of
liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount
equal to the aggregate of the Liquidation Amount plus accumulated and unpaid
Distributions, including Additional Distributions, if any, thereon to the date
of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation Distribution"). If such
Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has
insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation
Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the Trust on the Trust
Securities shall be paid on a pro rata basis. The Holder(s) of the Common
Securities will be entitled to receive Liquidation Distributions upon any such
liquidation pro rata with the holders of the Capital Securities, except that if
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Capital Securities shall
have a priority over the Common Securities.

                  4.  Redemption and Distribution.

                  (a) Upon the repayment in full of the Debentures at the
Maturity or prepayment thereof in whole (or in part) prior thereto in accordance
with the terms thereof, the proceeds from such repayment or prepayment shall be
simultaneously applied by the Institutional Trustee subject to the Institutional
Trustee having received notice no later than 45 days prior to such repayment or
prepayment toward the mandatory redemption of a Like Amount of the Trust
Securities at the applicable Redemption Price, equal to (i) in the case of the
repayment of the Debentures at the Stated Maturity, the Maturity Redemption
Price (ii) in the case of the optional prepayment of the Debentures upon the
occurrence and continuation of a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event, (A)
prior to ________ __, ____, at the Event Redemption Price and (B) thereafter, at
the Optional Redemption Price, and (iii) in the case of the optional prepayment
of the Debentures, on or after _____ __, ____, the Optional Redemption Price.
The Maturity Redemption Price, the Event Redemption Price and the Optional
Redemption Price are referred to collectively as the "Redemption Price". Holders
will be given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of such redemption.

                  (b) If fewer than all the outstanding Trust Securities are to
be so redeemed, the Common Securities and the Capital Securities will be
redeemed pro rata (except that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Capital Securities shall have priority over the Common
Securities to the amounts payable on redemption).

                  (c) The Sponsor shall have the right (in accordance with and
subject to the conditions of the Indenture) to elect to prepay the Debentures in
whole or in part at any time on or after _____ __, ____ (the "Initial Optional
Repayment Date"), upon not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days notice,
at the Optional Prepayment Price and, contemporaneously with such prepayment, a
Like Amount of the Trust Securities shall be redeemed at the Optional Redemption
Price on a pro rata basis. "Optional Redemption Price" shall mean, a price equal
to the percentage of the Liquidation Amount of Trust Securities to be redeemed
plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon, if any, to the applicable
date of such redemption if redeemed during the 12 month period beginning on
____________ of the years indicated below:


                                       I-v
<PAGE>   67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Year                             Percentage
                           ----                             ----------
<S>                                                         <C>
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__                                   %
                           20__     and thereafter             100%
</TABLE>

                  (d) If at any time a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event
occurs, the Sponsor shall have the right (in accordance with and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Indenture) upon not less than 30 nor more than 60
days notice, to prepay the Debentures in whole, but not in part, within the 90
days following the occurrence of such Tax Event or Investment Company Event (the
"90 Day Period"), and, contemporaneously with such redemption, the Institutional
Trustee shall cause a Like Amount of the Trust Securities to be redeemed by the
Trust (A) at any time prior to the Initial Option Redemption Date, at the Event
Redemption Price and (B) thereafter, at the Optional Redemption Price, in either
case, on a pro rata basis with the proceeds from such prepayment of Debentures.

                  (e) Notice of any redemption of, or notice of distribution of
Debentures in exchange for the Trust Securities (a "Redemption/Distribution
Notice") will be given by the Institutional Trustee on behalf of the Trust not
fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption or
exchange thereof which, in the case of a redemption, will be the date fixed for
redemption of the Debentures by mail to each Holder of Trust Securities to be
redeemed or exchanged and, in the case of a notice of redemption to be given to
all Holders, by release made to Reuters Economic Services and Bloomberg Business
News. For purposes of the calculation of the date of redemption or exchange and
the dates on which notices are given pursuant to this Section 4, a
Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be deemed to be given on the day such
notice is first mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or by such other
means suitable to assure delivery of such written notice, to Holders of Trust
Securities and, if required, released as set forth in the preceding sentence.
Each Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be addressed to the Holders of Trust
Securities at the address of each such Holder appearing in the Securities
Register. No defect in the Redemption/Distribution Notice or in the mailing of
either thereof with respect to any Holder of Trust Securities shall affect the
validity of the redemption or exchange proceedings with respect to any other
Holder of Trust Securities. All notices of redemption shall state: (i) the
Redemption Date; (ii) the Redemption Price or if the Redemption Price cannot be
calculated prior to the time the notice of redemption is required to be sent,
the manner of calculation thereof; (iii) the CUSIP number; (iv) if less than all
the outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed, the identification and the
total Liquidation Amount of the particular Trust Securities to be redeemed; and
(v) that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will


                                      I-vi
<PAGE>   68
become due and payable upon each such Trust Security to be redeemed and that
Distributions thereon will cease to accumulate on and after said date.

                  (f) If Trust Securities are to be redeemed and the Trust gives
a Redemption/Distribution Notice, which notice may only be issued if the
Debentures are prepaid as set out in this Section 4 (which notice will be
irrevocable), then provided that the Debenture Issuer has paid the Institutional
Trustee a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related redemption or
maturity of the Debentures, the Institutional Trustee will, with respect to
Capital Securities evidenced by one or more Global Capital Security
Certificates, irrevocably deposit with the Clearing Agency for such Capital
Securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give
such Clearing Agency irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the
Redemption Price to the Holders thereof. With respect to Capital Securities
evidenced by one or more Definitive Capital Security Certificates, the
Institutional Trustee, subject to the Trust having funds then legally available
in the Payment Account for the payment of such Redemption Price, will
irrevocably deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Price and will give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and
authority to pay the Redemption Price with respect to such Capital Securities to
the Holders thereof upon surrender of their Definitive Capital Security
Certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior
to the Redemption Date for any Trust Securities called for redemption shall be
payable to the Holders of such Trust Securities as they appear on the Securities
Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record dates for the related
Distribution Dates. If a Redemption/Distribution Notice shall have been given,
then immediately prior to the close of business on the required date of such
payment, Distributions will cease to accrue on the Trust Securities so called
for redemption and all rights of Holders of such Trust Securities so called for
redemption will cease, except the right of the Holders of such Trust Securities
to receive the Redemption Price plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions on the
Capital Securities to be redeemed, but without interest on such Redemption
Price. In the event of any redemption in part, the Trust shall not be required
to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Capital Securities during
a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection for
redemption of Capital Securities and ending at the close of business on the
earliest date on which the relevant notice of redemption is deemed to have been
given to all Holders of Capital Securities so selected for redemption or (ii)
register the transfer of or exchange any Capital Securities so selected for
redemption, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of any
Capital Securities being redeemed in part. If any such Redemption Date is not a
Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be
made on the next succeeding Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in
the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such
date fixed for redemption. If payment of the Redemption Price in respect of any
Trust Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the
Institutional Trustee or by the Sponsor as guarantor pursuant to the relevant
Securities Guarantee, Distributions on such Trust Securities will continue to
accumulate from the original redemption date to the actual date of payment at
the then applicable rate, in which case the actual payment date will be
considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the
Redemption Price.


                                      I-vii
<PAGE>   69
                  (g) Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including,
without limitation, United States federal securities laws), the Sponsor or any
of its subsidiaries may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding
Trust Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

                  5.  Voting Rights - Capital Securities.

                  (a) Except as provided under Sections 5(b) and 7 and as
otherwise required by law and provided in the Declaration (including rights to
appoint and remove the Institutional Trustee), the Holders of the Capital
Securities will not have voting rights.

                  (b) Subject to the requirements set forth in this paragraph,
the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Capital Securities,
voting separately as a class, may direct the time, method, and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee,
or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under
the Declaration, including the right to direct the Institutional Trustee, as
holder of the Debentures, to (i) exercise the remedies available under the
Indenture with respect to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past Indenture Event of
Default and its consequences that is waivable under Section 4.13 of the
Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the
principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Debentures where
such consent shall be required; provided, that if an Indenture Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, the holders of 25% of the aggregate liquidation
amount of the Capital Securities may direct the Institutional Trustee to declare
the principal of and interest on the Debentures immediately due and payable;
provided, further, that, where a consent or action under the Indenture would
require the consent or action of a Super-Majority, only the holders of at least
such Super-Majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Capital Securities
may direct the Institutional Trustee to give such consent or take such action.
The Institutional Trustee shall not revoke any action previously authorized or
approved by a vote of the Holders of the Capital Securities. Other than with
respect to directing the time, method and place of conducting any remedy
available to the Institutional Trustee or the Debt Trustee as set forth above,
the Institutional Trustee shall not take any action in accordance with the
directions of the Holders of the Capital Securities under this paragraph unless
the Institutional Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect
that for the purposes of United States federal income tax the Trust will not be
classified as other than a grantor trust on account of such action. If the
Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Declaration, any
Holder of Capital Securities may, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
institute a legal proceeding directly against any Person to enforce the
Institutional Trustee's rights under the Declaration, without first instituting
a legal proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or any other Person.

                  Any approval required or direction of Holders of Capital
Securities may be given at a separate meeting of Holders of Capital Securities
convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the Holders of Trust
Securities or pursuant to written consent. The Administrators will cause a
notice of any meeting at which Holders of Capital Securities are entitled to
vote to be mailed to each Holder of record of Capital Securities. Each such
notice will include a statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting, (ii)
a description of any


                                     I-viii
<PAGE>   70
resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are
entitled to vote and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies. Prompt
notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the Holders
of Capital Securities entitled to vote who have not consented in writing.

                  No vote or consent of the Holders of the Capital Securities
will be required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Capital Securities or to
distribute the Debentures in accordance with the Declaration and the terms of
the Trust Securities. Notwithstanding that Holders of Capital Securities are
entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any
of the Capital Securities that are owned by the Sponsor or any Affiliate of the
Sponsor shall not be entitled to vote or consent and shall, for purposes of such
vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

                  Holders of Capital Securities will have no rights to appoint
or remove the Administrators, who may be appointed, removed or replaced solely
by the Debenture Issuer as the indirect or direct holder of all of the Common
Securities.

                  6.  Voting Rights - Common Securities.

                  (a) Except as provided under these Sections 6(b), 6(c) and 7
and as otherwise required by law and provided in the Declaration, the Holders of
the Common Securities will not have voting rights.

                  (b) Subject to Section 2.06 of the Declaration and only after
any Event of Default with respect to the Capital Securities has been cured,
waived or otherwise eliminated and subject to the requirements of the second to
last sentence of this paragraph, the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount
of the Common Securities, voting separately as a class, may direct the time,
method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including (i) directing the time,
method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Debt Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Debt Trustee
with respect to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past default and its consequences
that is waivable under Section 4.13 of the Indenture, or (iii) exercise any
right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures
shall be due and payable, provided, that where a consent or action under the
Indenture would require the consent or act of a Super-Majority, the
Institutional Trustee may only give such consent or take such action at the
written direction of the Holders of at least the proportion in Liquidation
Amount of the Common Securities that the relevant Super-Majority represents of
the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding. Pursuant to this
Section 6(b), the Institutional Trustee shall not revoke, or take any action
inconsistent with, any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the
Holders of the Capital Securities, and shall not take any action in accordance
with the direction of the Holders of the Common Securities under this Section
6(b) if the action is prejudicial to the Holders of the Capital Securities.
Other than with respect to directing the time, method and place of conducting
any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee or the Debt Trustee as set
forth above, the Institutional Trustee shall not take any action in accordance
with the directions of the Holders of the Common Securities under this paragraph
unless the Institutional Trustee has obtained an


                                      I-ix
<PAGE>   71
opinion of tax counsel to the effect that for the purposes of United States
federal income tax the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor
trust on account of such action. If the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce
its rights under the Declaration, any Holder of Common Securities may, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, institute a legal proceeding directly against
any Person to enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Declaration,
without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Institutional Trustee
or any other Person.

                  Any approval or direction of Holders of Common Securities may
be given at a separate meeting of Holders of Common Securities convened for such
purpose, at a meeting of all of the Holders of Trust Securities in the Trust or
pursuant to written consent. The Administrators will cause a notice of any
meeting at which Holders of Common Securities are entitled to vote to be mailed
to each Holder of record of Common Securities. Each such notice will include a
statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting, (ii) a description of any
resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are
entitled to vote and (iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or consents.
Prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the
Holders of the Common Securities entitled to vote who have not consented in
writing. No vote or consent of the Holders of the Common Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Common Securities or to distribute
the Debentures in accordance with the Declaration and the terms of the Trust
Securities.

                  7.  Amendments to Declaration.

                  (a) In addition to any requirements under Section 12.01 of the
Declaration, if any proposed amendment to the Declaration provides for, or the
Administrators otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely
affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Trust Securities,
whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise, or (ii) the
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Trust, other than as described in
Section 8.01 of the Declaration, then the Holders of outstanding Trust
Securities voting together as a single class, will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal (but not on any other amendment or proposal) and such
amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the
Holders of at least a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities
affected thereby; provided, if any amendment or proposal referred to in clause
(i) above would adversely affect only the Capital Securities or only the Common
Securities, then only the affected class will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of such class of
Trust Securities.

                  (b) In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee as
the holder of the Debentures is required under the Indenture with respect to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Debentures, the
Institutional Trustee shall request the written direction of the Holders of the
Trust Securities with respect to such amendment, modification or termination and
shall vote with respect to such amendment, modification or termination as
directed by a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities voting
together as a single class; provided, that where a consent under the Indenture
would require the consent of the holders of a Super-Majority, the Institutional
Trustee may only give such consent at the direction of the Holders of at least
the proportion in liquidation amount of the


                                       I-x
<PAGE>   72
Trust Securities that the relevant Super-Majority represents of the aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures outstanding; provided further, that the
Institutional Trustee shall not take any action in accordance with the
directions of the Holders of the Trust Securities under this Section 7(b) unless
the Institutional Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect
that for the purposes of United States federal income tax the Trust will not be
classified as other than a grantor trust on account of such action.

                  8.  Ranking.

                  The Capital Securities rank pari passu and payment thereon
shall be made pro rata with the Common Securities except that, where an Event of
Default occurs and is continuing, the rights of Holders of the Common Securities
to payment in respect of Distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption
and otherwise are subordinated to the rights to payment of the Holders of the
Capital Securities.

                  9.  Acceptance of Securities Guarantee and Indenture.

                  Each Holder of Capital Securities and Common Securities, by
the acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of the Capital Securities
Guarantee and the Common Securities Guarantee, respectively, including the
subordination provisions therein and to the provisions of the Indenture.

                  10.  No Preemptive Rights.

                  The Holders of the Trust Securities shall have no preemptive
rights or similar rights to subscribe for any additional securities.

                  11.  Miscellaneous.

                  These terms constitute a part of the Declaration.

                  The Sponsor will provide a copy of the Declaration, the
Capital Securities Guarantee or the Common Securities Guarantee (as may be
appropriate) and the Indenture to any Holder without charge on written request
to the Sponsor at its principal place of business.


                                      I-xi
<PAGE>   73
                                                                     EXHIBIT A-1

                      FORM OF CAPITAL SECURITY CERTIFICATE

                  IF THE CAPITAL SECURITY IS TO BE A GLOBAL CERTIFICATE INSERT -
THIS CAPITAL SECURITY IS A GLOBAL CERTIFICATE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE
DECLARATION HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (THE "CLEARING AGENCY") OR A NOMINEE OF THE CLEARING
AGENCY. THIS CAPITAL SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR CAPITAL SECURITIES REGISTERED
IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE CLEARING AGENCY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN
THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS
CAPITAL SECURITY (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS CAPITAL SECURITY AS A WHOLE BY
THE CLEARING AGENCY TO A NOMINEE OF THE CLEARING AGENCY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE
CLEARING AGENCY TO THE CLEARING AGENCY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE CLEARING
AGENCY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

                  UNLESS THIS CAPITAL SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK) TO THE TRUST OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR
PAYMENT, AND ANY CAPITAL SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO.
OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY A PERSON IS
WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

CERTIFICATE NUMBER:
NUMBER OF Capital Securities:

                               CUSIP NO._________

                    Certificate Evidencing Capital Securities

                                       of

                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II


    ____% Capital Securities (liquidation amount $1,000 per Capital Security)

                  K N Capital Trust II, a statutory business trust created under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Cede &
Co. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of preferred securities of the Trust
representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of the Trust
designated the ____% Capital Securities (liquidation amount $1,000 per Capital
Security) (the "Capital Securities"). The Capital Securities are transferable on
the books


                                      A1-1
<PAGE>   74
and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon
surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer.

                  The designation, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences
and other terms and provisions of the Capital Securities represented hereby are
issued and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of _____ __, ____, as the
same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration"), including the
designation of the terms of the Capital Securities as set forth in Annex I to
the Declaration. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the
meaning given them in the Declaration.

                  The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Capital
Securities Guarantee to the extent provided therein. The Sponsor will provide a
copy of the Declaration, the Capital Securities Guarantee and the Indenture to a
Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place
of business. Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

                  By acceptance of this certificate, the Holder agrees to treat,
for United States federal income tax purposes, the Debentures as indebtedness
and the Capital Securities as evidence of indirect beneficial ownership in the
Debentures.

                  Unless the Institutional Trustee's Certificate of
Authentication hereon has been properly executed, these Capital Securities shall
not be entitled to any benefit under the Declaration or be valid or obligatory
for any purpose.

                  This certificate and the rights of the parties hereunder shall
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Delaware and all rights and remedies shall be governed by such laws without
regard to principles of conflict of laws.


                                      A1-2
<PAGE>   75
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this certificate
this ____ day of ________, ____.

                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II


                              By: _______________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:  Administrator


                     [FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]

              INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

                  This is one of the Capital Securities referred to in the
within-mentioned Declaration.

Dated:  ________ __, ____

Wilmington Trust Company,
not in its individual
capacity but solely
as Institutional Trustee
or as Authentication Agent



By: _______________________________          By: _______________________________
         Authorized Signatory                        Authorized Signatory


                                      A1-3
<PAGE>   76
                          [FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]

                  Distributions payable on each Capital Security will be fixed
at a rate per annum of ___% of the stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per
Capital Security, such rate being the rate of interest payable on the
Debentures. Distributions in arrears for more than one semi-annual period will
accumulate at the distribution rate compounded semi-annually (to the extent
permitted by applicable law). The term "Distributions" as used herein includes
such cash Distributions and any such accumulated Distributions unless otherwise
stated. A Distribution is payable only to the extent that payments are made in
respect of the Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee and to the extent
the Institutional Trustee has funds available therefor. The amount of
Distributions payable for any period will be computed for any full semi-annual
distribution period on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

                  Except as otherwise described below, Distributions on the
Capital Securities will be cumulative, will accumulate from the first date that
any Capital Securities are issued and will be payable semi-annually in arrears,
on _____ __and _______ __ of each year, commencing on _______ __, ____, which
payment dates correspond to the interest payment dates on the Debentures, to
Holders of record at the close of business on the regular record date for such
distribution, which shall be the close of business one Business Day prior to
such distribution payment date (provided, that, if, at any time, the Trust
Securities are not held in global form, the relevant record dates shall be 15
days prior to the relevant payment dates) unless otherwise provided in the
Declaration. The Debenture Issuer has the right under the Indenture to defer
payments of interest by extending the interest payment period from time to time
on the Debentures for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive semi-annual periods
(each an "Extension Period") during which Extension Period no interest will be
due and payable on the Debentures, but the Company may prepay at any time all or
any portion of the interest accrued during an Extension Period; provided, that
no Extension Period shall extend beyond the date of the maturity of the
Debentures and, as a consequence of such deferral, Distributions will also be
deferred.

                  Despite such deferral, semi-annual Distributions will continue
to accumulate (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the distribution
rate compounded semi-annually (to the extent permitted by applicable law) during
any such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such Extension
Period, the Debenture Issuer may further extend such Extension Period; provided,
that such Extension Period together with all such previous and further
extensions thereof may not exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods or extend
beyond the maturity or any redemption date of the Debentures. Payments of
accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders as they appear on the books and
records of the Trust on the first record date after the end of the Extension
Period. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all
amounts then due, the Debenture Issuer may commence a new Extension Period,
subject to the above requirements.

                  The Capital Securities shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.


                                      A1-4
<PAGE>   77
                                                                     EXHIBIT A-2

                       FORM OF COMMON SECURITY CERTIFICATE

                      THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE

                           EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED IN THE

                         DECLARATION (AS DEFINED BELOW)

CERTIFICATE NUMBER:
NUMBER OF COMMON SECURITIES:

                    Certificate Evidencing Common Securities

                                       of

                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II


                             ____% Common Securities
                 (liquidation amount $1,000 per Common Security)


                  K N Capital Trust II, a statutory business trust created under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that K N
Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation (the "Holder") is the registered owner of
common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial ownership
interests in the assets of the Trust designated the ____% Common Securities
(liquidation amount $1,000 per Common Security) (the "Common Securities").
Except to the extent described in the Declaration (as defined below), the Common
Securities are not transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person
or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly
endorsed and in proper form for transfer.

                  The designation, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences
and other terms and provisions of the Common Securities represented hereby are
issued and shall in all respects be subject to the provisions of the Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of _____ __, ____, as the
same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration"), including the
designation of the terms of the Common Securities as set forth in Annex I to the
Declaration. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the
meaning given them in the Declaration.

                  The Holder is entitled to the benefits of the Common
Securities Guarantee to the extent provided therein. The Sponsor will provide a
copy of the Declaration, the Common Securities Guarantee and the Indenture to a
Holder without charge upon written request to the Sponsor at its principal place
of business.


                                      A2-1
<PAGE>   78
                  Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

                  By acceptance of this certificate, the Holder agrees to treat,
for United States federal income tax purposes, the Debentures as indebtedness
and the Common Securities as evidence of indirect beneficial ownership in the
Debentures.

                  This certificate and the rights of the parties hereunder shall
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware and all rights and remedies shall be governed by such laws without
regard to principles of conflicts of laws.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this certificate
this ____ day of ________, ____.

                                             K N CAPITAL TRUST II



                                             By: _______________________________
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title: Administrator


                                      A2-2
<PAGE>   79
                          [FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]

                  Distributions payable on each Common Security will be fixed at
a rate per annum of ____% of the stated liquidation amount of $1,000 per Common
Security, such rate being the rate of interest payable on the Debentures to be
held by the Institutional Trustee. Distributions in arrears for more than one
semi-annual period will accumulate at the distribution rate compounded
semi-annually (to the extent permitted by applicable law). The term
"Distributions" as used herein includes such cash Distributions and any such
accumulated Distributions unless otherwise stated. A Distribution is payable
only to the extent that payments are made in respect of the Debentures held by
the Institutional Trustee and to the extent the Institutional Trustee has funds
available therefor. The amount of Distributions payable for any period will be
computed for any full semi-annual distribution period on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months.

                  Except as otherwise described below, Distributions on the
Common Securities will be cumulative, will accumulate from the first date that
any Capital Securities are issued and will be payable semi-annually in arrears,
on _____ __ and _______ __, which payment dates correspond to the interest
payment dates on the Debentures, to Holders of record at the close of business
on the regular record date for such Distribution, which shall be the close of
business 15 days prior to such distribution payment date unless otherwise
provided in the Declaration. The Debenture Issuer has the right under the
Indenture to defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment period
from time to time on the Debentures for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive
semi-annual periods (each an "Extension Period") during which Extension Period
no interest will be due and payable on the Debentures, but the Company may
prepay at any time all or any portion of the interest accrued during an
Extension Period; provided, that no Extension Period shall last beyond the date
of maturity of the Debentures and, as a consequence of such deferral,
Distributions will also be deferred.

                  Despite such deferral, semi-annual Distributions will continue
to accumulate (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the distribution
rate compounded semi-annually (to the extent permitted by applicable law) during
any such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such Extension
Period, the Debenture Issuer may further extend such Extension Period; provided,
that such Extension Period together with all such previous and further
extensions thereof may not exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods or extend
beyond the maturity or any redemption date of the Debentures. Payments of
accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders as they appear on the books and
records of the Trust on the first record date after the end of the Extension
Period. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all
amounts then due, the Debenture Issuer may commence a new Extension Period,
subject to the above requirements.

                  The Common Securities shall be redeemable as provided in the
Declaration.


                                      A2-3

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.11

                               K N ENERGY, INC.,
                                   as Issuer



                                      TO



                           WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
                                  as Trustee



                               FORM OF INDENTURE



                        Dated as of _________ __, ____



                                  DEBENTURES


<PAGE>   2

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                       Page(s)
                                                                       -------

                                    ARTICLE 1

             DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 1.1.  Definitions............................................  1
SECTION 1.2.  Compliance Certificates and Opinions...................  9
SECTION 1.3.  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.................  9
SECTION 1.4.  Acts of Holders........................................ 10
SECTION 1.5.  Notice, Etc., to Trustee and Company................... 12
SECTION 1.6.  Notice to Holders of Debentures; Waiver................ 12
SECTION 1.7.  Language of Notices, Etc............................... 13
SECTION 1.8.  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act...................... 13
SECTION 1.9.  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents............... 13
SECTION 1.10.  Successors and Assigns................................ 13
SECTION 1.11.  Separability Clause................................... 13
SECTION 1.12.  Benefits of Indenture................................. 13
SECTION 1.13.  Governing Law......................................... 13
SECTION 1.14.  Legal Holidays........................................ 13
SECTION 1.15.  Intentionally Omitted................................. 14
SECTION 1.16.  Immunity of Incorporators, Shareholders, Officers, 
                    Directors and Employees.......................... 14

                                    ARTICLE 2

               ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION
                           AND EXCHANGE OF DEBENTURES

SECTION 2.1.  Designation, Terms, Amount Authentication and Delivery 
                    of Debentures.................................... 14
SECTION 2.2.  Form of Debenture and Trustee's Certificate............ 16
SECTION 2.3.  Date and Denominations of Debentures and Provisions 
               for Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest........ 16
SECTION 2.4.  Execution of Debentures................................ 18
SECTION 2.5.  Exchange of Debentures................................. 19
SECTION 2.6.  Temporary Debentures................................... 20
SECTION 2.7.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debentures........ 20
SECTION 2.8.  Cancellation of Surrendered Debentures................. 21
SECTION 2.9.  Provisions of Indenture and Debentures for Sole 
                    Benefit of Parties and .......................... 21
SECTION 2.10.  Appointment of Authenticating Agent................... 21
SECTION 2.11.  Global Debenture...................................... 22
SECTION 2.12.  CUSIP Numbers......................................... 23

<PAGE>   3

                                                                 Page(s)
                                                                 -------

                                    ARTICLE 3

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 3.1.  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture................ 23
SECTION 3.2.  Application of Trust Money............................. 24
SECTION 3.3.  Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant
                    Defeasance....................................... 25
SECTION 3.4.  Discharge and Defeasance............................... 25
SECTION 3.5.  Covenant Defeasance.................................... 25
SECTION 3.6.  Conditions to Defeasance............................... 26

                                    ARTICLE 4

                                    REMEDIES

SECTION 4.1.  Events of Default...................................... 28
SECTION 4.2.  Acceleration of Maturity; Recision and Annulment....... 29
SECTION 4.3.  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by
               Trustee............................................... 31
SECTION 4.4.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim....................... 32
SECTION 4.5.  Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of 
                    Debentures ...................................... 32
SECTION 4.6.  Application of Money Collected......................... 33
SECTION 4.7.  Limitation on Suits.................................... 33
SECTION 4.8.  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, 
                    Premium and Interest............................. 34
SECTION 4.9.  Restoration of Rights and Remedies..................... 34
SECTION 4.10.  Rights and Remedies Cumulative........................ 34
SECTION 4.11.  Delay or Omission Not Waiver.......................... 34
SECTION 4.12.  Control by Holders of Debentures...................... 34
SECTION 4.13.  Waiver of Past Defaults............................... 35
SECTION 4.14.  Undertaking for Costs................................. 36
SECTION 4.15.  Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws...................... 36

                                    ARTICLE 5

                                   THE TRUSTEE    

SECTION 5.1.  Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee; During 
                    Default; Prior to Default........................ 36
SECTION 5.2.  Certain Rights of Trustee.............................. 37
SECTION 5.3.  Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Debentures. 38
SECTION 5.4.  May Hold Debentures.................................... 39
SECTION 5.5.  Money Held in Trust.................................... 39
SECTION 5.6.  Compensation and Reimbursement......................... 39
SECTION 5.7.  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor...... 40
SECTION 5.8.  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor................. 41
SECTION 5.9.  Disqualification; Conflicting Interests................ 42
SECTION 5.10. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility ............... 42


                                       ii

<PAGE>   4

                                                                 Page(s)
                                                                 -------


SECTION 5.11.  Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company..... 43
SECTION 5.12.  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession 
                    to Business ..................................... 43
SECTION 5.13.  Notice of Defaults.................................... 43

                                    ARTICLE 6

                HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

SECTION 6.1.  Preservation of Information: Communications to Holders. 43
SECTION 6.2.  Reports by Trustee..................................... 45
SECTION 6.3.  Reports by Company..................................... 45

                                    ARTICLE 7

                    CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE

SECTION 7.1.  Company May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms......... 45
SECTION 7.2.  Successor Corporation Substituted...................... 46
SECTION 7.3.  Opinion of Counsel to Trustee.......................... 46

                                    ARTICLE 8

                             SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 8.1.  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders..... 46
SECTION 8.2.  Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders........ 47
SECTION 8.3.  Execution of Supplemental Indentures................... 49
SECTION 8.4.  Effect of Supplemental Indentures...................... 49
SECTION 8.5.  Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.................... 49
SECTION 8.6.  Reference in Debentures to Supplemental Indentures..... 49

                                    ARTICLE 9

                                    COVENANTS

SECTION 9.1.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest............. 50
SECTION 9.2.  Maintenance of Office or Agency........................ 50
SECTION 9.3.  Money for Debentures Payments to Be Held in Trust...... 50
SECTION 9.4.  Limitation on Dividends; Transactions with Affiliates.. 51
SECTION 9.5.  Covenants as to K N Trust.............................. 52
SECTION 9.6.  Additional Amounts..................................... 52
SECTION 9.7.  Existence.............................................. 53
SECTION 9.8.  Statement by Officers as to Default.................... 53
SECTION 9.9.  Calculation of Original Issue Discount................. 53
SECTION 9.10.       Financial Information; SEC Reports............... 53

                                   ARTICLE 10

                            REDEMPTION OF DEBENTURES

SECTION 10.1. Applicability of Article .............................. 54


                                       iii
<PAGE>   5

                                                                 Page(s)
                                                                 -------

SECTION 10.2.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee................. 54
SECTION 10.3.  Selection by Trustee of Debentures to Be Redeemed..... 54
SECTION 10.4.  Notice of Redemption.................................. 55
SECTION 10.5.  Deposit of Redemption Price........................... 55
SECTION 10.6.  Debentures Payable on Redemption Date................. 56
SECTION 10.7.  Debentures Redeemed in Part........................... 56

                                   ARTICLE 11
                             [Intentionally Omitted]

                                   ARTICLE 12

                        MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF DEBENTURES

SECTION 12.1.  Purposes for Which Meetings May be Called............. 56
SECTION 12.2.  Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.................... 56
SECTION 12.3.  Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.................. 57
SECTION 12.4.  Quorum; Action........................................ 57
SECTION 12.5.  Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and 
                    Adjournment of Meetings.......................... 58
SECTION 12.6.  Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings....... 59


                                       iv

<PAGE>   6

            FORM OF INDENTURE, dated as of _______ __, _____, between K N
Energy, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas (the "Company"), having its principal office at 370 Van Gordon
Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 and Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware
banking corporation having its principal corporate trust office at 1100 North
Market Street, Rodney Square North, Wilmington, Delaware 19890, as Trustee (the
"Trustee").

                             RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

            WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly
authorized the issuance from time to time of its secured or unsecured
debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (hereinafter referred to as
the "Debentures"), without limit as to principal amount, issuable in one or more
series, the amount and terms of such series to be determined as hereinafter
provided, including, without limitation, Debentures issued to evidence loans
made to the Company of the proceeds from the issuance from time to time by one
or more business trusts (each a "K N Trust," and collectively, the "K N Trusts")
of preferred interests in such K N Trusts, having the rights provided for in
such K N Trusts (the "Capital Securities") and common interests in such K N
Trusts, having the rights provided for in such K N Trusts (the "Common
Securities", and collectively with the Capital Securities, the "Trust
Securities"); to be authenticated by the Trustee; and, to provide the terms and
conditions upon which the Debentures are to be authenticated, issued and
delivered, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Indenture; and

            WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid
agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

                   NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

            For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the
Debentures by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and
proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Debentures or of a series thereof,
as follows:


                                    ARTICLE 1

             DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

            SECTION 1.1. Definitions. For all purposes of this Indenture, except
as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

            (a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to
      them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

            (b) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust
      Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings
      assigned to them therein;

<PAGE>   7
                                                                               2


            (c) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
      meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting
      principles in the United States of America, and, except as otherwise
      herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting
      principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted
      hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted
      in the United States of America at the date of such computation; and

            (d) The words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
      similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any
      particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

            "Act", when used with respect to any Holder of a Debenture, has the
meaning specified in Section 1.4.

            "Additional Interest" means the interest, if any, that shall
accumulate or any interest on the Debentures the payment of which has not been
made on the applicable Interest Payment Date and which shall accumulate at the
rate per annum specified or determined as specified in such Debentures.

            "Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405
of the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.

            "Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee
pursuant to Section 2.10 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate
Debentures of one series.

            "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper, in the English language or
in an official language of the country of publication, customarily published on
each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays,
and of general circulation in the place, in connection with which the term is
used, or in the financial community of such place. Where successive publications
are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications
may be made in the same or in different newspapers in the same city meeting the
foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day.

            "Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the
Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

            "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by
the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such
certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

            "Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or any
other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York or Wilmington,
Delaware are permitted or required by any applicable law to close.

<PAGE>   8
                                                                               3


            "Capital Securities" has the meaning set forth in the first recital
of this Indenture.

            "Capital Securities Guarantee" means any Guarantee that the Company
enters into directly or indirectly for the benefit of holders of Capital
Securities of a K N Trust.

            "Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

            "Common Securities" has the meaning set forth in the first recital
of this Indenture.

            "Common Securities Guarantee" means any Guarantee that the Company
enters into that operates directly or indirectly for the benefit of holders of
Common Securities of a K N Trust.

            "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first
paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Company" shall mean such successor Person.

            "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or
order signed in the name of the Company by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President or any Executive Vice President or any Vice President
and by the Treasurer or the Secretary or any Assistant Treasurer or any
Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.

            "Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee
at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be
administered.

            "Corporation" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock
company or business trust.

            "Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 3.5.

            "Debentures" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this
Indenture and more particularly means any Debentures authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture.

            "Debenture Register" has the meaning specified in Section 2.5.

            "Debenture Registrar" has the meaning specified in Section 2.5.

            "Declaration" means the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
any K N Trust, whether now existing or created in the future.

            "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3.

            "Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 3.4.

<PAGE>   9
                                                                               4


            "Depositary" means, with respect to the Debentures of any series for
which the Company shall determine that such Debentures will be issued as a
Global Debenture, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, a clearing
agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or other applicable
statute or regulation, which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company
pursuant to either Section 2.1 or 2.11.

            "Dollar" or "$" means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin
or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender
for the payment of public and private debts.

            "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1.

            "Global Debenture" means, with respect to Debentures, a Debenture
executed by the Company and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary, or
pursuant to the Depositary's instruction, all in accordance with the Indenture,
which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.

            "Guarantor" means the Company in its capacity as guarantor under any
Trust Securities Guarantees.

            "Holder", when used with respect to any Debenture, means the Person
in whose name the Debenture is registered in the Debenture Register and, when
used with respect to any coupon, means the bearer thereof.

            "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it
may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof
and shall include the terms of the Debentures of any series established as
contemplated by Section 2.1.

            "Institutional Trustee" has the meaning set forth in the
Declaration.

            "Interest," when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount
Debenture which by its terms bears interest only at Maturity, means interest
payable at Maturity.

            "Interest Payment Date," when used with respect to any Debenture,
means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Debenture.

            "K N Guarantee" means the guarantee by the Company of distributions
on the Capital Securities of a K N Trust to the extent provided in the Guarantee
(as such term is defined in the related Declaration).

            "K N Trust" has the meaning set forth in the first recital to this
Indenture.

            "Maturity," when used with respect to any Debenture, means the date
on which the principal of such Debenture or an installment of such principal
becomes due and payable

<PAGE>   10
                                                                               5


as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration
of acceleration, call for prepayment, notice of option to elect repayment or
otherwise.

            "Notice of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 4.1(c).

            "Officer" means the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer, Comptroller, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of the Company.

            "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman
of the Board of Directors or the President or any Executive Vice President or
any Vice President and by the Treasurer or the Secretary or any Assistant
Treasurer or any Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the
Trustee.

            "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be
an employee of or counsel for the Company and who shall be acceptable to the
Trustee.

            "Original Issue Discount Debenture" means any Debenture which
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to
Section 4.2.

            "Outstanding," when used with respect to the Debentures, means, as
of the date of determination, all Debentures of such series theretofore
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

                  (i) Debentures of such series theretofore canceled by the
            Trustee or any Paying Agent or delivered to the Trustee for
            cancellation or that have previously been canceled;

                  (ii) Debentures of such series for whose payment or redemption
            of which money or U.S. Government Obligations in the necessary
            amount has been theretofore deposited in accordance with Article 3
            with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in
            trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the
            Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of
            Debentures of such series and any coupons appertaining thereto;
            provided that, if the Debentures of such series or portions of the
            Debentures of such series are to be redeemed prior to the Maturity
            thereof, notice of such prepayment has been duly given pursuant to
            this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has
            been made;

                  (iii) Debentures of such series which have been paid pursuant
            to Section 2.7 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other
            Debentures of such series have been authenticated and delivered
            pursuant to this Indenture, other than any Debentures of such series
            in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee
            proof satisfactory to it that such Debentures of such series are
            held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands the Debentures of such
            series are valid obligations of the Company; and

<PAGE>   11
                                                                               6


                  (iv) Debentures of such series as to which Defeasance has been
            effected pursuant to Section 3.4;

            provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the
requisite aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such
series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent
or waiver hereunder or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of
Debentures of such series (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount
Debenture of such series that shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the
amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of
such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section
4.2, (B) the principal amount of a Debenture of such series denominated in a
foreign currency or currencies shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined
on the date of original issuance of such Debenture, of the principal amount (or,
in the case of an Original Issue Discount Debenture of such series, the U.S.
dollar equivalent on the date of original issuance of such Debenture of the
amount determined as provided in (A) above) of such Debenture, and (C)
Debentures of such series owned by the Company or any other obligor upon such
Debentures, or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, or upon any such
determination as to the presence of a quorum, only Debentures of such series
which the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded.
Debentures of such series so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be
regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the
Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Debentures and that
the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon such Debentures or any
Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

            "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the
principal of and any premium and interest on any Debentures or any coupons
appertaining thereto on behalf of the Company.

            "Person" means a legal person, including any individual,
corporation, state, partnership, joint venture, trust, association, joint stock
company, limited liability company, unincorporated association or government or
any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever
nature.

            "Place of Payment," when used with respect to the Debentures of any
series, means the place or places where, subject to the provisions of Section
9.2, the principal of and any premium and interest on Debentures of such series
are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 2.1.

            "Predecessor Debenture" of a Debenture of any series means every
previous Debenture evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that
evidenced by such Debenture; and, for the purposes of this definition, any
Debenture of any series authenticated and delivered under Section 2.7 in
exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debenture or a
Debenture to which a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains
shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen

<PAGE>   12
                                                                               7


Debenture or the Debenture to which the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
coupon appertains, as the case may be.

            "Redemption Date," when used with respect to any Debenture to be
redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this
Indenture.

            "Redemption Price," when used with respect to any Debenture to be
redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this
Indenture.

            "Responsible Officer" means, when used with respect to the Trustee,
the chairman of the board of directors, the executive committee of the board of
directors, the chairman of the trust committee, the president, any vice
president, any assistant vice president, the secretary, any assistant secretary,
the treasurer, financial services officer, any assistant treasurer, any trust
officer or assistant trust officer, the controller or any assistant controller
or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to
those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with
respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such
matter is referred because of such officer's knowledge of and familiarity with
the particular subject.

            "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or
any successor statute.

            "Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Debenture or any
installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified
in such Debenture or a coupon representing such installment of interest as the
fixed date on which the principal of such Debenture or such installment of
principal or interest is due and payable.

            "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation
at least a majority of whose outstanding Voting Stock shall at the time be
owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more of its
Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any
general partnership, joint venture, business trust or similar entity, at least a
majority of whose outstanding partnership or similar interests shall at the time
be owned by such Person or by one or more of its Subsidiaries or by such Person
and one or more of its Subsidiaries and (iii) any limited partnership of which
such Person or any of its Subsidiaries is a general partner.

            "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first
paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and
if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with
respect to the Debentures of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to
Debentures of that series.

            "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in
force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, provided, however,
that in the event the Trust

<PAGE>   13
                                                                               8


Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means,
to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as
so amended.

            "Trust Securities" means Common Securities and Capital Securities of
a K N Trust.

            "Trust Securities Guarantees" means the Common Securities Guarantee
and the Capital Securities Guarantee.

            "United States" means the United States of America (including the
States and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other
areas subject to its jurisdiction.

            "United States Alien" means any Person who, for United States
federal income tax purposes, is a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien
individual, a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a
foreign partnership one or more of the members of which is, for United States
federal income tax purposes, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien
individual or a nonresident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust of a
foreign partnership.

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

            "Voting Stock", as applied to stock of any Person, means shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents in the equity interest (however
designated) in such Person having ordinary voting power for the election of a
majority of the directors (or the equivalent) of such Person, other than shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents having such power only by reason
of the occurrence of a contingency.

            "Yield to Maturity" means the yield to maturity on Debentures of any
series, calculated at the time of issuance of such Debentures, or, if
applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series, and
calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.

<PAGE>   14
                                                                               9


            SECTION 1.2. Compliance Certificates and Opinions. Except as
otherwise expressly provided by this Indenture, upon any application or request
by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this
Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture
relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of
Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions
precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such
application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is
specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such
particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be
furnished.

            Every certificate or opinion by or on behalf of the Company with
respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this
Indenture, except for certificates provided for in Section 9.8, shall include:

            (a) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or
      opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein
      relating thereto;

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

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

            (d) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
      individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

            SECTION 1.3. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. In any case
where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion
of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified
by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so
certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or
give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons
as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to
such matters in one or several documents.

            Any Officers' Certificate may be based, insofar as it relates to
legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel,
unless the officers giving such Officers' Certificate know, or in the exercise
of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to the matters upon which such Officers'
Certificate is based are erroneous. Any Officers' Certificate or Opinion of
Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a
certificate of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company
stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the
possession of the Company, unless the officers giving such Officers'

<PAGE>   15
                                                                              10


Certificate or the counsel giving such Opinion of Counsel know, or in the
exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or representations
with respect to such matters are erroneous.

            Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.

            SECTION 1.4. Acts of Holders. (a) Any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or
permitted by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in
and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed
by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing. Except as
herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when
such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee
and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or
instruments and any such record (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments and so voting at any such meeting. Proof of
execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent or
proxy, or of the holding by any Person of a Debenture of any series, shall be
sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 5.2)
conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner
provided in this Section 12.6. The record of any meeting of Holders of
Debentures of any series shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 12.6.

            (b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to the execution thereof. Where such
execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than the signer's individual
capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof
of the signer's authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such
instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may
also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

            (c) The principal amount and serial numbers of Debentures of any
series held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by
the Debenture Register.

            (d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Debenture of any series shall bind
every future Holder of the same Debenture and the Holder of every Debenture
issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in
lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the
Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such
action is made upon such Debenture.

<PAGE>   16
                                                                              11


            (e) With respect to the Debentures of any series, upon receipt by
the Trustee of (i) any written notice directing the time, method or place of
conducting any proceeding or exercising any trust or power pursuant to Section
4.12 with respect to Debentures of such series or (ii) any written demand,
request or notice with respect to any matter on which the Holders of Debentures
of such series are entitled to act under this Indenture, in each case from
Holders of less than, or proxies representing less than, the requisite principal
amount of Outstanding Debentures of such series entitled to give such demand,
request or notice, the Trustee shall establish a record date for determining
Holders of Outstanding Debentures of such series entitled to join in such
demand, request or notice, which record date shall be the close of business on
the day the Trustee received such demand, request or notice. The Holders on such
record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be
entitled to join in such demand, request or notice whether or not such Holders
remain Holders after such record date; provided, however, that unless the
Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Debentures of such
series shall have joined in such demand, request or notice prior to the day
which is 90 days after such record date, such demand, request or notice shall
automatically and without further action by any Holder be canceled and of no
further effect. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Holder, or a proxy of
a Holder, from giving, (i) after the expiration of such 90-day period, a new
demand, request or notice identical to a demand, request or notice which has
been canceled pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence or (ii) during
any such 90-day period, a new demand, request or notice which has been canceled
pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence or (iii) during any such
90-day period, a new demand, request or notice contrary to or different from
such demand, request or notice, in either of which events a new record date
shall be established pursuant to the provisions of this clause.

            (f) The Company may set any day as the record date for the purpose
of determining the Holders of Outstanding Debentures of any series entitled to
give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given or
taken by Holders of Debentures of such series. With regard to any record date
set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Debentures of such
series on such record date (or their duly appointed agents), and only such
Persons, shall be entitled to give or take the relevant action, whether or not
such Holders remain Holders after such record date. With regard to any action
that may be given or taken hereunder only by Holders of a requisite principal
amount of Outstanding Debentures of any series (or their duly appointed agents)
and for which a record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company may,
at its option, set an expiration date after which no such action purported to be
given or taken by any Holder shall be effective hereunder unless given or taken
on or prior to such expiration date by Holders of the requisite principal amount
of Outstanding Debentures of such series on such record date (or their duly
appointed agents). On or prior to any expiration date set pursuant to this
paragraph, the Company may, on one or more occasions at its option, extend such
date to any later date. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent any Holder (or
any duly appointed agent thereof) from giving or taking, after any expiration
date, any action identical to, or, at any time, contrary to or different from,
any action given or taken, or purported to have been given or taken, hereunder
by a Holder on or prior to such date, in which event the Company may set a
record date in respect thereof pursuant to this clause. Notwithstanding the
foregoing or the Trust Indenture Act, the

<PAGE>   17
                                                                              12


Company shall not set a record date for, and the provisions of this clause shall
not apply with respect to, any action to be given or taken by Holders pursuant
to Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.12.

            SECTION 1.5. Notice, Etc., to Trustee and Company. Any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or
other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or
furnished to, or filed with,

            (a) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient
      for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing
      to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate
      Trust Administration, or

            (b) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient
      for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided)
      if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company
      addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the
      first paragraph of this Indenture, to the attention of its Treasurer, or
      at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the
      Company.

            SECTION 1.6. Notice to Holders of Debentures; Waiver. Except as
otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice to
Holders of Debentures of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given to
Holders of any series if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to
each Holder of a Debenture affected by such event, at the address of such Holder
as it appears in the Debentures Register, not earlier than the earliest date,
and not later than the latest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice.

            In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by
reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice to
Holders of Debentures by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the
approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice to such Holders for
every purpose hereunder. In any case where notice to Holders of Debentures is
given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any
notice mailed to any particular Holder of a Debenture shall affect the
sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Debentures.

            Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice
may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either
before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such
notice. Waivers of notice by Holders of Debentures shall be filed with the
Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of
any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

            SECTION 1.7. Language of Notices, Etc. Any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under
this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published
notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.

            SECTION 1.8. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act. If and to the extent
that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another
provision included in this

<PAGE>   18
                                                                              13


Indenture which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of Sections
310 to 318, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall
control.

            SECTION 1.9. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article
and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only
and shall not affect the construction hereof.

            SECTION 1.10. Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements
in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether
so expressed or not.

            SECTION 1.11. Separability Clause. In case any provision in this
Indenture or the Debentures or coupons shall be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

            SECTION 1.12. Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture or
the Debentures or coupons, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other
than the parties hereto, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any
Debenture Registrar and their successors hereunder, the holders of Trust
Securities, and the Holders of Debentures and coupons, any benefit or any legal
or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

            SECTION 1.13. Governing Law. This Indenture and the Debentures and
coupons shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.

            SECTION 1.14. Legal Holidays. In any case where any Interest Payment
Date, Redemption Date, Maturity or Stated Maturity of any Debentures of any
series shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then
(notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Debentures or
coupons other than a provision in the Debentures of any series which
specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)
payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) will be made on the next
succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment, provided that no interest
shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such
Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be,
to such succeeding Business Day and except that, if such Business Day is in the
next succeeding calendar year, then such payment shall be made on the
immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect
as if made on such date.

            SECTION 1.15. Intentionally Omitted.

            SECTION 1.16. Immunity of Incorporators, Shareholders, Officers,
Directors and Employees. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or
agreement of this Indenture, or of a Debenture of any series, or for any claim
based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any
incorporator, shareholder, officer, director or employee, as such, past, present
or future, of the Company or of any successor corporation,

<PAGE>   19
                                                                              14


either directly or through the Company, whether by virtue of any constitution,
statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or
otherwise; it being expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations
issued hereunder are solely corporate obligations of the Company, and that no
such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be incurred by,
the incorporators, shareholders, officers, directors or employees, as such, of
the Company or of any successor corporation, or any of them, because of the
creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the
obligations or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the
Debentures or implied therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability,
either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of, and any and
all such rights and claims against, every such incorporator, shareholder,
officer, director or employee, as such, because of the creation of the
indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations or
agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Debentures or implied
therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a
consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issue of such
Debentures.

            All payments of interest and other amounts, if any, to be made by
the Trustee hereunder shall be made only from the money deposited with the
Trustee and only to the extent that the Trustee shall have sufficient income or
proceeds to make such payments in accordance with the terms of this Indenture,
and each Holder thereof, by its acceptance of a Debenture, agrees that it will
look solely to the income and proceeds deposited with the Trustee to the extent
available for distribution to such Holder as provided and that the Trustee is
not personally liable in any manner to such Holder for any amounts payable or
any liability under this Indenture or any Debenture.


                                    ARTICLE 2

               ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION
                           AND EXCHANGE OF DEBENTURES

            SECTION 2.1. Designation, Terms, Amount Authentication and Delivery
of Debentures. The aggregate principal amount of Debentures which may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

            The Debentures may be issued in one or more series up to the
aggregate principal amount of Debentures of that series from time to time
authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or pursuant to one or more
indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the initial issuance of the Debentures
of a particular series. Prior to the initial issuance of the Debentures of any
series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set
forth in an Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures
supplemental hereto:

            (1) the title of the Debentures of the series which shall
      distinguish the Debentures of the series from all other Debentures;

<PAGE>   20
                                                                              15


            (2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures
      of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this
      Indenture (except for Debentures authenticated and delivered upon
      registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other
      Debentures of that series);

            (3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Debentures of
      the series is payable;

            (4) the rate or rates at which the Debentures of the series shall
      bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;

            (5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the
      Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable or the
      manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates and the record date
      for the determination of Holders to whom interest is payable on any such
      Interest Payment Dates;

            (6) the right, if any, to extend or defer the interest payment
      periods and the duration of such extension;

            (7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at
      which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Debentures of the series
      may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

            (8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase
      Debentures of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous
      provisions (including payments made in cash in anticipation of future
      sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder thereof and the
      period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the
      terms and conditions upon which, Debentures of the series shall be
      redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

            (9) any exchangeability, conversion or prepayment provisions of the
      Debentures;

            (10) the form of the Debentures of the series including the form of
      the certificate of authentication for such series;

            (11) if other than denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple
      thereof, the denominations in which the Debentures of the series shall be
      issuable;

            (12) any and all other terms with respect to such series (which
      terms shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture); and

            (13) whether the Debentures of the series are issuable as a Global
      Debenture and, in such case, the identity of the Depositary for such
      series; and

<PAGE>   21
                                                                              16


            (4) whether the Debentures of a series are subject to Defeasance or
      Covenant Defeasance.

            If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken
pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action
shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers'
Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.

            SECTION 2.2. Form of Debenture and Trustee's Certificate. The
Debentures of any series and the Trustee's certificate of authentication to be
borne by such Debentures shall be substantially of the tenor and purport as set
forth in one or more indentures supplemental hereto or as provided in a Board
Resolution and as set forth in an Officers' Certificate, and may have such
letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such
legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Company
may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or
regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock
exchange on which Debentures of that series may be listed, or to conform to
usage.

            SECTION 2.3. Date and Denominations of Debentures and Provisions for
Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The Debentures shall be issuable as
registered Debentures and in the denominations of $1,000 or any integral
multiple thereof, subject to Section 2.1(11). The Debentures of a particular
series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rate specified with
respect to that series. The principal of and the interest on the Debentures of
any series, as well as any premium thereon in case of redemption thereof prior
to Maturity, shall be payable in the coin or currency of the United States of
America which at the time is legal tender for public and private debt, at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City and State of New York or Wilmington, Delaware. Each
Debenture shall be dated the date of its authentication. Interest on the
Debentures shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve
30- day months. The amount of interest payable for any period shorter than a
full semi-annual period for which interest is computed will be computed on the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed per 30-day month.

            The interest installment on any Debenture which is payable, and is
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for
Debentures of that series shall be paid to the Person in whose name said
Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Debentures) is registered at the close of
business on the regular record date for such interest installment. In the event
that any Debenture of a particular series or portion thereof is called for
redemption and the Redemption Date is subsequent to a regular record date with
respect to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date,
the amount of such redemption payment shall include accumulated and unpaid
interest accrued to, but excluding, such Redemption Date and no additional
interest shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date.

            Any interest on any Debenture which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for
Debentures of the same series (herein

<PAGE>   22
                                                                              17


called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
registered holder on the relevant regular record date; and such Defaulted
Interest shall be paid by the Company, at its election, as provided in clause
(1) or clause (2) below:

            (1) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on
      Debentures to the Persons in whose names such Debentures (or their
      respective Predecessor Debentures) are registered at the close of business
      on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which
      shall be fixed in the following manner: the Company shall notify the
      Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid
      on each such Debenture and the date of the proposed payment, and at the
      same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money
      equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such
      Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee
      for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money
      when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the persons entitled
      to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the
      Trustee shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted
      Interest which shall not be more than 15 nor less than 10 days prior to
      the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the
      receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee
      shall promptly notify the Company of such special record date and, in the
      name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed
      payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to
      be mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Debentures at
      his or her address as it appears in the Debenture Register, not less than
      10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment
      of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having
      been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the
      Persons in whose names such Debentures (or their Predecessor Debentures)
      are registered on such special record date and shall be no longer payable
      pursuant to the following clause (2).

            (2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any
      Debentures in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the
      requirements of any securities exchange on which such Debentures may be
      listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if,
      after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment
      pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed
      practicable by the Trustee.

            Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution or one or more
indentures supplemental hereto establishing the terms of any series of
Debentures pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the term "regular record date" as
used in this Section with respect to a series of Debentures with respect to any
Interest Payment Date for such series shall mean either the fifteenth day of the
month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date
established for such series pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof shall occur, if such
Interest Payment Date is the first day of a month, or the last day of the month
immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established
for such series pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof shall occur, if such Interest
Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month, whether or not such date is a
Business Day.

<PAGE>   23
                                                                              18


            Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Debenture
of a series delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for
or in lieu of any other Debenture of such series shall carry the rights to
interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other
Debenture.

            SECTION 2.4. Execution of Debentures. The Debentures shall, subject
to the provisions of Section 2.6, be printed on steel engraved borders or fully
or partially engraved, or legibly typed, as the proper officers of the Company
may determine, and shall be signed on behalf of the Company by an Officer of the
Company. The Officer's signature may be in the form of a manual or facsimile
signature of a present or any future Officer of the Company and may be imprinted
or otherwise reproduced on the Debentures and for that purpose the Company may
use the manual or facsimile signature of any person who shall have been an
Officer, notwithstanding the fact that at the time the Debentures shall be
authenticated and delivered or disposed of such person shall have ceased to be
an Officer of the Company.

            Only such Debentures as shall bear thereon a certificate of
authentication substantially in the form established for such Debentures,
executed manually by an authorized signatory of the Trustee, or by any
Authenticating Agent with respect to such Debentures, shall be entitled to the
benefits of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such
certificate executed by the Trustee, or by any Authenticating Agent appointed by
the Trustee with respect to such Debentures, upon any Debenture executed by the
Company shall be conclusive evidence that the Debenture so authenticated has
been duly authenticated and made available for delivery hereunder and that the
holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

            At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery
of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Debentures of any series executed by
the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a written order of
the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Debentures, signed by
(i) its Chairman of the Board, President or any Vice President and (ii) its
Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer or its Secretary, and the Trustee in
accordance with such written order shall authenticate and make available for
delivery such Debentures.

            In authenticating such Debentures and accepting the additional
responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Debentures, the
Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 5.1) shall be
fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the form and
terms thereof have been established in conformity with the provisions of this
Indenture.

            The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Debentures if
the issue of such Debentures pursuant to this Indenture will affect the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Debentures and this
Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee.

            SECTION 2.5. Exchange of Debentures. (a) Debentures of any series
may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the office or agency of the
Company designated for

<PAGE>   24
                                                                              19


such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City and State of New York or
Wilmington, Delaware, for other Debentures of such series of authorized
denominations, and for a like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto,
all as provided in this Section. In respect of any Debentures so surrendered for
exchange, the Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such
office or agency shall make available for delivery in exchange therefor the
Debenture or Debentures of the same series which the Holders of Debentures
making the exchange shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not
contemporaneously outstanding.

            (b) The Company shall keep, or cause to be kept, at its office or
agency designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City and
State of New York or Wilmington, Delaware, or such other location designated by
the Company a register or registers (herein referred to as the "Debenture
Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe,
the Company shall register the Debentures and the transfers of Debentures as in
this Article provided and which at all reasonable times shall be open for
inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose of registering
Debentures and transfer of Debentures as herein provided shall be appointed as
authorized by Board Resolution (the "Debenture Registrar"). Upon surrender for
transfer of any Debenture at the office or agency of the Company designated for
such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City and State of New York or
Wilmington, Delaware, the Company shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate
and such office or agency shall make available for delivery in the name of the
transferee or transferees a new Debenture or Debentures of the same series as
the Debenture presented for a like aggregate principal amount.

            All Debentures presented or surrendered for exchange or registration
of transfer, as provided in this Section, shall be accompanied (if so required
by the Company or the Debenture Registrar) by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Company or the Debenture
Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by his duly authorized
attorney in writing.

            (c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration
of transfer of Debentures, or issue of new Debentures in case of partial
redemption of any series, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto,
other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.6, Section 8.6 and Section 10.7 not
involving any transfer.

            (d) The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, exchange or
register transfer of any Debentures during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the date of selection for redemption of Debentures of
the same series and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the
relevant notice of redemption, nor (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange
any Debentures of any series or portions thereof called for redemption, except
in the case of any Debentures being redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to
be redeemed. The provisions of this Section 2.5 are, with respect to any Global
Debenture, subject to Section 2.11 hereof.

<PAGE>   25
                                                                              20


            SECTION 2.6. Temporary Debentures. Pending the preparation of
definitive Debentures of any series, the Company may execute, and the Trustee
shall authenticate and make available for delivery, temporary Debentures
(printed, lithographed or typewritten) of any authorized denomination, and
substantially in the form of the definitive Debentures in lieu of which they are
issued, but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate
for temporary Debentures, all as may be determined by the Company. Every
temporary Debenture of any series shall be executed by the Company and be
authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the
same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Debentures of such series.
Without unnecessary delay the Company will execute and will furnish definitive
Debentures of such series and thereupon any or all temporary Debentures of such
series may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to the holders),
at the office or agency of the Company designated for the purpose in the Borough
of Manhattan, The City and State of New York or Wilmington, Delaware, and the
Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall make available for
delivery in exchange for such temporary Debentures an equal aggregate principal
amount of definitive Debentures of such series, unless the Company advises the
Trustee to the effect that definitive Debentures need not be executed and
furnished until further notice from the Company. Until so exchanged, the
temporary Debentures of such series shall be entitled to the same benefits under
this Indenture as definitive Debentures of such series authenticated and
delivered hereunder.

            SECTION 2.7. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debentures. In
case any temporary or definitive Debenture shall become mutilated or be
destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company (subject to the next succeeding sentence)
shall execute, and upon its request the Trustee (subject as aforesaid) shall
authenticate and make available for delivery, a new Debenture of the same series
bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution
for the mutilated Debenture, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Debenture
so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted
Debenture shall furnish to the Company and to the Trustee such security or
indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in
every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to
the Company and to the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the
destruction, loss or theft of the applicant's Debenture and of the ownership
thereof. The Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Debenture and make
available for delivery the same upon the written request or authorization of any
Officer of the Company. Upon the issuance of any substituted Debenture, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other
expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
In case any Debenture which has matured or is about to mature shall become
mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, instead of issuing a
substitute Debenture, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without
surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Debenture) if the applicant
for such payment shall furnish to the Company and to the Trustee such security
or indemnity as they may require to save them harmless, and, in case of
destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the
Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Debenture and of the ownership
thereof.

<PAGE>   26
                                                                              21


            Every Debenture issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section in
substitution for any Debenture which is mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or
not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debenture shall be found at any
time, or be enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of
this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Debentures of
the same series duly issued hereunder. All Debentures shall be held and owned
upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with
respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Debentures, and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all other rights
or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to
the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable
instruments or other securities without their surrender.

            SECTION 2.8. Cancellation of Surrendered Debentures. All Debentures
surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of
transfer shall, if surrendered to the Company or any Paying Agent, be delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be
canceled by it, and no Debentures shall be issued in lieu thereof except as
expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. On
written request of the Company, the Trustee shall deliver to the Company
canceled Debentures held by the Trustee. If the Company shall otherwise acquire
any of the Debentures, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a
redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Debentures
unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

            SECTION 2.9. Provisions of Indenture and Debentures for Sole Benefit
of Parties and Holders of Debentures. Nothing in this Indenture or in the
Debentures, express or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any
Person, other than the parties hereto and the Holders of the Debentures, any
legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture,
or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all such
covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties
hereto and of the Holders of the Debentures.

            SECTION 2.10. Appointment of Authenticating Agent. So long as any of
the Debentures of any series remain Outstanding there may be an Authenticating
Agent for any or all such series of Debentures which the Trustee shall have the
right to appoint. Said Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf
of the Trustee to authenticate Debentures of such series issued upon exchange,
transfer or partial redemption thereof, and Debentures so authenticated shall be
entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for
all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. All references in
this Indenture to the authentication of Debentures by the Trustee shall be
deemed to include authentication by an Authenticating Agent for such series
except for authentication upon original issuance or pursuant to Section 2.7
hereof. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall
be a corporation which has a combined capital and surplus, as most recently
reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction
under which it is organized or in which it is doing business to conduct a trust
business, and which is otherwise authorized under such laws to conduct such
business and is subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State
authorities. If at any time any

<PAGE>   27
                                                                              22


Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with these
provisions, it shall resign immediately.

            Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written
notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any
time (and upon request by the Company shall) terminate the agency of any
Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon resignation, termination or
cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent, the Trustee may appoint an
eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Company. Any successor
Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become
vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if
originally named as an Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.

            SECTION 2.11. Global Debenture. (a) If the Company shall establish
pursuant to Section 2.1 that the Debentures of a particular series are to be
issued as one or more Global Debentures, then the Company shall execute and the
Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.4, authenticate and deliver, one or
more Global Debentures which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
aggregate amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the
Outstanding Debentures of such series, shall be registered in the name of the
Depositary or its nominee, shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary
or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction and shall bear a legend
substantially to the following effect: "This Debenture is a Global Debenture
within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in
the name of a Depositary or a nominee of a Depositary. This Debenture is
exchangeable for Debentures registered in the name of a Person other than the
Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the
Indenture, and no transfer of this Debenture (other than a transfer of this
Debenture as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a
nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the
Debositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary
or a nominee of such successor Depositary) may be registered except in such
limited circumstances."

            (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.5, the Global
Debenture of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the
manner provided in Section 2.5, only by the Depositary for such series to a
nominee of the Depositary for such series, or by a nominee of the Depositary for
such series to the Depositary for such series or another nominee of the
Depositary for such series, or by the Depositary for such series or any such
nominee to a successor Depositary for such series or a nominee of such successor
Depositary.

            (c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of Debentures
notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as for such
series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no longer be
registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other applicable
statute or regulation and a successor Depositary for such series is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice
or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be, this Section 2.11 shall
no longer be applicable to the Debentures of such series and the Company will
execute, and subject to Section 2.5, the Trustee will authenticate and make
available for delivery

<PAGE>   28
                                                                              23


Debentures of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in
authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Global Debentures of such series in exchange for such
Global Debentures. In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the
Debentures of any series shall no longer be represented by one or more Global
Debentures and that the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall no longer apply to
the Debentures of such series. In such event the Company will execute and
subject to Section 2.5, the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers' Certificate
evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate and deliver
Debentures of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in
authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Global Debentures of such series in exchange for such
Global Debentures. Upon the exchange of the Global Debentures for such
Debentures in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized
denominations, the Global Debentures shall be canceled by the Trustee. Such
Debentures in definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global
Debentures pursuant to this Section 2.11 shall be registered in such names and
in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions
from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the
Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Debentures to the Depositary for
delivery to the Persons in whose names such Debentures are so registered.

            SECTION 2.12. CUSIP Numbers. The Company in issuing the Debentures
may use "CUSIP" and "CINS" numbers (if then generally in use), and the Trustee
shall use CUSIP numbers or CINS numbers, as the case may be, in notices of
redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders of Debentures and no
representation shall be made as to the correctness of such numbers either as
printed on the Debentures or as contained in any notice of redemption or
exchange.


                                    ARTICLE 3

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

            SECTION 3.1. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. Except as
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.1, this Indenture shall upon
Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights
of registration of transfer or exchange of Debentures herein expressly provided
for, and any right to receive additional amounts, as provided in Section 9.6),
and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments
acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when:

            (a) either,

                  (1) all Debentures theretofore authenticated and delivered
            have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

                  (2) all such Debentures not theretofore delivered to the
            Trustee for cancellation,


<PAGE>   29
                                                                              24


                            (i) have become due and payable, or

                           (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated
                  Maturity within one year, or

                          (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year
                  under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving
                  of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the
                  expense, of the Company,

            and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has
            deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds
            in trust for the purpose, an amount sufficient to pay and discharge
            the entire indebtedness on such Debentures and coupons not
            theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal
            (and premium, if any) and any interest to the date of such deposit
            (in the case of Debentures which have become due and payable) or to
            the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

            (b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable
      hereunder by the Company; and

            (c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
      Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
      precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge
      of this Indenture have been complied with.

            Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture,
the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 5.6, the obligations
of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 2.10 and, if money
shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (a)(2) of this
Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 3.2 and the last paragraph
of Section 9.3 shall survive.

            SECTION 3.2. Application of Trust Money. Subject to the provisions
of the last paragraph of Section 9.3, all money and U.S. Government Obligations
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.3 and all money received
by the Trustee in respect of such U.S. Government Obligations shall be held in
trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Debentures and
this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if
any) and any interest for whose payment such money and U.S. Government
Obligations has been deposited with or received by the Trustee.

            SECTION 3.3. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance. If applicable to the Debentures of any series, the Company may
elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 3.4 or Section 3.5 applied to
any such series of Debentures or any Debentures of such series, as the case may
be, designated pursuant to Section 2.1 as being defeasible pursuant to such
Section 3.4 or 3.5, in accordance with any

<PAGE>   30
                                                                              25


applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 2.1 and upon compliance
with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be
evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated
by Section 2.1 for such Debentures.

            SECTION 3.4. Discharge and Defeasance. If this Section 3.4 is
specified, under the terms of Section 2.1, to be applicable to Debentures of any
series, then notwithstanding Section 3.1 and upon compliance with the applicable
conditions set forth in Section 3.6: (a) the Company shall be deemed to have
paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on all the Outstanding Debentures of
any such series ("Defeasance"); and (b) the provisions of this Indenture as it
relates to such Outstanding Debentures shall no longer be in effect (except (i)
as to the rights of Holders of Debentures of such series to receive, solely from
the trust fund described in Section 3.6, payment of (a) the principal of (and
premium, if any) and any installment of principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest on Debentures of such series on the Stated Maturity of such principal
(and premium, if any) or installment of principal (and premium, if any) or
interest or upon optional redemption and/or (b) any mandatory sinking fund
payments or analogous payments applicable to the Debentures of such series on
that day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture and of Debentures of such series, (ii) the Company's
obligations with respect to Debentures of such series under Sections 2.5, 2.6,
2.7, 9.2 and 9.3, and (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities
of the Trustee hereunder, including those under Section 5.6 hereof.)

            SECTION 3.5. Covenant Defeasance. If this Section 3.5 is specified,
as contemplated by Section 2.1, to be applicable to any series of Debentures or
any Debentures of such series, as the case may be, (a) the Company shall be
released from its obligations under Sections 9.4 through 9.7, inclusive, and any
covenants provided pursuant to Section 2.1 or Section 8.1(b) for the benefit of
the Holders of Debentures of such series that pursuant to the terms of such
Debentures of such series are defeasible pursuant to this Section 3.5 and (b)
the occurrence of any event specified in Section 4.1(c) (with respect to any of
Sections 9.3 through 9.7, inclusive, and any such covenants provided pursuant to
Section 2.1 or 8.1(b)) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of
Default, in each case with respect to Debentures of such series as provided in
this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 3.6 are
satisfied (hereinafter called "Covenant Defeasance"). For this purpose, such
Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to Debentures of such series, the
Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any
term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to the
extent so specified in the case of Section 4.1(c)), whether directly or
indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or by
reason of any reference in any such Section to any other provision herein or in
any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and such Debentures
shall be unaffected thereby.

            SECTION 3.6. Conditions to Defeasance. The following shall be the
conditions to the application of Section 3.4 or 3.5 to any applicable series of
Debentures or any Debentures of such series, as the case may be:

<PAGE>   31
                                                                              26


            (a) with respect to all Outstanding Debentures of such series or
      such Debentures of such series, as the case may be, with reference to this
      Section 3.6, the Company has deposited or caused to be deposited with the
      Trustee irrevocably (but subject to the provisions of Section 3.2 and the
      last paragraph of Section 9.3), as trust funds in trust, specifically
      pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
      Holders of the Debentures of such series, (i) lawful money of the United
      States in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Government Obligations that through the
      payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with
      their terms will provide not later than the opening of business on the due
      dates of any payment referred to in clause (i) or (ii) of this
      subparagraph (a) lawful money of the United States in an amount, or (iii)
      a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally
      recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written
      certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge the
      principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and
      premium, if any) and interest on such Debentures the Stated Maturity of
      such principal or installment of principal or interest or upon redemption;

            (b) such deposit for the benefit of Holders of Debentures of such
      series will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
      default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to
      which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

            (c) no Event of Default or event which with the giving of notice or
      lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default with respect to
      the Debentures of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the
      date of such deposit;

            (d) in the event of an election to have Section 3.4 apply to the
      Debentures of any series, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
      Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (i) the Company has received from,
      or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or
      (ii) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in
      applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and
      based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of
      Debentures of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for
      federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and
      discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and
      in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
      such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred;

            (e) in the case of an election to have Section 3.5 apply to the
      Debentures of any series, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
      Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of Debentures of such
      series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
      purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be
      subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner
      and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit,
      defeasance and discharge had not occurred; and

<PAGE>   32
                                                                              27


            (f) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
      Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
      precedent herein provided for relating to the Defeasance or Covenant
      Defeasance with respect to Debentures of such series have been complied
      with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that either (i) as a result
      of such deposit and the related exercise of the Company's option under
      this Article, registration is not required under the Investment Company
      Act of 1940, as amended, by the Company, the trust funds representing such
      deposit or the Trustee or (ii) all necessary registrations under said Act
      have been effected.

            Any deposits with the Trustee referred to in Section 3.6(a) above
shall be irrevocable and shall be made under the terms of an escrow/trust
agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee. If any Outstanding
Debentures of such series are to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity,
whether pursuant to any optional redemption provisions or in accordance with any
mandatory sinking fund requirement, the applicable escrow trust agreement shall
provide therefor and the Company shall make such arrangements as are
satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company.

            Upon Defeasance with respect to all the Debentures of any series,
the terms and conditions of the Debentures of such series, including the terms
and conditions with respect thereto set forth in this Indenture, shall no longer
be binding upon, or applicable to, the Company; provided, that the Company shall
not be discharged from any payment obligations in respect of Debentures of such
series which are deemed not to be Outstanding under clause (iii) of the
definition thereof if such obligations continue to be valid obligations of the
Company under applicable law.

            Notwithstanding the cessation, termination and discharge of all
obligations, covenants and agreements (except as provided above in this Section
3.6) of the Company under this Indenture with respect to the Debentures of any
series, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 5.6, and the
obligations of the Trustee under Section 3.2 and the last paragraph of Section
9.3 shall survive with respect the Debentures of such series.

            Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in this
Section 3.6 with respect to Debentures of any series which, in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a
written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the
amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect the
Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to
Debentures of such series.

            The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee
or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations
deposited pursuant to this Section 3.6 or the principal and interest received in
respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for
the account of the Holders of Outstanding Debentures.

<PAGE>   33
                                                                              28


                                    ARTICLE 4

                                    REMEDIES

            SECTION 4.1. Events of Default. "Event of Default", wherever used
herein with respect to Debentures of any series, unless otherwise provided in
the applicable supplemental indenture, means any one or more of the following
events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body):

            (a) default in the payment of any interest, including compound
      interest, upon or any Additional Interest payable in respect of any
      Debenture of such series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance
      of such default for a period of 30 days; provided, however, that a valid
      extension of an interest payment period by the Company in accordance with
      the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto, shall not constitute a
      default in the payment of interest for this purpose; or

            (b) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any,
      on) any Debenture of such series as and when the same shall become due and
      payable whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or
      otherwise; provided, however, that a valid extension of the maturity of
      the Debentures of such series in accordance with the terms of any
      indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the
      payment of principal or premium, if any; or

            (c) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
      warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or
      warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in
      this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included
      in this Indenture solely for the benefit of any series of Debentures other
      than such series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period
      of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to
      the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the
      Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
      Debentures of such series, a written notice specifying such default or
      breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a
      "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

            (d) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of a
      decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary
      case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy,
      insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or appointing a
      custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other
      similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its
      property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and
      the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other
      decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive
      days; or

<PAGE>   34
                                                                              29


            (e) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or
      proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to
      be adjudicated as bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry
      of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an
      involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state
      bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the
      commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against
      it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking
      reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law, or the
      consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or
      taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidation, assignee,
      trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or of any
      substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for
      the benefit of creditors; or

            (f) in the event Debentures of any series are issued to a K N Trust
      or a trustee of such trust in connection with the issuance of Trust
      Securities by the K N Trust, the K N Trust shall have voluntarily or
      involuntarily dissolved, wound-up its business or otherwise terminated its
      existence except in connection with (i) the distribution of Debentures of
      such series to holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of their
      interest in the K N Trust, (ii) the redemption of all of the outstanding
      Trust Securities of the K N Trust or (iii) certain mergers, consolidations
      or amalgamations, each as permitted by the Declaration of such K N Trust;
      or

            (g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debentures
      of such series.

            SECTION 4.2. Acceleration of Maturity; Recision and Annulment. If an
Event of Default described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), (f) or (g) of Section
4.1 above (if the Event of Default under clause (c) is with respect to less than
all series of Debentures then Outstanding) occurs and is continuing, then, and
in each and every such case, unless the principal of all of the Debentures of
such series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the
Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures of
such series then Outstanding hereunder (each such series voting as a separate
class), by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the
Holders of Debentures of such series), may declare the entire principal (or, if
the Debentures of such series are Original Issue Discount Debentures, such
portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series)
of all Debentures of such series and the interest accrued thereon, if any, to be
due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become
immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default described in clause (c) (if
the Event of Default under clause (c) relates to all series of Debentures then
Outstanding) occurs and is continuing, then, unless the principal of all
Debentures of all series shall have already become due and payable, either the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of all
the Debentures of all series then Outstanding hereunder (treated as one class),
by notice to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders of Debentures),
may declare the entire principal (or, if any Debentures are Original Issue
Discount Debentures such portion of the principal as may be specified in the
terms thereof) of

<PAGE>   35
                                                                              30


all Debentures of all series then Outstanding and interst accrued thereon, if
any, to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same
shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default described in
clause (e) of Section 4.1 occurs and is continuing, then, and in each and every
such case, unless the principal of all the Debentures of all series shall have
already become due and payable, the principal amount of all Debentures of such
series (or, if any Debentures are Original Issue Discount Debentures such
portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) shall
automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the
Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.

            The foregoing provisions, however, are subject to the condition that
if, at any time after the principal (or, if any Debentures are Original Issue
Discount Debentures, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the
terms thereof) of the Debentures of any series (or of all the Debentures of all
series, as the case may be) then Outstanding shall have been so declared due and
payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of such moneys shall
have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Company shall pay or
shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments
of interest upon all the Debentures of such series (or of all Debentures of all
series, as the case may be) and the principal of (and premium, if any on)
Debentures of such series (or of all Debentures of all series, as the case may
be) which shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest
upon such principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is
enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest, at the
same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original
Issue Discount Debentures) specified in the Debentures of such series (or at the
respective rates of interest or Yields to Maturity of all Debentures of all
series, as the case may be, to the date of such payment or deposit) and such
amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee,
and each predecessor Trustee, their respective agents, attorneys and counsel,
and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the
Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad
faith, and if any and all Events of Default under the Indenture, other than the
non-payment of the principal of Debentures of such series (or, if any Debentures
are Original Issue Discount Debentures, such portion of the principal as may be
specified in the terms thereof) which shall have become due by acceleration,
shall have been cured, waived or otherwise remedied as provided herein then and
in every such case the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
all the Debentures of such series, each series voting as a separate class (or of
all Debentures of all series, as the case may be, voting as a single class),
then Outstanding, by written notice to the Company and to the Trustee, may waive
all such defaults with respect to the Debentures of such series (or with respect
to all Debentures of all series, as the case may be) and rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequence, but no such waiver or rescission and annulment
shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or shall impair any right
consequent thereon.

            In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with
respect to Debentures of such series under this Indenture and such proceedings
shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission or
annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the
Trustee, then and in every such case the

<PAGE>   36
                                                                              31


Company and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former positions
and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Company and the
Trustee shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.

            SECTION 4.3. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by
Trustee. The Company covenants that if, (a) default is made in the payment of
any interest on any Debenture of any series as and when the same shall have
become payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or (b)
default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any
Debenture of any series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether
upon maturity of the Debentures of such series or upon redemption or upon
declaration or otherwise, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to
it, for the benefit of the Holders of Debentures of such series, the whole
amount then due and payable on such Debentures of such series and any premium
and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally
enforceable under applicable law, interest on any overdue principal and on the
premium, if any, and overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor
in Debentures of such series and, if the Debentures of such series are held by a
K N Trust or a trustee of such trust, without duplication of any other amounts
paid by the K N Trust or trustee in respect thereof, upon overdue installments
of interest at the rate per annum expressed in the Debentures of such series;
and in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the
costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel
under Section 5.6.

            If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand,
the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may
prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same
against the Company or any other obligor upon Debentures of such series and
collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by
law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon Debentures of
such series, wherever situated.

            If an Event of Default with respect to Debentures of any series
occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect
and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Debentures of such
series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most
effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, either at law or in equity or
in bankruptcy or otherwise whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant
or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted
herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

            SECTION 4.4. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the
pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial
proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Debentures of
any series or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their
creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Debentures
of such series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by
declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made
any demand on the Company for the

<PAGE>   37
                                                                              32


payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by
intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

            (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal and
      any premium and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Debentures of
      any series and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary
      or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any
      claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
      advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders of
      Debentures of such series adjudicated by a court of competent
      jurisdiction, and

            (b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
      deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same,

            and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator,
sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby
authorized by each Holder of Debentures of such series to make such payments to
the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of
such payments directly to the Holders of Debentures of such series, to pay to
the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 5.6.

            Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a
Debenture of any series, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or
composition affecting the Debentures of such series or the rights of any Holder
thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any
Holder of Debentures of any series in any such proceeding.

            SECTION 4.5. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of
Debentures. All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or under any of
the terms established with respect to the Debentures of any series may be
prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the
Debentures of such series or the production thereof in any proceeding relating
thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in
its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall,
after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel due under
Section 5.6, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Debentures of such
series in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

            SECTION 4.6. Application of Money Collected. Any money collected by
the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to Debentures of any series
shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the
Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal
or any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Debentures of such series
or any coupons appertaining thereto, or both, as the case may be, and the
notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender
thereof if fully paid:

<PAGE>   38
                                                                              33


            FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section
      5.6;

            SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for
      principal of and any premium and interest on the Debentures of such series
      in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been
      collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according
      to the amounts due and payable on Debentures of such series for principal
      and any premium and interest, respectively; and

            THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.

            SECTION 4.7. Limitation on Suits. No Holder of any Debenture of any
series or any coupons appertaining thereto shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

            (a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee
      of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Debentures of such
      series and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Debentures of
      such series specifying such Event of Default, as hereinbefore provided;

            (b) unless the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal
      amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such series shall have made
      written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such
      Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

            (c) such Holder or Holders shall have offered to the Trustee
      reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be
      incurred in compliance with such request;

            (d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice,
      request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such
      proceeding; and

            (e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been
      given to the Trustee during such 60 day period by the Holders of a
      majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have
any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of
such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such
Holders.

            SECTION 4.8. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal,
Premium and Interest. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the
Holder of any Debenture of any series shall have the right, which is absolute
and unconditional, to receive

<PAGE>   39
                                                                              34


payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 2.3)
interest on Debentures of such series, and any additional amounts contemplated
by Section 9.6 in respect of Debentures of such series on the Stated Maturity or
Maturities expressed in Debentures of such series (or, in the case of
redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of
any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of
such Holder.

            SECTION 4.9. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or
any Holder of Debentures of any series has instituted any proceeding to enforce
any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been
discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to
the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any
determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of
Debentures of such series shall be restored severally and respectively to their
former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee
and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

            SECTION 4.10. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise
provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed,
lost or stolen Debentures in the last paragraph of Section 2.7, no right or
remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of
Debentures is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every
right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in
addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

            SECTION 4.11. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of
the Trustee or of any Holder of any Debenture to exercise any right or remedy
accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall
impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of
Default or an acquiescence therein. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.7,
every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the
Holders of Debentures may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be
deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Debentures, as the case
may be.

            SECTION 4.12. Control by Holders of Debentures. The Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of any
series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debentures of such
series, provided that,

            (a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or
      with this Indenture, and

            (b) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the
      Trustee; provided, however, that such direction shall not be in conflict
      with any rule of law or

<PAGE>   40
                                                                              35


      with this Indenture or be unduly prejudicial to the rights of Holders of
      Debentures of any other series at the time Outstanding.

Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2, the Trustee shall have the right to
decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a
Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so
directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

            SECTION 4.13. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of not less than
a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of any
series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Debentures of such series and any
coupons appertaining thereto waive any past default hereunder with respect to
the Debentures of such series and its consequences, except a default

            (a) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or any
      interest on any Debenture of such series as and when the same shall become
      due by the terms of Debentures of such series otherwise than by
      acceleration (unless such default has been cured and sums sufficient to
      pay all matured installments of interest and principal and any premium has
      been deposited with the Trustee (in accordance with Section 4.2)), or

            (b) in the covenants contained in Section 9.4, or

            (c) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article
      8 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
      Outstanding Debenture of such series affected;

            provided, however, that if the Debentures of such series are held by
a K N Trust or a trustee of such trust, such waiver or modification to such
waiver shall not be effective until the holders of a majority in aggregate
liquidation preference of Trust Securities of the Trust shall have consented to
such waiver or modification to such waiver; provided, further, that if the
consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debenture of such series is required,
such waiver shall not be effective until each holder of the Trust Securities of
the applicable K N Trust shall have consented to such waiver.

            Upon any such waiver, the default covered thereby shall cease to
exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been
cured, for every purpose of this Indenture and the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Debentures of such series shall be restored to their former
positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to
any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

            SECTION 4.14. Undertaking for Costs. All parties to this Indenture
agree, and each Holder of any Debenture by his acceptance thereof shall be
deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit
for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit
against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee,
the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to

<PAGE>   41
                                                                              36


pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess
reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, against any
party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of
the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this
Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit
instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of
Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debentures of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder of
any Debenture for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or any
premium or interest on such Debenture on or after the Stated Maturity or
Maturities expressed in such Debenture or coupon (or, in the case of redemption,
on or after the Redemption Date).

            SECTION 4.15. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Company
covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any
time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the
benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at
any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance
of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so)
hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants
that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein
granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such
power as though no such law had been enacted.


                                    ARTICLE 5

                                   THE TRUSTEE

            SECTION 5.1. Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee; During
Default; Prior to Default. With respect to the Holders of any series of
Debentures issued hereunder, the Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of
Default with respect to the Debentures of such series and after the curing or
waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred with respect to
Debentures of such series, undertakes to perform such duties and only such
duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of
Default with respect to the Debentures of such series has occurred (which has
not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise with respect to the
Debentures of such series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Indenture, and shall use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as
a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
his own affairs.

            No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the
Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure
to act or its own wilful misconduct, except that:

            (a) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to
      the Debentures of any series and after the curing or waiving of all such
      Events of Default with respect to the Debentures of such series which may
      have occurred:

<PAGE>   42
                                                                              37


                  (i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to
            the Debentures of such series shall be determined solely by the
            express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be
            liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as
            are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied
            covenants or mobilizations shall be read into this Indenture against
            the Trustee; and

                  (ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee,
            the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements
            and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any
            statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and
            conforming to the requirements of this Indenture: but in the case of
            any such statement, certificates or opinions which by any provision
            hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the
            Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine
            whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture;

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

            (c) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken
      or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the
      direction of the Holders pursuant to Section 4.12 relating to the time,
      method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
      the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee,
      under this Indenture.

            No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the
performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its
rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is
not reasonably assured to it.

            SECTION 5.2. Certain Rights of Trustee. Subject to the provisions of
the Trust Indenture Act:

            (a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected
      in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate,
      statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
      consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon, other evidence of
      indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and
      to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

            (b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall
      be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers' Certificate and any resolution
      of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board
      Resolution;

<PAGE>   43
                                                                              38


            (c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee
      shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to
      taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless
      other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of
      bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate, which, upon
      receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Company;

            (d) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the
      advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and
      complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken,
      suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

            (e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
      rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or
      direction of any of the Holders of Debentures of any series pursuant to
      this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee
      reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and
      liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request
      or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by
      the Trustee;

            (f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into
      the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
      instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order,
      bond, debenture, note, coupon, other evidence of indebtedness or other
      paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such
      further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see
      fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or
      investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and
      premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;

            (g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
      perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
      attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
      negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by
      it hereunder; and

            (h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered,
      or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it
      to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred
      upon it by this Indenture.

            SECTION 5.3. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Debentures.
The recitals contained herein and in the Debentures (except the Trustee's
certificates of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Company,
and the Trustee or any Authenticating Agent assumes no responsibility for their
correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of this Indenture or of any Debentures. The Trustee or any
Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the
Company of Debentures or the proceeds thereof.

<PAGE>   44
                                                                              39


            SECTION 5.4. May Hold Debentures. The Trustee, any Authenticating
Agent, any Paying Agent, or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or
any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Debentures and, subject
to Section 5.9 and Section 5.11 may otherwise deal with the Company with the
same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying
Agent, or such other agent.

            SECTION 5.5. Money Held in Trust. Money held by the Trustee in trust
hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required
by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money
received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

            SECTION 5.6. Compensation and Reimbursement. The Company, as
borrower, agrees:

            (a) to pay to the Trustee or any successor Trustee from time to time
      such compensation as shall be agreed in writing between the Company and
      the Trustee for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation
      shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation
      of a trustee of an express trust);

            (b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the
      Trustee or any predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable
      expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in
      accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the
      compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and
      counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be
      attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and

            (c) to indemnify the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for, and to
      hold it harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or
      expense, including taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the
      Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out
      of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or
      trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself
      against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
      performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

            When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection
with an Event of Default specified in Section 4.1(d) or Section 4.1(e), the
expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the
compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar laws.

            The Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Debentures as to all
property and funds held by it hereunder for any amount owing it or any
predecessor Trustee pursuant to this Section 5.6, except with respect to funds
held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Debentures.

<PAGE>   45
                                                                              40


            The provisions of this Section 5.6 shall survive the termination of
this Indenture.

            SECTION 5.7. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. (a)
No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor
Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of
appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable
requirements of Section 5.8.

            (b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the
Debentures of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the
Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by
Section 5.8 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after
the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Debentures of such series.

            (c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the
Debentures of any series by an Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such series delivered to the
Trustee and to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor
Trustee required by Section 5.8 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee
within 30 days after the delivery of such Act of removal, the Trustee being
removed may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of
a successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such series.

            (d) If at any time:

                  (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 310(b) of
            the Trust Indenture Act after written request therefor by the
            Company or by any Holder of a Debenture who has been a bona fide
            Holder of a Debenture for at least six months, or

                  (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 5.10
            of this Indenture and Section 310(a) of the Trust Indenture Act and
            shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company
            or by any such Holder of a Debenture who has been a bona fide Holder
            of Debenture for at least six months, or

                  (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be
            adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of
            its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take
            charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for
            the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in
            any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
            Trustee with respect to all Debentures, or (ii) subject to Section 
            4.14 any Holder of a Debenture who has been a bona fide Holder of a
            Debenture for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all
            others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
            jurisdiction for the removal

<PAGE>   46
                                                                              41


            of the Trustee with respect to all Debentures and the appointment of
            a successor Trustee or Trustees.

            (e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with
respect to the Debentures of one or more series, the Company, by a Board
Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect
to the Debentures of that or those series (it being understood that any such
successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Debentures of one or more
or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with
respect to the Debentures of any particular series) and shall comply with the
applicable requirements of Section 5.8. If, within one year after such
resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a
successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of any series shall be
appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding
Debentures of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the
successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such
appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.8,
become the successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such series and
to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no
successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of any series shall have been
so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Debentures of such series and
accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 5.8, any Holder of a
Debenture of such series who has been a bona fide Holder of a Debenture of such
series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others
similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such
series.

            (f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each
removal of the Trustee with respect to the Debentures of any series and each
appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of any series
in the manner provided in Section 1.6. Each notice shall include the name of the
successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such series and the address
of its Corporate Trust Office.

            SECTION 5.8. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. (a) In case of
the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Debentures,
every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver
to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such
appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee
shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed
or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Trustee; but on the written request of the Company or the
successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges,
execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the
rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder.

            (b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Debentures of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the
retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of
such series shall execute

<PAGE>   47
                                                                              42


and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee
shall accept such appointment and which (i) shall contain such provisions as
shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and conform to, and to vest in, each
successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring
Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such series to which the appointment
of such successor Trustee relates, (ii) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring
with respect to all Debentures, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed
necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such series as to
which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the
retiring Trustee, and (iii) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this
Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration
of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that
nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees
as co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of
a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts
hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and
delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the
retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each
such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall
become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring
Trustee with respect to the Debentures of such series to which the appointment
of such successor Trustee relates; but, on the written request of the Company or
any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and
deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring
Trustee hereunder with respect to the Debentures of such series to which the
appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

            (c) Upon the written request of any such successor Trustee, the
Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly
vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and
trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

            (d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the
time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible
under this Article.

            SECTION 5.9. Disqualification; Conflicting Interests. If the Trustee
has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of Section 310(b)
of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the holder of Common Securities (as
if it were the obligor referred to in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act)
shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act.

            SECTION 5.10. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. There shall
be at all times a Trustee hereunder which shall be a Person that is eligible
pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital
and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If such Person publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the
combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined
capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so
published. If at any time the

<PAGE>   48
                                                                              43


Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this
Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereunder
specified in this Article.

            SECTION 5.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. If
and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other
obligor upon the Debentures), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of
the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company
(or any such other obligor).

            SECTION 5.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to
Business. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of the Trustee shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such
corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto. Promptly after any such succession the successor
Trustee shall give notice of its succession to the Company. In case any
Debentures shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then
in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such
authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Debentures
so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself
authenticated such Debentures.

            SECTION 5.13. Notice of Defaults. If a default occurs hereunder with
respect to Debentures of any series, the Trustee shall give the Holders of
Debentures of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided
by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default
of the character specified in Section 4.1(c) with respect to Debentures of such
series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after
the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default"
means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become,
an Event of Default with respect to Debentures of such series.

                                    ARTICLE 6

                HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

            SECTION 6.1. Preservation of Information: Communications to Holders.
(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, the names and addresses of Holders of Debentures (i) contained in
the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 312(a) of
the Trust Indenture Act, (ii) received by the Trustee in its capacity as
Debenture Registrar and (iii) filed with it within the two preceding years
pursuant to Section 313(c)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act. The Trustee may (A)
destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 312(a) of the Trust
Indenture Act upon receipt of a new list so furnished, (B) destroy any
information received by it as Paying Agent (if so acting) hereunder upon
delivering to itself as Trustee, not earlier than the Regular Record Dates of
each year, a list containing the names and addresses of the Holders of
Debentures

<PAGE>   49
                                                                              44


obtained from such information since the delivery of the next previous list, if
any, (C) destroy any list delivered to itself as Trustee which was compiled from
information received by it as Paying Agent (if so acting) hereunder upon the
receipt of a new list so delivered and (D) destroy not earlier than two years
after filing, any information filed with it pursuant to Section 313(c)(2) of the
Trust Indenture Act. For purposes of Section 312(a) of the Trust Indenture Act,
the term "stated intervals" shall mean within 14 days after each record date for
payments to Holders of Debentures.

            (b) If three or more Holders of Debentures of any series (herein
referred to as "applicants") apply in writing to the Trustee, and furnish to the
Trustee reasonable proof that each such applicant has owned a Debenture of such
series for a period of at least six months preceding the date of such
application, and such application states that the applicants desire to
communicate with other Holders of Debentures of such series with respect to
their rights under this Indenture or under the Debentures of such series and is
accompanied by a copy of the form of proxy or other communication which such
applicants propose to transmit, then the Trustee shall, within five business
days after the receipt of such application, at its election, either

                  (i) afford such applicants access to the information preserved
            at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 6.1(a), or

                  (ii) inform such applicants as to the approximate number of
            Holders of Debentures of such series whose names and addresses
            appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in
            accordance with Section 6.1(a), and as to the approximate cost of
            mailing to such Holders the form of proxy or other communication, if
            any, specified in such application.

            If the Trustee shall elect not to afford such applicants access to
such information, the Trustee shall, upon the written request of such
applicants, mail to each Holder of Debentures of such series whose name and
address appears in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in
accordance with Section 6.1(a) a copy of the form of proxy or other
communication which is specified in such request, with reasonable promptness
after a tender to the Trustee of the material to be mailed and of payment, or
provision for the payment of the reasonable expenses of mailing, unless within
five days after such tender the Trustee shall mail to such applicants and file
with the Commission, together with a copy of the material to be mailed, a
written statement to the effect that, in the opinion of the Trustee, such
mailing would be contrary to the best interest of the Holders of Debentures of
such series or would be in violation of applicable law. Such written statement
shall specify the basis of such opinion. If the Commission, after opportunity
for a hearing upon the objections specified in the written statement so filed,
shall enter an order refusing to sustain any of such objections or if after the
entry of an order sustaining one or more of such objections, the Commission
shall find, after notice and opportunity for hearing that all the objections so
sustained have been met and shall enter an order so declaring, the Trustee shall
mail copies of such material to all such Holders of Debentures of such series
with reasonable promptness after the entry of such order and the renewal of such
tender; otherwise the Trustee shall be relieved of any obligation or duty to
such applicants respecting their application.

<PAGE>   50
                                                                              45


            (c) Every Holder of Debentures, by receiving and holding the same,
agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee
nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the
disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders
of Debentures in accordance with Section 6.1(b), regardless of the source from
which such information was derived and that the Trustee shall not be held
accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under
Section 6.1(b).

            SECTION 6.2. Reports by Trustee. The Trustee shall in each year
transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under
this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act in the
manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within sixty days after each May 15 following
the date of this Indenture deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such
May 15, which complies with the provisions of Section 313(a) of the Trust
Indenture Act. The Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Section
313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.

            SECTION 6.3. Reports by Company. The Company shall file with the
Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 of
the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and the compliance certificate required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the
times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Company shall
transmit information to the Holders of the Debentures as required by Section
313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act.

            Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee
is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not
constitute notice of any information contained therein or determinable from
information contained therein, including the Company's compliance with any of
its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively
on Officers' Certificates).

                                    ARTICLE 7

                    CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE

            SECTION 7.1. Company May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms. The
Company shall not merge or consolidate with any other corporation or sell or
convey all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, unless (a) either
the Company shall be the continuing corporation, or the successor corporation
(if other than the Company) shall be a corporation organized under the laws of
the United States of America or any State thereof and shall expressly assume the
due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all the Debentures,
according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance
of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed or
observed by the Company, by supplemental indenture satisfactory to the Trustee,
executed and delivered to the Trustee by such corporation, and (b) the Company
or such successor corporation,

<PAGE>   51
                                                                              46


as the case may be, shall not, immediately after such merger or consolidation,
or such sale or conveyance, be in default in the performance of any such
covenant or condition.

            SECTION 7.2. Successor Corporation Substituted. In case of any such
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, and following such an assumption by
the successor corporation, such successor corporation shall succeed to and be
substituted for the Company, with the same effect as if it had been named
herein. Such successor corporation may cause to be signed, and may issue either
in its own name or in the name of the Company prior to such succession any or
all of the Debentures issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been
signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such
successor corporation instead of the Company and subject to all the terms,
conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall
authenticate and shall deliver any securities which previously shall have been
signed and delivered by the officers of the Company, to the Trustee for
authentication, and any Debentures which such successor corporation thereafter
shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All of
the Debentures so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and
benefit under this Indenture as the Debentures theretofore or thereafter issued
in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Debentures
had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

            In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance such
changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the
Debentures thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.

            In the event of any such sale or conveyance (other than a conveyance
by way of lease) the Company or any successor corporation which shall
theretofore have become such in the manner described in this Article shall be
discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the
Debentures and may be liquidated and dissolved.

            SECTION 7.3. Opinion of Counsel to Trustee. The Trustee may receive
an Opinion of Counsel, prepared in accordance with Section 1.2, as conclusive
evidence that any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, and any
such assumption, and any such liquidation or dissolution, complies with the
applicable provisions of this Indenture.


                                    ARTICLE 8

                             SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

            SECTION 8.1. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders of Debentures or coupons, the Company, when
authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to
time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form
satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

<PAGE>   52
                                                                              47


            (a) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and
      the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company
      herein and in the Debentures; or

            (b) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the
      Holders of Debentures of all or any series (and if such covenants are to
      be for the benefit of Debentures of less than all series, stating that
      such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such
      series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the
      Company; or

            (c) to add any additional Events of Default (and if such Events of
      Default are to be for the benefit of Debentures of less than all series,
      stating that such Events of Default are expressly being included solely
      for the benefit of such series); or

            (d) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture,
      provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only
      when there is no Debenture Outstanding of any series created prior to the
      execution of such supplemental indenture which is entitled to the benefit
      of such provision; or

            (e) to establish the form or terms of Debentures of any series and
      any related coupons as permitted by Sections 2.1; or

            (f) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
      thereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Debentures of one or
      more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this
      Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
      administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant
      to the requirements of Section 5.8(b); or

            (g) to cure any ambiguity, or to correct or supplement any provision
      herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, provided
      that such action shall not materially adversely affect the interests of
      the Holders of Debentures of any series or any related coupons; or

            (h) to comply with the Trust Indenture Act.

            SECTION 8.2. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders. With
the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Outstanding Debentures of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the
Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may
enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the
Holders of Debentures of such series under this Indenture; provided, however,
that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of
each Outstanding Debenture affected thereby,

<PAGE>   53
                                                                              48


            (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
      installment of principal of or interest on, any Debenture of any series,
      or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or
      any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation
      of the Company to pay additional amounts pursuant to Section 9.6 (except
      as contemplated by Section 7.1 and permitted by Section 8.1(a)), or reduce
      the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Debenture that
      would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the
      Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 4.2 or change the coin or currency in
      which any Debenture or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or
      impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment
      on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on
      or after the Redemption Date), or

            (b) reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the
      Outstanding Debentures of any series, the consent of whose Holders is
      required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose
      Holders is required for any waiver of certain defaults hereunder and their
      consequences provided for in this Indenture, or reduce the requirements of
      Section 12.4 for quorum or voting, or

            (c) change any obligation of the Company to maintain an office or
      agency in the places and for the purposes specified in Section 9.2, or

            (d) modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 4.13,
      except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other
      provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the
      consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Debenture affected thereby;
      provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the
      consent of any Holder of a Debenture of such series with respect to
      changes in the references to "the Trustee" and concomitant changes in this
      Section or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the
      requirements of Sections 5.8(b) and 8.1(g), or

            (e) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any
      Debenture of any series pursuant to Section 2.1 (except as permitted by
      Section 8.1) or decrease the conversion rate or increase the conversion
      price of any such Debenture of such series, or

            (f) if the Debentures of any series are secured, change the terms
      and conditions pursuant to which the Debentures of such series are secured
      in a manner adverse to the Holders of the secured Debentures of such
      series.

            If the Debentures of such series are held by a K N Trust or a
trustee of such trust, such supplemental indenture shall not be effective until
the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Capital
Securities of the applicable K N Trust then outstanding shall have consented to
such supplemental indenture; provided that if the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Debenture of such series is required, such supplemental indenture
shall not be effective until each holder of the Trust Securities of the
applicable K N Trust shall have consented to such supplemental indenture.

<PAGE>   54
                                                                              49


            A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or
other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for
the benefit of Debentures of one or more particular series, or which modifies
the rights of the Holders of Debentures of such series with respect to such
covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this
Indenture of the Holders of Debentures of any other series.

            It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders of Debentures of
any series under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed
supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the
substance thereof.

            SECTION 8.3. Execution of Supplemental Indentures. In executing or
accepting the additional trusts created by any supplemental indenture permitted
by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this
Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section
5.2) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating
that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by
this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any
such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

            SECTION 8.4. Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution
of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be
modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a
part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Debentures
theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder and of any
coupons appertaining thereto shall be bound thereby.

            SECTION 8.5. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act. Every supplemental
indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of
the Trust Indenture Act.

            SECTION 8.6. Reference in Debentures to Supplemental Indentures.
Debentures of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by
the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Debentures of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the
Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Debentures of such series.

<PAGE>   55
                                                                              50


                                    ARTICLE 9

                                    COVENANTS

            SECTION 9.1. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The Company
covenants and agrees for the benefit of Debentures of any series that it will
duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the
Debentures of such series in accordance with the terms of the Debentures of such
series and this Indenture.

            SECTION 9.2. Maintenance of Office or Agency. So long as any series
of Debentures remains Outstanding, the Company agrees to maintain an office or
agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City and State of New York or
Wilmington, Delaware, with respect to each such series and at such other
location or locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 9.2,
where (i) Debentures of that series may be presented for payment, (ii)
Debentures of that series may be presented as herein above authorized for
registration of transfer and exchange, and (iii) notices and demands to or upon
the Company in respect of the Debentures of that series and this Indenture may
be given or served, such designation to continue with respect to such office or
agency until the Company shall, by written notice signed by its President or a
Vice President and delivered to the Trustee, designate some other office or
agency for such purposes or any of them. If at any time the Company shall fail
to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the
Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, notices and demands may be
made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company
hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations,
notices and demands.

            SECTION 9.3. Money for Debentures Payments to Be Held in Trust. If
the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to
Debentures of any series, it will, on or before each due date of the principal
of and any premium or interest on any of the Debentures of such series,
segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a
sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium or interest so becoming due
until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein
provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure to act.

            Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for
Debentures of any series it will, prior to 11:00 A.M., Eastern time, on each due
date of the principal of and any premium or interest on any Debentures of such
series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal and
any premium or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and
(unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the
Trustee of its action or failure to act.

            The Company will cause each Paying Agent for Debentures of any
series other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an
instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to
the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

<PAGE>   56
                                                                              51


            (a) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of and
      any premium or interest on Debentures of such series in trust for the
      benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to
      such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;

            (b) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any
      other obligor upon the Debentures of such series) in the making of any
      payment of principal of and any premium or interest on the Debentures of
      such series; and

            (c) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the
      written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so
      held in trust by such Paying Agent.

            The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.

            Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then
held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of and any
premium or interest on any Debenture of any series and remaining unclaimed for
two years after such principal and any premium or interest has become due and
payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the
Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of the Debenture of
such series shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the
Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying
Agent with respect to such trust money and all liability of the Company as
trustee thereof shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or
such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper in
each Place of Payment, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that after a
date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of
such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be
repaid to the Company.

            SECTION 9.4. Limitation on Dividends; Transactions with Affiliates.
If Debentures of any series are issued to a K N Trust or a trustee of such trust
in connection with the issuance of Trust Securities by such K N Trust and (a)
there shall have occurred any event that would constitute an Event of Default,
(b) the Guarantor shall be in default with respect to its payment of any
obligations under a K N Guarantee relating to such K N Trust, (c) the Company
shall have given notice of its election to defer payments of interest on
Debentures of such series by extending the interest payment period as provided
in any Indenture supplemental hereto and such period, or any extension thereof,
shall be continuing, then the Company (i) shall not declare or pay any dividend
on, make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or
make a liquidation payment with respect to, any

<PAGE>   57
                                                                              52


of its capital stock (other than (A) purchases or acquisitions of shares of
common stock of the Company in connection with the satisfaction by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries of their respective obligations under any benefit
plans for directors, officers, agents or employees or the Company's dividend
reinvestment or director, officer, agent or employee stock purchase plans, (B)
as a result of a reclassification of its capital stock or the exchange or
conversion of one class or series of its capital stock for another class or
series of its capital stock, (C) the purchase of fractional interests in shares
of its capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such
capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged for capital stock of
the Company, (D) dividends or distributions in shares of, or options, warrants
or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, capital stock of the Company
or (E) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the implementation or
extension of a stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of stock under any
such plan (including the plan existing on the date hereof) in the future, or the
redemption or repurchase or any such rights pursuant thereto), (ii) shall not
make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on, or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by the Company which rank pari
passu with or junior to the Debentures of such series and (iii) shall not make
any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the Company of any
securities of any Subsidiary of the Company if such guarantee ranks pari passu
with or junior in right of payment to the Debentures of such series.

            SECTION 9.5. Covenants as to K N Trust. In the event Debentures of
any series are issued to a K N Trust or a trustee of such trust in connection
with the issuance of Trust Securities by such K N Trust, for so long as such
Trust Securities remain outstanding, the Company will (a) maintain 100% direct
or indirect ownership of the Common Securities of such K N Trust; provided,
however, that any permitted successor of the Company under Article 7 of this
Indenture may succeed to the Company's ownership of the Common Securities, (b)
use its reasonable efforts to cause such K N Trust (i) to remain a statutory
business trust, except in connection with a distribution of Debentures of such
series to the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of such K N Trust, the
redemption of all of the Trust Securities of such K N Trust, or certain mergers,
consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted by the Declaration, (ii) to
continue to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes and (iii) to continue to qualify for an exemption from registration
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (c) use its reasonable
efforts to cause each holder of Trust Securities to be treated as owning an
undivided beneficial interest in the Debentures of such series.

            SECTION 9.6. Additional Amounts. If the Debentures of any series
provide for the payment of additional amounts, the Company will pay to the
Holder of any Debenture of such series additional amounts as provided therein.
Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of
the principal of or any premium or interest on, or in respect of any Debenture
of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any
Debenture of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the
payment of additional amounts provided for in this Section to the extent that,
in such context additional amounts are, were or would be payable in respect
thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section and express mention of the
payment of additional amounts (if applicable) in

<PAGE>   58
                                                                              53


any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding additional amounts in
those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

            If the Debentures of any series provide for the payment of
additional amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date
with respect to Debentures of such series (or if the Debentures of such series
will not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of
principal and any premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of
payment of principal and any premium or interest if there has been any change
with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers'
Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company's principal
Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers'
Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents
whether such payment of principal of and any premium or interest on the
Debentures of such series shall be made to Holders of Debentures of such series
who are United States Aliens without withholding for or on account of any tax
assessment or other governmental charge described in the Debentures of such
series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers'
Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld
on such payments to such Holders of Debentures of such series and the Company
will pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the additional amounts required by
this Section. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying
Agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense
reasonably incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on their part
arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in
reliance on any Officers' Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section.

            SECTION 9.7. Existence. Subject to Article , the Company will do or
cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and
effect its corporate existence.

            SECTION 9.8. Statement by Officers as to Default. The Company will
deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the
Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers' Certificate signed by its
principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting
officer stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signer thereof the
Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms,
provisions and conditions of this Indenture, and if the Company shall be in
default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which
they may have knowledge.

            SECTION 9.9. Calculation of Original Issue Discount. The Company
shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each year a written notice
specifying the amount of Original Issue Discount (including daily rates and
accrual periods) accrued on Outstanding Debentures as of the end of such year.

            SECTION 9.10. Financial Information; SEC Reports. The Company shall
file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files such annual and quarterly
reports, information, documents and other reports with the Commission, copies of
its annual report and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies
of such portions of any of the foregoing

<PAGE>   59
                                                                              54


as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file such documents or
reports pursuant to either such sections, then to file with the Trustee and the
Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from time to
time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information,
documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the
Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national
securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and
regulations.

                                   ARTICLE 10

                            REDEMPTION OF DEBENTURES

            SECTION 10.1. Applicability of Article. Debentures of any series
which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in
accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated
by Section 2.1 for Debentures of any series) in accordance with this Article.

            SECTION 10.2. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. The election of
the Company to redeem Debentures of any series shall be evidenced by an
Officers' Certificate. In the case of any redemption, at the election of the
Company, the Company shall, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to
the Redemption Date fixed by the Company, notify the Trustee of such Redemption
Date and of the principal amount of Debentures of such series to be redeemed. In
the case of any redemption of Debentures of such series (a) prior to the
expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such
Debentures of such series or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (b) pursuant to an
election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms
of Debentures of such series, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an
Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.

            SECTION 10.3. Selection by Trustee of Debentures to Be Redeemed. If
less than all the Debentures of any series and of like tenor are to be redeemed,
the particular Debentures of such series to be redeemed shall be selected not
more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the
Outstanding Debentures of such series and of like tenor not previously called
for redemption. If the Outstanding Debentures have not been distributed to the
Holders of Trust Securities upon a dissolution of the K N Trust (where
applicable), the Debentures to be redeemed may be selected by such method as the
Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection
of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Debentures of such
series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Debentures
of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination
for Debentures of such series. If the Outstanding Debentures have been
distributed to the Holders of Trust Securities, then the Trustee must redeem the
Outstanding Debentures pro rata.

<PAGE>   60
                                                                              55


            The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the
Debentures of such series selected for redemption and, in the case of any
Debentures of such series selected for partial redemption, the principal amount
thereof to be redeemed.

            For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Debentures of such series
shall relate, in the case of any Debentures of such series redeemed or to be
redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of the Debentures
of such series which has been or is to be redeemed.

            SECTION 10.4. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption shall be
given in the manner provided in Section 1.6 to the Holders of Debentures to be
redeemed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date.
All notices of redemption shall identify the Debentures (including the CUSIP
number) to be redeemed and shall state:

            (a) the Redemption Date;

            (b) the Redemption Price;

            (c) if less than all the Outstanding Debentures of any series are to
      be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption,
      the principal amounts) of the particular Debentures of such series to be
      redeemed, and a statement to the effect that on or after the Redemption
      Date upon surrender of such Debenture a new Debenture of such series in
      the principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued;

            (d) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due
      and payable upon each such Debenture of such series to be redeemed and, if
      applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said
      date; and

            (e) the place or places where such Debentures of such series,
      maturing after the Redemption Date, are to be surrendered for payment of
      the Redemption Price.

            If any of the Debentures to be redeemed shall be represented by a
Global Debenture, then the Company shall modify such notice to accord with the
applicable procedures of the Depositary.

            Notice of redemption of Debentures to be redeemed at the election of
the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

            SECTION 10.5. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to 11:00 A.M.,
Eastern time, or any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee
or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent,
segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 9.3) an amount of money
sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date
shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued and unpaid interest on, all the
Debentures which are to be redeemed on that date.

<PAGE>   61
                                                                              56


            SECTION 10.6. Debentures Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of
redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Debentures so to be redeemed
shall on the Redemption Date become due and payable at the Redemption Price
therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall
default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such
Debentures shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Debenture
for redemption in accordance with said notice maturing after the Redemption
Date, such Debenture shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price
together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that,
unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.1, installments of
interest on Debentures whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption
Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Debentures or one or more
Predecessor Debentures, registered as such at the close of business on the
relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section
2.3.

            If any Debenture called for redemption shall not be so paid upon
surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until
paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in
the Debenture.

            SECTION 10.7. Debentures Redeemed in Part. Any Debenture of any
series (except for a Global Debenture) which is to be redeemed only in part
shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the
Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in
form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder
thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to
the Holder of such Debenture without service charge, a new Debenture or
Debentures of such series and of like tenor of any authorized denomination as
requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange
for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Debenture of such series so
surrendered.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                             [Intentionally Omitted]

                                   ARTICLE 12

                        MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF DEBENTURES

            SECTION 12.1. Purposes for Which Meetings May be Called. A meeting
of Holders of Debentures of any series may be called at any time and from time
to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by
this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Debentures of such
series.

            SECTION 12.2. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings. (a) The Trustee
may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Debentures of such series for any
purpose specified in Section 12.1, to be held at such time and at such place in
the Borough of Manhattan, The

<PAGE>   62
                                                                              57


City of New York or Wilmington, Delaware as the Trustee shall determine. Notice
of every meeting of Holders of Debentures of any series, setting forth the time
and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be
taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 1.6,
not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting
(or, in the case of a meeting of Holders with respect to Debentures of any
series all or part of which are represented by a Global Debenture, not less than
20 nor more than 40 days).

            (b) In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution,
or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Debentures of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of
the Holders of Debentures of such series for any purpose specified in Section
12.1, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed
to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first
publication of the notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such
request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as
provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Debentures of such series in
the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the
place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or Wilmington, Delaware
for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice
thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.

            SECTION 12.3. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings. Upon the calling
of any meeting of Holders with respect to the Debentures of any series all or
part of which are represented by a Global Debenture, a record date shall be
established for determining Holders of Outstanding Debentures of such series
entitled to vote at such meeting, which record date shall be the close of
business on the day the notice of the meeting of Holders is given in accordance
with Section 12.2. The Holders on such record date, and their designated
proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of
Holders. To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders a Person shall (a) be
a Holder of one or more Debentures of such series or (b) be a Person appointed
by an instrument in writing as proxy by a Holder of one or more Debentures of
such series; provided, however, that in the case of any meeting of Holders with
respect to the Debentures of any series all or part of which are represented by
a Global Debenture, only Holders, or their designated proxies, of record on the
record date established pursuant to this Section 12.3 shall be entitled to vote
at such meeting. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to
speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such
meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel
and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.

            SECTION 12.4. Quorum; Action. The Persons entitled to vote a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of any
series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Debentures of such
series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting
with respect to a consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may
be given by the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount
of Outstanding Debentures of such series that is less or greater than a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such series,
then, with respect to such action (and only such action) the Persons entitled to
vote such lesser or

<PAGE>   63
                                                                              58


greater percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures
of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30
minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if
convened at the request of Holders of Debentures of such series, be dissolved.
In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10
days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of
such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such
adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days
as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such
adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be
given as provided in Section 12.2 (a), except that such notice need be given
only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is
scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of an adjourned meeting
shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Debentures of such series which shall
constitute a quorum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no meeting of Holders with
respect to Debentures of any series which is represented in whole or in part by
a Global Debenture, shall be adjourned to a date more than 90 days after the
record date for such meeting unless the Trustee shall send out a new notice of
meeting and establish, in accordance with Section 12.3, a new record date for
Holders entitled to vote at such meeting.

            Except as limited by the proviso to Section 8.2, any resolution
presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is
present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such
series; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section
8.2, any resolution with respect to any consent or waiver which this Indenture
expressly provides may be given by the Holders of a specified percentage in
aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Debentures of such series that is less
or greater than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Debentures of such series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting
duly convened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid only by the
affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such series.

            Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of
Debentures of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be
binding on all the Holders of Debentures of such series and the coupons
appertaining thereto, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.

            SECTION 12.5. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and
Adjournment of Meetings. (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem
advisable for any meeting of Holders of Debentures of any series in regard to
proof of the holding of Debentures of such series and of the appointment of
proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the
submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the
right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as
it shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such
regulations, the holding of Debentures of such series shall be proved in the
manner specified in Section 1.4 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved
in the manner specified in Section 1.4 or by having

<PAGE>   64
                                                                              59


the signature of the person executing the proxy witnessed or guaranteed by any
trust company, bank or banker authorized by Section 1.4 to certify to the
holding of Debentures of such series. Such regulations may provide that written
instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and
genuine without the proof specified in Section 1.4 or other proof.

            (b) The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a
temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by
the Company or by Holders of Debentures of such series as provided in Section
12.2(b), in which case the Company or the Holders of Debentures of such series
calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a
temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the
meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures of such series
represented at the meeting.

            (c) At any meeting each Holder of a Debenture of such series or
proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of the
Outstanding Debentures of such series held or represented by him; provided,
however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any
Debenture challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting
to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote,
except as a Holder of a Debenture of such series or proxy.

            (d) Any meeting of Holders of Debentures of any series duly called
pursuant to Section 12.2 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time
to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Outstanding Debentures of such series represented at the meeting; and the
meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.

            SECTION 12.6. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings. The
vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Debentures of
any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the
signatures of the Holders of Debentures of such series or of their
representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the
Outstanding Debentures of such series held or represented by them. The permanent
chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count
all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make
and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in
duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of
the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Debentures of any series shall be
prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said
record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot
taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the
facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said
notice was given as provided in Section 12.2 and, if applicable, Section 12.4.
Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent
chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to
the Company, and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the
latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so
signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
<PAGE>   65
                                                                              60



<PAGE>   66
                                                                              61


            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to
be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                        K N ENERGY, INC.


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

                        WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
                        as Trustee


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


<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.12

                          [FORM OF FACE OF DEBENTURE]

                                K N ENERGY, INC.

                         [TITLE OF SERIES OF DEBENTURES]


No. _____                                                    $__________________

      [IF THE DEBENTURE IS TO BE A GLOBAL DEBENTURE, INSERT THE FOLLOWING --
      EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE, THIS
      DEBENTURE MAY BE TRANSFERRED, IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART, ONLY TO ANOTHER
      NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR TO SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR TO A NOMINEE OF
      SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.]

            K N ENERGY, INC., a Kansas corporation (the "Company"), for value
received, hereby promise to pay to Wilmington Trust Company, as Institutional
Trustee for K N Capital Trust II (the "Trust") or registered assigns, the
principal sum of _____________ at the office or agency of the Company referred
to below, on ___________, and to pay interest, semi-annually on _________ and
___________, of each year, on said principal sum at said office or agency, at
the rate of ____% per annum, from the ___________ or ____________, as the case
may be, next preceding the date of this Debenture to which interest has been
paid, unless the date hereof is the date to which interest has been paid, in
which case from the date of this Debenture, or unless no interest has been paid
on the Debentures, in which case from __________, until payment of said
principal sum has been made or duly provided for. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if the date hereof is after the ____ day of the calendar month preceding any
__________ or __________, as the case may be, and prior to such __________ or
__________, this Debenture shall bear interest from such __________ or
____________; provided, however, that if and to the extent that the Company
shall default in the payment of interest due on such __________ or __________,
then this Debenture shall bear interest from the next preceding __________ or
__________ to which interest has been paid, or, if no interest has been paid on
the Debentures, from ____________. The interest so payable on any _________ or
__________ will, subject to certain exceptions provided in the Indenture
referred to on the reverse hereof, be paid to the person in whose name this
Debenture is registered at the close of business on the ____ day of the calendar
month preceding such _________ or __________.

            Reference is made to the further provisions of this Debenture set
forth on the reverse hereof. Such further provisions shall for all purposes have
the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.

            The Debenture shall not be valid or become obligatory for any
purpose until the certificate of authentication hereon shall have been signed by
the Trustee under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof.
<PAGE>   2

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by the signature of its _______________
and by signature of its _______________.

Dated: _________________

TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION       K N Energy, Inc.
This is one of the Debentures of the 
series designated herein referred to in 
the within mentioned Indenture.

Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee          By:_______________________________
                                                 Name:


By:__________________________________
           Authorized Officer
<PAGE>   3

                       [FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF DEBENTURE]

                                K N ENERGY, INC.

                         [TITLE OF SERIES OF DEBENTURES]

            This Debenture is one of a duly authorized issue of Debentures of
the Company, designated as their _________________ (herein called the
"Debentures"), limited (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture referred
to below) to the aggregate principal amount of $_________, all issued or to be
issued under and pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of___________ (herein called
the "Indenture"), duly executed and delivered by the Company, and Wilmington
Trust Company, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee"), 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 Debentures, and of
the terms upon which the Debentures are, and are to be, authenticated and
delivered. The Debentures are issuable in registered form only, without coupons,
in denominations of $_________ and integral multiples thereof. Terms used herein
and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given such terms in the
Indenture.

            In case an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall have
occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof and interest hereon may be
declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the
manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.

            The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided,
the amendment of supplementation thereof and the modification of the rights and
obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the Debentures at
any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debentures. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debentures, on behalf of the
holders of all the Debentures, 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 or on behalf of 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.

            Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Company may elect to
defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to the
Debentures, upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth
therein, which provisions apply to this Debenture.

            [Discussion of provisions relating to redemption, if applicable.]

            [Discussion of extension of interest payment periods, if
applicable.]

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

            Upon the presentment for registration of transfer of this Debenture
at the office or agency of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, in the City
and State of New York or Wilmington, Delaware, a new Debenture or Debentures of
authorized denominations for an equal aggregate principal amount will be issued
to the transferee in exchange therefor, subject to the limitations provided in
the Indenture, without charge except for any tax or other governmental charge
imposed in connection therewith.

            Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of this
Debenture, the Company, the Trustee or any Debenture registrar, co-registrar,
paying agent or authenticating agent, may deem and treat the registered holder
hereof as the absolute owner of this Debenture, for the purpose of receiving
payment hereof, or on account hereof, and for all other purposes, and the
Company or the Trustee or any Debenture registrar, co-registrar, paying agent or
authenticating agent shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

            THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN THE
INDENTURE AND THE DEBENTURES WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS
THEREOF.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 4.13


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


                 FORM OF CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT


                              K N Capital Trust II


                           Dated as of _____ __, ____


                   ------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Page(s)
                                                                             -------
<S>                                                                          <C>
                                    ARTICLE I

                         DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
      Section 1.1       Definitions and Interpretation.....................    2

                                  ARTICLE II

                              TRUST INDENTURE ACT

      Section 2.1       Trust Indenture Act; Application...................    4
      Section 2.2       List of Holders....................................    5
      Section 2.3       Reports by the Guarantee Trustee...................    5
      Section 2.4       Periodic Reports to Guarantee Trustee..............    5
      Section 2.5       Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent...    5
      Section 2.6       Events of Default; Waiver..........................    6
      Section 2.7       Event of Default; Notice...........................    6
      Section 2.8       Conflicting Interests..............................    6

                                  ARTICLE III

                POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

      Section 3.1       Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee.........    6
      Section 3.2       Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee................    8
      Section 3.3       Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Capital
                              Securities Guarantee.........................   10

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

      Section 4.1       Capital Guarantee: Eligibility.....................   10
      Section 4.2       Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Guarantee
                              Trustee......................................   11

                                   ARTICLE V

                        DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

      Section 5.1       Guarantee..........................................   11
      Section 5.2       Subordination......................................   12
</TABLE>


                                        i
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Page(s)
                                                                             -------
<S>                                                                          <C>
      Section 5.3       Waiver of Notice and Demand........................   12
      Section 5.4       Obligations Not Affected...........................   12
      Section 5.5       Rights of Holders..................................   13
      Section 5.6       Guarantee of Payment...............................   13
      Section 5.7       Subrogation........................................   13
      Section 5.8       Independent Obligations............................   13

                                  ARTICLE VI

                      LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; RANKING

      Section 6.1       Limitation of Transactions.........................   14
      Section 6.2       Ranking............................................   14

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                  TERMINATION

      Section 7.1       Termination........................................   14

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                         COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF
                               GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

                                  ARTICLE IX

                                INDEMNIFICATION

      Section 9.1       Exculpation........................................   15
      Section 9.2       Indemnification....................................   16

                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 10.1      Successors and Assigns.............................   16
      Section 10.2      Amendments.........................................   16
      Section 10.3      Notices............................................   17
      Section 10.4      Benefit............................................   17
      Section 10.5      Governing Law......................................   17
</TABLE>


                                       ii
<PAGE>   4
                 FORM OF CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT


      This FORM OF CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the "Capital
Securities Guarantee"), dated as of _____ __, ____, is executed and delivered by
K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation (the "Guarantor"), and Wilmington Trust
Company, as trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders
(as defined herein) from time to time of the Capital Securities (as defined
herein) of K N Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the
"Issuer").

      WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration"), dated as of the date hereof, among the trustees and
administrators of the Issuer named therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor, and the
holders from time to time of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Issuer, the Issuer is issuing on the date hereof _______ capital securities,
having an aggregate liquidation amount of $___________, designated the ____%
Capital Securities (the "Capital Securities");

      WHEREAS, the Capital Securities are being issued by the Issuer and the
proceeds thereof, together with the proceeds from the issuance of the Issuer's
Common Securities (as defined in the Declaration), will be used to purchase the
Debentures (as defined in the Declaration) of the Guarantor, which will be
deposited with Wilmington Trust Company, as Institutional Trustee under the
Declaration, as trust assets;

      WHEREAS, as an incentive for the Holders to purchase the Capital
Securities, the Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to
the extent set forth in this Capital Securities Guarantee, to pay to the Holders
of the Capital Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make
certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

      WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Guarantor is also executing and
delivering a guarantee agreement (the "Common Securities Guarantee") with
substantially identical terms to this Capital Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the holders of the Common Securities, except that if an Event of
Default (as defined in the Declaration) has occurred and is continuing, the
rights of holders of the Common Securities to receive guarantee payments under
the Common Securities Guarantee are subordinated, to the extent and in the
manner set forth in the Common Securities Guarantee, to the rights of the
Holders of Capital Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this Capital
Securities Guarantee.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of Capital
Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the
Guarantor, the
<PAGE>   5
                                                                               2


Guarantor executes and delivers this Capital Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the Holders.

                                    ARTICLE I

                         DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

      Section 1.1  Definitions and Interpretation.

            In this Capital Securities Guarantee, unless the context otherwise
requires:

            (a) capitalized terms used in this Capital Securities Guarantee but
      not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to
      them in this Section 1.1;

            (b) terms defined in the Declaration as at the date of execution of
      this Capital Securities Guarantee have the same meaning when used in this
      Capital Securities Guarantee unless otherwise defined in this Capital
      Securities Guarantee;

            (c) a term defined anywhere in this Capital Securities Guarantee has
      the same meaning throughout;

            (d) all references to "the Capital Securities Guarantee" or "this
      Capital Securities Guarantee" are to this Capital Securities Guarantee as
      modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;

            (e) all references in this Capital Securities Guarantee to Articles
      and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Capital Securities
      Guarantee, unless otherwise specified;

            (f) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning
      when used in this Capital Securities Guarantee, unless otherwise defined
      in this Capital Securities Guarantee or unless the context otherwise
      requires; and

            (g) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

      "Capital Securities" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

      "Capital Securities Guarantee" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

      "Common Securities Guarantee" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

      "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Guarantee Trustee at
which the corporate trust business of the Guarantee Trustee shall, at any
particular time, be principally administered, which office at the date of
execution of this Agreement is located at Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market
Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890.
<PAGE>   6
                                                                               3


      "Covered Person" means any Holder or beneficial owner of Capital
Securities.

      "Debentures" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

      "Declaration" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

      "Guarantee Event of Default" means a default by the Guarantor on any of
its payment or other obligations under this Capital Securities Guarantee;
provided that, except with respect to a default in payment of any Guarantee
Payments, the Guarantor shall have received notice of default and shall not have
cured such default within 90 days after receipt of such notice.

      "Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions,
without duplication, with respect to the Capital Securities, to the extent not
paid or made by the Issuer: (i) any accumulated and unpaid Distributions (as
defined in the Declaration) that are required to be paid on such Capital
Securities to the extent the Issuer shall have funds available therefor, (ii)
the redemption price (the "Redemption Price"), plus all accumulated and unpaid
Distributions to the date of redemption with respect to any Capital Securities
called for redemption by the Issuer, to the extent the Issuer has funds
available therefor, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Issuer (other than in connection
with a distribution of the Debentures to the Holders or the redemption of all
the Capital Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation
amount and all accumulated and unpaid Distributions on the Capital Securities to
the date of payment, to the extent the Issuer shall have funds available
therefor, and (b) the amount of assets of the Issuer remaining available for
distribution to Holders in liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the
"Liquidation Distribution").

      "Guarantee Trustee" means Wilmington Trust Company, until a Successor
Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant
to the terms of this Capital Securities Guarantee and thereafter means each such
Successor Guarantee Trustee.

      "Guarantor" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

      "Holder" means any holder, as registered on the books and records of the
Issuer, of any Capital Securities; provided, that, in determining whether the
holders of the requisite percentage of Capital Securities have given any
request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the
Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor.

      "Indemnified Person" means the Guarantee Trustee, any Affiliate of the
Guarantee Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners,
employees, representatives, nominees, custodians or agents of the Guarantee
Trustee.

      "Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of the date hereof between the
Guarantor and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, as supplemented by the First
Supplemental Indenture dated as of the date hereof among the Guarantor and
Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee.

      "Issuer" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
<PAGE>   7
                                                                               4



      "List of Holders" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.

      "Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning set forth in the definition of
Guarantee Payments.

      "Majority in Liquidation Amount" of the Capital Securities means, except
as provided in the terms of the Capital Securities, or except as provided by the
Trust Indenture Act, a vote by Holder(s), voting separately as a class, of more
than 50% of the liquidation amount (including the stated amount that would be
paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus accumulated and unpaid
Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages are determined) of
all Capital Securities.

      "Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth in the definition of
Guarantee Payment.

      "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee, any
officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Guarantee Trustee, including
any vice president, any assistant vice president, any assistant secretary, the
treasurer, any assistant treasurer or other officer of the Corporate Trust
Office of the Guarantee Trustee customarily performing functions similar to
those performed by any of the above designated officers, and also means, with
respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such
matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and familiarity with
the particular subject.

      "Securities Guarantees" means this Capital Securities Guarantee and the
Common Securities Guarantee, collectively.

      "Successor Guarantee Trustee" means a successor Guarantee Trustee
possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1.

      "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended
from time to time, or any successor legislation.

      "Trust Securities" means the Common Securities and the Capital Securities.

                                   ARTICLE II

                               TRUST INDENTURE ACT

      Section 2.1 Trust Indenture Act; Application. (a) This Capital Securities
Guarantee is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are
required to be part of this Capital Securities Guarantee and shall, to the
extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

      (b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Capital Securities
Guarantee limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310
to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall
control.
<PAGE>   8
                                                                               5


      Section 2.2 List of Holders. (a) The Guarantor and the Administrators on
behalf of the Issuer shall provide the Guarantee Trustee (i) within 1 Business
Day after each record date for payment of Distributions, a list, in such form as
the Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the
Holders of the Capital Securities (the "List of Holders") as of such record
date; provided, that neither the Guarantor nor the Administrators on behalf of
the Issuer shall be obligated to provide such List of Holders at any time the
List of Holders does not differ from the most recent List of Holders given to
the Guarantee Trustee by the Guarantor and the Administrators on behalf of the
Issuer, and (ii) at any other time, within 30 days of receipt by the Guarantor
of a written request for a List of Holders, a List of Holders as of a date no
more than 14 days before such List of Holders is given to the Guarantee Trustee.
The Guarantee Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, all information contained in Lists of Holders given to it;
provided, that the Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously
given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.

      (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Sections
311(a), 311(b) and Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

      Section 2.3 Reports by the Guarantee Trustee. Within 90 days after
___________ of each year, commencing _________________, the Guarantee Trustee
shall provide to the Holders such reports as are required by Section 313 of the
Trust Indenture Act if any, in the form and in the manner provided by Section
313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee Trustee shall also comply with the
requirements of Section 313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act.

      Section 2.4 Periodic Reports to Guarantee Trustee. The Guarantor shall
provide to the Guarantee Trustee such documents, reports and information as are
required by Section 314 (if any) and the compliance certificate required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act in the form, in the manner and at the
times required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.

      Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Guarantee
Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Guarantee Trustee's receipt
of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained
therein, including the Guarantor's compliance with any of its covenants
hereunder (as to which the Guarantee Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on
Officers' Certificates).

      Section 2.5 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. The
Guarantor shall provide to the Guarantee Trustee such evidence of compliance
with the conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Capital Securities
Guarantee that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the
Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given by an
officer pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers'
Certificate.

      Section 2.6 Events of Default; Waiver. The Holders of a Majority in
Liquidation Amount of Capital Securities may, by vote, on behalf of the Holders
of all of the Capital Securities, waive any past Guarantee Event of Default and
its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Guarantee Event of Default shall
cease to exist, and any Guarantee Event of Default arising therefrom shall be
deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this
<PAGE>   9
                                                                               6


Capital Securities Guarantee, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent
or other default or Guarantee Event of Default or impair any right consequent
thereon.

      Section 2.7 Event of Default; Notice. (a) The Guarantee Trustee shall,
within 30 days after the occurrence of a Guarantee Event of Default, transmit by
mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders, notices of all Guarantee
Events of Default with respect to this Capital Securities Guarantee actually
known to a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless such Guarantee
Events of Default have been cured before the giving of such notice; provided,
that, the Guarantee Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and
so long as a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the
Holders.

      (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any
Guarantee Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received
written notice thereof, or a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee
charged with the administration of the Capital Securities Guarantee shall have
obtained actual knowledge thereof.

      Section 2.8 Conflicting Interests. The Declaration shall be deemed to be
specifically described in this Capital Securities Guarantee for the purposes of
clause (i) of the first proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act and such Section 310(b) applied to the Capital Securities
Guarantee.

                                   ARTICLE III

                 POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

      Section 3.1 Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee. (a) This Capital
Securities Guarantee shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of
the Holders and the Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Capital Securities
Guarantee to any Person except a Holder exercising his or her rights pursuant to
Section 5.5(b) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee on acceptance by such
Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Guarantee
Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall
automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, and such vesting and
succession of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents
have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor
Guarantee Trustee.

      (b) If a Guarantee Event of Default actually known to a Responsible
Officer of the Guarantee Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Guarantee
Trustee shall enforce this Capital Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the
Holders.

      (c) The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any Guarantee Event of
Default and after the curing of all Guarantee Events of Default that may have
occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set
forth in this Capital Securities Guarantee, and no implied covenants shall be
read into this Capital Securities Guarantee against the Guarantee Trustee. In
case a Guarantee Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or
waived pursuant to Section 2.6) and is actually known to a Responsible Officer
of the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee shall exercise such of the
rights and
<PAGE>   10
                                                                               7


powers vested in it by this Capital Securities Guarantee, and shall use the same
degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as a prudent person would
exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own
affairs.

      (d) No provision of this Capital Securities Guarantee shall be construed
to relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action,
its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

            (i) prior to the occurrence of any Guarantee Event of Default and
      after the curing or waiving of all such Guarantee Events of Default that
      may have occurred:

                  (A) the duties and obligations of the Guarantee Trustee shall
            be determined solely by the express provisions of this Capital
            Securities Guarantee, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable
            except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are
            specifically set forth in this Capital Securities Guarantee, and no
            implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Capital
            Securities Guarantee against the Guarantee Trustee; and

                  (B) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Guarantee
            Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the
            truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions
            expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to
            the Guarantee Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
            Capital Securities Guarantee; but in the case of any such
            certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are
            specifically required to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee, the
            Guarantee Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to
            determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this
            Capital Securities Guarantee;

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

            (iii) the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
      action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
      the direction of the Holders of not less than a Majority in Liquidation
      Amount of the Capital Securities relating to the time, method and place of
      conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee
      Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee
      Trustee under this Capital Securities Guarantee; and

            (iv) no provision of this Capital Securities Guarantee shall require
      the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur
      personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in
      the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if the Guarantee Trustee
      shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such
      funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this
      Capital Securities Guarantee or indemnity, reasonably
<PAGE>   11
                                                                               8


      satisfactory to the Guarantee Trustee, against such risk or liability is
      not reasonably assured to it.

      Section 3.2 Certain Rights of Guarantee Trustee. (a) Subject to the
provisions of Section 3.1:

            (i) The Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, and shall be fully
      protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any resolution,
      certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
      direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
      indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and
      to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties.

            (ii) Any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this
      Capital Securities Guarantee shall be sufficiently evidenced by an
      Officers' Certificate.

            (iii) Whenever, in the administration of this Capital Securities
      Guarantee, the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be
      proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting any action
      hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein
      specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part,
      request and conclusively rely upon an Officers' Certificate that, upon
      receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor.

            (iv) The Guarantee Trustee shall have no duty to see to any
      recording, filing or registration of any instrument (or any rerecording,
      refiling or re-registration thereof).

            (v) The Guarantee Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection,
      and the advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal matters
      shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any
      action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in
      accordance with such advice or opinion. Such counsel may be counsel to the
      Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may include any of its employees.
      The Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek
      instructions concerning the administration of this Capital Securities
      Guarantee from any court of competent jurisdiction.

            (vi) The Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise
      any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Capital Securities
      Guarantee at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder
      shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee such security and indemnity,
      reasonably satisfactory to the Guarantee Trustee, against the costs,
      expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and the expenses of the
      Guarantee Trustee's agents, nominees or custodians) and liabilities that
      might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction,
      including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Guarantee
      Trustee; provided, that nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(vi) shall
      be taken to relieve the Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of a
      Guarantee Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and
      powers vested in it by this Capital Securities Guarantee.
<PAGE>   12
                                                                               9


            (vii) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any
      investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution,
      certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
      direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of
      indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Guarantee Trustee, in its
      discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts
      or matters as it may see fit.

            (viii) The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
      hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through
      agents, nominees, custodians or attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall
      not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any
      agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

            (ix) Any action taken by the Guarantee Trustee or its agents
      hereunder shall bind the Holders and the signature of the Guarantee
      Trustee or its agents alone shall be sufficient and effective to perform
      any such action. No third party shall be required to inquire as to the
      authority of the Guarantee Trustee to so act or as to its compliance with
      any of the terms and provisions of this Capital Securities Guarantee, both
      of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the Guarantee Trustee's or its
      agent's taking such action.

            (x) Whenever in the administration of this Capital Securities
      Guarantee the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive
      instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any
      other action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (i) may request instructions
      from the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Capital
      Securities, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking
      such other action until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be
      protected in conclusively relying on or acting in accordance with such
      instructions.

            (xi) The Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
      hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through
      agents or attorneys, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be responsible
      for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
      appointed with due care by it hereunder.

            (xii) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any action
      taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably
      believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or
      powers conferred upon it by this Capital Securities Guarantee.

      (b) No provision of this Capital Securities Guarantee shall be deemed to
impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or
acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it
in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee
Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law,
to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or
obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee
shall be construed to be a duty.
<PAGE>   13
                                                                              10


      Section 3.3 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Capital Securities
Guarantee. The recitals contained in this Capital Securities Guarantee shall be
taken as the statements of the Guarantor, and the Guarantee Trustee does not
assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Guarantee Trustee makes no
representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Capital Securities
Guarantee.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

      Section 4.1 Capital Guarantee: Eligibility. (a) There shall at all times
be a Guarantee Trustee, which shall:

            (i)   not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and

            (ii)  be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws
                  of the United States of America or any State or Territory
                  thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation
                  permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission to act as
                  an institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture Act,
                  authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers,
                  having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million
                  U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or
                  examination by federal, state, territorial or District of
                  Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of
                  condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the
                  requirements of the supervising or examining authority
                  referred to above, then, for the purposes of this Section
                  4.1(a)(ii), the combined capital and surplus of such
                  corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and
                  surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so
                  published.

      (b) If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible to so
act under Section 4.1(a), the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in the
manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c).

      (c) If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting
interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the
Guarantee Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions
of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

      Section 4.2 Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Guarantee Trustee. (a)
Subject to Section 4.2(b), the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed or removed
without cause at any time by the Guarantor.

      (b) The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed in accordance with Section
4.2(a) until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted
such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Guarantee
Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.
<PAGE>   14
                                                                              11


      (c) The Guarantee Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until a
Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or
resignation. The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for
prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not
take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has
accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor
Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee
Trustee.

      (d) If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and
accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within 60 days after
delivery of an instrument of resignation or removal, the Guarantee Trustee
resigning or being removed may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after
prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor
Guarantee Trustee.

      (e) No Guarantee Trustee shall be liable for the acts or omissions to act
of any Successor Guarantee Trustee.

      (f) Upon termination of this Capital Securities Guarantee or removal or
resignation of the Guarantee Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.2, the Guarantor
shall pay to the Guarantee Trustee all amounts accrued to the date of such
termination, removal or resignation.

                                    ARTICLE V

                         DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

      Section 5.1 Guarantee. The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally
agrees to pay in full to the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication
of amounts theretofore paid by the Issuer), as and when due, regardless of any
defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Issuer may have or assert.
The Guarantor's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by
direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by
causing the Issuer to pay such amounts to the Holders.

      Section 5.2 Subordination. If an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the rights of Holders of the Common Securities to receive guarantee
payments under the Common Securities Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of
the Holders of the Capital Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this
Capital Securities Guarantee.

      Section 5.3 Waiver of Notice and Demand. The Guarantor hereby waives
notice of acceptance of this Capital Securities Guarantee and of any liability
to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any right to
require a proceeding first against the Issuer or any other Person before
proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of
dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.

      Section 5.4 Obligations Not Affected. The obligations, covenants,
agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Capital Securities Guarantee
shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to
time of any of the following:
<PAGE>   15
                                                                              12


      (a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied agreement,
covenant, term or condition relating to the Capital Securities to be performed
or observed by the Issuer;

      (b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or any
portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any
other sums payable under the terms of the Capital Securities or the extension of
time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in
connection with, the Capital Securities (other than an extension of time for
payment of Distributions, the Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or
other sum payable that results from the extension of any interest payment period
on the Debentures permitted by the Indenture);

      (c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the
Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy
conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Capital Securities, or any
action on the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any kind;

      (d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any
collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of
creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of,
or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer or any of the assets of the
Issuer;

      (e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Capital Securities;

      (f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or
hereby incurred; or

      (g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a
legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of
this Section 5.4 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be
absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.

      There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain
consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.

      Section 5.5 Rights of Holders. (a) The Holders of a Majority in
Liquidation Amount of the Capital Securities have the right to direct the time,
method and place of conducting of any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Guarantee Trustee in respect of this Capital Securities Guarantee or exercising
any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Capital
Securities Guarantee.

      (b) If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce such Capital Securities
Guarantee, any Holder of Capital Securities may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the Guarantor to enforce the Guarantee Trustee's rights under
this Capital Securities Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding
against the Issuer, the Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity.
<PAGE>   16
                                                                              13


The Guarantor waives any right or remedy to require that any action be brought
first against the Issuer or any other person or entity before proceeding
directly against the Guarantor.

      Section 5.6 Guarantee of Payment. This Capital Securities Guarantee
creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

      Section 5.7 Subrogation. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any)
rights of the Holders of Capital Securities against the Issuer in respect of any
amounts paid to such Holders by the Guarantor under this Capital Securities
Guarantee; provided, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required
by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any right
that it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or
other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Capital
Securities Guarantee, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due
and unpaid under this Capital Securities Guarantee. If any amount shall be paid
to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to
hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the
Holders.

      Section 5.8 Independent Obligations. The Guarantor acknowledges that its
obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Issuer with
respect to the Capital Securities, and that the Guarantor shall be liable as
principal and as debtor hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the
terms of this Capital Securities Guarantee notwithstanding the occurrence of any
event referred to in subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.4.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                       LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; RANKING

      Section 6.1 Limitation of Transactions. So long as any Capital Securities
remain outstanding, if (i) the Guarantor has exercised its option to defer
interest payments on the Debentures by extending the interest payment period and
such extension shall be continuing, (ii) the Guarantor shall be in default with
respect to its Guarantee Payments or other obligations under this Capital
Securities Guarantee or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing any
event that, with the giving of notice, would constitute an Event of Default then
the Guarantor (a) shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make distributions
with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a liquidation payment
with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i) purchases or
acquisitions of shares of its common stock in connection with the satisfaction
by the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries of their respective obligations
under any benefit plans for directors, officers, agents or employees or the
Guarantor's dividend reinvestment or director, officer, agent or employee stock
purchase plans, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of its capital stock or
the exchange or conversion of one class or series of its capital stock for
another class or series of its capital stock, (iii) the purchase of fractional
interests in shares of its capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged
for capital stock, (iv) dividends or distributions in shares of, or options,
warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of its capital stock of
the Guarantor or (v) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the
implementation or extension of a stockholders' rights plan,
<PAGE>   17
                                                                              14


or the issuance of stock under any such plan (including any plan existing on the
date hereof) in the future or the redemption or repurchase or any such rights
pursuant thereto), (b) shall not make any payment of interest, principal or
premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by
the Guarantor which rank pari passu with or junior to the Debentures and (c)
shall not make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by the
Guarantor of any securities of any subsidiary of the Guarantor if such guarantee
ranks pari passu with or junior in right of payment to the Debentures.

      Section 6.2 Ranking. This Capital Securities Guarantee will constitute an
unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank pari passu in right of
payment to all other senior unsecured obligations of the Guarantor.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                   TERMINATION

      Section 7.1 Termination. This Capital Securities Guarantee shall terminate
as to each Holder upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price and accumulated
and unpaid Distributions with respect to all Capital Securities or (ii) upon the
distribution of the Debentures held by the Issuer to the Holders of the Capital
Securities or (iii) upon dissolution of the Issuer and will terminate completely
upon full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Capital Securities Guarantee will continue
to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any
Holder must restore payment of any sums paid under the Capital Securities or
under this Capital Securities Guarantee.
<PAGE>   18
                                                                              15


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                          COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF
                                GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

            The Guarantor covenants and agrees to pay to the Guarantee Trustee
from time to time, and the Guarantee Trustee shall be entitled to, such
compensation as shall be agreed to in writing between the Guarantor and the
Guarantee Trustee (which agreement shall not be limited by any provision of law
in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), and the
Guarantor will pay or reimburse the Guarantee Trustee upon its request for all
reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the
Guarantee Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Capital
Securities Guarantee (including reasonable compensations and the expenses and
disbursements of its counsel and of all persons not regularly in its employ)
except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its
negligence or bad faith. The Guarantor also covenants to indemnify the Guarantee
Trustee (and its officers, agents, directors and employees) for, and to hold it
harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense
including taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Guarantee Trustee)
incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Guarantee Trustee
and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of
this Capital Securities Guarantee, including the costs and expenses of defending
itself against any claim of liability in the premises. The obligations of the
Guarantor under this Article VIII to compensate and indemnify the Guarantee
Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Guarantee Trustee for expenses,
disbursements and advances shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the
Capital Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the
Guarantee Trustee, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of
the Capital Securities.

            The provisions of this Article shall survive the termination of this
Capital Securities Guarantee or the earlier resignation or removal of the
Guarantee Trustee.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

      Section 9.1 Exculpation. (a) No Indemnified Person shall be liable,
responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Guarantor or any
Covered Person for any loss, damage, liability, expense or claim incurred by
reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in
good faith in accordance with this Capital Securities Guarantee and in a manner
that such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of the
authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Capital Securities
Guarantee or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any
such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions.

      (b) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Guarantor and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Guarantor by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are
<PAGE>   19
                                                                              16


within such other Person's professional or expert competence and who has been
selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Guarantor, including
information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and amount of the
assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts pertinent to the
existence and amount of assets from which Distributions to Holders might
properly be paid.

      Section 9.2 Indemnification. The Guarantor agrees to indemnify each
Indemnified Person for, and to hold each Indemnified Person harmless against,
any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its
part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of
the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses (including
reasonable legal fees and expenses) of defending itself against, or
investigating, any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. The obligation to
indemnify as set forth in this Section 8.2 shall survive the termination of this
Capital Securities Guarantee.

      When the Guarantee Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in
connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 4.1(d) or Section
4.1(e) of the Indenture, the expenses (including the reasonable charges and
expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for services are intended to
constitute expenses of administration under any applicable federal or state
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 10.1 Successors and Assigns. All guarantees and agreements
contained in this Capital Securities Guarantee shall bind the successors,
assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Guarantor and shall
inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Capital Securities then outstanding.
Except in connection with any permitted merger or consolidation of the Guarantor
with or into another entity or any permitted sale, transfer or lease of the
Guarantor's assets to another entity (as described in Article 7 of the
Indenture), the Guarantor may not assign its rights or delegate its obligations
under the Guarantee without the prior approval of the Holders of at least a
Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Capital Securities then outstanding.

      Section 10.2 Amendments. Except with respect to any changes that do not
materially adversely affect the rights of Holders (in which case no consent of
Holders will be required), this Capital Securities Guarantee may only be amended
with the prior approval of the Holders of at least a Majority in Liquidation
Amount of all the outstanding Capital Securities. The provisions of Section
12.02 of the Declaration with respect to meetings of Holders apply to the giving
of such approval.

      Section 10.3 Notices. All notices provided for in this Capital Securities
Guarantee shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and
shall be delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail, as follows:
<PAGE>   20
                                                                              17


      (a) if given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the Guarantee Trustee's mailing
address set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantee Trustee may give
notice of to the Holders of the Capital Securities):

                  Wilmington Trust Company
                  Rodney Square North
                  1100 North Market Street
                  Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                  Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration
                  Telecopy:  (302) 651-8882

      (b) if given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing address set
forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to the
Holders of the Capital Securities):

                  K N Energy, Inc.
                  370 Van Gordon Street
                  Lakewood, Colorado 80228
                  Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                  Telecopy:  (303) 763-3517

      (c) if given to any Holder of Capital Securities, at the address set forth
on the books and records of the Issuer.

      All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.

      Section 10.4 Benefit. This Capital Securities Guarantee is solely for the
benefit of the Holders of the Capital Securities and, subject to Section 3.1(a),
is not separately transferable from the Capital Securities.

      Section 10.5 Governing Law. THIS CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
<PAGE>   21
                                                                              18


      THIS CAPITAL SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the day and
year first above written.


                              K N ENERGY, INC.,
                                  as Guarantor


                              By:____________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, not in its
                                  individual capacity but solely as
                                  Guarantee Trustee

                              By:____________________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 4.14


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



                 FORM OF COMMON SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT


                              K N Capital Trust II


                           Dated as of _____ __, ____


                     ---------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Page
                                                                             ----
<S>                                                                          <C>
                                  ARTICLE I.

                        DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
            SECTION 1.1.  Definitions and Interpretation...................  2

                                  ARTICLE II.

                                   GUARANTEE
            SECTION 2.1.  Guarantee........................................  3
            SECTION 2.2.  Subordination....................................  3
            SECTION 2.3.  Waiver of Notice and Demand......................  3
            SECTION 2.4.  Obligations Not Affected.........................  4
            SECTION 2.5.  Rights of Holders................................  4
            SECTION 2.6.  Guarantee of Payment.............................  5
            SECTION 2.7.  Subrogation......................................  5
            SECTION 2.8.  Independent Obligations..........................  5

                                 ARTICLE III.

                      LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; RANKING
            SECTION 3.1.  Limitation of Transactions.......................  5
            SECTION 3.2.  Ranking..........................................  6

                                  ARTICLE IV.

                                  TERMINATION
            SECTION 4.1.  Termination......................................  6

                                  ARTICLE V.

                                 MISCELLANEOUS
            SECTION 5.1.  Successors and Assigns...........................  6
            SECTION 5.2.  Amendments.......................................  7
            SECTION 5.3.  Notices..........................................  7
            SECTION 5.4.  Benefit..........................................  7
            SECTION 5.5.  Governing Law....................................  7
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
                                                                               1


                  FORM OF COMMON SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT


            This FORM OF COMMON SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT (the
"Common Securities Guarantee"), dated as of _____ __, ____, is executed and
delivered by K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation (the "Guarantor"), for the
benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Common
Securities (as defined herein) of K N Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory
business trust (the "Issuer").

            WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
(the "Declaration"), dated as of the date hereof, among the trustees and
administrators of the Issuer named therein, the Guarantor, as sponsor, and the
holders from time to time of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Issuer, the Issuer is issuing on the date hereof _____ common securities, having
an aggregate liquidation amount of $_________, designated the ____% Common
Securities (collectively the "Common Securities");

            WHEREAS, the Common Securities are being issued by the Issuer and
the proceeds thereof, together with the proceeds from the issuance of the
Issuer's Capital Securities (as defined in the Declaration), will be used to
purchase the Debentures (as defined in the Declaration) of the Guarantor, which
will be deposited with Wilmington Trust Company, as Institutional Trustee under
the Declaration, as trust assets;

            WHEREAS, as an incentive for the Holders to purchase the Common
Securities, the Guarantor desires to irrevocably and unconditionally agree, to
the extent set forth in this Common Securities Guarantee, to pay to the Holders
of the Common Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make
certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

            WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Guarantor is also executing and
delivering a guarantee agreement (the "Capital Securities Guarantee") with
substantially identical terms to this Common Securities Guarantee for the
benefit of the holders of the Capital Securities (as defined in the
Declaration), except that if an Event of Default (as defined in the
Declaration), has occurred and is continuing, the rights of Holders of the
Common Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under this Common Securities
Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of holders of Capital Securities to
receive Guarantee Payments under the Capital Securities Guarantee.

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of
Common Securities, which purchase the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the
Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Common Securities Guarantee
for the benefit of the Holders.

                                   ARTICLE I.

                         DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
<PAGE>   4
                                                                               2


            SECTION 1.1. Definitions and Interpretation. In this Common
Securities Guarantee, unless the context otherwise requires:

            (a) capitalized terms used in this Common Securities Guarantee but
not defined in the preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to them
in this Section 1.1;

            (b) terms defined in the Declaration as at the date of execution of
this Common Securities Guarantee have the same meaning when used in this Common
Securities Guarantee unless otherwise defined in this Common Securities
Guarantee;

            (c) a term defined anywhere in this Common Securities Guarantee has
the same meaning throughout;

            (d) all references to "the Common Securities Guarantee" or "this
Common Securities Guarantee" are to this Common Securities Guarantee as
modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;

            (e) all references in this Common Securities Guarantee to Articles
and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Common Securities Guarantee,
unless otherwise specified; and

            (f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

            "Capital Securities Guarantee" has the meaning set forth in the
recitals.

            "Common Securities" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

            "Debentures" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

            "Declaration" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

            "Guarantee Payments" means the following payments or distributions,
without duplication, with respect to the Common Securities, to the extent not
paid or made by the Issuer: (i) any accumulated and unpaid distributions that
are required to be paid on such Common Securities to the extent the Issuer shall
have funds available therefor, (ii) the redemption price (the "Redemption
Price"), plus all accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption
with respect to any Common Securities called for redemption by the Issuer, to
the extent the Issuer has funds available therefor and (iii) upon a voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Issuer
(other than in connection with a distribution of the Debentures to the Holders
or the redemption of all the Common Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate
of liquidation amount and all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Common
Securities to the date of payment, to the extent the Issuer has funds available
therefor, and (b) the amount of assets of the Issuer remaining available for
distribution to Holders in liquidation of the Issuer (in either case, the
"Liquidation Distribution"). If an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the rights of Holders of the Common Securities to receive Guarantee
Payments under this Common
<PAGE>   5
                                                                               3


Securities Guarantee are subordinated to the rights of holders of Capital
Securities to receive guarantee payments under the Capital Securities Guarantee.

            "Guarantor" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

            "Holder" means any holder, as registered on the books and records of
the Issuer, of any Common Securities.

            "Issuer" has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

            "Majority in Liquidation Amount" of the Common Securities means,
except as provided in the terms of the Common Securities, a vote by Holder(s),
voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the liquidation amount
(including the stated amount that would be paid on redemption, liquidation or
otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to the date upon which the
voting percentages are determined) of all Common Securities.

            "Trust Securities" means the Common Securities and the Capital
Securities.


                                   ARTICLE II.

                                    GUARANTEE

            SECTION 2.1. Guarantee. The Guarantor irrevocably and
unconditionally agrees to pay in full to the Holders the Guarantee Payments
(without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Issuer), as and when
due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Issuer
may have or assert. The Guarantor's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may
be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the
Holders or by causing the Issuer to pay such amounts to the Holders.

            SECTION 2.2. Subordination. If an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, the rights of the Holders of the Common Securities to receive
Guarantee Payments under this Common Securities Guarantee are subordinated to
the rights of the Holders of the Capital Securities to receive guarantee
payments under the Capital Securities Guarantee.

            SECTION 2.3. Waiver of Notice and Demand. The Guarantor hereby
waives notice of acceptance of this Common Securities Guarantee and of any
liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any
right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer or any other Person
before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice
of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.

            SECTION 2.4. Obligations Not Affected. The obligations, covenants,
agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this Common Securities Guarantee
shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to
time of any of the following:
<PAGE>   6
                                                                               4


            (a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the
performance or observance by the Issuer of any express or implied agreement,
covenant, term or condition relating to the Common Securities to be performed or
observed by the Issuer;

            (b) the extension of time for the payment by the Issuer of all or
any portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or
any other sums payable under the terms of the Common Securities or the extension
of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in
connection with, the Common Securities (other than an extension of time for
payment of distributions, the Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or
other sum payable that results from the extension of any interest payment period
on the Debentures permitted by the Indenture);

            (c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of
the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy
conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Common Securities, or any
action on the part of the Issuer granting indulgence or extension of any kind;

            (d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of
any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit
of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt
of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Issuer or any of the assets of
the Issuer;

            (e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Common
Securities;

            (f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby
or hereby incurred; or

            (g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise
constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being
the intent of this Section 2.4 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder
shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.

            There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or
obtain consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the
foregoing.

            SECTION 2.5. Rights of Holders. The Guarantor expressly acknowledges
that any Holder of Common Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly
against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this Common Securities
Guarantee, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Issuer or
any other Person.

            SECTION 2.6. Guarantee of Payment. This Common Securities Guarantee
creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

            SECTION 2.7. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all
(if any) rights of the Holders of Common Securities against the Issuer in
respect of any amounts paid to such Holders by the Guarantor under this Common
Securities Guarantee; provided, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the
extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled
<PAGE>   7
                                                                               5


to enforce or exercise any right that it may acquire by way of subrogation or
any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of
payment under this Common Securities Guarantee, if, at the time of any such
payment, any amounts are due and unpaid under this Common Securities Guarantee.
If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding
sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and
to pay over such amount to the Holders. If an Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, the rights of Holders of the Common Securities to receive
Guarantee Payments under this Common Securities Guarantee are subordinated to
the rights of holders of Capital Securities to receive Guarantee Payments under
the Capital Securities Guarantee.

            SECTION 2.8. Independent Obligations. The Guarantor acknowledges
that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Issuer
with respect to the Common Securities and that the Guarantor shall be liable as
principal and as debtor hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the
terms of this Common Securities Guarantee notwithstanding the occurrence of any
event referred to in subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 2.4
hereof.


                                  ARTICLE III.

                       LIMITATION OF TRANSACTIONS; RANKING

            SECTION 3.1. Limitation of Transactions. So long as any Capital
Securities remain outstanding, if (i) the Guarantor has exercised its option to
defer interest payments on the Debentures by extending the interest payment
period and such extension shall be continuing, (ii) the Guarantor shall be in
default with respect to its Guarantee Payments or other obligations under this
Common Securities Guarantee or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing
any event that, with the giving of notice, would constitute an Event of Default
then the Guarantor (a) shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of its common stock in connection with the
satisfaction by the Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries of their respective
obligations under any benefit plans for directors, officers, agents or employees
or the Guarantor's dividend reinvestment or director, officer, agent or employee
stock purchase plans, (ii) as a result of a reclassification of its capital
stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of its capital stock
for another class or series of its capital stock, (iii) the purchase of
fractional interests in shares of its capital stock pursuant to the conversion
or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or
exchanged for capital stock, (iv) dividends or distributions in shares of, or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of capital stock
of the Guarantor or (v) any declaration of a dividend in connection with the
implementation or extension of a stockholders' rights plan, or the issuance of
stock under any such plan (including such existing plan) in the future or the
redemption or repurchase or any such rights pursuant thereto)), (b) shall not
make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay,
repurchase or redeem any debt securities issued by the Guarantor which rank pari
passu with or junior to the Debentures and (c) shall not make any guarantee
payments with respect to any guarantee by the Guarantor of
<PAGE>   8
                                                                               6


any securities of any subsidiary of the Guarantor if such guarantee ranks pari
passu with or junior in right of payment to the Debentures.

            SECTION 3.2. Ranking. This Common Securities Guarantee will
constitute an unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank pari passu in
right of payment to all other senior unsecured obligations of the Guarantor.


                                   ARTICLE IV.

                                   TERMINATION

            SECTION 4.1. Termination. This Common Securities Guarantee shall
terminate as to each Holder upon (i) full payment of the Redemption Price and
accrued and unpaid distributions with respect to all Common Securities, (ii) the
distribution of the Debentures held by the Issuer to the Holders of the Common
Securities or (iii) dissolution of the Issuer and will terminate completely upon
full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Declaration.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Common Securities Guarantee will continue to
be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any
Holder of Common Securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the
Common Securities or under this Common Securities Guarantee.


                                   ARTICLE V.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

            SECTION 5.1. Successors and Assigns. All guarantees and agreements
contained in this Common Securities Guarantee shall bind the successors,
assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Guarantor and shall
inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Common Securities then outstanding.
Except in connection with any permitted merger or consolidation of the Guarantor
with or into another entity or any permitted sale, transfer or lease of the
Guarantor's assets to another entity (as described in Article 7 of the
Indenture), the Guarantor may not assign its rights or delegate its obligations
under the Guarantee without the prior approval of the Holders of at least a
Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities then outstanding.

            SECTION 5.2. Amendments. Except with respect to any changes that do
not materially adversely affect the rights of Holders (in which case no consent
of Holders will be required), this Common Securities Guarantee may only be
amended with the prior approval of the Holders of at least a Majority in
Liquidation Amount of the Common Securities. The provisions of Section 12.02 of
the Declaration with respect to meetings of Holders of the Trust Securities
apply to the giving of such approval.

            SECTION 5.3. Notices. All notices provided for in this Common
Securities Guarantee shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such
notice, and shall be delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail, as
follows:
<PAGE>   9
                                                                               7


            (a) if given to the Guarantor, at the Guarantor's mailing address
set forth below (or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to
the Holders of the Common Securities):

                  K N Energy, Inc.
                  370 Van Gordon Street
                  Lakewood, Colorado 80228
                  Attention:  Chief Financial Officer
                  Telecopy:  (303) 763-3517

            (b) if given to any Holder of Common Securities, at the address set
forth on the books and records of the Issuer.

            All such notices shall be deemed to have been given when received in
person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail,
postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or
cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given,
such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
of such refusal or inability to deliver.

            SECTION 5.4. Benefit. This Common Securities Guarantee is solely for
the benefit of the Holders of the Common Securities and is not separately
transferable from the Common Securities.

            SECTION 5.5. Governing Law. THIS COMMON SECURITIES GUARANTEE SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
<PAGE>   10
                                                                          8



            THIS COMMON SECURITIES GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the day
and year first above written.


                              K N ENERGY, INC.


                              By:___________________________________
                                 Name:
                                 Title:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.18




                    AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
                                       OF
                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II

         THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST is made as of June 1,
1998 (this "Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust"), by and between K N
Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation, as sponsor (the "Sponsor"), and Wilmington
Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The
Sponsor and the Trustee hereby agree to amend and restate the original
Declaration of Trust, dated as of January 15, 1998 (the "Original Declaration").

         The Original Declaration is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
to read as follows:

         1. The trust continued hereby shall be known as "K N Capital Trust II"
(the "Trust"), in which name the Trustee or the Sponsor, to the extent provided
herein, may conduct the business of the Trust, make and execute contracts, and
sue and be sued.

         2. The Sponsor assigned, transferred, conveyed and set over to the
Trust the sum of $10. Such amount shall constitute the initial trust estate. It
is the intention of the parties hereto that the Trust continued hereby
constitute a business trust under Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code,
12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq. (the "Business Trust Act"), and that this
document constitute the governing instrument of the Trust.

         3. The Sponsor and the Trustee will enter into a further amended and
restated Declaration of Trust satisfactory to each such party and substantially
in the form to be included as an exhibit to the 1933 Registration Statement (as
herein defined), or in such other form as the parties thereto may approve, to
provide for the contemplated operation of the Trust continued hereby and the
issuance of the Preferred or Capital Securities referred to therein. Prior to
the execution and delivery of such amended and restated Declaration of Trust,
the Trustee shall not have any duty or obligation hereunder or with respect to
the trust estate, except as otherwise required by applicable law or as may be
necessary to obtain prior to such execution and delivery any licenses, consents
or approvals required by applicable law or otherwise. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Trustee may take all actions deemed proper as are necessary to
effect the transactions contemplated herein.

         4. The Sponsor, as sponsor of the Trust, is hereby authorized, in its
discretion, (i) to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") and to execute, in the case of the 1933 Act Registration Statement
and 1934 Act Registration Statement (as herein defined), on behalf of the Trust,
(a) a Registration Statement (the "1933 Act Registration Statement"), including
all pre-effective or post-effective amendments thereto, relating to the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), of
the Preferred or Capital Securities of the Trust, (b) any preliminary prospectus
or prospectus or supplement thereto relating to the Preferred or Capital
Securities required to be filed pursuant to the 1933 Act, and (c) a Registration
Statement on Form 8-A or other appropriate form (the "1934 Act
<PAGE>   2
Registration Statement"), including all pre-effective and post-effective
amendments thereto, relating to the registration of the Preferred or Capital
Securities of the Trust under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
(ii) to file with the New York Stock Exchange or other exchange, or the National
Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD"), and execute on behalf of the Trust a
listing application and all other applications, statements, certificates,
agreements and other instruments as shall be necessary or desirable to cause the
Preferred or Capital Securities to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or
such other exchange, or the NASD's Nasdaq National Market; (iii) to file and
execute on behalf of the Trust, such applications, reports, surety bonds,
irrevocable consents, appointments of attorney for service of process and other
papers and documents that shall be necessary or desirable to register the
Preferred or Capital Securities of the Trust under the securities or "Blue Sky"
laws of such jurisdictions as the Sponsor, on behalf of the Trust, may deem
necessary or desirable; (iv) to execute and deliver letters or documents to, or
instruments for filing with, a depository relating to the Preferred or Capital
Securities of the Trust; and (v) to execute, deliver and perform on behalf of
the Trust an underwriting agreement with one or more underwriters relating to
the offering of the Preferred or Capital Securities of the Trust.

         In the event that any filing referred to in this Section 4 is required
by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the New York Stock Exchange or
other exchange, NASD, or state securities or "Blue Sky" laws to be executed on
behalf of the Trust by the Trustee, the Trustee, in its capacity as trustee of
the Trust, is hereby authorized to join in any such filing and to execute on
behalf of the Trust any and all of the foregoing, it being understood that the
Trustee, in its capacity as trustee of the Trust, shall not be required to join
in any such filing or execute on behalf of the Trust any such document unless
required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the New York Stock
Exchange or other exchange, NASD, or state securities or "Blue Sky" laws.

         5. This Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust may be executed in
one or more counterparts.

         6. The number of trustees of the Trust initially shall be one and
thereafter the number of trustees of the Trust shall be such number as shall be
fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by the Sponsor which may
increase or decrease the number of trustees of the Trust; provided, however,
that to the extent required by the Business Trust Act, one trustee of the Trust
shall either be a natural person who is a resident of the State of Delaware or,
if not a natural person, an entity which has its principal place of business in
the State of Delaware. Subject to the foregoing, the Sponsor is entitled to
appoint or remove without cause any trustee of the Trust at any time. Any
trustee of the Trust may resign upon thirty days' prior notice to the Sponsor.

         7. This Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (without
regard to conflict of laws principles).



                                       -2-
<PAGE>   3
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust to be duly executed as of the day and year first
above written.

                                       K N ENERGY, INC.,
                                            as Sponsor



                                       By:  /s/ Martha B. Wyrsch
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Name:  Martha B. Wyrsch
                                            Title: Vice President, 
                                                   General Counsel and Secretary

                                       WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
                                            not in its individual capacity
                                             but solely as trustee of the Trust



                                       By:  /s/ David A. Vanaskey
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Name:  David A. Vanaskey
                                            Title: Assistant Vice President


                                       -3-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 4.19

                            CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
                                       OF
                         CERTIFICATE OF RESTATEMENT OF
                           ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                                K N ENERGY, INC.


     The undersigned, K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation (the "Company"),
for the purpose of amending the Certificate of Restatement of Articles of
Incorporation of the Company, in accordance with the Kansas General Corporation
Code, does hereby make and execute this Certificate of Amendment of the
Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation and does hereby certify
that:

     1.   The amendment of the Certificate of Restatement of Articles of
Incorporation proposed by the directors and adopted by the stockholders of the
Company is as follows:

          RESOLVED, that Article Sixth, Section 2, Subparagraphs 1 and 2 of the
          Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company be superseded and
          replaced with the following:

                                   SECTION 2

               1.   That the total number of shares of all classes of stock
          which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue shall be
          152,200,000.

               2.   That the number of shares which are to have a par value 
          shall be 150,000,000 of the par value of $5 each, all of which shares
          shall be one class of common stock (hereinafter referred to as the
          "Common Stock").

     2.   Such amendment has been duly adopted in accordance with the
provisions of Section 17-6602 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated.
<PAGE>   2

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Amendment has been executed by the
Company by its President and attested by its Secretary on the 30th day of April
1998.

                              K N ENERGY, INC.



                              By /s/ Larry D. Hall
                                 --------------------------------
                                 Larry D. Hall, President


ATTEST:

/s/ Martha B. Wyrsch
    ---------------------------
    Martha B. Wyrsch, Secretary

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 4.20



                              Amendment to By-Laws


Excerpt from resolutions of the Board of Directors:

     RESOLVED, that effective March 10, 1998, Article III, Section 1 of the
     By-Laws of the Corporation shall be amended by deleting the first sentence
     thereof, and substituting the following:

          "The whole Board of Directors of the Corporation shall consist of
          fifteen members, with one position on the Board being reserved for
          Charles W. Battey for a period of one year ending at the Annual
          Meeting of Shareholders in 1999, at which time the number of members
          on the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be reduced to
          consist of fourteen members."


<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1
                   [Letterhead of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett]




                                                                 June 2, 1998


K N Energy, Inc.
 K N Capital Trust II
 c/o K N Energy, Inc.
370 Van Gordon Street, P.O. Box 281304
Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8304

Ladies and Gentlemen:

               This opinion is delivered in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") filed under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), by K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation
(the "Company"), and K N Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust
(the "Trust"), which Registration Statement relates to (i) debt securities of
the Company (the "Debt Securities"), (ii) common stock, par value $5.00 per
share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, (iii) debentures of the Company (the
"Trust Debentures") to be purchased by the Trust with the proceeds from the sale
of preferred securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in
the Trust (the "Preferred Securities"), (iv) stock purchase contracts of the
Company to purchase Common Stock (the "Stock Purchase Contracts"), (v) stock
purchase units of the Company, each representing ownership of (x) a Stock
<PAGE>   2

K N Energy, Inc.                       -2-                      June 2, 1998
K N Capital Trust II


Purchase Contract and (y) a beneficial interest in the Preferred Securities or
debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury Securities, securing
the holder's obligation to purchase Common Stock under the Stock Purchase
Contracts (the "Stock Purchase Units"), (vi) guarantees of certain payment
obligations with respect to the Preferred Securities by the Company to be
executed by the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as guarantee trustee (the
"Guarantees") and (vii) the Preferred Securities of the Trust, each (i) through
(vii) to be issued and sold by the Company or the Trust, as applicable, from
time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act for an aggregate initial
offering price not to exceed $100.

         We have examined (i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the form of
Indenture to be executed by the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee
(the "Trust Debenture Indenture"), (iii) the form of Indenture dated as of
November 20, 1993, between the Company and First Trust National Association, as
successor trustee to Continental Bank, National Association (the "Senior Debt
Indenture"), (iv) the form of Subordinated Indenture dated as of May 15, 1996,
between the Company and First Trust National Association, as trustee (the
"Subordinated Debt Indenture") and (v) the form of Guarantee Agreement to be
executed by the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as guarantee trustee (the
"Guarantee Agreement"). The Senior Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt
Indenture are hereinafter referred to individually as the "Debt Indenture" and
collectively as the "Debt Indentures." In addition, we have examined, and have
relied as to matters of fact upon, originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified
<PAGE>   3

K N Energy, Inc.                    -3-                         June 2, 1998
K N Capital Trust II


to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, agreements, documents and other
instruments and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials
and of officers and representatives of the Company and the Trust, and have made
such other and further investigations, as we have deemed relevant and necessary
as a basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth.

         In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures,
the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies, and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

         We have also assumed that (i) the Registration Statement, and any
amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), including the form of
prospectus included therein (as supplemented, the "Prospectus"), will have
become effective under the Act, (ii) one or more prospectus supplements will
have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Debt Securities,
the Trust Debentures, the Stock Purchase Contracts and/or the Guarantees offered
thereby, (iii) all Debt Securities, Trust Debentures, Stock Purchase Contracts
and Guarantees issued will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable
federal and state securities laws and solely in the manner stated in the
Registration Statement and the appropriate prospectus supplement, and (iv) a
definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement or stock purchase
contract with respect to any Debt Securities, Trust Debentures, Stock Purchase
Contracts
<PAGE>   4

K N Energy, Inc.                    -4-                       June 2, 1998
K N Capital Trust II


or Guarantees offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and
delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto.

         Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and
limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that:

                       1. With respect to the Debt Securities to be issued under
        the Debt Indentures, when (i) the Board of Directors of the Company (the
        "Board") has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the
        issuance and terms of such Debt Securities, the terms of the offering
        thereof and related matters and (ii) such Debt Securities have been duly
        executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the
        provisions of the applicable Debt Indenture and the applicable
        definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the
        Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein,
        such Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding
        obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
        accordance with their terms.

                       2. With respect to the Trust Debentures to be issued
        under the Trust Debenture Indenture, when (i) the Trust Debenture
        Indenture has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by
        the Company to the trustee, (ii) the Trust Debenture Indenture has been
        duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
        "Trust Indenture Act"), (iii) the Board has taken all necessary
        corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of such Trust
        Debentures, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters and
        (iv) such Trust Debentures have been duly executed, authenticated,
        issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Trust
        Debenture Indenture and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting
        or similar agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the
        consideration therefor provided for therein, such Trust Debentures will
        constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company,
        enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

                       3. With respect to the Stock Purchase Contracts, when (i)
        the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the
        issuance and terms of such Stock Purchase Contracts, the terms of the
        offering thereof and related matters and (ii) such Stock Purchase
        Contracts have been duly executed, issued and delivered upon payment of
        the consideration therefor provided for therein, such Stock Purchase
        Contracts will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the
        Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
<PAGE>   5

K N Energy, Inc.                    -5-                       June 2, 1998
K N Capital Trust II


                       4. With respect to the Guarantees, when (i) the Guarantee
        Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
        Company to the guarantee trustee, (ii) the Guarantee Agreement has been
        duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, (iii) the Board has taken
        all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of such
        Guarantees and related matters, (iv) such Guarantees have been duly
        executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the
        Guarantee Agreement approved by the Board upon payment of the
        consideration therefor provided for therein and (v) upon payment for and
        delivery of the Preferred Securities in accordance with the applicable
        purchase agreement, the Guarantees will constitute valid and legally
        binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in
        accordance with their terms.

               Our opinions set forth above are subject to the effects of
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and
other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, general
equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)
and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

               We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and we do not
express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of
New York and the federal law of the United States.

               We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion of counsel as
Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the
caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration
Statement.
                                            Very truly yours,

                                            /s/ Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
                                            SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.2




                    [Letterhead of Richards, Layton & Finger]





                                  June 2, 1998




K N Capital Trust II
c/o K N Energy, Inc.
370 Van Gordon Street
P.O. Box 281304
Lakewood, Colorado 80228

                  Re:      K N Capital Trust II

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  We have acted as special Delaware counsel for K N Energy,
Inc., a Kansas corporation ("K N"), and K N Capital Trust II, a Delaware
business trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the matters set forth herein.
At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you.

                  For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our
examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or
copies of the following:

                  (a) The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, dated as of January
15, 1998 (the "Certificate"), as filed in the office of the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on January 15, 1998;

                  (b) The Declaration of Trust of the Trust, dated as of January
15, 1998, by and between K N and the trustee of the Trust named therein;

                  (c) The Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the
Trust, dated as of June 1, 1998, by and between K N and the trustee of the
Trust named therein;   
                  
                  (d) The Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement")
on Form S-3, including a preliminary prospectus (the "Prospectus"), relating to
the undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (each, a
"Preferred Security" and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"), as proposed
to be filed by K N and the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
or about June 2, 1998;

                  (e) A form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the
Trust (including Annex I and Exhibits A-1 and A-2 thereto) (the "Declaration"),
to be entered into among K N, the
<PAGE>   2
K N Capital Trust II
June 2, 1998
Page 2


trustees of the Trust named therein, the administrators named therein, and the
holders, from time to time, of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of
the Trust, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and

                  (f) A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated June
2, 1998, obtained from the Secretary of State.

                  Initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise
defined are used as defined in the Declaration.

                  For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any
documents other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (f) above.
In particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents
listed in paragraphs (a) through (f) above) that is referred to in or
incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed
that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is
inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no independent
factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely upon the
foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the
additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be
true, complete and accurate in all material respects.

                  With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed
(i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals,
(ii) the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as
copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.

                  For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) that the
Declaration constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with
respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the creation,
operation and termination of the Trust, and that the Declaration and the
Certificate are in full force and effect and have not been amended, (ii) except
to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due creation or due
organization or due formation, as the case may be, and valid existence in good
standing of each party to the documents examined by us under the laws of the
jurisdiction governing its creation, organization or formation, (iii) the legal
capacity of natural persons who are signatories to the documents examined by us,
(iv) that each of the parties to the documents examined by us has the power and
authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such
documents, (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery by all parties
thereto of all documents examined by us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom
a Preferred Security is to be issued by the Trust (collectively, the "Preferred
Security Holders") of a certificate in the form attached as Exhibit A-1 to the
Declaration evidencing ownership of such Preferred Security in the name of such
Person and the payment for the Preferred Security acquired by it, in accordance
with the Declaration and the Registration Statement, and (vii) that the
Preferred Securities are issued and sold to the Preferred Security Holders in
accordance with the Declaration and the Registration Statement. We have not
participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and assume no
responsibility for its contents.
<PAGE>   3
K N Capital Trust II
June 2, 1998
Page 3

                  This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware
(excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not
considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction,
including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our opinions
are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules, regulations and
orders thereunder that are currently in effect.

                  Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such
questions of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered
necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications,
limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

                  1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in
good standing as a business trust under the Business Trust Act.

                  2. The Preferred Securities will represent valid and, subject
to the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3 below, fully paid and
nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

                  3. The Preferred Security Holders, as beneficial owners of the
Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to
stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the Preferred Security
Holders may be obligated to make payments as set forth in the Declaration.

                  We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In
addition, we hereby consent to the use of our name under the heading "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving the foregoing consents, we do not thereby
admit that we come within the category of Persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder. Except as
stated above, without our prior written consent, this opinion may not be
furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by, any other Person for any purpose.

                                        Very truly yours,
                                        /s/ Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.



BJK/bjr


<PAGE>   1

                                                                     Exhibit 5.3

                                                    June 2, 1998

                        [Letterhead of K N Energy, Inc.]

K N Energy, Inc.
K N Capital Trust II
c/o K N Energy, Inc.
370 Van Gordon Street
Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8304

Ladies and Gentlemen:

            This opinion is delivered in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") filed under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), by K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation
(the "Company"), and K N Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust
(the "Trust"), which Registration Statement relates to (i) debt securities of
the Company (the "Debt Securities"), (ii) common stock, par value $5.00 per
share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, (iii) debentures of the Company (the
"Trust Debentures") to be purchased by the Trust with the proceeds from the sale
of preferred securities representing undivided beneficial ownership interests in
the Trust (the "Preferred Securities"), (iv) stock purchase contracts of the
Company to purchase Common Stock (as defined below) (the "Stock Purchase
Contracts"), (v) stock purchase units of the Company, each representing
ownership of (x) a Stock Purchase Contract and (y) a beneficial interest in the
Preferred Securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S.
Treasury Securities, securing the holder's obligation to purchase Common Stock
under the Stock Purchase Contracts
<PAGE>   2


K N Energy, Inc.                                                  June 2, 1998
K N Capital Trust II                                            

(the "Stock Purchase Units"), (vi) guarantees of certain payment obligations
with respect to the Preferred Securities by the Company to be executed by the
Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as guarantee trustee (the "Guarantees")
and (vii) the Preferred Securities of the Trust, each of (i) through (vii) to be
issued and sold by the Company or the Trust, as applicable, from time to time
pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act for an aggregate initial offering price not
to exceed $100.

            In preparation for rendering my opinion hereafter expressed, I have
examined the Registration Statement and originals or copies certified to my
satisfaction of corporate records and other documents and certificates as I have
deemed necessary.

            Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and
limitations stated herein, I am of the opinion that:

                  1. With respect to shares of Common Stock, when (i) the Board
      of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has taken all necessary
      corporate action to approve the issuance of and the terms of the offering
      of the shares of Common Stock and related matters, and (ii) certificates
      representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed,
      countersigned, registered and delivered either (a) in accordance with the
      applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved
      by the Board upon payment of the consideration therefor (not less than the
      par value of the Common Stock) provided for therein, or (b) upon
      conversion or exercise of any other security, in accordance with the terms
      of such security or the instrument governing such security providing for
      such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the
      consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the
      Common Stock), the shares of Common Stock will be duly authorized, validly
      issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

                  2. With respect to the Stock Purchase Units, when (i) the
      Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and
      terms of such Stock Purchase Units and (ii) such Stock Purchase Units have
      been duly issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the
      Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any prospectus supplement
      relating thereto approved by the Board upon payment of the consideration
      therefor provided for therein, assuming that the terms of such Stock
      Purchase Units are in compliance with then applicable law, such Stock
      Purchase Units will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
      nonassessable.
<PAGE>   3

K N Energy, Inc.                     -3-                           June 2, 1998
K N Capital Trust II


            I am a member of the Bar of the State of Colorado and I do not
express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the States
of Colorado and, to the extent set forth herein, Kansas and the federal law of
the United States.

            I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion of counsel as Exhibit
5.3 to the Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Martha B. Wyrsch

                                    Martha B. Wyrsch, Esq.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                        K N ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      THREE     
                                      MONTHS      
                                      ENDED     
                                     MARCH 31,                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                     ---------    -----------------------------------------------------
                                        1998       1997       1996         1995       1994        1993 
                                     ---------    -------   ---------    -------    --------   --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>     
Earnings:
  Income From Continuing
    Operations per Statements
    of Income.......................   $ 22,508   $ 77,497    $ 63,819   $ 52,522   $15,321     $30,869
  Add:
    Interest and Debt Expense.......     52,704     51,248      37,760     34,316    32,009      31,478
    Income Taxes....................     13,249     35,661      35,897     29,050     9,500      18,599
    Portion of Rents Representative
      of the Interest Factor........      6,933     12,473       7,417      5,082     3,492       2,863
  Less:
    Undistributed Earnings of Less
      Than 50%-Owned Subsidiaries...      3,111      3,875         --          --        --          --
                                       --------   --------    --------   --------   -------     -------
    Income as Adjusted..............   $ 92,283   $173,004    $144,893   $120,970   $60,322     $83,809
                                       ========   ========    ========   ========   =======     =======
Fixed Charges:
  Interest and Debt Expense per
    Statements of Income (Includes
    Amortization of Debt Discount,
    Premium and Expense)............   $ 52,304   $ 43,495    $ 35,933   $ 34,211    $31,815    $30,909
  Add:
    Interest Capitalized............        400      7,753       1,827        105        338        965
    Portion of Rents Representative
       of the Interest Factor.......      6,933     12,473       7,417      5,082      3,492      2,863
    Preferred Stock Dividends of
       Subsidiary...................         --         --          --         --         --         69
                                       --------   --------    --------   --------    -------    -------
    Fixed Charges...................   $ 59,637   $ 63,721    $ 45,177   $ 39,398    $35,545    $34,806
                                       ========   ========    ========   ========    =======    =======
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges..       1.55       2.72       3.21       3.07        1.69       2.41
                                       ========   ========    ========   ========    =======    =======
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                       [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP LETTER HEAD]




                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1




                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated February 3, 1998,
included in K N Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, and to all references to our Firm included in this
Registration Statement.


                                         /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Denver, Colorado
June 2, 1998.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 23.2


                CONSENT OF MIDCON INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement of our report dated January 23, 1998,
on MidCon Corp.'s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 1997, included in the K N Energy, Inc. Form 8-K/A dated February 12, 1998,
and to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our
report dated January 31, 1997, on MidCon Corp.'s consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1996, included in the K N Energy,
Inc. Form 8-K dated January 16, 1998, and to all references to our Firm included
in this Registration Statement.

                                       /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois,
June 2, 1998



<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24


                           LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                K N ENERGY, INC.


         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that, the undersigned director or
officer of K N Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation, does hereby make, constitute
and appoint LARRY D. HALL, CLYDE E. McKENZIE and ROSE M. ROBESON and each of
them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney with power to act
without the other and with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and
file, for and on his behalf, and in his name and in his capacity or capacities
as aforesaid, a Registration Statement on Form S-3 for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to stock purchase units, stock purchase contracts,
debentures, guarantees, debt securities and Common Stock, $5.00 par value per
share, of K N Energy, Inc.  and preferred securities of K N Capital Trust II,
and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto and
any and all related Registration Statements (including amendments thereto)
filed pursuant to Rule 462 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 or
other documents in support thereof or supplemental thereto, hereby granting to
said attorneys and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing whatsoever as said attorney or attorneys may deem
necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the
undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as
aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said
attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of these presents.


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 2nd day
of June, 1998.


                                             /s/ LARRY D. HALL  
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Larry D. Hall


                                             /s/ CLYDE E. MCKENZIE
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Clyde E. McKenzie


                                             /s/ EDWARD H. AUSTIN, JR.
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Edward H. Austin, Jr.


                                             /s/ CHARLES W. BAUEY
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Charles W. Bauey


                                             /s/ STEWART A. BLISS
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Stewart A. Bliss


                                             /s/ DAVID W. BURKHOLDER
                                             -------------------------------
                                             David W. Burkholder


                                             /s/ DAVID M. CARMICHAEL
                                             -------------------------------
                                             David M. Carmichael


                                             /s/ ROBERT W. CHITWOOD
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Robert W. Chitwood


                                             /s/ HOWARD P. COGHLAN
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Howard P. Coghlan


                                             /s/ JORDAN L. HAINES
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Jordan L. Haines












<PAGE>   2

                                             /s/ WILLIAM J. HYBL
                                             -------------------------------
                                             William J. Hybl


                                             /s/ RICHARD D. KINDER
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Richard D. Kinder


                                             /s/ EDWARD RANDALL, III
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Edward Randall, III


                                             /s/ JOHN F. RIORDAN
                                             -------------------------------
                                             John F. Riordan


                                             /s/ JAMES C. TAYLOR
                                             -------------------------------
                                             James C. Taylor


                                             /s/ H. A. TRUE, III
                                             -------------------------------
                                             H. A. True, III


<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 25.1




                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                           --------------------------

                                    FORM T-1

                         STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
                      THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
               Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of
                     a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)
             -------------------------------------------------------

                      U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
               (Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

  111 EAST WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000
          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                60601                  36-4046888
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)            I.R.S. Employer
                                                              Identification No.

                                Melissa A. Rosal
                        111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 3000
                             Chicago, Illinois 60601
                            Telephone (312) 228-9416
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

                                 KN ENERGY, INC.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

                          KANSAS                                   48-0290000
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

                   370 VAN GORDAN
                   P.O. BOX 281304
                   LAKEWOOD, CO                                     80228
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                          (Zip Code)

                                 DEBT SECURITIES
                       (Title of the Indenture Securities)

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                                    FORM T-1

ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the
        Trustee.

         a)       Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
                  which it is subject.
                           Comptroller of the Currency
                           Washington, D.C.

         b)       Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
                           Yes

ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the
        Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

                  None

ITEMS 3-15        There is not nor has there been a default with respect to the
                  securities under this Indenture. The Trustee is a Trustee
                  under other Indentures under which securities issued by the
                  obligor are outstanding. There is not and there has not been a
                  default with respect to the securities outstanding under such
                  other Indentures.

ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this
         statement of eligibility and qualification.

         1.       A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee now in
                  effect, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form
                  T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

         2.       A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to
                  commence business, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                  2 of Form T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

         3.       A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to
                  exercise corporate trust powers, incorporated herein by
                  reference to Exhibit 3 of Form T-1, Registration No.
                  333-18235.

         4.       A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee, as now in
                  effect, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of Form
                  T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

         5.       Not applicable.

         6.       The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Trust Indenture Act of 1939, incorporated herein by reference
                  to Exhibit 6 of Form T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

         7.       A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee
                  published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                  supervising or examining authority, filed herewith.

         8.       Not applicable.

         9.       Not applicable.


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                                    SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
Trustee, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly
caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
Chicago, State of Illinois on the 2nd day of June, 1998.

                                    U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                    By:   /s/Melissa A. Rosal
                                          -------------------
                                          Melissa A. Rosal
                                          Vice President and Assistant Secretary


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
            CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION FOR INSURED COMMERCIAL
              AND STATE-CHARTERED SAVINGS BANKS FOR MARCH 31, 1998

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.

SCHEDULE RC - BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    C200 --
                                                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
ASSETS
 1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):     RCON
     a.  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) .................  0081 ..     56,244      1.a
     b.  Interest-bearing balances(2) ..........................................  0071 ..          0      1.b
 2.  Securities:
     a.  Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A) ............  1754 ..          0      2.a
     b.  Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D) ..........  1773 ..      3,219      2.b
 3.  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell ....  1350 ..          0      3.
 4.  Loans and lease financing receivables:
     a.  Loans and leases, net of unearned income          RCON
         (from Schedule RC-C) ...........................  2122 ..         0              ..........      4.a
     b.  LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ......  3123 ..         0              ..........      4.b
     c.  LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve ..........  3128 ..         0              ..........      4.c
     d.  Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
         allowance, and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c) ...................  2125 ..          0      4.d
 5.  Trading assets ............................................................  3545 ..          0      5. 
 6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ..................  2145 ..        125      6. 
 7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) ..............................  2150 ..          0      7. 
 8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies (from
     Schedule RC-M) ............................................................  2130 ..          0      8. 
 9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptance outstanding ...............  2155 ..          0      9. 
10.  Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) ....................................  2143 ..     47,202      10.
11.  Other assets (from Schedule RC-F) .........................................  2160 ..      2,713      11.
12.  Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) ..................................  2170 ..    109,503      12.
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

<PAGE>   5
Schedule RC -- Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>                    <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:                                                              RCON
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of                               ----
       columns A and C from Schedule RC-E)...............................  2200                      0         13.a
                                                      RCON
                                                      ----
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1)...................  6631 ..           0              ...............         13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing.........................  6636 ..           0              ...............         13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs.....              ...............
       (1) Noninterest-bearing...........................................              ...............
       (2) Interest-bearing..............................................              ...............
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase........................................................  2800 ..                   0         14.
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury..........................  2840 ..                   0         15.a
    b. Trading liabilities...............................................  3548 ..                   0         15.b
16. Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations
    under capitalized leases):
    a. With a remaining maturity of one year or less.....................  2332 ..                   0         16.a
    b. With a remaining maturity of more than one year through
       three years.......................................................  A547 ..                   0         16.b
    c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years................  A548 ..                   0         16.c
17. Not applicable
18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding.............  2920 ..                   0         18.
19. Subordinated notes and debentures(2).................................  3200 ..                   0         19.
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)...............................  2930 ..               2,454         20.
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20).......................  2948 ..               2,454         21.
22. Not applicable

EQUITY CAPITAL
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus........................  3838 ..                   0         23.
24. Common stock.........................................................  3230 ..               1,000         24.
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).............  3839 ..             106,712         25.
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves............................  3632 ..     (           663)        26.a
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
       available-for-sale securities.....................................  8434 ..                   0         26.b
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments..................              ...............
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27)....................  3210 ..             107,049         28.
29. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)........  3300 ..             109,503         29.

Memorandum

To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below
   that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing
   work performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of
   any date during 1997..................................................  6724 ..                   2         M.1
</TABLE>

1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance with generally
    accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which
    submits a report on the bank
2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company conducted in
    accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public
    accounting firm which submits a report on the consolidated holding company 
    (but not on the bank separately)
3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally
    accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be
    required by state chartering authority)
4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other external auditors
    (may be required by state chartering authority)
5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external auditors
6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external auditors
7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)
8 = No external audit work
- -------------------
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
    deposits.
(2) Includes limited life preferred stock and related surplus.


<PAGE>   6
Schedule RC-A - Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions

Include assets held for trading.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     C205
                                                                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>          <C>        <C>
1. Cash items in process of collection, unposted debits, and currency and coin:                  RCON
   a. Cash items in process of collection and unposted debits................................    0020. .           0     1.a
   b. Currency and coin......................................................................    0080. .           0     1.b
2. Balances due from depository institutions in the U.S.:
   a. U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks............................................    0083. .           0     2.a
   b. Other commercial banks in the U.S. and other depository institutions in the U.S........    0085. .      56,244     2.b 
3. Balances due from banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks:
   a. Foreign branches of other U.S. banks...................................................    0073. .           0     3.a
   b. Other banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks.............................    0074. .           0     3.b
4. Balances due from Federal Reserve Banks...................................................    0090. .           0     4.
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, sum of items 1.a and 1.b).......    0010. .      56,244     5.


Memorandum
                                                                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>          <C>        <C>
1. Noninterest-bearing balances due from commercial banks in the U.S.                            RCON
   (included in items 2.a and 2.b above).....................................................    0050. .      56,244     M.1
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                Exhibit 25.2



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1

                         STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
                      THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
               Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of
                     a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)

                      U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
               (Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

111 EAST WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000
             CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                60601                   36-4046888
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)           I.R.S. Employer
                                                              Identification No.


                                Melissa A. Rosal
                        111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 3000
                             Chicago, Illinois 60601
                            Telephone (312) 228-9416
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


                                 KN ENERGY, INC.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

                         KANSAS                                       48-0290000
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

                   370 VAN GORDAN
                   P.O. BOX 281304
                   LAKEWOOD, CO                                            80228
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                              (Zip Code)

                                 DEBT SECURITIES
                       (Title of the Indenture Securities)



<PAGE>   2


                                    FORM T-1


ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the
        Trustee.

            a)    Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
                  which it is subject.

                           Comptroller of the Currency
                           Washington, D.C.

            b)    Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                           Yes

ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the
        Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

            None

ITEMS 3-15  There is not nor has there been a default with respect to the
            securities under this Indenture. The Trustee is a Trustee under
            other Indentures under which securities issued by the obligor are
            outstanding. There is not and there has not been a default with
            respect to the securities outstanding under such other Indentures.

ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this
         statement of eligibility and qualification.

            1.    A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee now in
                  effect, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form
                  T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

            2.    A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to
                  commence business, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                  2 of Form T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

            3.    A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to
                  exercise corporate trust powers, incorporated herein by
                  reference to Exhibit 3 of Form T-1, Registration No.
                  333-18235.

            4.    A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee, as now in
                  effect, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of Form
                  T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

            5.    Not applicable.

            6.    The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Trust Indenture Act of 1939, incorporated herein by reference
                  to Exhibit 6 of Form T-1, Registration No. 333-18235.

            7.    A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee
                  published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                  supervising or examining authority, filed herewith.

            8.    Not applicable.

            9.    Not applicable.


                                       2

<PAGE>   3




                                    SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the
Trustee, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly
caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of
Chicago, State of Illinois on the 2nd day of June, 1998.


                                      U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                      By: /s/Melissa A. Rosal
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Melissa A. Rosal
                                          Vice President and Assistant Secretary



                                       3
<PAGE>   4
Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Commercial
and State-Chartered Savings Banks for March 31, 1998

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the
quarter.

Schedule RC - Balance Sheet

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            C200 <-
                                                                                        Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
<S>                                                             <C>            <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
                                                                                           RCON
 1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):               ----
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin (1)---------------------------   0081. .     56,244    1.a
    b. Interest-bearing balances (2)----------------------------------------------------   0071. .          0    1.b
 2. Securities:
    a. Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A)-----------------------   1754. .          0    2.a
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D)---------------------   1773. .      3,219    2.b
 3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell--------------   1350. .          0    3.
 4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
                                                                 RCON
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income                  ----
       (from Schedule RC-C)------------------------------------  2122. .        0           . . . . . . . . .    4.a
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses---------------  3123. .        0           . . . . . . . . .    4.b
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve-------------------  3128. .        0           . . . . . . . . .    4.c
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
       allowance, and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c)------------------------------   2125. .          0    4.d
5.  Trading assets----------------------------------------------------------------------   3545. .          0    5.
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)----------------------------   2145. .        125    6.
7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)----------------------------------------   2150. .          0    7.
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies (from
    Schedule RC-M)----------------------------------------------------------------------   2130. .          0    8.
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding------------------------   2155. .          0    9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)----------------------------------------------   2143. .     47,202    10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)---------------------------------------------------   2160. .      2,713    11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)--------------------------------------------   2170. .    109,503    12.
</TABLE>
- --------------
1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

<PAGE>   5
Schedule RC - Continued

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>     <C>               <C>
LIABILITIES
3.  Deposits:                                                                                  RCON
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of                                                   ----
       columns A and C from Schedule RC-E) ..................................................  2200               0      13.a
                                                                     RCON
                                                                     ----
       (1) Noninterest-bearing (1) ................................  6631           0                                    13.a.1
       (2) Interest-bearing .......................................  6636           0                                    13.a.2
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ........................
       (1) Noninterest-bearing (1) ...................
       (2) Interest-bearing ..........................
4.  Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase ..............  2800               0      14.
5.  a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury .............................................  2840               0      15.a
    b. Trading liabilities ..................................................................  3548               0      15.b
6.  Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under
    capitalized leases):
    a. With a remaining maturity of one year or less ........................................  2332               0      16.a
    b. With a remaining maturity of more than one year through three years ..................  A547               0      16.b
    c. With a remaining maturity of more than three years ...................................  A548               0      16.c
7.  Not applicable
8.  Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ................................  2920               0      18.
9.  Subordinated notes and debentures (2) ...................................................  3200               0      19.
10. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) ..................................................  2930           2,454      20.
11. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) ..........................................  2948           2,454      21.
12. Not applicable

EQUITY CAPITAL
13. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ...........................................  3838               0      23.
14. Common stock ............................................................................  3230           1,000      24.
15. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ................................  3839         106,712      25.
16. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves ...............................................  3632    (        663)     26.a
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ...............  8434               0      26.b
17. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments .....................................
18. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27) .......................................  3210         107,049      28.
19. Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28) ...........................  3300         109,503      29.

Memorandum

To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes
   the most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent
   external auditors as of any date during 1997 .............................................  6724               2      M.1
</TABLE>

1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance with generally
    accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which
    submits a report on the bank

2 = Independent audit of the bank's parent holding company conducted in
    accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public
    accounting firm which submits a report on the consolidated holding company
    (but not on the bank separately)

3 = Directors' examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally
    accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be
    required by state chartering authority)

4 = Directors' examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may
    be required by state chartering authority)

5 = Review of the bank's financial statements by external auditors

6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external auditors

7 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)

8 = No external audit work


- -------------------------
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings
    deposits.
(2) Includes Limited Life preferred stock and related surplus.

<PAGE>   6
Schedule RC-A -- Cash and Balances Due from Depository Institutions

Exclude assets held for trading.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  C205  <-
                                                                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                 <C>            <C>
1. Cash items in process of collection, unposted debits, and currency and coin:      RCON
   a. Cash items in process of collection and unposted debits________________________0020..              0         1.a
   b. Currency and coin______________________________________________________________0080..              0         1.b
2. Balances due from depository institutions in the U.S.:
   a. U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks____________________________________0083..              0         2.a
   b. Other commercial banks in the U.S. and other depository institutions 
      in the U.S.____________________________________________________________________0085..         56,244         2.b
3. Balances due from banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks:
   a. Foreign branches of other U.S. banks___________________________________________0073..              0         3.a
   b. Other banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks_____________________0074..              0         3.b
4. Balances due from Federal Reserve Banks___________________________________________0090..              0         4.
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, sum of
   items 1.a and 1.b)________________________________________________________________0010..         56,244         5.
</TABLE>


Memorandum
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                 <C>            <C>
1. Noninterest-bearing balances due from commercial banks in the U.S.                RCON
   (included in items 2.a and 2.b above)_____________________________________________0050..         56,244         M.1
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 25.3

                                          Registration No.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1

         STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) |X|

                            WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                                         51-0055023
(State of incorporation)                    (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

                               Rodney Square North
                            1100 North Market Street
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                               Cynthia L. Corliss
                        Vice President and Trust Counsel
                            Wilmington Trust Company
                               Rodney Square North
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                                 (302) 651-8516
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


                                K N ENERGY, INC.

               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

       Kansas                                            48-0290000
(State of incorporation)                    (I.R.S. employer identification no.)


     370 Van Gordon Street
       P. O. Box 281304
      Lakewood, Colorado                                 80228-8304
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

<PAGE>   2

                      Trust Debentures of K N Energy, Inc.

                      (Title of the indenture securities)

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


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.

            Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

      (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
            it is subject.

            Federal Deposit Insurance Co.      State Bank Commissioner
            Five Penn Center                   Dover, Delaware
            Suite #2901
            Philadelphia, PA

      (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

            The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.

            If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
affiliation:

            Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee
and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor is not an affiliate
of the trustee.

ITEM 3. LIST OF EXHIBITS.

            List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of
Eligibility and Qualification.

        A.   Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which includes the
             certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust Company to commence
             business and the authorization of Wilmington Trust Company to
             exercise corporate trust powers.
        B.   Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
        C.   Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321(b)
             of Trust Indenture Act.
        D.   Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington
             Trust Company.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

Wilmington and State of Delaware on the 19th day of May, 1998.

                                         WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

[SEAL]

Attest: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan          By:/s/ Mary Ann Rich
        ------------------------            ---------------------
        Assistant Secretary                 Name: Mary Ann Rich
                                            Title: Vice President


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 AMENDED CHARTER

                            Wilmington Trust Company

                              Wilmington, Delaware

                           As existing on May 9, 1987
<PAGE>   6

                                 Amended Charter

                                       or

                              Act of Incorporation

                                       of

                            Wilmington Trust Company

      Wilmington Trust Company, originally incorporated by an Act of the General
Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Delaware
Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name of which
company was changed to "Wilmington Trust Company" by an amendment filed in the
Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter or Act
of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and changed
by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and trust
companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its Charter or
Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall in its
entirety read as follows:

      First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company.

      Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of Delaware is
      at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle;
      the name of its resident agent is Wilmington Trust Company whose address
      is Rodney Square North, in said City. In addition to such principal
      office, the said corporation maintains and operates branch offices in the
      City of Newark, New Castle County, Delaware, the Town of Newport, New
      Castle County, Delaware, at Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at
      Greenville, New Castle County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New
      Castle County, Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and
      operate branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue,
      2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of Wilmington,
      New Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch offices or places of
      business as may be authorized from time to time by the agency or agencies
      of the government of the State of Delaware empowered to confer such
      authority.

      Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes
      proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation are
      to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to the same
      extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part of the world,
      viz.:

            (1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law or
            equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal at
            pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise deal in
            real and personal estate and property, and to appoint such officers
            and agents as the business of the Corporation shall require, to make
            by-laws not inconsistent with the
<PAGE>   7

            Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, to
            discount bills, notes or other evidences of debt, to receive
            deposits of money, or securities for money, to buy gold and silver
            bullion and foreign coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and
            generally to use, exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights,
            privileges and franchises incident to a corporation which are proper
            or necessary for the transaction of the business of the Corporation
            hereby created.

            (2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate or
            interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of such property,
            real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse to his
            interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of title for
            any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere.

            (3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt,
            collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the
            purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all
            descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be
            necessary or proper in such business.

            (4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases,
            conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every description,
            and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all its branches.

            (5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry, plate,
            deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of every sort
            and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians, public
            officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from all
            fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and from
            all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or private, and
            to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles for such
            property.

            (6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering,
            issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or underwriting
            the stock, bonds or other obligations of any corporation,
            association, state or municipality, and may receive and manage any
            sinking fund therefor on such terms as may be agreed upon between
            the two parties, and in like manner may act as Treasurer of any
            corporation or municipality.

            (7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or
            other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic,
            corporation, association or person, either alone or in conjunction
            with any other person or persons, corporation or corporations.

            (8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any contract
            or


                                        2
<PAGE>   8

            agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places of
            responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or
            persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty,
            contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with any
            other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in like
            manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation,
            judgment, suit, order, or decree to be entered in any court of
            record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now
            or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court in the
            State of Delaware or elsewhere.

            (9) To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee,
            trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy,
            executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust
            capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and disposing of any
            and all estates and property, real, personal or mixed, and to be
            appointed as such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
            assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian
            or bailee by any persons, corporations, court, officer, or
            authority, in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever this
            Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation, court,
            officer or authority such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
            assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian,
            bailee, or in any other trust capacity, it shall not be required to
            give bond with surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held
            as security for the performance of the duties devolving upon it by
            such appointment.

            (10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise of
            any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any of the
            duties which it may undertake or be called upon to perform, or for
            the assumption of any responsibility the said Corporation may be
            entitled to receive a proper compensation.

            (11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages,
            debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities,
            obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any
            private, public or municipal corporation within and without the
            State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or of
            any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any
            foreign government or country; to receive, collect, receipt for, and
            dispose of interest, dividends and income upon and from any of the
            bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock,
            securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and
            other property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of
            all such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital
            stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness
            and other property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of
            individual owners thereof, including the right to vote thereon; to
            invest and deal in and


                                        3
<PAGE>   9

            with any of the moneys of the Corporation upon such securities and
            in such manner as it may think fit and proper, and from time to time
            to vary or realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the
            same by pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon the whole
            or any part of the property held or owned by the Corporation, and to
            sell and pledge such bonds, as and when the Board of Directors shall
            determine, and in the promotion of its said corporate business of
            investment and to the extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase,
            hold, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real and
            personal property of any name and nature and any estate or interest
            therein.

      (b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred by
      the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided that
      the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:

            (1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same
            extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of the
            world.

            (2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and to
            undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities of any
            person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for the same in
            cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise; to hold or in
            any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of the property so
            purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any part of
            any business so acquired, and to exercise all the powers necessary
            or convenient in and about the conduct and management of such
            business.

            (3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and to
            lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever dispose
            of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.

            (4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every
            kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and, without
            limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount,
            execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange,
            warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or transferable
            instruments.

            (5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its
            operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent as
            natural persons might or could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire,
            to hold, own, to mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of,
            real and personal property, of every class and description, in any
            State, District, Territory or Colony of the United States, and in
            any foreign country or place.

            (6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers
            specified and


                                        4
<PAGE>   10

            clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except where otherwise
            expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or restricted by
            reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this
            or any other paragraph in this charter, but that the objects,
            purposes and powers specified in each of the clauses of this
            paragraph shall be regarded as independent objects, purposes and
            powers.

      Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
      Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million
      (41,000,000) shares, consisting of:

            (1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value
            $10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Preferred Stock"); and

            (2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
            $1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock").

      (b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
      more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of
      Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares of
      any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular,
      except that there may be different dates from which dividends, if any,
      thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The voting powers and the
      preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights
      of each such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
      thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any
      time outstanding; and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of
      Paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth, the Board of Directors of the
      Corporation is hereby expressly granted authority to fix by resolution or
      resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of a particular
      series of Preferred Stock, the voting powers and the designations,
      preferences and relative, optional and other special rights, and the
      qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, including,
      but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following:

            (1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of
            Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number may
            be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of
            Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof
            then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the Board of
            Directors;

            (2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on
            which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall be
            paid, the extent of the preference or relation, if any, of such
            dividends to the dividends payable on any other class or classes, or
            series of the same or other class of stock and whether such
            dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;


                                        5
<PAGE>   11

            (3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
            series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares of
            any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any other
            class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms and
            conditions of such conversion or exchange;

            (4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be subject
            to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or
            times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, Preferred
            Stock of such series may be redeemed.

            (5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
            series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger,
            consolidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or
            winding-up, of the Corporation.

            (6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account,
            if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such series; and

            (7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of
            Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the
            foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or
            together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of
            Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the
            Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of
            dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under such
            circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of Directors may
            determine.

      (c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends on
      the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section
      (b) of this Article Fourth), if any, shall have been met and after the
      Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements, if any, with
      respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or redemption or
      purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b)
      of this Article Fourth), and subject further to any conditions which may
      be fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article
      Fourth, then and not otherwise the holders of Common Stock shall be
      entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by
      the Board of Directors.

            (2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if any,
            (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this
            Article Fourth), to be distributed to the holders of Preferred Stock
            in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, distribution
            or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation,
            the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of
            the remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible and intangible, of
            whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in


                                        6
<PAGE>   12

            proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them
            respectively.

            (3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the provisions
            of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by the Board of
            Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth, each
            holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share
            of Common Stock held on all matters voted upon by the stockholders.

      (d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of
      options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or
      series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any
      preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any
      class or series or any additional shares of any class or series to be
      issued by reason of any increase of the authorized capital stock of the
      Corporation of any class or series, or bonds, certificates of
      indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or
      exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or
      carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series, but any such
      unissued stock, additional authorized issue of shares of any class or
      series of stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock,
      or carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of
      pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons, firms,
      corporations or associations, whether such holders or others, and upon
      such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors in the
      exercise of its sole discretion.

      (e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of
      Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and rights
      of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be as fixed
      from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution or
      resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of this
      Article Fourth and the consent, by class or series vote or otherwise, of
      the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as are from time to
      time outstanding shall not be required for the issuance by the Board of
      Directors of any other series of Preferred Stock whether or not the
      powers, preferences and rights of such other series shall be fixed by the
      Board of Directors as senior to, or on a parity with, the powers,
      preferences and rights of such outstanding series, or any of them;
      provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide in the
      resolution or resolutions as to any series of Preferred Stock adopted
      pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth that the consent of the
      holders of a majority (or such greater proportion as shall be therein
      fixed) of the outstanding shares of such series voting thereon shall be
      required for the issuance of any or all other series of Preferred Stock.

      (f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of
      Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors
      of the Corporation shall


                                        7
<PAGE>   13

      determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed
      by the Board of Directors.

      (g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of
      Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for
      such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

      (h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred Stock
      may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased from time
      to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock
      of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

      Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
      conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors
      constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more than
      twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the whole
      Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall not be
      reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time in office,
      and provided further, that the number of directors constituting the whole
      Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a majority of the
      whole Board.

      (b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly
      equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the
      whole Board permits, with the term of office of one class expiring each
      year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1982, directors of the
      first class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the
      next succeeding annual meeting, directors of the second class shall be
      elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual
      meeting and directors of the third class shall be elected to hold office
      for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies
      in the Board of Directors for any reason, and any newly created
      directorships resulting from any increase in the directors, may be filled
      by the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the directors then in
      office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall
      hold office until the next annual election of directors. At such election,
      the stockholders shall elect a successor to such director to hold office
      until the next election of the class for which such director shall have
      been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No
      decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any
      incumbent director.

      (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the
      fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this Charter or
      Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation), any director or
      the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be removed at any
      time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of
      two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock


                                        8
<PAGE>   14

      of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
      (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the
      stockholders called for that purpose.

      (d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of
      Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of
      directors. Such nominations shall be made by notice in writing, delivered
      or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the
      Secretary of the Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days
      prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for the election of
      directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the
      meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered
      or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later
      than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the
      meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which are
      proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman on
      behalf of the Board.

      (e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name, age,
      business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed
      in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such
      nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation which
      are beneficially owned by each such nominee.

      (f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and
      declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with
      the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so
      declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

      (g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or
      special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a
      meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a
      meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.

      Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agent and servants as
      may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find
      necessary or proper.

      Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same powers,
      rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations organized
      under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General Corporation Law",
      approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time amended.

      Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.

      Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.


                                        9
<PAGE>   15

      Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the
      whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an Executive
      Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said resolution, or
      in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may exercise all of the
      powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
      affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to authorize the seal of
      the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

      Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be liable
      for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.

      Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the world.

      Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly
      authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by a
      vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make, alter
      or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided however,
      that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may be adopted
      only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the
      outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
      generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one
      class).

      Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the State
      of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by the
      Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the Company outside of the
      State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by
      them.

      Fifteenth: - (a) In addition to any affirmative vote required by law, and
      except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and (c) of this
      Article Fifteenth:

            (A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary
            (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any Interested Stockholder
            (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any other corporation (whether or
            not itself an Interested Stockholder), which, after such merger or
            consolidation, would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an
            Interested Stockholder, or

            (B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
            disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions)
            to or with any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any
            Interested Stockholder of any assets of the Corporation or any
            Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or
            more, or

            (C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary
            (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of any
            securities of the


                                       10
<PAGE>   16

            Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any
            Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash,
            securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an
            aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or

            (D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
            dissolution of the Corporation, or

            (E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock
            split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or
            consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any
            similar transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
            involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect, directly
            or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the
            outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities
            of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly
            owned by any Interested Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any
            Interested Stockholder,

shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this
Article Fifteenth as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be
required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some
lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national
securities exchange or otherwise.

                  (2) The term "business combination" as used in this Article
                  Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is referred to any
                  one or more of clauses (A) through (E) of paragraph 1 of the
                  section (a).

            (b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth shall
            not be applicable to any particular business combination and such
            business combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is
            required by law and any other provisions of the Charter or Act of
            Incorporation of By-Laws if such business combination has been
            approved by a majority of the whole Board.

            (c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth:

      (1) A "person" shall mean any individual firm, corporation or other
      entity.

      (2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any business
      combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary) who
      or which as of the record date for the determination of stockholders
      entitled to notice of and to vote on such business combination, or
      immediately prior to the consummation of any such transaction:


                                       11
<PAGE>   17

            (A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than
            10% of the Voting Shares, or

            (B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within two
            years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or
            indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding voting
            Shares, or

            (C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share of
            capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time within two
            years prior thereto beneficially owned by any Interested
            Stockholder, and such assignment or succession shall have occurred
            in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not
            involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act
            of 1933.

      (3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:

            (A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates (as
            hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or

            (B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has (i)
            the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately
            or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement,
            arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion
            rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii)
            the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
            understanding, or

            (C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any
            other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its
            Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or
            understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or
            disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

      (4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned
      through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any other
      Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, or upon
      exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise.

      (5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings given
      those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the
      Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981.

      (6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of any
      class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules
      and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect in
      December 31, 1981) is


                                       12
<PAGE>   18

      owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that
      for the purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in
      paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a
      corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned,
      directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

            (d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty to
            determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on the basis of
            information known to them, (1) the number of Voting Shares
            beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a person is an
            Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a person has an
            agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as to the
            matters referred to in paragraph (3) of section (c), or (4) whether
            the assets subject to any business combination or the consideration
            received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the
            Corporation, or any Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of
            $1,00,000 or more.

            (e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be construed
            to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any fiduciary obligation
            imposed by law.

      Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in addition to any
      other vote that may be required by law, this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the holders of at
      least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
      Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
      (considered for this purpose as one class) shall be required to amend,
      alter or repeal any provision of Articles Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or
      Sixteenth of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.

      Seventeenth: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the
      Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
      fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from
      liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Delaware
      General Corporation Laws as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.

            (b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall not
            adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the
            Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission
            occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification."


                                       13
<PAGE>   19

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                     BY-LAWS

                            WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

                              WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

                         As existing on January 16, 1997
<PAGE>   20

                       BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

                                    ARTICLE I
                             Stockholders' Meetings

      Section 1. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall be held on the third
Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at such
other date, time, or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board of
Directors.

      Section 2. Special meetings of all stockholders may be called at any time
by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.

      Section 3. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given by
mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at his
last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of
such meeting.

      Section 4. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the Company
issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any
business, but the holders of a small number of shares may adjourn, from time to
time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or
special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote,
either in person or by proxy, for each shares of stock registered in the
stockholder's name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such
meeting as determined herein.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    Directors

      Section 1. The number and classification of the Board of Directors shall
be as set forth in the Charter of the Bank.

      Section 2. No person who has attained the age of seventy-two (72) years
shall be nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the Company,
provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any person who was
serving as director of the Company on September 16, 1971.

      Section 3. The class of Directors so elected shall hold office for three
years or until their successors are elected and qualified.

      Section 4. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed and
conducted by the Board of Directors.

      Section 5. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office of
the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President.
<PAGE>   21

      Section 6. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any
time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President, and shall be
called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.

      Section 7. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting
of the Board of Directors.

      Section 8. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of any
special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or
place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which
shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.

      Section 9. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, inability to
act, or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors, although less
than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who shall hold office
for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the
vacancy occurred, and until such director's successor shall have been duly
elected and qualified.

      Section 10. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its election
by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, a Trust Committee, an
Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, and shall elect from its own
members a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a President who may be the same
person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a Secretary and
a Treasurer, who may be the same person, may appoint at any time such other
committees and elect or appoint such other officers as it may deem advisable.
The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more Associate
Directors.

      Section 11. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or without
cause, any member of any Committee appointed by it or any associate director or
officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.

      Section 12. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in
charge of such of the departments or division of the Company as it may deem
advisable.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   Committees

      Section 1. Executive Committee

            (A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of not more than nine
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members and
who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Board.


                                        2
<PAGE>   22

            (B) The Executive Committee shall have all the powers of the Board
of Directors when it is not in session to transact all business for and in
behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.

            (C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the principal office of
the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Executive
Committee or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The majority
of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time
when a quorum is present.

            (D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive Committee shall be kept
and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.

            (E) The Executive Committee shall advise and superintend all
investments that may be made of the funds of the Company, and shall direct the
disposal of the same, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Board
of Directors from time to time make.

            (F) In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient severity to
prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company by
its directors and officers as contemplated by these By-Laws any two available
members of the Executive Committee as constituted immediately prior to such
disaster shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full conduct and
management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance with the
provisions of Article III of these By-Laws; and if less than three members of
the Trust Committee is constituted immediately prior to such disaster shall be
available for the transaction of its business, such Executive Committee shall
also be empowered to exercise all of the powers reserved to the Trust Committee
under Article III Section 2 hereof. In the event of the unavailability, at such
time, of a minimum of two members of such Executive Committee, any three
available directors shall constitute the Executive Committee for the full
conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance
with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This By-Law shall be subject to
implementation by Resolutions of the Board of Directors presently existing or
hereafter passed from time to time for that purpose, and any provisions of these
By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions which are contrary to the
provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any such implementary
Resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period until it shall be
determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under this section that it
shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the conduct and management of
its affairs and business under all of the other provisions of these By-Laws.


                                        3
<PAGE>   23

      Section 2. Trust Committee

            (A) The Trust Committee shall be composed of not more than thirteen
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors, a majority of whom
shall be members of the Board of Directors and who shall hold office during the
pleasure of the Board.

            (B) The Trust Committee shall have general supervision over the
Trust Department and the investment of trust funds, in all matters, however,
being subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

            (C) The Trust Committee shall meet at the principal office of the
Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members or at the call of its chairman. A majority of its
members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.

            (D) Minutes of each meeting of the Trust Committee shall be kept and
promptly submitted to the Board of Directors.

            (E) The Trust Committee shall have the power to appoint Committees
and/or designate officers or employees of the Company to whom supervision over
the investment of trust funds may be delegated when the Trust Committee is not
in session.

      Section 3. Audit Committee

            (A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of five members who shall
be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall
be an officer of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the
Board.

            (B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision over the
Audit Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by the officer
in charge of the Audit Division, review all reports of examination of the
Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor employed for
that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of Directors with
respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining to auditing the
Company as it shall deem desirable.

            (C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever the
majority of its members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its
business, and a majority of its Committee shall constitute a quorum.

      Section 4. Compensation Committee

            (A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not more than


                                        4
<PAGE>   24

five (5) members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own
members who are not officers of the Company and who shall hold office during the
pleasure of the Board.

            (B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise upon all
matters of policy concerning the Company brought to its attention by the
management and from time to time review the management of the Company, major
organizational matters, including salaries and employee benefits and
specifically shall administer the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.

            (C) Meetings of the Compensation Committee may be called at any time
by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or the President of the Company.

      Section 5. Associate Directors

            (A) Any person who has served as a director may be elected by the
Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve during the pleasure of the
Board.

            (B) An associate director shall be entitled to attend all directors
meetings and participate in the discussion of all matters brought to the Board,
with the exception that he would have no right to vote. An associate director
will be eligible for appointment to Committees of the Company, with the
exception of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee, which must be comprised solely of active directors.

      Section 6. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee

            (A) In the absence or disqualification of any member of any
Committee created under Article III of the By-Laws of this Company, the member
or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting,
whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another
member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such
absence or disqualified member.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    Officers

      Section 1. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all
meetings of the Board and shall have such further authority and powers and shall
perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time confer and
direct. He shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties as may from
time to time be agreed upon between himself and the President of the Company.

      Section 2. The Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board
of


                                        5
<PAGE>   25

Directors shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the
Chairman of the Board shall not be present and shall have such further authority
and powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the
Chairman of the Board may from time to time confer and direct.

      Section 3. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining to
the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute or assigned
to him by the Board of Directors in the absence of the Chairman of the Board the
President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.

      Section 4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President as
designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal
directions of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Directors, and shall
at all times exercise general supervision over the interest, affairs and
operations of the Company and perform all duties incident to his office.

      Section 5. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however denominated
by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all the duties of the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and/or the President and such other powers
and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of
Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the President
and by the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are
assigned.

      Section 6. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of meetings
of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the Committees
thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings and to
recording the same in the minute books of the Company. In addition to the other
notice requirements of these By-Laws and as may be practicable under the
circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance
of the scheduled date of any other meeting. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal and shall affix the same to any documents requiring such
corporate seal and to attest the same.

      Section 7. The Treasurer shall have general supervision over all assets
and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible for all
monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper records
of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all the transactions of the
Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the Company
and shall report to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting of the
condition of the Company, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to
him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.

      Section 8. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general
supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting,
and shall render to the Board of Directors at appropriate times a report
relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company.


                                        6
<PAGE>   26

      There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller officers
however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and such
duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.

      Section 9. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in
charge of the Audit Division of the Company with such title as the Board of
Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible only to
the Board of Directors.

      There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit Officers,
however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and such
duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Division.

      Section 10. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank to all
Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office Assistant
Secretary of this Company and who may perform such duties as may be prescribed
by the officer in charge of the department or division to whom they are
assigned.

      Section 11. The powers and duties of all other officers of the Company
shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the
direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Chairman of the
Board of Directors or the President and the officer in charge of the department
or division to which they are assigned.

                                    ARTICLE V
                          Stock and Stock Certificates

      Section 1. Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of the
Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall
be recorded.

      Section 2. Certificate of stock shall bear the signature of the President
or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors and
countersigned by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, and the
seal of the corporation shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall recite
that the stock represented thereby is transferrable only upon the books of the
Company by the holder thereof or his attorney, upon surrender of the certificate
properly endorsed. Any certificate of stock surrendered to the Company shall be
cancelled at the time of transfer, and before a new certificate or certificates
shall be issued in lieu thereof. Duplicate certificates of stock shall be issued
only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the Board of Directors
or the Executive Committee.

      Section 3. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to fix in
advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment or
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change,


                                        7
<PAGE>   27

conversion or exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the
consent of stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more
than 60 nor less than 10 days proceeding the date of any meeting of stockholders
or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of
rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock
shall go into effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                      Seal

      Section 1. The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the following
form:

            Between two concentric circles the words 
            "Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner 
            circle the words "Wilmington, Delaware."

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   Fiscal Year

      Section 1. The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar year.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                     Execution of Instruments of the Company

      Section 1. The Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President,
however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power and
authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and the
Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to
attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds,
conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes,
mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or
in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or
by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of
Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval
or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any
and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though
expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.


                                        8
<PAGE>   28

                                   ARTICLE IX
               Compensation of Directors and Members of Committees

      Section 1. Directors and associate directors of the Company, other than
salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or
fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors
may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who serve as
members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company, shall be
paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of committees as
the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and directors and
associate directors may be employed by the Company for such special services as
the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and shall be paid for
such special services so performed reasonable compensation as may be determined
by the Board of Directors.

                                    ARTICLE X
                                 Indemnification

      Section 1. (A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may
hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made
a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of
the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably
incurred by such person. The Corporation shall indemnify a person in connection
with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

            (B) The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the
payment of expenses incurred by a Director officer in his capacity as a Director
or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made
only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or officer to repay all
amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the Director or
officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

            (C) If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses, under
this Article X is not paid in full within ninety days after a written claim
therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may file suit to
recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part,
shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such
action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was
not entitled to the requested indemnification of payment of expenses


                                        9
<PAGE>   29

under applicable law.

            (D) The rights conferred on any person by this Article X shall not
be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire
under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of Incorporation, these
By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors or
otherwise.

            (E) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this
Article X shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any
person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such
repeal or modification.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            Amendments to the By-Laws

      Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or
in part, and any new By-Law or By-Laws adopted at any regular or special meeting
of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of all the members of the
Board of Directors then in office.


                                       10
<PAGE>   30

EXHIBIT C


                            Section 321(b) Consent

            Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations by
Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.


                                    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY


Dated: May 19, 1998                 By: /s/ Mary Ann Rich
                                        -----------------
                                    Name: Mary Ann Rich
                                    Title: Vice President
<PAGE>   31
                                   EXHIBIT D
                                        
                                     NOTICE

          This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and
          savings banks with state publication requirements. It has
          not been approved by any state banking authorities. Refer
          to your appropriate state banking authorities for your
          state publication requirements.



R E P O R T   O F   C O N D I T I O N

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the

    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY       of    WILMINGTON
- ----------------------------------     ---------------
     Name of Bank    City

in the State of DELAWARE, at the close of business on December 31, 1997.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ASSETS                                                                                              Thousands of dollars

<S>                                                                                                       <C>

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins ...............................................        236,646
     Interest-bearing balances .........................................................................              0
Held-to-maturity securities ............................................................................        331,880
Available-for-sale securities ..........................................................................      1,258,661
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell .................................         91,500
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income ......... 3,822,320
     LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ........    59,373
     LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve ............         0
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance and reserve ...................................      3,762,947
Assets held in trading accounts ........................................................................              0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ...............................................        129,740
Other real estate owned ................................................................................          2,106
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ....................................             22
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ...........................................              0
Intangible assets ......................................................................................          4,905
Other assets ...........................................................................................        100,799
Total assets ...........................................................................................      5,919,206



LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices ....................................................................................      4,034,633
     Noninterest-bearing ..............................   839,928
     Interest-bearing ................................. 3,194,705
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase .............................        575,827
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ...............................................................         61,290
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) ...............................................................              0
Other borrowed money: ..................................................................................        ///////
     With original maturity of one year or less ........................................................        673,000
     With original maturity of more than one year ......................................................         43,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ...............................................              0
Subordinated notes and debentures ......................................................................              0
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) .................................................................         76,458
Total liabilities ......................................................................................      5,464,208


EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ..........................................................              0
Common Stock ...........................................................................................            500
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...............................................         62,118
Undivided profits and capital reserves .................................................................        385,018
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities .................................          7,362
Total equity capital ...................................................................................        454,998
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital ....................................      5,919,206

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 25.4

                                          Registration No.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1

         STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) |X|

                            WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                                         51-0055023
(State of incorporation)                    (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

                               Rodney Square North
                            1100 North Market Street
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                               Cynthia L. Corliss
                        Vice President and Trust Counsel
                            Wilmington Trust Company
                               Rodney Square North
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                                 (302) 651-8516
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


                                K N ENERGY, INC.
                              K N CAPITAL TRUST II

               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

       Kansas                                            48-0290000
      Delaware                                           52-6886681
(State of incorporation)                    (I.R.S. employer identification no.)


     370 Van Gordon Street
       P. O. Box 281304
      Lakewood, Colorado                                 80228-8304

<PAGE>   2

(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)


                  Preferred Securities of K N Capital Trust II

                       (Title of the indenture securities)

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


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.

            Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

      (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
            it is subject.

            Federal Deposit Insurance Co.      State Bank Commissioner
            Five Penn Center                   Dover, Delaware
            Suite #2901
            Philadelphia, PA

      (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

            The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.

            If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
affiliation:

            Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee
and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor is not an affiliate
of the trustee.

ITEM 3. LIST OF EXHIBITS.

            List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of
Eligibility and Qualification.

      A.    Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which includes the
            certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust Company to commence
            business and the authorization of Wilmington Trust Company to
            exercise corporate trust powers.
      B.    Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
      C.    Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321(b) of
            Trust Indenture Act.
      D.    Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington Trust Company.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

Wilmington and State of Delaware on the 19th day of May, 1998.

                                         WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

[SEAL]

Attest: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan          By:/s/ Mary Ann Rich
        ------------------------            ---------------------
        Assistant Secretary                 Name: Mary Ann Rich
                                            Title: Vice President


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 AMENDED CHARTER

                            Wilmington Trust Company

                              Wilmington, Delaware

                           As existing on May 9, 1987
<PAGE>   6

                                 Amended Charter

                                       or

                              Act of Incorporation

                                       of

                            Wilmington Trust Company

      Wilmington Trust Company, originally incorporated by an Act of the General
Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Delaware
Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name of which
company was changed to "Wilmington Trust Company" by an amendment filed in the
Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter or Act
of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and changed
by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and trust
companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its Charter or
Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall in its
entirety read as follows:

      First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company.

      Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of Delaware is
      at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle;
      the name of its resident agent is Wilmington Trust Company whose address
      is Rodney Square North, in said City. In addition to such principal
      office, the said corporation maintains and operates branch offices in the
      City of Newark, New Castle County, Delaware, the Town of Newport, New
      Castle County, Delaware, at Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at
      Greenville, New Castle County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New
      Castle County, Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and
      operate branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue,
      2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of Wilmington,
      New Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch offices or places of
      business as may be authorized from time to time by the agency or agencies
      of the government of the State of Delaware empowered to confer such
      authority.

      Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes
      proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation are
      to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to the same
      extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part of the world,
      viz.:

            (1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law or
            equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal at
            pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise deal in
            real and personal estate and property, and to appoint such officers
            and agents as the business of the Corporation shall require, to make
            by-laws not inconsistent with the
<PAGE>   7

            Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, to
            discount bills, notes or other evidences of debt, to receive
            deposits of money, or securities for money, to buy gold and silver
            bullion and foreign coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and
            generally to use, exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights,
            privileges and franchises incident to a corporation which are proper
            or necessary for the transaction of the business of the Corporation
            hereby created.

            (2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate or
            interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of such property,
            real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse to his
            interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of title for
            any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere.

            (3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt,
            collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the
            purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all
            descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be
            necessary or proper in such business.

            (4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases,
            conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every description,
            and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all its branches.

            (5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry, plate,
            deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of every sort
            and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians, public
            officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from all
            fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and from
            all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or private, and
            to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles for such
            property.

            (6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering,
            issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or underwriting
            the stock, bonds or other obligations of any corporation,
            association, state or municipality, and may receive and manage any
            sinking fund therefor on such terms as may be agreed upon between
            the two parties, and in like manner may act as Treasurer of any
            corporation or municipality.

            (7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or
            other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic,
            corporation, association or person, either alone or in conjunction
            with any other person or persons, corporation or corporations.

            (8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any contract
            or


                                        2
<PAGE>   8

            agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places of
            responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or
            persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty,
            contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with any
            other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in like
            manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation,
            judgment, suit, order, or decree to be entered in any court of
            record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now
            or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court in the
            State of Delaware or elsewhere.

            (9) To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee,
            trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy,
            executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust
            capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and disposing of any
            and all estates and property, real, personal or mixed, and to be
            appointed as such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
            assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian
            or bailee by any persons, corporations, court, officer, or
            authority, in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever this
            Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation, court,
            officer or authority such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
            assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian,
            bailee, or in any other trust capacity, it shall not be required to
            give bond with surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held
            as security for the performance of the duties devolving upon it by
            such appointment.

            (10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise of
            any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any of the
            duties which it may undertake or be called upon to perform, or for
            the assumption of any responsibility the said Corporation may be
            entitled to receive a proper compensation.

            (11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages,
            debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities,
            obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any
            private, public or municipal corporation within and without the
            State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or of
            any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any
            foreign government or country; to receive, collect, receipt for, and
            dispose of interest, dividends and income upon and from any of the
            bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock,
            securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and
            other property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of
            all such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital
            stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness
            and other property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of
            individual owners thereof, including the right to vote thereon; to
            invest and deal in and


                                        3
<PAGE>   9

            with any of the moneys of the Corporation upon such securities and
            in such manner as it may think fit and proper, and from time to time
            to vary or realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the
            same by pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon the whole
            or any part of the property held or owned by the Corporation, and to
            sell and pledge such bonds, as and when the Board of Directors shall
            determine, and in the promotion of its said corporate business of
            investment and to the extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase,
            hold, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real and
            personal property of any name and nature and any estate or interest
            therein.

      (b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred by
      the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided that
      the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:

            (1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same
            extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of the
            world.

            (2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and to
            undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities of any
            person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for the same in
            cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise; to hold or in
            any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of the property so
            purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any part of
            any business so acquired, and to exercise all the powers necessary
            or convenient in and about the conduct and management of such
            business.

            (3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and to
            lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever dispose
            of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.

            (4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every
            kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and, without
            limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount,
            execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange,
            warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or transferable
            instruments.

            (5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its
            operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent as
            natural persons might or could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire,
            to hold, own, to mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of,
            real and personal property, of every class and description, in any
            State, District, Territory or Colony of the United States, and in
            any foreign country or place.

            (6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers
            specified and


                                        4
<PAGE>   10

            clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except where otherwise
            expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or restricted by
            reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this
            or any other paragraph in this charter, but that the objects,
            purposes and powers specified in each of the clauses of this
            paragraph shall be regarded as independent objects, purposes and
            powers.

      Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
      Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million
      (41,000,000) shares, consisting of:

            (1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value
            $10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Preferred Stock"); and

            (2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
            $1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock").

      (b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
      more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of
      Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares of
      any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular,
      except that there may be different dates from which dividends, if any,
      thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The voting powers and the
      preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights
      of each such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
      thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any
      time outstanding; and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of
      Paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth, the Board of Directors of the
      Corporation is hereby expressly granted authority to fix by resolution or
      resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of a particular
      series of Preferred Stock, the voting powers and the designations,
      preferences and relative, optional and other special rights, and the
      qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, including,
      but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following:

            (1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of
            Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number may
            be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of
            Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof
            then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the Board of
            Directors;

            (2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on
            which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall be
            paid, the extent of the preference or relation, if any, of such
            dividends to the dividends payable on any other class or classes, or
            series of the same or other class of stock and whether such
            dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;


                                        5
<PAGE>   11

            (3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
            series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares of
            any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any other
            class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms and
            conditions of such conversion or exchange;

            (4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be subject
            to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or
            times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, Preferred
            Stock of such series may be redeemed.

            (5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
            series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger,
            consolidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or
            winding-up, of the Corporation.

            (6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account,
            if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such series; and

            (7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of
            Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the
            foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or
            together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of
            Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the
            Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of
            dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under such
            circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of Directors may
            determine.

      (c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends on
      the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section
      (b) of this Article Fourth), if any, shall have been met and after the
      Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements, if any, with
      respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or redemption or
      purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b)
      of this Article Fourth), and subject further to any conditions which may
      be fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article
      Fourth, then and not otherwise the holders of Common Stock shall be
      entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by
      the Board of Directors.

            (2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if any,
            (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this
            Article Fourth), to be distributed to the holders of Preferred Stock
            in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, distribution
            or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation,
            the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of
            the remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible and intangible, of
            whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in


                                        6
<PAGE>   12

            proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them
            respectively.

            (3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the provisions
            of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by the Board of
            Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth, each
            holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share
            of Common Stock held on all matters voted upon by the stockholders.

      (d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of
      options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or
      series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any
      preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any
      class or series or any additional shares of any class or series to be
      issued by reason of any increase of the authorized capital stock of the
      Corporation of any class or series, or bonds, certificates of
      indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or
      exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or
      carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series, but any such
      unissued stock, additional authorized issue of shares of any class or
      series of stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock,
      or carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of
      pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons, firms,
      corporations or associations, whether such holders or others, and upon
      such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors in the
      exercise of its sole discretion.

      (e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of
      Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and rights
      of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be as fixed
      from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution or
      resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of this
      Article Fourth and the consent, by class or series vote or otherwise, of
      the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as are from time to
      time outstanding shall not be required for the issuance by the Board of
      Directors of any other series of Preferred Stock whether or not the
      powers, preferences and rights of such other series shall be fixed by the
      Board of Directors as senior to, or on a parity with, the powers,
      preferences and rights of such outstanding series, or any of them;
      provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide in the
      resolution or resolutions as to any series of Preferred Stock adopted
      pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth that the consent of the
      holders of a majority (or such greater proportion as shall be therein
      fixed) of the outstanding shares of such series voting thereon shall be
      required for the issuance of any or all other series of Preferred Stock.

      (f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of
      Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors
      of the Corporation shall


                                        7
<PAGE>   13

      determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed
      by the Board of Directors.

      (g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of
      Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for
      such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

      (h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred Stock
      may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased from time
      to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock
      of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

      Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
      conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors
      constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more than
      twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the whole
      Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall not be
      reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time in office,
      and provided further, that the number of directors constituting the whole
      Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a majority of the
      whole Board.

      (b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly
      equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the
      whole Board permits, with the term of office of one class expiring each
      year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1982, directors of the
      first class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the
      next succeeding annual meeting, directors of the second class shall be
      elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual
      meeting and directors of the third class shall be elected to hold office
      for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies
      in the Board of Directors for any reason, and any newly created
      directorships resulting from any increase in the directors, may be filled
      by the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the directors then in
      office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall
      hold office until the next annual election of directors. At such election,
      the stockholders shall elect a successor to such director to hold office
      until the next election of the class for which such director shall have
      been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No
      decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any
      incumbent director.

      (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the
      fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this Charter or
      Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation), any director or
      the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be removed at any
      time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of
      two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock


                                        8
<PAGE>   14

      of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
      (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the
      stockholders called for that purpose.

      (d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of
      Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of
      directors. Such nominations shall be made by notice in writing, delivered
      or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the
      Secretary of the Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days
      prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for the election of
      directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the
      meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered
      or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later
      than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the
      meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which are
      proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman on
      behalf of the Board.

      (e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name, age,
      business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed
      in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such
      nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation which
      are beneficially owned by each such nominee.

      (f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and
      declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with
      the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so
      declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

      (g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or
      special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a
      meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a
      meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.

      Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agent and servants as
      may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find
      necessary or proper.

      Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same powers,
      rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations organized
      under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General Corporation Law",
      approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time amended.

      Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.

      Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.


                                        9
<PAGE>   15

      Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the
      whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an Executive
      Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said resolution, or
      in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may exercise all of the
      powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
      affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to authorize the seal of
      the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

      Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be liable
      for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.

      Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the world.

      Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly
      authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by a
      vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make, alter
      or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided however,
      that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may be adopted
      only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the
      outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
      generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one
      class).

      Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the State
      of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by the
      Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the Company outside of the
      State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by
      them.

      Fifteenth: - (a) In addition to any affirmative vote required by law, and
      except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and (c) of this
      Article Fifteenth:

            (A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary
            (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any Interested Stockholder
            (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any other corporation (whether or
            not itself an Interested Stockholder), which, after such merger or
            consolidation, would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an
            Interested Stockholder, or

            (B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
            disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions)
            to or with any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any
            Interested Stockholder of any assets of the Corporation or any
            Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or
            more, or

            (C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary
            (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of any
            securities of the


                                       10
<PAGE>   16

            Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any
            Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash,
            securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an
            aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or

            (D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
            dissolution of the Corporation, or

            (E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock
            split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or
            consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any
            similar transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
            involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect, directly
            or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the
            outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities
            of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly
            owned by any Interested Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any
            Interested Stockholder,

shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this
Article Fifteenth as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be
required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some
lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national
securities exchange or otherwise.

                  (2) The term "business combination" as used in this Article
                  Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is referred to any
                  one or more of clauses (A) through (E) of paragraph 1 of the
                  section (a).

            (b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth shall
            not be applicable to any particular business combination and such
            business combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is
            required by law and any other provisions of the Charter or Act of
            Incorporation of By-Laws if such business combination has been
            approved by a majority of the whole Board.

            (c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth:

      (1) A "person" shall mean any individual firm, corporation or other
      entity.

      (2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any business
      combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary) who
      or which as of the record date for the determination of stockholders
      entitled to notice of and to vote on such business combination, or
      immediately prior to the consummation of any such transaction:


                                       11
<PAGE>   17

            (A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than
            10% of the Voting Shares, or

            (B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within two
            years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or
            indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding voting
            Shares, or

            (C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share of
            capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time within two
            years prior thereto beneficially owned by any Interested
            Stockholder, and such assignment or succession shall have occurred
            in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not
            involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act
            of 1933.

      (3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:

            (A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates (as
            hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or

            (B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has (i)
            the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately
            or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement,
            arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion
            rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii)
            the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
            understanding, or

            (C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any
            other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its
            Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or
            understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or
            disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

      (4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned
      through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any other
      Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, or upon
      exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise.

      (5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings given
      those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the
      Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981.

      (6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of any
      class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules
      and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect in
      December 31, 1981) is


                                       12
<PAGE>   18

      owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that
      for the purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in
      paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a
      corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned,
      directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

            (d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty to
            determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on the basis of
            information known to them, (1) the number of Voting Shares
            beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a person is an
            Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a person has an
            agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as to the
            matters referred to in paragraph (3) of section (c), or (4) whether
            the assets subject to any business combination or the consideration
            received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the
            Corporation, or any Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of
            $1,00,000 or more.

            (e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be construed
            to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any fiduciary obligation
            imposed by law.

      Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in addition to any
      other vote that may be required by law, this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the holders of at
      least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
      Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
      (considered for this purpose as one class) shall be required to amend,
      alter or repeal any provision of Articles Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or
      Sixteenth of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.

      Seventeenth: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the
      Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
      fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from
      liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Delaware
      General Corporation Laws as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.

            (b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall not
            adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the
            Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission
            occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification."


                                       13
<PAGE>   19

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                     BY-LAWS

                            WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

                              WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

                         As existing on January 16, 1997
<PAGE>   20

                       BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

                                    ARTICLE I
                             Stockholders' Meetings

      Section 1. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall be held on the third
Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at such
other date, time, or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board of
Directors.

      Section 2. Special meetings of all stockholders may be called at any time
by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.

      Section 3. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given by
mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at his
last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of
such meeting.

      Section 4. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the Company
issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any
business, but the holders of a small number of shares may adjourn, from time to
time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or
special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote,
either in person or by proxy, for each shares of stock registered in the
stockholder's name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such
meeting as determined herein.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    Directors

      Section 1. The number and classification of the Board of Directors shall
be as set forth in the Charter of the Bank.

      Section 2. No person who has attained the age of seventy-two (72) years
shall be nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the Company,
provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any person who was
serving as director of the Company on September 16, 1971.

      Section 3. The class of Directors so elected shall hold office for three
years or until their successors are elected and qualified.

      Section 4. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed and
conducted by the Board of Directors.

      Section 5. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office of
the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President.
<PAGE>   21

      Section 6. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any
time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President, and shall be
called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.

      Section 7. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting
of the Board of Directors.

      Section 8. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of any
special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or
place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which
shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.

      Section 9. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, inability to
act, or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors, although less
than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who shall hold office
for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the
vacancy occurred, and until such director's successor shall have been duly
elected and qualified.

      Section 10. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its election
by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, a Trust Committee, an
Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, and shall elect from its own
members a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a President who may be the same
person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a Secretary and
a Treasurer, who may be the same person, may appoint at any time such other
committees and elect or appoint such other officers as it may deem advisable.
The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more Associate
Directors.

      Section 11. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or without
cause, any member of any Committee appointed by it or any associate director or
officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.

      Section 12. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in
charge of such of the departments or division of the Company as it may deem
advisable.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   Committees

      Section 1. Executive Committee

            (A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of not more than nine
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members and
who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Board.


                                        2

<PAGE>   22

            (B) The Executive Committee shall have all the powers of the Board
of Directors when it is not in session to transact all business for and in
behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.

            (C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the principal office of
the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Executive
Committee or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The majority
of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time
when a quorum is present.

            (D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive Committee shall be kept
and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.

            (E) The Executive Committee shall advise and superintend all
investments that may be made of the funds of the Company, and shall direct the
disposal of the same, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Board
of Directors from time to time make.

            (F) In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient severity to
prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company by
its directors and officers as contemplated by these By-Laws any two available
members of the Executive Committee as constituted immediately prior to such
disaster shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full conduct and
management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance with the
provisions of Article III of these By-Laws; and if less than three members of
the Trust Committee is constituted immediately prior to such disaster shall be
available for the transaction of its business, such Executive Committee shall
also be empowered to exercise all of the powers reserved to the Trust Committee
under Article III Section 2 hereof. In the event of the unavailability, at such
time, of a minimum of two members of such Executive Committee, any three
available directors shall constitute the Executive Committee for the full
conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance
with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This By-Law shall be subject to
implementation by Resolutions of the Board of Directors presently existing or
hereafter passed from time to time for that purpose, and any provisions of these
By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions which are contrary to the
provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any such implementary
Resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period until it shall be
determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under this section that it
shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the conduct and management of
its affairs and business under all of the other provisions of these By-Laws.


                                        3
<PAGE>   23

      Section 2. Trust Committee

            (A) The Trust Committee shall be composed of not more than thirteen
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors, a majority of whom
shall be members of the Board of Directors and who shall hold office during the
pleasure of the Board.

            (B) The Trust Committee shall have general supervision over the
Trust Department and the investment of trust funds, in all matters, however,
being subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

            (C) The Trust Committee shall meet at the principal office of the
Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members or at the call of its chairman. A majority of its
members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.

            (D) Minutes of each meeting of the Trust Committee shall be kept and
promptly submitted to the Board of Directors.

            (E) The Trust Committee shall have the power to appoint Committees
and/or designate officers or employees of the Company to whom supervision over
the investment of trust funds may be delegated when the Trust Committee is not
in session.

      Section 3. Audit Committee

            (A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of five members who shall
be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall
be an officer of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the
Board.

            (B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision over the
Audit Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by the officer
in charge of the Audit Division, review all reports of examination of the
Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor employed for
that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of Directors with
respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining to auditing the
Company as it shall deem desirable.

            (C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever the
majority of its members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its
business, and a majority of its Committee shall constitute a quorum.

      Section 4. Compensation Committee

            (A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not more than


                                        4
<PAGE>   24

five (5) members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own
members who are not officers of the Company and who shall hold office during the
pleasure of the Board.

            (B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise upon all
matters of policy concerning the Company brought to its attention by the
management and from time to time review the management of the Company, major
organizational matters, including salaries and employee benefits and
specifically shall administer the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.

            (C) Meetings of the Compensation Committee may be called at any time
by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or the President of the Company.

      Section 5. Associate Directors

            (A) Any person who has served as a director may be elected by the
Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve during the pleasure of the
Board.

            (B) An associate director shall be entitled to attend all directors
meetings and participate in the discussion of all matters brought to the Board,
with the exception that he would have no right to vote. An associate director
will be eligible for appointment to Committees of the Company, with the
exception of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee, which must be comprised solely of active directors.

      Section 6. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee

            (A) In the absence or disqualification of any member of any
Committee created under Article III of the By-Laws of this Company, the member
or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting,
whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another
member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such
absence or disqualified member.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    Officers

      Section 1. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all
meetings of the Board and shall have such further authority and powers and shall
perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time confer and
direct. He shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties as may from
time to time be agreed upon between himself and the President of the Company.

      Section 2. The Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board
of


                                        5
<PAGE>   25

Directors shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the
Chairman of the Board shall not be present and shall have such further authority
and powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the
Chairman of the Board may from time to time confer and direct.

      Section 3. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining to
the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute or assigned
to him by the Board of Directors in the absence of the Chairman of the Board the
President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.

      Section 4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President as
designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal
directions of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Directors, and shall
at all times exercise general supervision over the interest, affairs and
operations of the Company and perform all duties incident to his office.

      Section 5. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however denominated
by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all the duties of the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and/or the President and such other powers
and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of
Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the President
and by the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are
assigned.

      Section 6. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of meetings
of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the Committees
thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings and to
recording the same in the minute books of the Company. In addition to the other
notice requirements of these By-Laws and as may be practicable under the
circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance
of the scheduled date of any other meeting. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal and shall affix the same to any documents requiring such
corporate seal and to attest the same.

      Section 7. The Treasurer shall have general supervision over all assets
and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible for all
monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper records
of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all the transactions of the
Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the Company
and shall report to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting of the
condition of the Company, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to
him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.

      Section 8. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general
supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting,
and shall render to the Board of Directors at appropriate times a report
relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company.


                                        6
<PAGE>   26

      There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller officers
however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and such
duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.

      Section 9. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in
charge of the Audit Division of the Company with such title as the Board of
Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible only to
the Board of Directors.

      There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit Officers,
however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and such
duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Division.

      Section 10. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank to all
Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office Assistant
Secretary of this Company and who may perform such duties as may be prescribed
by the officer in charge of the department or division to whom they are
assigned.

      Section 11. The powers and duties of all other officers of the Company
shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the
direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Chairman of the
Board of Directors or the President and the officer in charge of the department
or division to which they are assigned.

                                    ARTICLE V
                          Stock and Stock Certificates

      Section 1. Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of the
Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall
be recorded.

      Section 2. Certificate of stock shall bear the signature of the President
or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors and
countersigned by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, and the
seal of the corporation shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall recite
that the stock represented thereby is transferrable only upon the books of the
Company by the holder thereof or his attorney, upon surrender of the certificate
properly endorsed. Any certificate of stock surrendered to the Company shall be
cancelled at the time of transfer, and before a new certificate or certificates
shall be issued in lieu thereof. Duplicate certificates of stock shall be issued
only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the Board of Directors
or the Executive Committee.

      Section 3. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to fix in
advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment or
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change,


                                        7
<PAGE>   27

conversion or exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the
consent of stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more
than 60 nor less than 10 days proceeding the date of any meeting of stockholders
or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of
rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock
shall go into effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                      Seal

      Section 1. The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the following
form:

            Between two concentric circles the words 
            "Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner 
            circle the words "Wilmington, Delaware."

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   Fiscal Year

      Section 1. The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar year.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                     Execution of Instruments of the Company

      Section 1. The Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President,
however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power and
authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and the
Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to
attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds,
conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes,
mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or
in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or
by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of
Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval
or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any
and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though
expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.


                                        8
<PAGE>   28

                                   ARTICLE IX
               Compensation of Directors and Members of Committees

      Section 1. Directors and associate directors of the Company, other than
salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or
fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors
may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who serve as
members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company, shall be
paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of committees as
the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and directors and
associate directors may be employed by the Company for such special services as
the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and shall be paid for
such special services so performed reasonable compensation as may be determined
by the Board of Directors.

                                    ARTICLE X
                                 Indemnification

      Section 1. (A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may
hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made
a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of
the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably
incurred by such person. The Corporation shall indemnify a person in connection
with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

            (B) The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the
payment of expenses incurred by a Director officer in his capacity as a Director
or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made
only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or officer to repay all
amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the Director or
officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

            (C) If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses, under
this Article X is not paid in full within ninety days after a written claim
therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may file suit to
recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part,
shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such
action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was
not entitled to the requested indemnification of payment of expenses


                                        9
<PAGE>   29

under applicable law.

            (D) The rights conferred on any person by this Article X shall not
be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire
under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of Incorporation, these
By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors or
otherwise.

            (E) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this
Article X shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any
person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such
repeal or modification.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            Amendments to the By-Laws

      Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or
in part, and any new By-Law or By-Laws adopted at any regular or special meeting
of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of all the members of the
Board of Directors then in office.


                                       10
<PAGE>   30

EXHIBIT C


                            Section 321(b) Consent

            Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations by
Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.


                                    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY


Dated: May 19, 1998                 By: /s/ Mary Ann Rich
                                        -----------------
                                    Name: Mary Ann Rich
                                    Title: Vice President
<PAGE>   31
                                   EXHIBIT D
                                        
                                     NOTICE

          This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and
          savings banks with state publication requirements. It has
          not been approved by any state banking authorities. Refer
          to your appropriate state banking authorities for your
          state publication requirements.



R E P O R T   O F   C O N D I T I O N

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the

    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY       of    WILMINGTON
- ----------------------------------     ---------------
     Name of Bank    City

in the State of DELAWARE, at the close of business on December 31, 1997.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ASSETS                                                                                              Thousands of dollars

<S>                                                                                                       <C>

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins ...............................................        236,646
     Interest-bearing balances .........................................................................              0
Held-to-maturity securities ............................................................................        331,880
Available-for-sale securities ..........................................................................      1,258,661
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell .................................         91,500
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income ......... 3,822,320
     LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ........    59,373
     LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve ............         0
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance and reserve ...................................      3,762,947
Assets held in trading accounts ........................................................................              0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ...............................................        129,740
Other real estate owned ................................................................................          2,106
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ....................................             22
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ...........................................              0
Intangible assets ......................................................................................          4,905
Other assets ...........................................................................................        100,799
Total assets ...........................................................................................      5,919,206



LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices ....................................................................................      4,034,633
     Noninterest-bearing ..............................   839,928
     Interest-bearing ................................. 3,194,705
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase .............................        575,827
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ...............................................................         61,290
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) ...............................................................              0
Other borrowed money: ..................................................................................        ///////
     With original maturity of one year or less ........................................................        673,000
     With original maturity of more than one year ......................................................         43,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ...............................................              0
Subordinated notes and debentures ......................................................................              0
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) .................................................................         76,458
Total liabilities ......................................................................................      5,464,208


EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ..........................................................              0
Common Stock ...........................................................................................            500
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...............................................         62,118
Undivided profits and capital reserves .................................................................        385,018
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities .................................          7,362
Total equity capital ...................................................................................        454,998
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital ....................................      5,919,206

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 25.5

                                          Registration No.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1

         STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) |X|

                            WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                                         51-0055023
(State of incorporation)                    (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

                               Rodney Square North
                            1100 North Market Street
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                               Cynthia L. Corliss
                        Vice President and Trust Counsel
                            Wilmington Trust Company
                               Rodney Square North
                           Wilmington, Delaware 19890
                                 (302) 651-8516
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)


                                K N ENERGY, INC.

               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

       Kansas                                            48-0290000
(State of incorporation)                    (I.R.S. employer identification no.)


     370 Van Gordon Street
       P. O. Box 281304
      Lakewood, Colorado                                 80228-8304
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

<PAGE>   2

           Guarantee of Preferred Securities of K N Capital Trust II
                              by K N Energy, INC.

                       (Title of the indenture securities)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       2
<PAGE>   3

ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.

            Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

      (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
            it is subject.

            Federal Deposit Insurance Co.      State Bank Commissioner
            Five Penn Center                   Dover, Delaware
            Suite #2901
            Philadelphia, PA

      (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

            The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.

            If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each
affiliation:

            Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee
and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor is not an affiliate
of the trustee.

ITEM 3. LIST OF EXHIBITS.

            List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of
Eligibility and Qualification.

        A.   Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which includes the
             certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust Company to commence
             business and the authorization of Wilmington Trust Company to
             exercise corporate trust powers.
        B.   Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
        C.   Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321(b)
             of Trust Indenture Act.
        D.   Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington
             Trust Company.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of


                                       3
<PAGE>   4

Wilmington and State of Delaware on the 19th day of May, 1998.


                                         WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

[SEAL]

Attest: /s/ Donald G. MacKelcan          By:/s/ Mary Ann Rich
        ------------------------            --------------------
       Assistant Secretary               Name: Mary Ann Rich
                                         Title: Vice President


                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                 AMENDED CHARTER

                            Wilmington Trust Company

                              Wilmington, Delaware

                           As existing on May 9, 1987
<PAGE>   6

                                 Amended Charter

                                       or

                              Act of Incorporation

                                       of

                            Wilmington Trust Company

      Wilmington Trust Company, originally incorporated by an Act of the General
Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Delaware
Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name of which
company was changed to "Wilmington Trust Company" by an amendment filed in the
Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter or Act
of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and changed
by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and trust
companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its Charter or
Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall in its
entirety read as follows:

      First: - The name of this corporation is Wilmington Trust Company.

      Second: - The location of its principal office in the State of Delaware is
      at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle;
      the name of its resident agent is Wilmington Trust Company whose address
      is Rodney Square North, in said City. In addition to such principal
      office, the said corporation maintains and operates branch offices in the
      City of Newark, New Castle County, Delaware, the Town of Newport, New
      Castle County, Delaware, at Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at
      Greenville, New Castle County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New
      Castle County, Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and
      operate branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue,
      2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of Wilmington,
      New Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch offices or places of
      business as may be authorized from time to time by the agency or agencies
      of the government of the State of Delaware empowered to confer such
      authority.

      Third: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes
      proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation are
      to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to the same
      extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part of the world,
      viz.:

            (1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law or
            equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal at
            pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise deal in
            real and personal estate and property, and to appoint such officers
            and agents as the business of the Corporation shall require, to make
            by-laws not inconsistent with the
<PAGE>   7

            Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, to
            discount bills, notes or other evidences of debt, to receive
            deposits of money, or securities for money, to buy gold and silver
            bullion and foreign coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and
            generally to use, exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights,
            privileges and franchises incident to a corporation which are proper
            or necessary for the transaction of the business of the Corporation
            hereby created.

            (2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate or
            interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of such property,
            real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse to his
            interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of title for
            any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere.

            (3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt,
            collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the
            purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all
            descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be
            necessary or proper in such business.

            (4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases,
            conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every description,
            and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all its branches.

            (5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry, plate,
            deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of every sort
            and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians, public
            officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from all
            fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and from
            all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or private, and
            to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles for such
            property.

            (6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering,
            issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or underwriting
            the stock, bonds or other obligations of any corporation,
            association, state or municipality, and may receive and manage any
            sinking fund therefor on such terms as may be agreed upon between
            the two parties, and in like manner may act as Treasurer of any
            corporation or municipality.

            (7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or
            other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic,
            corporation, association or person, either alone or in conjunction
            with any other person or persons, corporation or corporations.

            (8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any contract
            or


                                        2
<PAGE>   8

            agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places of
            responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or
            persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty,
            contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with any
            other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in like
            manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation,
            judgment, suit, order, or decree to be entered in any court of
            record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now
            or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court in the
            State of Delaware or elsewhere.

            (9) To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee,
            trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy,
            executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust
            capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and disposing of any
            and all estates and property, real, personal or mixed, and to be
            appointed as such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
            assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian
            or bailee by any persons, corporations, court, officer, or
            authority, in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever this
            Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation, court,
            officer or authority such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver,
            assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian,
            bailee, or in any other trust capacity, it shall not be required to
            give bond with surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held
            as security for the performance of the duties devolving upon it by
            such appointment.

            (10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise of
            any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any of the
            duties which it may undertake or be called upon to perform, or for
            the assumption of any responsibility the said Corporation may be
            entitled to receive a proper compensation.

            (11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages,
            debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities,
            obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any
            private, public or municipal corporation within and without the
            State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or of
            any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any
            foreign government or country; to receive, collect, receipt for, and
            dispose of interest, dividends and income upon and from any of the
            bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock,
            securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and
            other property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of
            all such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital
            stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness
            and other property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of
            individual owners thereof, including the right to vote thereon; to
            invest and deal in and


                                        3
<PAGE>   9

            with any of the moneys of the Corporation upon such securities and
            in such manner as it may think fit and proper, and from time to time
            to vary or realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the
            same by pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon the whole
            or any part of the property held or owned by the Corporation, and to
            sell and pledge such bonds, as and when the Board of Directors shall
            determine, and in the promotion of its said corporate business of
            investment and to the extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase,
            hold, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real and
            personal property of any name and nature and any estate or interest
            therein.

      (b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred by
      the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided that
      the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:

            (1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same
            extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of the
            world.

            (2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and to
            undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities of any
            person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for the same in
            cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise; to hold or in
            any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of the property so
            purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any part of
            any business so acquired, and to exercise all the powers necessary
            or convenient in and about the conduct and management of such
            business.

            (3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and to
            lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever dispose
            of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.

            (4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every
            kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and, without
            limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount,
            execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange,
            warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or transferable
            instruments.

            (5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its
            operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent as
            natural persons might or could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire,
            to hold, own, to mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of,
            real and personal property, of every class and description, in any
            State, District, Territory or Colony of the United States, and in
            any foreign country or place.

            (6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers
            specified and


                                        4
<PAGE>   10

            clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except where otherwise
            expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or restricted by
            reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this
            or any other paragraph in this charter, but that the objects,
            purposes and powers specified in each of the clauses of this
            paragraph shall be regarded as independent objects, purposes and
            powers.

      Fourth: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the
      Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million
      (41,000,000) shares, consisting of:

            (1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value
            $10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Preferred Stock"); and

            (2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
            $1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock").

      (b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
      more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of
      Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares of
      any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular,
      except that there may be different dates from which dividends, if any,
      thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The voting powers and the
      preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights
      of each such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
      thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any
      time outstanding; and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of
      Paragraph (c) of this Article Fourth, the Board of Directors of the
      Corporation is hereby expressly granted authority to fix by resolution or
      resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of a particular
      series of Preferred Stock, the voting powers and the designations,
      preferences and relative, optional and other special rights, and the
      qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, including,
      but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following:

            (1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of
            Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number may
            be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of
            Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof
            then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the Board of
            Directors;

            (2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on
            which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall be
            paid, the extent of the preference or relation, if any, of such
            dividends to the dividends payable on any other class or classes, or
            series of the same or other class of stock and whether such
            dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;


                                        5
<PAGE>   11

            (3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
            series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares of
            any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any other
            class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms and
            conditions of such conversion or exchange;

            (4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be subject
            to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or
            times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, Preferred
            Stock of such series may be redeemed.

            (5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such
            series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger,
            consolidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or
            winding-up, of the Corporation.

            (6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account,
            if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such series; and

            (7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of
            Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the
            foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or
            together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of
            Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the
            Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of
            dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under such
            circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of Directors may
            determine.

      (c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends on
      the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section
      (b) of this Article Fourth), if any, shall have been met and after the
      Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements, if any, with
      respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or redemption or
      purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b)
      of this Article Fourth), and subject further to any conditions which may
      be fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article
      Fourth, then and not otherwise the holders of Common Stock shall be
      entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by
      the Board of Directors.

            (2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if any,
            (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this
            Article Fourth), to be distributed to the holders of Preferred Stock
            in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, distribution
            or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation,
            the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of
            the remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible and intangible, of
            whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in


                                        6
<PAGE>   12

            proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them
            respectively.

            (3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the provisions
            of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by the Board of
            Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth, each
            holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share
            of Common Stock held on all matters voted upon by the stockholders.

      (d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of
      options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or
      series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any
      preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any
      class or series or any additional shares of any class or series to be
      issued by reason of any increase of the authorized capital stock of the
      Corporation of any class or series, or bonds, certificates of
      indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or
      exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or
      carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series, but any such
      unissued stock, additional authorized issue of shares of any class or
      series of stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock,
      or carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of
      pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons, firms,
      corporations or associations, whether such holders or others, and upon
      such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors in the
      exercise of its sole discretion.

      (e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of
      Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and rights
      of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be as fixed
      from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution or
      resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of this
      Article Fourth and the consent, by class or series vote or otherwise, of
      the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as are from time to
      time outstanding shall not be required for the issuance by the Board of
      Directors of any other series of Preferred Stock whether or not the
      powers, preferences and rights of such other series shall be fixed by the
      Board of Directors as senior to, or on a parity with, the powers,
      preferences and rights of such outstanding series, or any of them;
      provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide in the
      resolution or resolutions as to any series of Preferred Stock adopted
      pursuant to section (b) of this Article Fourth that the consent of the
      holders of a majority (or such greater proportion as shall be therein
      fixed) of the outstanding shares of such series voting thereon shall be
      required for the issuance of any or all other series of Preferred Stock.

      (f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of
      Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors
      of the Corporation shall


                                        7
<PAGE>   13

      determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed
      by the Board of Directors.

      (g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of
      Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for
      such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

      (h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred Stock
      may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased from time
      to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock
      of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

      Fifth: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be
      conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors
      constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more than
      twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the whole
      Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall not be
      reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time in office,
      and provided further, that the number of directors constituting the whole
      Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a majority of the
      whole Board.

      (b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly
      equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the
      whole Board permits, with the term of office of one class expiring each
      year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1982, directors of the
      first class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the
      next succeeding annual meeting, directors of the second class shall be
      elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual
      meeting and directors of the third class shall be elected to hold office
      for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies
      in the Board of Directors for any reason, and any newly created
      directorships resulting from any increase in the directors, may be filled
      by the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the directors then in
      office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall
      hold office until the next annual election of directors. At such election,
      the stockholders shall elect a successor to such director to hold office
      until the next election of the class for which such director shall have
      been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No
      decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any
      incumbent director.

      (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the
      fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this Charter or
      Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation), any director or
      the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be removed at any
      time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of
      two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock


                                        8
<PAGE>   14

      of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
      (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the
      stockholders called for that purpose.

      (d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of
      Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of
      directors. Such nominations shall be made by notice in writing, delivered
      or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the
      Secretary of the Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days
      prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for the election of
      directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the
      meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered
      or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later
      than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the
      meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which are
      proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman on
      behalf of the Board.

      (e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name, age,
      business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed
      in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such
      nominee and (iii) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation which
      are beneficially owned by each such nominee.

      (f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and
      declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with
      the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so
      declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

      (g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or
      special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a
      meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a
      meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.

      Sixth: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agent and servants as
      may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find
      necessary or proper.

      Seventh: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same powers,
      rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations organized
      under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General Corporation Law",
      approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time amended.

      Eighth: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.

      Ninth: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.


                                        9
<PAGE>   15

      Tenth: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the
      whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an Executive
      Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said resolution, or
      in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may exercise all of the
      powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
      affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to authorize the seal of
      the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.

      Eleventh: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be liable
      for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.

      Twelfth: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the world.

      Thirteenth: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly
      authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by a
      vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make, alter
      or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided however,
      that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may be adopted
      only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the
      outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
      generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one
      class).

      Fourteenth: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the State
      of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by the
      Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the Company outside of the
      State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by
      them.

      Fifteenth: - (a) In addition to any affirmative vote required by law, and
      except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and (c) of this
      Article Fifteenth:

            (A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary
            (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any Interested Stockholder
            (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any other corporation (whether or
            not itself an Interested Stockholder), which, after such merger or
            consolidation, would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an
            Interested Stockholder, or

            (B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
            disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions)
            to or with any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any
            Interested Stockholder of any assets of the Corporation or any
            Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or
            more, or

            (C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary
            (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of any
            securities of the


                                       10
<PAGE>   16

            Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any
            Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash,
            securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an
            aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or

            (D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
            dissolution of the Corporation, or

            (E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock
            split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or
            consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any
            similar transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
            involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect, directly
            or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the
            outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities
            of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly
            owned by any Interested Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any
            Interested Stockholder,

shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this
Article Fifteenth as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be
required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some
lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national
securities exchange or otherwise.

                  (2) The term "business combination" as used in this Article
                  Fifteenth shall mean any transaction which is referred to any
                  one or more of clauses (A) through (E) of paragraph 1 of the
                  section (a).

            (b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article Fifteenth shall
            not be applicable to any particular business combination and such
            business combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is
            required by law and any other provisions of the Charter or Act of
            Incorporation of By-Laws if such business combination has been
            approved by a majority of the whole Board.

            (c) For the purposes of this Article Fifteenth:

      (1) A "person" shall mean any individual firm, corporation or other
      entity.

      (2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any business
      combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary) who
      or which as of the record date for the determination of stockholders
      entitled to notice of and to vote on such business combination, or
      immediately prior to the consummation of any such transaction:


                                       11
<PAGE>   17

            (A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than
            10% of the Voting Shares, or

            (B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within two
            years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or
            indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding voting
            Shares, or

            (C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share of
            capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time within two
            years prior thereto beneficially owned by any Interested
            Stockholder, and such assignment or succession shall have occurred
            in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not
            involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act
            of 1933.

      (3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:

            (A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates (as
            hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or

            (B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has (i)
            the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately
            or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement,
            arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion
            rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii)
            the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
            understanding, or

            (C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any
            other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its
            Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or
            understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or
            disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

      (4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned
      through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any other
      Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, or upon
      exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise.

      (5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings given
      those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the
      Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981.

      (6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of any
      class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules
      and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect in
      December 31, 1981) is


                                       12
<PAGE>   18

      owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that
      for the purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in
      paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a
      corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned,
      directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

            (d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty to
            determine for the purposes of this Article Fifteenth on the basis of
            information known to them, (1) the number of Voting Shares
            beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a person is an
            Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a person has an
            agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as to the
            matters referred to in paragraph (3) of section (c), or (4) whether
            the assets subject to any business combination or the consideration
            received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the
            Corporation, or any Subsidiary has an aggregate fair market value of
            $1,00,000 or more.

            (e) Nothing contained in this Article Fifteenth shall be construed
            to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any fiduciary obligation
            imposed by law.

      Sixteenth: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in addition to any
      other vote that may be required by law, this Charter or Act of
      Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the holders of at
      least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
      Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
      (considered for this purpose as one class) shall be required to amend,
      alter or repeal any provision of Articles Fifth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth or
      Sixteenth of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.

      Seventeenth: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the
      Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
      fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from
      liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Delaware
      General Corporation Laws as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.

            (b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall not
            adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the
            Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission
            occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification."


                                       13
<PAGE>   19

                                    EXHIBIT B

                                     BY-LAWS

                            WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

                              WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

                         As existing on January 16, 1997
<PAGE>   20

                       BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

                                    ARTICLE I
                             Stockholders' Meetings

      Section 1. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall be held on the third
Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at such
other date, time, or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board of
Directors.

      Section 2. Special meetings of all stockholders may be called at any time
by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.

      Section 3. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given by
mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at his
last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of
such meeting.

      Section 4. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the Company
issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any
business, but the holders of a small number of shares may adjourn, from time to
time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or
special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote,
either in person or by proxy, for each shares of stock registered in the
stockholder's name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such
meeting as determined herein.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    Directors

      Section 1. The number and classification of the Board of Directors shall
be as set forth in the Charter of the Bank.

      Section 2. No person who has attained the age of seventy-two (72) years
shall be nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the Company,
provided, however, that this limitation shall not apply to any person who was
serving as director of the Company on September 16, 1971.

      Section 3. The class of Directors so elected shall hold office for three
years or until their successors are elected and qualified.

      Section 4. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed and
conducted by the Board of Directors.

      Section 5. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office of
the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President.
<PAGE>   21

      Section 6. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any
time by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President, and shall be
called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.

      Section 7. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting
of the Board of Directors.

      Section 8. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of any
special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or
place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which
shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.

      Section 9. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, inability to
act, or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors, although less
than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who shall hold office
for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the
vacancy occurred, and until such director's successor shall have been duly
elected and qualified.

      Section 10. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its election
by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, a Trust Committee, an
Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee, and shall elect from its own
members a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a President who may be the same
person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a Secretary and
a Treasurer, who may be the same person, may appoint at any time such other
committees and elect or appoint such other officers as it may deem advisable.
The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more Associate
Directors.

      Section 11. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or without
cause, any member of any Committee appointed by it or any associate director or
officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.

      Section 12. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in
charge of such of the departments or division of the Company as it may deem
advisable.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   Committees

      Section 1. Executive Committee

            (A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of not more than nine
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members and
who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Board.


                                        2
<PAGE>   22

            (B) The Executive Committee shall have all the powers of the Board
of Directors when it is not in session to transact all business for and in
behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.

            (C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the principal office of
the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Executive
Committee or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The majority
of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time
when a quorum is present.

            (D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive Committee shall be kept
and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.

            (E) The Executive Committee shall advise and superintend all
investments that may be made of the funds of the Company, and shall direct the
disposal of the same, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Board
of Directors from time to time make.

            (F) In the event of a state of disaster of sufficient severity to
prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company by
its directors and officers as contemplated by these By-Laws any two available
members of the Executive Committee as constituted immediately prior to such
disaster shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full conduct and
management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance with the
provisions of Article III of these By-Laws; and if less than three members of
the Trust Committee is constituted immediately prior to such disaster shall be
available for the transaction of its business, such Executive Committee shall
also be empowered to exercise all of the powers reserved to the Trust Committee
under Article III Section 2 hereof. In the event of the unavailability, at such
time, of a minimum of two members of such Executive Committee, any three
available directors shall constitute the Executive Committee for the full
conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance
with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This By-Law shall be subject to
implementation by Resolutions of the Board of Directors presently existing or
hereafter passed from time to time for that purpose, and any provisions of these
By-Laws (other than this Section) and any resolutions which are contrary to the
provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any such implementary
Resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period until it shall be
determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under this section that it
shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the conduct and management of
its affairs and business under all of the other provisions of these By-Laws.


                                        3
<PAGE>   23

      Section 2. Trust Committee

            (A) The Trust Committee shall be composed of not more than thirteen
members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors, a majority of whom
shall be members of the Board of Directors and who shall hold office during the
pleasure of the Board.

            (B) The Trust Committee shall have general supervision over the
Trust Department and the investment of trust funds, in all matters, however,
being subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

            (C) The Trust Committee shall meet at the principal office of the
Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a
majority of its members or at the call of its chairman. A majority of its
members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.

            (D) Minutes of each meeting of the Trust Committee shall be kept and
promptly submitted to the Board of Directors.

            (E) The Trust Committee shall have the power to appoint Committees
and/or designate officers or employees of the Company to whom supervision over
the investment of trust funds may be delegated when the Trust Committee is not
in session.

      Section 3. Audit Committee

            (A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of five members who shall
be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall
be an officer of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the
Board.

            (B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision over the
Audit Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by the officer
in charge of the Audit Division, review all reports of examination of the
Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor employed for
that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of Directors with
respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining to auditing the
Company as it shall deem desirable.

            (C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever the
majority of its members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its
business, and a majority of its Committee shall constitute a quorum.

      Section 4. Compensation Committee

            (A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not more than


                                        4
<PAGE>   24

five (5) members who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own
members who are not officers of the Company and who shall hold office during the
pleasure of the Board.

            (B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise upon all
matters of policy concerning the Company brought to its attention by the
management and from time to time review the management of the Company, major
organizational matters, including salaries and employee benefits and
specifically shall administer the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.

            (C) Meetings of the Compensation Committee may be called at any time
by the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or the President of the Company.

      Section 5. Associate Directors

            (A) Any person who has served as a director may be elected by the
Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve during the pleasure of the
Board.

            (B) An associate director shall be entitled to attend all directors
meetings and participate in the discussion of all matters brought to the Board,
with the exception that he would have no right to vote. An associate director
will be eligible for appointment to Committees of the Company, with the
exception of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee, which must be comprised solely of active directors.

      Section 6. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee

            (A) In the absence or disqualification of any member of any
Committee created under Article III of the By-Laws of this Company, the member
or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting,
whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another
member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such
absence or disqualified member.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    Officers

      Section 1. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall preside at all
meetings of the Board and shall have such further authority and powers and shall
perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time confer and
direct. He shall also exercise such powers and perform such duties as may from
time to time be agreed upon between himself and the President of the Company.

      Section 2. The Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board
of


                                        5
<PAGE>   25

Directors shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which the
Chairman of the Board shall not be present and shall have such further authority
and powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the
Chairman of the Board may from time to time confer and direct.

      Section 3. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining to
the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute or assigned
to him by the Board of Directors in the absence of the Chairman of the Board the
President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.

      Section 4. The Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President as
designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal
directions of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Directors, and shall
at all times exercise general supervision over the interest, affairs and
operations of the Company and perform all duties incident to his office.

      Section 5. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however denominated
by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all the duties of the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and/or the President and such other powers
and duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Board of
Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board or the President
and by the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are
assigned.

      Section 6. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of meetings
of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the Committees
thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings and to
recording the same in the minute books of the Company. In addition to the other
notice requirements of these By-Laws and as may be practicable under the
circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance
of the scheduled date of any other meeting. He shall have custody of the
corporate seal and shall affix the same to any documents requiring such
corporate seal and to attest the same.

      Section 7. The Treasurer shall have general supervision over all assets
and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible for all
monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper records
of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all the transactions of the
Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the Company
and shall report to the Board of Directors at each regular meeting of the
condition of the Company, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to
him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.

      Section 8. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general
supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting,
and shall render to the Board of Directors at appropriate times a report
relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company.


                                        6
<PAGE>   26

      There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller officers
however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and such
duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.

      Section 9. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in
charge of the Audit Division of the Company with such title as the Board of
Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible only to
the Board of Directors.

      There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit Officers,
however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and such
duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Division.

      Section 10. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank to all
Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from time to
time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office Assistant
Secretary of this Company and who may perform such duties as may be prescribed
by the officer in charge of the department or division to whom they are
assigned.

      Section 11. The powers and duties of all other officers of the Company
shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the
direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Chairman of the
Board of Directors or the President and the officer in charge of the department
or division to which they are assigned.

                                    ARTICLE V
                          Stock and Stock Certificates

      Section 1. Shares of stock shall be transferrable on the books of the
Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall
be recorded.

      Section 2. Certificate of stock shall bear the signature of the President
or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors and
countersigned by the Secretary or Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary, and the
seal of the corporation shall be engraved thereon. Each certificate shall recite
that the stock represented thereby is transferrable only upon the books of the
Company by the holder thereof or his attorney, upon surrender of the certificate
properly endorsed. Any certificate of stock surrendered to the Company shall be
cancelled at the time of transfer, and before a new certificate or certificates
shall be issued in lieu thereof. Duplicate certificates of stock shall be issued
only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the Board of Directors
or the Executive Committee.

      Section 3. The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized to fix in
advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment or
rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change,


                                        7
<PAGE>   27

conversion or exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the
consent of stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more
than 60 nor less than 10 days proceeding the date of any meeting of stockholders
or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of
rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock
shall go into effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                      Seal

      Section 1. The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the following
form:

            Between two concentric circles the words 
            "Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner 
            circle the words "Wilmington, Delaware."

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   Fiscal Year

      Section 1. The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar year.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                     Execution of Instruments of the Company

      Section 1. The Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President,
however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power and
authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and the
Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to
attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds,
conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes,
mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or
in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other
fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or
by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of
Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval
or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any
and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though
expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.


                                        8
<PAGE>   28

                                   ARTICLE IX
               Compensation of Directors and Members of Committees

      Section 1. Directors and associate directors of the Company, other than
salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or
fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors
may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who serve as
members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company, shall be
paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of committees as
the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and directors and
associate directors may be employed by the Company for such special services as
the Board of Directors may from time to time determine and shall be paid for
such special services so performed reasonable compensation as may be determined
by the Board of Directors.

                                    ARTICLE X
                                 Indemnification

      Section 1. (A) The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may
hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made
a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of
the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust,
enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably
incurred by such person. The Corporation shall indemnify a person in connection
with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

            (B) The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the
payment of expenses incurred by a Director officer in his capacity as a Director
or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made
only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or officer to repay all
amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the Director or
officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

            (C) If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses, under
this Article X is not paid in full within ninety days after a written claim
therefor has been received by the Corporation the claimant may file suit to
recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part,
shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such
action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was
not entitled to the requested indemnification of payment of expenses


                                        9
<PAGE>   29

under applicable law.

            (D) The rights conferred on any person by this Article X shall not
be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire
under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of Incorporation, these
By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors or
otherwise.

            (E) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this
Article X shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any
person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such
repeal or modification.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            Amendments to the By-Laws

      Section 1. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or
in part, and any new By-Law or By-Laws adopted at any regular or special meeting
of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of all the members of the
Board of Directors then in office.


                                       10
<PAGE>   30

EXHIBIT C

                             Section 321(b) Consent

      Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, Wilmington
Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State,
Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the
Securities Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.



                                    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY


Dated: May 19, 1998                 By:  /s/ Mary Ann Rich
                                        ------------------
                                    Name: Mary Ann Rich
                                    Title: Vice President
<PAGE>   31
                                   EXHIBIT D
                                        
                                     NOTICE

          This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and
          savings banks with state publication requirements. It has
          not been approved by any state banking authorities. Refer
          to your appropriate state banking authorities for your
          state publication requirements.



R E P O R T   O F   C O N D I T I O N

Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the

    WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY       of    WILMINGTON
- ----------------------------------     ---------------
     Name of Bank    City

in the State of DELAWARE, at the close of business on December 31, 1997.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ASSETS                                                                                              Thousands of dollars

<S>                                                                                                       <C>

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins ...............................................        236,646
     Interest-bearing balances .........................................................................              0
Held-to-maturity securities ............................................................................        331,880
Available-for-sale securities ..........................................................................      1,258,661
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell .................................         91,500
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income ......... 3,822,320
     LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ........    59,373
     LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve ............         0
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance and reserve ...................................      3,762,947
Assets held in trading accounts ........................................................................              0
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ...............................................        129,740
Other real estate owned ................................................................................          2,106
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ....................................             22
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ...........................................              0
Intangible assets ......................................................................................          4,905
Other assets ...........................................................................................        100,799
Total assets ...........................................................................................      5,919,206



LIABILITIES
Deposits:
In domestic offices ....................................................................................      4,034,633
     Noninterest-bearing ..............................   839,928
     Interest-bearing ................................. 3,194,705
Federal funds purchased and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase .............................        575,827
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ...............................................................         61,290
Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) ...............................................................              0
Other borrowed money: ..................................................................................        ///////
     With original maturity of one year or less ........................................................        673,000
     With original maturity of more than one year ......................................................         43,000
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ...............................................              0
Subordinated notes and debentures ......................................................................              0
Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) .................................................................         76,458
Total liabilities ......................................................................................      5,464,208


EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ..........................................................              0
Common Stock ...........................................................................................            500
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...............................................         62,118
Undivided profits and capital reserves .................................................................        385,018
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities .................................          7,362
Total equity capital ...................................................................................        454,998
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital ....................................      5,919,206

</TABLE>


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